Page 60 of Code Name: Dante

Now, I knew, deep in my heart and soul, that with Lark in my life, the outcome of anything else ceased to matter. We’d face and take whatever came with our arms around each other, comforting and celebrating, until the day—years from now—I took my last breath.

20

LARK

Our bodies found one another’s throughout the night, and in between our lovemaking, we slept, holding each other in a way that as much of our bodies as possible touched.

When I woke and the sun was streaming in through the window, I glanced over my shoulder and saw Alessandro’s eyes were open too.

“Good morning,cuore mio,” he murmured, leaning forward to kiss my shoulder.

“How long have you been awake?” I asked.

“Not long. I’ve been drifting in and out of sleep. Dreaming of you, then realizing reality is so much better.”

“Mmm,” I murmured, snuggling closer to him.

“How do you feel this morning?”

I smiled. “A very satisfied sore. And don’t you dare apologize.”

“Never,” he teased. “At least not for making love to you.”

His arms tightened around me, and I could feel the immediate change in his muscles.

“What are you thinking about?” I asked.

“Today. I’ve come to a decision.”

I turned to face him.

“I’m going to the compound. I have to, Lark. We have to know, once and for all, who is there.”

“I understand.”

“The question is, do you want to go with me?”

Uncertainty and indecision warred within me as my eyes darted between his.

“I’ll warn you, it won’t be without danger. The decision is yours, but…”

“You don’t think I should go.”

He sighed. “Part of me does, part of me doesn’t.”

“You’ll keep me informed of what you find?”

“Of course I will.”

“Then, no. I’ll stay here with Gram.”

As reluctant aswe both were to get out of bed, Alessandro had called a meeting at the boathouse that would take place thirty minutes from now. When he asked if I wanted to attend, I declined like I had for going to the compound.

“I need to talk to Gram,” I said. “Or at least try. I’m not giving up.” Like every other time I’d tried to get information out of her, I anticipated she’d give me a brush off similar to her last one. “Some secrets are kept for a reason.”

After showering and walking Alessandro to the door when he left for the boathouse, I made a list of everything we’d learned from Alice yesterday. My plan was to gauge Gram’s reactions as I presented each one in a fact-based way, then ask leading questions.

After going upstairs for a cup of tea, I made my way back down to the bedroom where she’d sequestered herself. I doubted she’d even come out for breakfast yet.

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