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One brow shot up
She colored “She’s the one who created the rift between randmother and Giovanni Filled both their heads with lies Turned their young love bitter”
He scoffed “Don’t you think their love should have stood against Maria’sacross the ocean and Gio to marry three different women just to mend his broken heart”
“I knohat my Nonni felt each and every day of her life And I’ll… I’ll thump you before I let you poison the memory of their love”
He pushed off fro “And Giovanni keeps assuringwoman who likes everyone in the world” He spoke as if her very existence was an impossibility
Tracing the edge of the desk with her fingertip, she walked around it before he could reach her “I usually don’t hold grudges”
“Is that a warning, Pia?” he said softly behind her She hadn’t realized how close he was “You will only let ivable?”
She shrugged “My nonna ive someone who caused her considerable harm Which is hile I resent your accusations, I tryas you do” She looked up and aze “You care about Gio”
Shadows filled his eyes before he nodded “Heher oords “He’s the one person who always believed inof me”
The stark emotion in his voice, the honesty in his eyes—Pia shivered This was the true Raphael Asure, who didn’t appear much A man she respected and even liked She cleared her throat, wishing she could shrug off the increasing connection she felt with hioal—”
His arain “If you don’t stop being so nervous around ive you a real reason”
“Like what?” she goaded, pushed by his nearness
“Are you sure you want to know?”
No, she didn’t This was dangerous She had no business playing games with Raphael So she sat down