Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52105 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“I know that’s what I said,” he says calmly, his hand reaching out for mine. “But Harrison is right. If you come with me tonight, we risk your safety as well as everyone else. It could make things volatile. It could add emotion to what needs to be a calculated meeting.”
“I don’t understand why I can’t go to Wonderland with you. Don’t you think I’ll be safer by your side?” I ask, trying to not sound whiney and pouty, but once again, this feels like another rejection.
He doesn’t want me to love him.
Maybe he doesn’t want me period.
“Because the Morellis are attending,” he says.
“So? That didn’t stop you on the last one.”
“This time is different. I just got word that Bryant is coming. And not only is he attending, but he’s also asked for a tea party.” Nick sighs. “I don’t normally let someone else dictate when or if I hold a tea party, but since he’s being… respectful… I’ve decided to grant him this wish.”
“Okay, that still doesn’t explain why I can’t be there.”
Nick raises an eyebrow at me. “Do you want to see your father? Do you want to meet him this way?”
My heart falls to my stomach at the thought. “No. I don’t.”
“I didn’t think so. And besides, there are too many unknowns out there.” He leans forward and kisses me. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“But am I really safe here while you’re in Rome? All by myself?”
“It’s only two hours away. I won’t be too far. And you won’t be alone.” He looks over my shoulder then and smiles. “Ah, right on cue!”
He moves past me to greet an unexpected guest. Well… an unexpected guest to me.
“Thank you for coming,” Nick says to Cora Pillar, kissing her on both cheeks. “Perfect timing.”
“You said you needed me,” Cora says with a warm smile. “When you beckon, I come. Even if it means flying across the world to do it.” She gives a twinkle of a laugh and pats him on the back. “I brought my security you asked for. Some of my finest men.”
“I know I promised you Wonderland at the Vatican,” he begins.
Cora arches an eyebrow. “But?”
“I don’t want to leave Lyriope alone, but I need to make an appearance at Wonderland. Especially since Bryant Morelli is asking for a tea party to discuss his lovely daughter.”
“Bryant’s in Italy?”
“He is,” Nick says. “Which means Lyriope is safer here. With you and your security detail, if you don’t mind? I need to bring the men that I have with me to Wonderland considering our current guest list, so your manpower would be greatly appreciated.”
Nick then comes to me and kisses me on the cheek. I cross my arms, pouting that I don’t get to go to Wonderland. Even though he says it’s for my safety, I can’t help but feel it’s because he truly doesn’t want me with him.
“I don’t see why I can’t go,” I say, attempting one more time since I really don’t want to be left behind with Cora. I know the woman doesn’t like me. “I can stay hidden. Besides, everyone will think I’m Sasha.” It’s a weak statement, but I’m desperate.
Nick reaches for my hand and brings it to his lips. “That plan would work except that your father will be attending. I’m sorry, my dear, but no one is going to be fooled that you’re Sasha Morelli.” He shakes his head. “You aren’t coming. The arena for Wonderland is more confined and with far less places to keep you stashed away. I’m not going to risk you being stolen from me while I’m distracted with business.” He points at Cora. “But my dear friend Cora and her men will be here to keep you company while I’m away.”
“We could all go to Wonderland,” Cora suggests. “My men and I can keep an eye on Lyriope there.”
“It’s too risky,” Nick says, leading us both out to the veranda. “An unnecessary risk when you can be safer here.”
He pulls out two chairs and helps us both sit down. There’s a bottle of wine and two glasses waiting for us.
“I have an excellent vintage Chianti for you both to share while I’m away. I won’t be long.” He then leans down and gives us both kisses on our foreheads. “My two most special women. It’s time you get to know each other more anyway.”
He leaves us as the starry night sky and the sounds of nature engulf the awkwardness between us.
Cora is the first to make a move. She pours us each a glass of wine, and then lights a cigarette. “Is this your first time in Italy?” she asks. She picks up her phone, texts something for a minute, lays the phone facedown on the table, and then returns her attention back at me with a smile.