Rome

Vito never came. I spent the first day alone crying in the hotel room. I didn't eat, I drink anything. I just cried. Carlo begged me to let him into the room but I couldn't. I was embarrassed. My husband drove me all the way to Rome, dumped me in some hotel and left. Was that his idea of a honeymoon? I didn't expect roses and chocolate but he could've at least been there with me.

"Mistress?" Carlo called out again early the next day.

"Per favore, mangi?" (Will you please eat something?)

I sat in bed, hugging my knees to my chest. "Carlo, ti prego, vattene." (Carlo, just go away, please.)

"The boss will be very angry with me if he finds out you didn't eat the whole of yesterday " Carlo sighed. I heard him lean against the door.

"He doesn't have to know," I answered quietly.

I almost spent another day in bed when it clicked.I was in fucking Rome. I didn't know the next time I'd be there. I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower. I tied my hair back, wore a mini skyblue chiffon dress, some sandals and left my room. That was enough crying over a damn man.

All the hotel staff greeted me politely by my name and congratulated me as I walked past. I forced myself to smile and thank them. Even the hotel manager came to ask if the service was up to standard.

As I left the hotel, I realized Carlo was following closely behind me.

I stopped and spun around to face him. "Che ci fai?" (What are you doing?)

Carlo cleared his throat. "The boss said—"

I raised a hand to shut him up. "I'm don't care what your boss said. I'm going for a little solo tour. You're going to stay right here. Capisce? (Understood?)

I could see Carlo was annoyed with me but he just nodded. "Capisce."

I continued walking down the road, taking in the scenery. Despite being born in Italy and being partially raised there, I had never been to Rome. I spent most of my childhood at home, playing with Enzo, reading books and exploring my artistic abilities.  Then suddenly I moved to America for school. Rome was quite lovely, with beautiful old buildings and lovely cafes on every corner. People were happy and smilling everywhere. Fuck all of you for being happy.

I walked into a small bistro as I had started feeling a little hungry. After ordering a cup of coffee and a ham and cheese sandwich, I sat down in the corner, mindlessly scrolling on my phone.

"Ma che bella sorpresa, (what a lovely surprise)", a deep euphonious voice said.

I looked up to see a tall man with dark beautifully tousled hair and light blue eyes. His face was defined and chiseled. He was very handsome, with a strong muscular physique. He looked very familiar for some reason.

"Perdonatemi, signore, vi conosco? (Forgive me sir, do I know you?)," I asked shyly.

The man invited himself to sit down across me, pouting playfully. "You wound me. I am Vito's brother. Massimo."

"Of course," I blushed, embarrassed. "I know its just that my head's...a mess right now. How are you here in Rome?"

"And how are you here alone when you're supposed to be on your honeymoon?" he countered.

I nodded. "Fair enough."

He smiled, and it made me blush. Fuck what is wrong with me?

"Vito's just really busy," I tried to explain. "He had to attend a—"

"A very important meeting," Massimo finished for me. "I know. I was at that meeting too. That's why I'm in Rome however darling, that meeting ended approximately..." he glanced down at his watch,"...18 hours ago. He's still not back?"

I frowned. "Mi sta prendendo in giro, signore?" ( Are you mocking me sir?)

Massimo tilted his head, a smile playing on his lips. "I'm mocking your dear husband. How dare he leave a gorgeous woman like you alone?"

I felt my cheeks flush even more, and Massimo laughed heartily at my reaction, which made me smile.

"Forget Vito. Let me give you a tour of Italy," he offered charmingly.

I shrugged, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Well, It's not like Vito's gonna do it."

"Exactly. And I wouldn't miss an opportunity to explore Rome with a woman this beautiful. "

I cocked a brow. "I get the feeling you flirting with me."

"I get the feeling you like it," he grinned, leaning across the table.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Please. I'm a married woman if you haven't noticed," I spouted sarcastically.

"Right. And that's why you're spending your honeymoon alone," he mused.

He stared into my eyes intensely, mischievously. This man was dangerous.

I grabbed my purse of the table and got up. "Fine. Give me a tour of Rome."

He smirked. "With pleasure."