Her body was still responsive, but he took extra care arousing and opening her.
She placed her arms around him and pulled him atop her.
When she urged him forward once again he eased inside her, watching her face for any signs of discomfort.
“Better?” he whispered.
“A little.”
“I don’t understand.” He placed his hand on her hip, his eyes burning into hers.
She closed her eyes.
When she opened them, she smiled and the smile was genuine.
“It’s gone. I’m fine.”
His expression darkened. “Something is wrong.”
“It was just the angle. It feels good now.”
To prove her point, she flexed her interior muscles, tightening around him.
A groan escaped his lips.
“You’ve never had pain during sex.” He placed his hand on the pillow beside her head and lowered his forehead to touch hers. “You need to see a doctor.”
“I’m fine.” Her brown eyes flashed.
She pressed on his shoulders until their bodies were flush. She lifted her hips, provoking him.
Gabriel began to move, his focus and attention solely on pleasing her.
They loved at a gentle pace until their desire for one another grew desperate.
Gabriel thrust inside her more deeply and Julia encouraged him, gripping his backside and whispering in his ear.
Suddenly, she was fluttering around him and gasping in the candlelit darkness. A few more movements and he too was overcome.
She welcomed his weight on top of her body, sighing into the hollow of his throat.
“Nothing feels as good as this.” She kissed his neck. “This is my glimpse of transcendence.”
Gabriel embraced her tightly, unable to find the words to respond.
Later, while she slept on his chest, he whispered a prayer in the darkness, asking God to protect his precious Beatrice and keep her healthy and safe from harm.
Chapter 9
“I have news, my lord.” Niccolò entered the Prince’s private quarters in the Palazzo Riccardi a week after the assassination attempt.
Unlike his villa, the Palazzo was located a short walk from the Duomo in central Florence and was not warded¸ which meant that others of his kind could enter the building. He’d chosen to stay here rather than at the villa, so he could meet with Consilium members personally and monitor the war movement.
The Prince sat at his desk, reading. He gestured for his head of intelligence to be seated.
“Proceed.”
“We’ve just received an urgent message from our agents in Venice. Our spy was able to secure an audience with Prince Marcus and deliver the message and the sword, as you instructed. Marcus immediately informed his inner circle you were dead.”
“So it was Venice.”
“Yes, my lord. It seems Marcus was behind the assassination attempt personally.”
The Prince’s gray eyes glinted. “And?”
“One of Marcus’s advisors questioned our agent, wondering why Vincenzo hadn’t delivered the message in person. The spy answered as you’d instructed and Marcus was satisfied. It would seem the Prince of Venice is hasty in accepting news that is pleasing to his ears.”
“So it would seem.” The Prince stroked his chin thoughtfully. “How much time do we have before they attack?”
“It’s unclear. Our agents report that Marcus is keeping the news of your death quiet. He doesn’t want to compete with other principalities for your territory.”
“A wise move. Did our agents in Venice provide any information about possible spies here in Florence?”
“According to our agents, Venice has been unable to plant spies in our principality.”
“They don’t need to. One of our own sold the schematics of our security system to Marcus. I want the traitor found, Niccolò.” The Prince’s tone was threatening.
“Of course, my prince. Ibarra narrowed the list of suspects to Christopher and a few of his top people. No one else had access to the schematics.”
“I believe he mentioned that in his report. But I want you to perform your own investigation. Keep it secret from everyone, except me.”
Niccolò bobbed his head. “I should mention it was confirmed that Marcus sent twenty men to assassinate you. Which means there is one invader unaccounted for, as Christopher said.”
The Prince gazed at his head of intelligence with a harsh expression.
“I want him found. Immediately.”
“Yes, my lord. Although it’s not my place to say, I believe Ibarra has located the invader and will present you with him shortly.”
“For Ibarra’s sake, I hope that’s true. What news have we from Rome?”
“None as yet. Lorenzo took a courier with him, but neither have returned.”
The Prince tapped his fingers on his desk.
“I’m hesitant to do anything further without the Roman’s knowledge.”
“We could empower our spies to deal with Prince Marcus directly. His successor would likely be wiser than he and know better than to wage war against us. We could exact tribute from him.”
The Prince considered this possibility, albeit briefly.
“An assassination is too good for Marcus. I want to stand in that palace of his with my boot on his neck and force him to surrender.”
“Then, in my opinion, we are better situated to take a defensive position against Venice. Our allies stand between the two cities, and unless he persuades them to change allegiance, he won’t have their permission to march through their territories. This means he’ll have to travel by sea.”
“That was my thought as well, Niccolò.”
The Prince rose and retrieved a gold signet ring from a cabinet that stood nearby. He held it up so Niccolò could see the lily of Florence that was carved into the gold.
“Prepare letters to the allies who reside between us and Venice, informing them one of our neighbors to the north may decide to march against us. Explain that you’re writing on behalf of the principality, but make no mention of me or of your new title. Request that they deny travel rights to our enemies and hold strong to our alliance. Tell them they will be rewarded.”
“Of course.” Niccolò reached for the signet ring, but the Prince palmed it.
“I will affix the seal to the letters. Bring them to me when they’re ready.”
Niccolò’s dark eyes fixed on the Prince’s hand, undisguised longing stealing over his expression, but only for an instant.
His expression did not go unnoticed.
He bowed low. “I am eager to serve in all things, my prince.”
Chapter 10
In order to maintain the charade that he’d been assassinated, the true Prince of Florence remained hidden in the Palazzo Riccardi. From here, he oversaw the training and mobilization of the army and all tactical decisions, through trusted intermediaries.
He couldn’t venture outdoors in order to feed and so he had to rely on the stores of his private cellar. Moreover, he couldn’t leave the Palazzo to wander the streets of Florence for fear someone would pick up his scent.
He’d taken measures to ensure Niccolò and the other Consilium members did not attempt a coup d’état by tasking Gregor, his assistant, to watch them closely.
Theodore, one of his servants, was ordered to monitor the comings and goings of the Emersons and to keep tabs on the illustrations that were on display at the Uffizi. Although the Prince was not in the position to deal with the Emersons, he intended to do so before they left the city.
A few nights before the Emersons were scheduled to check out of their hotel, the Prince grew restless. He’d been confined to his quarters for days with limited entertainment.
(The Prince took no interest in television or the Internet.)
In a move calculated to conceal his identity from any of his kind whom he might happen upon, he clothed himself in the stolen habit of a Franciscan (minus
the cross). He pulled the hood over his head, shading his face, and, as was the local custom with the Franciscans, he wore sandals.
For more than one reason, the Prince found his choice of garment humorous.
To complete the deception, he took a vintage from his private cellar and doused a piece of cloth with it. Then he pinned the cloth to the inside of his robes, with the hope of confusing anyone who came near enough to scent him. Of course, the Prince had no intention of allowing any of his kind to come that close.
After sunset, he left the safety of the Palazzo through the back door, walking slowly and humanly down the street and toward Gallery Hotel Art. He was fortunate that the Emersons were just exiting the hotel as he arrived.
He followed them to dinner at a romantic restaurant overlooking the Arno River, and afterward through the narrow streets that led to the Piazza della Signoria, finally pausing near the Loggia dei Lanzi as they sat down to observe the city after dark.
The Prince was almost puzzled by their choice, since he preferred to view the city from great heights, such as from the top of Brunelleschi’s dome. It would seem the Emersons preferred to be much closer to their fellow humans (and the ground) than he.
“I think if we sat here long enough, the whole world would walk by.” Julianne’s wistful voice rose to the Prince’s ears as she rested her head on her husband’s shoulder.
Tourists and locals milled about the Piazza or enjoyed a drink at one of the cafés. Nearby, a string quartet played Verdi, filling the square with a beautiful melancholy.
Julianne seemed to watch in fascination as street vendors launched glowing cylinders into the air, the toys sparkling like firecrackers against the ink-black sky. But always, the objects fell to the ground, their brief foray into the heavens ended by gravity.
The Prince saw a strange sadness creep over her pretty features and he heard her murmur, “We try to touch the stars, but we always fall back to earth.”
Gabriel drew her closer, wrapping his arm around her waist. “That’s true, but it isn’t like you to despair.”
“I’m not in despair. I just don’t want to go home.”
“I don’t want to go home either, but summer has to end eventually.”
Gabriel brushed a light kiss against her hair before pulling her to her feet. As the music continued, he walked her to the center of the Piazza. Then he took her in his arms and began to sway to the music.
She closed her eyes, floating over the stones beneath their feet as he expertly moved them.
Sudden feelings of both anger and pity bubbled up inside the Prince. He felt anger toward the professor, who clearly had a wife he didn’t deserve, and pity for Julianne, who probably was suffering because of her illness.
From his vantage point, he was no longer close enough to examine their scents or hear their words as they continued dancing. He could see the professor tighten his grip on his wife’s waist, his brow wrinkled as if in apology. His words were whispered.
Julianne opened her eyes and whispered back.
Frustrated, the Prince threw caution to the wind and approached them, entering the Piazza. He threaded himself through the crowd until he was close enough to discern the professor’s voice.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“There’s nothing to make up to me,” Julianne replied. “I’m just happy you brought me here.”
“I’m the reason you’re constantly falling back to earth.” Gabriel’s expression was earnest and searching. “I drag you from the stars—from where you belong.”
She gave him a sad smile. “It’s the human condition. We’re bound to fall.”
He stopped dancing, his eyes boring into hers. “You should never have to fall, Julianne.”
The Prince observed the tender exchange with creeping resentment, turning on his heel when the professor began to kiss his wife in full view of everyone.
The Prince had looked for signs of duplicity in the professor’s words and deeds. He’d even gone so far as to have Pierre ask the human intelligence network to discover if the professor had a mistress stashed away somewhere. But he’d discovered Gabriel Emerson loved his wife a great deal and was faithful to her.
At least the professor was aware of the disparity between his vices and Julianne’s virtues, despite his arrogance and pride.
When the last strains of Verdi faded into the summer air, the Emersons returned to the Loggia, sitting side by side on the stone bench. Now the Prince could both see and hear them clearly.
Gabriel’s fingers traced the folds of his wife’s silk dress in a motion the Prince found both inappropriate and erotic. Once again, he found he could not look away.
“I wish I could sit in this piazza forever.” Julianne gazed at the elaborate fountain nearby, and the elderly couple who were standing next to it, holding hands.
Gabriel followed her gaze, the edges of his lips turning up.
“If you remained in this piazza, you’d be cold when winter comes.”
“Not if I had you to warm me.”
A smile pulled at his mouth. “I’m glad you find me useful, if only as a warming device.”
“You’re also an excellent tour guide.”
He tapped his chin. “Another way in which I’m useful.”
“And since your Italian is better than mine, you’re an effective translator.”
He brought his mouth to within inches of hers. “Shall I translate my favorite words? Labbra? Lingua? Seno?”
The Prince contemplated revealing himself, if only to end the inane commentary he was being forced to witness.
Gabriel gave his wife a heated look. “You’ve forgotten the most important way in which I’m useful.”
“And that is?”
He lowered his voice. “As your lover.”
He nipped at her finger slightly, before drawing it into his mouth. He toyed with her for a moment, laving her skin with his tongue, before releasing her.
“I’m afraid that if you persist in staying in this piazza, my capacity as a lover will be sorely diminished.”
“Diminished?”
“For example, I couldn’t possibly do this in a piazza.” He brought their lips together.
Julia hummed her appreciation and Gabriel deepened their connection, his tongue stroking hers.
The Prince turned away as the professor’s hands moved to his wife’s face, their eyes closed in bliss.
There had been a time when he’d tasted such bliss and almost possessed it, but God or fate had conspired against him. His desire to love and connect with another person died when he ceased to be human.
As he counted the stars in the sky in an effort to occupy his time while the couple kissed leisurely, he wondered why he’d risked the security of his beloved principality in order to spy on a ridiculous pair of lovers.
“And I couldn’t possibly do this.” Gabriel spoke against his wife’s mouth as his thumb glided down the side of her breast.
She shivered.
“Or this.” His hand slid over the curve of her waist and around to her lower back. He ran a single finger just above the waistband of her panties, almost as if he were contemplating their removal.
“Or this.” His eyes suddenly alight, he covered her bare knee with his palm before coaxing her legs to part.
“Move your hand any higher and we’re going to get arrested,” she whispered.
Yes, please get arrested, thought the Prince. Anything to end this sickening display.
The professor’s eyes appeared to darken. “It will be worth it.”
She placed her hand over his, stopping the slow, teasing ascent.
“I think we’ve been the subject of enough scandals, Professor.”
“Then you’re going to have to leave this piazza before I slip my hand under your dress and show you what comes next.”
She cocked her head to one side. “Where would we go?”
“I know a much quieter piazza nearby.”
She stifl
ed a laugh. “Is that the best you can do?”
“There’s always the hotel. I have a beautiful room.”
“Really?”
He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.
“It isn’t as beautiful as you, of course, but it isn’t entirely unfortunate.”
She lowered her eyes and blushed.
The Prince merely scowled beneath his hood, willing the Emersons to stand up and leave already.
The professor squeezed Julianne’s hand. “Nothing compares to your beauty, not even this city. Florence has exceptional architecture and art but Brunelleschi’s dome lacks your compassion. And no painting in the Uffizi could ever capture the beauty and warmth of your love.”
The Prince had had enough. The maddening, overly sweet exchange had almost propelled him to take off his Franciscan robes and confront the Emersons, if only to silence them.
Then he heard the sound of Julianne’s laughter. The happy sound stopped him in his tracks.
“Are you flirting with me, Professor?”
“This isn’t flirtation, Julianne. This is seduction. And I won’t rest until I enjoy the wonder that is your body, lying underneath me again.”
He kissed the shell of her ear, before moving down to the side of her neck. He pressed unhurried kisses against her skin, brushing against her collarbone.
“This is just the beginning,” he whispered, his hand caressing her side. “Think of the delights that await you.”
She hummed softly. “I’d like to hear more about that.”
He stood, holding out his hand.
“I’ll do more than tell you. But I’m afraid you’ll have to leave this piazza.”
Julia glanced over his shoulder at the fountain.
She sighed. “It’s hard for me to leave.”
“But we’ll be together.” He tugged her into his arms. “Tonight I’ll help you touch the stars. And when you fall back to earth, I promise to catch you.”
She looked up him, at his tender, intense expression, and lightly cupped his angular jaw.
“What about you, Gabriel? Don’t you want to touch the stars?”
He smiled his slow, sweet smile.
“You’re the only star in my sky.”