Powerful Persuasion. Margaret Mayo

up the job, got me out here, and hoped that when I saw your great-grandmother I would agree to do what you want,’ she accused him heatedly.

      He inclined his head. ‘That was the general idea. She’s quite a person, isn’t she?’

      The thought that he’d had his eye on her for some time sent a shiver of unease down Celena’s spine. She did not like to think that he had been observing her, talking about her, collecting his dossier on her while she had been in complete ignorance. She could not recollect ever having seen him before—and yet he knew about her! He had chosen her because of her startling resemblance to Simone.

      Changing the direction of her thoughts, Celena tried to imagine what the pretence—if she agreed to it—would be like, what meeting the rest of the family would be like. ‘I’m no actress,’ she said, speaking her thoughts out loud. ‘I’m not sure that I could carry it off, Mr Segurini.’

      He gave a snort of anger. ‘Will you call me Luciano, please? And of course you can; there’s nothing to it Just forget I’m your employer; think of me as a friend—a close friend. Do that and the rest will fall into place.’

      Celena wondered whether he realised the enormity of his request. It was unreal, unfair, and yet she did not like to think of the old woman upstairs being hurt, possibly giving up her fragile hold on life after all these years of waiting and hoping for Luciano to find himself a bride. It would be on her conscience for the rest of her life if that happened. Surely it wouldn’t hurt to go along with it for a day or two?

      Also, if she did refuse, he could quite easily terminate her employment And where would that leave her? And Davina? Fourteen now, top of her class, with excellent prospects, her sister dreamt about becoming a doctor—it was her passion in life. How could she be selfish enough to squash those dreams?

      She heaved a sigh and Luciano must have seen the acceptance in her eyes because he said, ‘Is that a yes?’

      ‘I just hope I don’t regret it,’ Celena muttered.

      ‘You’ll knock them flat,’ he declared. ‘And I think now might be a good time to seal our bargain. You might even call it a rehearsal.’

      Celena had no idea what he was talking about until he closed the gap between them and drew her into the circle of his arms. She opened her mouth to protest, only to find it captured by a pair of sensual, warm lips—lips that coaxed and burned and turned her insides to fire.

      The kiss seemed to last for ever, every nerve and pulse in Celena’s body responding instantly and feverishly. It was with a supreme effort of will that she kept her feelings hidden, and when Luciano finally pulled away, saying, ‘Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?’ she looked heatedly into his face.

      ‘I think you took an enormous liberty.’ And deep down inside she was devastated to think how vulnerable she had suddenly become, how difficult the next few days were going to be.

      ‘At least I’ve proved that you don’t find me totally abhorrent.’ He smiled, satisfied, and sat back away from her.

      Celena’s eyes flashed. ‘You had better not do it too often,’ she declared fiercely.

      His lips quirked. ‘I’m a very tactile man, Celena.’

      ‘Well, you’d better be untactile where I’m concerned,’ she raged, ‘or you might end up with egg on your face.’ Insisting that he leave her alone was her only form of defence, the only way she could keep her traitorous feelings hidden.

      ‘Don’t let me down, Celena.’ It was spoken softly but a warning nevertheless.

      She swallowed hard. ‘It’s the most difficult thing I’ve ever been asked to do.’

      ‘I agree it’s unusual,’ he said, ‘but I don’t think it will be difficult, and naturally I shall make it worth your while.’

      Celena pushed herself angrily to her feet ‘Why does everything always come down to money? As far as I’m concerned it’s all part of my job—I don’t want paying extra for it. Being paid to be kissed by you makes me sound like a—’

      He interrupted her swiftly, harshly, springing up also. ‘You’ve made your point, Celena. It’s just that I’m used to—’

      ‘Paying for whatever you want,’ she cut in sharply. ‘I’m not impressed. Don’t forget my name’s not Simone. There are some things money can’t buy, Luciano. Hell, I can’t call you that—it’s too much of a mouthful. I’ll call you Luc.’ She pronounced it Luke.

      He shrugged. ‘As you wish.’

      ‘What’s going to happen when I’ve served my purpose?’ she asked bluntly. ‘Will I get my marching orders?’

      His eyes flickered impatiently. ‘The job will be yours for as long as you want it’

      ‘A high price to pay for a few days of someone pretending to be your girlfriend,’ she retorted scathingly.

      ‘I happen to think you’re worth it.’ Anger darkened his face now. ‘Enough of this conversation. Francesca will show you to your room. Tonight my whole family is dining with us. Please dress yourself accordingly.’ He was every inch the Sicilian aristocrat in that moment—and Celena hated him.

      Along miles of corridor Francesca took her, finally opening a door and showing Celena inside. When the girl offered to unpack Celena shook her head with an apologetic smile. ‘Thank you, but it won’t be necessary; I haven’t much.’ And certainly nothing glamorous enough for a grand dinner with the Segurinis!

      It was a large, high-ceilinged room with yet more ornate plasterwork and beautiful old furniture. The bare wooden floor was highly polished with a cotton rug either side of the bed. Furnished in muted shades of blue, it was pleasant and relaxing, though Celena was far too uptight to appreciate this fact.

      The house was high on the mountainside and the tall, deep windows, with their stone balustrades, gave stunning panoramic views over the island. In the distance she could see Mount Etna and, to one side, the blue of the ocean, with drifts of colour from wild flowers on the hillside.

      She sat for long moments staring out, thinking over the commitment she had made. Everything had conspired to make her say yes—Giacoma’s obvious ill health, Davina’s school fees, her own fear of being jobless. Everything. All she could hope was that she wouldn’t live to regret it

      Eventually she took a shower in the adjoining bathroom, and then pulled on a pale green silk shirtwaister that she had packed in case they had any business dinners. It wasn’t exactly what she would have chosen for the occasion confronting her now, but it was the best she could do.

      After brushing her hair and applying the minimum of make-up up she sat down again at the window. The sun was sinking fast now; soon it would be dark. When Luciano entered after only the lightest tap on the door she shot up from her seat and looked at him crossly. ‘I could have been naked.’

      ‘I guessed you’d be ready and waiting,’ he said easily, walking across the room towards her. He had changed into a grey shirt and grey moleskin trousers and looked devastating, but Celena still glared.

      ‘I am ready, but—waiting? I hardly think so. I cannot believe that I let you talk me into this.’

      His mouth tightened. ‘The family are anxious to meet you. I’d like it if you snapped out of that mood.’

      ‘I feel pressured,’ she said defensively.

      He took her by the shoulders and she thought he was going to shake her; instead he said with surprising softness, ‘There is no need.’

      A shudder ran through her at his touch. Despite her fears she could not ignore the sensations he evoked; they thrilled unbounded through her body.

      ‘You’re trembling,’ he said, and sounded surprised. ‘Are you really so afraid?’

      Celena grasped the excuse. ‘Of course I am,’ she whispered