The Fae's Bride by R. L. Medina

Author:R. L. Medina [Medina, R. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moon Dragon Books

Chapter 14

A Hasty Offer

“A pity your trip was delayed yesterday,” Signora Giordano said as she poured Massimo more caffé.

“Yes. Well. I’m sure the king will understand. Lucky for me, I have such a lovely place to stay.”

She beamed at him and nudged her daughter toward him before scurrying back to the kitchen. Massimo glanced to see the younger children peering around the corner, watching them in the dining room.

“The rain is coming any day now, and I’m afraid travel is quite impossible when the road muddies,” Lena explained, fidgeting nervously as she stood before him.

“Well, Lucia is grateful for that. She’s not a fan of carriages, but she has been enjoying being spoiled here by you and your siblings.”

Lena smiled brightly. “If you like, Count, I can show you around the town today.”

Giggles came from around the corner.

“Thank you, but I don’t want to be a nuisance. I think I’ll just take to my room and read,” Massimo answered politely.

Before she could object, Massimo bowed and took his leave.

When he entered his room, Lucia looked up at him and cocked her head.

Turning to the side table, Massimo picked up the book he’d been struggling to read and sighed in frustration. Alessia’s dark eyes and full flips flickered in his mind. He closed the book and set it back down. Try as he might, he couldn’t get the beautiful witch out of his mind. Was she thinking of him as well?

“Nonsense. I’m sure she has better things to do than think of me.” His words startled Lucia out of her nap.

She gave him a long-suffering look, clearly unimpressed by his troubling thoughts.

Massimo drummed his fingers on the side table and decided it was time to leave the room. The sky was gray, but the rain hadn’t begun yet. Better to get out before the storm moved in.

“I’ll be back shortly, Lucia,” Massimo called, grabbing his hooded cloak from the hook.

He buckled up his boots and waved goodbye from the doorway. Lucia turned her head to blink at him before returning to licking her front paws.

Outside, Massimo found the town changed from the first day he’d arrived. Puddles of murky water dotted the cobblestoned streets and the banners from the festival were now faded and drooping. All the shutters were closed tightly, making the buildings look as if they were asleep.

The only sign of life was the fresh smell of caffé and wood burning that came from the buildings. With no plan or direction, Massimo walked along, stopping only when he heard a bell chime overhead.

He looked up to find Alessia. His heart hammered loudly in his ears. Imagine that. Just the woman he’d been trying to get out of his thoughts.

She returned his startled look, her dark eyes widening and her mouth gaping.

“Count Gallo! Hello.” Alessia finally spoke.

“Hello,” Massimo returned.

“I thought you left,” she said, glancing around the empty street.

“My ride was delayed. and then well, the rain came,” Massimo explained.

They stood staring at each other, and Massimo wondered if she was as affected by him as he was by her.

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