All Chapters of Vendetta and Vino: Tuscan Temptations: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

*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,

*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

*Jacopo’s POV*The lush green of the countryside rushed by me in a blur as I drove, my mind focused on the bright red lettering sprayed across the side of my car. Despite desperately wanting to escape the life that had taken my mother from me, there I was, unintentionally involving Sophia and putting her life at risk.My hands shook as I drove away from the house, leaving behind my father's disappointed words. I needed an unbiased opinion, someone whose intentions weren't clouded by family ties. So I kept driving in search of a different perspective.Finally, after what felt like hours, the Italian farmhouse came into view. It was breathtakingly beautiful, nestled between two rolling hills and surrounded by olive trees that cast gentle shadows onto the old yellow stucco walls. The sky above slowly shifted from light blue to a deep pink hue as the sun sunk toward the horizon. A thin wisp of smoke curled from a brick chimney on top of the house, indicating someone was inside. I pull

*Sophia’s POV*I studied my reflection in the mirror, taking in the pallor of my skin and the tightness around my eyes. I could feel my heart beat faster and fought to control my breathing as I heard dinner being announced from downstairs. Taking a steadying breath, I made my way out of the bedroom, down the stairs, and into the dining room where the Rossi family was waiting.The grand dining room was a sight to behold. The mahogany table had been polished to a mirror-like sheen, and the walls were adorned with antiques and oil paintings. A crystal chandelier glittered above them, casting its warm glow upon the scene. The aroma of Italian cuisine wafted through the air, making my mouth water despite my apprehension.I awkwardly perched on the edge of the chair, trying to make myself small. Jacopo put his hand on my thigh, giving a light squeeze and an almost imperceptible wink. I watched as Mr. Rossi, tall and imposing, opened the door and walked in, followed by Elena. A few others

*Sophia’s POV*Two days had gone by since we had spent an unforgettable day on Elba Island. Everywhere I looked, I could still see the distant glimmer of the white sand beaches and feel the mist of the pristine waterfalls we had explored. The memories of our hikes along the island’s winding trails stayed with me like a dream.I returned to the workshop, which smelled faintly of sawdust and paint. The newly patched walls gleamed in the afternoon light, and I felt a thrill of anticipation as I set my tools up on the workbench. I knew my task wouldn’t be easy, but determinedly got to work restoring the damaged oil painting.I cautiously stepped closer to Jacopo's mother's painting, my heart sinking as I noticed the angry gouges from where someone had tried to rip it. Clean tears ran down the canvas like a memorial of the mess that had been inflicted upon it, and I clenched my fists in frustration, wondering if I'd be able to salvage the once beautiful artwork.I carefully removed the