Rome WIth Dad's Best Friend by Flora Ferrari

Author:Flora Ferrari
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Marco

I drive the familiar route back home, to my own place. Just outside the city of Rome, close enough that I can go to work easily but far enough from the center that I can have some peace and quiet. The home I’ve worked for all of my life to create.

It’s one of my main sources of pride and joy, for now at least. Gates encircle an area of private land that contains the house, a gravel drive in front where I can park several cars, and a yard out the back that includes a pool and pool house.

I take the opportunity to glance to the side whenever it’s safe to catch Hannah’s reaction. Her eyes are wide as she takes it all in, craning her neck to look all the way up to the top of the house as we pull in closer. I had the house built to my own specifications, with wide glass spaces letting in plenty of light but shading the viewer from seeing inside, dark brickwork, and an impressive architecture right up to the roof, which I had made to resemble a traditional Italian castle.

This is my castle, after all – the place where I’m lord and master. And I don’t usually allow people to come here. Only Fran has ever seen it, except for those I employ to do work around the house because it is a sacred space for me. Too special to share with anyone but the most important in my life.

And now Hannah is here, about to come inside with me and take her claim on a life by my side.

I step out of the car and rush to Hannah’s side, to open the door and help her out. Then I turn towards my home with her hand on my arm, about to lead her inside. Size-wise, in fact, it should correctly be called a villa – especially since we are here in Italy, the seat of the empire which made the villa-style famous around the world.

“It’s beautiful,” Hannah says, her face filled with wonder. A moment later she must realize that she spoke without thinking because she continues awkwardly. “I mean, your home, it’s so – so big and grand.”

I chuckle. “Thank you,” I say. “But you haven’t seen inside yet.” I don’t mean it as an idle boast – I know that the interior of my home makes even more of an impression than the outside. I’ve worked hard to ensure that it's comfortable yet stylish, representing everything that I want when I come home from work.

Except for one thing – the family to share it with me. But perhaps, from today, we can change that.

I show Hannah inside, allowing her to step in before me and take in the entrance. As soon as we enter, motion sensors set off my homecoming routine, mood lighting lights the walls, gentle music plays from hidden speakers, and a spray of delicate scent fills the air. Even with Hannah here, and all my nerves straining with desire for her, I instantly feel relaxed.

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