Swept into the Rich Man's World(34)

"Shh..." He pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. "It's okay, bella mia."

Bella mia. My lovely. Mine. Louisa stiffened.

"Don't worry," he said, misreading the reaction for embarrassment. "No one can see us."

Turning, she saw that they were in a secluded corner, just outside the  ballroom door. While she'd been lost in his spell, Nico had steered them  safely away from prying eyes.

How thoughtful and practiced of him. But then, men like Nico didn't do  anything spontaneously, did they? They were always in control. Like  hunters stalking prey, only instead of bullets they used smiles and  seduction. Their victims were trapped in their gilded cages before they  ever knew what was happening.

Except Louisa did know. And she was never ever going to be trapped again.

Pushing just enough so as to not make a scene, she stepped out of his  embrace. "The bride and groom will be leaving shortly. I better make  sure everything is set for their departure." She left him standing in  the corner without turning back...

* * *

"Louisa?"

Yanked from the memory by the sound of Dani's voice, she saw the three of them staring at her. "You okay?" her friend asked.

"I'm fine," she lied. Part of her was still back on the dance floor, lost in a pair of dark eyes. "You were saying?"                       
       
           



       

"I was saying that as far as financing your hotel is concerned, I would consider investing..."

"No." She didn't mean for the word to come out so strongly, but Nico was  looking straight at her while he spoke and the memory of how those eyes  distracted her was so fresh...

Just as well, though. Better to be blunt than let him think he had a chance. As an investor or anything else.

Monte Calanetti was her chance at a new life. No way was she going to let someone sweep in and mess things up.

Not this time.