The Italian

“I said I want to stay in Milan at the apartment.” He is really beginning to piss me off now.

He punches the steering wheel hard, causing me to jump. “And I said we are staying at Lake Como. I can’t keep you safe in the apartment in Milan. Do not push for a fight with me tonight, Olivia. I am not in the fucking mood.”

I sit back in my seat, affronted.

Safe.

He thinks I’m not safe. Why would he think that?

What happened in Sicily? I’ve been so preoccupied with all of my news that I didn’t even bother asking what the emergency was last night. His eyes flick to the rearview mirror again. That’s like the tenth time he has done that. I turn in my seat and look through the back window. There are two cars behind us and one in front. It’s more security than ever.

Something’s going on.

I watch him as he drives. He’s deep in thought—miles away. Anger is radiating out of his every pore.

Jeez.

I exhale heavily. He doesn’t need me adding to his stress levels and to be fighting about crap. I snuggle back into my seat and close my eyes. I’m going to ignore him. We can’t fight if I’m not awake. I let happy thoughts fill my mind. I dream of our baby… and I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.

Francesca

Antonio opens the door, his smile broad. “You’re really trying this term, Francesca. No doubt your marks will represent all your hard work this year. Your father would be so proud of you.”

I smile at my trusty bodyguard. If only he knew.

Every day for the last fortnight, I have come to the library for one reason only.

Giuliano Linden.

He’s like a drug I can’t quit, and we meet here in secret. I’m not allowed to date, and even if I were, I wouldn’t be allowed to date him. He’s nineteen. My mother would see him as too old for me. He’s not too old for me. He’s just right—perfect in every way.

I walk into the library with Antonio behind me. I’m holding my breath as I take a seat at the communal table next to a group of girls.

“Hi.” I smile as I pretend to know them.

“Hi,” they all reply politely.

I open my book as Antonio does his usual walk around of the library, checking to see that everything and everyone is in order. Once satisfied, he gives me a nod and goes to wait outside near the front doors. I breath out a sigh of relief.

Every afternoon, I live in fear that he’s going to spot Giuliano in the corner, pretending to study. I can’t imagine what would happen if he did.

Giuliano wears a cap to shield his face. From a distance he looks a lot younger than he is. Antonio hasn’t noticed him yet. Giuliano blends in with the young crowd. I’m hoping Antonio never will discover what’s going on.

My mother would hit the roof if she knew I’d been lying to her.

Right on cue, Giuliano lifts his head, and our eyes meet across the library. He gives me a broad smile. My heart somersaults in my chest and I feel myself light up. I never knew that a smile could make me feel ten feet tall.

But his does.

When I’m with him, I feel invincible.

I make my way over to where he sits. “Hello.”

His eyes search mine as I take a seat beside him. “Hi.”

We stare at each other for a momen

t. There’s this swirling chemistry in the air between us, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. A palpable energy.