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“Don’t worry about me.”
We pull up to the airfield where the private jet is waiting. Only when he’s switched off the car, does he say, “It’s my job to worry about you.”
Job. That’s the last thing I want to be.
Chapter 17
Tiana
By the time we land in Venice, I’m exhausted from all the traveling.
Our luggage is loaded onto a boat, and soon we’re speeding across the water toward the city that will become my home.
It’s almost eleven at night, and as we’re steered around a bend and into a narrow waterway, I stare at a little café where chairs are propped up on tables. Everything looks magical, the old buildings bathed in a soft, warm yellow light.
A bridge comes into view, and as we pass beneath it, I tilt my head back, a smile spreading over my face.
Lights twinkle like fireflies on the sides of the canal and passing by an apartment building, I see a couple sitting on a balcony, enjoying a glass of wine.
“It’s so beautiful,” I whisper, captured in awe of this city of bridges and canals.
“I’ll show you around tomorrow,” Armani says, his eyes locked on my face.
My smile widens, and excitement bubbles in my chest. I’ve never really traveled. The two times I left Russia were my recent trips to St. Monarch’s. I didn’t get to see much of Switzerland.
“Thank you. I’d appreciate it.”
The boat pulls up to the side of a building where potted trees stand on either side of a broad door. There’s a balcony with flowers around the edges, making the place look like something from a fairytale.
“We’re home,” Armani murmurs as he stands up.
Home.
My eyes dart back to the beautiful building before I glance up and down the waterway filled with parked gondolas and small boats. The atmosphere feels relaxed and peaceful.
Never in a million years did I dream of such a beautiful home.
Armani holds his hand out to me, and when I place my palm in his, he helps me out of the boat. There are steps leading up to the entrance, and a boat is tied to a pole next to the small docking area.
We take our luggage, and while Armani says something in Italian to the man, I walk closer to the door. I watch as the boat speeds off, then look at Armani.
His eyes search my face before he unlocks the door and holds it open for me.
I take a deep breath, then step inside a courtyard that steals the air from my lungs.
Oh my God.
There’s so much greenery, two wrought-iron benches, and a staircase made of the same stones used for the walls. A statue of a woman without arms stands against one wall, and looking up, I can see the sky.
“Is this where you drink your morning coffee?” I ask as I follow Armani to the stairs.
“Yes. I leave the door open and watch as the city wakes up.”
It sounds so lovely.
Entering through another door, we step into a foyer. Armani drops his keys in a wooden bowl situated on a glass stand.
My eyes keep darting around as I try to take in everything. We pass a kitchen that looks warm and inviting with a large wooden table and bench seats. Through the windows, I see a balcony with small pots of herbs.
My heart swells at the happy sight.
This is where I’ll spend most of my days, cooking and baking. I can’t wait.
As we move through the apartment, there are wooden beams for a ceiling, contrasting with the stone walls and floors. Potted plants lend color to the otherwise white and black décor.
I can feel Armani’s personality in the air, everything is calm and collected.
He’ll probably notice if something is out of place.
Entering a bedroom, I stop midway when I realize it’s where Armani sleeps. He sets his luggage down near an open walk-in closet before coming to take my bags.
Suddenly he pauses and asks, “Would you like to stay in one of the guest bedrooms until you’re more comfortable with me?”
“Ahh…no. The sooner I get used to everything, the better.”
He sets my luggage next to his, then says, “Make yourself at home, Tiana.”
I stand awkwardly for a moment, then move closer to the closet. “I’ll unpack…unless there is something else you want me to do.”
“Move my clothes over to the right side to make space for your things.”
Nodding, I watch as Armani leaves the bedroom before I take a good look around. The bed is massive, with black covers and pillows. There are two bedside tables, the one nearest to the door has a book, lamp, and a small clock.
There’s a balcony outside the windows with a small, round table and chairs.
A smile spreads over my face again as I picture Armani and me sharing a glass of wine while watching the waterway below.
It would be so romantic.
