Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
The next morning, I wake slowly at first, but a few moments later, I remember where I am and excitement rushes through me. I feel well rested, and make quick work of getting dressed.
Downstairs, Giovanni is in the kitchen alone. I know it’s him, even though he looks so much like his brothers. “Good morning,” he says with a smile. “Have a seat and I’ll fix you some breakfast.” His English is very good.
“Thank you.” There’s a small table and chairs tucked against the wall. Sitting so that I face Giovanni, I look out the window and spot Matteo and Fiero outside, talking with their mother.
Giovanni moves with easy confidence, and I catch myself watching the play of his muscles under the soft fabric of his shirt. What is wrong with me? Okay, yes, he is the triplet of the two sexiest men I’ve ever known, but he’s his own person. For all I know, he has a wife and kids.
I didn’t come to Italy to fall for another Bestia brother.
A few minutes later, he sets an espresso in front of me, along with some soft rolls, butter, and jam. He takes the seat across from me, and I feel a flash of guilty pleasure that he’s staying to talk. The next moment, I worry that he’ll ask me about my relationship with his brothers.
“What do you do here in Italy?” I ask, both because I want to know, and to take charge of the conversation. “Your brothers tell me you’re a very good cook.”
He smiles. “I run the restaurant our grandparents started, and also a small vineyard. We’ve been fortunate; the grapes have been good to us.”
No wonder they’re doing well. “Do other family members work there too?”
“Oh, yes, Mamma does. And Nonna Sofia hangs around and tells us all what to do.” He laughs with obvious affection, and my heart squeezes in my chest.
Dammit. Giovanni, so far, is the nice guy I always envisioned settling down with. It’s not helping me resist him.
“I’m sorry I had to leave the party so early,” I tell him, and take a sip of espresso. “I hope I’ll be able to meet everyone another time.”
“Oh, of course. Our sister Elenora is here visiting with her family, and our cousin Pietro lives not far away.” I know from Matteo and Fiero that their father is no longer in the picture. He left the family when the boys were nearly grown, and has started another with a younger woman. “Do you have brothers and sisters?” Giovanni asks.
“Just one sister.” The rolls look homemade. I break one open and spread some butter and jam on. Mmm, delicious.
“Lots of cousins?”
“No, actually. Our parents were both only children.”
“So this must be quite a change for you.” His eyes twinkle with good humor. “I understand why you were overwhelmed last night.”
I laugh; if only he knew. Oh, this man is dangerous. I like him so much.
Signora Bestia comes in then, Fiero and Matteo behind her. “Good morning. You slept well?”
“Very well, thank you.”
That’s all I can manage, because having all three Bestia men in the kitchen with me is overwhelming. Each of them alone has such a powerful presence; combined, they make me feel dizzy, as if I’m getting drunk, or have suddenly been transported to a mountaintop where the air is very thin.
“Dani? Are you all right?” Matteo’s tone is carefully polite, but his eyes are worried.
I smile, though I’m sure it doesn’t fool him, or Fiero either. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little tired still, from the time change.”
“Of course. We’ll take it easy today. A walk and some fresh air will help.”
“Good idea.”
I take my plate and cup to the sink, intending to wash up, but Signora Bestia won’t hear of it. “Go, go, enjoy. It’s a beautiful day.”
“Thank you. Grazie.” I give her a genuine smile before I go outside, the brothers behind me. I thought that being outside would distract me from the three of them, and it does, a little, but not enough.
It makes sense that I’d be attracted to Giovanni too. They are triplets, after all, and though each of them is very much his own man, there is some essence they share, some indescribable quality that draws me irresistibly. I’ll just have to be sure not to let on.
Forcing my focus away from all things Bestia, I study my surroundings as we walk. The house sits nestled into a hill, partway up, with rolling land rising above it, falling away to the sea below. I can tell from the exterior that the house is quite old, but inside, it’s been modernized without losing its original touches.
The fresh breeze is wonderful, and I have the crazy impulse to throw my arms out and spin in circles. “It’s so beautiful here.”
“We are fortunate,” Fiero agrees, coming to my side, and again I’m struck by how his words echo his brother’s earlier.