Page 175 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

He watched her wrestle.

It was by far safer.

Dante was conflicted. He wanted her gone and yet he wanted her back in his bed—and the latter did not sit well for him.

Last night had perturbed him, and his continued desire for her this morning was doing the same.

‘I’m not very good at this,’ she admitted suddenly, and he felt a twist inside at the tense rise in her voice. ‘I mean, I don’t know how I should be...’

‘It’s okay,’ he said, and gave in on not helping. Sitting up, he dealt with her zip, and then he held her hips for a moment, with her back to him. ‘It was a great night.’

‘Yes...’

‘I leave for Milan this evening.’

‘I know that.’

‘I have to go and see Gio,’ he said, as if reminding himself there was a reason he should not prolong this encounter. ‘Sort out all the old jewellery. It’s a job he has been putting off for a long time.’

‘Yes.’ She nodded. ‘I’m sure it will be difficult.’

‘He gets upset...’

‘I meant...’ She swallowed. ‘It will be difficult for both of you.’ She let out a breath. ‘They’re not just his wife’s jewels...’ she ventured. ‘There’s your mother’s jewellery too.’ She didn’t turn her head. ‘He showed me some.’

‘Yes,’ said Dante, rather pleased that her back was still to him, and a little stunned to hear his silent dread about today being acknowledged. ‘He has most of it.’

‘Most? Do you have some?’

Her enquiry, Dante thought, was gentle. And it was a natural question, an invitation to ask if he’d kept some sentimental pieces. But when he’d said ‘most’ that wasn’t what he’d meant.

He briefly thought of the small stones in his safe in Milan, but it was by far too painful to go there.

Even in his own head.

And if ever one day he did, then he would be alone.

Ensuring the agony was wiped from his features, he turned her around within the circle of his hands, her hips beneath his palms, and looked up at her damp blonde hair and pale face.

Why were they ending things here? Dante asked himself.

‘I’d better go,’ Susie said. ‘I have homework...’

Her voice was a little strained and high.

‘What’s your homework?’ he asked.

‘Greetings, thanks and farewells.’ She smiled at him. ‘How do I sayThank you for last night?’

‘Try,’ he told her.

‘Grazie per la scorsa notte?’

Dante gave in.

‘I could help you with your homework.’

‘Really?’