Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

winning. He didn’t appear like someone who would lose control like that, but he
had earned his reputation as one of the cruelest leaders in our circles for a
reason, and Christian’s words had only confirmed my fears.
“Thank you for telling me,” I said, because I had to say something. I didn’t
feel consoled. The song ended and we stopped our swaying. Faro stood with his
last dance partner to my left. I caught his eye, thinking as best man and
Consigliere, he’d want a dance.
He shook his head with an apologetic smile. “If I ever tire of life, I’ll ask for
that dance.” He turned and asked another woman.
Flabbergasted, I stared at Mansueto.
He laughed. “Come on, let’s head back to the table.”
“What was that?” I asked as I followed his slow progress toward the table
where Cassio was still conversing with Luca as if this was a business meeting
and not our wedding.
“My son is a bit territorial, I’m afraid. You can dance with family, but please
refrain from approaching other men. I’d hate to witness a conflict at your
wedding.”
I waited for his laugh, something that indicated he was joking. He didn’t. I
stopped and so did he. “I think I’ll freshen up.”
He nodded, but his expression showed he knew I wanted to run. With a small
smile, I turned on my heel and hurried out of the ballroom.
I rushed past the restrooms and turned a corner into a deserted corridor
where I leaned against the wall and slowly sank down. My dress bunched around
me like a pure white bubble.
It wasn’t dignified, and if someone found me, that would be a scandal for
which Mom would never forgive me. I couldn’t bring myself to care. This was
my life.
I wasn’t sure how long I sat like that, considering my few options, when
steps echoed down the hall. With my dress, I didn’t have the chance to stand up
quickly, so I didn’t bother.
Mia turned the corner and upon spotting me, she headed my way with a look
of concern. She surprised me when she sank down beside me in her elegant long
dress and bulging belly.
“Cassio is a difficult man, Giulia. I won’t lie.”
I chuckled. Difficult I could deal with. It was the character traits beyond
difficult that worried me.