One Last Night Read Online Free PDF Page B

her back into the family fold.
    Besides, her mother-in-law was thrilled to finally be a grandmother. She doted on little Ella and, with the news of Bronte's new pregnancy, Giovanna was clearly preoccupied with the new branch of the family tree.
    Nicolò, or Nic as he was more commonly called, the youngest of the Sabbatini brothers, was less accommodating. He adopted his usual sardonic expression as he approached Maya after Giorgio had gone to fetch another glass of juice for her.
    'So it seems you changed your mind after reacquainting yourself with how the other half lives, eh, Maya?' he said. 'Glad you came to your senses. You weren't going to come out in front, not with Giorgio's legal team working on it.'

    Maya kept her expression coolly contained, even though inside she felt furious at being reminded of how outmatched she had been right from the start. 'Hello, Nic,' she said. 'How are things with you?'
    He rocked his almost empty champagne flute back and forth, his hazel eyes penetrating as they held hers. 'Fine enough,' he said.
    She looked around his broad shoulders for signs of a current date. 'What? No Hollywood starlet tonight?' she asked with a mocking lift of her brows.
    Nic gave her a crooked wry smile that reminded her of Giorgio in one of his rare playful moods.
    'No, I didn't think Nonno would approve of my latest lover. He mentioned the "M" word a few moments ago. It was enough to turn me to drink.'
    'You're only what…thirty-two?' she asked.
    He nodded rather grimly. 'You know the Sabbatini rule. Once you turn thirty, you are meant to settle down.'
    'Luca has only just done so at thirty-four,' Maya said. 'You shouldn't rush into these things. You could end up making a mistake.'
    He rocked his glass again, his eyes still boring into hers. 'Like you did?'
    The words hung in the air like a swinging sword.
    'I don't consider my marriage to your brother to have ever been a mistake,' Maya said, wishing she really believed it. 'We just hit a rough patch, that's all.'
    Giorgio came over at that moment and handed Maya a glass of juice. He must have picked up on the atmosphere, for he narrowed his gaze at his youngest brother. 'I hope you are keeping your thoughts and opinions on marriage to yourself, Nic,' he said. 'I don't want Maya upset by your teasing.'
    Nic's smile was instantly charming. 'I was just welcoming her back into the family,' he said. His expression became a little more serious as he addressed Maya directly. 'I hope it works out for you. I mean that, Maya.'
    Maya wondered if he somehow sensed her insecurity. He was an out-and-out playboy-everyone knew about his wild child antics as a teenager and young adult-but the outcome of that madcap lifestyle had given him an almost intuitive sense at times. He had grown up a lot after the tragic death of his father, but it was common knowledge in the family that his mother and his grandfather in particular wanted him to settle down with a suitable wife, which was something Nic made it clear he was not prepared to do. He was a free spirit and hated being tied down.
    Even within the family corporation, he was the one who had been given the most flexibility. Nic was the one who travelled the world, hardly settling in one place longer than a week or two as he acquired property and oversaw the redevelopments of their hotel chain.
    'Thank you, Nic,' she said. 'I aim to give it my very best shot.'

    After a few more desultory exchanges with other guests and family members, Giorgio led her away to a quiet corner. He was aware of how strained she looked. Her face looked pale and he had noticed she had surreptitiously mopped at her brow a couple of times, as if she was finding it too warm. 'Don't take any notice of Nic,' he said, watching as his younger brother started chatting up a stunning redhead near the buffet table.
    'Nic is Nic,' she said in a downbeat voice.
    'Yes, indeed.' Giorgio sighed and looked down at Maya. 'You look tired. It's been a long night.
    Do you