“How far did your car end up traveling without a driver?”
“Two thousand miles of Italian motorways and back roads.”
“No accidents?”
“None.”
She shook her head. “How incredible! I would love to have seen it. Like a remote-control car without the remote.”
“That’s a good way to put it. Inside it’s interfaced with many layers of sensors, cameras and computers that react on multiple levels.”
“Something like the human brain?”
“Close.”
“What made you go into that aspect of engineering?”
“I grew up reading science fiction, and imagined myself creating a world of robots to do my bidding.”
“Since Cesar dreamed of being at the wheel to drive fast cars himself, he obviously didn’t share your interest.”
The comment had just slipped out because the joy of interacting with Luc had made her forget how much he despised her. But the mere mention of Cesar and the tension was back. She could tell by the way his hard-muscled body stiffened.
“Why is it that whenever his name is brought into the conversation, you act as if I’d committed high treason?”
When he refused to answer her, something snapped inside her. “Would you rather we talked about the reason why you’re so certain he doesn’t worship the ground you walk on?”
CHAPTER SIX
LUC’S eyes pierced hers like lasers. “Have you always gone where angels feared to tread?”
“My sisters would tell you yes.”
“If you’re that curious, why don’t you discuss it with Cesar the next time you see him.”
“You mean I have your permission?”
“Would it stop you if I said no?”
She let his question hang in the air and got up to clear the table. “Tell me something. Are you just naturally bitter because it’s a trait inherited through your Falcon genes? Or was it the tragedy that turned you into a dark facsimile of your former self?”
He bit out something unintelligible while she washed the dishes and straightened up the kitchen. When she reached the doorway, she paused. “Do you need another massage before we turn in?”
“I’ve exercised it enough for one day.”
You have your answer, Olivia. “I’ll go up on deck and get the book.”
“I finished it.”
Her eyes closed tightly for a minute. “Good. Now I’ll have something to read before I go to sleep. Anything else you need from above?”
“No.”
> Olivia had thought she could withstand whatever verbal blows he thrust at her, no matter how mean or cruel. But she was wrong… His hateful remarks were slowly crucifying her.
Wretched, wretched man. She would love to throw something at him, but she could hear her father whisper, “Handle it like a Duchess.”
“Then I’ll say good night.”