Page 71 of The Don's Deadly Assassin

I tuck my hands into his pockets for warmth but mostly closeness. He kisses the top of my head. “Forgive me for not giving you company today.”

“Work is important,” I whisper back.

“Not as important as you. Get dressed.” He leans down and gives me a quick kiss on my lips. "You’ve been holed up all day. We should head out.”

“What? But Vincenzo,” I argue, trying to find a way for us to stay in. “Crowds make me nervous. What if the professor’s killer finds us?” What I really want to say is that I know these people, and we’re much safer here, indoors!

“We’re going for a private viewing, my love,” he whispers. “I’ve pulled some strings. Tonight, you and I have exclusive access to the historical grounds of the Roman Forum. We’ll have our own private tour, free from prying eyes.”

My jaw drops to the floor…almost.

“The Roman Forum? But it’s impossible. It’s closed off to the public at night.”

“I’ve got friends in high places. It’ll be just you and I. So, what do you say?”

A private tour of the Roman Forum sounds incredible. Besides, it won’t be crowded. The threat level will be near non-existent. We’d be in our own private bubble.

I look up at Vincenzo and smile. “Let’s do it.”

Our convoy approaches the entrance to the Roman Forum, and we get off. “We’ll take care of security from her, Sir,” Mario confirms with Vincenzo, who nods in acknowledgment.

At the main entrance, a security guard waits to grant us access. This private viewing is a rarity. I wonder what bribes Vincenzo had to pay to get the manager’s consent.

The moment we step past the gates and into the ancient ruins, I congratulate myself on making the right decision.

The entire collection of ruins spread out over sprawling grounds comes alive right in front of our eyes. I’m awestruck. Vincenzo seems to understand my silence as he stands by my side and slides his hand through mine.

Neither of us says anything. What words could do justice to such staggering grandeur?

We’re in the middle of a garden, overlooking about a dozen ancient structures. While reduced to just stone and marble, the temples, basilicas, triumphal arches and what used to be government buildings, still make an impressive sight.

“Can you imagine,” Vincenzo whispers. “This was a vibrant city once?”

I shake my head and take a step forward, Vincenzo’s hand still in mine. “It truly makes me question,” I say.

“Question what?” he asks.

“The significance of us, of life,” I whisper back. “Back then, the Roman Forum was the center of this city, where everything happened. And now?”

“It’s a relic of the past,” he finishes my sentence, understanding just what I’m trying to say.

The moon casts its silvery glow over the crumbling stone pillars and archways, bathing the forum in silver light. In the distance, I hear a bat screech. The air is still, quiet, almost eerie, as if we've stepped into a different world entirely.

Our footsteps echo on the ancient stones as we weave deeper into the labyrinth of ruins. I run my fingers along a broken column, imagining the centuries of history encapsulated here.

We come upon a crumbling temple, moonlight spilling through the gaping roof onto a mosaic floor. I gasp at the sight.

"Imagine the civilization that walked these halls worshiped these gods," Vincenzo muses.

"It's like we've stumbled on their forgotten world," I reply. I feel Vincenzo's eyes on me as I take in the view.

I'm admiring the intricate details of a marble frieze when I hear footsteps behind us. I gasp and turn with a sudden jerk, my training and fear coming back.

A woman emerges from the shadows, her icy blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun.

“You must be Mr. Consolini,” she smiles at Vincenzo and offers him a thin, bony hand.

He accepts her hand. “And you must be the guide, Miss?”

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