CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
B rightly colored flags billowed from the building as we drove into Siena. The red walled city had been transported back to medieval times. We passed a procession of people wearing red and green flag particolored velvet and satin garments, waving flags with a small crowd of people chanting with them that had on a similar flag around their necks. I’d learned that there were seventeen, representing the neighborhoods. But only ten would compete today. The large open square at the center of town was covered in clay creating a track with crowds lined up around it. Today was the Palio, race day.
Two security guards and a group of police officers helped to clear a path for us to reach a grand stone building. Inside was the banner, The Palio, adorned with an image of the Virgin Mary—a reward to the victorious contrada , the successful race winner, set up on a display. We were led up a grand staircase to the top, where a line of people were waiting to speak with a woman surrounded by photographers and staff. We had only made it to the line when she came over to greet us.
“Rocco Marini,” a woman in an elegant dress and heels, Mayor Louisa Calla, greeted him warmly in front of an entourage. Her hair was perfectly coiffed, her scent elegant and expensive. She was adorned with rings on every finger, and jewels in her ears and around her neck.
Rocco kissed her cheeks, and they conversed rapidly in Italian, enquiring about each other’s well-being and their families. Rocco squeezed my now damp hand, a gesture of reassurance. He had been right, Mayor Louisa Calla would have noticed my previously worn jewelry. I understood as her eyes scrutinized me from head to toe, lingering on my necklace, earrings, and engagement ring. She gave me a wide smile, which let me know that whatever her assessment had been, I had passed.
“Louisa, this is Adelina Belfiore, my fiancée,’ Rocco introduced me.
“She looks like a Belfiore, no?” Louisa said and smiled. “Large, wide blue eyes and strong cheekbones. Such rare beauties. Lovely. Lovely. So wonderful to meet you. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.”
I shook her hand. “Thank you.”
“You’re first Palio?” she asked.
I grinned. “Yes. I’m excited. Thank you.”
“She’s sweet,” she murmured. “I consider it an honor to have a Belfiore and Marini at our Palio. You will stand by my side at the race.” She turned and sauntered toward the next group waiting to receive her. I stood speechless. My name meant something here. I never knew I could use it. But Rocco did. He placed his arm on my waist, and his support warmed me. “Let’s have lunch.”
We were escorted into a large formal dining room where an intimate group was now seated for lunch. The cards read ambassadors and heads of state; the guests were not only celebrities, but leaders. The meal was set with meats, fruits, sauces, and bread. A priest said a prayer, and we all started to eat. I took a sip of my glass, not knowing it was wine.
Rocco got someone’s attention, and they changed it for juice. He winked at me, and my insides warmed. After a while, Rocco became deep in a discussion of politics, and I excused myself from the table. I went to find a bathroom that a hostess directed me to. Inside, I heard a hushed conversation happening near the door; the words were barely audible, but the tone suggested something secretive.
“Did you see Rocco Marini? Gurl, that man keeps getting hotter,” a woman’s voice exclaimed, filled with a mix of admiration and amusement.
“Yes, ma’am. Got himself a beard,” a man said and cackled.
“How do you know she’s a fake fiancée?”
“I don’t, but it’s a woman out of nowhere that’s making us all pause. She’s a beauty, but she’s got that Dorothy out of Kansas vibe. Didn’t realize he was going for a babe-in-the-woods type. But the jewelry. Lordt.”
“Oh yes, dah-ling. That’s an executive salary around her swan neck. Ka-ching.”
“If rumors are to be believed, I’ve heard she’s part of the poor unfortunate branch of the Belfiores.”
“She hit the jackpot. I’d rather be an unfortunate Belfiore than a nobody like you.”
The male laughed. “You bitch. And come on in, Ms. Adelina. We know you’re out there, that’s why we’re gossiping.”
I walked in, my ears warm.
“Don’t mind us,” said the man with a buzz cut and scarf around his neck. “We’re catty, but mainly just curious. I’m JR Watt, and that’s Suzanne.”
“Nice to meet you both,” I said, shaking their hands.
The woman popped out her belly, and I let out a gasp and chuckled. It was a fake creamy stomach, complete with a belly button. “It’s hot in there.” She fanned herself with her hand laughing. “I have to wear this baby bump for another six weeks. Wesley wants the children but expects me to maintain this body. I said fuck that, get a surrogate.”
“Stop your complaining, you’re not doing the heavy lifting,” JR said. “He gave you a surrogate and a nanny.”
Suzanne laughed. “Yep. My work’s done.”
JR turned to me. “Her Wesley’s Live Social , and I bet he’s waiting outside the door,” he said in a saccharine tone.
We all walked over, and a tiny gray-haired man in a suit with shoulder pads and dark brows was indeed waiting out there.
“Nice to meet you, Adelina. Let’s become lifelong friends,” Suzanne trilled and put back on her belly. She left the bathroom and kissed Wesley deeply, bringing out a smitten glow to his expression as he helped her back to lunch.
“We can be friends. I know everything about everyone, so I’m a great one to have. Phone?” JR held out his hand, and I reached for my phone in my bag. “I’ll text myself. You’ll want to know me. I’ll put you at the top of my list when you’re ready to design your home. Especially since you didn’t fall apart at our gossip.”
I shrugged. “I’ve heard worse.”
When I lived with my parents, kids made fun of my cheap clothes at school. In college, I was looked down on for not having a new car or going abroad on spring break. I let it go, but I didn’t forget.
He grinned. “Good. You’ll need a tough skin with a celebrity husband because, darling, it gets much worse. You also need friends because whoever you meet with Rocco belongs to him. That’s my advice to you.”
I thought a bit about what he’d told me. Rocco’s friends included Nadia who I liked a lot already. But was she only his? She herself had described them as close. My heart sank, but I was grateful for the sobering reality. It was good to know my limitations.
I texted him a test message too. “Thank you, JR.”
“Of course,” he said and walked with me back to the dining room.
Rocco was there waiting for me, so I introduced him to JR.
“Nice to meet you,” Rocco said giving JR one of his devastating grins.
“Enchante,” JR said and shook his hand. “I told your beautiful fiancée how lovely she is and how much I hope she enjoys Italy. Call me.” He said to me and walked on.
“Do you know who he is?” Rocco asked me.
I shook my head.
“He’s the most sought-after interior designer in the world. I love that you’re already networking.”
I lifted my shoulders. “I didn’t network; JR approached me along with Suzanne.”
His brows rose. “Suzanne?”
“She’s married to Live Social , uhm…Wesley?”
He wrinkled his nose. “I’m not a fan. They tried to run some gossip rag stories on me.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmured.
“Don’t be,” he said smiling. “I’m happy you’re meeting people.” He took my hands. “That’s another part of attending events. Making lasting connections. I’m sorry my attention was pulled away from you.”
“I understand,” I bobbed my head. “You were talking politics? I could pick up some of it in Italian.”
“Yes,” he said and sighed. “Nothing interesting though. I’m not as keen at the moment to get involved. I’m helping support good candidates with great ideas on improving the world.”
“Is that what happens regularly or something that you seek out at these events?” I asked, in the hope of learning so I’d be more prepared to play my role in future.
“Not all the time,” he said. “Sometimes we know in advance who will attend. If someone’s there that we want to work with, even better. But most of the time it’s to have fun. I brought you to enjoy yourself.”
I sighed smiling. “I am. I’ve only been to a handful of states mostly on a bus or train. I love being here in Italy. It’s beautiful.” I looked away, not sure I wanted to remind him how different we were.
“I had a different experience,” Rocco said. “We went to Italy, Aspen, Spain, and France on every holiday break from school. I even did a year abroad at Saint Andrews in Scotland.”
“Wow, Scotland. I’d love to go there,” I said cheerily.
“I’d love to show it to you. It’s a beautiful country. We’ll add it to our list of places to visit.” He winked.
My heart skipped a beat as I marveled over his certainty. He seemed to really believe we had a future together. We headed back towards the hall that was now mostly empty with staff clearing the food from lunch.
He frowned. “Are you still hungry? I can get them to bring you more food if you like.”
I shook my head. “I’m not hungry. I’m excited about the race.”
He placed his arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “Then let’s not miss it.”
We walked to the balcony, where only a few seats were available. Rocco and I were Louisa’s special guests, so we sat in the front row while the others sat the rows behind us. Her staff treated us like VIP’s, offering drinks and snacks, along with fans to combat the heat of the hot day.
“ Grazie, Grazie .” I repeated over and over again.
Rocco leaned over and kissed me on the lips. “You’re adorable.”
A wide grin spread on my face. “Everyone is being so nice, but I bet this is your every day.”
“You remind me to be grateful, Bella,” he said and gave me a peck on the cheek. “Now the Palio is not for the faint of heart. Anything and everything can happen.”
I cocked a brow. “Anything?”
He nodded. “Even death.”
I peered at him through my lashes. “No way. I…I hope not. I mean why risk it?”
He lifted his chin. “Because living fully is what makes life worth it.” Rocco was definitely a man intent on sucking the marrow out of life. That I found fascinating. But then he shifted his attention to the race below. There was a swarm of people packed in the middle, but from the bird’s-eye view, we could see the entire path of the track.
Behind a long rope were the bareback jockeys in colorful Contrada uniforms of silks, shirts, and caps that matched the colors of one of the ten wards competing today. These vibrant uniforms, each representing a different ward, added a sense of pageantry and tradition to the event. There were ten riders on horses in a row so close together I wondered how they would break away. A couple of them were even facing the wrong way! I pointed it out to Rocco.
“They’ll be ready,” he assured me.
“What are the rules?” I asked him.
He smiled. “They can’t grab the reins of the other riders.”
My jaw dropped. “That’s it?”
“Yes, that’s it,” he affirmed.
A hush fell over the crowd of thousands, and we all took in our collective breaths. The thick rope holding them back fell, and all the riders surged forward like a dam breaking, igniting a wave of excitement that swept through the spectators.
I wanted to watch the race, but I was also taken up by the group around me, screaming and cheering. The air was electric with anticipation, and the sound of the crowd was deafening. Mayor Louisa, who had her Giraffa red and white flag waving it in her hand, adding her voice to the many in the cacophony. Rocco had his fist in the air, yelling. “Go. Go. Go!”
He turned to me and squeezed my waist. “Isn’t this amazing?”
I lifted my arms. “It is. Yay!” I called out.
He laughed and kissed my cheek.
One jockey broke ahead, while another fell off his horse and rolled over to the barrier, just missing two other horses galloping wildly ahead with the riders swinging their whips.
I covered my eyes, but immediately dropped my hands to see, not wanting to miss what came next. In my head I knew the riders had on chest protectors, goggles, gloves, and a vest, but the danger was ever present, adding a thrilling edge to the race. The riders didn’t stop, but rode on fearlessly.
The lone horse continued turning the sharp corners, completing the first circle around the square with the other nine still racing. The pounding of hooves joined the crowd’s cries as they sailed past our balcony, a solitary figure against the backdrop of the pack.
I shouted above the crowd to Rocco. “What if the horse keeps going?”
“Then the horse wins the race, and that contrada wins the Palio.”
“I’m rooting for the horse,” I yelled.
He laughed and grabbed my hand.
I gasped as four riders caught up with the lone one in front. One horse slowed down and moved to a trot. Someone behind us burst into tears. It was a man lamenting the fall of his Contrada, now out of the race. Then, I understood there was a profound emotional connection to the race, a bond that united the spectators.
There were still seven riders circling the square. They moved like a streak of fire, and an image came to mind of the riders as lightning circling the earth as waves of light moved out. I was inspired and hoped to paint it one day soon. But we were now so close to the end. Two horses galloped neck and neck, but the one in red and white from Giraffa rushed forward crossing the finish line first. People left the square and poured onto the track surrounding the winner.
I turned to Rocco; he was almost like a little boy, roaring, jumping, dancing, and hugging the group on the balcony. I was just as caught up, allowing myself to be pulled into celebratory dances, cheek kisses, and hugs. Rocco pushed his way back to me and lifted me off my feet, hugging and kissing me hard. And I returned his kiss with just as much vigor. Our gazes stayed on each other as we broke apart. Neither one of us moving on.
An officer approached us and spoke in rapid Italian for us to join the group headed to the presentation.
We followed him and the other guests off the balcony to the next ceremony. It was the presentation by Major Louisa of the Drappellone , a beautiful piece of painted silk at the nearby church of the winning contrada. This year, it was Giraffa, with the red and white with a giraffe being held by a Mort on the flag. It was also Mayor Louisa’s neighborhood. She was as ecstatic and emotional as all her neighbors, with pride and joy on her face as she hugged and shook hands. To my surprise, we posed behind her for the pictures. My heart pounded as I stood beside Rocco, the emotional significance of the moment touched me deeply. The photographer recorded us in the city’s history, and the honor was tremendous, leaving me full of gratitude.
“Thank you so much for inviting us,” I said to Louisa. Rocco kissed her cheek, and she hugged him.
“It was a pleasure,” she said. “I will see you all again soon.”
We left and went out on the streets to join in the celebration. We were riding the river of the crowd. I was sure I would lose him with the smash of bodies around us. But Rocco pulled me in front of him and gripped my waist. Screams were so loud I couldn’t hear. I looked up at him and he was staring at me. My heart raced.
“ La più bella delle città ,” Rocco screamed along with the chant around us, that meant the most beautiful of cities. I was definitely captivated by Siena.
I repeated the chant, and he lifted my arms up.
He said close to my ear. “Let it out, Adelina. Scream.”
I let out a loud bellow.
Our hands were high as we moved around the circled square. Everything was heightened by the sound of the horns and drums pounding. And there was Rocco.
I turned my head, and found his eyes on me. He took my waist and weaved us out to the outskirts of the crowd, pushing us against a corner shop. My breath and pulse moved fast as he kissed me hard on the lips and down my neck. He moved back to my mouth. Oh, yes . I opened my lips. Give me more . His tongue pushed in hard. His hands moved over my breasts, my sides, and down to my ass. I moaned and clenched, pressing in against his hard body. We were in a crowd, but it all faded away, leaving just me and Rocco. With all the chaos and danger around us. We could get trampled. We may survive. Yet, all I wanted was to be in his arms. This was passion.
But just as sudden as he took me, he let me go.
My heart pounded against my ribs as I stared up at him, disheveled, heated, and uncertain. Why did he stop?
I straightened my dress as we both caught our breaths.
“Every day I find it harder to resist you, but I want you to want me, Bella. That’s the only way this will work. You wanting me just as much.”
A flutter went through my chest. I lowered my head, my heart hammering my ribs. I do.
His gaze was soft. “It’s been a great race. Let’s go home,” he said and took my hand as we met up with his security to return to the car. Once inside he pulled me into his lap and held me.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I want you close to me,” he simply said.
I existed in emptiness, my feelings locked away, only exploding at times when I was unable to block them out. But this man I didn’t know saw me. When I was in pain, body and spirit at Pisa, he held me. The longer I stayed in his arms, the more he affected me. The air had thickened. I glanced up at him. His attention was on me—concentrated, heated, imploring. My breasts grew heavy and tender behind the lace of the bra, and I was aware of my pulsing clit. His fingers brushed my cheek, but he didn’t do more. I shifted on his lap, rubbing on his erection that had grown beneath me. I couldn’t ignore it. Why won’t he kiss me again?
I knew the answer. Rocco wanted me to reach for him.
My heart pounded against my chest, and I licked my lips, spikes of nervousness traveling through me. There was no doubt that he was much more experienced than I was. I bet he wasn’t a virgin at twenty-two. And yet, today, in this moment, he truly wanted me. I didn’t think he could fake that level of interest, which in itself was intoxicating. I wouldn’t give him my heart, but I knew I wanted him to take my body.
“Rocco…I want you,” I whispered.
Fear rose and gripped me. I’d reached a territory that stripped me completely bare and left me vulnerable. I needed so much but was so afraid.
“Yes, Adelina.” His voice was full of exhilaration, soothing a pain in my spirit. “I want you madly.”
He clasped my head and sealed his lips to mine. His tongue ran along my bottom seam, and I opened my mouth. He plunged his tongue in, stroking against mine with sensual glides that had me clenching and throbbing between my thighs. I moaned. My hands shook as I clasped the sides of his face, rubbing my thumbs against the stubble on his jaw. It felt so good. We broke apart to breathe, and I noticed the car had stopped moving. Rocco gently placed me on the seat before helping me out the car door.
My pulse sped as he took my hand and led us inside the house and straight up the stairs. Instead of turning toward the east wing, he took me across the landing to his bedroom.