Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

Cassio hugged me to him. “Giulia, you will leave now.” I didn’t miss how he
positioned his body between Luca and me as if he worried my disrespect might
cause Luca to strike me down.
“No,” I snapped and let my legs drop away from under me. Cassio was
startled and barely managed to soften my fall. I sank down on the ground like a
stubborn child—or a very heavily pregnant woman determined to save the man
she loved. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here. You’ll have to drag
me out.”
Cassio shook his head but his eyes reflected his admiration. He bent down
and picked me up without trouble despite my protests. He carried me toward the
door and set me down, his arm slung around my waist so I didn’t try to sit down
on the floor again. I clutched at his shirt, wrinkling it. He cupped my chin
between his thumb and forefinger. “Go home, honey.” His voice was silky and
imploring.
Tears blurred my vision as I clung to him. “Swear you’ll return to me.”
Cassio looked back to Luca and for a moment they simply stared at each
other. “I swear.” Elia appeared at my side and at a sign from Cassio, he wrapped
his arm around me and dragged me away. I looked over my shoulder at Cassio.
He gave me an encouraging smile before he closed the door. Had Cassio lied to
me about returning home?