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19
LUCA
Ihaven't secured my relationship with Aria yet, but I'm feeling more positive about the ability to do so. There is much work to be done in my business, but it has to wait as I lie next to Aria and she falls asleep in my arms.
From a business perspective, I can't afford to spend so much time away. Not if I don't want anyone to take advantage of my current vulnerability. I don't only have my own business to run, but I need to take over Sabini's, so my and my men’s time is spread thin. But any losses I might incur in business, I can recapture. That may not be true with Aria. I'm already on my second, maybe third chance with her. I don't imagine I'll have any more. So, I settle in for the night next to the woman I love.
I wake up early, and with a soft kiss to Aria's temple, I slide out of bed and prepare for the day.
Down at breakfast, I'm reviewing all the tasks on my list as I drink my espresso. Roberta enters the dining room with a young woman I know to be her daughter.
"Don Conte. You remember my daughter Lia?"
I nod. "How are you, Lia?" If I remember correctly, Lia should be finishing school this year and either heading off to university or to a job.
"She's back to work this summer,” Roberta informs me.
Yes, now I remember. For the last two years, she’s come to work alongside Roberta. "Welcome back."
"Grazia, Don Conte," Lia replies.
A thought comes to me. "You speak English, don't you, Lia?"
She glances at her mother with uncertainty in her expression. Roberta nods to her to respond. When she turns back to me, Lia says, “I learned English in school, but I don't know how well I speak it."
"Would you like to improve it? I would love it if you could be available to Aria. You can help her learn Italian, and she can help you with English. I’d like somebody here who can speak English when I'm not available to translate." I pause for a moment and add, "I'm willing to compensate you for the extra time and the expertise."
This time, when Lia glances at her mother, her eyes are wide, and I can see that this is good news for her.
"Grazia, Don Conte. I would be happy to perform this work."
With that settled, I finish my coffee and notes for the day. I’m able to work from home today, which will keep me close to Aria if she needs me. Not wanting her to get bored, I send a text to Bianca inviting her over. Moments later, she responds that she and a few of the other wives will be over for lunch.
When I finish breakfast, I return upstairs to the guest room. Aria is sleeping peacefully. I want to climb back in bed and hold her for the rest of the day. Hell, for the rest of my life.
I sit on the edge of the bed, my hand gently caressing along her hip. She stirs and stretches, a smile appearing on her face.
"Are you dreaming about me, Mio Angelo?"
"Maybe. But the real thing is better." She wraps her fingers around my tie and tugs me down until our lips press together. In an instant, the rest of the world flies away, and all that exists is Aria. I'm about ready to give in to her when there's a knock on the door. I sit up, telling whoever it is to enter. Roberta, along with Lia, enters the room carrying a breakfast tray.
“Set it on the table,” I tell her. Then I turn to Aria. "I'm sorry that I need to be focused on work today. But I want to introduce you to Lia. She's Roberta's daughter. She speaks English, and she’ll be able to help communicate when I can’t. She’s also agreed to help you improve your Italian.”
Aria smiles warmly at Lia, and it reminds me why I think she’ll be the perfect wife. She’s kind even to those whom others with her status might look down on or take for granted.
"Bongiorno."
Lia smiles back. " Buongiorno, Signorina."
“You can call me Aria.”
I’m not sure I approve of that. The name everyone should call her is Signora Conte. All in good time, I tell myself.
I take Aria’s hand. "You can take all the time you want in bed. You're still supposed to be resting. But Bianca and some of the wives will be up for lunch, unless you want me to cancel."
Aria appears to think about it for a moment but then says, "No, I'd like to see them. All this resting is boring."
I lean over and give her a quick kiss. "I'll be in my office if there's anything important you need." I want her to know that I'm available for her.
