The Surprise Conti Child Read Online Free PDF Page A

cattle.”
    Antonio looked tired. “To make the Conti name respectable again at all costs, to do everything that Enzo ruined, this was your choice, Leandro.”
    Leandro nodded. “Tell Salvatore that I will marry Sophia as soon as he pleases.”
    He had been alone far too long anyway. A marriage for the sake of children—he had nothing against that.
    * * *
    Memories of that long-ago summer crashed through Alexis as she stared at the majestic Villa de Conti, glittering against the night sky. The magnificent towering gates that they had just passed, the scent of jasmine that grew on the columns of the terrace porch, the breeze coming off Lake Como, and the glitterati of the Italian society dressed in designer wear and elegant diamonds, it was a sensory assault.
    Fiercely intimidating, too.
    Alex ran a hand over her white silk button-down blouse nervously, not that she could ever compete with this crowd. Dark blue jeans and white pumps finished her simple attire.
    She was glad she had called Valentina. The lie had fallen so easily off her lips—that she was touring Italy again and would love to see her. Valentina had sounded delighted, pretending as if they had remained friends after that summer instead of Alex calling her out of the blue. Had even sent Alex a car to pick her up.
    But she hadn’t mentioned that Alex would be arriving at the villa the night of, what seemed like, a big party.
    Thanking the driver, Alex exited from the car and looked up. Now that she stood there, anxiety made her empty stomach heave. Her mouth felt dry.
    How was she supposed to locate him amid this crowd, much less tell him about Izzie?
    Alex swayed, some primal instinct urging her to turn around and flee. But Izzie’s welfare and her own peace of mind depended on this.
    Shaking at the warring logic and instinct, she froze.
    â€œAlex? Alexis Sharpe?”
    Luca Conti stood at the top of the steps, looking dashing in a black tuxedo. The usual, ornamental blonde on his arm was such a familiar sight that Alex felt a burst of affection. She had a feeling he’d been on his way out.
    While she tried to get her vocal chords to work, Luca dismissed the blonde and came down the steps.
    Vitality radiated from him, an easy smile on his lips. As he came closer, the cast of those similar features left her reeling afresh.
    Before she could blink, she was enfolded in a tight hug. Alex returned it slowly, her throat thick, her limbs shaking.
    Why hadn’t she tangled with this easy man, the desperate and shameful thought popped up.
    Luca pulled back, studied her at leisure with those deceptively mocking black eyes. His grip around her waist tightened, in comfort, she realized as her shaking refused to cease.
    â€œYou’ve become stunning, bella . I knew I shouldn’t have let you go that summer.”
    Alex smiled, grateful for his tease. “Thank you, Luca. Valentina knew I was coming. I...”
    â€œBut, of course, you are welcome, Alex.” She could see the curiosity in his eyes, but he didn’t press. Instead he offered her his arm. “Come, let us find something for you to drink and then we find Valentina, si ?”
    Alex shook her head. She had almost lost her nerve earlier, but not anymore. “I will see Valentina later, maybe. Luca...will you take me...can you please arrange for me to see your brother?”
    â€œLeandro...” Shock reflected in his gaze as it met hers. “You came to see Leandro.” It was not a question.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIt is not anything I could help with, bella ?” he sounded sympathetic.
    â€œNo.”
    Something flickered in his gaze before he looked up at the villa, and then back at her but this time, his look was different, the playfulness gone. Alex was sure he’d deny her.
    â€œThen let us go find my esteemed brother.” Relief made her shiver. “I have to warn you, though, cara , that he is quite in demand, especially