Page 34 of Wicked

I remember his exact words: “Contrived social gatherings.” Dante likes to get in and out without small talk, gossip, and time-wasting.

I get it, and who really likes to listen to gossip about who is marrying who, who is getting divorced, who is now in Rome and a broker?

I was expecting several hundred people, and I’m right.

The newly wedded couple are in their twenties, around my age. They are stunning, perfectly matched, and they appear madly in love.

I’m jealous for a few sad seconds until we are handed flutes of champagne. As we look across the large, festive gathering, the sun continues to set. Soon, all is covered with a perfect golden glow, and I beam and smile.

Italian music comes from a band, and old and young dance, laugh and talk.

As my eyes sweep the estate, I notice the grounds are maintained to perfection. Vineyards head off in all directions, and old Roman ruins lay under trees.

Marble statues are peppered about, and the massive villa sits amongst formal gardens.

“To…?” Dante asks, lifting his drink.

“I’m not sure,” I say, lost for words with the beauty and moment.

“To your first time in Italy.”

We clink our flutes together, hold eye contact, and enjoy the champagne. As we walk on with our flutes, we weave around the outer edge of the tables and dance floor.

Finally, Dante finds an uncle, and they greet in Italian before switching to English.

Dante asks how his wine making is going and the older man beams proudly. “Perfecto, grazie.”

As Dante introduces me, the charming man kisses my hand. “Ciao, Raven, and welcome to Italia.”

“Grazie, grazie,” I say, trying out my best Italian.

“So, my favorite, and only nephew, is back. How is life galivanting around the world? And how is the family castle? Fun to be home and back in it, no doubt?”

I raise a surprised brow. Family castle?What the…

Dante clears his throat, and he avoids my watching eyes. “Wonderful. And how about you?”

Dante’s uncle delights us with colorful stories, and his high energy is refreshing. He is wearing an impeccable suit, and it is clear he comes from money. He has class and style.

It becomes clear he has a vineyard not far along the Tuscan coast, and it’s also clear he has a fascination with ancient Rome and Italian history.

After discussing all kinds of things, he turns to me, putting me on the spot. “Now, what business do you have with this peasant?” Before I can answer, he adds, “Are you here to steal his heart?”

As my eyes meet Dante’s, I’m unsure what to say. Our eyes hold, and I do not know what to say.

“My intentions are pure, sir,” I say. The energy calms before I add, “For now, at least.”

Dante lifts his chin and then his eyes glint before darkening. He looks like he wants to kill me or take me. As long as he kisses me first, I’ll doanythinghe wants.

14

DANTE

“And what say you, Dante? What say you?” Holy shit. I’ve walked straight into hell.

I look back at Raven and think fast. “I do not honestly know,” I say. “But as I live the life of a man on the sea, perhaps like a modern-day pirate in New York, it is perhaps best my heart belongs to the ocean.”

My uncle lifts his chin and contemplates my words. “Fascinating, Dante. But do not forget, the clock ticks away, and as you know, I failed to find love again after losing my wife, your Aunt Mia. Do not tempt Old Man Time, son.” I avoid Raven’s face as my uncle raises an eyebrow. “Now, on that note, I must continue my campaign to conquer hearts and minds. I shall see you up at the castle soon.”

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