BASTIAN WAS ONLY too aware that he was treating Lily like spun glass...as though with one false move she might splinter and break. And, although he meant well, he realised that his too-protective attitude towards her was creating something of a chasm between them.
There had been no more falling into each other’s arms at the drop of a hat and no more heated lovemaking. When he had found her that day in the café her appearance had alarmed him. She’d looked more fragile than he’d ever seen her look before and had been both nervous and wary of him when he’d appeared.
He hated it that she might feel that way around him. Had she ever felt that way about her ex? He wished he’d quizzed her more about her previous marriage. Had Marc cheated on her? Was that why her marriage had failed? More to the point, was she nervous because she feared he would treat her like her ex had?
Bastian felt a chill run down his spine. The memory of what Marissa had done to him had instigated a need in him never to give his heart to anyone again. Now Lily was sorely testing that vow.
Feeling concerned that recent events had taxed her too much, the first thing he’d done on reaching home was to organise a visit to a private obstetrician for a full examination. They hadn’t had long to wait for an appointment, and just a couple of days later, on their visit to the exclusive maternity clinic, they’d been reassured by the news that all was progressing as it should.
But Lily had been advised that she needed to lessen her stress as much as possible and be mindful about making time for some proper rest during the day. She also needed to put on a little weight.
Bastian hadn’t been able to help glancing at her in concern when he’d heard that, but his bewitching fiancée had merely smiled at him and promised teasingly, ‘I’ll try and eat more pizza and pasta, then!’
The following day, Bastian had overseen his father’s welcome return from hospital into Dolores’s care, with strict instructions that she wasn’t to waste a moment in getting help if he was in any difficulty.
Alberto had been discharged because thankfully he’d taken a turn for the better. Was it the news about the baby and Bastian’s marriage to Lily that had boosted his health? Even his medical team had been surprised at his progress, and had advised that as long as he adhered to their suggestions on diet and exercise, and took plenty of rest too, a full recovery was now anticipated.
At least that was one worry that had been eased from his shoulders, Bastian thought now, offering up a silent prayer of thanks.
Lily had insisted she still wanted to rent her house until they got married, but Bastian had told her he wouldn’t dream of taking so much as a single euro from her. She was soon going to be his wife, and it would be his privilege to let her stay there until the wedding.
But when they were alone together he was wary of raising the topic of the wedding again in case it pushed her even further away from him. He had to tread carefully. He was wary of upsetting a pregnant woman.
And yet there was a side to his nature that didn’t always lean towards being so understanding. He still bore a remnant of fury inside him because she hadn’t answered her phone when he’d been trying to find her. She’d put him through the wringer that day, and he still didn’t fully understand why.
A few days later, when they were both still walking on eggshells around each other, Lily came into the kitchen as he was preparing lunch for them both. He could easily have hired someone to come in and cook, but he’d got into the habit of going to her place at lunchtimes to make sure she ate something nutritious and to see for himself that she was doing okay.
He’d accepted the good-humoured banter that he’d got from his workers when he’d told them that she was pregnant but they were far from lacking in understanding. The majority of them were fathers themselves.
‘Can I have a word?’ she asked now, her tone sounding more serious than usual.
Standing at the marble counter, where he’d been slicing peppers, Bastian tensed before turning around to acknowledge her. She was wearing baggy jeans and a pale lemon sweater, but the practical clothing didn’t detract one iota from Lily’s natural sexiness. In fact as he studied her he sensed the inevitable stirrings of desire throb through him.
‘What’s up?’
Touching her hair, she pushed back a stray strand of gold that was brushing her cheek. Her big green eyes had the luminosity of dazzling emeralds, and Bastian knew that if he looked into them for too long he would be well and truly lost.
‘I’ve decided that I would like to get married in your church after all,’ she announced.
He breathed out a long, slow breath. All thought, all feeling, turned preternaturally still. ‘What made you change your mind?’
‘I realised that I was being selfish in not agreeing to get married there. You’ve already done so much for me and I can see that it means a lot to you. I’ve learned that family and tradition are very important to the people here.’
‘They are indeed.’
‘And, on that subject, I took your advice and asked my parents to come to the ceremony. My mum said they would. She told me that she and my dad are talking again and are working towards putting their past difficulties behind them. Anyway, that’s all I wanted to say.’
She shrugged as though the decision had been a simple one and there was no need for elaboration. But Bastian wasn’t going to let her off so easily.
Moving towards her, he caught hold of her slim upper arms and brought her closer to him. ‘Do you really want to go through with the original arrangements or are you saying that just to placate me?’
‘Why should I need to placate you? No, I mean what I say. Can we just leave it at that so I can get back to work?’
‘And does this somewhat surprising decision mean that you’ll be a little bit warmer towards me and not behave as though we’re enemies instead of lovers?’
She gasped. ‘I’ve never thought of you as my enemy, Bastian. How can you believe that for even a second? Is that perhaps how you view me?’
‘Of course I don’t.’
He wished he could show her what he thought, rather than just tell her, but he knew he couldn’t let his intense frustration get the better of him. For the first time in their relationship he promised himself he wouldn’t let desire get in the way of proper communication.
Loosening his hold on her, he stepped aside. ‘I have a question for you too. Why did you break off your call so abruptly that day when we were discussing the wedding? Had I said something to upset you?’
‘Yes... I mean, no...’
She was twisting her hands together, and it seemed as though she was struggling to stay composed. Her plump lower lip was definitely bearing the brunt of things as her even white teeth chewed down on it.
‘It just totally threw me when you said you’d meant the church wedding to be your gift to me and one that you’d hoped I would always cherish. I—That was the very last thing I expected you to say...especially when our relationship hasn’t conformed to tradition in any way.’
His expression was gently mocking. ‘You mean because it came about through our insatiable lust for each other instead of a so-called fairy-tale romance?’
‘Yes... I suppose...’
‘Do you think it means I think any less of you because we didn’t get to know each other properly first?’
Her cheeks flushing, she said quickly, ‘I didn’t say that. Any woman would be moved by the declaration you made. I just wasn’t expecting it. I ended the call because I needed some time to reflect and think about things more deeply, that’s all. And, having done that, I’ve realised I do want our wedding to be conducted in the church. It’s inspiring to me that your forebears got married there down the generations, and it seems only natural that you would want to do the same. Anyway, it suddenly just felt right to me.’
Rubbing his hand round his jaw, he felt secretly elated that Lily had reconsidered her decision and had attested to being moved by what he’d said. He was also touched that she’d had the courage to renew relations with her parents and invite them to the wedding.
There was now no doubt in his mind that his decision to marry her was absolutely the right one—whether she was having his baby or not. Not only was she beautiful and talented, but she had great sensitivity too. For her to realise that he had certain values and to respect them was no small thing.
‘I’m glad you feel like that,’ he said. ‘Do you think we can both start to get on a little better now?’
‘Of course. It’s important for the baby to feel that his mother is happy, don’t you think? And it won’t help matters if we both continue to be on edge around each other.’
‘How do you know we’re having a boy?’
‘Did I say that?’
‘You did. You said it’s important for the baby to feel that his mother is happy.’
Lily’s porcelain-pale cheeks turned pink. ‘It was just a figure of speech. It could just as easily be a girl.’
‘Do you have a preference?’
‘Not at all. I just want him or her to be healthy.’
‘It goes without saying that I feel that way too. Now, shall we seal our new understanding with a kiss?’
Surprising him, she took the initiative and immediately closed the gap between them. Putting her hand against his cheek, she tentatively touched her lips to his.
Bastian grinned. ‘I think you are seriously out of practice, l’affeto mio amore. Let me remind you what a real kiss is...’
He took her mouth like a man who’d been denied sustenance for too long. As soon as he tasted her he was hungrily reminded of what he’d been missing. An avalanche of want and need descended on him and he yearned to touch her everywhere, to lose himself inside her knowing that she was what he’d long been waiting for...a woman who was generous-hearted and kind, who didn’t hesitate to respond to her sensual nature in spite of being hurt and disappointed in the past, a woman who really cared about the important things in life like home and family.
As they stood together in the middle of the kitchen floor his hands eagerly started to explore her and her pliant body leaned naturally into his. Cupping the swell of her breasts, he noted excitedly that her nipples had already tightened in anticipation of his attention, and he avidly kissed the side of her neck.
But as he started to lift her sweater, to remove it and whatever other garments she had on underneath, Lily’s hand firmly clamped down on his to stop him.
His dark eyes widened in surprise. ‘What’s wrong? Don’t you want this?’
‘You know I do. I always want you. That’s the trouble. When I want you everything else goes out of my head—and that’s not always so good. I’m trying to finish my book so I can send it to my publisher—the book you said I should write—and you have to finish preparing our lunch and get back to work. Sometimes we need to be sensible, Bastian.’
The fact that she was echoing what he’d thought previously—that they shouldn’t let their desire for each other stop them from communicating properly and being pragmatic—didn’t help right then. He was so desperate to have her that he doubted if even a bucket of iced water tipped over his head could cool him down. And Lily had added fuel to the fire when she’d told him how much she wanted him—that she always wanted him.
But she was right, of course.
It was important for her to get on with her book, and he did need to finish doing lunch and get back to work himself. His team were making good headway, preparing the land for the new olive groves, and he had to oversee the procedure as well as lend a hand wherever it was needed. However, he couldn’t help protesting...
‘Then answer me this. Why do you always have to be so damn tempting? Even just the scent of your body drives me wild!’
Her answer to that was to wriggle free and hurry towards the stone arch that led into the living room. ‘Trust me. You’ll thank me for not giving in to you now because I’m sure we can make up for it later. Whether it’s tonight or tomorrow, the prospect will give you something to look forward to.’
On her face was the most bewitchingly sexy grin that would surely have the power to tempt an avowed celibate. In spite of the gruff protesting groan he released, he couldn’t help but smile.
* * *
They were waiting in the jeweller’s, where the furnishings and fittings were nothing less than luxuriously opulent. Lily had had jitters in her tummy from the moment Bastian had guided her inside the building, and she sensed they were not easily going to go away.
As they sat down on a grand purple velvet couch in the plush waiting room, clearly concerned that she’d suddenly become too quiet, he asked, ‘What’s the matter? Are you nervous?’
‘Of course I’m nervous. It’s not every day a woman is invited to some fabulous jeweller’s to have her wedding and engagement rings designed. At least not in my world.’
His eyes looked deeply into hers and he took her hand into his. ‘This is your world now, Lily, and it’s my privilege to do this for you. I want you to enjoy the experience. Not fear it.’
She felt the tiniest hint of a smile at the edges of her lips. ‘Well, then, I will. The truth is, I feel I can do anything when you’re by my side.’
This startling confession made the heat rise in his face—as if his very soul had just been bared to her. He was disorientated and dizzy, as if he’d just drunk a carafe of the strongest wine. The unexpected urge to say the words he’d once vowed he would never again say lightly was sorely testing him.
Thankfully, remembering he’d told her that theirs was to be a marriage of convenience, he shelved the impulse.
‘Signor Carrera. My apologies for making you wait...’
Glancing up, Lily saw a handsome man in his mid to late forties enter the room. Gianni de Luca—the Carrera family’s friend and personal jeweller—was dressed immaculately in a pristine charcoal-grey suit with a matching waistcoat and a maroon silk tie.
Bastian stood up to greet him and was immediately enveloped in a hug. ‘It is so good to see you, my friend,’ Gianni declared. ‘It has been far too long.’
‘Yes, it has. I’m sorry we had to cancel last time at such short notice. But we are here now.’
‘Yes, you are.’
Lily had also got to her feet and stood waiting silently beside Bastian for the introductions to be made. For their visit today she was wearing a tailored navy blue jacket, a magnolia silk vest and white linen trousers. On her feet she wore plain navy pumps. Her make-up was, as usual, understated, but she had styled her hair a little differently. It was combed straight, with a parting on the side.
Just looking at her, Bastian felt his heart beat faster and he was filled with pride. In his opinion no one could buy the kind of effortless class she exuded...for her, it was innate.
Sliding his arm around her waist, he said, ‘Gianni, I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée. This is Lily—Lily Alexander’
‘I am delighted to meet you, signora.’ The designer dipped his head towards her in a polite bow. ‘La tua bellezza e squisito—your beauty is exquisite. How has my friend kept you a secret for so long?’
‘I don’t think he meant to hide me, signor. It just took him a little while to make up his mind about me.’
Amused, both men chuckled, and Bastian’s possessive hold on her waist became a little firmer.
‘You can see I will have my hands full with this one!’ he joked.
‘I wish I could be so lucky,’ the jeweller commented. ‘But now comes the important part—the purpose of your visit. I need to know what is your heart’s desire in my making these rings for you, signora, and also for your husband-to-be? My creativity does not take full flight until I feel I know intimately what you hope for.’
‘You can trust what he says, tesoro,’ Bastian remarked, with a reassuring smile on his lips. ‘Gianni’s philosophy is never to disappoint. He will make to the letter the rings you have in mind and—more importantly—the rings that you hold in your heart.’
Hectic colour swept through her cheeks, as though he’d admitted knowing something she’d previously kept hidden. Bastian wondered what had discomfited her. All he knew was that he was becoming more and more fascinated by the prospect of getting to know her and, given time, of learning her most intimate secrets...
* * *
The last few hours had passed as though she were in some kind of fantastical dream, Lily thought. The two Italians had treated her as if she was royalty—as though even the most inconsequential thing she said was important.
Drinks and snacks had been brought to them at varying intervals, but she had mostly declined them. Anything that made her nervous always affected her stomach. But after talking through a few style variations she’d liked with Gianni, she’d been surprised to find that she’d felt more excited than nervous. Especially when he’d revealed that Bastian had requested the stone in her engagement ring to be a pure hand-cut diamond.
Her pulse had raced as fast as an athlete racing for the finishing line when Gianni had related this, and her glance had immediately sought her fiancé’s. He’d given her one of his slow, sweet smiles in return and shrugged his shoulders.
This really was another world and she’d better get used to it. If it made him happy that she should take pleasure in his gift then so be it. She wouldn’t again exhibit what he’d initially imagined to be ingratitude, like when she’d first declined his plans to marry in church.
Thoughts had then been turned to the design for his wedding ring and it had been decided upon. It would match hers, in yellow rolled gold, but of course in a much more masculine style.
By the time they’d finished Lily had been utterly exhausted. After bidding the jeweller a fond goodbye, they’d had dinner at a charming bijou restaurant in town and then headed for home.
Lily hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but somehow, while Bastian was in the kitchen making her some hot chocolate, the impulse had been too hard to resist.
The trouble was the couch was ridiculously comfortable, and she’d felt so tired that she’d automatically rested her head against the cushions and dozed off.
The first thing she knew about it was when she woke to find him carrying her upstairs, his dark eyes gazing into hers.
‘It’s been a long day,’ he said. ‘I think we’ll forget the hot chocolate for tonight and just get you into bed.’
‘Yes, please...’ she murmured, trustingly snuggling against his chest. And that was the last thing she remembered.
When she woke the next morning, to find the sun heralding a new day, she wondered what on earth had happened. It was disturbing enough to discover that a whole night had passed without her knowing, but then came another surprise.
She realised that beneath the covers, she was utterly naked.
Scrabbling to sit up, she drew the light duvet protectively around her body and tried hard to get her head straight. How on earth she couldn’t have known that Bastian had undressed her when she knew his touches and his scent so intimately was beyond her.
More importantly, where was he now and had he spent the night with her?
Hurrying into the en-suite bathroom, she splashed some cold water on her face and brushed her teeth. Did every woman look as if she’d been dragged through a hedge backwards in the morning, or was it just her?
With a start, it came to her that it was probably nearer midday than early morning. And as for Bastian’s whereabouts—he was probably already out, overseeing his workers in the fields. What on earth would he think of her, lying in bed this late?
Reaching for her robe, she hurriedly pulled it on.
The next instant a knock sounded at the door.
‘Lily? Are you awake?’ called a heart-stoppingly familiar voice.
‘Just give me a minute, can you?’
Muttering under her breath, she dived into the bedroom and pulled out the drawer in the dressing table where she kept her underwear.
Completely ignoring her request, Bastian opened the door. ‘What do you need a minute for?’ he drawled.
‘I—I want to get dressed.’
‘Is that really necessary?’
His provocative reply hardly helped matters. Plus, he was wearing only jeans himself. His top half was bare, and that revealed the kind of arresting physique that came as a by-product of working on the land, displaying muscles that were noticeably hard and lean. There was not so much as an inch of fat on his body.
Looking at him now, Lily could hardly believe he was a businessman too. Most men would give their eye-teeth to have a body like his—and most women would fantasise about him long into the night, she was sure.
Giving her an intimate smile that she swore could a melt a glacier, he shoved a hand through his hair and dropped down onto the bed.
Completely flustered, she asked irritably, ‘Why did you let me sleep in so late? A whole day has vanished and I wanted to get up early. Did you spend the night here with me?’
Grinning disarmingly, he replied, ‘Do you know what a blow it is to my ego that you have to ask me such a question? Are you saying you can’t remember?’
‘Well, did you?’
‘You’ve dealt me another blow if you’re still not sure.’
Pulling the robe a little more securely around her, Lily knew her cheeks must resemble twin flags of hot scarlet. ‘Don’t tease me. The last thing I remember is you carrying me up to bed and telling me we’d have to forget the hot chocolate. After that...’ She reddened again. ‘After that—nothing.’
‘You have no need to fear, tesoro. As tempting as you are in the flesh, I am a man of honour. After talking to my father on the phone for a while—he sends you his best, by the way—and catching up with some other important calls, I spent the night in your spare room. I’ve just come to ask if you need anything.’
Thinking she could finally relax, knowing she hadn’t been intimate with him without her knowledge, Lily met his glittering glance more confidently. She already knew that she could more than trust him not to take advantage.
‘You’re always asking me if I need anything.’ With her voice a little husky, she murmured, ‘But what about you, Bastian—what do you need?’