There was such tenderness in the look between the bride and groom, and Darcy felt a pang in her heart. She wanted that. She wanted that moment between her and the man that she loved. She wanted someone to look at her the way Dante was currently looking at Cara.

  A breeze blew across her skin and she remembered the occasions when Arturo had looked at her like that. A number of times when she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face when she was in his company. The sensation of his lips on hers. His skin against hers.

  The recognition made her catch her breath. Could he have looked at her that way because he loved her?

  Her legs felt a bit weak as she recognised her strength of feeling towards him. They’d been tiptoeing around the edges. Probably because things had moved so fast. But she’d never felt like this about someone. Never felt a connection like she currently did with him. Even the thought of Arturo filled her whole body with a warm glow. The glow of love. Her smile spread further. Should she be scared right now? Should she be panicking because she’d known him such a short space of time?

  But she wasn’t. She didn’t feel like that at all. What she did know for sure was that she couldn’t wait for him to be by her side again. Hand in hand, lips together. For the first time in a very long time everything felt just right.

  Then other thoughts crowded her brain. He had family. He had family in Italy, and very clearly a place here. For now, in Edinburgh, Arturo seemed a bit rootless. He’d brought her here as ‘protection’ against his family. Maybe she was reading this all wrong. Maybe he didn’t feel the same way about her at all. This guy had a dangerous job that he’d warned her about. If she continued a relationship with him, could she be putting herself in danger?

  The seesawing of her emotions made her feel giddy. From one extreme to the other in virtually a few seconds. How could she trust herself right now?

  Arturo shook hands with Dante and kissed his sister on the cheek. As he moved back to sit in the front row with his mother, his brown eyes met Darcy’s, swiftly running up and down her body, then he winked at her and mouthed the word, ‘Wow’.

  And with that single word, her world catapulted yet again. Into a place where she might consider a future at his side.

  Laura’s face flashed into her brain, and for the first time ever she took a breath and pushed it away. Today was about celebrating a gorgeous couple’s wedding.

  And as her face tilted into a smile for Arturo she let herself focus on only one thing—the here and now.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  THE WEDDING WENT BEAUTIFULLY. Darcy—although not one of the immediate family—had sat by his side during the meal. He’d noticed a few eyes on them throughout the proceedings, and could tell that his more eager relatives were waiting to pounce and ask questions.

  Cara hadn’t quite been prepared for his father of the bride speech. He’d joked to her about it on several occasions. But when he’d broken it to his friends and family that his father had already written his father of the bride speech for Cara a few years before, silence had filled the room.

  Those in the family knew why his father had done that. His mother’s head was bowed, even though she’d been the person who had told Arturo. His father had written his speech when his life had been threatened ten years earlier over an artefact. He’d taken things that seriously. And the impact that had on Arturo couldn’t be underestimated.

  It hadn’t mattered that he’d known that his father’s death had not been related to his work in any form. What mattered was that for a time his father had believed the threat to be real. And in accordance with that he’d taken some steps, one of which was writing his father of the bride speech for Cara’s potential future wedding.

  Arturo held Cara’s hand as he said his father’s words, his voice cracking in places. They’d only needed to be amended a little. Then he added some gracious words about Dante and what a wonderful addition to the family he would be.

  By the time he finished the room erupted with applause. Cara’s make-up was a mess and he might get into trouble at a later date, but the bear hug she’d given him let him know he’d be entirely forgiven.

  As he looked next to him at Darcy in her stunning green dress, he could see tears flowing freely down her face and she looked as though she might be shaking.

  He wanted to hug her too. But he had to support his sister first and foremost. So, in front of his family and friends, he reached down, took Darcy’s hand and put it to his chest. It was a momentary gesture. And he was surprised by how many eyebrows raised at the intimacy of it.

  Darcy blinked, leaving her hand on his chest, and blew him a little kiss with her other hand, the barest and most exposed of smiles on her face. And in that moment he knew. He knew that he loved her.

  It had been there at the edges of his mind for the last few days. It didn’t matter that it hadn’t even been a month since they’d met. He’d never felt like this. Not with Faye. Not with anyone. Everything about this relationship had been out of step from the beginning. Their odd meeting. The bucket list. The fact he’d invited someone he’d only known for a short while to the most important family wedding he would ever attend. Deep down, he knew. He knew he had to ask her, because this just felt right. There were no other words for it. Darcy was the person he wanted to be with—despite all the other things he had to sort out—and he only hoped she might feel the same way.

  The meal was finished, the toasts were made, and before they moved onto the evening reception, Dante and Cara broke the traditional glass, which shattered into a million pieces—the pieces signifying how many years they would have together.

  The wedding guests cheered and raised their glasses in another toast.

  As they moved from the marquee to the ballroom for the dancing, Arturo was caught with two elderly aunts for a few moments and bombarded with questions about Darcy, which he didn’t completely answer. Once he saw them to their seats, he scanned the crowd for the lime-green dress. She should be easy to spot. But she wasn’t.

  He weaved his way through his family and friends, being stopped every few steps. It was difficult. Most of them wanted to talk about his father, and some, of course, about the potential of a ‘new’ family member. He couldn’t walk away, even though the more the conversations grew, so did the lump in his throat.

  Before he knew it, Cara was at his side, her face now immaculate once again. ‘It’s time to dance, dear brother,’ she said.

  He gave one last scan of the crowd for Darcy again. But he couldn’t spot her, then accompanied his sister back to where his mother and Dante stood.

  He knew the instructions for this part. Dante and Cara would dance first, followed by Arturo dancing with his sister, while Dante danced with his mother-in-law. After that, he would likely dance with a few more members of the wedding party, before hopefully, finding Darcy once again.

  The first dance went like a dream. He could bet that Dante and Cara had also taken lessons, because their dance was smooth and elegant, followed by a little bit of fun funk at the end. He sent a silent prayer upwards that Cara wouldn’t try anything impromptu like that with him.

  On the music cue, he moved into place beside his sister, with a little bow of his head, before moving into position. As the Viennese waltz began he counted very loudly—in his head. But as they continued, he didn’t need to count. It seemed that some of the things Margaret had told him were finally clicking into place. It became easier and smoother to dance, it felt more natural. Even with the layers of Cara’s dress, it didn’t throw him off balance, or accidentally step on her toes. And when they finally finished to a rousing applause, he was happy, relieved, and couldn’t stop smiling.

  He caught a glimpse of green. Darcy gave him a wide smile and a thumbs-up. As tradition dictated, the next dance was with his mother. By the time it was finished, he had only one thought on his mind.

  He moved through the ballroom, then the bar area and the quieter room where some people were sitting, before finally making his way outside to the garden terrace. Darcy’s silhouette was clear, her dress stunning. And as he walked up behind her, he could see the goosepimples on her flesh.

  He slipped off his jacket and put it around her shoulders. She gave a little jolt, glanced over her shoulder, then shot him a wide smile as she pulled the jacket around her body.

  ‘What are you doing out here?’

  ‘Just contemplating the world,’ she said in a faraway tone. ‘It’s been a beautiful day.’

  He bent down and kissed the side of her neck. ‘Since the meal, I’ve hardly seen you. I’m so sorry.’

  ‘No, it’s fine,’ she said. ‘There’s been plenty to keep me occupied.’

  ‘Please tell me you haven’t been bombarded by my relatives.’

  She held up one hand and counted on her fingers. ‘Who am I? How old am I? Do we live together? Are we engaged? How long have we known each other? Can I cook? Do I like children? When am I moving to Italy?’ She sighed and let her head hang down for a second.

  ‘Oh, Darcy, I’m so sorry. If it’s any help, I’ve had exactly the same questions.’

  She hugged the jacket around her body. ‘Let’s just say, Italian families are...interesting,’ she finished.

  She spun around and wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning her head against his shoulder.

  He was almost scared to ask. ‘Are you okay?’

  She looked back up at him and he could swear he saw something flicker behind her eyes. ‘I am,’ she said. ‘When we get back to Edinburgh, we need to have a chat.’

  It was like a stone settling in his stomach. He couldn’t argue, because he knew he needed to be honest with her—about how he was feeling. He wanted to be, because he wanted, more than anything, to give this relationship a chance.

  His mother hadn’t presented him with the father of the bride speech until last night. She hadn’t found it before then. It had been in an envelope tucked next to the diamond necklace that they’d always agreed would be Cara’s on her wedding day. His mother hadn’t had any reason to open the velvet jewellery case before then.

  Darcy threaded her hands through his hair. ‘How about I get a dance? I hate to think I’ve put in all these hours of practise with you, and then don’t even dance with you on the day.’ She had a soft smile on her face, but he could see an edge of sadness in it. Or was he imagining it? Was this a farewell dance? He couldn’t find the words to ask.

  ‘Of course,’ he agreed, his mouth dry as he took her hand in his and led her to the ballroom dance floor.

  As they took their positions he leaned forward and whispered in her ear, ‘Have I told you how fantastic you look today?’

  She gave a smile, which reached right up into her eyes. ‘Not too shocking?’

  ‘Not shocking at all,’ he replied, his voice low and husky. ‘Just entirely sexy.’

  She laughed. ‘I’ll let Fizz know that you approve.’

  The music had started and he spun her around. He didn’t need to count this time. Dancing with Darcy had no pressure around it. They moved as one. After weeks of practice, it was as if they were meant to be in this position.

  Due to the design of her dress, his hands were on bare skin at one point, and satin at the other. Although they both knew the frame and position Margaret had taught them, they were more relaxed and closer than normal.

  It seemed easier that way. There were no missteps. No wrong timing. The music wasn’t ideal for the Viennese waltz but neither of them seemed to notice, and as the music drew to a close, Arturo did one final spin, then bent Darcy backwards in a surprise move that they’d both seen professional dancers do.

  She let her back arch and leg extend as he did it, and instead of a look of surprise she greeted him with a wide smile. Even whilst she was back in this position she whispered, ‘Isn’t this where you’re supposed to kiss me?’

  He supported her back and touched his lips to hers, gradually pulling her upwards as he did so.

  Her arms changed position and entwined around his neck. Her body pressed against his as they both were fully upright. An elderly aunt and uncle next to them on the dance floor made some encouraging comments and Arturo let his lips reluctantly part from Darcy’s to acknowledge them. She started to laugh. He bent his head so their foreheads rested together.

  ‘Still can’t speak Italian,’ she murmured. ‘Was it approval or disapproval?’

  ‘I think we can safely say it was approval,’ he replied with a smile on his face.

  He felt her draw in a deep breath. ‘Have you done all your duties this evening?’ she asked.

  ‘I hope so,’ he said, sweeping a glance across the dance floor. ‘I’ve done everything on the very long list that Cara sent me, except one.’

  She tilted her head. ‘What’s the last one?’

  ‘It’s around the final dance at a wedding. Commonly known as La Tarantella. And it’s usually guaranteed to make guests dizzy.’

  She looked the tiniest bit sad. ‘Then I guess we’d better wait.’

  His heart clenched, and he absolutely wanted to ditch his sister’s wedding at this point and just take Darcy upstairs. He wondered if Cara would even miss them. But a wave of responsibility swept over him. Of course she would miss them, and would likely be disappointed. If he knew Cara at all, she would spend the rest of her life telling him he’d missed the last dance at her wedding.

  So he tightened his grip on Darcy’s hand, got them both some cocktails and took a comfortable seat and introduced her to some more family members.

  He could see her concentrating hard, listening to the variety of accents. Most of his family spoke English well, a few stumbled over sentences, and after a while she turned to him, almost embarrassed. ‘I should have made more of an effort. I should have learned some Italian before we came.’

  He looked at her in surprise, because it had never even entered his mind. ‘You hardly had the time. It’s a nice thought though.’ He swallowed before adding, ‘Maybe next time.’

  But his brain was whirring. Would he bring her back here? Would she want to come back, after he told her how he felt about her?

  Things were taking on an entirely different perspective for Arturo now. Threats in the past he’d treated with disdain. Arturo was able enough to deal with anyone who decided to get physical. But he hadn’t realised what kind of threats might have been made against his mother or sister in the past. Arturo didn’t have a family—yet. Would he want to expose his future potential family to possible threats? Of course not.

  His blood ran cold. Because there was only one person in his head right now. Darcy. And deep down to his core, he knew how he would react if anyone threatened her.

  He’d known her for three weeks. If this was how he felt after three weeks, how would he feel in three months, three years, or three decades?

  And how did he even start a conversation like that?

  He ran his hand through his dark hair. These were his issues. All his. He had to deal with them, because the last thing he wanted was any consequences for the woman next to him.

  She was talking again to his aunt. Her eyes were bright, her blonde hair shining, and her skin glowed under the soft lights in the room. She really was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Without even thinking, he ran his finger down her arm and, without hesitation, she let his hand reach hers and threaded their fingers together.

  The music changed and there was a variety of shouting. ‘Time to join the final dance.’ He smiled at her.

  ‘Show me what to do,’ she said simply.

  The guests formed a circle around the bride and groom, joining hands together. There were too many for one circle, so some guests also formed an outer circle. The music started, the tempo quick and increasing with every beat. The guests began to rotate clockwise as the music speeded up, the circle on the outside going anticlockwise. At one point, there was chaos as people came to a halt, then started to go in the reverse direction.

  It didn’t take long for Darcy to get the hang of things. She even kicked off her shoes as she stumbled a few times. The music reached a frenzied pitch as the guests shouted good wishes to the bride and groom in the middle of the circles and everyone almost collapsed in a heap at the crescendo of the music.

  Arturo dropped hands and turned to pick up Darcy by the waist, spinning her around and kissing her on the lips as he set her back down.

  ‘Can we lie down now?’ she asked, looking up at him with those pale blue eyes.

  He took her hand and led her through the crowd, still celebrating and coming down from the last dance. They made their way upstairs and along to Arturo’s room.

  Darcy leaned back against the door as it closed behind them, glanced downwards and flicked the lock.

  He pulled off his tie, which was already loose around his neck, as she walked slowly towards him, before spinning around to show him the back of her dress.

  ‘I think I’m going to need a little help with this,’ she murmured over her shoulder in a low, husky voice.

  He stared at the array of tiny buttons, wanting to wrench them apart, but instead taking his time to slowly, meticulously undo them one by one.

  He got distracted, kissing her shoulders then her back as he released one after the other, before finally letting the thin straps drop down from her shoulders as she turned back around.

  Her fingers were quicker than his, undoing the buttons on his shirt and trousers before her own dress dropped to the ground.

  ‘You’re sure?’ he asked.

  ‘Oh, I’m sure,’ she breathed in response.

  He walked her backwards to the bed and laughed as they fell on top of it.