When Biz returns to the table with a stunned look on her face, I’m even more convinced it’s time to leave.
“All good, darlin’?”
Rett notices Hart is missing. First Deo, now Hart. Will we find him ass-up in a fountain too?
The server stops at the table, speaking Italian to us. Hart appears, smiling warmly at her, “Tutto è così perfetto.” He pays the bill.
I’m not loving how pleased he seems with himself.
On our walk to the cars waiting for us, he says, “I don’t have the energy to carry on pointless conversations with people.”
“Have you ever met anyone more difficult than you?” Bizzy snaps at him.
“You’re up there,” he responds.
Oh. No, I don’t like this.
From our lunch, Deo’s driver suggests we speak to a “fixer” who runs criminal activity in the area. My immediate thought is that Tullis wouldn’t associate with anyone like that. But I don’t get a say.
“Leave us out of it. We’ll go back to the Cortinis,” Rett backs me up.
Hart glowers at us.
On the drive back, the countryside has Bizzy’s attention, but my mind is elsewhere, mulling over what Rett and I already know. Henry Tullis came to Italy to hide a “treasure,” one we believe was a cipher.
An act he may have given his life for. One we could be placing our lives on the line for, too. I’m getting more and more upset about Hart not leveling with us before the trip. I would never have asked Bizzy to come along.
Rett and I would’ve found a way out of it, too.
Delivered to the sweeping steps of the Cortini estate, Rett, Biz, and I circle the main hall. Bizzy chuckles to herself, pointing to a shiny tray set on a side table. “Rich people are weird. Here’s a tray. Put nothing on it. But respect it… revere it. Like what?”
I didn’t grow up monied or with a prestigious name either. But during my time at Rockefeller Amherst, I’ve become acquainted with the lifestyle. I see what’s underneath the sheenof wealth: the problems, the seediness. Not that the luxurious homes, fancy vehicles, or trips don’t affect me. I can be impressed by it and still unmoved at the same time.
It’s been hours since I could hold Biz or touch her. I find myself gravitating to her. Wrapping my arms around her waist, resting my head on hers, craving her touch, her reactions to mine. I wouldn’t even mind seeing her respond to Rett.
We hear Rett shout from down the hall.
“Fuck, fuckity, fuck… I’m fine, it’s okay!”
He’s picking up the pieces of a broken sculpture when we find him. “It may be safer to retire to our rooms?” Bizzy says, kneeling beside him and helping gather the porcelain fragments.
“I think the Cortini family won’t be offering to let any more Rock Am students stay here after this,” I say. “Do you think their house manager called about Deo’s swim? Or is it just another winter break… who knows…”
Back in the suite of rooms, replete with a seating area, two large attached bedrooms, and a bathroom sporting a jacuzzi, we all breathe a sigh of relief. I walk Bizzy backward, kissing her jaw. “Finally…”
Full body chills.
Rett pulls his shirt off.
“I like where this is going,” Bizzy says, breath catching in her throat.
I’m focused on helping Biz out of her blouse and pants, my attention locked on her. Rett moves in beside her to undo her bra as she slips off her underwear.
With every layer gone, the air between us shifts, the anticipation feels like an exquisite high.
She leans forward over the back of the luxury European sofa, bracing herself and opening up to us without hesitation. Rett moans. “Oh. My… ever loving…” In record speed he has a condom on.
I move in closer, kneeling on the sofa in front of her, dragging my mouth over her pretty tits and giving them the attention they deserve, using my teeth to lightly play with her nipples.
