Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
CHAPTER 26
FRANCISCO
Marlena is trying my patience. I understand she’s in an emotional situation and that I haven’t been completely honest with her. If I had to go back and do things again, I’m not sure I would change anything. My driving need is to make sure she’s safe. It comes above any concerns about her brother, and even above concerns about my business.
I left Giovanni in charge back home, and I know he’ll do a good job. Even though he’s made it clear that he’s happy being my second-in-command, when duty calls, he’ll rise to the occasion. Still, I’m giving up a lot to shepherd Marlena to safety, and to make the connection with her family that I’m hoping will change the game.
Our limo pulls up outside the villa, and I’m pleased to see it’s well taken care of. I don’t get to Italy often, but when I do, I enjoy this little piece of paradise that I own. It sits atop a hill, looking out over a rolling field of green grass. It’s far enough away from the city to be peaceful, but close enough for an evening of festivities if I’m in the mood.
I expect Marlena to be impressed, but she isn’t. She gets out of the car, still fuming. I’m surprised that so much anger can be packed so tightly into such a small body. I’m afraid that if I touch her, I’ll burn.
“This way,” I say stiffly.
She turns up her chin, following me because she has no other options. But she refuses to speak to me, and that’s just something I’m going to have to deal with. I wonder how long she’ll keep up this rage. There’s no other way for me to explain myself beyond what I’ve already said. I just hope that eventually she’ll come around and see that I’ve done this for her own good.
There are two maids at the doorway to greet us. I say hello to both of them, and to her credit, Marlena follows suit. I guess she’s not too angry to follow polite customs, but that’s where her cooperation ends.
I decide to give her a tour, maybe soften her up with a demonstration of our luxurious accommodations.
“Here is the pool,” I say, sliding the glass patio door out of the way to demonstrate the crystal blue waters of our own private oasis.
A stone deck runs all the way to the water’s edge, and a tiny waterfall cascades from an artificial rock wall. In the distance, are the rolling hills of the Italian countryside. There’s a smattering of deck chairs that were handcrafted by local artists, and a full bar in the corner so you don’t even have to go inside to get yourself a drink.
I hope that someday, I might be able to see her lounging by the pool in a bikini. We didn’t purchase one of those Stateside because I hadn’t been thinking that clearly. The whole time we were shopping, I had my eyes peeled for Andretti’s men. I just wanted to get Marlena out of the country as fast as I could, and keep her in the dark until we crossed the international border.
Now here we are, and I’m wishing she had something sexy to wear. But she turns a cold shoulder and doesn’t say anything about the pool. Maybe the vision of her sunbathing is a pipe dream. Maybe she’ll never talk to me again.
After that wild morning in my office (was it only fourteen hours ago?) I have to admit, I was feeling optimistic about our relationship. Marlena is obviously attracted to me, and her desire to engage in a celibate marriage has been put on hold. But now I’m in the doghouse, and I wonder if I’ll ever be able to touch her again.
First things first. I need to talk to the Rossa family, and I need to touch base with Giovanni to see if there is any news about Marlena’s brother. I would invite her to sit with me on the call to America, but it seems like even that would be misinterpreted. No, it’s best to just deal with it myself, and hopefully find the kid so Marlena can stop worrying.
I show Marlena the kitchen in the hopes she’ll thaw enough to want to eat. But she simply hugs herself and turns up her nose. I barely mention the fireplace in the living room, even though it’s state-of-the-art.
“This is our room,” I say, stumbling over the plural adjective. It’s actually my bedroom, but I was thinking we could stay together. There’s a beautiful bed that hasn’t seen any action in a very long time.
“Where are you going to sleep?” Marlena demands, speaking to me for the first time since leaving the airplane.
I open my mouth to respond. There are plenty of other guest rooms I can use, but I’m hoping that we can patch things up. One look at her tells me I’m wrong on all accounts. She doesn’t want to swim or eat, and she definitely doesn’t want to share a bed with me.