Secrets, Lies and Betrayals (Protect and Honor Series Book 1) by Lynn Wood

Author:Lynn Wood [Wood, Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fall Into A Story Books
Published: 2024-05-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Back in Rome, Lea settled into her routine. One evening a few weeks after her father’s inauguration, Max knocked on her apartment door.

“Come on in.” Lea said seeing him and stepped away from the door. “Beer, wine?”

“I wouldn’t say no to a beer.”

She pulled a cold Italian beer she kept for his visits from the refrigerator and brought it to where he waited in the great room. “Is this a professional or social call?”

“A little of both, but let’s get the professional out of the way, first.”

“Yes, let’s,” Lea agreed and plopped down on the sofa.

He handed her a printed invitation from the office of the Italian president.

“What is this? I’m not allowed to attend political functions.”

“You used to not be allowed to attend political functions. You are now officially a public figure.”

“No.”

“I might point out the Conte is bound to receive his own invitation and it’s also good pr to maintain cordial relations with your host country.”

“I’m not a fan of the current political leadership.”

“Hmm. Not much you can do about it, being as you’re a guest in this country. If I’m reading him right the Conte shares your views, but he will likely feel his appearance at the event is necessary considering the number of people, and families, in Italy who rely on him and the Lazio enterprises for their livelihoods.”

“Fine, I’ll talk to him. If he’s going, and needs a date, you can rsvp yes for me.”

“Good. Have you been keeping up with the news from home?”

“No. I avoid the news, and as you know, I don’t maintain a social media presence.”

“Your inaugural visit home played well in the states, and frankly, in most of the world.”

“What do you want me to say?”

He grinned.

“Yay?” She offered half-heartedly.

He laughed.

When she saw Gabriel later in the week, he didn’t mention the event at Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. She conducted her own research during the week. The evening was billed as a new rapprochement resetting Italy’s relationship with the western world. Ambassadors and diplomats from all over Europe were invited. Lea realized her presence at the event would make a political statement, but her absence would make a bigger one.

“I assume you received an invitation to the President’s ball at Quirinal Palace.”

“Yes,” he confirmed.

“Did you not bring it up because you already found another date?” She asked, only half teasing.

He grinned. “No, but I didn’t want you to feel obligated to accompany me. I assume you received your own invitation?”

“Yes.”

“Will you allow me to escort you to the ball?”

“Yes, but are you sure you want to? I mean, it doesn’t get much more public or high profile than the presidential palace.”

“Do I have to ask the secret service for permission to dance with you?” He teased.

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