Sweet Temptation by Cora Reilly

“It won’t go upstairs,” I said firmly.
She nodded and gave the dog an order. To my surprise, Loulou trotted back
into the living room. “She’s got her basket in there. It’s supposed to be her safe
haven.”
Shaking my head, I walked up the stairs. I was too exhausted for this
nonsense. Giulia followed quietly, but I could practically feel her need to talk.
We stepped into the bedroom and I closed the door. “How did things go with my
children?”
“Good. I went shopping with them. We’re getting to know each other. I’m
trying to become their friend—”
“They don’t need a friend. They need a mother figure. They need guidance
and someone who leads the way.”
“If that was all they needed, you wouldn’t need me since you are so good at
leading,” she said.
I paused at her insolence. Most people showed me respect without me having
to do anything, but Giulia kept defying me in the most infuriating way possible.
“I’m taking a shower. Go to bed and try to sleep.” I didn’t wait for her response
and disappeared into the bathroom. I took my time getting ready for bed, hoping
Giulia would be asleep by then. She wanted to get to know me. I wasn’t sure if I
wanted her to.
When I emerged, Giulia stood in front of the window. I stifled a sigh. “Why
aren’t you in bed?”
She let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “Because I think we need to talk. We
are married.”
“I don’t see what we need to talk about.”
She stomped toward me, stopping so close that the strawberry scent flooded
my nose again. “A lot. I want this marriage to work, but that won’t happen if we
don’t spend time together. Do you usually come home this late?”
“Yes, frequently. I’m Underboss, Giulia.”
“My father’s Underboss and so are many of my uncles, and trust me, they
have more than enough time to waste on golf courses or on top of their
mistresses.”
A laugh wedged itself in my throat, but I suppressed it. “My work ethic is
very different from theirs.”
“As your wife I have a right to make demands so this marriage can work, and
I’m asking you to be home for dinner so the kids and I can spend time with you.”
My anger rose again, even as a small part of me was pleased that she wanted
to spend time with me. “This marriage is one of convenience.”
Giulia’s eyes flashed. “I suppose it’s very convenient for you to have me as
your nanny and for your personal pleasure without the burden of having to talk
to me.”
She was infuriating. I pulled her against me, my mouth so close to hers, for a
moment I almost forgot myself. “We’ve had sex once, girl, so the pleasure factor
in our marriage has been very limited, and as far as your nanny qualities go, I’m