Dead By Dusk Read Online Free PDF Page B

locked.”
    â€œBut you’re coming back.”
    â€œI’ll knock loudly.”
    Gema watched him go. Watched the set of his broad shoulders, the long, easy stride with which he seemed to cover distance quickly. The scent of him seemed to linger.
    She leaned against her door, smiling. She’d had a bit too much to drink, but . . .
    Energy returned to her. He’d be back. And she’d be ready. She flew up the stairs where a hallway divided into three full rooms, all with access to the outer porch. The accommodations were nice enough. Even very nice. But she wasn’t sure what the builders had been thinking, putting three bedrooms in such a charming little bungalow. Nor what she had been thinking when she hadn’t insisted that she have really private quarters.
    Ah, well—tonight, she was alone.
    And waiting.
    She hurried to her bathroom, started the water, and fantasized about the night to come as she stroked her flesh with scented soap.
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    Giovanni was between twenty-five and thirty, exceptionally tall. He had an easy appearance that made him seem almost lanky, but a look at his tightly worn knit shirt clearly showed that he was really incredibly well honed. He also had a smile Stephanie was sure had broken many a young female heart. He had a lazy, sensual look about him, and yet she had discovered that he had almost as much energy as Arturo, and was a worker who could move like the wind. He was cute, all right. Sexy.
    But she felt far more mature, and not at all in the mood.
    He arrived with her two heavy suitcases, coat, and garment bag, all carried at once. Stephanie wasn’t quite sure how he had managed it all, but he stood at the front door, grinning, and not appearing at all burdened by the weight.
    â€œGood evening, Miss Cahill. I will run these up to the loft for you?”
    Stephanie arched a brow, wondering if even the young, muscle-bound Giovanni was capable of running it all up the stairs.
    â€œSure, thanks, come in,” she told him.
    He nodded, and started up the stairs. He wasn’t running, but he did move darned quickly. A second later, he was back.
    â€œIs there anything else I may do for you?”
    â€œThank you very much, but no. I think I’m just going to get some sleep.”
    He nodded, but didn’t move. “You like the cottage?”
    â€œIt’s beautiful. The sea is wonderful. The mountains . . . are even better.”
    â€œHaunted,” he said, and nodded sagely.
    â€œOh?”
    He shrugged. “There were many battles in the cliffs and hills.”
    â€œWorld War Two?” she asked.
    He grimaced. “A few. But years ago, the local people, kings of the region and Sicily, fought. Many Crusaders moved through here. Many did not want to leave. They are finding the remains of all kinds of old things up there. But the people have always said the hills cry by night. Pretty, yes? Oh—I haven’t frightened you, have I?”
    Stephanie laughed. “Not at all. I do have a few fears, but none that include warriors from the Crusades coming to burn down my house.”
    â€œStill, if you like, there are many lovely small towns to see, and I can show you. Of course, sometimes, it’s not easy. Your actresses are stuck on the road, you know.”
    â€œYes, I know.”
    â€œBut the rock slides do not happen often.”
    â€œJust on the day I arrive,” Stephanie murmured.
    â€œIt will be fine.”
    â€œYes, I know. It’s Italy.”
    â€œPardon?”
    Stephanie shook her head. “I know that it will all be fine.”
    He nodded and started to leave, then paused, turning back. “I could be a very good actor.”
    â€œReally? Well, we’ll see—how’s that?”
    â€œVery, very good.” Giovanni had what could be considered almost stereotypical good looks. Tall, dark, and well-muscled, he also possessed a finely sculpted face and two of the deepest, darkest