“Does it, Mrs. Davis?” he said with a knowing smile.
“That day you used rose petals as my blindfold and then challenged me not to move is a day I will never forget.”
He gently patted her hand, which was resting on his forearm. “Ah, yes. That was a worthy lesson.”
“It has helped me on several occasions since.”
He looked up, smiling to himself. “I trusted it would.”
She squeezed his arm lovingly. “Oh my goodness, what will the next fifty years hold?”
Sir chuckled as he raised his hand to wave at his grandfather, who was standing next to a bench beside Nonna and Aunt Fortuna.
“Nonna,” Sir said, helping his grandmother to her feet so he could hug her. She stopped him, staring into Sir’s eyes with a look of love and something more…
Possibly sorrow? Brie wondered.
Nonna was slow to speak, her voice laced with emotion. The two exchanged words Brie was not familiar with, but the tone let her know it must be something to do with Sir’s father.
Sir said nothing as he wrapped his arms around the tiny woman and held her tight. Aunt Fortuna started crying and Brie had to hold back the tears that threatened in her own eyes.
His grandfather broke the tearful moment by clapping his hands together and commanding, “Niente lacrime.”
His grandmother nodded as Aunt Fortuna quickly dabbed her eyes with a hanky. Brie had to assume he’d said “no crying” because both women held the remaining tears back.
Nonna smiled at Sir, patting his cheek lovingly. “Proprio come tuo padre.”
Sir explained to Brie in a hoarse whisper, “She says I am like my father.”
Brie echoed his grandmother’s smile, not trusting herself to speak.
A flow of beautiful Italian words followed as Sir pointed to the pin on Brie’s blouse. Nonna only listened, a knowing smile playing on her lips as he spoke. She gave him a peck on the cheek and then turned to face Brie.
“La mia belle nipotina.”
Brie lit up knowing that Nonna had called her “beautiful granddaughter”. When they hugged, she noticed a marked difference in the embrace. For the first time, it felt as if she had been a part of this family for generations. Tears ran down Brie’s cheeks as the feeling of total acceptance overwhelmed her.
“Niente lacrime,” Nonno insisted again.
Brie suddenly realized he was telling her not to cry and dutifully wiped the tears away.
Sir’s grandfather then held out his arms and Brie gratefully rushed into them. His masculine scent reminded her of Sir and made her love him all that much more. While he held her, he spoke to Sir in Italian, his deep voice causing vibrations in his chest that Brie could feel against her cheek. It caused her to sigh in contentment.
Like grandfather, like grandson.
The two continued to talk, his grandfather still holding Brie tight. When he released her, he put her hand in Sir’s, saying solemnly, “Prenditi cura di lui.”
The grandfather placed his gnarled hand on both of theirs and looked at Sir, stating in the same tone, “Prenditi cura di lei.”
Brie glanced at Sir with a questioning look.
“Nonno told both of us to take care of each other,” Sir answered, his voice gruff with emotion.
Brie put her other hand on top of his grandfather’s and vowed, “I will every day, Nonno.”
“Bene,” he replied softly, his eyes sparkling with tenderness.
He turned to Sir and said under his breath, “Lui mi manca così tanto…”
“Si,” Sir answered, his eyes filling with tears.
“We all miss him,” Aunt Fortuna choked out, dabbing her eyes again. She then asked Sir, “How is your mother? You should know that I liked her very much when we first met, and we all respect that she is a part of you.”
Sir shook his head, muttering, “I can’t…” He turned away, looking over the rolling Tuscan hills.
Nonna grabbed Brie’s arm and asked beseechingly, “Ruth, Brianna?”
Brie forced a smile, knowing Sir did not want what happened to his mother to taint this moment with his family. “After a difficult season there is finally peace between them.”
Aunt Fortuna shared her words with the grandparents, who visibly relaxed upon hearing the news.
Sir glanced at Brie and nodded in gratitude. “Si, pace,” he assured his grandmother, able to look her in the eye when he said it.
“Ti amava,” Nonna said simply.
Aunt Fortuna agreed with her. “Yes, your father loved you very much, Thane. You were the most important thing to him. More important than the fame or even his beloved violin. I never thought anything could replace his love of that instrument until you came along. I will never forget the look in his eye when Alonzo held you in his arms. He was meant to be a papa—just like you.”
Sir seemed deeply moved by his aunt’s words, his lips twitching as he tried to rein in his emotions.
It was heartwarming to know that Sir’s family had the power to break down the walls he’d so carefully built over the years. They were a source of strength and grounded him in ways no one else could, not even herself.
“Vi amo tutti,” Sir said, his voice quavering slightly.
“We love you too, Thane,” Aunt Fortuna responded and all four embraced in a group hug, Nonna held out her arm, inviting Brie to join them.
A pleasant prickling sensation coursed through Brie as she wrapped her arms around Nonna and Aunt Fortuna becoming part of the group. It was the same feeling Brie got whenever something significant happened in her life.
“Famiglia,” she sighed in contentment.
Before they left the garden, Sir picked the head of a white rose and tucked it behind Brie’s ear. “You saved me back there, wife. The wording of your answer about my mother was perfect and allowed me to look Nonna in the eye when I spoke about it.”
“It was simply the truth.”
He leaned down to sniff the flower and then squeezed her lightly. “I’m fortunate to have partnered with an intelligent woman who also happens to be fast on her feet.” He pulled out a white lace ribbon from his pocket.
“You’re going to blindfold me again?” she laughed.
“No, téa.”
Her body tingled upon hearing her sub name.
He braided her hair and finished it with the ribbon.
She touched the thick braid tentatively, asking, “What’s this for, Master?”
“You must wait to find out.”
Her heart fluttered. What did Sir have planned for her today—her first full day as his wife?
“We will be taking the train to reach our first destination.”
“First?” she asked in surprise.
“I have several stops planned, my dear.”
Brie smiled to herself, stroking her braid and silently thanking fate, God, and all the stars above for her incredible luck.
Sir drove her back down the hills of Tuscany, stopping at a switchback so they could spend a moment appreciating the stunning vista. He got out of the car, took a deep breath and sighed. “There is nothing like the sweet air of this place.”
Brie took in its sweetness and nodded. “Who knew air could smell delicious? Maybe it’s all the grapes in the area.”
Sir chuckled. “Possibly.”
“So where are we headed, husband?” she asked when they returned to the car.
“I’m taking you to the floating city.”
Her eyes widened in excitement. “We’re going to Venice?”
Sir took her hand and kissed it tenderly. “I am going to show you a side of Venezia tourists never see.”
Brie felt a shiver of anticipation travel down her spine. The Italian city of canals had always seemed romantic to her, and now she was headed to it on her honeymoon!
Oh, it’s good to be Mrs. Thane Davis…
Sir parked his car near the station and grabbed their overnight bag, explaining that the train was the only way onto the island o
ther than by boat. “No cars for the next few days.”
Brie liked the idea of that, so not like LA, and she snuggled against him in the seat. An older couple across from them introduced themselves.
The middle-aged woman wearing a sparkly shirt emblazoned with the words “I Love Venice” and a matching hat stuck out her hand. “Hello, my name is Clara Sue and this is my husband Henry. We’re from Texas.”
Brie took her hand and smiled as she shook it. “It’s nice to meet you, Clara Sue and Henry.”
“Aren’t you the cutest couple?” Clara Sue exclaimed. She elbowed her husband and said, “Wouldn’t you agree, Henry—aren’t they an adorable couple?”
He looked at Sir apologetically but dutifully answered his wife, “Yes dear, they are a handsome couple.”
“Have you two been to Venice before?” Clara Sue asked.
Sir patted Brie’s hand and looked at the woman with a gracious smile. “I have, but this is my wife’s first time.”
Brie looked up at him adoringly, still mesmerized by the word wife being spoken from those gorgeous lips.
“First time, huh?” Clara Sue asked Brie enthusiastically. “Girl, you are in for a treat, let me tell you! Henry and I come here every year—this is going to be our thirty-fifth in Venice. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Would we, honey?”
Henry shook his head. “Never missed a year.”
Clara Sue turned her attention back to Sir. “So why has it taken you so long to take her here?”
Sir chuckled lightly. “Actually, we were married yesterday.”
Her mouth fell open. “Oh Lord, we have newlyweds.” She held up her hand and pointed to them, shouting at everyone on the train, “Newlyweds here! Just married yesterday.”
The train broke out in applause as Brie buried her head in Sir’s chest.
“So, I take it you’re going on a gondola ride first thing. Am I right?” Clara Sue punched her husband in the arm. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
Sir raised an eyebrow. “Actually, I plan to whisk my wife off to a hotel room.” He produced a length of silky white fabric from his pocket, adding, “A gag, in case she gets a little too enthusiastic for the other guests.”
Clara Sue blushed a deep red, her lips making the perfect circular ‘o’. She remained like that for several seconds as if frozen in time.
Henry looked at Sir and grinned. “Now that’s a first. Never saw my wife speechless before.”
Brie held out her left hand to Sir and looked up at him with an innocent expression. “Would you tie it around my wrist for safekeeping, husband?” Sir did as she asked and she brought the soft material to her lips, kissing it lightly. “I can’t wait.”
Clara Sue said nothing, turning to stare hard out the train window, but Brie didn’t miss the quick glances she gave them from time to time the rest of their short trip.
“Enjoy yourselves,” Henry said with a grin, tipping his baseball cap before guiding his still blushing wife off the train.
“Nice couple,” Sir commented dryly.
Brie giggled. “You have such a subdued but wicked sense of humor, Sir.”
He kissed her hand. “It’s all you, Mrs. Davis.”
As Sir was helping her off the train, several passengers stopped for a moment to congratulate them. It was humbling to have so many take time to wish them happiness, and Brie considered it a good omen for the years ahead.
Sir led her through the train station and out the doors to the famous canals where boats were waiting for passengers.
“This is so exciting, Sir!”
Rather than taking a boat, Sir guided her over a bridge to the cobbled streets of Venice. The buildings of the city towered above her, majestic in their age and architecture Brie squeaked in delight as she gazed on the numerous shops lined along the streets and the throngs of people gathered from every part of the world.
“So many people,” she said breathlessly.
“It is a popular place for tourists,” he agreed. Sir seemed to know exactly where he was headed, taking her down narrow passageways until he came to a tiny mask shop hidden from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets.
Brie was intrigued by the mysterious location and eagerly entered the establishment, delighting in the bell that chimed overhead when the door swung open.
A stunning older Italian woman stood up from behind the counter and asked in perfect English, “May I help you, sir?”
Sir smiled at her and answered in Italian. “Sono venuto per il contatto maschere.”
Her expression changed into one of recognition. “Signore Davis?”
“Si, signora.”
The woman’s sensual movements were captivating as she gracefully reached up and took two masks from a shelf behind her, wrapping them in delicate tissue paper. She placed them gently into a golden box and tied it with black ribbon.
Brie was surprised that no money was exchanged as the woman bowed to Sir and respectfully handed him the pretty box.
Once out of the shop Brie asked, “How do you know that woman?”
Sir only smirked, not giving her an answer.
Not one to give up easily, she inquired, “What did you tell her, Sir?”
He looked at Brie in amusement. “I told her I had come for contact masks.”
She tilted her head to one side. “What are contact masks, Sir? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
“Few have, my dear.” He nestled the box in one arm and offered his other arm to her.
“And you’re not going to tell me?” she said, frowning slightly.
“No, I am not.”
Brie stuck out her bottom lip in silent protest.
“Why would I tell you when I can show you?”
Her pout disappeared as a smile crept across her face. “That would be preferable.”
Sir shook his head and tsked teasingly. “Your lack of patience is concerning, téa.”
Her heart sped up upon hearing her sub name. It meant that the surprise he had planned would be as Master and submissive. How incredibly sexy was that?
“I know I lack patience, husband,” she said apologetically as another couple squeezed by them in the narrow passageway.
“In order for you to grow, as a responsible husband, I should test it more often.”
“No, please Sir,” she begged. “I don’t think my heart could handle any more testing.”
He chuckled to himself, smiling warmly at a group of young Asian women who were passing by. They took one look at Sir then immediately looked to the ground, twittering like little birds as they passed him.
“I know firsthand the effect that smile can have on a woman,” Brie whispered.
“Are you attempting to charm your way out of the current conversation?”
“No, never, Sir.”
“Never indeed…” His low laughter echoed through the narrow alleyway—a beloved sound amplified. “Shall we explore Venezia, wife?”
“Please!”
Much to Brie’s surprise Venice was a much bigger city than she imagined, a labyrinth of streets only the experienced could hope to navigate. Sir walked it at a leisurely pace, allowing Brie to visit all the little shops that beckoned to her.
Her favorite items were the extensive array of masks. Although Sir already had two in his possession, she bought several more for herself with his urging. “Can I pick you one out as well, Sir?”
“If you’d like.”
She asked him to try on an elaborately decorated mask of yellow with a long nose—the kind used by doctors during the plague. Sir did so reluctantly, his lips a thin line of perseverance.
Brie burst out laughing once he put it on. “I’m sorry, Sir, but you look like a scary version of Big Bird from Sesame Street.”
He handed it back to her, unamused by her merriment.
She didn’t dare ask him to try on another. She searched every mask shop they came across until she found the one meant for him. It was a simple, masculine eye-mask of white borde
red with gold. Black music notes had been artfully painted across it and on the right side was an outline of a violin accented with tiny jewels.
She held it against her chest, knowing it was perfect. Brie walked out of the shop grinning. “I’m done shopping.”
“So soon?” he asked, seeming genuinely surprised.
“Yep, I found exactly what I was looking for.”
“Although you may be done for today, babygirl, I suspect you will change your mind tomorrow when I take you to the Ponte di Rialto.”
“Oh…I like the sound of that!”
“I’m certain you’ll like it even more when you see what they sell there.”
Brie suddenly had images of numerous kinky shops, but not with the normal selection of cheap plastic or rubber versions of sex toys. She figured they must be like the masks, artfully created masterpieces that looked as pleasing to the eye as they were pleasuring for the body. “I can’t wait, Sir!”
“Do you know where we are right now?”
She smiled, shaking her head.
“Our honeymoon suite.” To Brie’s surprise, Sir turned toward the entrance of a regal hotel only a few steps away. One of the waiting doormen swiftly opened the huge glass door, bowing to them as they entered.
The hotel Sir had picked was extravagant in its ornate decorations and majestic foyer. “Oh Sir, this is breathtaking.”
He raised an eyebrow, responding in a low voice, “I do plan to take your breath away…shortly.”
She felt heat rise to her cheeks as the porter took the overnight bag from Sir, and Brie’s armful of packages. Much to her surprise, rather than an elevator, the young man led them up a long flight of stairs and then through a maze of hallways. It was so confusing that Brie doubted she could find her way back out.
The porter explained as they walked, “Our hotel is a very old structure that has been added to over the years. It is the reason for the unique passageways.”
“Ah…” Brie appreciated the explanation, noting where the original structure ended and the additions began. Whoever designed it had taken great care to keep the hotel’s interior consistent throughout.
She was greatly relieved when the young man finally stopped at a white door decorated with gold vines accented with clusters of grapes. “Your room, Mr. and Mrs. Davis.”