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Ana had tried very hard to overcome that at each event she attended, by infusing warmth into her expression. But she had no idea Gio had also felt that way.
She intimidated him?
He was the one who’d caught her attention from the start–and had never let go.
Chapter 13
Two Years Ago
She was in the corner, as always.
Quietly observing everyone else conversing loudly.
Ana wasn’t going to intrude. Auntie had said more than a few times how important today was and for everyone to be on their best behavior. It wasn’t every day that your family got a betrothal offer from the Don’s family.
Not that it was public yet. Gabriella was merely eighteen. But Auntie hadn’t wanted to risk other suitors coming out of the woodwork now that the girl was of age.
Somehow, Ana suspected it wouldn’t be an issue. Gabriella was focused solely on Antonio, even with all their family around. She giggled when he teased her, swatting his arm.
Don Bernardi and his wife seemed unfazed by their antics. They simply looked fondly at the couple–unusual for people in their position. Most of the Family, especially those of elite stature, guarded their daughters fiercely. But Gabriella seemed freer than most. She had been able to maintain a friendship with Antonio throughout the years without much restriction or scandal.
A twinge of envy hit Ana. Here she was, afraid to even move for fear of disgracing the family and ruining the most important day ever.
“Any reason you’re laughing alone in a corner?”
Jolting in surprise, Ana whirled around…and found the most devastating man standing just behind her by the door.
He raised a brow at her.
When he’d entered, she did not know. Ana had been so engrossed in watching the others. But everyone else abruptly lost their allure as she stared at him, unblinking.
Taller than her, he was dressed simply in an all-black soldier’s outfit. But with lean, sharp features and perfectly coiffed black hair, he looked nothing like any soldier she had seen before. Every inch of him reeked of aristocracy.
“Giovanni?” she blurted in dazed recognition.
His black eyes gleamed as he regarded her curiously, giving the impression of a panther that had just uncovered its prey. “You have me at a disadvantage,” he drawled. “You are–?”
Ana’s chest grew heavy as his gaze slid down leisurely…from her neat silky braid and delicate elfin face, down to her slim frame adorned in a simple cotton dress.
“Ana Mancini.” She stuck out her hand, assuming her professional demeanor. “I’m Antonio’s cousin.”
“Ah.”
Amusement poured through him as he glanced down at her businesslike gesture before accepting the handshake. Before it could linger too long, she hastily retracted her hand with a tight smile.
The Don’s son.
Shit.
What luck for her to find a quiet corner only to run into him?
Ana hadn’t been alone with many men outside of her family and their guards. Her fashion designs, now a bona fide business, had occupied most of her thoughts for the past few years. So she felt entirely out of her depth in the company of a man like him.
With as much willpower as she could muster, she refocused on her cousin, despite the heat of his gaze searing her spine.
But he wouldn’t make it so easy. Murmuring at her ear, he corrected, “Gio.” At her blank face, he explained, “Most people call me Gio.”
There was no way in hell she could call him that. She was afraid to say anything at all to him for fear of what her aunt would say. That woman would skewer her alive if Ana made one misstep and jeopardized Tony’s betrothal.
