Giovanni returned with a package in his hand, and she frowned as he came toward her.
“Lie face-down on the lounger,” he said.
She wanted to ask why but decided against it, and she just did as he asked. So far, everything he’d made her try, she’d enjoyed, so she didn’t know why this would be any different.
Lying, face-down on the lounger, she waited for him. He moved to sit beside her, and she didn’t know what was happening. Something touched the skin of her back, and she jerked.
“Stay still.”
She tried to hold herself still, but he kept on changing. Something would press into her back, and then it would be gone.
Valentina didn’t know how long they sat there, but he finished. “Follow me,” he said, helping her to her feet.
They didn’t go far, only to the main hall where there was a mirror.
He turned her so her back faced the mirror, and then he held up another one, which she hadn’t seen him grab. Giovanni lifted it and showed her her back.
She gasped.
He’d drawn a tree coming from the base of her back, and it also had coiled roses. The artwork was so mystical.
“Is this real?” she asked.
“No, it’s not, but it will wash away after a few showers.”
“But I love it.” She tucked her hair behind her ear. “Why?”
“Getting ink is permanent, Valentina. I don’t want you to make this decision lightly, and this is your choice. No one else’s.”
“You’re saying that you have no problem with me getting a tattoo?” she asked.
“It’s your body.”
“I belong to you now.”
“True, but I want you to be happy. If this makes you happy, then I have no problem with it. You’re beautiful to me, Valentina. I don’t need ink for that.”
“It’s because I want it,” she said. “Do you mind that I do?”
“Look at me, baby,” he said. “I’m covered in ink. I’ve got no problem if this is what you want. When we get home, after this has worn off, I’ll get my guy to show you some of his artwork. You can have whatever you want.”
“Won’t that be breaking some rules?”
He put the mirror down on the cupboard that had a few urns of ornaments. Giovanni wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close. “You’re my wife, and if my memory serves me, that means you’re mine. Body, mind, and soul. They don’t interfere with other marriages, Valentina. Why would they do it with this one?”
“I don’t want to get you in trouble.”
He chuckled. “It will take more than some ink to get me in trouble.”
“If that’s the case, then…” She nibbled on her lip, not sure if she should ask him.
“What is it?” he asked. “I cannot tell you if you can have it if I don’t know what it is.”
“Can I have Property of Giovanni Romano here?” She pointed at her wrist.
She looked at him and couldn’t read him. This was the only problem with Giovanni. He was a difficult man to read.
“Why?” he asked.