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Not yet, a voice told him Not yet Take it easy She’s vulnerable, and look what happened the last time

He needed waythings out together This faer, this life

She reached for the sheet, pulled it up to her chest ‘If you don’t mind?’

He stood ‘Of course Join me on deck for breakfast when you’re ready The shower’s in there David’s delivered a load of clothes—just take what you want’

He lifted his notebook, the pen Took two steps and opened the door

‘As soon as you’re ready we can talk’

CHAPTER TWELVE

‘OVER HERE’

Ruby stepped out onto the deck into a brilliant blue-washed day, where sky ht beamed like lasers all around They were in the middle of nowhere Literally not a speck of land was anywhere to be seen

She looked up to see Matteo He too had showered and changed A tight white T-shirt stretched over his broad chest and light blue jeans hung low on his hips Her eyes dropped automatically to the waistline and the erotic trail of dark coarse hair that disappeared into his groin

He leaned over the railing, beckoned for her to join his

‘You look lovely,’ he said, reaching for her hand and helping her climb to the top of the ladder onto the deck

For ainto silk underwear and trying on suloriousup box, lost in a froth of pretty clothes

‘Hoas the toast? Did it work? Could you eat some more?’