Chapter 26
Michael
Zaira and I spent the next week and a half sightseeing and fucking. I personally like the fucking part, but I have to say it poses a close second place to the smile that has been adorning her face. It warms my heart to see her so happy and content.
Everything we’ve done has made her smile, but the best was yesterday when we visited the Uffizi in Florence. Zaira has always loved Renaissance art, and having many of the greats like Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raffaello—among many others—in one place was a real treat for her. When we were walking through the portion of gallery that housed many of Michelangelo’s early works, she literally squealed when she turned the corner, and there in all its magnificence was the David. I have to hand it to the gallery. They have it placed in the perfect spot, at the end of the hallway in a domed section of the gallery. The sun’s rays radiated through the dome stained-glass windows, and it made the statue appear like it was glowing. It really is a sight to see. I remember coming here when I was a kid, but I really didn’t appreciate what I was seeing back then. I’m so glad the gallery was on our list of attractions.
Tonight we’re getting ready to visit my great uncle, Giorgio. I watch Zaira as she sits at her vanity, putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She looks absolutely stunning in her simple black cocktail dress. It has a sweetheart neckline and drops down low in the back. I walk toward her and give her a soft kiss on her neck. “You look lovely,” I say in her ear, and she shudders.
Smiling up at me, she hands me a string of pearls and asks, “Can you put these on me, please?”
I seductively place the pearls around her neck, allowing their weight to lie heavy against her skin. When I brush my fingers across the back of her neck, she shudders again and goose bumps rise on her skin. “If you keep that up, we won’t be visiting your uncle tonight,” she states.
“I can always reschedule.”
She gives me that look that says,Be serious, Michael. If she only knew I was being serious…
I chuckle as I hook the clasp on her pearls. I give her another kiss right behind her left ear and whisper, “Magnificent.”
“Thank you,” she says and there it is, that smile again. I will never tire of it. She turns to face me, and her eyes roam my body. “You’re looking pretty handsome there yourself.”
I straighten my tie and reply, “Yeah, you could say I clean up pretty good.”
“You are so full of yourself!” she exclaims.
“Of course I am. And may I remind you, my lovely wife, you wouldn’t want me any other way.”
She laughs. “No, I wouldn’t”
***
We had a wonderful dinner with the family. They absolutely loved Zaira, and it was obvious she adored them as well. In the limo on our way back to the property, I watch my beautiful wife as she sits looking out the window. “So, Zaira, we’ve only got a couple more days here before we have to head back home.”
“I know,” she says sadly. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
“What was your favorite part?” I ask.
“Oh, Michael, I loved the Uffizi, the Gallerie dell’Accadema, and the Santa Croce. The art is amazing, and to actually see original works by Michelangelo and Botticelli has truly been the highlight for me.”
“Is there anything you want to see again?”
“TheDavidand theBirth of Venus. Oh, Michael, can we please go back to the art museums?”
I smile. “Of course we can.”
***
We spent the last few days of our trip at the museums, and now we are at the airport ready to head home. I’ve got mixed feelings about returning home. I’ve got to deal with Gallardi, which is not something I am looking forward to. We need to strike back, but we have to make sure to keep our hands—as well as the MCs’ hands—clean. It’ll be tricky, but I still believe it can be done.
Alex called a couple days ago with more intel on their compound. It appears Romeo returned two days ago. Alex said Romeo’s wife, Marina, is very unhappily married. Good, that works in my favor. He’s also got a niece he is a ward to. I think our first move is to grab Marina and the niece. I want them for two reasons. First, I want to give him a taste of his own medicine and take something from him that he loves. Letting him sweat, wondering what I’m doing to his wife and the niece, is an added bonus—not that I would actually do to them what he did to Zaira, but I like the idea of letting him think I would. And, secondly, they can serve as a backup plan. If we can’t find or get to the money, I have some bargaining power by having them in my custody.
Darius told us Romeo loves two things, Marina and his money. I’ll get Marina, then we have to get the money. Alex informed me Romeo doesn’t believe in banks, so he has all his money in a safe on his compound. There is only one man who can get himself in, get the money, and get out in one piece—Sainte. Since the MC wants in on this as well for obvious reasons, it will be real easy convincing Sainte to take care of this.
I look at Zaira as the plane takes off. For the first time in two weeks, she looks sad. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”
“Yes, just sad to be leaving,” she replies.
“I know, love, but we will be back. I promise.”
