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“Are you Olivia?”

“Yes.”

“Sign here, please.” I sign the card, and he hands over the heavy crystal vase filled with beautiful roses.

“Thanks.” I smile in surprise and open the card attached. It reads:

I need to see you tonight.

Luciano’s Italian at

7:00 p.m.

Rici

xo

What the fuck?

________

I walk into the restaurant just after seven. I’ve been a bundle of nerves all day.

What does he want?

It’s been two weeks since I said goodbye to Rici. I would love to say that I haven’t thought of him once, but I would be lying.

He’s the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thing I think of at night.

His love has lingered on my soul.

The restaurant is dark and moody. Candles sit on top of every table.

I catch sight of him sitting at the back, and I smile as I make my way up to the table.

He stands and smiles. “Bella.”

Unable to help it, I smile at the mere sight of him. He takes me into his arms. “Hello.” We are genuinely excited to see each other and we hug and take a seat.

He has this twinkle to his eyes, and he pours me a glass of champagne.

“What’s this about?” I ask. “You wanted to see me.”

“I did.” He takes a sip and seems in a rush. “I’m just going to get straight to it. I have a proposition for you.”

“Do tell.”

“Although there are some conditions that you will need to adhere to.”

“Conditions?” I frown. What the hell is he on about?

“You will become a practicing Catholic.”

Huh?

“You will learn Italian and speak it as your first language.”

I frown and sit back.