Chapter 19
Lovestruck
I don’t remember getting to the hotel. All I recall is Leo’s arms around me, not letting go until I landed upon a soft bed.
Unsure how long I slept, my eyes open to sunlight.
I sit up, groaning as I rub my eyes. Looking around, I find myself in an elegant bedroom that’s cream colored; gold and green vines painted on the walls.
The bed I’m in has tall posts that reach up into a canopy where white mesh fabric flutters in the breeze.
To my right is a window with an iron-cast railing and curtains that match the canopy.
I step out of bed, going to the open window that brings a light breeze. My breath catches.
Buildings of sandy stone and brick surround the block.
The sun is streaking through buildings that line the street with their balconies.
Across the way, greenery hangs from windowpanes and railings.
I glance down, noticing the street is paved in cobblestones, not asphalt.
There are cafés, shops, and I think another hotel entrance as I lean over the railing.
People stroll about, but not many as I gather it’s rather early.
It’s nowhere near the chaos that’s New York.
I stare at the city, eyes moving over…Rome.
There’s noise behind me, and I turn around as Leo slides open the double doors to the bedroom. He frowns, until he sees me and his expression softens. He wears tan slacks with a white button-up, sleeves rolled up. I glance down, finding myself in pale silk pajamas. Am I dreaming?
“How are you feeling?” He asks, coming towards me and runs his hands over my arms.
“Good. How long was I asleep?”
“We arrived late morning yesterday. You slept through the afternoon and night. It’s just after 6 AM.”
I blink at him. “Oh.”
“Drew thinks you may have had a touch of air sickness, along with not sleeping for almost 24 hours and barely eating.” He kisses my cheek, and starts to lead me out of the bedroom. “Speaking of, let’s get you something to eat.”
I’m led into a vast living room, same aesthetic as the bedroom.
The furniture reminds me of an antique store with its floral décor.
There’s a low coffee table, shiny with a vase of orchids on top.
A sofa of deep blue, a loveseat, and an armchair surround it.
A small kitchenette is on the other side, divided by a thin counter and a nook to eat near the window.
On the far left is a foyer basically, along with what I believe is another room and then the main doorway.
Leo leads me out onto the balcony on the right with ornate iron railings.
There’s a table and chairs already set out with food and coffee.
I shall never question how he knows when I’ll wake up. Even in Rome.
He sits me down, pouring me a coffee from a Moka pot. I’m given a plate with fruit, a pastry, and some oatmeal. A smile rises on my face as he finally settles into his seat across from me, lounging back with his own cup of coffee. His face is serious as he nods at the food before sipping his drink.
I smirk at him, finally eating. I gaze out at the lack of metal and glass buildings I’ve grown used to. We’re quiet as I eat, finishing everything and even grabbing another pastry before curling up into my seat to finish my coffee.
“So…this is Rome,” I say.
“This is Rome.”
I notice how relaxed he is. It wasn’t a great start getting here, and we’re earlier than we should be, but he’s…composed.
“Is this your hotel?”
“Yes. Smaller in comparison to others, but then again everything in the United States is bigger.” He pours the last of the coffee into our cups equally. “It’s considered a luxury hotel, even with fewer rooms, placing it in higher demand.”
“How were you able to get this suite? I know it’s your…” he raises a brow, and I sigh, “…our hotel, but wouldn’t that mean kicking a guest off a reservation?”
“This one is reserved for myself and very close acquaintances.”
We’ll ignore him not saying family or friends.
“My wife takes precedence over anyone else, so given the joy I saw on your face at the bedroom window, we’ll stay here for however long you want.”
I freeze right before sipping my coffee. A smug look comes over him, and I giggle slightly. His smile grows with adoration.
“Ohhh, you’re gonna be a romantic menace here, aren’t you?” I giggle again from behind my cup, attempting to hide my playful grin.
Leo stands and comes around the table. I stare up at him as he takes the cup from my hands, placing one hand on the table and the other against my cheek. He leans down, kissing me sweetly as my heart flutters. I stifle a moan while soft lips caress mine, teasing me with his tongue.
“Yes…I will be.” His whispered confession against my skin causes my body to shudder.
Can one die from being romanced to death? Honestly, I’ll take it. Best way to go. Did he take lessons from Gomez?
“And these next few days are for us,” he says, stroking my cheek gently. My brows pinch together. “Everyone believes we’re in Boston. A decoy plane with Julio and Jameson left soon after we did. Apart from the Crew, Chiari, and my hotel manager here…no one knows we’re in Rome.”
Questions flick through me. A part of me knows he’s playing a game of cat and mouse; hiding us to give the others time to catch who sent those hitmen.
Perhaps surprise Renato or Matteo while here.
Or diverting from being tracked by Gabriel.
I shove those thoughts aside, smiling up at the man who’s trying to provide me happiness in a time of uncertainty.
“You should get dressed,” he states. “Unless you need more time before I start showing you Rome.”
“No! I’m ready!” I scramble out of my seat as he chuckles behind me.
I change quickly, finding clothes Isaac packed and more in the closet.
Some are new, and I’m presuming from a personal shopper because there are some items I don’t normally wear.
I choose something different, pulling on a faded jean jacket to complete the look.
I meet Leo in the living room. An odd look passes over his face, eyes skimming my attire.
He then smiles, takes my hand, and leads me out of the suite.
I follow him down a short hall to some elevators with gold plated gates.
It may be a smaller hotel, but it doesn’t feel like it.
The main lobby is extravagant with white marbled floors, carpets of intricate designs, expensive looking vases of flowers everywhere, and chandeliers.
A fountain sits in the middle with a statue of a woman pouring water.
On one side is the front desk area, whilst the other leads to a lounge. I stare at everything unapologetically.
An older man with greying hair and beard, politely nods to Leo from the front desk then to me, and I give him a little wave in return. Leo leads us onto the street, pausing as I stare up at the building we were in and then down the road.
My breath hitches. It’s as if I’ve been transported into one of my movies.
Leo tugs at my hand. I smile up at him as his gaze softens. “We’ll see famous sites throughout the week, today I want to show you parts of Rome that may not be as tourist filled.”
“Lead the way,” I tell him.
He brings my hand up, kissing my wrist and I see his wedding ring. My heart squeezes, realizing I’m wearing mine, too. Tears threaten to come with happiness of being able to wear them publicly.
Leo walks us down the path, and it’s refreshing after taking so many vehicles the past few weeks. Not to mention cooped up in apartments, hotels, and planes. A large exhale leaves me, smiling at everything around us.
Halfway down the block, my anxiety pricks. It tugs at my neck as my body becomes rigid. I move closer to Leo, tossing it up to just left-over panic from a day ago. We take a turn around a corner, passing a jewelry store when he leans down to whisper, “It’s just Rudolph.”
I peek up at him, and then over my shoulder. Sure enough, there’s Rudy not too far away as he practically towers over people. A breath of relief leaves me as I follow Leo. Not my usual bodyguard or city, can’t be surprised if flickers of old anxiety return, too.
I’m not sure how long we’ve explored before I completely relax.
Leo shows me cafes, historical landmarks, and beautiful architecture.
We spend hours walking around. Every step I think I fall more enamored with it, loving the art and bits of culture.
More than a few times Leo converses in Italian with shop owners or locals.
A few words I catch, but I have too much fun listening to his voice.
Leo’s tone becomes deeper, almost smoother when he speaks Italian. Each word flows with a preciseness that’s intoxicating. Twice he caught me staring, giving a knowing smirk in response.
It’s coming closer to evening when we come to a piazza where a large wall sections off what could be the backside, I guess.
The other side has a tall wall with levels and trees flanking it.
People mill about as we approach the main attraction—an extremely tall stone pillar with four fountains at each corner and steps in between.
Leo guides me around it toward the tall wall, where there’s steps towards the top.
“That’s the Flaminian Obelisk,” Leo explains as he’s done for every place we’ve visited, pointing towards the pillar. “This is the Piazza del Popolo. Those stairs and path lead to gardens and eventually to the Villa Medici.”
My gaze shifts back to the obelisk and the ancient markings upon it.
“Somewhat a tourist spot, but not like the Coliseum or St. Peter’s,” Leo mentions, drifting a hand over my shoulder. “Want to see it from above?”
I lean my head back to look towards the top. “We can go up there?”
“Yes, just be prepared for the climb.”