Navy SEAL’s Innocent Italian, page 1
DENVER MEN
CEO’s Pregnant Lover
The SEAL’s Virgin Lover
FBI Agent’s Reluctant Lover
Navy SEAL’s Innocent Italian
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales, is entirely coincidental.
RELAY PUBLISHING EDITION, MAY 2023
Copyright © 2023 Relay Publishing Ltd.
All rights reserved. Published in the United Kingdom by Relay Publishing. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Leslie North is a pen name created by Relay Publishing for co-authored Romance projects. Relay Publishing works with incredible teams of writers and editors to collaboratively create the very best stories for our readers.
Cover design by Mayhem Cover Creations.
www.relaypub.com
BLURB
Romance and revenge are a deadly combination…
Former Navy SEAL Jake Travers’s mission is simple… Tail Marco Bresi, the man who once kidnapped billionaire Trent Caldwell’s baby, so Trent can find out what he’s up to now. But Jake never expected to find an intoxicatingly beautiful woman alongside the shady character he’s following.
Alexandra Moretti may be smart, gorgeous, and the most captivating woman Jake has ever met. But as far as he’s concerned, she’s the key to getting close to Marco. But as Jake gets closer to her, his attraction becomes an addiction. And soon, he can’t imagine life without her…
After a disastrous arranged engagement, Alexandra is looking to escape Italy, so she allows Marco to bring her to the U.S. as a favor to her father. But the second she meets the ruggedly handsome Jake, she finds herself drawn to him. Something about his smoldering blue eyes and commanding presence makes her feel safe and protected. And she knows he desires her as much as she desires him…
But will their steamy affair come to an end when Alex uncovers Jake’s true motives?
MAILING LIST
Thank you for reading “Navy SEAL’s Innocent Italian”
(Denver Men Book Four)
Read FIVE full-length romances by USA Today best-selling author Leslie North for FREE! Over 600+ pages of best-selling romance with hundreds of FIVE STAR REVIEWS!
Sign-up to her mailing list and get your FREE books: www.leslienorthbooks.com/sign-up-for-free-books
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue
Navy SEAL’s Innocent Italian
Free book offer
Thank you!
Make an Author’s Day
About Leslie
Sneak Peek: Owen
Also by Leslie
1
“Grazie. I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally be in America.” Alexandra Moretti gave the waitress her order and handed back her menu. Rizole’s was a charming Italian restaurant with strong ties to her beloved Verona right in the heart of New York City. Looking around the beautifully decorated restaurant, she tried not to notice that the waitress was paying more attention to the lunch guest sitting around the corner than she was to herself and il signor Bresi. Alex resisted the urge to turn around and look at the man who held the young woman’s attention.
Marco Bresi smiled at her. “Keep that enthusiasm. Your papa asked for additional assistance at our last meeting. He didn’t say anything to you?”
Alex cringed inside. Knowing what he was about to say didn’t make it any more palatable. She shook her head, waiting to hear her future decided for her yet again. He gave her a sympathetic look. “Your papa asked that I help find a suitable husband for you. He was adamant about it being a father’s responsibility. He had me promise to do what I could for you.”
She sipped at her water and offered a one-shoulder shrug. “I do want to get married…eventually. But, Papa, he is stuck on this idea since my former betrothed and I parted. There is no need for you to be…a matchmaker on my account.”
With a smile, Bresi covered her hand. “It is no bother.” The unmistakable sadness in his voice gave her pause.
Their food arrived. It was good, but not as good as back home—or perhaps it was her father’s plans that dulled her enjoyment of the food. She tried to concentrate as il signor Bresi spoke of sights to see and of his business plans. He paused to look at a text message and frowned. Giving him a covert look, she saw his hand tighten on his phone as if he might crush it, but then he set his phone back down. While she wasn’t privy to his business dealings, her father had hinted that he’d been having some difficulties recently.
Alex made a quick decision. “After we eat, I think I will walk a bit to see the city. Do you mind?”
Bresi shook his head. “I will leave the driver with you. Use him as you like.” He paid for lunch, and Alex knew better than to argue. She would simply do what she always did—she would do as she wished. Outside, the air was cool but not freezing. Marco Bresi bid her farewell and took a cab, leaving the chauffeured car with her.
She headed first to Mt. Sinai Children’s to meet with the director. As she had feared, the place seemed too sterile. Oh, it was a good hospital no doubt, and she was happy to meet a few of the children, but she shuddered to think of working here, among the smells of antiseptic and the hard surfaces that would make her music sound no better than if it came from a CD. She would have to think more on how to adapt her work to this kind of place. For now, she wanted to move on.
Outside the hospital, she tugged her coat tighter. The driver got out and held the door for her, but she shook her head. “Please, I will walk. You will meet me?”
The driver touched a hand to his cap. “Yes, ma’am. You have my number. When you’re ready to be picked up, just give me a call and I’ll come wherever you are.”
Alex beamed at him. “Grazie. I will call.” She gave him a little wave and headed down the street, her heels clicking on the pavement. The city was amazing—everyone seemed in such a hurry. And the buildings—she had seen photographs and movies, of course, but it was different to be in these canyons of skyscrapers that left the streets cold and shadowed. Every corner seemed to have a cart selling something—pizza, hot dogs, roasted nuts, falafel. She pulled in a deep breath—the air smelled of cars, of food from the carts, and a little bit of something not good, though she couldn’t see much refuse on the streets. Most people seemed to be dressed for business, a few like her gawked at the tall buildings, and some seemed shabby and unkempt. She felt sorry for anyone without money, and she dug into her purse to give out a few dollars when she could.
Tucking her hands into her pockets, she strolled the streets, admiring the store windows, watching others dash down the streets, usually talking on a cell phone or texting. With a shiver, she turned up the collar of her coat. At a street corner, she stopped near a coffee shop and thought of going in to warm herself. Perhaps il signore Bresi had been right—she should have taken the car and seen the city in more comfort. She wrinkled her nose, and muttered, “But what fun is that?”
From behind her a deep voice asked, “Excuse me? Did you say something?”
2
She turned fast, and Jake saw the impending disaster. Her heel caught on the grating of a subway vent, and she started to topple over. He stepped forward, grabbing her by her upper arms and hauling her toward him. He kept hold of her while she got her feet under her again.
Pushing away from him, she offered a small smile. “Grazie. I didn’t even see you there.” She glanced around and caught her breath on a small gasp. “Have we met before?”
He shook his head. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you. You were talking to yourself?” Jake felt the shiver run through her body and an answering tingle ran down his spine.
Her cheeks seemed to redden, but that could have been the cold. “Si. A bad habit, I am afraid.” Alex moved backward a step, and Jake dropped his hands to his sides.
“Long as you don’t start having both sides of the conversation, I think you’re good.”
Alex grinned. “I have heard that before.” Head tipped to the side, she asked, “Are you sure we have not met before?”
Jake held out his hand. “Oh, I’d remember meeting you. Jake Travers. I think you’ll find New York tends to shove the same people at you over and over.”
Alex shook his hand. “Alexandra Moretti. But, please, everyone calls me Alex.”
“Alex, you’re not from around here, are you?” Jake gave her a smile. “Italy, right? Florence? Can I buy you a coffee?” He paused, his smile growing broader. “I apologize. I’m throwing all these questions at you and not giving you a chance to answer. Anyway, I’m dying to get out of this wind that’s picking up. Join me?”
“I do not mind many questions. Italy, yes. Not far from Florence. And, yes to th
He held the door for her. The blast of warm air hit them, and Jake pulled off his gloves and hat. Alex turned and smiled at him. “Now I know why you look familiar—you ate at the same restaurant as I. Have you been following me?”
The question came out playful, and Jake could only stare at her. He hadn’t thought she’d make him so fast, but they’d had the same waitress and even Jake had noticed that she was far more attentive to him than any of her other tables. He offered up what he hoped was a charming enough grin. “Okay, busted. I did see you at Rizole’s. I’d hoped the man you were with wasn’t a husband or boyfriend.” He waited for her slight shake of the head and blew out his breath in what he hoped looked like relief. “Good. Now, what can I get you? Cappuccino?”
He paid for their coffees. The shop was part of a chain and went in for deep, leather chairs, small tables, and a soundtrack of soft jazz. It was warm enough that Alex shed her coat, and Jake couldn’t resist another look at her. She was the whole package—curves in the right places and a face that had a few heads turning. Her straight nose only seemed to accentuate her full lips. He let his eyes skim over her figure, down the long line of her neck and the swell of her breasts under her V-neck sweater. She wore a small gold cross that sat nestled in her cleavage and he knew he’d have to fight hard to keep from staring at it, wishing he could trace his finger down its length.
He’d stayed on Bresi until the man went back to Diamante Global—and then nothing. A big zip. Marco Bresi was staying put as far as Jake could tell, and he knew the girl was headed to Mt. Sinai. He was taking a risk—a couple of them, actually—first by not staying on the target and then by making contact with her, but he was playing a hunch that said he’d be able to get a lot closer to Bresi through this girl. He’d caught up with her as she was coming out of the hospital. Did she have a sick kid? He didn’t think so. From the sound of it she was scouting places for something.
As soon as he had her seated, he asked, “So what brings you to the Big Apple?”
She shook her head. “Why you call this city an apple, I don’t know. But I am here to meet with different people to discuss my work with musical therapy. I work with children to help reach them through music.” Alex’s eyes lit up as she spoke.
For a second, Jake forgot the mission—forgot everything. Those eyes of hers could make a man forget his own name. Pulling himself back to the moment, he reminded himself that this was a job. She was a means to keep tabs on Marco Bresi, and that was all. He smiled and nodded. “Musical therapy—sounds like something kids would like.”
“More than just like. I’ve seen amazing results, and now several hospitals and organizations here in your country, they write me to see my work personally.” She wrinkled her nose. “I really do not think I would like to work in a hospital, and so I am looking for a better…what you call environment?”
“So, you are a musician? What instruments do you play?”
“Many, but I am partial to the cello and the piano. Children are often fascinated by the cello given that it is large for their size. I once played at a school for deaf children, and they took turns putting their hands on my cello as I played. The smiles on their faces…” Alex placed her hand over her heart and tapped her chest, “It was beautiful to see.”
“So they could feel the vibrations of the music.”
“Si. The vibrations. The piano is also enjoyable for children, and they will get excited when they realize that they too can make music. It is amazing to see some of their transformations. I have seen children who were non-verbal attempt to make sounds to sing along with the music.”
Jake watched her expressive face as she talked. She was obviously passionate about what she did. He wondered if that passion was ever directed at other things. Pushing away that thought, he asked, “How long are you in New York?”
“I go to Colorado in a few days’ time.”
“Colorado? Seriously? What a coincidence,” Jake murmured while watching her to see if she would take the bait. She did.
“Really? How so?” Alex asked, cocking her head to the side and smiling.
“I just agreed to work with a buddy of mine who lives in Denver. I’m heading to Colorado by the end of the week.”
Alex smiled. “It must be fate. But this Denver, is it not a big city?”
“Smaller than the Big Apple.”
She leaned closer and he caught a hint of her perfume, something that smelled like peaches. She was gazing at him, a half-smile curving her mouth. “So what work do you do, Mr. Travers?”
“Jake, please. It’s not that interesting. Just how long have you been in the States?” He wondered if she would tell him the truth. He was pleasantly surprised when she was completely honest.
“We just arrived.”
“We?” Jake sipped his coffee. The beans tasted burned, but it’d do.
“Si. My father, he was unable to escort me—he is of an age when he hates to travel. He asked a business associate he has known for many years, il signor Bresi, to travel with me and smooth my way. He has been very helpful.” Jake lifted his eyebrows. She gave a laugh. “No, no, do not look like that. Il signor Bresi is not what you Americans would call my Sugar Daddy. My papa is old-fashioned and wanted to make sure someone was looking out for me while I settled. I’m twenty-five, but he still treats me as if I was ten.”
Jake offered up mock surprise. “What? You’re not already happily married at the ancient age of twenty-five?”
Sipping her cappuccino, Alex rolled her eyes. She shook her head. “Ancient? And how old are you?”
Jake smiled. “More than ancient. Twenty-eight. And also not married. Ten years in the military tends to leave you with few attachments and the kind of life no woman wants to deal with. At least, I didn’t feel up to asking any woman to put up with it—or me.”
“That is kind of you. But what of now?”
He lifted a hand. “I’m thinking about making some changes. Might be nice to come home each night to the same woman and some kids.” Jake heard the words leave his mouth, a little shocked to realize that he was telling the truth. The last two months had changed his perspective on life. He’d been waking up in the mornings, wondering if there was more and hoping there had to be.
A ring sounded from Alex’s purse. She pulled a face and offered an apologetic smile. Digging out her cell phone, she answered, “Prego?”
Jake heard Marco Bresi’s voice come over the line. “Alex? The driver said you left him to walk around the city. That is not a good idea. There is crime, and you do not know this city. I will have him come pick you up and he can take you wherever you wish to go, yes?”
Alex huffed out a breath and turned away slightly. “Thank you, I appreciate the offer, but I find this city is much the same as London or Paris. Confusing until you walk the streets and get to know it, but I know how to take care of myself. Besides, I met a new friend and we’re having coffee even now. I am safe enough.”
“Does this friend happen to be male?” Marco asked, his voice a low growl.
“Si. But before you ask, no, there is no need for you or your driver to come to the rescue of me. I’m a big girl, remember?”
Jake rubbed a hand over his mouth. That was just the problem—Alex was big enough to attract more than a little interest. He could almost feel sorry for Marco Bresi for having to look after her, if he didn’t know the guy was slime.
“I promised your papa—”
