Page 47 of Ruthless Guardian

Her eyes widen as she scans the colorful bushes. “Then why is it blooming all over the place?”

“The flowers are indigenous to Rome, the locals know to stay away.”

“So how poisonous are we talking here?”

“Even small amounts can be dangerous if ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, even irregular heartbeats. In severe cases, oleander poisoning can lead to serious cardiac complications and even death.”

“Okay, but I’m not going to eat it… It’s just so pretty.”

“Touching the plant’s sap can also cause skin irritations and eye inflammation.” Now I’m the one who sounds like a future doctor.

She snatches her hand back and tucks it beneath her underarm. “I still think it’s a stupid idea to have them out in the open like this.”

"Beauty often masks the deadliest of threats,principessa, like a rose concealing its thorns beneath velvet petals. You should know that." I offer her a wink, and she rewards me with a grin, the first one I’ve seen today.

The buzzer vibrates the air, unlocking the wrought iron gate. I push it open and step through, holding it for Isabella, then signal to Salvatore in the car to bring the luggage. Lively sapphire eyes grow wide as they scan the arched stone over our heads, adorned with decorative moldings and gold filigree. Thewalkway leads to a lush courtyard with a fountain in the center, two cherubs spouting water from their pursed lips.

Hedges of oleander and gardenias line the outdoor space, perfuming the air. Four doorways lead up to each of the wings of the classic Renaissance building. Climbing ivy decorates the ancient walls adding a touch of vibrancy to the old stone structure.

“It’s beautiful,” Isabella whispers as we walk to the doorway to the left, apartment two. The door whips open, and a little old man appears, whisps of white hair fluttering on a light breeze.

“Benvenuti.” He dips his head. “SignorinaValentino,SignorFerrara,benvenuti a casa. My name is Ricardo, and again, I am sorry for the confusion yesterday.” His accent is thick, grammar imperfect, but still, he attempts to welcome us in English. And I’m not surprised, considering Luca probably paid a shit ton of money to rent this place out for his daughter.

“Grazie,” she responds. “And please, call me Isabella.”

“Bene.” He motions inside. “Come, I will give you the grand tour.”

As expected, the apartment is luxurious, a blend of traditional Roman charm and modern elegance. The entryway is steeped in historical character with high ceilings, giving an airy, spacious feel to the room. Large, wooden-framed windows fill the space with natural light that offer scenic views of the bustling city on the eastern side and the lush quiet courtyard to our west.

After a quick tour of the modern kitchen, he leads us up a narrow, winding staircase as Isabella stares at every detail, completely entranced.

“There are three bedrooms on the second level.” He points to the three doors and then the fourth and final one. “And the bathroom is over there.”

Isabella saunters into one of the bedrooms that overlooks the bustling city below, and I trail after her. An exposed brickaccent wall adds a rustic touch to the sleek white of the chamber, the decorative crown moldings and trace ceiling accentuating its charm. “I’ll take this room.” She glances out into the hallway where Ricardo still stands. “Did we miss the bedroom downstairs?”

“No,signorina, there is no bedroom downstairs. Only three on this level.”

I move toward the door just behind me and twist the knob. It opens into a second bedroom. Perfect. “I guess this one will be mine then.”

“No way, absolutely not.Papàsaid I’d have some privacy, that it would be almost like we each had our own place.”

Funny because that was not at all how Luca had described it to me. In fact, when I’d suggested adjoining rooms, he’d been thrilled. “Guess not.” I shrug and march into the attached bedroom which is much like Isabella’s only it faces the courtyard instead of out onto the streets. I’m not certain I love the idea that she’s so exposed. Perhaps, I’ll bring up swapping after Ricardo leaves.

“Unbelievable,” she grits out and flops onto the bed.

“It’s not what you wanted,signorina?”

“Oh, no, it’s beautiful, Ricardo. I only wished for a little more separation between my guard and me.”

“Ah, I understand.” His knowing gaze flickers between us, and the hint of a smile curls his wrinkled lips. “Would you like to see theterrazzo?”

Isa pops up, her eyes alight once more. “Oh, yes.”

“Come, follow me.” Ricardo leads us up to the third level and opens the small arched door to the balcony. I have to duck to get out, but once I’m outside, my jaw nearly unhinges at the sight.

All of Rome is stretched before us, from the ancient columns of the Colosseum to the massive dome of St. Peter’s Basilica,the Pantheon’s dome and oculus, the Roman Forum and Vatican Museums.

“Wow,bellissima,” Isabella murmurs. “It’s incredible.” She walks toward the antique railing as she takes in the sights, mouth agape. “Forget my bedroom, I want to sleep out here every night.” She signals toward the seating area with four lounge chairs, a table and a firepit.

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