Italian Marriage: In Name Only

How dared he do that! she thought angrily. Who the hell did he think he was? ‘You’re right, I probably am coming down with something,’ she grated angrily. ‘I think it’s called a terminal case of cold feet, at the thought of having to marry you next week!’

He looked over at her and amusement flickered in the darkness of his eyes. He liked her fiery sense of humour.

‘Don’t worry about the ceremony—it will only take ten minutes.’

The nonchalant tone annoyed her even more. ‘I’m not worried about the ceremony! It’s the subsequent consequences of it that are concerning me!’

Wasn’t he in the least bit bothered about the enormity of what he was asking her to do?

‘I assure you the only consequences will be a healthier bank account and a better way of life for you and your son.’

Obviously not in the slightest bit concerned. ‘Money isn’t everything, you know,’ she muttered impulsively.

No one had ever said that to him before. One dark eyebrow rose and he smiled. ‘You’re right, of course. But it helps,’ he said. He glanced around the apartment again and reluctantly she found herself seeing it through his eyes, noticing how small and utilitarian it was.

‘And you need the help,’ he continued coolly. ‘You couldn’t live here for much longer anyway. For one thing you have a growing boy. He will need space to run and play.’

‘Nathan is only two years of age. I’ve plenty of time to think about that. In the meantime I’m bringing him up with love—and that’s all that really counts.’ She tipped her head up proudly, refusing to allow him to talk down to her.

‘Admirable, I’m sure. But love won’t pay the bills, will it?’

‘We were doing OK!’

He watched how her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides. ‘No, you weren’t, Victoria. You were close to bankruptcy.’

‘I admit trade has been slow.’ Her voice was husky as she confessed that reality. ‘But we would have got through! And a lot of my problems have been exacerbated by you ruthlessly hiking up my rent.’

Antonio just shook his head and glanced at his watch. ‘It’s called business—don’t take it personally. We’ll just have to make sure you don’t have any overheads like that at your new premises.’

The patronizing tone made her teeth start to grind with agitation. But before she could make any retort he was sweeping on. ‘So, as I was saying, this deal is very much to your advantage. And don’t worry about the ceremony itself, it’s just a formality. Turn up in jeans if you want—I don’t care.’