Italy's Most Scandalous Virgin - Carol Marinelli Page 0,6

the difficult landing, and she held her breath as the helicopter tilted a little to the side and then righted itself before finally touching down. As well as the helicopter’s arrival she could see the headlights on the cars snaking their way around the hill towards the residence.

Mia had not seen any of the Romano family since Rafael’s death, but on the eve of the funeral there were certain traditions to be upheld. Certain wishes, Rafael had specified, that needed to be carried out.

The family would eat together in his home tonight.

Angela would not be joining them as, despite keeping the Romano name, she was no longer his family, but Rafael’s children, brother and his wife, and some cousins, too, would together toast Rafael on the night before he was laid to rest.

Mia watched as the youngest, Ariana Romano, got out.

She was gorgeous, long limbed and with a mane of raven hair, and she was as spoilt as she was beautiful. Next out was her twin brother Stefano, and Mia saw that he had brought Eloa, his stunning Brazilian fiancée, with him. Stefano was just as good looking as Ariana and just as arrogant.

All the Romanos were arrogant, but it was the eldest brother who excelled at it—and here Dante was, emerging from the helicopter. Mia braced herself for the appearance of whomever he was currently dating, while telling herself it mattered not. Instead of a leggy supermodel, though, her breath sucked in when Angela Romano emerged. She was dressed from head to toe in black and relying on her son’s arm to get down the stairs.

Ah, so that was how it was going to be played, with Angela taking the part of the real grieving widow.

If only they knew!

Mia’s lips pressed together and she watched as Angela was gently bundled into a silver car and driven out of the vast estate.

Stefano, Eloa and Ariana stood under black umbrellas and watched the car leave. They would then get into another that would drive them to the main residence. Dante, though, had chosen to walk. For a brief moment he glanced up towards the residence, and Mia stepped back quickly from the window, even though he was surely too far away to see her.

Of all the Romanos it was Dante who made her the most nervous, for his loathing of her was palpable. He insisted that they all speak English when Mia was around. But it was not to be polite; instead it was a snub at her Italian and also, she was certain, to ensure that she got the full gist of every one of the constant low barbs that were aimed at her.

Mia was dreading facing him.

Whenever they met, his black eyes seemed to look straight to the centre of her and silently tell her that he knew she did not love his father. That he knew she had only married Rafael for his money and that the marriage was a complete and utter sham.

The worst part for Mia?

He was absolutely right.

Dante just didn’t know the full truth.

And neither could he ever! Mia had been well paid to ensure that.

Yet it wasn’t just the sham of her marriage that caused Mia to be nervous when Dante was around. He evoked in her unfamiliar feelings that the very inexperienced Mia did not dare explore and did all she could to avoid.

But in a few short moments there would be no avoiding him.

There was a knock at the door and it was the housekeeper, Sylvia, to tell her the family would arrive in five minutes or so. ‘The children are making their way towards the house,’ she said, and Mia found her lips pressed into a wry smile.

They were hardly children.

‘And the guest cars are approaching the grounds,’ Sylvia said.

‘Thank you,’ Mia said, but as the housekeeper turned to go Mia called her back. ‘How are you doing, Sylvia?’

‘I’m all right.’ She gave a tired shrug. ‘Just so sad.’

‘I know you are.’

‘And I’m worried too,’ Sylvia admitted. ‘My husband and I...’ Her voice trailed off, but though she didn’t come out and say it directly, Mia knew the lovely couple had worked and lived on the grounds for many years and must be deeply concerned as to what the future held for them. ‘We will miss Rafael so very much.’ Sylvia’s eyes drifted to the cases Mia had packed in preparation for her leaving. ‘And we will miss you too.’

‘Thank you,’ Mia said, and, rarely for her, she gave the housekeeper