Innocent in the Italian's Possession Read Online Free PDF

blood pooled in his groin just at the thought of pressing her back on his desk and making love with her. He curled his fingers into fists and pressed the knuckles into the wood, vexed that his body was still not listening to his brain where she was concerned.
    Perhaps he’d be wise to sever all ties with Gemma Cardone now. He could certainly afford to replace his papa’s lost fortune.
    He’d be free of this temptation and could devote his attention to the shipyard.
    But a swift dismissal would let her off scot-free to practice her duplicity on another victim. Word would quickly spread that Cesare and Stefano Marinetti were easy marks.
    No, he had to make an example of her. He had to venerate his mamma’s cry for vengeance. He couldn’t let Gemma Cardone get away with such duplicity.
    His gaze narrowed on the mistress who seemed too damned poised.
    Sì , too much pride and honor was at stake to sweep this nasty business under the rug. He had to publicly ruin this little schemer. The sooner, the better.
    Stefano waved a hand at the chair before his desk, impatient to get this unpleasantness finished. She hesitated in the doorway a heartbeat before quickly crossing the room.
    His pulse began racing as his gaze lingered on the brief skirt that hugged her thighs and showcased long, elegant legs that could cling to a man’s flanks as they writhed in the throes of passion. Maledizione ! He didn’t want to think of seducing her.
    He damned sure didn’t want to think of her doing the same to his papa. That image sent anger bolting through him with the burning intensity of a lightning strike.
    Damn seductive gold-digger.
    Damned beautiful gold-digger.
    As soon as she was seated, he began. “I want to know what business my father and you conducted in Milan for the past nine months.”
    She went still as death, fixing those expressive blue eyes on him again. Her small fingers tightened around the edge of her notepad and her back stiffened, as if ready to defend something that wasn’t defendable. “That is between me and your father.”
    “Not anymore,” he said, gaining satisfaction in watchingher glare at him as if he were in the wrong—the guilty always tried to divert attention away from themselves. “I hold majority shares in Marinetti Shipyard. The profits and debts are now mine to manage.”
    She blinked and the steel in her spine seemed to bow, as if burdened by that news. “Are you actually taking over your papa’s company?”
    “My plans are not open to discussion,” he said. “We were discussing your role in my father’s life.”
    The color drained from her face. “I told you I’m his personal secretary.”
    He snorted. She must think him as gullible as his papa.
    “Were you aware that my father is nearly bankrupt?” he said.
    Her face turned as white as marble. “I—I knew he was having financial difficulties of late.”
    “Yet you continued to take thousands of euros from him every month, even though he could ill afford such lavish gifts.”
    “It wasn’t a gift.” She pressed her lips together and downed her head, convincing him of her guilt but not her remorse.
    “Then what was it, Miss Cardone? Payment for services rendered?”
    Her head snapped up and her eyes sparked with indignation and some other emotion he couldn’t quite put his finger on. “How dare you think that I— That Cesare and I were more than friends.”
    “Do not lie to me, Miss Cardone.”
    “I’m telling you the truth. Cesare is a dear friend and my employer. Nothing more.”
    He pressed his palms on the desk when he longed to grasp her narrow shoulders and shake the truth from her. “Where the hell did the money go? You certainly haven’t spent it on designer clothes or a fancy apartment.”
    “How would you know?”
    “I’ve seen the small flat you live in and rent.” He snorted. “You don’t even own a car. Look at me!” he commanded when she looked away. “I want the truth. Why was my father giving you