The Passionate Italian 11 DECEMBER EPUB by Diana Fraser

cared for her all right, but he’d learnt his lesson two years ago: one, that his overpowering jealousy had killed their relationship and two, if he revealed the depths of his love for her, she would only run away once more. She’d been born a free spirit and her unbalanced mother had turned her into an independent one by necessity. It had been his fault—all of it. But he’d given her time, he tried to show her that his jealousy was under control but even his new-found control had limits. And he’d just reached them. He was still determined to keep his distance emotionally, but he sure as hell was going to keep close to her physically. There was going to be no repeat of tonight.

    Impossible.
    It was the only word she could think of to describe the past few weeks. They’d been together—Giovanni had made sure she was always close by—but separate. It was as if a massive, invisible wall had grown between them overnight. They’d been overly polite to each other. Going out of their way not to touch, or to brush past. At least she’d made progress on her work.
    Alberto was as guilty as sin. All she had to do was prove it. And it wouldn’t take too much longer. So absorbed was she that Rose didn’t hear Simon enter until he coughed politely.
    “Signora Rose, Signore Visconti has requested that you leave your work for today and join him.”
    Rose frowned and continued to scroll through sheets of company accounts. “Thank you Simon. However, I can imagine that Signore Visconti used different words and that you’ve kindly translated it into polite English.”
    He pursed his lips ruefully. The twinkle in his eyes said it all.
    “Tell Signore that I’m not hungry and that I’ve work to do.”
    Simon raised his eyebrow, questioning the wisdom of her reply.
    She looked up at him. “I know, I know. But I can’t get away, I’m on to something here.”
    “Of course. I will relay your message to Signore Visconti.” He inclined his head respectfully and closed the door quietly behind him.
    And besides, she muttered under her breath, she couldn’t take spending every minute of her down time with a man whose clothes she wanted to rip off and who was patently not interested in her. He wanted business; he would have business. Being so close to him while he was so constantly cool with her, was driving her insane.
    If he only wanted her to work, then why the hell was he intent on dominating her entire life?
    Wherever she went, he was there.  
    The past few weeks had been murder. He’d insisted on cozy little lunch catch-ups; on formal dinners and now he was insisting on her attending a high-society charity party. He was treating her with all the respect and distance of a work colleague: nothing more, nothing less. But making sure she attended every social event on his calendar. Well she damn well wasn’t going to be treated like a work colleague. She was his wife and lover. Former lover, she amended.
    The door swung open sharply making her jump. She knew who it was but refused to turn around.
    “Get changed and then meet me in the drawing room.”
    “I’m busy.”
    “It was not a request.”
    “Hey, I’m on to something and the sooner I get it tied up, the sooner I can go. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”
    “What have you found?”
    She noticed that he hadn’t answered her question.
    “Some discrepancies unaccounted for.”
    “There are always discrepancies.”
    “Not as big and not as regular as these. Besides the same name keeps popping up.”
    “Alberto.”
    She looked up at him suddenly. “You knew all along didn’t you?”
    “I suspected.”
    “Well, it looks as though your suspicions are correct.” She narrowed her gaze. “Anyway, why did you need me? You could have simply dealt with Alberto yourself.”
    “I need proof. Suspicions weren’t sufficient. My brother and I are not close, as you know. My mother would simply refuse to believe any allegations I make without evidence.”
    She