The Italian Inheritance by Louise Rose-Innes Page B

wife seemed nice enough.
    “Wonderful.”  Serina’s mother clapped her hands with joy. “My goodness, where are my manners. We haven’t even introduced ourselves. My name is Tanya and this is my husband, Adriano Mancini.”
    Adriano took Anna’s hand and pumped it enthusiastically. He was still struggling to keep his eyes above her neckline.
    “Pleased to meet you,” said Anna. “This is Leonardo.” The boat operator stepped forward and shook hands with the couple.
    “Can we give you a lift back to the marina?” enquired Adriano. “We’d better get Serena to the clinic right away.”
    Serena was still sobbing quietly in her mother’s arms. “She should be fine now, so I wouldn’t worry too much,” said Anna quietly to Tanya, who was anxiously stroking the child’s head. “But yes, it’s a good idea to get her checked out.”
    “No thank you,” said Leonardo. “That is my boat.” He pointed to where the others were waiting anxiously. “I’d better get them back to the marina.”
    After more t hank-you’s and hastily made arrangements for the following night, Anna said good bye to the Mancinis.
     

CHAPTER FIVE
     
    Rafael spent a horrible day scrutinising abandoned warehouses, old schools and derelict buildings in hope of finding a shelter for Streetwise. Nothing seemed suitable. In desperation he rang the Mayor again and had it out with him, which didn’t do him any good. It seemed his hands were well and truly tied... to bloody Mancini.
    He called Rico . The private detective hadn’t checked out Anna’s story yet. Not that it really mattered now that they’d decided to do the DNA test. The thought of seeing Anna again made his pulse quicken. He couldn’t forget about that kiss.
    Walking to his Vespa , parked behind the yacht club, Rafael thought he was imagining things when he spotted a bedraggled Anna, in nothing but a bikini, trudging up the hill. After a double-take he realised she was chatting away to an Italian man he’d never seen before.
    “Anna?” he asked incredulously, approaching them from behind. Anna swung round.
    “Oh, Rafael. It’s you.”
    At the scowl on Rafael’s face she added, “Meet Leonardo. He took me for a lovely ride on his boat this afternoon. We went to see the Blue Grotto. You were right, it’s awesome. ”
    Rafael gave Leonardo long, hard look then turned back to Anna. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to the beach.”
    “Oh, I was but it was so hot I decided to take a boat trip instead. Then the drama with the Mancini’s happened and things got totally out of hand.”
    Rafael stared at her. “Did you say Mancini?”
    “Yes, Tanya and Adriano. At first I thought they were really silly leaving their daughter like that to wonder around on deck, but they actually turned out to be really sweet. Didn’t they?” she turned to Leonardo who was looking at Rafael with undisguised envy.
    “Si, Anna. Luckily you were there at the right time.”
    “Adriano Mancini? The industrialist?” Rafael couldn’t believe his ears.
    “I have no idea who he is,” remarked Anna, shrugging. “He must be quite well-off though judging by the size of that yacht.” She glanced at Leonardo who nodded in agreement.
    “Oh, we need to talk.” Rafael gripped her arm and propelled her up the hill. Leonardo looked set to intervene.
    “It’s okay, Leonardo,” called Anna giving the disappointed man a brief wave over her shoulder. “Thanks again for the ride.” Then she turned to Rafael. “Will you stop pulling me? I’m quite capable of walking by myself. I may be wet and tired , but I’m not incapacitated.”
    “Sorry,” Rafael stopped at a bench shaded by a large lemon tree and gestured for Anna to sit down. He tried not to look at her gorgeously rounded breasts barely covered by her bikini top. “I really need to talk to you.”
    Anna sat. “Okay, what’s got your knickers in such a twist?”
    “Please. Tell me exactly what happened today. I