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“But the gods had other plans for the boys and stepped in. Some say they were raised by a she-wolf, others say they were rescued by the river god. Either way they grew up to become the founding rulers of this city.”
I hope Marco doesn’t notice as I swiftly wipe a tear from my cheek. Once again, I’m grateful that he’s here to save me after I was abandoned in this strange city.
We leave the Colosseum behind and make our way through the small, cobblestone streets until we arrive at the hotel. We enter the Devonere and approach the reception. Marco leans close to explain to the woman in a blue vest that he needs a second room, she frowns in a way that warns me there's bad news coming.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Marco."
He narrows his eyes. "For what?"
"It's the week of Carnival." She waits a beat, like this should explain enough. With a sigh, and a sad smile, she shows him her large book of papers. "There won't be an empty hotel room in all of Rome for the rest of the week."
Chapter Three
I can't breathe. I'm trying, but nothing is getting through the blockage in my chest.No free rooms anywhere in Rome?I'd noticed the crowds as we drove but had assumed it was normal tourist stuff. Now the high cost of plane tickets makes sense.
"Filia? Filia, are you okay?"
Marco sets his hand on my shoulder and I freeze. His touch is warm and solid, enough to stabilize me. I lean into him, the hairs on my neck pricking up. I may be in the midst of a panic, an existential crisis even, but I also kind of maybe love that he's touching me? Glancing upward I meet his stare. "What am I going to do?"
His smile is tight. "It will be fine. I have a solution."
I tilt my head. "You do?"
"Yes." His hand falls away, which is just a little disappointing, and he stands taller. "You'll sleep in my room."
I blink, as my face flushes with heat. "Your room?" I repeat, feeling the weight of the offer. "I don't know if that's a good idea."
My heart thumps in my chest so loudly I’m surprised Marco doesn’t hear it and call the paramedics. Goosebumps pop up all over my arms. Can he really be suggesting we share a room?
Marco shrugs, looking unconcerned. "It's the only option we have right now."
My head is swimming with the implications of what he's suggesting. Me, staying in his hotel room, sharing the same space as this incredibly attractive man I barely know. I feel a thrill of excitement mixed with fear and a warmth spreading deep inside of me. It's a risky move, but what other choice do I have?
"Okay," I say, trying to sound confident. "I'll sleep in your room."
Marco nods, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small smile. "Great. There's a separate seating area with a couch where I'll sleep. You can take the bed."
"Oh, no, I'm the one who'll take the couch!"
He turns away like he didn't hear me. "This way. Let's get you settled in."
I follow him in a daze. We walk through the hotel's opulent lobby, past ornate chandeliers and plush velvet chairs. I feel like I've stumbled into some kind of dream. This isn't the sort of place I ever imagined I'd stay in. Now, I'm going to be sleeping in the same room as a man who makes my heart race.
We take the elevator up to the top floor. Marco swipes his key card and leads me down a long hallway to his room. He gestures for me to go ahead of him and I step inside.
It's even more luxurious than the lobby. The room is large and spacious, with a king-sized bed in the center. The walls are painted a soft, creamy yellow and the bedding is crisp and white. It looks like something out of a magazine.
"Wow," I breathe, taking it all in.
Marco chuckles. "I know. This hotel is something else."
I can't believe I'm going to be spending the night here.
"Make yourself at home," he says, vanishing into another door.
I stand in the middle of the room, feeling incredibly awkward. What do I do now? It's not like I have anything to unpack, I only have the clothes I'm wearing, my phone and its charger, a wallet with very little that's useful inside––other than my passport.
I sit gently on the velvet sun-yellow couch. It reminds me of something from a renaissance painting.
