Dante's Dilemma: Romero (The Dante Dynasty Series: Book #10): The Dante Legacy by Day Leclaire

Author:Day Leclaire [Leclaire, Day]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: DLI Publishing
Published: 2013-09-08T16:00:00+00:00

Rom continued to sit beside the rose bush for a long time after Julietta left, turning various options over in his mind. Nothing brilliant came to him and, at long last, he stood and brushed the grass from his trousers.

“I always thought Julietta was the weak one,” a woman said from somewhere nearby. “But I’ve underestimated her.”

Rom froze, searching the shadows cast by a widespread umbrella pine. After a moment, he found the womanly shape outlined against the tree trunk, her dark brown hair and clothing offering the perfect camouflage. “You, again.”

Serena smiled, amusement giving an attractive sparkle to her dark eyes. “Me, again.” She stepped into the sunlight. “And, yes, I’ve been following Julietta—at my mother’s request, I might add.”

“Do you intend to tell your mother about us?”

Serena tilted her head to one side. “I haven’t quite decided.”

Rom folded his arms across his chest. “Maybe you should. Maybe we should all sit down and discuss this ridiculous marriage. Get everything into the open.”

She gave a short, impatient laugh. “That wouldn’t end well for you, I’m afraid.”

“I’m willing to take my chances.”

She studied him closely, and a curious expression bloomed across her face. “You really love her, don’t you?”

Was she kidding? “Of course I love her. What the hell did you think?”

“That you were trying to seduce your best friend’s bride.”

“That would be dishonorable,” Rom said stiffly. Then, realizing the absurdity of his words, he blew out a sigh. “I wish to marry your sister, not seduce her. And though some might find that a somewhat dubious distinction, I consider it an important one.”

“Does Julietta feel the same way?” Serena demanded. “She wishes to marry you, too? This isn’t some sort of game the two of you are playing?”

“This isn’t a game. Your sister also wants to marry me. Or she did, until today. At least, I thought she did.” He frowned, his gaze sharpening. “Do you know what happened to change her mind?”

Serena hesitated, and he could tell she was weighing her options. “Mamma told her if she doesn’t marry Tito, we’ll be destitute,” she admitted candidly. “Even when they marry, what he pays for the vineyard will only relieve my parents of their debt. He’ll still end up supporting my entire family.”

“Is Tito aware of this?”

He caught a spark of anger in her stance. “No.”

Rom shook his head in disgust. “Poor Tito. Of all of us, he’s the true victim.”

He’d surprised her. “Do you truly believe that?”

He nodded. “I realize you don’t hold a high opinion of me. And I understand why. I don’t like deception, and yet, that’s exactly what I’ve done. Deceived the people who mean the most to me and Julietta. I would prefer to court your sister openly, to prove my worth and the sincerity of my love for your sister.”

“Very noble,” she said, a hint of mockery belying her words. “Why don’t you do that? I’m sure everyone will be delighted with the match. Tito will gladly relinquish his bride. My parents will be thrilled to welcome you as the perfect son-in-law.

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