“I think the circumstances suggest otherwise,” she said dryly. “I’m afraid I must insist.”

Alec let out an aggrieved sigh as they came to a stop under one of the archways of the Doge’s Palace. “It won’t translate to English exactly,” he began with all the authority of a seasoned professor, “but I explained to the gentleman that if he didn’t let go of you, I would take great pleasure sending him back home with his bollocks in a box. More or less.” He then scanned the square. “Now, what do you wish to see first? The basilica or the bell tower?” When she didn’t directly respond, he cut a glance to her. “You do know your mouth is hanging open.”

Lottie schooled her expression into something slightly more composed. “The basilica, please.”

“Excellent choice,” Alec said as he offered his arm.

Lottie hesitated. It was so much easier to be angry with him.

“Come now,” he prompted. “I don’t want any more Germans snatching you up this afternoon, or I’ll run out of threats.”

Lottie reluctantly slid her arm through his, and they joined the line of visitors waiting to enter the famous Basilica San Marco. Her eyelids fluttered at the sensation of his tall frame so close to hers while her mind groused that she didn’t need his protection. She was perfectly capable of waiting in line without a guard, but it was hard to remain quite so indignant while standing beside him in the April sun. As they slowly edged toward the entrance, his intoxicating presence was akin to a rather potent narcotic, and Lottie gradually found herself leaning closer and closer to him, like a trembling vine stretching toward sunlight. At first, Alec’s arm muscles tensed and flexed against her approach. But then slowly, so slowly, he began to respond in kind, subtly adjusting his hold without uttering a word.

By the time they entered the basilica his arm had slipped down around her waist and his hand gripped her from the bottom of her rib cage to the top of her hip. The warmth of his wide palm melted through her gown and spread across her skin. As if pulled by unseen strings, Lottie turned her head toward him until her chin was scant inches from the lapel of his coat. A puff of his warm breath caressed her temple. He must be looking down at her. If she tilted her head upward, Lottie was certain her lips would meet his. She could almost feel his full mouth settling over her own, coaxing a deep, demanding kiss.