Page 21 of Destino

“I don’t ever recall you making a request for me to set you up cousin. I would say she does more than please you.”

“Let’s just say I’m intrigued. She’s different.”

Dominic, an enforcer and adopted little brother to them both, stepped in. Giovanni’s father had taken him into the family at the age of three, and both men loved him like blood.

“I need to speak with Giovanni.” He switched his gaze over to Lorenzo. “Alone.”

Lorenzo nodded. “You can use my office. When the ladies arrive, I will send word to meet us upstairs in the parlor.”

Giovanni turned and followed Dominic out. He glanced back over his shoulder. Lorenzo watched him. His cousin looked to be accepting of his decision. Only time would tell.

The narrow road paved in cobblestones jostled them in their seats. The car climbed upward at a reduced speed. Their destination appeared to be a villa carved into the mountainside. Mira gripped the inside door jam. “I feel like we’ll roll back down the road. Jeesh, how far does he have to drive?”

Fabiana leaned forward with a hard squint. “The gates. Look.”

Double wrought iron gates were pushed open by the aid of men who blended with the night. Their suit jackets parted under their outstretched arms to reveal guns tucked in their pants. Mira careened her neck to be sure she saw the weapons. But the car moved on.

“I’ve been trying to convince you to buy a vacation place in Italy for years. Maybe now you’ll consider one for Como after we finalize our real-estate issues in Napoli.”

“Not sure if I can afford the army to guard it. Did you see that? Those men had guns.”

“Guns?” Fabiana’s gaze swiveled to the back window. “No they didn’t. It’s illegal.”

Mira frowned. “I know what I saw.”

The car came to a complete stop, and the ladies collected their purses. Mira emerged inhaling the sweet fragrant air. Wind whipped through the large palms circling the drive, and their leafy skirts rustled, as did the other lush cypress that was groomed immaculately. Her hair was blown away from her face. She smiled, fixated on the three-story block shaped mansion that was painted a soft melon orange with a flat rust-colored, shingled roof.

Fabiana walked around the back of the car. “Nice right?”

The villa appeared spacious enough to really make this mini vacation worthy of the effort. Mira glanced over at the driver who removed their luggage. Her most treasured piece being her leather portfolio case. “While you and Romeo do Lake Como, I’ll sketch some new designs that have been keeping me up at night. Oh and sleeping. I can’t wait to sleep in late for a change.”

As they climbed the stone steps, Lorenzo filled the open doorway. The warm yellow light behind him cast shadows over his face, making him even more handsome. Mira watched Fabiana quicken her steps. Maybe Mira had been too judgmental of him. He did seem to be taken with Fabiana, and she knew how much her friend wanted to find love again.

“Fabiana, Mira,benvenuta all'Bellagio.” He withdrew, allowing them to enter.

“CiaoLorenzo.” Fabiana blushed.

They were led inside between two regal Corinthian pillars. Mira entered a home of vast dimensions, as if someone with claustrophobia designed it. And what a beautiful villa it was. Vivid cool colors reminiscent of a spring garden covered the walls. Crystal, silver, and gold antiquities perched on marble pedestals all punctuated the cultural flavor. The high ceiling hall they were led down opened into an oval shaped entranceway with two elegant stairwells that connected up to the second level. The floors were polished marble under a massive pewter chandelier that absolutely sparkled. Tucked to the corners of the wide stairwell were two eight-foot tall statues of goddesses that looked authentic. Mira’s eyes swept over the artwork. When her gaze returned to her host, he was staring at her intensely. A shiver went through her from the dark hard stare he gave her. In a blink, his gaze moved on, but she was sure she’d noticed something in the exchange.

“This way, ladies.” He continued toward the large semi-circular staircase to the second level. Fabiana followed without thought, and Mira forced her legs to move. Pondering where they might lead, she slowly and cautiously climbed the stairs, all the while running her fingers across the smooth polished banister. What was there not to love about Italy? Who knows what the future held. The country had already inspired her work. As they strolled into an open parlor, she noticed how her friend’s suitor slipped his arm around Fabiana’s waist, keeping her close.

Again Mira checked the time on her watch. Maybe she would join them for a drink and retire to give them some privacy. Lorenzo stopped in the middle of the room and swept Fabiana up in his arms for a long kiss. Mira watched and waited, a bit uncomfortable. Her friend swayed when he released her. “If you don’t mind waiting here, I have someone coming to take you to your room. I’m sure you’re exhausted from your eventful day.”

Neither girl objected, but they exchanged looks after his announcement. Mira half expected Fabiana to speak up. Instead, her friend held his hand and winked at her before she was swept out of the room. The pair passed another tall man, again with a gun tucked to the front of his pants. He positioned himself at the entrance of the parlor. His dark eyes, encased in long lashes, fixed on her.

Alone, she glanced around. It was a well-furnished parlor with bright lamplight. The cozy seating arrangement softened an elegant room divided into two distinct conversational areas. The L-shaped white sofa and a few large peach upholstered back sofa chairs were to the left. A mirrored bar with wine racks and a few large conversational chairs were to the right. How long did he intend to have her waiting here? Her gaze lingered on the bar. She loved Italian wine, and she was sure Lorenzo would have the best. She’d already had enough to drink for the evening, so she decided against the temptation. Mira passed the sofa and dropped her rectangular clutch purse. She ran her hands over her hips in her tight white pants, rubbing out the exhaustion in her fingers. Instead of a nightcap she decided on some air. She approached the outside balcony that overlooked the lake and smiled at the breathtaking sight before her. The moon had receded behind the clouds, but the lights of the city twinkled against the mountainous landscape.

“Amazing isn’t it?”

She whirled on the voice behind her.

“I was below you staring out at the same moon. One of the loveliest moons this season." Giovanni entered with his hands shoved deep into his pockets. “Like you, I couldn’t stop thinking of its beauty.”

Stunned, she managed a reply. “You don’t know what I was thinking.”

“You’d be surprised all the things I know.”

For a short moment, he enjoyed watching her. When he entered the parlor, he watched her stroll around the empty room, then out the French doors. She wore what she had on earlier and looked even more beautiful under the moonlight. The long layers of her hair blew slightly around her shoulders. His gaze lowered to her apple shaped bottom and slender legs. Lorenzo was right. He wasn’t prone to pursuing women who didn’t return his desires. However, from the moment he met her in the hall of his cousin’s restaurant, she’d been quite unforgettable. She intrigued him. Was his keen interest because of her stubborn refusal of his charm or the suffocating loneliness he’d endured? He wasn’t sure.

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