Page 9 of Twisted Obsession

‘No, not yet… I’ll need to go back to Bologna a few more times to master it.’

‘You do surprise me,’ he uttered sarcastically.

He spoke the words, but I knew he was aware of my need for more outside of the almost at times subjugated life I’d been born into.

‘Mmmm… I’m not sure I do.’ I raised my eyebrows at him and felt them touch my perfectly styled fringe.

‘How many more times, Gi?’ he sighed. ‘I understand you want to play the music you love. I also would prefer it was done here at home.’

‘My preferred professor only teaches at Bologna,’ I implored.

‘I could persuade him otherwise.’

‘No, Salvatore… no!’

He looked amused, knowing full well his plan to wind me up had played out to full effect.

‘You’re too easy, little sister.’ His words left him on a deep laugh. A laugh so rare I could see the people around us had stopped talking just so they could watch the phenomenon. ‘Of course, you must continue to play and to study. But you know you can only do so if you’re prepared to comply to the terms regarding your security.’ His tone effectively underlined the words he’d just used.

‘She understands, Salvatore.’ Serafina approached us from the side and placed an arm around us both. ‘Now, please let’s not ruin what has the makings of a beautiful day, a day with so much to celebrate,’ she appealed.

Salvatore lifted his thumb and forefinger to her chin and after directing her face to his, he brushed his lips over hers.

My heart skipped in response to their show of affection for each other.

‘We will celebrate later, little bird. I intend to make sure of it.’

A blush hit my cheeks at his discernible intent.

He spoke once more as he began to back away from us both.

‘Gi, you look beautiful today and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.’ I understood that the “anyone” he was referring to was my mama.

‘He’s right, Gi. That style of dress and the colour look amazing on you.’ Serafina took both of my hands in hers and stood back slightly to take all of me in.

‘Thank you both, and Serafina you also look amazing. Being back home evidently suits you.’

‘It really does,’ she agreed, glancing to look in Salvatore’s direction. Something unspoken passed between them and he turned once again to look at her. The heat in his gaze was so intense, I was surprised when she didn’t spontaneously combust.

Then he turned and we were left to our own devices.

Serafina’s arm looped through my own and we walked together through the villa and out to the terrace, saying hello to everyone we passed.

My dress had been a good choice. My papa and brothers had all commented on how lovely I looked. My grandfather had stood from the chair Ricco had carried out to the vestibule especially for him to sit on, while the men of our family waited for the two of us. Clasping my hand, he had twirled me around just so he could get a better look at me. Those few compliments had given me the confidence to sweep past my mama and her disparaging look just as soon as she’d appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

We were here, and I was determined to enjoy both of my friends being back and my newfound confidence, for however long it lasted.

After what seemed like a lifetime of exchanging pleasantries with the gathered guests, we finally made our way out and into the very middle of the gathering and under one of the many largecanvas sails which had been placed in strategic positions to offer us all some respite from the heat of the sun.

I heard Mia before I spotted her. ‘Giovanna… you look stunning!’

And suddenly she was next to me, closely followed by my brother Gabriel.

‘Drink, Gi?’ he offered as Mia gathered me in close for a hug.

‘Yes, please… just a soda.’

I waited until he’d moved away before I spoke again.

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