.

a full-breasted woman, with wild, untamed hair streaming across her shoulders, gazed back proudly. Toned legs, full lips, and dark up-tilted eyes suggested endless possibilities…endless fantasies…

      As Maria gusted with approval Emily started to move towards the door. At the last moment she hesitated; dressing up, play-acting, was one thing, but her husband was all too real—and she didn’t know him well enough to be able to predict how he would react when he saw his wife parading about like some fugitive from a bawdy etching. There was a distinct possibility she might unleash a whole lot more than she could cope with.

      At the sound of a low, appreciative whistle she froze.

      ‘That’s quite an improvement.’

      Leaning up against the doorframe, his arms loosely folded, Alessandro made no attempt to hide his interest in her newly adopted persona. ‘You really look the part,’ he murmured, giving Maria a wry nod of approval.

      Raising her head defiantly, Emily stared him square in the eyes. What part was that? she wondered suspiciously.

      ‘Leave the rest of your clothes here,’ he said, straightening up. ‘We’ll pick them up later. Come on,’ he pressed, ‘everyone will be waiting for us.’

      And, before she could refuse, he stretched out, caught hold of her, and swept her out of the door.