by Belle Ami
She loved him. She loved him and she feared for his life.
As her eyelids grew heavy she glimpsed the worry banked in his eyes. Worry for her because he couldn’t stop the past from pulling her back into its shadowy depths. She had to retrieve the painting and maybe then, she could break free. But for now, Morpheus was calling to her and she answered, falling into a deep, dreamless sleep.
When Angela awoke she was lying in Alex’s arms. She gazed into Alex’s extraordinary eyes. They were filled with remorse.
He cupped her cheek. “Today, when you disappeared into the past, I realized how helpless I am. I couldn’t protect you and it ate at my gut. I’ve talked this big game of keeping you safe and every time I fail you. I’m worried that this damn painting is going to cost me too much. That I’m going to lose you.”
His words reminded her of what Sophia had said, I know you’re the reason this nightmare befell us. It’s because of you he was taken from me. Whomever possesses you dies. Why did he take you? Tell me why? “You aren’t failing me. But I’m failing you. Your involvement with me can only bring disaster.” Her voice was raspy from sleep and emotion. “I don’t belong in your world.”
“You are my world.” He bent his head to kiss her. A delicate, tender kiss that moved her to tears. She couldn’t stop the force of nature that drew them together. She was conflicted, being with her endangered his life and living without him meant a life without love. She could only hope that whatever happened, Alex would be safe from the fate that befell him in his past lives.
He peeled back the blanket and pulled her up to her knees. Kissing her with a fevered intensity that brought her walls tumbling down. Frantically, they unbuttoned, unzipped, unclasped, letting their clothes fall where they may.
She was an arid desert, craving the storm that promised to quench her parched earth. Her arms clasped his neck, the soft skin of her breasts pressed against the rough hair of his chest. Her breath escaped in a rush of exaltation. She’d never known what unbridled passion for another meant. The dream of satisfaction and the fear of losing herself threatened to obliterate who she was. It frightened her, but she could no more refuse the promised pleasure than she could forego food and water. Each was indispensable and Alex was becoming indispensable to her.
Is this what Fioretta felt for Giuliano, what Sophia felt for Gerhard? Were they, Alex and her, just the continuation of what had been? Neither with a will of their own, but part of a cycle of destiny written in the stars.
He was kissing her everywhere, intent on claiming her. The heat between them threatened to consume her. The past exploded in her mind, blinding her, bursting like the flashbulbs of an old-time camera. It was as if Giuliano, Gerhard, and Alex were making love to her at once. Giuliano’s loving endearments, Gerhard’s bold passion, Alex embodied them all, which made his lovemaking otherworldly and without equal. She couldn’t resist, she couldn’t pretend indifference. She belonged to him…
The way he loved her was a gift, a plea, a total relinquishment of his heart. He belonged to her and she to him. With a groan of passion, he took her and she cried out drenching him in her ecstasy.
Afterward, he whispered in her ear. “I’ll take one of your beautiful orgasms to start, but my love, one is just the beginning. I don’t think you can resist me any more than I can resist you. I’m never going to let you go. I’m going to keep you close to me whatever comes. I’m going to prove to you every day and night that we belong together.”
His words ignited her, she craved every part of him. When he poured himself into her again, she opened the floodgates taking everything he had to give. She held tight to him as if there was no tomorrow.
Chapter 18
Montefioralle, Italy
August 14, 2018
Tomorrow came and they flew back to Florence and then drove back to Montefioralle. Alex focused on the shifting gears as he pushed his speed machine through its paces. He was determined not to let Angela out of his sight. Her fears had only reinforced his desire to keep her safe.
When they returned to the house, he swept her off her feet and carried her to their bedroom. Making love to her kept her in bed where he could be there should her past lives come calling. Their bed was safe. He knew he couldn’t keep her there indefinitely, however, his own insecurities were wreaking havoc. He was afraid of losing her. Afraid that she would choose logic over love.
He woke up, tangled in sheets, legs and arms entwined with Angela’s, the scent of their lovemaking a heady perfume that lingered in the air. Alex fingered a strand of Angela’s dark hair and buried his nose in it, inhaling her intoxicating scent. He was tempted to wake her by nestling himself inside of her. To begin the day by making love to her would be heaven. He couldn’t get enough of her. He refrained only because he’d made love to her most of the night and he was afraid she might be sore.
It occurred to him that they hadn’t been using protection. She’s probably on birth control, but maybe not. Why didn’t that bother him? He was thirty-two years old, having a child wouldn’t be the worst thing that could happen. With her, it might be the best thing ever. Marriage. He tried to picture them as a family. Not in the Ferrari, that’s for sure. A nice, safe Range Rover. He shook his head at his musings. I want this with her. But I need to get us to the finish line. Solve the mystery of the painting.
He snuggled against Angela’s back. Her purr affected him like a mating call. He was loaded and ready in an instant.
“Good morning,” she whispered.
“Good morning, beautiful. I hope you got enough sleep.”
“Well… not really. It seems someone was determined to steal most of it.”
“Can I steal some more?” He pressed into her. She gasped and he growled, sizzling from the rush of sparks bursting into flames. “Baby, the more you give, the more I want.”
“Don’t stop.” She was breathless.
“Mmmm, never.” He entered her from behind, his hands cupping her breasts, his fingers circling her nipples drawing gasps from her. Then cries of pleasure as he trailed his hands down to her moist core.
Alex knew when flames burn this hot they quickly consume everything in their wake, and this was no exception. When she melted with a cry of “Alex,” it drove him crazy, the world ceased to exist, time stopped, and the past, the present, and future merged into one heart-stopping moment. She was definitely his kryptonite.
Spent, in a world of their own, they lay as one. Their hearts beat in rhythm, their breaths slowed in time, neither wanted to break the spell.
He kissed her ear. “You’re mine, baby. You’ve given up that ridiculous notion that we aren’t meant to be, haven’t you?”
“How can I even consider leaving a man who hasn’t let me out of bed for over twelve hours?”
“I’m considering keeping you here for another twelve,” he pressed against her molding himself to her curves.
She turned in his arms. “Are you afraid if you let go of my body I might disappear?”
He nodded sheepishly. “Maybe. It seems I’ll go to any length not to lose you.”
“You win. You’re not losing me, Alex. What woman doesn’t welcome being worshipped by the man she loves? I’m not sure why I’m the lucky girl who stole your heart, but I’m so happy that it’s me.”
“Are you saying you love me?”
She reached up and laid her hands on his cheeks. “Let me clear up any mystery. Yes. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
He grinned like he just won the lottery, “I’m satisfied with that answer.”
“I’m not.” She ran her fingers over a battle scar on his shoulder from his tours as a Navy Seal. Then, slowly, she delicately trailed them down his chest, brushing the fine line of hair on his abdomen until she grasped him, sliding her hand lightly over him. Her breath became uneven, it was the first time she’d initiated sex with him. His body stiffened in anticipation.
Her lips sought his and he let her lead, loving every minute of her laying claim to what she wanted.
Rolling on top of him, she pushed him inside and rolled her hips against him, rocking to her own inner rhythm. He could barely breathe, it was so erotic watching her dance with him inside her. Her parted lips so sweet and tempting. Unable to resist, he reached up and massaged her breasts and then pinching one nipple with one hand, his other hand dropped to her clitoris and he gently rubbed it until it was swollen and hard. “Alex… it feels so good.”
Her heat engulfed him and he couldn’t hold back. He bent his legs and thrust up into her, driving up as she fell into him. They cried each other’s name as they exploded. She tumbled onto his chest trembling.
“Angel, that was the most sensual thing I’ve ever felt.” He groaned. He knew this was a breakthrough for her. Sexually she was exploring and that’s something you only do in a relationship of trust and love. His heart pounded in his chest. It was a gift he’d cherish forever.
The beginning of their life together.
Angela rubbed her hair dry and strolled into the bedroom. Alex sat on the bed working on his laptop. He’d offered to shower with her, but she’d begged off, she needed some time to think and to refresh after a day and night of lovemaking. She was tired. She seemed to be getting more tired all of the time. There was a price to pay for travelling backward and forward in time.
“Do you feel any better? I’m worried about you.” Alex set the laptop aside.
“Yes, nothing like a hot steamy shower to wash away your troubles. I’m sorry about not wanting to shower together. I needed some quiet time to think. So many unanswered questions.”
“I know. We’ll find the answers, baby. I promise you, we’ll get to the bottom of this and move forward.” He patted the bed for her to sit. “None of this is going to matter a month from now.”
“I hope you’re right. I don’t think I can take much more.” She wrapped the towel around her head and sat beside him.
“Babe, I haven’t pressed you, but what exactly happened between you and Fioretta?”
She’d made up her mind on the flight home, she wasn’t going to tell him that she knew where the painting was. She felt terrible about it, considering she’d made him promise no more secrets and here she was keeping the biggest secret of all. But she had no choice. She had to protect him. She wasn’t going to risk the possibility that history might repeat itself. She wasn’t going to endanger him. He was in more danger than she was, he was murdered in two past lives, she wasn’t. Even as scared as she was, nothing was worth risking his life. No matter what he said, the possibility was real that this was some cosmic repetition of what had already occurred. She knew she could never convince him of her fears, so the best thing to do was keep him in the dark.
On the plane she’d devised her answer and was prepared when he asked. “What I experienced was a tragic moment in Fioretta and Sophia’s lives. I found myself as Sophia walking up a steep trail. It was a rainy night and I was on my way to the secret cave. I wanted to look at the painting that Gerhard had loved so much. It was so important to him and I knew it would bring me closer to him.
“I never got there because Fioretta followed me. I was so afraid she’d catch a deadly cold and I’d lose another person I loved. I sternly reprimanded her and scared her. The child begged for my forgiveness. I didn’t mean to be so harsh, but my heart was breaking. It was the anniversary of my engagement to the only man I would ever love and she’d spoiled it. I don’t think Fioretta ever forgot that night or the feeling that her mother didn’t love her” Good. I didn’t lie, I just omitted a bit of the truth.
She inwardly squirmed as Alex studied her face with shrewd eyes. She wasn’t a card player so she hoped she’d managed a good poker face.
“So, you’re saying she never actually got to the cave and the painting, which means you have no idea where the cave is?” he asked.
She sighed. “Not yet, anyway.”
“Maybe we should just start combing the hills above the vineyard?”
“I don’t think that’s productive. The one thing I’m certain of is that the cave is well concealed. I don’t think we’d get anywhere.”
“I see…” His brow furrowed. You had a pretty strong reaction to what you saw.”
“It was so heart wrenching hearing Fioretta cry Mama, I love you, over and over, just as I’d heard it in the vision. I wanted to bring her some peace.”
“What did you whisper to her?”
“It was strange, but the words in Italian came to me—I said—I love you, Fioretta, I always will. Be at peace. You are my child and I love you.” Her voice cracked and tears trickled down her cheeks. “I’m not sure whether I hurt her or helped her.”
Alex wrapped his arms around her. “Angel, don’t cry. You did the right thing. You gave an old woman peace. People get twisted sometimes by what happens to them. Sophia lost her way after losing Gerhard, Fioretta suffered. That’s life I’m afraid.”
“Did that happen to you with your mom after your parents divorced?”
He stiffened. “My mother is another story entirely.”
“She may have failed you in many ways, but I’m sure she loves you. You do believe that, don’t you?”
“When it comes to Faye I’ve never known what to believe. I wish I had your gift to see into my past lives. Maybe Faye and I are just working out our karma. Maybe I was her father or mother in a past life and I let her down.” He laughed. “Who knows? Wow, I’m becoming quite the psychic spiritualist.”
Angela smiled. “Yeah, next thing you know you’ll be wearing a loincloth and meditating in the wilderness.”
He pulled her closer. “The quicker to get to you with just a loincloth on. I can be your guru, so long as it doesn’t entail abstinence.” He wriggled his eyebrows and she burst into laughter.
“The quicker I’ll know if I get a rise out of you.”
“Delicious little potty mouth. That beautiful ass of yours might need a paddling.”
“Are you sure you’re up to the challenge?” Just what I needed to distract him, sexy banter. Men and their one-track minds. Although, I’m not complaining. It’s distracted me too.
“Trust me, I’ll leave my mark.”
“Looks like my shower was prescient.”
“Looks like you might need another one.”
“Are you ever satisfied?”
“Not with you around. Hot shower and hot sex is the best way to start a day.”
He might as well have plugged her into a socket. Warmth travelled through her body like a power surge of electricity, lighting her up. She hoped she didn’t short circuit and blow a fuse.
“What’s so funny?” Alex asked.
“I’m trying to figure out how Angela the academic transformed into Angela the sex goddess.”
“My guess is you were a dormant volcano just waiting to erupt. All it took was the right man to awaken you.”
“And you think you’re the right man?”
“I know I am. In fact…” His hot breath filled her ear. “I sense the lava building now, barely able to contain itself.” His lips travelling along her collarbone made her breath catch. “See what I mean?” he whispered in her ear. Your response tells me all I need to know.”
“Is this what you call chemistry?”
“Yes, this is what you call a full on chemical reaction.”
“Hmmm…”
“All I need to do is add one more ingredient.” He rolled her onto her back and pinned her beneath him.
“Ouch, your laptop!”
“Oops, sorry about that.” He pulled it out from under her. “Forget the shower. Now, where were we?”
Chapter 19
Castellina, Chianti, Italy
August 16, 2018
Alberto Scordato’s cell phone vibrated in h
is pocket. He swung his rifle over his shoulder and answered.
“Enrico, come stai? Have you made the arrangements for Max’s send off?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure there will be no trace, no questions?”
“For all intents and purposes, an unfortunate accident.”
“I see.” Scordato knew to be cryptic on the phone even though Enrico had acquired satellite phones, safeguarding their calls so they couldn’t be traced. Enrico was a good foot soldier. Scordato knew he’d make sure their plans went off without a hitch. Max’s demise was a loose end that could not be avoided. He knew too much and was after the painting and Scordato didn’t believe the only reason was to clear his family’s name. In his mind everything came down to money.
Enrico interrupted his thoughts. “Did you find out what they were doing in Rome?”
“Yes, thanks to Madame X.” One day, he would ask Enrico about meeting this mystery woman who was making their plan virtually effortless. His cousin had never met her either, but had connected with her through a network of intermediaries. Everything was going according to plan. Between his cousin’s mafia connections and his own brilliant mind, they were well on track to locating the painting. “They were visiting a woman named Fioretta Rossi.”
“Does she have a connection to the painting?”
“I did some digging through the public records and Fioretta Rossi sold the vineyard to Caine two years ago. She’s the daughter of a woman named Sophia Caro. I did some research and I learned that Caro coincidentally worked at the Uffizi in 1944 when Gerhard Jaeger was there. The link is undeniable.”
“Which means the detective and the intern are edging closer to the painting.”
“Si. But the thing I find particularly interesting as an art historian is that her name is Fioretta. Fioretta was Giuliano Medici’s mistress and the mother of his only child Giulio. The Medici ties to Leonardo are unquestionable.” He peered around a cypress tree, spotting a stag in the distance. “Tell me, Enrico, why would Sophia Caro name her daughter after Medici’s mistress?”