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“A sacrifice?” Isotta asked. Isotta had never thought of herself that way. Why would she? But then, she thought about her own situation, the ultimate sacrifice she made, giving up her sister, giving her life in service to keep the family whole.
“Yes, dear,” Rosa replied. “Like the one you made.”
Rosa patted Isotta on the hand. “Marriage, for people like you and Massimo, involves a great deal of sacrifice. Hopefully, with time, love will grow. In the meantime, one must be patient in building the bond that inevitably brought you two together.”
“Now, let’s get you packed,” Rosa said, offering another pat and a smile.
Chapter Thirteen
“Are you ready?” Massimo asked as he entered the bedroom.
Even though she was excited about the trip, Isotta found herself nervous, nervous about being absolutely alone with Massimo. But she resolved that she would do her best to stifle those nervous feelings and try to enjoy getting to know her husband better.
“I am,” Isotta replied, offering a slight smile.
“Then, shall we?” Massimo asked, extending his hand.
Isotta padded in his direction and politely folded her hand into his. She had gotten more accustomed to the actual touch of his flesh versus only touching him with gloved hands. As they exited the bedroom, wait staff entered and secured their luggage. Staff packed the helicopter as Massimo and Isotta made their way.
“Have an incredible time, ma’am, sir,” Rosa smiled as they neared.
Isotta separated her hand from Massimo’s for just a moment and made her way over to Rosa, whom she hugged with great intention.
“Thank you,” Isotta uttered, “for everything.”
Rosa hugged Isotta tightly, her eyes closing in response to the adoration she felt. When she released Isotta, Rosa felt an even stronger connection between them. Isotta returned to her place beside Massimo, who smiled at Rosa as they exited. He escorted Isotta to the helipad where the copter would be taking off.
“This will make our journey to our destination much quicker,” Massimo said as he opened the passenger door for her. Massimo extended his hand so that Isotta could use it as a means to enter the helicopter cab. Isotta used his strength and lifted herself into the seat. Massimo remained close until she was comfortable and then closed the door behind her. He went to the other side of the helicopter, being mindful of its tail, and entered, taking the seat next to Isotta.
Once they were settled in, the pilot fired up the engine, and the propellers activated, whirling and spinning, bringing the helicopter to life. Massimo got Isotta’s attention with a gentle touch to her arm. When she focused her attention in his direction, Massimo placed the headphones on her head and indicated the apparatus she could speak into. He then placed his headset on as well and lowered the microphone.
“Let me make sure your seatbelt is properly on before we ascend.”
Isotta nodded her head as Massimo leaned in again, gently reaching across her lap and pulling the seatbelt across it, latching it on the other side. His nearness caused Isotta to flush, and she turned slightly away in response. Massimo lingered for a moment longer. He was trying to be considerate, cordial, and warm despite how odd it made him feel.
Massimo returned to his seat, hopeful. Isotta returned her gaze forward. They enjoyed the ride, stealing glances at each other and enjoying each other’s company. The further they got away from Massimo’s home, the more they each began to relax. They were both silently hopeful to see what the weekend would bring.
Once they arrived, they settled into the beach house.
“This is our home away from home,” Massimo explained. “We used to vacation here when we were little, on spring and summer break from boarding school.
“It’s beautiful,” Isotta replied. “And the ocean is just steps away.”
“Just steps away,” Massimo replied. “I thought that before we had dinner this evening, we could truly find relaxation.
“What did you have in mind?” Isotta asked curiously.
“Undress,” Massimo instructed.
Isotta’s brow pitched high on her forehead and then lowered. Initially, she was surprised by his statement, but then Isotta was reminded of the kind of man he was at his core. She had no intention of complying if that’s what he thought. She would just as soon as end their little excursion if it were to be more of the same. Maybe forgiveness is not what Massimo really sought. Maybe it was just to get her in a place she couldn’t easily escape from and take what he wanted.
“I won’t,” she uttered, countering his command. She looked at him, and then her eyes fell away. Standing up to Massimo was harder than she thought.
Massimo’s brows knocked together as he strolled in Isotta’s direction. She braced in anticipation, taking a small step even further away. But he strolled further until he was right in front of her.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” he uttered, reaching out his hand and gently turning her face back to meet his.
Isotta dared to meet his eyes with a stern look of her own, even though it waivered as the beat of her heart started to escalate.
