Debby sighed as she said goodbye to her dream vacation in France. She had a task ahead of her, and her conscience would certainly not allow her to leave Emma to her fate.

- I will go with you to Sicily - she saw his surprised expression. - I am only asking for a sum equal to the speech therapist's monthly salary. I am ready to live in your castle and work with Emma for the next three months. Then I'll help you find someone who will continue to work with her. At the end of September, I have to go back to London. Those are my terms.

- And what about the end of September?

- It's personal.

She almost told him why she had to go back, but she had so many bad experiences with it when people found out that she was from a famous actress from the Griffon family. The best example of that is her ex-husband. At the same moment, a picture of Bruce naked appeared before her eyes, a woman in their bed! He didn't even try to show that he was sorry. Later, he openly told her that he married her to a son-in-law, Stuart Griffon, and thus progressed more quickly in the film world. A year and a half after the divorce, the pain of Bruce's betrayal became tolerable, but Debby vowed it would never be again naive!

- Because of the fire, I have to return to Sicily earlier than I planned, Francesco explained. - Will you be able to get ready by noon tomorrow? Give me the address, and I'll send a driver to pick you up.

Nothing can stop this man, Debby thought.

She shook her head.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

- I have to do something tomorrow. I need some time. I will book a flight and come over the weekend.

- It would be more convenient for me if you came with us tomorrow.

If she accepted his generous offer, he would have power over her. He still couldn't believe that she had turned down the offer. It was clear to him that he could not dispose of her as he wanted. This was a new situation for him, and he needed help handling money as he was used to.

- And it's more convenient for me to come on the weekend - Debby answered belligerently. - Tomorrow I'm going to have lunch with my parents.

- Okay, I'll move the flight to the afternoon, so we can go together. You wanted to go to France on Friday, so it's okay if you go two days earlier. Emma will be happy you are coming with us, especially now that Joanna has left her.

He obviously knew she didn't want to disappoint his daughter, and he used that.

- I'll be ready by four o'clock. And now I have to go home to pack.

- I'll walk you to the car. Opening the door, he let her in and came out. Debby shuddered as they accidentally touched. The smell of his lotion tickled her nostrils.

She quickly put on her jacket, grateful to be able to cover herself. It would be terribly uncomfortable for her if he noticed her nipples hardened.

When they got out, she took a deep breath of fresh air but was always unnaturally aware of his presence. Why am I accepted to go to Sicily?

She opened the car door with trembling fingers. When she sat down, Francesco leaned over her, his face at her level. Dear God! She couldn't control herself, and her gaze moved from his lips to dark eyes, which sparkled for a moment. Will he kiss me?

Time seemed to stop, and her heart went wild. She felt his warm breath on her lips, and she ran her tongue over them, ready to kiss back. The magical moment passed.

- Good night, Debby - he suddenly stood up and closed the door.

Debby sighed in disappointment. Of course, she didn't want to be kissed. I'm going with them only because of Emma; she convinced herself while she was started the engine. And there will be nothing between her and Francesco. Nothing!