Read Online Italian Marriage: In Name Only by Kathryn Ross - Free Book Online
Authors: Kathryn Ross
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some reason seemed to have lodged in her throat.
What the hell was wrong with her? she wondered angrily. She should be telling him in no uncertain terms that she would be scouring his contract for any anomalies because she didn’t and couldn’t trust him! But the crazy thing was her voice seemed to have deserted her.
‘Oh, and one last thing,’ he added. ‘Don’t take any nonsense from Tom—he’s just the accountant. You’re calling the shots with your business now.’
Did he expect her to thank him? She felt anger and confusion vying for first place inside of her.
But obviously no reply was necessary because the next moment he was heading back into the restaurant, leaving her staring after him.
She could still feel her lips tingling and she put her hand over them, willing the reaction to stop.
How could such a light touch disturb her so deeply?
Taking a deep breath she turned back towards her apartment and reminded herself fiercely that Antonio Cavelli wasn’t her ally—he was her enemy. The only reason he was telling her he’d take care of her whilst generously bailing her out now was because it suited him.
She couldn’t afford to lose sight of that. She had to keep all her barriers up and be wary.
Because next week, no matter how much he tried to play it down, there would be payback. Next week he was the enemy she would be obliged to marry!
CHAPTER FOUR
A S V ICTORIA was swept along in the chauffeur-driven limousine she tried not to think in too much depth about what she was doing.
Best to keep her mind a careful blank, she told herself firmly. Because the mantra that had been helping her to keep everything together over these past few days was wearing thin. The line she’d been spinning herself about being able to deal with this wedding in a businesslike, detached way was sounding more and more hollow.
She hadn’t seen Antonio since the day he’d brought his team around to her apartment. But little by little he had been taking her over, letting her know from behind the scenes that he was in control now.
And the whole thing terrified her.
In fact, last night when she had brought down her old suitcase from the back of the wardrobe to pack for Italy she had felt almost sick with apprehension. She’d found herself remembering all the promises she’d made to herself on the day she left her aunt’s house about being in control of her own destiny, about never allowing anyone— man or woman —to hurt her or use her again.
She’d been scared back then, but she’d been determined to build a future that was secure and happy for her child. Andwhen Nathan was born and placed into her arms that need to love him and protect him and provide for him had grown ever stronger inside of her. She’d wanted him to have all the security she’d never had. And she’d tried so hard, worked so hard.
Yet failed. Here she was adrift and at the mercy of a man who…terrified her.
Victoria closed her eyes and willed herself not to think about the effect that Antonio Cavelli had on her. This marriage was just a short-term business deal, a stepping stone that would help to provide her son with the life she wanted for him.
When she signed on the dotted line this morning, and became Mrs Antonio Cavelli, not only would her finances be back in the black they would be healthier than they ever had before. She would be the owner of a new stylish business in one of the best areas in town, with no exorbitant overheads—a business that came with massive living accommodation, and a garden and swimming pool for Nathan to play in.
There would be no more scrimping and making do; she would be able to give her son the best.
And whilst they were away in Italy everything was going to be managed as per her requirements and set up ready for her return.
They were estimating that the opening day for the new restaurant would be six weeks.
One of the few moments of joy she’d experienced this week was telling her staff that they
What the hell was wrong with her? she wondered angrily. She should be telling him in no uncertain terms that she would be scouring his contract for any anomalies because she didn’t and couldn’t trust him! But the crazy thing was her voice seemed to have deserted her.
‘Oh, and one last thing,’ he added. ‘Don’t take any nonsense from Tom—he’s just the accountant. You’re calling the shots with your business now.’
Did he expect her to thank him? She felt anger and confusion vying for first place inside of her.
But obviously no reply was necessary because the next moment he was heading back into the restaurant, leaving her staring after him.
She could still feel her lips tingling and she put her hand over them, willing the reaction to stop.
How could such a light touch disturb her so deeply?
Taking a deep breath she turned back towards her apartment and reminded herself fiercely that Antonio Cavelli wasn’t her ally—he was her enemy. The only reason he was telling her he’d take care of her whilst generously bailing her out now was because it suited him.
She couldn’t afford to lose sight of that. She had to keep all her barriers up and be wary.
Because next week, no matter how much he tried to play it down, there would be payback. Next week he was the enemy she would be obliged to marry!
CHAPTER FOUR
A S V ICTORIA was swept along in the chauffeur-driven limousine she tried not to think in too much depth about what she was doing.
Best to keep her mind a careful blank, she told herself firmly. Because the mantra that had been helping her to keep everything together over these past few days was wearing thin. The line she’d been spinning herself about being able to deal with this wedding in a businesslike, detached way was sounding more and more hollow.
She hadn’t seen Antonio since the day he’d brought his team around to her apartment. But little by little he had been taking her over, letting her know from behind the scenes that he was in control now.
And the whole thing terrified her.
In fact, last night when she had brought down her old suitcase from the back of the wardrobe to pack for Italy she had felt almost sick with apprehension. She’d found herself remembering all the promises she’d made to herself on the day she left her aunt’s house about being in control of her own destiny, about never allowing anyone— man or woman —to hurt her or use her again.
She’d been scared back then, but she’d been determined to build a future that was secure and happy for her child. Andwhen Nathan was born and placed into her arms that need to love him and protect him and provide for him had grown ever stronger inside of her. She’d wanted him to have all the security she’d never had. And she’d tried so hard, worked so hard.
Yet failed. Here she was adrift and at the mercy of a man who…terrified her.
Victoria closed her eyes and willed herself not to think about the effect that Antonio Cavelli had on her. This marriage was just a short-term business deal, a stepping stone that would help to provide her son with the life she wanted for him.
When she signed on the dotted line this morning, and became Mrs Antonio Cavelli, not only would her finances be back in the black they would be healthier than they ever had before. She would be the owner of a new stylish business in one of the best areas in town, with no exorbitant overheads—a business that came with massive living accommodation, and a garden and swimming pool for Nathan to play in.
There would be no more scrimping and making do; she would be able to give her son the best.
And whilst they were away in Italy everything was going to be managed as per her requirements and set up ready for her return.
They were estimating that the opening day for the new restaurant would be six weeks.
One of the few moments of joy she’d experienced this week was telling her staff that they
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