Page 21 of Vengeful Vows
“It’s a surprise.”
With my personality type, I need to know things. It’s a failing that makes me impatient. As a child, I would sneak downstairs at night to shake the brightly wrapped presents beneath the Christmas tree—not just mine, but Alessandro’s as well.
At times, I’d be so desperate to get a peek inside that I’d use my fingernail to slit the tape holding the paper together. If anyone ever noticed that I’d precisely placed a second piece of tape on top of the first, they never said. “I’m not good with those.”
“Too bad.” His easy tone says he’s entirely unconcerned. “I enjoy giving them.”
Galveston and Corpus Christi come to mind. Maybe the Hill Country. New Orleans? But since I can’t leave until after noon, the six-hour drive each way is a little too far.
“Can you be ready by two?”
“That should be doable.” Which also means I need to get going.
I stand and pick up my helmet.
“I like the shape of your ass in those padded shorts.”
“I’ll have you know that I work hard to keep the padding off my butt.”
“You shouldn’t.”
“Really?”Are you a man who appreciates curves?Frankly I wouldn’t mind indulging in chocolate croissants on a more frequent basis.
Marcello takes a couple of steps closer to me, and he adjusts the fit of my helmet.
“Two o’clock, Bella. Be ready.”
“I will.” I’m ridiculously excited.
As I mount my bicycle and take off, I’m aware of his hot gaze following me down the pavement.
My ride home takes forever, as does my shower since I need to wash my hair.
I arrive at work a little after nine. If I wasn’t so distracted, I might have been able to leave a little early, but as it is, I keep getting lost in my thoughts.
As a result, it’s after twelve when I rush home to get my belongings together.
Because I don’t know where we’re going, I’m not sure what to include. But since he enjoys fine dining, I toss in a couple of nice dresses.
By the time I’m finished, I have a very full piece of luggage and a large tote bag. For me, this is packing light.
I remember to send Amelia a quick text, letting her know I’m traveling, but that I don’t know where we’re going.
Keep your phone on so I can see your location. Just in case.
After all, Marcello is no ordinary man.
At one fifty-nine, there’s a knock on my door.
The security app on my phone lights up with a picture of Marcello, looking unbelievably handsome in a long-sleeved black dress shirt and black slacks.
Every time I’m near him, I fall a little more under his spell.
I open the door. Though I was prepared for the sight of him, my breath still hitches. In person, he exudes power and devastating charisma.
Without a word, he grabs the handle of my suitcase. “Is this all you have?”
“It is.” I’d been nervous he’d complain about the number of things I consider essential, but he’s totally indulgent.