23. The Safest Option
CHAPTER 23
THE SAFEST OPTION
R affaele
Isabella’s gaze is fixed on the bright pink blossoms dotting the shrubbery in front of her new apartment as I ring the buzzer. If the place isn’t ready today, I’ll lose my fucking mind. One night was bad enough trapped in that tiny space filled with her intoxicating scent. I would not be able to control myself for another one.
As it is, I’d broken one of my hard and fast rules. Never get involved with the client . Sure, officially, I hadn’t touched her but it’s a huge technicality. My life is all about control, precision, black and white, and already, I’ve strayed so far into the gray that the lines I once drew so firmly around my world are starting to blur and fade.
And what’s worse, I want them to.
It’s been a while since I’ve gotten laid, so yes, I’m hard up but it’s more than that with Isabella. It has been from the start, which is what makes this so dangerous.
“No! Don’t touch that,” I shout as Isabella reaches for the pink flower.
Her eyes snap in my direction, and it’s the first time she’s met my gaze since last night. The usually chatty princess has barely said more than two words all morning. Does she regret last night?
“What? Why not?”
“Those are oleander blossoms, they’re poisonous.”
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. The walkway 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. “ Signorina Valentino, Signor Ferrara, 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 brick accent 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. Papà said 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 the terrazzo ?”
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.
“Not happening,” I grumble.
She casts a quick glare in my direction before she circles the enormous space, scanning the view from all sides. Logistically, this will be a nightmare to secure. She’s a sitting duck out here. I can already envision the princess sprawled across the lounger in a skimpy bikini pushing me toward a massive heart attack at the ripe old age of thirty.
Ricardo fills us in on the day-to-day information, housekeeping, trash pick-up and all the domestic mumbo jumbo. His words blur in the background as I create checklists in my mind, secure points of entry, and add to my list of protocols. Luca’s team should be here shortly, and I need to ensure all my bases are covered.
Isabella’s internship begins in only two days which doesn’t give me much time to scope out and secure the hospital, Policlinico Gemelli. My guess is that Luca didn’t share the extent of his security detail with his daughter. She’s not going to be pleased when she sees the entourage of men stationed throughout her new workplace. But I didn’t take this job to get her to like me, I took it to keep her alive.
And I would, no matter the cost.
“If you have any questions, I’ve left my phone number in the kitchen.”
I blink quickly, returning my thoughts to the present as Isabella thanks the old man. After a hasty goodbye, he disappears down the steps and the principessa sinks into the lounge chair, stretching her long legs along the white cushion.
“I think I could get used to this.”
“I wouldn’t.” I fold down onto the nearby chair and eye the adjacent rooftops. “We’re too exposed out here.”
“Relax, Raf, no one’s going to try to kill me in Rome. No one even knows I’m here.”
At least she’s talking to me now.
The silence on the car ride over here was brutal. I’d much prefer her constant inane chatter to that. I feared there’d be consequences after last night, but it seems like she’s simply going to pretend it didn’t happen.
Which is fine by me.
It is the safest option for both of us.