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On cue, Giuseppe appeared, bearing the requisite beverage, and as he placed the tray on the table between the to him Thethe bottle and liberally filling up the glasses and spreading them around

Lucia gave a click of irritation ‘Giuseppe has brought one glass too h time he took his pension!’

Rafaello presented her with her foalass ‘When you are htly

A small but distinct smirk of satisfaction—and anticipation—curled at her scarlet mouth Rafaello watched it, his face still quite unreadable

His father picked up his glass and got to his feet ‘A toast’ Satisfaction rang in his voice He ell pleased with his son’s decision to finally see reason, as was his niece ‘A toast to the new Signora di Viscenti—’

Rafaello lifted his glass ‘How kind,’ he ht sound in the doorway to the drawing room and he tilted his head towards it ‘And how very timely’

The girl stood there, Giuseppe just behind her Fierce gratification surged through Rafaello The girl made exactly the picture he had intended As the others at the table turned to stare at her she stood there, atrociously dressed, her hair drawn back off her plain face with an elastic band, and—best of all—an open-mouthed baby on her hip Her expression was completely blank

Rafaello got to his feet and drew her forward She was as stiff and unyielding as a board, and al was visible

‘Allow me to present,’ he said, in a voice that was as bland as nora di Viscenti’

For athe earth to s her, there was complete silence Then, a second later, there was uproar

It was the oldShe could understand not a word, but the rage in it was like a hurricane pouring over her At her side Rafaello di Viscenti, the ripped her left hand in a vice