Lair of the Lion

that she loved Nicolai without reservation, unconditionally and completely.
    "Lucca is all the family I have in the world, and you gave him back to me." She tilted her head to look up at the don, this man whom she loved more than she had ever thought possible. This man who believed he might someday destroy her.
    His arms tightened around her. "You have more than tuo fratello, cara mio. Never forget that." His voice was gentle, a soft, rumbling sound that seemed to seep into her heart and soul.
    The sheer force of her feelings for him shook her. She stared up into his strangely colored eyes, mesmerized by him, caught by the intensity she saw there. His words brought the memory of his hands on her body, his mouth taking possession of hers. More than that, the words brought the feeling of him curled around her, his arms holding her close as they drifted to sleep together. With Nicolai, she knew a sense of peace, of lightness. They belonged together, tangled and soaring or simply lying quietly together.
    A knock on the door had Nicolai fading back into the shadows of the room. He smiled at her, indicating the door. Isabella, cautiously opened it, requesting that the men standing there keep their voices low. "What is it?" she asked the two servants Betto had ordered to guard her within the palazzo. "Surely I can be alone with mio fratello."
    "Signorina, Sarina is calling for all to help in the kitchen. With so many soldiers to feed and watch, she needs us there. But Betto has said we must stay to watch over you."
    Isabella glanced back for permission to Don DeMarco, who raised an aristocratic eyebrow at her, then grinned his quick, sardonic, little-boy smile that always tugged at her heart. She turned back to the guards. "I'll be safe in this room with mio fratello. You help Sarina and then come back. I'll be all right, I promise."
    "But, signorina, " one protested, clearly torn.
    She smiled in reassurance. "I doubt if a lion will find its way in here with the door firmly closed. Let me know when you've returned." She closed the door to prevent further conversation.
    Nicolai reached for her, drawing her into the shadows with him. "But the lion's already in the room with you," he whispered against her ear. His tongue stroked a caress down her neck, sending a shiver of heat curling through her stomach. "You would not be safe if I had the time. But the lions are restless, and keeping them quiet is a full-time job. I will be most grateful when the trap is sprung, and our rabbit, Don Rivellio, is caught in our snare."
    "Go to work, then. I will sit here with Lucca and see that he sleeps without disturbance."

    Isabella gave Nicolai a push toward the passageway.
    He caught her face in his hands and kissed her soundly, leaving her breathless.
    Isabella searched for the sewing Sarina had thoughtfully left for her, but she was unable to think straight. She dropped several stitches before she managed to get her breathing back under control. Then she heard someone at the door again. The knock was so soft she nearly missed it.
    "Signorina Vernaducci?" Brigita was wringing her hands even as she curtseyed. "I can't find Sarina or Betto, and there's a problem. Would you come?"
    "Of course. But I will need a maid to sit with mio fratello. Please find one at once.
    Signorina DeMarco will be along soon, but someone must sit with him until then."
    Brigita's eyes widened in shock. Her face paled " Signorina DeMarco?"
    "There is no need for a maid," Francesca announced, moving out of the shadows, obviously having used the hidden passageway. "And you've no need to hurry, Isabella. I'll watch over him." She looked the young maid up and down, her expression haughty.
    "Thank you, Francesca," Isabella said with obvious relief.
    "What is it?" she inquired as she followed the maid through the halls as the girl walked faster and faster, her shoulders stiff in silent disapproval.
    "A woman has come from one of the farmhouses. Her husband died several days ago of fever, and she has four bambini, the oldest but nine summers. Their storehouse burned to the ground—a dreadful accident. She is asking for supplies to see her through until they can plant and bring in crops. Without a man I don't know how she'll manage to do that," she added gloomily.
    "Has this been brought to the attention of Don DeMarco? The woman will need workers to see her through." Isabella was already calculating what help the widow would require for her family.
    "He's busy meeting