Affection. Yes, it was in his voice. She didn’t have to understand the words. She looked around to see him smiling as he spoke to the woman on the other end. Resigned, Juliet picked up her champagne. It wasn’t easy for her to admit she’d been a fool. Or for her to admit she’d been hurt.

She knew who he was. What he was. She knew how many women he’d seduced. Perhaps she was a woman who knew her own mind, and perhaps she wanted him. But she would never be eased into a long line of others. Setting down the champagne, she rose.

“Sì, sì. I love you.”

Juliet turned away at the phrase I love you. How well it slid off his tongue, in any language. How little it meant, in any language.

“Interruptions. I’m sorry.”

Juliet turned back and gave him her uncompromising look. “Don’t be. The dinner was marvelous, Carlo, thank you. You should be ready to check out by eight.”

“A moment,” he murmured. Crossing over, he took her by the arms. “What’s this? You’re angry.”

“Of course not.” She tried to back away and failed. It was easy to forget just how strong he was. “Why should I be?”

“Reasons aren’t always necessary for a woman.”

Though he’d said it in a simple tone that offered no insult, her eyes narrowed. “The expert. Well, let me tell you something about this woman, Franconi. She doesn’t think much of a man who makes love to her one minute then pushes another lover in her face the next.”

He held up his hand as he struggled to follow her drift. “I’m not following you. Maybe my English is failing.”

“Your English is perfect,” she spit at him. “From what I just heard, so’s your Italian.”

“My…” His grin broke out. “The phone.”

“Yes. The phone. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

He let her get as far as the door. “Juliet, I admit I’m hopelessly enamored of the woman I was speaking to. She’s beautiful, intelligent, interesting and I’ve never met anyone quite like her.”

Furious, Juliet whirled around. “How marvelous.”

“I think so. It was my mother.”

She walked back to snatch up the purse she’d nearly forgotten. “I’d think a man of your experience and imagination could do better.”

“So I could.” He held her again, not so gently, not so patiently. “If it was necessary. I don’t make a habit to explain myself, and when I do, I don’t lie.”

She took a deep breath because she was abruptly certain she was hearing the truth. Either way, she’d been a fool. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business in any case.”