Chapter 11

LUCA

The next morning when Robin came down to join the others for breakfast, Luca could tell she was still pissed off at him for last night.

She avoided his eyes and talked with Filippo since the other two women ignored her.

He was grateful to him for being nice to Robin and not judging her; he treated her with respect, which earned him Luca’s appreciation.

The party was to take place in four days, and Robin had been working hard doing her etiquette and dance lessons.

When everyone left the dining room, Luca pulled her over to the side, wanting to make up.

“You are still angry with me, aren’t you, my little bird?”

When he tried to take her in his arms, she pushed him away. “Stop calling me your little bird. Where did you get that from anyway?”

“I kind of like it. You are like a tiny, fragile bird that I must treat with gentle, loving care. I need to go run some errands. Some people will be coming with your wedding dress for a fitting.”

“My wedding dress,” she repeated. “Must you have control over everything? Can I not at least choose my own dress? And I am not fragile.”

Pouting, she turned her back on him only to find his arms going around her waist, his mouth kissing the back of her neck.

“If that is what you wish, then I shall have them bring several for you. You can choose the one you want. Will that make you happy?”

“It’s a start. Will you be gone long?” she asked. She placed her hands on his and removed them from her waist—she moved further away.

“Most of the day. I hope when I return, you’ll be a little more friendly,” he said as he walked out.

ROBIN

Later she tried on a dozen dresses. All were lovely, but she picked out her favorite. A strapless long white dress with sparkles on top.

Grazia and Eleonora were waiting for her in the dining room. Robin had hoped they would have gone out for lunch.

“So what are your plans for the rest of the day, Robin?” Eleonora asked with a fake smile on her face.

Taking a bite out of her sandwich, she waited till she swallowed before she answered— the way she was taught at one of her lessons.

“Luca told me I could go exploring since this is now my home.” She added the last part intentionally.

Grazia snorted. “We’ll leave it to you then,” she said. Standing, she asked her friend to join her in the other room.

Robin heard them whispering as they left the room. Grazia glanced back at her before disappearing down the hall.

She went back to her room, changed into jeans and a T-shirt, and headed up the back stairs.

She wanted to explore the top part of the castle. Luca had told her it had not been renovated, and the rooms were filled with stuff dating back several centuries. She was anxious to see what she could find.

Taking a flashlight with her, she went through a few of the rooms. Some were empty, others had broken furniture and nothing of interest.

Then she came to a room that was filled with paintings, old books, and a variety of other items. Finding a light switch, she flicked it on. She was surprised to see it worked, though it was dim.

Afraid of the door closing on her and of being trapped inside, she put a book between the door and the frame.

Setting the flashlight down, she opened a large chest, wrinkling up her nose from the stale smell and wishing she had brought a pair of gloves with her.

Having only been living here a few weeks, she was starting to become spoiled. Back at her uncle’s, she never gave dirt or smells a second thought.

The chest contained photo albums; she flipped through them. The pictures were very old and faded, the corners turning yellow and torn.

This was obviously Luca’s grandparents and great-grandparents and even further back. The men all resembled Luca, the same dark hair and muscular build, all tall.

The women in the photos were also beautiful, with the same coloring and dark hair. There was so much history in this chest, and she was surprised that it all lay untouched, neglected.

She found that so sad, wishing she had at least one picture of her parents.

Going across the room, she checked out the paintings. All were extremely old, and she suspected they were worth a fortune.

The room also held children’s furniture, cribs, beds, and articles of clothing. Checking the drawers, she found a small box.

Opening it, she saw some old jewelry and took out one piece at a time. There were necklaces, earrings, and other items. She admired them and wondered if Luca would allow her to keep them to wear.

The sound of the door slamming shut made her jump in fright.

Dashing over, she tried to open it but found it locked. She was trapped. Banging on the door with her fists, she screamed out. “Help me! Is someone there? Please let me out.”

She kept hammering on the door till her fists started to bleed, her throat dry and sore from screaming.

Giving up, she went over to the tiny window and looked out. There was no way to open it, which wouldn’t have mattered anyway; since she was up so high, no one would be able to hear her.

Sitting down, she hugged her knees, trying to keep warm as it was cold and drafty. She had to think of something, a way out.

No one knew she was up here and might never find her. She would die here, a virgin.

“Shit,” she swore under her breath. “Why couldn’t I have felt a man’s love before I died.”

Refusing to give up, she searched the room for anything that would help her pick the lock.

LUCA

Luca had returned just before sunset. He found the three in the family room, drinking and talking, but no Robin.

“Where’s Robin?” he asked. It pissed him off how the women weren’t making her feel welcome; no wonder she didn’t want to spend time in their company.

“I haven’t seen her all day, Luca,” Filippo answered.

“Neither have we,” Grazia answered.

“Did she say what she had planned for today?” he asked, his eyes burrowed into Grazia’s.

“She might have mentioned something about exploring, but that was right after breakfast when you left.”

Luca grabbed her arm, pulling her up from her chair. “You didn’t think to check on her?”

“Why should I? She’s a grown woman, and I’m not her babysitter.” She yanked her arm from his grip.

“Robin doesn’t know her way around here. You should have called me when she didn’t return.” He picked up his phone and dialed.

“Who are you calling?” Filippo asked.

“Security. I’m having them check the grounds and the woods.”

Luca had never feared anything in his whole life; men feared him. But now he felt fear. His eyebrows pulled up and together.

Trembling, he stumbled over to the chair and sat before falling down. Sweat stung his eyes, and he wiped them with his hands.

His gut told him she was in danger, and he had to find her before something bad happened.

“Where are you going, Luca?” Filippo asked when he stood and started walking out.

“I’m going to search upstairs. She has to be here somewhere.”

The two men searched all the bedrooms and the other rooms; there was no sign of her. Luca’s eyes went to the staircase leading to the upper part of the castle.

“I wonder if she might have gone exploring up there.”

“Didn’t you tell her not to go up there? It being too dangerous and all?” Filippo asked, his eyes following Luca.

“I did, but she has a mind of her own and may have ignored my request. I’m going to check anyway.”

“Wait, Luca, I’ll go with you,” he said and followed him.

ROBIN

Robin tried everything she could find, from old rusty nails to some of the jewelry she had found, but nothing worked.

Gritting her teeth, she swore. ~Why isn’t there a fucking screwdriver or knife up here? God, there’s everything else!~

It was getting cold, and she was in dire need of water. She had no idea how long she’d been up here. She knew it had to be hours since it was getting dark out.

Exhausted and feeling dizzy, she went and sat back down, rubbing her arms. Seeing a mouse scurrying past her feet, she let out a scream, jumped to her feet, and climbed onto the top of an old table.

She could smell the dirt and sweat on her. Cradling her knees, she let the tears fall. Since Luca had forbidden her to enter this part of the castle, it hit her like a ton of bricks that no one would ever think to look up here.

LUCA

Luca and Filippo started from the very top of the tower, searching every room and corner and making their way down.

Luca shivered from the cold. He really had to start renovating the upper floors before they started to crumble.

Coming to one of the doors, it wouldn’t open; it was locked. Both men used their shoulders and put all their weight into it and were able to break it down.

It was too dim to see, so turning on his flashlight, Luca ran it along the floor and swept the room until he came to the table.

His heart felt as though it had stopped when he saw a lifeless body lying curled up in a ball on the table.

“Robin,” he shouted and hurried over to her. He felt her for a pulse and thanked God there was one.

Robin had been drifting in and out of consciousness but hearing his voice, she opened her eyes. Seeing him, she pulled herself up, threw her arms around him, and buried her face in his neck, sobbing.

“You found me.”

He held her tight and felt her trembling; her skin felt like ice against him. “You’re freezing,” he said.

He took off his jacket and wrapped it around her, scolding her. “What are you doing up here? I told you never to come here.”

“I’m sorry,” she cried out, shivering. “I need water.”

Scolding her would have to wait. Right now, he had to get her out of there and somewhere warm.

“Let’s get you to your room.” Putting his arm around her back and the other one under her knees, he carried her.

“Filippo, call the doctor.”

“No, Luca, I’m okay. I’m just cold and need a drink. I don’t need a doctor.”

The warmth of his body was warming her; she rested her head on him and closed her eyes.