by James, Delta
“Catherine, are you all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Catherine turned back to her new friend, not wanting DeMedici to see her staring. Unless she was very much mistaken, Marco DeMedici was the man from her dreams.
“It’s nothing. One of those moments when you feel like someone is walking over your grave.”
“Are you sure? We can go somewhere else if you want.”
“Don’t be silly.” Catherine settled herself back in her chair and tried to slow the rapid beat of her heart. It couldn’t be him. He didn’t really exist, and yet she’d seen him standing there, felt his pull.
Catherine and Sera ate their appetizers and tried to return to a normal conversation.
* * *
Marco and Griffin were shown to the best table in the house by a lovely hostess and then served by an even more beautiful server.
“I’d almost forgotten what it was like to dine with you in Italy. Best tables and women falling all over you.”
Marco chuckled. “Yes, but being the gentleman that I am, I will catch her and bring both of us great pleasure this night. You should find a woman and do the same.”
“No, I think I’ll just sleep. Right now I have little to offer.”
“Nonsense. If it’s because you fancy our server, I will step aside and go to work on the hostess. She too would make a lovely companion for the evening.”
Griffin laughed. “God, I hope your mate has a rampant, raging libido.”
“Not until I find and claim her, then I will set that wild beast in her free to run with mine.”
The two men enjoyed the meal. Marco knew that Griffin was enjoying watching his seduction of the waitress, which made it that much more fun. He was just getting ready to give the waitress his hotel room key and ask her to be there waiting for him when he caught scent of her. Not the waitress, but his mate. He had caught a subtle scent when they entered the restaurant. He had dismissed it as nothing more than his desiring the waitress, but there it was again. He inhaled more deeply and smiled.
“What is it?” asked Griffin, trying to figure out what had caught the attention of his best friend.
“She’s here,” Marco said simply but in an extremely satisfied and peaceful tone of voice. “Finally.”
Griffin looked around. “Which one? There are a lot of beautiful blondes here.”
Marco scented the air again, his grin growing larger. “Over there. Bad table by the wait station. The short-haired dark girl can see us. My mate has her back turned—as if that would stop me from finding her.”
Marco heralded the hostess.
“Yes, Mr. DeMedici?”
“That table with the two lovely ladies over by the kitchen. The short dark hair and the blonde with the French braid. They are to get no bill for their meal. You take them the best bottle of DeMedici wine that you have on hand and find them something decadent for dessert.”
“Yes, Mr. DeMedici. I’ll take care of it. If they ask for their benefactor?”
Marco thought for a moment. “Just tell the blonde that it is a long-time admirer of hers.”
“Yes, sir.”
Griffin grinned and watched the hostess do as she was bid.
The two women looked around. Marco and Griffin continued on with their dinner with casual aplomb. They could overhear that the women were perplexed but not overly alarmed as the hostess assured them she knew their benefactor and they had nothing over which to be concerned.
Marco scented the air and frowned. “She is concerned. I didn’t mean to alarm her.”
“Of course you didn’t, Marco. If she is your mate, she should settle quickly.”
“Easy, my love,” said Marco under his breath. He scented the air again and smiled. “Her fear is abating. Interesting.”
“What?” asked Griffin.
“She’s not a shifter.”
“That could be a problem.”
“No, a minor inconvenience. It will require my explaining things to her and having her consent to be turned.”
Griffin chuckled. “You think that’s a minor inconvenience?”
“Of course. She will feel my pull. I will convince her I am right. It only means I cannot mark her as mine the first time I claim her. But I will claim her before we leave Florence.”
Marco watched his mate under hooded lids. When at last she turned and he could see her face, he whispered, “Bellissima.”
Marco watched as Griffin stole a look at the woman on whom Marco had focused his attention. “She truly is.”
Marco growled.
Griffin chuckled. “Easy, Marco. I mean your mate no harm nor am I willing to tangle with you to try to wrest her away from you.”
“You would lose in either event.”
“How long have we been friends? Have either of us ever not honored the other one’s claim to a woman?”
Marco shook his head and smiled ruefully. “You are, of course, right. Forgive me, Griffin. I fear my impatience in finding my mate and realizing I will have to wait to mark her as mine caused me to take my feelings out on you.”
“Perfectly understandable. If I had a mate who looked like that and had yet to make her mine, I fear I would feel much the same.”
“We will need to follow them when they leave so I know where to find her.”
“Don’t you think it would just be easier to walk over and introduce yourself? Or allow the hostess to tell them you paid for their meal?”
“Easier perhaps but I fear not as effective,” said Marco. “Tomorrow I will find a way to introduce myself to her with less prying eyes.”
They finished their dinner but Marco rarely took his eyes off the beautiful blonde on whom he’d set his sights.
Marco watched as the two women finished their meal and got ready to leave. There was a bit of consternation when they were told that like the complimentary bottle of wine and dessert, their mysterious benefactor had paid for their entire meal.
After realizing that the restaurant had no intention of giving her a bill, Marco’s beautiful mate stood and wrapped the beautiful crimson cape more closely around her in order to ward off the chill of the night air. He chuckled when she turned her back to retrieve her packages. Marco made note of several of the shops that she had visited earlier that day.
“What do you find so amusing?” asked Griffin.
“Do you not see my mate’s cloak? How appropriate that she dons that which makes her little red riding hood. After all, I as the big bad wolf, intend to gobble her up.”
The two women walked past their table. Marco’s eyes locked with those of his mate as she looked at him surreptitiously from beneath her hood. He growled softly and seductively and grinned when she shivered in response.
After she had left the restaurant, Marco looked over at Griffin. “Did you see? Even not knowing, she responded to my call.”
Griffin nodded. “That she did, my friend. That she did.”
Chapter Six
The next morning, Catherine woke after a fitful night of tossing and turning. It seemed that now that she had seen the man from her dreams in the flesh, he was much more persistent in trying to engage her. Several times, the black wolf had howled. Each time, she had felt the sound penetrate her body and take up residence in the marrow of her bones.
Catherine was grateful when she heard Sera moving about and left her room to join her. Sera was heading to her only guest’s door with a tray with espresso and a biscotti.
“You’re awake.”
“I didn’t sleep well last night. It might take more than one cup of espresso to get my heart started.”
Catherine reached for the cup and the biscotti.
“Chocolate?” she asked.
“Yes, for some reason yesterday when I was making biscotti I just got it in my head to make chocolate.”
Catherine laughed. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
Sera grinned. “You’re right. Chocolate is never a bad thing.”
Catherine followed Sera out onto the main back patio where they sank down into comfortable chairs and enjoyed their biscotti and espresso. They talked of nothing consequential and Catherine followed Sera back into the house.
Sera began to prepare a light breakfast while Catherine grabbed a shower and got ready for the day.
As Catherine came out of her room, the front gate buzzed. Sera answered and then buzzed the person in.
“One of your students?” Catherine asked.
Sera smiled at her before opening the door to allow a delivery person with a huge bouquet of lovely ivory roses with lavender tips. The vessel containing them appeared to be old.
“Which of you is Signorina Livingston?” he asked.
“That would be me,” Catherine said, coming forward and reaching out to touch the beautiful blooms.
“Compliments of your benefactor from last night. He bids you to remember that fairy tales can come true.”
He handed Catherine the card and turned to leave.
“Excuse me?” said Catherine.
“Yes, signorina?”
“What kind of roses are these?”
He smiled. “They are sterling silver. We are the only floral shop in Florence that carries them.”
“And the vase?” she said, running her hands down it to feel its texture.
“My boss thought that an odd choice as well. It is a piece of Etruscan pottery the gentleman had delivered to us along with his order and instructions.”
“And who might this mysterious benefactor be?” she asked.
“We were sworn to secrecy,” the delivery man said with a smile.
“Well, I don’t accept anonymous gifts. Take them back.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”
“Of course you can,” argued Catherine.
“No, I’m sorry. I can’t. Let us just say that I would far rather have you angry with me than your benefactor.”
With that, the delivery man tipped his cap and left.
“Hmm,” said Sera with a giggle, “it would seem you have an admirer... and one with good taste and a lot of money.”
“I don’t know about the roses, but if the pottery is real, I could pay my rent with what it’s worth for several months. And what the hell did he mean by fairy tales can come true?”
“Who cares? Obviously some wealthy man is courting you in his own unique...”
“Weird,” interjected Catherine.
“Unique,” corrected Sera, giggling, “way.”
“Pfft,” Catherine snorted. “But they are beautiful. But what the hell do I do when I go home? How do I value that pottery? And will there be duty when I fly into the US?”
“I have no idea,” admitted Sera.
“Well, let’s leave them out here so we can both enjoy them. I’m going to head out.”
“Where do your travels take you today?”
“I think first the Uffizi Gallery.”
Sera nodded. “Good choice.”
The two women shared breakfast sitting in the sun-filled kitchen before Catherine grabbed her bag and headed out.
* * *
The delivery man returned to his shop where Marco DeMedici awaited him.
“Well?” Marco inquired.
The delivery man smiled. “She seemed to like your choices.”
“Bene,” said Marco. “I am in your debt.”
“No. We are happy to serve the alpha of the DeMedici. She is very beautiful. Do you plan to take the lady to your bed?”
“She is my mate,” growled Marco and then realized the delivery man had meant no insult. He smiled to reassure the man and continued, “Although she doesn’t know it yet. Again, my thanks.”
Marco spent the rest of the morning visiting any of the restaurants, bistros, and espresso stands he thought she might frequent while during her stay in the City of Florence. He arranged that any and all charges from the beautiful blonde American, for he had learned her name and nationality, were to be charged to him. Marco revisited the stores she had gone to the day before and others of similar quality and arranged for the same thing. Knowing that she might refuse to take the items once she was not allowed to pay for them, he told each shopkeeper to simply charge them to him anyway and have them delivered to the B&B. If she refused delivery there, they were to be sent to his villa.
Griffin questioned him. “I get the dinner last night and the flowers this morning, but why everything else?”
“First, my Catherine—is that not a glorious name—will know that she need never concern herself with finances again. Second, she will know that her mate is a generous man and bent on spoiling her. Third, the less it costs her to stay, perhaps the longer she will extend her stay. And last, let her be intrigued as to how I managed all of this before we even met.”
“Careful she doesn’t feel manipulated and stalked. You do know the whole thing could blow up in your face.”
Marco laughed. “What is love without a bit of fireworks?”
Marco and Griffin spent the remainder of the day at the vineyard outside the city that Luca had wanted them to see. Marco agreed with his omega’s recommendation. Even if he hadn’t, seeing how much Griffin was enjoying the land ensured Marco would purchase it.
“But I will only purchase it if you agree to stay on for a while and act as my general manager.”
“Marco, all I know about the wine business is that you make really good, really expensive wine.”
“That is what you have Luca for. Their vintner is a fool. Luca will need to find us someone better to serve under his direction, but until then I need someone here to watch over my interests. Will you do that for me?”
“Why, because you’ll be too busy wooing your Catherine?” teased Griffin.
Marco laughed lustily. “No, my friend, because I will be enjoying my Catherine to the fullest extent. It’s all I can do to keep a knot from forming when I think of her. I think of little besides bedding her.”
Griffin shook his head. “God help that poor girl. She doesn’t have a chance.”
Marco nodded. “None whatsoever.”
They drove back to Florence. The plan was for the sale of the property to be finalized. Luca would gather Griffin’s things and join them before heading out to the newest DeMedici property and installing Griffin in the farmhouse to oversee things for a few months. Luca had said they had several workers who had indicated they would like a change of scenery.
* * *
Catherine had had an interesting but infuriating day. Whoever her mysterious benefactor was, he seemed to have his tentacles throughout the City of Florence. Her money seemed to have no value to anyone.
On top of that when she arrived at the Uffizi Gallery, the director of the museum had come down from his office to offer her a personal guided tour. Catherine had declined and the director had seemed somewhat taken aback.
“I assure you, Ms. Livingston...”
“How do you know my name?” Catherine asked, quite sure she had not given it to anyone.
“One of our patrons asked that I extend to you every courtesy the museum has to offer...”
“I appreciate the offer. But I would just prefer to wander your beautiful establishment on my own... if that won’t offend your patron.”
“I’m sure it won’t. He was most concerned that you have whatever you need in order to enjoy your visit with us today.”
“Let me guess,” said Catherine, already knowing the answer. “Anything I want to purchase, I can have but I will not be allowed to pay for it.”
“Of course not. Your entire experience here at the Uffizi Gallery has been paid for in full.”
“And if I wanted to purchase another piece of Etruscan pottery?”
“We do not have any to sell here at the Uffizi, but I could most likely locate you a piece if you were interested.”
Catherine shook her head. “No, the one he gifted me this morning is extravagant enough. Just how much would something like that set you back?”
>
“Without seeing the piece, it is difficult for me to say, but I can assure you that our patron would have no trouble affording it.”
“And I don’t suppose you’d be inclined to tell me just who your patron is?”
The director smiled. “He has asked to remain anonymous.”
“Of course he has,” Catherine said in a dismissive tone. Realizing it wasn’t the director’s fault and that he was not really the source of her irritation, she added, “I do thank you for your offer, but I will be far happier just to wander by myself.”
“As you wish,” he said, withdrawing from the foyer in which they had been standing.
Catherine shook her head, trying to shake loose her irritation at the way she was being manipulated. Who was this guy? And what did he want?
Catherine spent the day truly enjoying the museum. While she might find her benefactor a bit highhanded, he did seem to know what she would enjoy. Employees throughout the gallery were quick to answer a question and seemed to genuinely enjoy speaking to someone with Catherine’s depth and breadth of knowledge.
As she left the Uffizi for Seraphina’s, she had to admit it had been a lovely day. When she arrived back at the B&B, Sera buzzed her in and greeted her at the door.
“I don’t know who this guy is, what he wants, or if you’ve figured anything out, but he’s got style.”
Catherine rolled her eyes. “Oh, good lord, now what?”
“Well, let’s see, there’s the case of DeMedici wine; there’s the chocolate-covered strawberries; there’s some pair of gorgeous earrings...”
“Silver filigree with a ruby in the center?”
“Yep... then there’s... Wait, Catherine, what’s wrong?”
“I’ve spent all day not being able to spend money. I saw those earrings yesterday and decided they were too expensive. Then I decided last night to go get them. So today I went back to the shop. The woman who owned it wrapped them up, but wouldn’t give me a bill. So I left them. Who the hell is this guy?”
“I don’t know but there’s this really cool espresso maker that you should go try to buy...”
Catherine shook her head as she started to laugh. “That’s not funny, Sera.”