The Italian's Bold Reckoning (Hot Italian Nights Book 4) by Annie West

Author:Annie West [West, Annie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-30T23:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

* * *

Angela’s pulse galloped at the intensity of Matteo’s scrutiny as he strode towards her across the foyer. She felt that indigo stare from her scalp to her soles and in every inch between.

His touch as he escorted her and Gina across the Grand Canal by private launch seemed to linger at her waist. Possessively? Was that wishful thinking or did he, too, feel that powerful connection between them? As if they were linked by invisible bonds.

Fear vied with excitement as Angela realised she’d have her answer tonight. There was an air of determination about Matteo that told her he’d come to a decision.

Which meant she’d be on tenterhooks all evening since tonight’s party couldn’t be avoided. It was specifically to promote the film’s connection to Venice and they had to do their bit.

The event was every bit as sophisticated as Angela had feared. The grand old hotel was lavish, with no expense spared on furnishings, catering or the huge, formal arrangements of exotic flowers. Most of the frighteningly chic female guests wore black, making her and Gina stand out in their vibrantly-coloured gowns, and the sheer volume of jewels glinting under the chandeliers dazzled the eyes.

Bling was in and Angela would have felt woefully out of place, even in her stunning dress and silver stilettos, if not for the jewellery her sister, Sonia had given her.

Usually Angela wore only her wedding ring and the beautiful yellow sapphire solitaire Matteo had presented on their engagement. But tonight, to match the wide strip of exquisite silver embroidery at her waist, she wore long, sparkling earrings and a glittering ring on her index finger. She had no diamonds but the faux gems shone brilliantly, giving her much needed confidence.

A year ago an event like this, full of wealthy, opinionated people, eager to assess and find her wanting, would have been hell.

Tonight Angela didn’t care. The guests faded into insignificance. She was on the verge of losing her husband and perversely, though that was what she’d told herself she wanted when she came to Venice, the idea put everything else into perspective.

What could these people do to her that could possibly be worse than Matteo dismissing her from his life?

No amount of arch looks or snide remarks could hurt the way she did when she contemplated a life without him.

Besides, far from looking down on her, the glamorous crowd seemed friendly. Was it reflected glory from being Matteo’s wife?

Or perhaps they really are interested in talking to the screenwriter about the film that’s already getting such buzz.

It was time she focused on the encouraging self-talk she’d learned at her positivity and assertiveness course in Australia, rather than fall into old habits of doubt and retreat. That was the old Angela, the one whose confidence bowed under the weight of pressure. That wasn’t the woman she was determined to be.

So, while Gina drifted from group to group and Matteo got tied up in a cluster of serious-looking men, Angela was left to mingle.

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