Dante's Unexpected Legacy(17)

                ‘All was settled in advance; there is nothing to pay.’ He handed her a receipted bill. ‘Signor Fortinari waits outside in the car,’ he added. ‘I trust you enjoyed your stay?’

                She smiled. ‘I did. Very much. Goodbye and thank you.’

                ‘Arrivederci and safe journey, Miss Palmer.’

                Rose felt uneasy as she left the hotel, wondering if she should have asked for an itemised version of the bill for Fabio, but forgot her worries when she saw the car waiting at the foot of the steps. It was sleek and scarlet and as handsome as the man who jumped out of the driver’s seat as she approached.

                ‘Wow, Dante, great car!’

                He laughed as he handed her inside. ‘This is my one indulgence—she’s a sports car but also practical. She has four doors, also four-wheel drive, which is of much use to me in some parts of the country. You like her?’

                ‘What’s not to like? She’s obviously the love of your life.’

                ‘Davvero—see how she responds to me?’

                Rose laughed and sank back in the seat, feeling the power vibrate through her body when Dante switched on the ignition. ‘What more can a man ask?’

                He shot her a sidelong glance as he drove away from the hotel. ‘Those things a machine cannot do for a man.’

                Annoyed to feel her face flush, Rose made no response as she settled down to enjoy the drive, content just to look at the passing landscape as they left the city. She relaxed as she breathed in the aroma of expensive new car, and whatever Dante had used in the shower. ‘This is a big improvement on the train journey,’ she commented when they were speeding along the autostrada. ‘I tried to look at the scenery I was passing through on the way here in the train, but I couldn’t concentrate.’

                ‘Why not?’

                ‘I was tired after all the effort it took to juggle appointments and so on before getting away.’ Plus her worries that Bea might be unhappy without her, and the strain of wondering what was wrong with Charlotte.

                ‘If your mother is looking after your business while you are away she will be pleased to see you back, Rose.’

                ‘Unless she’s cross with me for buying presents.’

                Dante laughed. ‘If so, you may blame me for encouraging your extravagance. But you are very close to your mother, yes?’

                Rose nodded, smiling. ‘But we have clashes of temperament sometimes.’

                ‘My mother had many with my sister Mirella in the past, but now she is Nonna to several grandchildren the clashes happen only when she spoils them too much.’

                ‘How many nieces and nephews do you have?’

                ‘Five. Mirella and Franco have two sons and a daughter, and Leo and Harriet one of each.’

                ‘Harriet?’

                Dante nodded. ‘My brother’s wife is English. You would like her.’

                Rose was intrigued. ‘How did they meet?’

                ‘It is such a strange story I shall leave it until next time I see you. I must concentrate now as the traffic is heavy.’