"Signora Grimaldi introduced her friends as they met with Flavia in the hall,

"this is Signora Cassani and this is Signora Altieri. And this," she said turning to the dark haired woman "is my daughter Antonina."

In that moment before they kissed in greeting, Flavia looked into those deep dark, almond shaped eyes, set above full lips.

By now the elderly trio were already making their way towards the sun terrace.

That perfume again. Flavia had an almost irresistible need to keep holding Antonina in that greeting embrace. Only with difficulty did she tear herself away. Antonina had not moved to break off. Was she feeling the same?

She stood now before her, her neck flushed a little.

"Let's join the others," said Flavia

When she held Antonina's delicate warm hand in hers she felt a jolt of energy run up her arm and across her body"