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.Instead, he d muttered some remark under his breath and let the subjectmatter drop.He wondered if that was a flash of hurt in her eyes, but when he lookedagain, she was the same troublesome, sarcastic woman he d married.Anger cut through him at her constant ability to make him feel like shit.He hadn t saidanything wrong.She married for money, and freely admitted it.Why did she have topretend to play the innocent victim in this whole mess?He forced thoughts of his wife out of his mind and concentrated on the group ofbusinessmen circling Hyoshi Komo.Nick sensed one important factor to secure theJapanese man s vote.Excitement.Get Hyoshi Komo excited, and Nick had the job.The last and final piece in the puzzle was Michael Conte.The famous count was wellknown in the business world for his charm, money, and sharp intelligence.He believed inpassion, not preciseness, and behaved completely different from his other two partners.Nick hoped a lively conversation with his wife might help him gain a bit of an edge,especially since gossip pegged Conte as a womanizer.He stifled the quick flare of guiltand stepped into the group of men to speak.&Alexa decided it was time to find her husband.Besides the brief time seated beside him at dinner, they d been out of each other scompany the whole night.Humming under her breath to the strains of I Get a Kick out ofYou , she checked the room but couldn t pick him out of the crowd.She decided to makeher way down the elaborate hallway.Maybe he d gone to the bathroom.Her heels clicked against polished marble.The sounds of the music faded, and shestudied the paintings on the wall with pleasure, murmuring to herself when she found oneshe recognized.Her steps carried her around the next corner into a room that lookedmore like a gallery, filled with shelves of old, bound books carefully displayed.She heldher breath as her fingers itched to caress the binding of old leather and relish the soundof crackling as she turned the pages steeped in history. Ah, so to get you to notice me tonight, I should turn into a book, no? She spun around.A man stood in the doorway, his eyes filled with a mischievous humorshe knew to be a part of his core.His hair was long and caught back in a low ponytail,giving him the look of a pirate who had charmed women for centuries.His lips were fulland his nose dominated his strong features in typical Italian style.Dressed in black pants,a black silk shirt, and expensive leather shoes, he exhibited a graceful, seductive air just by standing.Alexa knew immediately the man was charming, warm-hearted, and deadlyto women.The thought made a smile curve her lips.She had a soft spot for womanizingItalian men.They reminded her of puffed up peacocks who inwardly wished to be kept inline by the right woman. Oh, I noticed you. She turned her back and resumed her study of the books. I knewyou d get to me by the end of the night. And were you looking forward to the moment, Signorina? With baited breath.So, should we use one of the bedrooms here or go back to yourplace? A shocked silence descended.Alexa peeked over her shoulder.A mixture of disappointment and temptation carvedout his features.Alexa bet he missed the idea of a chase, but didn t want to turn downsuch an offer.A delighted laugh bubbled to her lips at his obvious conflict and sudden lossof confidence.A knowing light gleamed in dark eyes. You are teasing, no? She turned to face him, still laughing. I guess I am. He shook his head with amusement. You are a wicked woman to tempt a man likethat. You are a wicked man to think a woman would do such a thing. Perhaps, you are right.A woman like you should have a husband watching at all times.Such a treasure could be stolen at any moment. Ah, but if I were a true treasure, I wouldn t be stolen easily.Certainly not by the firstline thrown at me. He pretended offense. Signorina, I would never insult you by thinking it would not be along treasure hunt.You d require a lot of work. Signora, she corrected. I am married. His face pulled into a low, sad look. Pity. Somehow, I think you knew. Perhaps.But let me introduce myself formally.I am Count Michael Conte
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