Bound by the Italian's Contract(10)

                “I still intend to return to Colorado within a month when I’m finished with my part of our deal.” She would find a friend to crash with until her lodge was completed.

                “An aggressive prediction,” he said, his intense scrutiny stretching the moment and her nerves to the max again. “The timeline doesn’t matter to me. I want my brother to have the chance and drive to live life again.”

                “I’ll do what I can to help him, but he must put forth the effort as well,” she said.

                “Therein lies the challenge.” He shook his head, firm lips pressed in an unyielding line.

                She blinked, unsure what to say. In her profession she had been quick to teach that a family member shouldn’t set the bar so high. Each patient must enter into the rehabilitation process because they wanted change.

                Whether that was the case or not, it boiled down to two things. She couldn’t renovate her business without Luciano’s help. Nor could she ignore this opportunity to help his brother.

                Julian had been there for her once when she’d needed a friend, helping her get away quickly and quietly. She owed him, at least in her mind. It was time to cease arguing with Luciano over minor points and repay his brother’s kindness.

                “Okay. When do we start?” she asked.

                “Now. I’ll get the team in place here, then we leave for Italy immediately.”





                                      CHAPTER TWO

                SHE WANTED HIM for his connections and his money.

                Luc dug his fingers into the leather-covered steering wheel and shot Caprice a pointed glance. She perched beside him in his rented Mercedes, attention trained on the netbook on her lap, oblivious of his annoyance. And why should she pay him any mind?

                She’d gotten exactly what she’d wanted from him—a financial backer with the added bonus of using his name and reputation in connection with her lodge. In that regard, she was just like Isabella, using him to better her own lot in life.

                The comparison had him clenching his jaw so hard it ached.

                Seven years ago he’d put Caprice from his mind for one reason. Her congratulatory kiss had stirred feelings in him that mirrored those he’d felt for Isabella. Feelings he’d buried with his wife and refused to ever revisit again.

                Now that Caprice had reentered his life, the image of the bright-eyed young woman he clearly recalled was replaced by a determined businesswoman who sought to align with him for her own benefit. Nothing more, nothing less.

                Strictly business. He got that. Understood it. Respected her for her drive.

                He shouldn’t find her attractive in the least. But he did.

                It was her aloofness and passion for her program and her old lodge. That was the only plausible explanation for his fascination with her.

                The only difference between Caprice and the score of women hoping to snare him into marriage was the simple fact she could help his brother. That was why he’d agreed to meet with her. That’s the only reason why he didn’t stop this car now and call the whole thing off.

                He needed her to help Julian as much as she needed his money and the connections his name would lend to Tregore Lodge and her program. From a business standpoint, theirs was a win-win situation. As long as he kept her at arm’s length, everything would be fine.