Free Making over the Billionaire (an Italian Connection Novel) (Entangled Brazen) by Joan Kilby Page A

out her hand to shake and was instead emphatically kissed on both cheeks by first Sonia then Luigi. She glanced at Giorgio with a delighted laugh.
    He couldn’t help but return her smile. Now that he’d brought her here, what was he going to do with her? Getting her away from Rome had been his primary objective, but he hadn’t thought beyond botching her scheme—whatever it was—and removing her from Tina’s influence.
    “…I’ll show you to your stateroom,” Sonia was saying to Layla as she led her inside. “After you refresh yourself, drinks will be served on the after deck while we get under way. Lunch will be served at 0100 hours.”
    Giorgio thrust the problem of Layla aside to brief Luigi. “I have an important teleconference in a couple of hours. I’ll take the call on board.”
    Captain Pampano nodded. They walked together into the main cabin where they paused before parting—Luigi to go up to the bridge, and Giorgio along the passage to the staterooms. “It’s good to see you again, Signor . You’ve stayed away too long.”
    “This is only a short visit, I’m afraid. Just for the afternoon.” Or was he fooling himself? Had this impulsive flight been just an excuse to spend time with Layla? She’d hinted that she’d like to stay longer. He was tempted to explore the undeniable attraction between them, to plunder the plump softness of her lips…
    Even if those same lips had lied to him? His jaw tightened. Teaching her a lesson held undeniable appeal.
    “That’s a pity, sir,” Luigi said. “Naples is playing a home game tonight with Real Madrid.”
    “Really?“ Giorgio brightened. “The teams are neck and neck. It will be a great game and close. Who is striker?”
    “Vincenzo Morelli. He’s had an excellent season so far.” They talked football for a few more minutes, then Luigi said, “Before I forget. Signora Tina called this morning, not long after you did. She and her friend Fabio are coming down on Sunday. She hoped you would stay ’til she arrived.”
    “That’s unlikely but of course she’s free to use the yacht whenever she wishes,” Giorgio said. Why would she make plans to come here on his birthday if she didn’t think he was going to be here? Birthdays were special, family occasions. And why would she bring that interloping jerk, Fabio? He needed to talk to her. “I’ll see you later.”
    He went below to his on board office. He quickly checked in with Anna and confirmed that she had the correct Skype number for the yacht.
    “Chang Lee’s assistant called,” Anna told him. “Chang will personally fly to Rome next week to sign the documents once you two sort out the last of the problem areas today.”
    “What about Dagostini?” Giorgio said. “Did he return my call?”
    “His office faxed through a revised set of shipping charges should your deal with the Chinese go through,” Anna said. “They’re increasing by ten percent.”
    Giorgio cursed. Another sticky point to smooth over with Chang. “Fine, thank you, Anna. I’ll be in touch again after the teleconference.”
    After he hung up, he took a moment to text a message to his friend, Rocco, wishing him and his team good luck in tonight’s match. Then he tried Tina, but her phone went straight to voice mail. Finally, he did what he should have done weeks ago—made a call to a private investigator and put a tail on Fabio.
    The master stateroom had been prepared for him with fresh flowers and fruit. As he changed into more suitable yachting attire, a white linen shirt and navy shorts, his thoughts turned again to Layla. At their first meeting she’d been wearing a bikini. He vividly recalled her breasts and shapely legs. He even more vividly remembered the feel of her skin and her spicy, floral scent. Perhaps he would make time for a swim—or something—before they left.
    Then he frowned. Those texts she’d received on the flight—were they really from her agent or were they from his sister? If so,