Unbuttoning the Tuscan Tycoon by Michelle Douglas

Author:Michelle Douglas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-12-09T15:02:28+00:00

* * *

‘You are quiet,’ Dante said as they finished up in the restaurant on Friday night. ‘It is out of character.’

She didn’t think it was. It was just out of character for the persona she’d adopted here at Riposo. Or was the persona she’d adopted at home the fake one? The thought had her swallowing.

‘Is there something troubling you?’

She turned with hands on hips. ‘Yes,’ she said with sudden decision. She could be wrong, but if she wasn’t...

He took her arm and led her to one of the bucket seats by the fire, took the one opposite and simply waited. She appreciated that about him—that he didn’t rush or pressure her.

Pressing her hands together, she met his gaze. ‘Do you think there’s something going on—something iffy? First the waitress last night and then your suppliers this morning.’

His eyes throbbed. ‘It’s never wise to jump to conclusions.’

It wasn’t an answer. ‘I agree,’ she said carefully. ‘But nor is it wise to bury one’s head in the sand.’ She was proof positive of that.

‘You think someone is sabotaging the restaurant?’

‘I don’t know. You use big name suppliers, right?’

He nodded.

‘These are companies that have built a reputation based in part on their reliability.’ She frowned. ‘They do know who they’re supplying, don’t they?’

‘Lorenzo’s is a new customer.’ One broad shoulder lifted. If there is a supply issue, they would perhaps prioritise their older customers first.’

That made her snort. ‘They have to know that Lorenzo’s and Dante Alberici are one and the same. Why would they let down someone with your clout? It makes no commercial sense.’

He remained silent.

She might not have any proof, but it would be foolhardy to ignore early warning signs of trouble. ‘Dante, is there anyone who would want to hurt you?’ Her mouth went dry at the thought.

He rubbed a hand over his face. When he pulled it away, he looked so exhausted her heart ached for him. It took all her strength to remain where she was, rather than to move across and hug him.

‘It is something I have been pondering all day. I share your concerns that this could be more than a coincidence.’ He let out a breath. ‘Perhaps a business rival would wish me ill. There are companies who have lost contracts to me in the past. That kind of...disappointment can generate hostility. Maybe a disgruntled employee. It is inevitable, in a business the size of mine, that some people will feel aggrieved and resentful for any number of reasons.’

She grimaced. ‘Has anyone tried to sabotage you in the past?’

Dark eyes met hers, and he gave the tiniest of nods. ‘When I was first starting out and trying to attract investors.’

‘Who?’ she prompted when he remained silent.

‘Lorenzo’s legitimate family.’

Things inside her sagged.

‘I never told him. But when I discovered the source of the trouble, I hit back hard and fast. They did not try such a thing again.’

She didn’t ask what they’d done or what he’d done in retaliation.

‘But Lorenzo is dead. They know he would not wish for them to interfere in my life or business.

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