Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

cupping her head harder. “I’m good at both.”
“I don’t doubt it,” she whispered, shivering. “I love to paint and do Pilates.”
My fingers on her neck loosened. “Paint?”
“Yes, canvases. Still lifes, landscapes, animals. I’m not so good with the
human body, but I’m trying to improve. That’s what was in the huge package.
My canvases.”
I hadn’t paid much attention to Giulia’s belongings. Maybe I should have
shown basic interest in my wife’s life before I dragged her into the mess that was
my own.
“And Pilates helps me stay fit, and it’s good for my mental health too.” She
fell silent. “You look at me as if I’m talking nonsense.”
“You’re not,” I said. “You just keep surprising me.”
“In a good or bad way?”
“Good.”
She shrugged. “That’s good.”
It was. But good things always came with a price. “Have you painted since
you’ve arrived here?”
“No, I was busy settling in, and the kids and Loulou keep me on my toes.”
She tilted her head thoughtfully. “And I’d need a room to paint. The fumes need
to be contained.”
“There’s a vacant room beside my office. It’s got a nice view of the garden
and direct access to the terrace.”
Giulia’s face lit up. She lowered herself and propped her chin up on her
crossed arms on my chest. “Thank you.”
“How are things between you and my children?”
Her mouth thinned, but I wasn’t sure why. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she said, even though there obviously was. “The kids and I are
getting to know each other. I think I can gain Daniele’s trust through Loulou, and
today Simona let me carry her without crying.”
“About the dog—”
Giulia jerked into a sitting position again. “I don’t want to give Loulou away,
and I won’t lock her inside a room. It’s not fair to her. What’s your problem with
her anyway?”
“Apart from the fact that she’s not trained very well?”
“That’s hardly her fault. Did Gaia never work with her?”
I tensed. “The dog came at a difficult time.”
“I think Loulou is good for this family, and I really like her.”
“Then keep her, but train her.”
“Will Elia stay my bodyguard?”
“Of course, he’s a good choice.”
“Because he’s not interested in women.”
I narrowed my eyes, wondering how exactly she found out. She
misunderstood my expression. Worry tightened her face. “You knew, right?”
“Of course, that’s why he’s allowed to be your bodyguard.”