Page 22 of When She Tempts (The Fallen)
“Thank you,” I say, taking the drink from her.
While Tommaso takes his seat, I glance at the man who came with him.
Curly hazel hair, sharp features, and a youthful glow that seems to put him around my age. His lips quirk up into a mischievous smile. A strange feeling washes over me. There’s something familiar about this guy, but I can’t quite place it. We’ve never met before.
Giorgio puts his coffee down and stands to greet the newcomer. “Polo.”
They stare at each other for a moment and then exchange a brusque embrace that hints at familiarity, yet it contains little warmth.
“We weren’t sure if you were really coming,” Polo says. “You usually give more notice.”
“It was a spontaneous decision.”
“Yes, you’re known for those.” The way Polo says it makes it clear he means the opposite. His attention flicks back to me. “And you brought a guest.”
Giorgio nods as he lowers back into his chair. “This is Martina De Rossi, sister of one of my colleagues. She’ll be staying her for a while.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
Polo scans me over with his gaze. “The pleasure is mine. As you’ve probably heard, we don’t get a lot of guests. Are you sure you didn’t kidnap her, Giorgio? Blink twice if you need help.”
Allegra and Tommaso chuckle, but for me, his joke hits too close to home, and I can’t even muster up a fake laugh. I look down at my plate.
An awkward silence descends until Giorgio says, “Have a seat, Polo. Martina is too tired from last night’s journey for your jokes.”
I glance at Giorgio from under my lashes, and he gives me a tiny nod. I appreciate him taking the spotlight off me. I guess it’s still too soon for kidnapping jokes.
“Let’s eat, the food’s going to get cold.” Allegra says, removing the covers from the plates. There are scrambled eggs, yogurt, freshly baked bread, cold cuts, and a platter of berries.
“These are from our garden,” she says in reference to the latter. “They’re as sweet as candy.”
My appetite stirs at the sight of the food. The last time I ate was when I was still in Ibiza.
While we take turns heaping our plates, the conversation around the table starts up again.
“Martina, have you been given a tour of the property? It’s easy to get lost here if you don’t know your way around,” Allegra says.
“No, I haven’t.”
She gives me a smile. “How about after breakfast? Polo can show you around the pro—”
“I’ll take her,” Giorgio interrupts as he spears a piece of tomato with his fork.
I’m relieved to hear him say it. I don’t know why I’m feeling so antsy around new people, but the thought of forcing a conversation with Polo fills me with anxiety. At least with Giorgio, I know what to expect.
“Sounds good,” I say. A tour will help me get oriented around here so that I can figure out where he could have hidden my phone.
“Why did your brother send you here?” Polo asks from across the table. “Strange place for a young girl to spend her summer all alone.”
“She’s not alone,” Giorgio responds. “She’s with me.”
Um.Does he have to say it like that? I shoot him a look.
His eyes meet mine, and my mind is probably playing tricks on me, because for a second, I think something possessive flashes inside of them.
“And what are your plans while you’re here?” Polo asks, flicking his gaze between Giorgio and I.
“Martina’s here to reconnect with nature,” Giorgio says.
