The Italian's Blushing Gardener. Christina Hollis

touch of his hand on her shoulder.

      ‘There’s no need to jump. I’m only offering a little support,’ he said.

      ‘I don’t need it,’ she said staunchly, but he took no notice and never moved. His touch was warm, reassuring…seductive. In spite of herself, Kira relished the feeling. Then he spoiled the effect. His touch vibrated slightly. She looked up, and saw laughter in his eyes.

      ‘One day, I would really enjoy the chance to discuss sins with you, Miss Kira Banks. Whatever you may have done, I’m sure I can top it!’

      With a sharp twist of her head, Kira looked away. She could not bear to let him see her misery. Squeezing her lids tightly closed, she battled to stop the tears falling. She was so lost in her own despair she was completely unprepared for what happened next. Stefano closed the gap between them. His arms glided around her. She was drawn into his body again, and it felt so natural she let it happen without a word. For a few heart-stopping seconds she leaned against him. The sensation of his shirt pressed against her cheek and the enveloping male fragrance of him closed her eyes.

      ‘Is there anything I can do?’ His voice echoed around the unloved caverns of the villa.

      Kira shook her head. ‘I’d be grateful if you could just drop the subject,’ she managed, with a trace of steel showing through her muttered words.

      ‘Okay.’

      He took his time in releasing her. Kira normally disliked physical contact, but this was different. Stefano seemed to specialise in the sort of touch she might like to experience again.

      He obviously wasn’t going to give up on her. Kira sensed he couldn’t resist a challenge any more than she could. However, she also knew her fragile self-esteem couldn’t stand too many questions. Her reaction to unwarranted attention was usually to snap first, and apologise later. It appeared that this hadn’t dissuaded Stefano in the slightest. The most disconcerting thing about that was how ready she’d been to indulge in the comfort he offered. Pull yourself together! she ordered herself silently. This man was clearly used to getting his own way and she was embarrassed how easily she had mistaken his charm for anything more permanent.

      A hint of her old defiance returned. It allowed her to face him calmly, but it didn’t stop her cheeks flaming red at how much she had nearly revealed. ‘I’m sorry, signore. That was a momentary lapse, but now you’ll see that I really don’t want to talk about it. So I’d be grateful if we could leave it at that. Okay?’ she finished crisply.

      Stefano’s gaze ebbed away from her as she spoke. He said nothing. Instead, he tightened his lips, and bobbed his head once in silent agreement. In the pause that followed, he glanced around. His eyes, like his body, were restless.

      ‘Everyone has parts of their lives they’re not proud of,’ he conceded. ‘I can relate to that. So if we agree on a truce, can we continue with the tour?’

      He had been almost teasing as he tried to extract her secret, but now he had retreated again behind that impenetrable mask. Kira felt a strange pang of loss. She wondered if he ever experienced the sort of social unease that tortured her. It seemed unlikely. What could ever make such a man feel inadequate?

      She nodded and gave him a fleeting smile. ‘Of course.’

      What would it feel like to unburden herself to him? She was certain he would listen. Really listen, and not simply humour her because he wanted something. Life would take on a different dimension. It was something she had never bothered about before, but a few seconds in Stefano’s arms had opened up a whole new world of possibilities for her. It almost tempted her out of her shell, but not quite. If he couldn’t be on time for a business appointment, he was hardly likely to treat a casual acquaintance any better. She gave up on the idea. At least when she was on the defensive, she couldn’t be hurt.

      ‘If you are really interested in buying the Bella Terra estate, Signor Albani, you should be making the most of your visit. You mustn’t stand around here with me.’

      Without waiting for his reply, she turned her back on him and walked out of the sunlit room. The vast, gloomy hall beyond was supposed to cool her feelings.

      ‘There’s no need to run away from me, Kira.’

      She stopped.

      ‘You might be surprised,’ she said finally.

      Her darkening attitude didn’t bother Stefano at all. He stuck one hand casually in his pocket, and grinned at her.

      ‘So what are you waiting for, then? Surprise me.’

      His words made her uncertain. Until a short time ago, endless surprises—none of them good—had been the story of her life. Then she had escaped, and moved to Italy. For a couple of years she had experienced wonderful freedom. And now, with the loss of Sir Ivan, her foremost client, she was faced with the threat that happiness might soon be snatched away from her again. Unconsciously, her shoulders began to sag. Then she sensed his gaze was still on her. She looked up. He was still quizzing her with his eyes.

      She shrugged. ‘I’m afraid there’s nothing more to me than you see here, signore.’

      His face was totally impassive but he went on watching her as he said quietly, ‘Then it’s a good job I came here to see the Bella Terra estate, rather than anything else. My journey won’t have been entirely wasted,’ he announced before setting off across the hall again. ‘Now, down to business. I want to look around this house. Would you like to come with me?’