Page 70 of Wicked

As I sit, I take my grandmother’s hands in mine.

“Nonna, thanks for the sage advice, and I really mean it. I will think on it all and see you again soon. If you don’t mind, I better leave. I’ll be back tomorrow, but I need to attend an unexpected work meeting in Milan. There is someone special who should join our team.”

“Then go get them!”

We hug, agree to see each other in a few days, and I run for the Range Rover.

After paying for the fairy costume and leaving the Zorro one, I drive quickly to the castle.

I need suitable clothes for the meeting, and I need to move fast.

Pausing, I remember my grandfather’s vintage Ferrari. It was his pride and joy, and it is a stunning black convertible. It will be far faster than the Range Rover, especially through the Tuscan landscape.

After I find the old ornate key, I slide the heavy oak door open.

The exotic black sports car sits where it has always sat. She is like a black panther, lying in wait, incredibly exotic and fast.

“Bellissima.”

I run quickly into the castle, but this time, I head downstairs. I eventually find the dungeon door and then the correct ornate key.

I enter slowly, and it is a large round chamber.

Arched windows sit high in the walls, and I have no idea what it was used for in the day. It was likely used to hold captured invading prisoners from foreign lands, and it is oddly clean.

I notice horse riding reins, bridles and saddles along a wall, and leather crops and whips hang from ornate brass hooks.

As my eyes run around the dungeon, they find the round marble plinth in the center. It is waist high, round, and ornate. It is also six feet in diameter, enough for a human body to lay down, or kneel. An image of my student on it flashes through my mind. She is covered in oil, naked, and doing bad things.

“Dear God.”

I run quicklyup the castle stairs, and I make the call. It picks up fast, and Raven’s voice is warm. “Yes, teacher?”

“Have you done your homework?” I ask, getting my suit and items for my planned overnight stay.

“I didn’t know I had any.”

As I walk quickly downstairs, I talk fast. “Homework is playing with yourself and thinking of me. Now, because you’ve been bad and failed in your assignment, you will need to be punished.” There is silence, and it concerns me. “Student?”

As I place everything in the back of the Ferrari, the unsure voice comes through. “Yes.”

I notice some of my grandfather’s wine collection next to the sports car, and I select two dusty bottles of vino from wooden crates.

Raven’s voice cuts in. “I will accept the punishment.”

As I start the powerful engine, I smile. “Good,” I say, “I’m on my way.”

“What?”

I toss the phone on the leather seat, and I spin out of the castle. As I race the Ferrari under the trees, leaves fly, and myhair blows in the wind. I streak down towards the villa and beach, the sense of freedom pumping in my veins.

I’m alive!

A night away is just what I need. A night of fun and adventure. Milan, the world’s fashion capital, and an incredible city for one night.

One special night.

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