“You don’t owe Romano an explanation,” David said. “He’s not a factor in your life, any more than he’s a member of your family.”
“To the contrary. Gianna and I are discussing ways we might change that. In the very near future I intend to be a permanent fixture in her life.”
David froze and his intense blue eyes narrowed. Sharpened. “What the hell do you mean by that?”
Constantine smiled, a dangerous, predatory baring of his teeth. “I mean just what you think I mean. I’ve moved to San Francisco with the express intention of asking Gianna to do me the honor of becoming my wife.”
Conversation exploded around them. “Oh, God,” Gianna murmured, swaying in place.
As though from a great distance she could hear the excitement and approval of her family, the congratulations that made it clear that the Dantes were firmly aligned in Constantine’s corner of this hideous triangle. She spun to face an infuriated David.
He gathered up his self-control and forced out a smile. She couldn’t begin to imagine how much effort it took. “You’re delusional, Romano. Gia and I already have an understanding, one that will be cemented on our upcoming trip to New York City. A private suite at the Ritz. Candlelight and roses.” He gestured carelessly toward one of the display cases. “Is Sev the one I should see in order to purchase a Dantes’ engagement ring? I’m assuming Tiffany’s or Cartier is out of the question. A shame really.”
Dead silence followed David’s comment. She could feel the waves of fury pouring off Constantine, which was no doubt the point. And after the crack about Tiffany’s and Cartier, her family didn’t appear any calmer. How could David be so foolish? It was so unlike him. Granted, he hadn’t formed the sort of tight relationship with her brothers she’d hoped he would, but he’d never been deliberately rude. In fact, he’d always been polite, intent on making a good impression, even if it lacked a certain warmth.
Time to act, Gianna realized, and fast. The first item on her agenda was to remove David from the line of fire before someone decked him. Then they’d have a talk. A long talk. She needed to decide once and for all whether there was any possibility of a future for her with David. If not, the only honorable option was to end things between them.
“If you’ll excuse us, my date and I have a few important matters to discuss,” Gianna announced.
David grinned in triumph and dropped an arm around her shoulders, tugging her into his arms. For a split second she thought matters might turn physical. Maybe they would have if David’s impromptu embrace hadn’t placed her squarely between the warring factions. An accident, she was certain. Her oldest brother, Luc, grabbed Constantine’s shoulder in one hand and Rafe’s in the other, actively restraining the two men.
“Later,” she heard him murmur. “This isn’t the proper time or place.”
Clearly David had no intention of waiting for the proper time or place. “Yes, boys, heel” came his parting shot before he swept her away.
“What is going on?” she demanded in an undertone.
His congenial mask faded. “I planned to ask you the precise same questions.”
“Answer mine, first. What’s between you and Constantine?”
“Old history. Nothing to do with us. Come.” He gestured toward the terrace off the ballroom. “Let’s find somewhere private to talk.”
Though it was midsummer, a cool haze embraced their surroundings, creating a pale, misty curtain. The sprawl of the city glittered softly through the veil, muffling sight, sound and light. It was almost as though they were cut off from the rest of the world, trapped within an oasis of fog. Tables dotted the terrace, situated in cozy, shadow-draped alcoves. David selected the most private.
“Why don’t you sit here for a moment while I get us both a drink.”
She wasn’t going to let him off the hook. “Then you’ll explain?”
“Absolutely. Just as you will.”
She heard the clipped warning in his voice and winced. She didn’t look forward to that part of the conversation at all. She used her time alone to consider how to describe her relationship to Constantine, not to mention that kiss. It would be lovely if she could get away with a short: “It’s none of your business.” But she knew David better than that.