Page 53 of Giorgio

“Heart attack. She was in the garden weeding when she just keeled over and died, just like that.”

He made a sympathetic sound. “How old were you?”

“Fifteen.” She shook her head sadly. “They were madly in love, you see. I always admired how they were around each other. They were always touching and every Friday, they would find a babysitter and go out on dates.

It was never anywhere too expensive, dinner at a nearby restaurant, dancing at the local club, things like that. When she died, my dad was never the same. He never neglected us of course, but part of him was missing.” Her dark brown eyes were eloquent as she stared at him and made him acutely conscious of her.

He knew what she wanted from him, but was not certain he could give it to her. They were from two different worlds and now that she got her memory back, she would be going home, where she belonged.

They could pretend that this was going to last, but their days were numbered. He had no idea how much time they had left, but he had resolved to spend as much time with her as possible.

He had been wrestling with that decision, but getting her memory back had cinched it for him. Dispelling the gloom that had started to come over them, he titled her face up. “If you are not going to sleep, I suggest an alternate plan.” He whispered.

“I am all for it.”

*****

She dreaded telling her brother about the return of her memory. The doctor had come by to examine her and declared that as soon as the cast was removed, she would be fully recovered. “It’s remarkable how the human body works,” he said with a smile.

Alfredo had expressed his delight and sent his son a pointed look that was studiously ignored.

Giorgio was no longer hiding the fact that they were together and had suggested that his suite of rooms was more accommodating. The first time she stepped foot into the lavishly decorated suite, she had been struck dumb by the opulence.

It had also sent her into a fit of depression she had managed to hide from him. They were poles apart and every day it was became more apparent.

She waited two days to tell her brother the good news, which now felt like a death sentence.

“That’s wonderful news! I am going to see what flights are available…”

“I take my cast off sometime next week.”

“Specifically, when?”

“I don’t know yet, ” she replied evasively.

“For someone who is getting their life back, you sound awfully despondent. I wonder why.”

“Of course I am happy.” She said defensively.

“When did this happy moment happened?”

She hesitated, wondering if she should tell him the truth, but her innate sense of honesty prevailed and had her revealing the truth.

The silence that followed her revelation had her fidgeting. She was in the library as usual. Breakfast had been in the informal dining room with Giorgio and his dad. He had left for some appointments and promised to be back early to take her for a drive. “You have still yet to see some of the sights.”

“What the hell are you doing Jules?” Her brother’s growl pierced her bubble.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She passed a hand over the hardcover of the History of Rome she was reading. She was also abreast with her Italian lessons because she wanted to surprise him.

“You know damn well what I mean? Are you setting up house with him? Is that what this is all about? Do you honestly think he is going to propose? Out of the countless women he has been with, he has chosen you. Are you that delusional? Has the accident robbed you of your senses?”

Every word he spoke wounded her deeply. Each night spent with him only drew her deeper, until she was so in love with him, she could not breathe when he was near.

And she had to admit that she had been praying that a miracle would occur, and he would discover that he loved her too. Their lovemaking was fiery, intense, that it left them shaken every single time.

Last night she had surprised him by using her mouth to bring him pleasure. She knew it wasn’t a first for him, but his reaction had been electrifying, his beautiful body wracked by shudders He had begged her to stop, Switching from English to Italian while in the throes of passion.’

He had clung to her after, his face buried in the side of her neck.

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