it had happened.
She had the feeling that something was definitely being kept from her. She also had come to the conclusion that her grandmother, did, in fact, know more than she was letting on.
James took Ally’s hand catching her full attention. “I’m looking at you because this business is going to drag me away from your intoxicating company, and I would much prefer to stay here with you,” he said with an sadness in his eyes.
Ally felt a pang in her heart at the thought of him leaving. “Do you have to go?”
James brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. “I’m sorry but I do have to go Alessandra. Only something this important would drag me away.”
“Ally.” She smiled. “Call me Ally.”
He breathed the word, “Ally…”
James looked to Adele, and she nodded. “I’ll take care of her, James.”
“I can take care of myself,” Ally said indignantly.
Adele smirked. “Of course you can sweetheart.”
James got to his feet in one fluid motion. He turned back to Ally and held his hand out to help her up. She took it, amazed that a man with chivalry still existed in this day and age. That, in itself, was enough to make a girl swoon. Chivalry combined with everything else he was, could become lethal to a girl’s heart.
“Leave it with me Adele. It will be taken care of by the night's end.”
Adele nodded and left them alone to say their goodbyes.
James and Ally turned to each other. He drew her into his arms again, and she felt her knees start to buckle. “I’m so sorry Ally. I really wish I could stay and spend the rest of the night getting to know you better.”
She sighed. “I wish you could too.”
“I’ll make it up to you,” he said, as he tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “I promise.”
She beamed at him. “You want to see me again?”
He chuckled at her innocence. They’d almost shared a kiss. She set his body on fire, and they confessed their mutual attraction. It meant nothing to some people, but as she was about to discover, he was nothing like most people.
“Yes Piccolo, I want to see you again.” He smiled outwardly, but he was seething with rage at Vincent on the inside. Slowly, he looked into her eyes one last time. It was literally painful to drag himself away from her.
“Until we meet again,” he said and turned to leave.
“James,” she called out.
He stopped and turned around.
“What does Piccolo mean?” she asked.
His face softened, and his eyes lit up. “It means ‘little one’ in Italian.”
“Of course he speaks Italian,” she muttered to herself and shook her head in exasperation.
“Good night, Ally,” he said, full of amusement.
“Good night, James,” she said her heart almost bursting with joy.
Tonight had been beyond anything she had ever dreamed of, and there was more to come. She felt like twirling around in a circle just for the fun of it. Her heart and soul felt light once more. The darkness was drained away for a little while at least. A waiter walked by just at that moment and offered her champagne. She took it gladly then decided to sit back down and watch the stars for a while. It had been too long since she had just sat and let her mind wander. James consumed her thoughts.
Ally had been sitting there for what felt like hours, when she decided it was time to go find out how Kat was going with Chase. She felt like she was floating on air as she started back to the house. Nothing could penetrate her bubble of happiness…
Then she heard the twig snap behind her.
Chapter Seven
“Adele, where are you?” James asked, not even trying to hide his frustration. The house was empty; all the party guests were congregated outside. James could hardly blame them, as it was such an enchanting evening.
“In the kitchen, James,” Adele called out.
He marched across the lounge.
“Things seemed to be going well with you and Ally,” Adele said, her expression conflicted. She was smiling and appeared to be happy, but her eyes told another story. Terror was swimming in the violet pools looking back at him.
James sighed softly. “I was having the most wonderful night of my life. Finally, I was with her.” He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. “And now I have to leave to deal with that creature!”
Adele felt sorry for him. But she also knew that if he didn’t keep Ally safe