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Chapter 17 : Hidden Heirlooms
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 18 : Change Of Plans
*Sophia’s POV*"Come on, Soph. We're going to be late. You were already late yesterday after your soiree with the boss man. Can't afford to do it again," Luca admonished me.After Mr. Rossi took the sketches yesterday, I had researched late into the night to see if I could find a record of them anywhere. Michelangelo's work was reasonably well documented for as long ago as he was alive, and I found mention of them in some articles from over fifty years ago. They were found in Italy when a building was set for demolition. On a whim, the man who bought the property had gone in and searched the rooms first. There was a box that was under a floorboard, and the sketches were hidden inside. After that, there's no mention of where they sold to or who had them. So how did they end up in the painting Mr. Rossi bought for his late wife?Because of the late night, Luca and I were running late getting to the villa. And in true Luca style, he was giving me shit. "Look, we're the bosses. And
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 19 : Be Careful Who You Get Into Bed With
*Sophia’s POV*"That's the last of it," I commented, "Thanks for your help." Jacopo's nostrils flared as he exhaled a deep, agitated breath. He avoided eye contact and his posture stiffened, arms crossed tightly over his chest. The air in the room shifted with tension, thick and suffocating. His mood had been foul ever since he'd told his father he'd be staying in the main house. "Jacopo, you know you don't have to stay here. Luca and I will be fine alone. I don't want you to be miserable when your father is more than capable of babysitting us."Somehow, his face became even angrier, "It's not my fucking father's job to protect you, bella. It's mine. I'll make sure nothing happens to you, do you understand?"He stepped closer, his chest rising and falling in heavy breaths. His eyes were like dark, churning oceans, emanating a mix of anger and rage that made my heart race. I dug my nails into my palms, reminding myself that the intent behind them was not directed at me.Just as
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 20 : A House Full Of Ghosts
*Jacopo’s POV*"Elena, we need to go speak with our father. He's asked for both of us. Sophia, make yourself comfortable and acquaint Luca with the layout of the house when he gets back from his ride to town," I said.I could tell she wanted to talk to me alone, but she nodded her understanding and that made me feel happy.Elena stood and hooked her arm in mine, and we began walking to Alessandro Rossi's home office. A dark, unsettling feeling had lodged in my stomach from the moment I told my father I'd be staying in the mansion as long as Sophia was. I hadn't slept in the building in a long time, and I knew I wouldn't be able to relax."So all we had to do to get you to come back was hire a sexy art lady?" Elena asked."I'm not back permanently. I told you. I just want to keep an eye on Sophia. As soon as her work is done, I'm gone again," I replied."We miss you around here. I know Dad doesn't say it, but a piece of him left the day you turned away from the famiglia," she whis
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 21 : Hushed Confessions
*Sophia’s POV*The house was abuzz with energy. Mr. Rossi's men hurried up and down the hallway, casting concerned glances over their shoulders as they passed. The sound of raised voices echoed off the walls, and I saw a few shadows flit past the kitchen entrance. Deciding it was best not to get in the way, I quickly bypassed the dining room and made my way back upstairs.I settled myself on the guest bed, crossed my legs, and opened my laptop. I scrolled through pages of articles about Michelangelo's sketches until my eyes stung and my back ached from hunching over the computer.Luca had been busy with keeping the villa project going, and I heard he'd assisted with checking the servant's building for listening devices. I don't know if he realized the Rossi's were mafia yet, but I was looking forward to talking to him tonight.A quiet knock on the door jostled me from an article I was reading, and I called out, "Come in," fully expecting it to be Luca.But it wasn't Luca. Instead,
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 22 : Discoveries, Dates, and Disasters
*Sophia’s POV*I watched as one of the workers placed the last of the bricks for the new fireplace into a wheelbarrow. "No, that has to be done today," I called out. "If it's not done, we'll get behind schedule." He nodded and replaced the masonry tools onto his tool belt, which hung from his hips. His hard hat bobbed up and down as he walked back into the villa.Luca exited the front door of the villa and approached me, "There's something weird going on with the fireplace. Inside, there's a strange rope. It looks like it operates a mechanism or something."I scrunched my face, not understanding, "What are you talking about?"Luca gestured for me to follow him inside the villa, and I complied. Inside the fireplace, I saw the rope and a small hole in the wall behind it."Don't open it," I warned, knowing there was most likely something nefarious behind the wall, "Go out and tell the men to take a break. I'm going to call Jacopo."As Luca left the room, I approached the stone wall,
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 23 : The Ghost of my Past
*Jacopo’s POV*"Hold on tight," I yelled as I swerved at the last second and drove into the grass to avoid hitting the car.Sophia yelped and grabbed the handle above the passenger's side door. I yanked the wheel and the car spun in a tight circle, tires squealing on the asphalt. The engine roared as I floored the accelerator, leaving behind clouds of smoke and debris. In the rearview mirror, I saw the other vehicle do an abrupt U-turn and charge after us, its headlights blazing like angry eyes."What is going on, Jacopo?" Sophia cried.I tried to remain calm to not panic her further, and said, "Clearly, someone wants us dead. We're going to get out of here. Just hold on tight."I glanced at Sophia and knew that there wasn’t enough time to make it back to the main house. It was a quarter-mile away, on the opposite side of the property, and our pursuers were already too close for comfort. "We're going to have to ditch the car and climb over the fence to hide in the villa," I said
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 24 : Make Her Bleed
*Jacopo’s POV*The floor was harsh and unforgiving against my lower back, and the sun was shining through the uncovered windows, temporarily blinding me. My left arm was asleep, and I peeled open my eyes to see Sophia sleeping soundly on top of it. Before I could wake her up gently, the front door banged open, and a voice cried, "Oh, what the hell?"Sophia jolted upright in bed, eyes squinting against the blinding sunlight that forced its way through the open doorway. A faint silhouette of a figure emerged from outside into the villa, and as their features began to take shape, Sophia breathed a sigh of relief."Luca, you scared the shit out of me," she exclaimed.Luca threw his hands in the air, "Well, how the hell was I supposed to know you guys were asleep in the hundreds-year-old building we're renovating, Sophia?!"He stormed into the room and noted how rough the two of us looked. My loafers were grass and mud-stained, the pant leg of my slacks was torn up from the fence, an
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 25 : He Wasn’t Always This Way
*Sophia’s POV*I stood beneath the hot pelting water of the shower, the droplets washing away the tension in my back from sleeping on the floor in the villa. I stepped out, toweled off, and made my way to the closet. I bent over and tried to pull the elasticized waist up my thighs when three sharp knocks echoed through my apartment. I froze, one leg in and one leg out of the leggings, wondering who the hell would be looking for me. All the danger over the last few days made me paranoid."Just a minute," I called out. I reached into my closet and grabbed a navy hoodie with frayed cuffs that hung past my fingers. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror; I looked like a street urchin, but I didn't care. I walked across the room to the door, shook my head, and opened it."Hi, Giorgio," I greeted the intimidating man, "What's up?""Jacopo told me to tell you he's gone out for the day. I'm supposed to escort you to wherever you need to go," he replied, his voice deep and grave.H
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Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 50 : The Luckiest Woman on the Planet
*Sophia’s POV*The sun dipped below the horizon as we left the greco-roman dig site, casting a warm glow on the ancient ruins. Giorgio walked beside me, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings as he took in the sights Greece had to offer. He seemed to enjoy being away from the constant mafia danger, and I couldn't blame him."Giorgio, thank you for being here with me," I said."Of course, Sophia," he replied with a smile. "You know I'd do anything to keep you safe."As night fell, we made our way to a bustling market full of antiques and vendors. The vibrant colors, fragrant spices, and cheerful chatter of the locals were intoxicating, and I found myself drawn toward a stall displaying beautiful handmade tiles."Look at these," I breathed, running my fingers over the intricate patterns. "They're stunning!""Indeed, they are," a deep voice agreed from behind me. I turned to see a man with dark, wavy hair and piercing eyes. My heart skipped a beat.I took in the intricate de
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 49 : Accomplishments and Plans
*Sophia’s POV*I opened the door to our new workspace, the smell of fresh paint and new beginnings filling my nose. Luca grinned at me as he hauled in another box of supplies.We had ended up moving to my home town in London after our return to the States, making sure we finished any pending business over there first before adventuring ourselves to a new business here."Can you believe this is all ours, Soph?" He asked, gesturing around at the empty space. I laughed, I could hardly believe it myself. "It's crazy. But with the money from the villa job, we can finally start that restoration business we always talked about."We spent the next hour unpacking boxes and brainstorming names for our new company. Luca wanted something flashy and clever, while I argued for something simple and elegant. We volleyed ideas back and forth, joking and teasing each other. In the end we settled on "Sophia & Luca Art Restoration." It felt right to put our names on it. It was our dream, and now i
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 48 : The Last Night
*Sophia’s POV*The curling iron sizzled as I wrapped another section of my hair around the hot barrel. I winced as a wisp of hair singed, filling the air with an acrid smell. The red dress I was wearing was a gift from Jacopo. Something to wear after I left here as a reminder of how his hands had once caressed my body.I stared at my reflection in the gilt-edged mirror as I applied a deep red lipstick. The color reminded me of the wine we shared on our first date out to dinner. A knot formed in my stomach as I pictured Jacopo's tonight. We had to discuss the fact that my visa was expiring. His warm brown eyes would cloud with hurt, and the thought of leaving him and Italy behind felt like a dagger twisting in my heart.I longed to stay wrapped in Jacopo's powerful embrace, to wander the cobbled streets hand-in-hand, to wake up every morning next to him. But the visa's expiration loomed, an implacable cliff's edge, drawing nearer each day. I took a deep breath, steadying myself bef
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 47 : Bad Omens
*Sophia’s POV*The hospital had the familiar scent of antiseptic and the low hum of hushed conversations. I sat on an examination bed, my fingers idly tracing the white paper that covered the surface. A nurse bustled about, preparing the instruments while I waited for the doctor to arrive.The nurse stood by, readying her instruments while checking off a checklist for me. Footsteps echoed from the hallway, signaling the doctor's arrival.The door creaked open, and a middle-aged doctor with steel-rimmed spectacles and a friendly smile entered the room. She glanced over before striding to my bedside. "Good morning, Sophia. How's the leg feeling?" I winced and gestured to the red jagged wound that marred my thigh. "It's been better, Doc. Looking forward to getting these stitches out." She hummed softly in agreement as she ran her gloved fingertips over the tender skin. "I can imagine. It's healing nicely. Let's get these stitches out, and I'll give you some ointment to prevent
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 46 : Moments Like This
*Sophia’s POV*The early morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold and crimson as I stood at the entrance of the Rossi villa.The restoration had been a labor of love, literally and figuratively. I was in love with the centuries old architecture, and I found love with Jacopo. The front room was abuzz with activity. Workers moved with precision, placing carefully selected antique furniture to honor the villa's original design. Each piece had been chosen with reverence, and each item bore the weight of history, mirroring the memories of the people who originally built the property on this land many, many years ago. I did my best to stay true to what they'd used back then, with the thatch style roof and the wooden beams. I knew if Jacopo's mom were here, she'd appreciate the integrity of the project.Jacopo had been immersed in his duties as the head of the Rossi family, and his days were a whirlwind of meetings and responsibilities. But amidst the chaos of leadership, I wanted to
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 45 : You're the Boss Tonight
*Sophia’s POV*"Your wish is my command," Jacopo's hungry voice whispered before he brought his sinful mouth down to my stomach and kissed just below my navel.I shivered under his touch and moaned softly. "Again," I said.He wet his lips and kissed me again, an inch below the spot he'd kissed before.“There?" he breathed. "Yes," my voice rasped, sounding deeper and wanting. "Again."He sank his teeth into my skin and ran his tongue in a gentle circle around the indentation in my stomach. Then he growled."Do you have any idea what you do to me? I want to rip you apart and make love to you until you're whole again. You turn me into a savage." His voice was muffled as he pressed his face into the satin material of my panties.He ran his hands up my body, and they slid under the crop top. He hissed when his palms met my bare skin, and he instinctively began to tweak and pinch my nipples."Where is your bra, Ms. Anderson?" he asked.I shrugged. "I must have forgotten to put o
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 44 : This is Heaven
*Jacopo’s POV* The days following passed quickly, as I scrambled to manage the Rossi family affairs. There was an endless list of things for me to oversee; with the death of the Marino heads, their absence left an echoing void in the Italian underworld and I had to work constantly to maintain the fragile peace that existed between our two families. While my father recovered, everything fell squarely on my shoulders.I checked the schedule on my phone and readied myself for yet another marathon day. I walked into the warehouse where we usually conducted business meetings, and I shook hands with my men as they filed in. We discussed how best to strengthen our ties with an ally. "Everyone under Mariano's reign is nervous about how they're going to feed their families. They lost two Dons on the same day, and now they're scrambling. We need to either offer a peaceful solution for them or begin to absorb some of their men," I spoke smoothly.My men nodded in agreement, all eyes on me a
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 43 : An Impromptu Ceremony
*Jacopo’s POV*My fingers drummed nervously against the cold, hard armrest of the chair. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as we sat in silence, waiting for any news about my father's condition. Sophia leaned into me and squeezed my hand with such a reassuring firmness that I wanted to weep. The walls were a blinding white, as bright as the sun itself, and it felt like their sterile surface was closing in on us. Even though the air conditioning blasted out freezing air, sweat dripped down my forehead and neck. Hours had passed since my father went into surgery. The nurses did not indicate when he would be out of recovery. We could only hope and pray. Sophia broke the silence with her voice, gentle yet strong, providing comfort when I couldn't speak. At that moment, I knew she was my rock, someone who wouldn't let me crumble under the crushing pressure.The doctor emerged from the double doors wearing a surgical gown, his face serious. I shot up out of the chair and stumbled to
Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations Chapter 42 : Flatlined
*Sophia’s POV*The electricity in the room felt like a tangible force, crackling between Vincent and Mr. Rossi as they stood opposite each other. Vincent's eyes were fierce and his grip on my hair was cruel, the barrel of the gun cold against my temple. His muscles tensed with rage – a rage that had been simmering for decades. I could feel their animosity engulfing me like a fog, leaving me feeling helpless and small.Vincent's voice shook with barely restrained rage as he confronted Mr. Rossi. His eyes were dark pools of emotion and his body trembled with anger. "You've always thought you were better than us, haven't you, Alessandro? Your family, your empire. It's all built on the suffering and destruction you've left in your wake." Mr. Rossi held his ground, his face a mask of stone. He didn’t blink or flinch away from Vincent’s piercing gaze. “I’ve made my share of mistakes, Vincent," he said calmly. "But this blood feud isn't all the Rossis’ doing."The room felt like a powder
