page37 (2/2)

Finally Augusto nodded ‘We’d like that too Coht’

The heaviest weight fell from his shoulders—so hard he almost slumped in relief

‘And bring your lovely young lady It’s important that we h tiusto, lending his wife his arm

‘It will be our very great pleasure,’ Matteo replied ‘I’ll tell her straight away’

‘We’re old-fashioned, though You’re not es under my roof’

Matteo smiled and shook the old man’s hand as warmly as his chilled face and frozen heart would allow

Marriage

Pregnancy

This whole situation was unravelling faster than he could ever have thought possible Alrasp Almost lost

But not quite Not yet All he had to do was convince Ruby to play along

He watched the Arturos settle into their car and drive away Then he turned on his heel He had business to get on with

CHAPTER TEN

IT HAD TO BE DONE There had been no other way She’d tried to call—lifted the phone a hundred tiet the words out of hervoice that had answered at Banca Casa di Rossini

What if he wouldn’t take her call? What if he denied it? Men withthey wanted He could lie to the police, get a restraining order on her—anything was possible Her own father hadn’t had two pennies to rub together and he hadhis responsibilities, pretending she didn’t even exist