Read Online Seduced by the Italian Billionaire by C J Howard - Free Book Online Page B

about her expression made it seem as if she were angry.
                More than a little mystified about her expression and the reason for her visit, I turned the lock and flung open the door. "Elza! It's nice to see you again. Sorry I'm in my ratty cleaning clothes; I wasn't expecting anyone."
                "May I come in?"
                The frosty tone in her voice made a chill dance along my spine.
                "Yes, of course. Please come in."
                She stepped into the living room and surveyed her surroundings, wrinkling her nose a slight fraction. "I know my son is not here, because I watched him leave. And in case you're wondering, I got your address from the phone book."
                Her tone still dripped with ice water.
                Thoroughly baffled, I attempted a smile, trying to warm her up. "Oh, that's fine. I'm glad you did. I'm glad you stopped by."
                Elza didn't respond, turning her gaze to two tan couch pillows on the floor.
                I grabbed the pillows and placed them back in their spots. "I'm so sorry. Cleaning day. Everything's in a bit of a mess by the end of the week."
                She still didn't respond, still surveying the living room, her nose still wrinkling, and I realized she was wearing a light jacket.
                "Can I take your jacket and hang it up for you?"
                She finally met my eyes, her own eyes dark and narrowed. "That won't be necessary. I won't be staying long."
                My heart began to pound.
                Completely rattled and confused by her coldness, I began stammering. "Can I make you some coffee or tea? And would you like something to eat? I have some homemade cranberry scones in the freezer; they'd just take a few minutes to thaw. Or if you'd like, I also have some apple cinnamon muffins. Or would you like me to make you a full brunch? It'd really be no problem. I could make you some eggs, and Canadian bacon, and some-"
                "Do you have a table on which to conduct business?"
                The ice in her voice made my cheeks sting with heat, as if I'd literally been slapped in the face. Not even comprehending her question, it took me a moment to even respond.
                "Business? What do you  --"
                "Please show me to your table."
                My heart hammering, I led her to the kitchen and seated her at the table. Cheery sunshine streamed in through the yellow-curtained window, making a mockery of what was happening.
                "Are you sure you wouldn't like something to eat? Or maybe just a cup of coffee? A cup of coffee and a scone. How about that?"
                She ignored me, taking a checkbook and pen out of her purse, her eyes darkening.
                I wiped my suddenly sweaty palms on my pants, wracking my brain for an explanation of what she could possibly be doing. "Elza? I don't mean to be rude, but you're acting very strange. Are you feeling all right? Should I call Alonzo? Or Benito?"
                She looked up at me, tucking a strand of gray hair that had fallen out of her bun behind one ear, her eyes so dark they almost seemed black. And when she spoke, her words came out in a hiss.
                "You may address me as Mrs. Fabriccio now."
                Tears sprang to my eyes.
                "Elza, why are you acting like this? Why are you  -- "
                "Mrs. -- Fabriccio."
                I wiped a tear away. "Okay,  but  -- I just don't understand why you're acting like this. Please just tell me what's wrong. If I did or said anything to offend you last night, I'm really sorry. Please just tell me what I did. Was it that I didn't ask if I should take my shoes off at the door? I saw later on that