Loving Venus (Sally-Ann Jones Sexy Romance) by Sally-Ann Jones Read Free Book Online Page B

great-grandfather, the Ferris and even the chauffeur.
         They all laughed, she remembered, much to her chagrin and Signor Ferri told her that even Mario wasn’t allowed to ride in the Palio until he was eighteen, although he too had been nagging to be allowed on the black stallion’s back instead of his older, married brother. Despite not being able to ride the beautiful horse, Annabella had enjoyed her day, especially when, at the end of it, she was plied with sugar lumps to feed to Fulmine when, wild-eyed and frothy with sweat, he was led to the palazzo and rewarded for his efforts, although he’d missed out on the banner. She somberly promised Mario and his family she’d return to Siena in the not too distant future and that she’d again watch the spectacle from their balcony.
          Annabella was roused from these happy memories by Tonia calling her.
         “Bella!” she was shouting, “Bella!”
          Annabella climbed down from the table-top on which she ’d been day-dreaming and called back to Tonia, who informed her that Doctor Esposito had come to check on his patient. “But, Signorina,” the housekeeper added sternly, puffing slightly after having rushed from the villa, “You’d better make yourself decent before you show yourself. You must have a dressing-gown, no ?”
         Annabella shook her head, blushing furiously. Did even Tonia think she was too plump, in just her knickers and T-shirt, to be seen? Taking pity on her embarrassment, Tonia drew her into her arms and said reassuringly, “I’ll run and fetch you Alessandro’s gown. He left it hanging on the back of his bedroom door. I know he won’t mind you wearing it.” And, before Annabella could protest, she was rushing off again, leaving Annabella to wish, yet again, that she was as slim and tanned as her rival, Claudia.
         Within minutes, Tonia was back, a maroon silk kimono held lovingly over her arm. She helped Annabella into it and the young woman was suddenly overwhelmed by the unique male scent of her second cousin – a smell of cigars, an occasional indulgence on which he blamed their great-grandfather, horses and sun-warmed basil.
     “Are you all right?” Tonia asked concernedly. “I hope you haven’t a fever – you’re shivering.”
         “I’m perfectly well,” Annabella snapped. Then, realizing she had been rude, she quickly added, “Perhaps it’s just that I’ve been lazing in the sun so long that the shade feels cold.”
         “As long as it’s not that bang on the head making you sick,” Tonia said. “Now, come inside and let me help you up the stairs to your room. Dottore Esposito is in there already, taking a coffee on the balcony.”
         Annabella entered the bedroom shyly, keeping the wrap tightly around herself. The happy memories of a different, loving, kind, fun Alessandro coupled with the sensuous feel of his silken garment against her skin made her feel unsettled. She longed for him to be nice to her again, but she knew she wanted more than the friendship they had enjoyed so long ago. Much, much more.
         The doctor stood and approached her, immediately concerned by her pallor. But, on taking her blood pressure and pulse and listening to her heart, he was satisfied she was on the mend after the knock on her head. “Perhaps you simply need another coffee,” he said. “Tonia’s made enough for two, in case you wanted some. Come and take it with me on the balcony.”
         He held the chair out for her and poured the fragrant liquid, adding sugar and cream before taking his place opposite her and pouring more for himself.
         “It’s so lovely here,” Annabella said, knowing she’d never tire of this view, even if she grew as old as her great-grandfather.
         “Yes, it’s a beautiful place,” the doctor said. “But what of your country? That must be beautiful too.”
         Annabella nodded then said, “In a