She followed Sam into the baroque palazzo, where a graceful atrium opened right out of the lobby, and palm fronds waved over people seated at wrought-iron tables, sipping drinks in the late-afternoon sun. It was not, of course, the hotel where she had a room paid for by Illuxit, but she was too exhausted and preoccupied to make a fuss. Sam dealt with check-in, and Sveti listened with half an ear to his sexy, perfect Italian while staring into a display case that showcased a local jewelry artisan. The pieces reminded her of museum displays of Byzantine jewelry that Erin, Connor’s wife, had curated. Spirals of beaten gold, round cut stones. It reminded her of Deadly Beauty, though Tam’s style was more edgy and modern. The similarity lay in the pieces’ savage sensuality. They were beautiful, fierce, menacing. An emerald ring and matching pendant earrings were particularly gorgeous. Sam slid a possessive hand around her waist from behind. She wanted to melt into him. And she fought the impulse, on pure principle.
