Luca ran his tongue over his lips and tasted the sweet, fruity residue of her lip gloss. He could still feel the soft imprint of her lips on his, could still feel the throb of desire kissing her had evoked in his body, the deep pulses in his groin, the tingles in his thighs and lower spine.
He had kissed many women, too many to recall in any detail, but he knew he would never forget his first kiss with Artie. It was embedded in his memory. He could recall every contour of her soft mouth, every brush and glide of her tongue, her sweet vanilla and wild-strawberry taste.
But he would have to find some way to forget, for theirs was to be a paper marriage. A six-month time frame to achieve his goal of setting his grandfather’s mind at peace. Knowing Artie had so little experience was an even bigger reason to stick to his plan of a hands-off arrangement. It wouldn’t be fair to explore the physical chemistry between them, because it might raise her expectations on their relationship.
He didn’t do relationships. And certainly not that type of relationship.
Long-term relationships required commitment and responsibility for the health and safety of your partner. His track record on keeping those he loved safe was appalling. It was easier not to love. Easier to keep his emotions in check, to freeze them so deep inside himself they could never be thawed. To imagine oneself falling in love just because of a bit of scorching hot chemistry was a foolish and reckless thing to do. He no longer did anything reckless and foolish.
Luca glanced at Artie and something pinched in his chest. She was standing next to the ancient stone fountain, the tinkling of water and the sound of birds chirping in the shrubbery a perfect backdrop for her old-world beauty. The sunlight brought out the glossy sheen of her dark brown hair, the light breeze playing with a curl that had worked its way loose from her elegant up-do. She was looking into the distance, a small frown on her forehead, and every now and again the tip of her tongue came out and swept across her lips where his had recently pressed. She turned her head and caught him staring at her, and her cheeks pooled with a delicate shade of pink.
Had he made a mistake in choosing her to be his temporary bride? She was so innocent, so untouched and other-worldly, like she had been transported from another time in history or straight out of a classic fairy tale. And yet he’d felt a connection with her from the moment he met her. A powerful connection that no amount of logic and rationality could dismiss. His brain said Don’t go there and yet his body roared with primal hunger.
But he would have to get his self-control back in shape, and fast, because falling for his sweet and innocent bride would be the most reckless and foolish thing of all.
CHAPTER FIVE
ARTIE WAS AWARE of Luca’s gaze resting on her every time she glanced his way. Aware of the way her body responded to his lightest touch. The merest brush of his fingers set off spot fires in her flesh, sending heat travelling to every secret place in her body. Smouldering there like hot coals just waiting for a breath of oxygen to fan them into vibrant life.
His kiss…
Best not to think too much about his kiss. They were supposed to be keeping their relationship platonic, but nothing about Luca’s kiss was platonic. It was sensory overload and she wondered if she would ever recover. Or stop wanting him to kiss her again. And why stop at kisses? He had woken something in her, something hungry and needy that begged to be assuaged. The idea of asking Luca to tweak the rules of their marriage slipped into her mind like an uninvited guest. It would be an ideal opportunity for her to get some experience on board. A six-month marriage where she could indulge in the delights of the flesh. What was there to lose other than her virginity?
Your pride? her conscience piped up. He can have anyone. You’re not even his type. How do you think you could ever satisfy him for six minutes, let alone six months?
Luca took a glass of champagne off Rosa and came over to where Artie was standing near the fountain. He glanced towards the priest and then back to her. ‘Father Pasquale is having a good time indulging in Rosa’s food. How long has she been working here?’
‘Since I was a baby,’ Artie said. ‘This is her home as much as it is mine.’
‘So, what would she do if you were to sell up and move away?’
Artie raised her chin. ‘I would never sell the castello. And I don’t want to live anywhere but here.’
I can’t live anywhere but here.
Luca held her gaze for a long moment. ‘How will you maintain the estate? It needs a lot of work, and sooner rather than later.’
She drained her champagne glass and sent him a narrowed glance. ‘Is this the right time to discuss this? It’s our wedding day.’
His brows drew together in a frown. ‘Do I have to remind you of the terms of our marriage?’
‘No.’ She flashed him a pointed look. ‘Do you need reminding? That kiss was a little enthusiastic for someone who insisted on keeping things on paper.’
His gaze went to her mouth, and the atmosphere throbbed with heightened intensity. ‘Maybe, but it wasn’t a one-way kiss, was it, cara? You were with me all the way.’ His tone was so deep and rough it sent a tingle down her spine. And his eyes contained a glint that made something warm and liquid spill between her thighs.
Artie went to swing away
