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unless I’m mistaken,’ Lily posed in contemplation. ‘With perhaps a sprinkle of brown sugar to sweeten. And scallions, I think, for their crisp light taste.’
    â€˜You would like to experiment in my kitchen?’
    Lily offered an impish smile. ‘Perhaps we can experiment together. Tomorrow?’
    â€˜I’d like nothing better.’
    â€˜Such an honour,’ Carlo declared. ‘Only Alessandro has been permitted to try his hand in Sophia’s kitchen.’
    Lily raised an eyebrow. ‘Alessandro?’
    â€˜He worked kitchens in places no respectable person knew existed,’ Sophia revealed, sobering a little. ‘Liaised deals with undesirables likely to double-deal or worse, rather than pay up. And sleep anywhere he could find a place to lay his head.’
    â€˜Always on the alert, and with means of protection,’ Carlo added quietly.
    Lily looked at him carefully. ‘You speak from experience.’ It wasn’t a question, merely a statement.
    â€˜Yes.’
    â€˜As one of Alessandro’s…partners.’ She refrained from adding… in crime .
    â€˜An interesting description,’ Carlo conceded in a lightly accented drawl.
    An understatement, if ever there was one, Lily conceded, aware the reality had been far worse than either man would admit.
    It was late when Carlo brought the car to a halt outside the main entrance to Sophia’s villa, and he delivered their purchases indoors, refused coffee, and bade both women buona notte .
    Lily turned to Sophia as Carlo left, and issued genuine thanks for a wonderful day.
    â€˜You’re most welcome, cara .’ Sophia hugged Lily close. ‘We will sort our purchases in the morning. Goodnight, Lily,’ she bade gently. ‘Sleep well.’
    â€˜You, too, Zia .’
    Together they ascended the staircase, then parted as Lily moved to her guest suite.
    The large bed looked inviting, and she removed her clothes, took a leisurely shower, then she slid between the sheets and fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
    It was almost seven when she woke, and she stretched her limbs, then she threw back the covers and padded to the set of windows, tilted the indoor shutters and watched in admiration as sunrise coloured the gardens to a beautiful kaleidoscope of landscaped glory.
    A new day lay ahead, and she completed her morning routine before choosing dress jeans and a casual top, then she slid her feet into flat shoes and was about to leave the room when she remembered to check her laptop.
    There were several emails awaiting her attention, a few of which she quickly skimmed before reaching an update from Parisi’s manager reporting that all was going well in the restaurant.
    The sender of the next email was James , and her initial reaction was to delete it unread. Except curiosity led her to the deleted folder minutes later, and she read the apologetic missive, citing his remorse, heartbreak, and the plea for reconciliation, followed by a promise to be loyal and loving…if only she’d give him another chance.
    It didn’t even qualify an answer.
    Without pause she closed the laptop and made her waydownstairs to find Sophia sipping coffee at the dining-room table while she perused the daily newspaper.
    â€˜Good morning, cara ,’ Sophia greeted with a warm smile, and indicated the table’s contents. ‘Coffee? Juice?’
    Lily slid into a chair and helped herself to juice, drank it slowly.
    â€˜Some of the fashions from the runway are written up.’ Sophia indicated the page in question. ‘Together with photos from the party. This week’s trade magazines will feature both in more detail.’ She moved the newspaper so Lily could view it.
    Lily had no problem reading the Italian script, and she skimmed over the photographs, then came to a halt as she recognized one of her standing next to Alessandro at the party.
    Except it wasn’t so