Free A Life Sublime by Billy London Page B

Georgina told me, to let go of the past and not ruin her wedding photos with glasses.”
    “Astonishingly rude child,” Massimo murmured. “I prefer you without them. However, you look quite stern with them on. I also enjoy that.”
    She frowned. “Why would you? I don’t think I’m your sort of woman.”
    “And why would you be so quick to assume? Are you not intelligent? Do you not have integrity? Are you not extremely attractive?” She couldn’t speak. He gave a slight smirk. “I believe I have made my point, but please, do leave yourself some room to be further persuaded that you could absolutely be my sort of woman.”
    To her astonishment, he picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles, then stood to greet Beppe and Rocky properly. What on earth was the man drinking to say that to her? She made to get up and sit next to Gina only to be told, “No, no, no Auntie, you stay where you are. Padre will look after you.”
    She caught Sofia’s smirk and sat back down again. “Trying to escape?” Massimo asked mildly.
    “No, I was just—” Hell.
    “I told you. The last voice of reason stands before you.”
    “After what you just said I’m not at all sure about you and your voice of reason.”
    He simply grinned at her. After everyone carried on eating and drinking, Belinda went to bed but sleep evaded her for hours. Long after the clock chimed, announcing it was two in the morning, she stared up at the ceiling. She’d been on her own for such a long time. It was the only reason his words still echoed in her mind.
     

     
    Just before the wedding ceremony was to start, Enzo, Vitale’s eldest son rang him as Massimo was attaching his cuff links. “Apologies for disturbing you, Signor Da Canaveze. My father died.”
    Good to know an order could be followed without any unnecessary disruptions. “My condolences. He was a good friend.”
    “I know he went to see you two days ago. He thought you were slighting him over your son’s wedding. He didn’t, upset you?”
    “I made my position clear. He accepted it.”
    “He was still angry when he got home.”
    Massimo didn’t appreciate the turn of the conversation. “He did not come back to see me.”
    “No, I know. I don’t mean to imply anything, Signor Da Canaveze. No one left the villa he just, passed away in his sleep. I just... I would hate to think the Vitale name has been tainted by my father’s disrespect.”
    “That, Signor Vitale, is entirely up to you.”
    “I understand. My father mentioned a blessing?”
    “It will be at St. Andrew’s church. You father’s invitation is at his home in London.”
    “Thank you. The funeral will be here. He always wanted to be buried in Napoli .”
    “ Signor Vitale, you will excuse me, but I must prepare for my son’s wedding. You will understand the celebrations must continue. Again my condolences to you.”
    “Yes sir. Of course. Thank you for your kind words.”
    He ended the call. Better not to let the children know until after the wedding. Nothing else should disrupt the day or call his promise to ensure the very best for today into question. Finishing his toilette with Aqua di Palma, he made his way downstairs to where his son was waiting under the olive tree for his bride.
    Massimo tapped Nick gently on the shoulder. “Are you nervous?”
    “No, just ready to get it done. Have my girl all to myself.”
    “Nicholas,” Massimo said warningly.
    “I know she’s not going anywhere. It’s just been a long time coming.” He smiled suddenly, and Massimo could immediately recall what it was like to carry him in his arms. His eldest had been such a serious child that his smiles were like the touch of an angel. One felt as if they had truly earned his amusement. “Remember when you ordered us to dinner?”
    “Ah, when Georgina showed me true command of a temper. Remind me to make amends for that.”
    “Anything by Vivienne Westwood would do it. Do you remember what you said to me?”
    “Before