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Her rich hair spread out on the pillow like a dark angel, and he spotted the telltale signs of stubble burn over her cheeks and neck Her lips looked puffy and bruised A sliver of guilt pierced through hiht of her as a virgin Every motion confirmed her open, raw sexuality She was a wet dream come true--a purist with the body and soul of a seductress In bed she exhibited a naked truth that confirave all of herself Just like in her life

Such a priceless, rare gift One he wasn’t worthy of One he’d never ask her to give to hih hiet dressed, and bring her coffee He’d confirm howlove changed hiain why they needed to end it

Unless

The possibility swarmed before him What if they continued the relationship? Carina in his bed Taking her to dinner Seducing her out of that proper business suit Working side by side Maybe it could work Maybe

Michael Conte and his family inspired him to make the most out of hi he could count on His word His honor His trust Thisto him, and defined who he was as a man If Michael discovered he’d slept with Carina, he et that trust back, and it could break him

He’d never let that happen

And what could he possibly offer? He didn’t have the eive her what she deserved One day she’d ask for a ring Children A life of perood sex, companionship, respect Eventually, she’d tire of his crap andto hurt her? He o to never use any actions to hurt a woman’s heart It was too damn delicate, and he didn’t want the responsibility

She was extraordinary in every aspect, and completely beyond him

Decision made, he slid out of bed and headed toward the bathroom

The knock on the door surprised hi echoed in the roo to wake Carina, he put on boxers and opened the door

He couldn’t believe his eyes

Mama Conte stood in the doorway

"Maxiistered in slow motion As if trapped in a disaster movie, the rest of the events rolled slowly in tie surreal quality Carina’s mother squinted at the number on the door and back at the piece of paper she clutched in her hand "I knew you were in Vegas also, but this is Carina’s rooave her a big hug "Mama Conte, what a pleasant surprise Nope, this is ht outside and show you where Carina is"

He almost won

She threw back her head and cackled "Silly man, your underwear doesn’t offend me" She neatly sidestepped hian "Used to run bare-butt naked in my house the whole summer" Walked over to lay her sweater on the back of the couch "Go ahead and change"

She tripped over a high-heeled shoe Stared at the zigzag trail of clothing Ventured farther into the suite toward the open French doors of the bedrooarters A scrap of thong His dress shirt

He opened his ht before the bedroorunt A tumble of dark curls contrasted with the stark white of the sheet Slowly, Mahter

Naked

Suddenly, the film went into crazy action and he snapped He jumped in front of the bed and put out his hands to ward off a batty mommy attack "Oh, Dio mio, Mama Conte, it’s not what you think Well, it’s what you think, but you weren’t supposed to see it Oh, Dio, I arew until he realized he’d just reverted back to his youth

Dark eyes flew to his face, trying to make sense of the scene Moments passed Finally, she nodded as if she’dme to your room, Maximus Now We need to talk" She walked to the door "You have one et out here And don’t wake up Carina"

The door shut behind her

• • •

Max tunneled his fingers through his hair and settled into hell

Sweat broke out over his skin His iver sat before hiht She hadn’t spoken since they arrived in his room Just directed him to the chair and let him stew in his own perspiration for the next tenraised four children and buried a husband, her slight figure was lean but strong With her own talent and hard work, she’d built La Dolce Faest chains in Italy Her gray hair isted into a bun at the back of her head and showed off both the grace and carved lines in her face Her cane leaned against the wall She wore orthopedic shoes noith thick laces and soles to help her walk

Yet he’d never been so fucking scared of a little old lady in his whole life

"How long has this been going on?"

His voice alht We hoped no one would ever know about it We never wanted to hurt anyone"

"Hether "Did you plan for this to happen?"