Patriot Threat. Steve Berry

none intended.

      Not once had she ever witnessed such pitiless disregard. Not even at the height of their verbal controversy over Sierra’s assertions in the final days before she’d left him.

      No way in the world would she want to be subject to such chilling resolve from anyone. Should she ever incur such a look from Raúl, she’d simply curl up and die.

      Not, however, Sierra, who shifted her attention briefly to Gianna.

      ‘So…what prompted you to return? His billions? Or his ability to make you feel like the kind of woman no other man can?’

      Oh, boy. She held Sierra’s vindictive gaze, and evinced quietly, ‘I’m in Mallorca at Raúl’s request.’

      If looks could kill, she’d be dead.

      ‘Has he offered you an obscene amount of money to try again for a Velez-Saldaña heir?’ She conducted a deliberate examination from head to toe and back again. ‘Raúl should move on to a woman who is fertile.’

      The words stung, as they were intended to.

      ‘Another word,’ Raúl issued in silky warning, ‘and I’ll ask Security to remove you.’

      ‘You can’t do that, amante. I’m here with a partner who has a genuine invitation.’ With a cruel smile, she returned to Gianna. ‘I wouldn’t have failed to give him a child…as you did.’

      Hurtful parting words, which speared Gianna’s heart as Sierra intended. She was barely conscious of the soothing slide of Raúl’s hand as it moved from her waist to rest at her nape.

      ‘We’ll leave.’

      She turned, her eyes large in the paleness of her face. Except he glimpsed innate strength there, the faint smile that surely cost her.

      ‘And give Sierra the satisfaction of knowing a deliberate barb found its mark? I don’t think so.’

      ‘Then let’s move out onto the terrace.’

      Gianna didn’t resist as he indicated one of several French doors, and she crossed to the ornate balustrade to admire the nightscape. They were high in the hills, with a panoramic view towards Palma with its sprinkling of lights, and beyond the black mass of the ocean.

      There were stars, and a light breeze wafting in from the sea.

      Relaxing, and infinitely serene, she acknowledged as she breathed in the fresh air and felt the tension Sierra had generated began to ease.

      Raúl stood at her side, and she didn’t protest as he drew her close. There was comfort in his touch, a warm strength that made her want to bury her cheek against his chest.

      Almost as if he knew, he curved a hand over her nape and pulled her in, then rested his cheek against her own in an intimate gesture that reminded her so much of what they’d used to share.

      It felt good…so good she didn’t want to move, and she gave a faint sigh in protest as he caught hold of her chin, lifting it so she had no recourse but to look at him.

      There was a wealth of emotion evident in the depth of his eyes, and she swallowed the slight lump in her throat as he lowered his head and brushed his lips to her forehead, trailed to her cheek, then sought her mouth in a gentle kiss that subtly changed as she became powerless not to respond.

      It was like coming home…to a place she instinctively knew she belonged.

      For endless minutes she gave in to the pleasure, the hard feel of his arousal a potent force as he shaped her body, drawing her in until she became lost, wanting so much more and she barely disguised her groan as Raúl began to ease back.

      ‘We have company,’ he said quietly, close to her ear, as she lowered her arms from around his neck and turned slightly to see their hostess regarding them both with amused benevolence.

      ‘I hope this is what I think it might be?’ Ana queried with a smile.

      Gianna uttered a whispered, ‘No…’ Only to have Raúl bestow a light kiss, then stifle any further protest by pressing a finger to her mouth.

      ‘Querida, how long did you imagine we could keep it quiet?’

      Was he insane?

      ‘You have decided to reconcile?’ Ana posed with delight. ‘Teresa will be so very happy with the news. Let me be the first to offer congratulations to you both.’

       ‘Gracias.’

      What was he doing? A kiss…that was all. Sure, a tiny voice taunted. You were close to devouring each other. And enjoying it.

      Ohmigod. This wasn’t happening. She was lost in a dream from which she’d soon awake.

      Except the scene was startlingly real, and she blinked rapidly as if to clear her mind.

      ‘We must all share a celebratory drink,’ their hostess bade cheerfully as she indicated the French doors.

      Gianna’s denial rose and died in her throat as she gave Raúl a beseeching look that had no effect whatsoever.

      You can’t do this.

      Did she speak the words aloud?

      Apparently not. And seconds later she stood in the doorway, anchored close to Raúl’s side, with their hostess calling for everyone’s attention.

      Say something. Anything. Just stop this farce before it begins.

      Except the words wouldn’t form…and then it was too late.

      ‘I have a special announcement to make. It is my great pleasure to inform you that my dear friends Raúl and Gianna Velez-Saldaña have decided to reconcile. Let us all wish them well, and drink a toast to their future.’

      Champagne appeared, and staff quickly assembled flutes and distributed them among the guests.

      Somehow Gianna managed to smile as guests she knew and some she didn’t came by to express their good wishes… Even Sierra leaned in close and voiced in a hideous whisper, ‘Watch your back. It doesn’t pay to be too clever.’

      Gianna barely refrained from a pithy rejoinder, aware silence was the better option.

      Raúl was a constant presence, playing the part a little too well. A vivid reminder of how it had used to be between them. The musing smile that promised much once they were alone. A light touch of his hand at her waist the trail of his fingers down the length of her spine to rest low and brush back and forth in a gentle movement guaranteed to stir her senses.

      Revenge, when the opportunity presented itself, was sweet, and she uttered a few words so quietly he angled his head down to catch them.

      It would have appeared to any onlooker as an endearing moment…except the light brush of her mouth hid the deliberate nip of sharp white teeth to his earlobe.

      Only she caught the faint hiss of his expelled breath, and glimpsed the sudden dark gleam in his eyes promising retribution.

      Eventually the evening drew to a close, and Gianna waited until the car cleared the gates before turning towards him.

      ‘Explain, please,’ she demanded with barely controlled anger, ‘why you didn’t correct Ana’s assumption?’

      The mountain road was narrow by any standard, winding, and required concentration.

      ‘I was more concerned in protecting you.’

      His slightly amused drawl merely ratcheted up her anger another notch.

      ‘Don’t toy with me. I’m a hair’s breadth away from hitting you.’

      ‘At least wait until we’re off this road before you try.’

      She bit her lip to restrain the words she longed to hurl at him. Words which