The American Contessa by Noni Calbane Read Free Book Online Page A

increasing with every turn of the
wheel.   “And, apparently very good in bed
from what I’ve learned.   But as for
character?   Well, let’s just say, if the
good die young, she should have lived forever!”
    Narrowly
missing a car turning into a winding lane, he hit the brakes suddenly and
brought the car to a complete stop.   Gaby
was thrown wildly back against her seat.
    “Are
you done?” Gaby’s voice shook as she glared angrily at him.
    Luca
turned towards her, scowled and said nothing.   He was noticeably shaking with rage. A faint sheen of perspiration
covered his face.
    “Right!”
Gaby countered, releasing her safety belt and jumping out of the car.   Stomping down the street, she could hear him
at her heels.
    “Where
are you going?” he barked after her.
    “Anywhere
you’re not!” she called back at him.  
    Gaby
stopped at the curb and he managed to catch up.   Standing side by side, she could tell that he was already calming
down.   His ragged breathing was getting
perceptibly slower. Gaby refused to look at him, but could feel the heat from
his cautious glances.
    “What
about dinner?” he asked warily. “Carmina will be waiting.”
    She
turned on him.   “Just like that?” She
snapped her fingers.   “I’m supposed to
forget that you could have killed us both driving like a maniac!   After I just told you how my parents died!”
    Luca
went quiet and looked away.   Of course,
she was right to be furious, but no-one had ever criticized him over of his
behaviour. Not to his face anyway.    This
woman provoked feelings in him like no other.   Why was it so vital that he make her forgive him his
transgressions?  
    Taking
a steadying breath, all he knew was he needed to placate her any which way that
worked.   “Please Gaby.   Forgive me.   I acted stupidly.”
    Gaby
held her hand, palm up at him. “Don’t bother apologizing, because quite
frankly, it’s just not convincing.”
    “You
don’t believe that I’m sorry?” he frowned at her.
    “No
I don’t,” she answered frostily.
    Luca
didn’t know what to say.   He could usually
get around most women, but this one was different.   She was not affected by him at all.    In fact, he had the horrible feeling she
didn’t like him.   He could tell, she was,
for a moment or two, attracted to him.   But
she didn’t like him.   Why was that so
surprising? Was he even likeable?   If not
for the title or the money, he probably wouldn’t have a friend in the world.   Hell, if truth be known, he didn’t even like
himself.  
    He
sighed loudly.   “Carmina asked me to bring
you to the restaurant.   I won’t stay for
dinner if that makes you feel better,” he stated seriously.  
    Gaby
didn’t answer.
    “I
promise to take you straight there.   No
speeding, no talking, if that’s what you want?” he said grumpily.   His ire was rising.
    Gaby
frowned. She imagined that the silent treatment was not popular in Italy.   When people got mad they waved their arms around,
yelled and showed it in no uncertain terms.  
    “So,
are you coming with me or not?” he snapped. She may not like him, but he
wouldn’t accept being ignored.
    “Not,”
Gaby replied formally.  
    Luca
grimaced. “Why do you dislike me so?” he whispered, almost to himself.
    She
looked away from the pain that showed so clearly in his eyes.   Why did she want to punish this man so
badly?   He was trying to apologize to
her, but she didn’t want to hear it.   Was
it because he’d hurt her feelings at the party?   Was that reason enough?   It seemed
to run a little deeper than that.  
    Gaby
had the sneaking suspicion that if she let herself be vulnerable to Count Luca
Manetti, she could find herself in big emotional trouble.   It was crucial to keep him at arm’s
length.   It was lucky that he had the
natural tendency to annoy her.
    “Please
Gaby.   Please come to dinner?” Odio, did she want him to beg?
    Gaby
steeled herself.