He shoved Mario away from him and stalked out the door. A few months ago he would have sought release of his rage through drink and a willing woman. Now his only thought was returning to Caprice.
But he had urgent business to settle here with his lawyers that would take days. He had to ensure Mario would never be a threat to any woman again. He had to safeguard Caprice.
No matter what it took, he couldn’t fail her a second time.
* * *
“Yes, that’s it,” Caprice said, more to herself than the two workers.
It had been a hectic week ensuring everything was in place and going as planned, watching her advertisements go up in the newspapers and on television. Though she’d hoped for a good turnout, she hadn’t expected she would get such a crowd. But Luciano’s PA informed her that the lodge was booked to capacity for the grand opening.
Now, as the finishing touches were put into place, she stood aside, fingers entwined under her chin, watching, stomach alight with butterflies. Even after the workers slipped out the pod door, she didn’t move, preferring to admire the high intensity of this room used for those almost ready to hit the slopes again. From the vibrant splashes of color on the walls to the living backdrop of rugged mountains capped with snow and the challenging green runs lying in wait for that first blanket of snow beyond the bay of windows...it was spectacular.
Her eyes misted and her heart swelled as the vision she’d dreamed of for years came to life before her eyes. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
“So are you,” Luciano said, startling her.
She whirled to face him, cursing the fact her cheeks were flaming and her hands and knees trembled with that giddy excitement that still hit her whenever he was near. “When did you get back?”
“Just now. I came straight here.”
“You look exhausted,” she said, afraid to ask how it went, afraid that the news wouldn’t be good.
Too much had gone right lately for her to believe it would continue. Her luck had never lasted that long.
He shrugged. “It’s only been a week, but I’ve been assured that Mario’s clients are dropping at a steady rate.”
“He must be frantic. Furious with you. Me.”
“Tough. He deserves to wallow in his own hell.”
She bit her lip, agreeing but worried just the same. “Is there a chance he still might go to the press?”
“Sure, but he’s a fool if he does.” He straddled a weight bench, tested the pulleys and whistled. “These are good strength trainers.”
“Thanks,” she said, knowing she couldn’t dwell on Mario and his threats with the opening tomorrow—with the man she loved here before her. “I designed these to build upper-body strength needed for downhill and endurance.”
He tested them again and nodded. “Mind if I avail myself of them?”
“Anytime,” she said with a smile, stepping close enough to smooth a hand over his muscled shoulder. “It’s good to see you again.”
He was off the bench and gathering her close in a heartbeat, lips closing over hers for one long, lusty kiss that chased her earlier weariness away. “It is good to be back with you as well, bella. A man could get used to this.”