His Hidden Heiress

s, but she soon noticed that this wasn't a full body photo-shoot where she would be able to dazzle with them with her practiced poses that would flatter

. Normally there was an electrifying tension in the air as the 40 or so models each desired to be part of the new coveted Bordini brand catalogue and the

Don't you have somewhere to be, a business meeting or

a cultured honeyed tone. Anger crept up Aria's spine and she wonder

that she desperately needed now. The photo studio was silent save for the clicks and shuttles of the cameras. Muriel tittered when she saw that it was her, and she directed her to the high-back chair in front of the white backdrop. No sooner had she sat down than the clic

gave her a gentle smile that melted her insides to liquid butter. For so

tructed. She flipped her eyes to him. 'No

g from the reflectors ahead made his hair shimmer like gold and his well-defined cheekbone

done' Muriel sai

home. Aria told her everything from her nerves down to the chemistry bet

awning. 'His gaze was gentle as if he knew the battle of anxieties warring in my chest. A

ten, you'll move from the St

ing from Bettina's words. 'But serious

n fascination with you. Major sees a woman he likes, crafts all manner of devices to fool her into h

as instantly addicted, fawning over him like a fan girl, someone who probably treated women the way they wanted and tossed them away when they were done, someone who didn't give a shit about women, someone wh

ation chime from her phone, and as her phone scre

loud. Bettina looked up from her phone screen, her mouth fa

oked up at her again, a flicker of elusive emotion sk

ee

Aria would bite the dust. She and the other nine models were instructed on the next steps that would be taken afterwards, their brand deals, endorsement deals and the trips they would take across Venice. Inwardly Aria wished she would see the striking chiseled face of Major again;

hat Bettina will be so pleased. A steady stream of pedestrians, some sauntering, others moving with purpose, brushed past her in different directions. Deeply breathing in the co

e noticed a swift movement from her side. When she looked up an exceptionally lean figure had settled into the chair opposite her. She found herself staring into the aquamarine eyes of Major Bacuzzi. He was wearing

awping at him in awe and he studying her as he might a specimen in a jar. Her bl

her heart fluttering wild

. I had to see you before I go. I needed to know

-carved mustache trembled in a slight smile as he observed her rose-pet