Page 16 of Arturo's Temptation
“Thatis not a story for the dinner table. Join us later for a drink in the office and I’ll fill you in.” Lorenzo tipped his glass at me before necking back the remnants of his whiskey.
“Look forward to it,” I said, returning his gesture.
As I sat there, listening to the men banter, my mind wandered to the stairs. The way Isabella’s body had reacted to mine told me all I needed to know. She’d deny it all day long, but I knew the truth. She could feel it too, it was an intense fizzing beneath the surface and a building hunger that I had never felt before.
What the fuck’s keepin’ her? Hurry up, princess, I’m gettin’ bored.
9
Twenty seconds later,I found a very guilty-looking Theo sporting a thick chocolate ice cream moustache.
“Caught you,” He practically jumped out of his skin the moment I wrapped my arms around him.
“Auntie Bells! No fair. You scared me.” I smothered his cheeks with kisses as he let out the cutest giggle.
“What are you doing out here, little man?”
“I wanted ice cream, but Nana said no.” He placed the spoon down in the tub with a sheepish look.
“So you did it anyway?” I crouched beside him, swiping the remnants of ice cream from his upper lip with my thumb.
“Please don’t tell her. I won’t do it again. I promise,” his eyes pleaded.
“Fine, but just this once,” I smiled and lifted him off the ground. He flung his little arms around my neck and rested his head on my shoulder.
“What about that?” He asked, whipping his head up to stare down at the evidence.
“I’ll say it was me, don’t worry,” the look of happiness on his face caused my heart to swell with love.
“Thank you, Auntie Bells!” He planted a sticky ice cream kiss on my cheek as we wandered back to the house.
“There you both are, dinner’s ready.” My mother beamed as she carried what seemed to be the final plate into the dining room.
The moment I entered with Theo in my arms, I felt those deep hazel eyes land on me once more. Once again, my body hummed uncomfortably, but I wouldn’t allow him to see that.
Ugh, why did my mother always insist on everyone eating together?
“Auntie Bells, who’s that man sitting in my Papa’s spot?” Theo asked louder than anticipated, the whole dining table erupted in laughter as Theo blushed.
“He is here to help your auntie with some things.” My father said from the top of the table. Theo huffed quietly in my ear and I knew he trusted Arturo about as much as I did.
I sat Theo in his seat, placed his napkin on his lap, and pushed his chair under the table. He thanked me politely, making Luca smile with pride.
“Glad you could finally join us, Isabella.” I stiffened as everyone waited with bated breath for my snide remark.
"Please accept my apologies, my nephew needed assistance." I tilted my head to the side, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Ah, you'll have to work hard if you want Isabella's dedication and attention, Arturo. For Bella, her nephew always comes first." My father joked, but he wasn't wrong.
“Then I guess it's a good job that I won’t be the one workin' hard in this partnership.” Arturo took a sip of his drink.
The room went quiet. So quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Swallowing a groan, I gave a placid smile and sat down. I could play the dutiful daughter for one evening, despite feeling ready to slit Arturo's throat.
“A partnership works both ways, Arturo,” I said, lowering into my chair. “So forgive me if I’m wrong—which I rarely ever am—I’m pretty sure you will work just as hard as I will.” Was that pleasure I saw in his eyes?
Shit, was he enjoying this?
“Now that’s settled, let’s eat.” My father clasped his hands together as he gazed lovingly at my mother.
