“Then why the distraction?” Paddy asks.

  “I’m not distracted,” I bark, then wince and temper my tone. “I never told you, but she left me with the taste of my nuts in my throat after I kissed her. I swear I almost puked. But that woman back at the church? She isn’t the one who did that. I don’t know who that was back there.”

  “Jack.” He shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter who she was up on that balcony. It doesn’t even matter who she was an hour ago, except the fact she’s a married woman. Just because Brenna is wed to Emilio doesn’t mean you can fuck with the Italians. And I don’t only mean their wives.”

  He gets out of the car before I can reply. Paddy is never the voice of reason. He’s the one to act first and deal with the consequences later. I can’t get his words out of my head. He’s wrong. This isn’t about wanting her, although I’ll admit that despite the passing years, she still fascinates me. It doesn’t mean anything, though.

  Fuck. I can’t keep sitting out here. With a final glance at the balcony, I exit the car and head inside, careful to keep my gaze averted and focused on the front door. The entryway is decorated for the holiday season already. The bannister of the twin winding staircases is dressed with red velvet bows. A crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling between them.

  A large Christmas tree stands front and center, the scent of pine filling the air. The twinkling lights wrapped around it reflect off the strands of tinsel dangling from the branches like icicles. Faint music plays from the speakers adding to the festive feel. I wander around, following the din of conversation, until I get to an open door of the large gathering room.

  It’s decorated similarly to the entryway, with another Christmas tree in the far corner and red bows tied to the backs of chairs. I look around the room, searching for any member of my family. Instead, as though I had been seeking her out, I find Aurora.

  She’s standing off to the side of the room speaking to another dark-haired woman who appears to be in her early-thirties. Her skin isn’t nearly as pale, but there’s still a sense of melancholy surrounding her. It radiates from her eyes. I glance around, and her husband is noticeably absent.

  I turn my gaze back to her. Our eyes meet for a fraction of a second, and then she quickly looks away.

  “Jack, you made it.”

  I drag my eyes away from Aurora and turn to Brenna. She’s holding Cristiano and glowing the way, from what I understand, only a new mother can. I push away all thoughts of the woman across the room and smile at my sister.

  Chapter 7

  Aurora

  * * *

  My gaze drifts out the window as I stand next to Alessandro while he chats about business and sports with several of his friends. I picture the way the garden looked the last time I was here. The crowd of people dressed in their formal wear celebrating the happy occasion.

  The large white tent that housed tables and chairs surrounding a small dance floor where the newly-married couple held each other tight as they swayed back and forth. Their smiles and looks were only for the other as they whispered to each other, interrupted by the occasional kiss when the crowd clinked their silverware against glasses. I’d never been more envious of two people in my life. Even then, I knew my marriage would be nothing like that.

  I can’t see the gazebo I’d hidden behind, trying to avoid both my father and Alessandro, but I can picture it in my mind. I remember darting across the lawn and swiftly entering the kitchen door and then meandering around the massive house. The stairs had called to me. As had the room at the end of the hall. It’s where, a short time later, Jack found me. Kissed me. My first one.

  “Gentlemen,” a familiar feminine voice with the slightest accent comes from beside me.

  We all turn to the newest arrival. Lucia smiles most charmingly, her gaze traveling over the men, her nod polite, but not the least bit demure. They all murmur a return greeting and then she wraps her hand around my arm and focuses on Alessandro. She turns up the charm even higher.

  “It would be lovely to remain here and participate in the conversation, but I’m sure you and your friends would be dreadfully bored by the only topic I know anything about. If you don’t mind, Alessandro, I’m going to borrow Aurora for a little while,” she says in a way that appears she’s asking, but in fact, is quite the opposite.

  His smile is tight, but he doesn’t have any valid reason for not allowing her to talk to me. Not in a room full of family, even if only distantly related.

  “Yes, of course,” he answers with a fake chuckle and waves dismissively. “I’m sure the two of you have some catching up to do.”

  She titters, of all things. “Yes, you know how us young women are. Talking about this celebrity marriage and that one. The latest affair gossip. Nothing any of you would be interested in.” Then she drags me away to the far side of the room. I glance over to find I’m still in Alessandro’s visual path. Lucia taps me on the arm. I turn to face her.

  “Are you going to tell me what’s going on?” she asks a bit harshly, but keeps the smile I recognize as fake plastered on her face. She nods at a couple standing nearby, then narrows her eyes at me. “You’ve lost even more weight since the last time I flew back to visit. I also know that you didn’t have some other prior engagement on Thursday. You don’t forget things. Ever.”

  This is why I didn’t want to meet with Lucia face-to-face. I can only prevaricate so much before the curtain is pulled back and all the ugly truths are exposed. Truths that could get me killed. A stabbing pain pierces my heart. She’s the only friend I have left. Alessandro has isolated me from everyone I know. I don’t have any choice than the one before me.

  “How many times do I have to tell you?” I snap. “There’s nothing going on. If you’re going to keep badgering me about it, then I don’t think we should be talking anymore.”

  I nudge her out of my way a bit forcefully, intent on walking away. A granite hard surface stops my departure. A crisp cologne scent assaults me. I quickly step back, and stare up into bright blue eyes.

  “Jack,” I whisper breathlessly, then clear my throat. “Sorry.”

  “Aurora,” he nods politely. His gaze shifts over my shoulder and then meets mine again.

  “Oh, um,”—I gesture nervously with my hand in her general direction—“this is Lucia Giordano, my aunt. She’s visiting from England. Lucia, this is Jack Donnelly, Mrs. Ricci’s brother.”

  “Nice to meet you.” He extends his hand to shake hers.

  “It’s nice to meet you as well. Very nice, in fact.”

  I spin in Lucia’s direction. Her eyes travel over him, and a seductive smile spreads across her face. A burning sensation bubbles up in my chest. It takes only a second to recognize it. Jealousy.

  “You’re Aurora’s aunt? Are you sure you’re not her older sister?” he asks with an equally wide grin that shows off gleaming white teeth.

  To my shock, Lucia’s cheeks flush slightly, and she almost simpers. I’ve never known her head to be turned at pretty compliments. I guess we’ve both changed.

  “Okay, now I know you’re just being polite.” She waves him off with her hand and a—a giggle? “But I’ll take it.”

  He bows to her, and my chest tightens. It’s the same regal, yet flirtatious, one he presented me with the first time. She titters again, and rage washes over me.

  “If you’ll excuse me,” I bite out between a false smile, “I’ll let the two of you talk.”

  They both turn to me.

  “What? No,” Lucia pleads.

  “Sorry,” follows Jack. “I actually came over to see how you were doing. It’s been a while.”

  His eyes scan my face, searching for what I’m not certain. My aunt’s gaze bounces between us. “Now that you mention it, how do you two know each other? We don’t typically associate with the Irish. No offense.”

  “None taken,” he says with a grin.

  I open my mouth, but Lucia holds up her hand. “Sorry, give me just a second.”

  She turns to a passing caterer, while I try desperately not to make eye contact with Jack.

  “I was surprised to see you today,” he says softly.

  My gaze shoots to his. A feeling of self-consciousness passes over me. “Yes, I hadn’t expected to see you either.”

  “You look”—there’s only a slight hesitation—“good.”

  My face heats. I know exactly what I look like. “Thank you.”

  I cast a glance at Lucia, silently begging her to finish speaking to the gentleman.

  “I’ve thought about you.”

  My eyes snap to Jack at his admission. His gaze bores into mine.

  “I’m so sorry,” Lucia interrupts, breaking the connection between him and me. “I’d made a special request for my meal and forgot to add something. Anyway, you were telling me where you two met.”

  I clear my throat. “Giovanni and Francesca’s wedding.”

  “Yes,” Jack adds, his eyes locking on mine. “We chatted for a while about this and that. Although, I was left painfully in the lurch when you disappeared so quickly on me.”

  I wince. “I apologize for that.”

  “No need. I probably deserved it.” There’s understanding on his face.

  The silence between us lengthens, until someone coughs. I blink, and the spell is broken. I turn to Lucia who is studying both of us.

  “For some reason, I feel like there’s a part of this conversation that I’m missing. But it’s none of my business. Perhaps I’m the one who should leave and let the two of you talk,” she says, not unkindly.

  “No,” I cry out and grab her hand, my nails digging in. I clear my throat. “I mean, you don’t need to go.”

  “Actually, ladies, I’m the one who should be going.” He turns to my aunt and tips his head. “Lucia, it was a pleasure meeting you. I’m not sure when you’re leaving, but safe travels back to England. Aurora…”

  I hold my breath at his pause.

  “I hope you’re doing well,” Jack says softly, his bright blue eyes seeming to linger on my face. “It was really nice seeing you again.”

  My throat swells and it’s difficult to get out the words, but I manage a reply. “It was nice to see you, too.”

  He sends me a half-smile and then turns and walks away. I force my gaze away from his departing figure only to meet Alessandro’s, who is standing off to the side within a small group of men. My god, how could I have forgotten about him? His expression is bland, but his eyes promise retribution.

  I slowly turn to find Lucia studying me. She glances over at Alessandro, who’s gone back to his conversation, and then returns to meet my eyes. She stares hard at me, like she’s trying to read my thoughts.

  “I’m going to forget what a bitch you were to me a minute ago and ask one more time,” she says quietly. “What is going on with you?”

  If she’d been more forceful, maybe I could have refused her again. But I’m so tired of holding my secrets tight. I’m tired of lying. I need someone else to know, even if there’s nothing they can do. I’m so alone.

  “Not here,” I tell her at last.

  “Aurora.”

  “Not here. Please,” I beg. “Come to the house tomorrow morning around eleven. I’ll tell you everything then. I promise.”

  She nods after a moment. “Fine.”

  “Thank you,” I say with sincerity.

  We talk of the latest project she’s working on, until Mr. and Mrs. Ricci claim everyone’s attention with the formal introduction of their new son and heir, Cristiano Sean Ricci.

  Chapter 8

  Jack

  * * *

  “You’re asking for trouble. You know that, right?”

  I barely hold back my groan. He’s really starting to piss me off.

  Reluctantly, I turn away from my hiding place on the opposite side of the room where I’ve been discreetly observing Aurora and face Paddy, who hands me a glass of whiskey. I take a swallow to put off a response. There’s no point in playing dumb. “I just said hello.”

  “Your words may have been saying that, but your gaze is telling another story,” he warns. “And that little hello was a conversation her husband seemed vastly interested in if his glare was any indicator.”

  I glance over the top of my glass, studying the man in question. Not long after I’d spoken to Aurora and her aunt, he and several more older gentlemen joined them. The former keeps standing meekly by his side contributing little to the conversation. The latter sneaks glances toward the couple. Her expression is studious, as though she’s working on a puzzle.

  “If he’s jealous about something, there’s no need. I was merely being polite. I’m sure it’ll be another three years before we run into each other again. Maybe longer. Who knows?” I dismiss his concerns. They’re irrelevant. “Are you ready for tomorrow’s meeting?

  Paddy narrows his eyes at the change in topic, but doesn’t call me on it.

  “No you don’t.” Our mother steps up next to us and scolds. “You are not talking about business today. This is a family celebration. I want you both to come join everyone.”

  She grabs my arm and drags me in the direction of the Christmas tree where our mixed family all stands in a group. My brother and I share a look behind her back.

  “I saw that,” she says, despite the fact she couldn’t have possibly. It’s a scary skill every mother seems to possess.

  Finally, we reach the collection of Italian in-laws and our immediate family who are all talking and laughing amongst themselves.

  “Jack! Paddy!” Brenna hugs us both while Gio and Francesca pause in their game of peek-a-boo with a laughing Saoirse, held in her father’s arms, and say their hellos.

  Mila also glances up from where she’d been staring down at Cristiano, cradled in her arms, and smiles. Her gaze goes back to him and it softens as she gently draws her finger down his chubby, little cheek. Pierce, on the other hand, ignores us completely. Instead, he watches Mila with a mildly panicked expression on his face. As though he’s worried her dreamy expression signals the want of a baby of her own. It isn’t often anyone gets to witness actual emotion from him, so it’s a bit disconcerting.

  Paddy stations himself next to Nathan and Caitlín, who briefly acknowledge our arrival and then return to their animated conversation. Anya, Mila’s sister, stands close enough to Caitlín to be a part of the group, yet far enough away, as though she’s separated herself from it. I slowly move next to her, taking care to not startle her.

  “It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” I ask quietly and make sure to maintain enough distance to not make her uncomfortable.

  Anya jerks her head in my direction, almost surprised I initiated a conversation. From what I’ve witnessed since she joined Emilio’s family, she tries hard to make herself invisible.

  “What is?” She cocks her head in confusion.

  I gesture with my chin to our large extended family circle. “Being a part of this group. It seems like every time I get used to how big we’ve gotten, someone adds another person to the mix. I think Brenna and Emilio are trying to outdo Mother and Da with how many kids they have. Paddy, Nathan, Caitlín, and I are taking bets on when Brenna’s going to pop out the next one. You want in on it?”

  Her eyes grow wide, and then a short peal of laughter spills from her lips. Eleven pairs of shocked gazes jerk to us, and Anya covers her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles. I’m glad I can make her smile. After what happened to the poor girl, she deserves some enjoyment in life.

  Recovering from their surprise, the family’s attention turns back to what they were doing while Anya shakes her head, still a bit amused.

  “Think on it, and let me know. The pot’s at about five grand the last I checked.”

  “Five thousand dollars?” She squeaks, her eyes once again bugging a bit.

  I shrug. “We Irish take our wagering seriously. My guess is she’s already got a bun in the oven, but hasn’t told anyone yet.”

  Anya shifts her gaze to Brenna, who’s deep in conversation with Da and Mother, and then back to me. She doesn’t speak for a minute, but then ever so slowly nods. “I’m in.”

  I stick out my hand. She glances down and then cautiously places hers in mine. We shake on it. “I’ll add you to the roster.”

  Hours later, the celebration finally winds down. Families with children disappeared a while ago, thinning out the crowd. I witnessed Aurora and her husband’s departure. Needing a drink, I head to the open bar.

  “I don’t suppose you have a bottle of The Devil’s Keep back there, do you?” I ask the bartender.

  “I’m afraid not, sir.”

  Of course not. “I’ll take a Jameson then, please. No ice.”

  He nods. Moments later, he passes it over, and I place a five in the tip jar. I turn and survey the room while sipping my whiskey. Not far from where I stand, I spot a couple of dark-haired women standing in conversation. The taller of the two boldly lets her gaze wander over me before she separates herself from her friend and strides toward me.

  “I’m Aria,” she introduces herself when she’s within a foot of me. Her smile is pure seduction. The cloying scent of her perfume nearly suffocates me.

  “Jack,” I reply almost blandly. She doesn’t seem to notice.

  “Donnelly. Yes, I know. You’re Mr. Ricci’s brother-in-law.” She reaches out and runs her finger down my chest. “I’ve seen you around a few times.”

  I gently grasp her hand and remove it. Instead of taking the hint, she steps even closer, rubbing her more than generous breasts against my arm.

  “If you don’t have any plans tonight, maybe you could join me,”—she glances over her shoulder where her friend waggles her fingers in hello and then turns back—“and Bella for a fun evening together. Just the three of us. I’ve heard you Donnelly men know exactly how to satisfy a woman.”