Page 60 of Enduring Caine
“Same as the wine cellar at the base of the tower.” Johann rounded the island and picked up where Henri had left off with the crostini while I returned to my seat. “That’s a real highlight.”
“I’ll have to find someone who’s allowed to take me down there.”
“Antonio probably knows the way, but Henri knows the inventory.” Johann grinned. “He hides things down there sometimes.”
I paused, wine glass almost to my mouth. Hides things?
“Like the wine I was talking about. The last time Leonardo found a bottle, he…” Johann cut off, eyes flicking to the side where the camera was, but not up. He waved a clove of garlic he’d been rubbing across the bread. “Never mind.”
He paused mid-sentence a lot for someone who claimed he didn’t mind having cameras on him.
Henri’s voice grew louder and I turned to see him and Antonio climbing from the root cellar. “We’ve decided and you’ll love it.”
“But is it my favorite?”
“Trust me?” Antonio gave me a wink and a sly smile.
“When it comes to food? Yes.”
He laughed and came closer, kissing my forehead. “I was thinking—after your snack, do you want to see the ruins? You said your trip yesterday was overwhelming, so perhaps we can take our time?”
Yes!Vincenzo’s warning last night and Leo’s harsh reaction to the car accident meant the odds Antonio and I would sleep together tonight were low. Going to the cave would give me a chance to tell him about Elliot and the camera. And he could tell me what happened in his secret meeting.
Chapter 26
Antonio
SamanthaandIstrolledalong the walkway toward the cave, through the ruins of the ancient merchant’s villa. Hand in hand, sun shining above, cool but not cold.
She’d told me that Vincenzo only revealed his truth once they were in the cave and he’d turned off the camera. If he wouldn’t tell her anything out here, then there must have been more devices to capture movements or conversations. Security had grown so much tighter over the years.
When I lived in Roma, they had cameras, but only watching the outside, not the inside. Was it Leonardo’s paranoia or related to the changes Giovanni spoke of? Was he now more afraid of spies than direct assaults?
“I’m sorry, bella.” I pulled her hand to my lips.
“For what?”
“Being distracted. So many people around.” I let go of her hand and walked ahead of her, down the narrow walkway, into the cave. “And not enough us time.”
She patted my back. “This reminds me of our first hike together.”
“Good view back there?” I said over my shoulder, recalling one of my early flirtations with her.
“Almost as good as that day.” She swatted my bottom. “I liked watching your legs.”
“And kept that fact to yourself?” I paused as we reached the entryway to the cave and the carved path opened wide enough for three abreast. “Have you thought more about Matt’s job offer?”
She grimaced and shook her head. “A permanent position’s awfully…”
“Permanent?”
“I like the statues. Especially this one.” She halted in front of the Venus statue, reaching around Venus’s head and pointing upward. The sudden change in subject was either her avoiding the question—which wouldn’t surprise me—or a hint that the device to disable the camera was hidden here.
“You know Venus is the goddess of love, sì?” I turned her to face me, pressing her against the wall. If we were going to have a moment without anyone watching, it would be best to convince them we didn’t know there was a camera there. I ran my good hand down her side, resting it against her hip, sliding around to her ass.
“Stop,” she whispered with a chuckle. “It’s against the rules.”
“I’ve missed you so much.” My nose traced from her temple to her ear. “Not being able to sleep next to you is a sin.”