Cherished: Love in London Series 2 Read Online Free

each other. No doubt he was attracting attention from some of the giggling women who walked past him, but he was oblivious to them. His face broke into an irresistibly devastating grin and Amber smiled shyly in return as she walked up to him.
    “Hi.” She smiled warmly at him, his grin infectious.
    “Hello, carino.” His voice was deep and husky, sending tingles up her spine at the affectionate Italian endearment he insisted on calling her. “For a moment there, I wasn’t sure you’d show.”
    “I gave you my word, Nico.” Blushing lightly, Amber looked away and moistened her lips. She turned back to him and caught him staring at her mouth, his gaze darkening. Abruptly, he picked up his bag and also taking hers, he placed his hand on the small of her back, leading them to the desk.
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    H aving never travelled first class before, Amber found herself thoroughly enjoying the experience. Throughout the short flight, Nico relaxed her and kept her entertained with funny stories which at times, made her laugh out loud. She found herself feeling very comfortable and enjoying his company as she relayed humorous tales of her clients.
    All too soon it was time to land at Milan Malpensa and once again, Amber was overcome with nerves at the thought of the next couple of days together. As if sensing her change in demeanour, Nico studied her before he quietly spoke.
    “I’m sorry if I have put you in an awkward position, Amber.” Her head snapped up in his direction, surprised at his confession and moment of humility. Before she could say anything, he held up his hand to continue. “Please don’t worry about meeting my family. I assure you they are good people and also very easy-going so I sincerely hope you’ll enjoy yourself. I’d hate for you to feel uncomfortable.”
    “Nico, I, er, don’t know what to say.” She spoke and gestured with her hands. “I’m not quite sure how you expect us to behave around them. Are we, umm, going to have to be…together in front of them?” She found herself stammering and floundering over her words as her thin fingers tensed in her lap. Awkwardly, she cleared her throat, waiting for his response as she found herself concentrating on her nails, unable to meet his eyes.
    He didn’t say anything for a beat and Amber wondered if he too was having second thoughts. She felt his finger lifting her chin and turning her to face him.
    “Look at me, Amber,” he commanded.
    Reluctantly, she met his gaze.
    “I want you to be comfortable around me, okay? I don’t want you to do anything you aren’t happy with.” She heard his sharp intake of breath. When he spoke, his voice was cool, but his eyes had darkened with emotion. “If that means you don’t wish to show any affection towards me, then I’ll act accordingly.” He released her chin and fastened his seatbelt in preparation for landing.
    A tumble of confused thoughts and feelings assailed her, but before she could respond any further, the plane started the descent and the overhead speakers came on with landing announcements. Each one was lost in their thoughts for the last few minutes of the flight.
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    O nce landed , they swiftly made their way through the arrivals terminal and out into the mild warm weather where Nico’s driver was waiting for him. After what sounded like a few pleasantries in Italian, the driver gave her a wide smile, conspicuously looking at both her and Nico, while he opened the door with a flourish.
    “Grazie!” Amber flashed him a smile and shuffled into the back seat, wondering about their brief conversation. Nico slipped into the seat next to her, pulled out his phone and sent off a quick text message. Once finished, he set his phone in his pocket, relaxed into his seat and flashed her a smile. Amber’s heartbeat picked up. This was it, she was here now and there was no turning back. She returned his smile and turned to look out the window as the car manoeuvred its way through the traffic exiting