A Dark Sicilian Secret(32)

Until this moment, Jillian had been almost excited about arriving in Catania. She enjoyed travel and usually loved the moment she stepped off an airplane, thrilled by the sense of freedom and possibilities that came from being somewhere new. Every place had a different feel and unique energy. But all sense of wonder abruptly disappeared.

Vittorio’s hand remained on her back. “This might be rough,” he said. “But just remind yourself that you will survive.”

Her heart fell. His mother sounded awful. “You’re telling me her bark is worse than her bite?”

“No.” His full sensual mouth twisted, dark eyes narrowed. “I’m telling you that no one yet has died from her bite.”

“And that is really not very comforting.”

He smiled suddenly, dark eyes glinting with humor before he dropped a kiss on her lips. “Oh, she also thinks we’re radiantly happy, and completely in love. Can you manage that?”

She pressed her lips together, mouth tingling from his brief kiss. She wished he’d kiss her again. There was something dangerously addictive about his mouth. “I’ll try.”

He smiled again. “Good luck.” And then they were walking once more, closing the distance between them and the waiting cars.

Jillian’s high heels made faint clicking sounds on the tarmac but her gaze was fixed on Vittorio’s mother. She looked youthful, even glamorous in her ice-blue suit trimmed in a blue, aqua and cream braid, and matching high heels the same color. She wore her hair in a loose chignon, a style which highlighted her elegant features.

Jillian stood back as Vitt embraced her warmly and then introduced her to his son. How could this woman be Vitt’s mother?

But Vitt was turning to Jillian now, and extending a hand. “Madre, this is my wife, Jill,” he said, drawing Jillian all the way forward. “Jill, my mother, Theresa d’Severano.”

Up close Jillian could see that Theresa d’Severano wasn’t quite as young as Jillian had first thought, but neither did she look like a woman in her mid-fifties. Jillian didn’t know if it was genetics or technology, but Theresa could have easily passed for Vitt’s sister.

Suddenly Jillian didn’t feel as pulled together as she had just a few minutes ago and wished she’d taken the time to put on a little makeup before stepping off the plane. But it was too late for lipstick. All she could do was make the best impression possible. Summoning her confidence as well as a warm smile, Jillian extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. d’Severano.”

Theresa gave her a long, level look, the expression in her blue eyes cool. She ignored Jillian’s hand. “You’re the woman that trapped Vittorio.”

So that’s what they think happened. Vittorio, the adored oldest son and the apple of his mother’s eye, had been ensnared by a villainous American gold digger. Jillian only wished she was half as sneaky and manipulative as his family imagined.

She dropped her hand and struggled to keep her smile. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

His mother’s smile turned positively glacial. “Odd. I never heard a word about you.”

Vittorio gestured toward the car. “Mother, why don’t we continue our conversation on the drive home?” he suggested pleasantly even though his mouth was set hard.

His mother patted his arm. “Why don’t you and the baby take one car, and Jill and I will take another? This way she and I can spend a little bit of time getting to know each other.”

Jillian swallowed, thinking it was one of the worst ideas she’d ever heard but she couldn’t very well say that.

“Jill?” Vitt said, looking at her. “What do you prefer?”

It was good of him to give her a choice. It sounded like the right thing to say, but clearly he didn’t understand that Jillian couldn’t refuse his mother’s suggestion without appearing ungracious. She forced a smile. “I’d love to ride with your mother,” she said. “Sounds like fun.”

“It’s probably a good idea,” he agreed smoothly. “This way you’ll have an ally on your side before you meet the rest of the family.”

Jillian then had no choice but to follow his mother into her black sedan, even as her gaze strayed to her baby in Vitt’s arms. She should be with Vitt and Joe. She should be traveling with them, not Vitt’s mom.

“Have you ever been to Sicily?” Theresa asked as they each took position on opposite ends of the leather seat.