Back In The Italian's Bed by Annie West Read Free Book Online

Villa Bellini when you acquired it. Now I’m being moved to another hotel, in Milan.’
    ‘Milan!’ Fabrizio’s eyebrows disappeared into the black hair flopping over his brow. ‘You’re joking.’
    ‘No joke, Fabrizio, it’s my job. And a good one too. Signor De Laurentis is pleased with my work and this is a great opportunity.’
    It was true, this would broaden her skills and look terrific on her résumé.
    She didn’t mention how torn she felt about leaving Fabrizio. She had no illusions that he’d come to Milan with her. He was Roman born and bred. Apart from the impossibility of him leaving his business, he’d stated more than once that living outside the capital was unbearable for more than a weekend retreat.
    ‘It won’t be forever. I don’t want to work long term in a big hotel where everyone is that bit more anonymous. I prefer the smaller, exclusive venues, like Villa Bellini, where it’s all about personalised service and a unique experience.’ That was where her dream lay. One day she aimed to run her own hotel.
    ‘Give up the job.’ He snapped his fingers. ‘You don’t need it. Haven’t I offered more than once to support you?’
    The liquid heat in her belly solidified, curdling into bitterness.
    ‘I won’t take your money and live off you, Fabrizio.’
    His frown became a glower but she merely tilted her chin higher. He might have an ancient lineage and pots of money but she had her pride.
    ‘I only want to help.’
    ‘You want me available.’
    ‘
Basta
!’ His glass slammed down on a table, bright droplets spilling to the floor. ‘You’re being deliberately difficult.’
    Jenna walked to the ornate fireplace and put down her glass. With her damp hands, she might just drop the priceless crystal.
    ‘It doesn’t matter, Fabrizio. It’s academic. I’m not giving up my career to become your live-in lover. My work is too important to me.’
    ‘You’re so obstinate!’ He stalked towards her.
    ‘And you’re single-minded.’ She jammed her hands on her hips, refusing to be intimidated as he stopped close enough to loom over her.
    She’d given up her life for him once and look what it had got her – nothing except hurt and shame.
    His eyes narrowed to a calculating scrutiny. Then, slowly, he smiled and her foolish heart tumbled.
    ‘It’s just as well I have the answer. There’s an opening in one of my own hotels that would be perfect for you. In Rome. Not far from here.’ His gesture took in the grand salon and the rest of his luxurious home.
    He looked so like a cat eyeing a tasty bowl of cream that Jenna regarded him cautiously.
    ‘When did this happen?’
    ‘Recently. Very recently, which is why I didn’t mention it before.’
    ‘And what is the position?’
    His shoulders rose in an easy shrug. ‘It’s a management role.’
    ‘Manager? Assistant Manager?’ When he didn’t immediately respond she continued, ‘Functions Manager? What?’
    Fabrizio’s mouth compressed. ‘You can hear all about it when you report for work. My staff will fill you in.’
    Jenna would bet her bottom dollar his staff knew nothing about any such vacancy. If he’d had a position for her he’d have mentioned it earlier. She knew he hated the fact she worked for Luca De Laurentis, even if Fabrizio no longer believed she spied for him.
    ‘How do you know I can do it?’
    ‘Sorry?’ He stiffened.
    ‘How do you know I have the appropriate qualifications?’
    Fabrizio spread his hands, palms out. ‘You ran the Villa Bellini, didn’t you?’
    ‘For a short time only. But you’ve never so much as seen my résumé.’ He knew she’d worked in hotels, and that she’d come to Italy for an internship at a hotel in Venice that had finished the day before they’d met. Yet, Fabrizio had never questioned her qualifications. He’d never been that interested in her professional skills.
    That knowledge jabbed a rod of steel through her spine.
    ‘There is no job, is there?’
    He waved his