The Savage Garden

screens of tight-clipped yew strung with Chinese lanterns and flanked by flaming torches, which cast wild and restless shadows. Penned in by the hedges, the music was all- engulfing.

    'Did you enjoy dinner?' asked Antonella as they fought for their patch on the crowded floor.

    'Yes.'

    'Nonna said you would. Vera is very . . .provocativa.'

    'She certainly is.'

    'She is a lesbian, you know?'

    'Odd, she didn't say.'

    Pressed close by the crush, Adam allowed his hand to stray.

    'You're not wearing any underwear.' 'I can't with this dress.'

    'How does it feel?'

    'It feels good. You should try it some time.'

    He hoped the ambiguity was deliberate.

    'God, you're beautiful,' he said, his head thick with desire.

    'Thank you.'

    'I want to kiss you.'

    'We can't.' She gave a theatrical flick of the wrist. 'The scandal...'

    'I don't care. Tomorrow's my last day.'

    'I know. That's why you're invited to lunch. In Siena. You said you wanted to see Siena. They're friends of Edoardo's. Harry can come too. It's all organized.'

    'I want to be alone with you.'

    She pressed her lips to his ear. 'Then it's lucky I have a plan.'

    She refused to elaborate.

    A little while later, he lost her to a string of competitors, beginning with her brother, Edoardo. Adam received Grazia in exchange. He hobbled his way through a couple of numbers with her, then she too was taken from him, at which point he renounced the dance floor for the bar nearby. He was waiting to be served when Harry stalked up to him.

    'Her husband's not here.'

    It took a moment for Adam to realize he was talking about Signora Pedretti. 'I know, she said over dinner.'

    'But a bunch of his friends are.' Harry lit a cigarette and glared about him.

    'Harry, are you seriously trying to seduce a married woman?'

    'I think so. Yes. Why? You think it's a bad idea?' He hesitated. 'Shit, it's a bad idea, isn't it?' 'Is it enough to know she would—under different circumstances, I mean?'

    'Maybe.'

    'So ask her.'

    'Ask her?'

    'Yes. Then you'll know. And then her husband's friends won't have to kill you.'

    There was a simple logic to the suggestion that Adam suspected would appeal to Harry. It did. Harry tripped off in search of Signora Pedretti, greeting Antonella's mother as he went. Caterina approached Adam with the controlled steps of someone who knows they've strayed beyond their limit.

    'Where's Riccardo?' he asked.

    'Talking to my mother.' She gave a sardonic smile. 'I think she approves.'

    'He's great.'

    'So is Antonella.' She nodded toward the dance floor. 'I saw you dancing with her. You like her, don't you?'

    Something in her voice brought out a defensive streak in him.

    'Is that so hard to understand?'

    'Of course not, I am her mother.'

    'Yes, I like her.'

    'Men do. That is never a problem for her.'

    Intentionally or otherwise, her words placed him somewhere in a long line of foolhardy suitors, and he was happy that the barman asked him for his order at that moment.

    'One of those, please,' he said, pointing to Caterina's cocktail glass.

    It was unpronounceable. And almost undrinkable.