Page 18 of Rome with Dad's Best Friend

“And this,” he says. “Is where Julius Caesar was murdered. It happened right here.”

“Right here?” I murmur, staring at the spot he is pointing to. “Wow.” I try to picture it, happening so long ago. The buildings here are in ruins. It almost seems strange, to be in a country with a history that dates back so far before when mine was even born. There is so much to look at, around every corner and in every alleyway.

A stray cat wanders across the road when we emerge once more, just one of the many we’ve seen around here. I want to pet them all, though Marco already warned me that most of them carry disease and pests. It makes me sad to think of them having to get by on their own, without medical treatment or a loving owner to scratch their ears.

“Well, are you satisfied with history for today?” Marco asks. “We could carry on.”

“No,” I tell him, smiling. “I think I’m satisfied. That was a lot to see already.”

“Then let’s go,” he says, taking my arm to steer me back to where we last left the car.

“Go where?” I ask my heart rate quickening. Is this it?

“Home, of course,” Marco says, with a smirk, keeping his eyes straight ahead as he teases me.

Home… like his home? I keep my mouth shut and focus on walking, while in my mind, so many different things are flashing through, mostly the thought of seeing his home, and his bed, the place where he sleeps – the place where…

Is it going to happen now?Chapter FifteenMarcoI drive the familiar route back home, to my own place. Just outside the city of Rome, close enough that I can go to work easily but far enough from the center that I can have some peace and quiet. The home I’ve worked for all of my life to create.

It’s one of my main sources of pride and joy, for now at least. Gates encircle an area of private land that contains the house, a gravel drive in front where I can park several cars, and a yard out the back that includes a pool and pool house.

I take the opportunity to glance to the side whenever it’s safe to catch Hannah’s reaction. Her eyes are wide as she takes it all in, craning her neck to look all the way up to the top of the house as we pull in closer. I had the house built to my own specifications, with wide glass spaces letting in plenty of light but shading the viewer from seeing inside, dark brickwork, and an impressive architecture right up to the roof, which I had made to resemble a traditional Italian castle.

This is my castle, after all – the place where I’m lord and master. And I don’t usually allow people to come here. Only Fran has ever seen it, except for those I employ to do work around the house because it is a sacred space for me. Too special to share with anyone but the most important in my life.

And now Hannah is here, about to come inside with me and take her claim on a life by my side.

I step out of the car and rush to Hannah’s side, to open the door and help her out. Then I turn towards my home with her hand on my arm, about to lead her inside. Size-wise, in fact, it should correctly be called a villa – especially since we are here in Italy, the seat of the empire which made the villa-style famous around the world.

“It’s beautiful,” Hannah says, her face filled with wonder. A moment later she must realize that she spoke without thinking because she continues awkwardly. “I mean, your home, it’s so – so big and grand.”

I chuckle. “Thank you,” I say. “But you haven’t seen inside yet.” I don’t mean it as an idle boast – I know that the interior of my home makes even more of an impression than the outside. I’ve worked hard to ensure that it's comfortable yet stylish, representing everything that I want when I come home from work.

Except for one thing – the family to share it with me. But perhaps, from today, we can change that.

I show Hannah inside, allowing her to step in before me and take in the entrance. As soon as we enter, motion sensors set off my homecoming routine, mood lighting lights the walls, gentle music plays from hidden speakers, and a spray of delicate scent fills the air. Even with Hannah here, and all my nerves straining with desire for her, I instantly feel relaxed.

Hannah’s eyes are wide with wonder as she moves into the space, admiring the art pieces I have on walls and side tables, the layout and furniture. Her face when she turns back to me is lit with a radiant smile.

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