Public Marriage, Private Secrets - By Helen Bianchin Page 0,31

in Sierra’s eyes, then it was gone, and the perfectly painted mouth widened a little, then formed a moue.

‘Not even hola, Raúl?’

Gianna spared him a surreptitious glance, then wished she hadn’t as a shiver slid icily down her spine at the hardness evident in his dark gaze.

Total cut-off, no communication whatsoever…and none intended.

Not once had she ever witnessed such pitiless disregard. Not even at the height of their verbal controversy over Sierra’s assertions in the final days before she’d left him.

No way in the world would she want to be subject to such chilling resolve from anyone. Should she ever incur such a look from Raúl, she’d simply curl up and die.

Not, however, Sierra, who shifted her attention briefly to Gianna.

‘So…what prompted you to return? His billions? Or his ability to make you feel like the kind of woman no other man can?’

Oh, boy. She held Sierra’s vindictive gaze, and evinced quietly, ‘I’m in Mallorca at Raúl’s request.’

If looks could kill, she’d be dead.

‘Has he offered you an obscene amount of money to try again for a Velez-Saldaña heir?’ She conducted a deliberate examination from head to toe and back again. ‘Raúl should move on to a woman who is fertile.’

The words stung, as they were intended to.

‘Another word,’ Raúl issued in silky warning, ‘and I’ll ask Security to remove you.’

‘You can’t do that, amante. I’m here with a partner who has a genuine invitation.’ With a cruel smile, she returned to Gianna. ‘I wouldn’t have failed to give him a child…as you did.’

Hurtful parting words, which speared Gianna’s heart as Sierra intended. She was barely conscious of the soothing slide of Raúl’s hand as it moved from her waist to rest at her nape.

‘We’ll leave.’

She turned, her eyes large in the paleness of her face. Except he glimpsed innate strength there, the faint smile that surely cost her.

‘And give Sierra the satisfaction of knowing a deliberate barb found its mark? I don’t think so.’

‘Then let’s move out onto the terrace.’

Gianna didn’t resist as he indicated one of several French doors, and she crossed to the ornate balustrade to admire the nightscape. They were high in the hills, with a panoramic view towards Palma with its sprinkling of lights, and beyond the black mass of the ocean.

There were stars, and a light breeze wafting in from the sea.

Relaxing, and infinitely serene, she acknowledged as she breathed in the fresh air and felt the tension Sierra had generated began to ease.

Raúl stood at her side, and she didn’t protest as he drew her close. There was comfort in his touch, a warm strength that made her want to bury her cheek against his chest.

Almost as if he knew, he curved a hand over her nape and pulled her in, then rested his cheek against her own in an intimate gesture that reminded her so much of what they’d used to share.

It felt good…so good she didn’t want to move, and she gave a faint sigh in protest as he caught hold of her chin, lifting it so she had no recourse but to look at him.

There was a wealth of emotion evident in the depth of his eyes, and she swallowed the slight lump in her throat as he lowered his head and brushed his lips to her forehead, trailed to her cheek, then sought her mouth in a gentle kiss that subtly changed as she became powerless not to respond.

It was like coming home…to a place she instinctively knew she belonged.

For endless minutes she gave in to the pleasure, the hard feel of his arousal a potent force as he shaped her body, drawing her in until she became lost, wanting so much more and she barely disguised her groan as Raúl began to ease back.

‘We have company,’ he said quietly, close to her ear, as she lowered her arms from around his neck and turned slightly to see their hostess regarding them both with amused benevolence.

‘I hope this is what I think it might be?’ Ana queried with a smile.

Gianna uttered a whispered, ‘No…’ Only to have Raúl bestow a light kiss, then stifle any further protest by pressing a finger to her mouth.

‘Querida, how long did you imagine we could keep it quiet?’

Was he insane?

‘You have decided to reconcile?’ Ana posed with delight. ‘Teresa will be so very happy with the news. Let me be the first to offer congratulations to you both.’

‘Gracias.’

What was he doing? A kiss…that was all. Sure, a tiny voice taunted. You were close