Page 82 of Wicked

“You know what, teacher?”

“No,” I reply, suspecting her and her big mouth will test me.

Again.

“You likely need someone with an equally sharp mind to challenge you! Or you will get bored.”

I ignore her comment, but it does get me thinking again. Realization slowly dawns, and deep down, I know she is right.

“Tell me I’m wrong!” she demands from across the room in her thong and nothing more.

“Phah!” I gruff. “Just keep taking notes, alright!”

The ex-virgin walks over, and the crazy thing grins from ear to ear. “You know, I feel amazing, liberated, and alive.”

Her hands spin in the air like a wild woman, and she twirls. I shake my head and watch her in the sun. “I’ve created a monster! A monster!”

As she laughs happily, I feel good inside. It’s important the kid is happy, and heck, it was even hot. Maybe too fucking hot.

As we make breakfast,the sun rises properly, and we cook farm eggs and pancakes, American style. Tito seems to have slept well, and he appears happy here.

Our energy is calm and quiet, especially after all the sex in and around the room and castle.

After we have hot baths, I return to work on the castle. Raven works on her novel fireside, and my mind returns to keeping the castle.

High in one of the castle wings, I carry old chests downstairs, and I place important items in the most secure areas.

The best security alarms have been placed in lower chambers where the paintings, antiques, swords, shields, and clothing are.

I go down to the old Ferrari, and I double check it’s safe and parked inside. I look behind it, and in the darkness, I notice several other sports cars. I knew my grandfather had a small collection, but as I write down the car brands, ages, and head further under the castle, I return to the sunlight with a total count of twelve.

Three Ferraris, four Fiats, an ancient Lamborghini, a gorgeous old Bugatti and three Alfa Romeos.

All Italian brands, all world-class, all old, and in the colors of Italy. Red, white, and green. Plus, several in black, to match Italian coffee and our dark hair.

Madness!

Selling the sports cars would not pay for the castle, but they are a solid collection. As I head towards the front of the castle, I pause in the sun.

Tuscan roads head down the coast, and they twist and turn into the distance. I turn and look up the other side of the coast,and again, the world-class roads wind all the way along the coast towards France.

I imagine the convertibles winding their way along the roads, with happy people inside, hair flying.

Besides working out how to keep the castle, I need to work out how to get the cars on the road and see them used. Seeing them polished and placed around the Tuscan castle would also be a sight. It would even celebrate Italy.

34

RAVEN

After making more fresh Italian coffee by the fireside, I write. I work hard on my novel, but I’m having trouble focusing. It’s because ofhim.

I take a break and message Parker at home in NY.

Lost my V card!

A message comes in fast.

OMG, so out of ten?”

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