In a way he was no different from the little boy who had captured his wife’s attention. Leo might not have been an orphan, but he knew what it meant to crave a connection. He had that with Dara now—he felt the completeness that came from the love of a good woman. He had poured all his efforts into creating a life together with his beautiful wife.
Since meeting Dara he had slowly lost interest in the party scene—except for when he opened up a new club. As a bachelor, he had spent his leisure time mainly involved in drinking too much and buying the fastest cars. He’d had no difficulty living in hotels for months at a time. He hadn’t known what it meant to have a home.
Dara had shown him just how fulfilling life could be. But now he got the feeling that she felt their life was lacking somehow. If she was happy, why was she escaping to Syracuse every chance she could get?
An image of the longing in her eyes when she spoke about the child there filled his mind. It was suddenly blindingly clear that Dara had developed a newfound yearning for motherhood. And somehow that yearning wasn’t something she felt comfortable sharing with him. The thought jarred him, leaving an uncomfortable knot in his stomach.
Leo ran a hand through his hair and threw the yo-yo back into the box. He had never once questioned Dara’s steadfast opinion on family. She had made it clear that she would never have children, and that had suited them both. The idea of fatherhood had never been something he aspired to. His own father had been a spectre in his life—one who had drifted in and out, leaving him uncertain and confused. As an adult he had never once considered the idea of starting a family of his own.
But lately he had begun to grow tired of the constant travelling. These days the only place he wanted to be was here, with his wife, in their true home. He had wanted to say that to her last night, but they had got sidetracked.
He walked back to the castello just as evening was setting in and found Dara waiting for him in the kitchen. A bottle of vintage Prosecco sat on the table, two glasses beside it.
‘I’m sorry I took so long.’ She winced, pouring him a generous glass of wine.
Leo took a sip, appreciating the taste for a moment before shrugging. ‘You have a business to run, carina. I have to accept that I can never have you all to myself.’
‘I’ve turned my phone off for the evening, so I am one hundred per cent yours. No distractions.’ She smiled, pressing her mouth to his.
Leo held her at arm’s length, noticing the shadows under her eyes. ‘Good. Because I’d like to continue our discussion from last night.’
Dara removed herself from his arms, turning to take a long gulp from her own glass. ‘I’d rather we just leave that, actually. I must have been overtired and emotional.’
Her laugh didn’t fool him. ‘Dara, are you unhappy?’ he asked, and watched her face snap up with alarm.
‘Why on earth would you think that?’
‘You seem...unfulfilled, somehow. These trips to Syracuse tell me that perhaps you might have changed your mind about some things.’
Dara looked momentarily miserable, her expression filled with intense sadness before shifting back to a mask of calm. Anyone else might not have noticed, but Leo knew her better than anyone.
‘It’s nothing that I plan to act on,’ she said coldly. ‘There’s no need for you to worry.’
‘Why would I worry? We are husband and wife, Dara. We make these kinds of choices together. Maybe I should go with you to Syracuse so you can help me to understand.’
‘That’s definitely not what I want,’ Dara snapped.
‘Per l’amore di Dio.’ Leo sucked in a breath to control his frustration. ‘Dara, for God’s sake, what do you want?’ he shouted harshly, feeling instant remorse as she flinched.
They stood in silence for a moment, toe to toe in the silence of the kitchen.
‘I won’t be shouted at.’ Dara spoke quietly. ‘I need some time alone. I’ll see you at dinner.’
She practically ran from the room. Ran away from him.
Leo frowned, looking out of the window at the waves crashing against the cliffs. He had lost his temper—but could she blame him? He was her husband, and yet she was determined to battle whatever was bothering her alone. He had a right to know what this was about.
Clearly the answer lay in Syracuse. If she wouldn’t go with him, then he would have to go alone.
* * *
Dara awoke to a note on her pillow from Leo, telling her that he had some business to attend to and that he would return by the afternoon. His words were plain and to the point, with none of the flowery terms of affection that they usually used. She felt a pang of hurt that he hadn’t woken her before leaving, and now she faced a day in the castello alone with her thoughts.