The Italian's Fake Fiancée

26.

Just when she thought she was done with a big bad wolf a tiger comes strolling in can this day get any worse.

The first thing that came to Paige's mind was to deny.
So she looked up at him and twisted her face. "Er... I don't know what you are talking about." It wouldn't look good to offend the man she still didn't know where his position was in the family tree.

Two pairs of amused brown eyes stared back at her, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly which caused Paige's heartbeat to escalate as the suspense was killing her.
He waved his big hand in the air "There is no need to pretend I already know the relationship is fake."

He knew? That can't be possible.

"In fact, I was the one to give Leonardo that idea."
Fine lines appeared on his forehead and disbelief set in his voice when he saw he was not getting anywhere with her.

"Don't you remember me?" He frowned and stuff his hands in the pocket of his slacks. "If I'm to remember correctly, you are his personal assistant, and you are the one who collected me from the airport and made the arrangements for me to stay in a hotel." He paused after that, waiting for her to say something.

Paige stared at the high cheekbone, that beard, and nose and frowned. This was the same guy? No way. At the time he wore sunglasses, and his hair was mussed up in a carefree style and the buttons on his shirt unbuttoned. And he had been clean-shaven. But here, he looked like a totally different person.

Seeing that some semblance of recognition has entered her eyes, he put forward his hand. "The name is Alberto, by the way."

Slowly Paige's senses returned, and she started to recall. When she made all the connections, her brows creased.

"You should have told me right away who you were instead of scaring me like that and letting me ponder who you are." Paige hit him on the arm.

Realizing what she had done she stared up at him to gauge his reaction, but he was laughing silently and Paige had the oddest feeling that this man didn't often laugh but here he was laughing like he had just discovered laughter.

She had just acted like she knew him for a long time. Was that how relieved she was?

Just a moment ago she had been thinking of how she did not have any ally here in Italy, that if Leo left her on the estate she was doomed to be alone. She didn't know she would find a friend here, let alone an ally!

In a way, this felt like this was a vacation. She was not working and was only enjoying herself to the fullest. Except once in a while when Rosa came in to disturb her. Paige frowned and eyed Alberto askance, biting her lips.

"Are you and Leo close?"

"We are as close as two sides of scissors." Came the voice from above her head.

"Then you must know...er... a lot about him. Tell me about Leo," Paige said fishing for information.

He turned his head to her. Was she mistaking the amusement she saw in his eyes? Paige blushed, and he raised his brow at that. "Come let's go sit over by the pond and I will tell you."

Paige followed his gaze to the man-made pond on the course a little further from the group and sparsely covered by trees and reluctantly followed him there.

When they got to the pond and sat down, dropping their equipment in front of them, Paige turned inquisitive eyes to Alberto.

On seeing that, Alberto laughed. "Alright, I will tell you."

He told her about the first girl they fought over. About when they had stolen grape from the vineyard and ran all the way from there till halfway back to the house. The result was that their feet ached and their body felt like they had been through a lot. And how they would cause havoc for the workers running around the vineyard with their small feet until they sent their fathers to come and collect them.