And I'd love it if Naples became a winter wonderland for Christmas, but most years, we get only rain or blustery winds off the coast at most.
"We will. When we leave here, we'll go wherever you want."
She's quiet for a moment.
Then she asks, "Why is the tall man so angry, Mama? Is he like the dragon in your stories?"
I force a soft laugh and think of Dante like a dragon in my paranormal romance books while I stroke her hair.
She's seen the covers but never what's inside, and while I can fully attest to Dante's controlling demeanor and temper, he's not all bad.
"He's just a grumpy king in his castle,Tesoro. But we'll find our way out of here, like the clever fox always does."
"The fox who tricks everyone?"
"Exactly. The fox is smart and quick, and she always finds a way to escape."
Sofia yawns and her eyes drift closed again.
Within minutes, her breathing evens out and she falls back asleep.
I hold her for a while longer, watching the light grow stronger through the blinds before I lay her back on the mattress and cover her.
The villa's starting to wake up.
I hear footsteps in the hallway and voices murmuring somewhere below.
A soft knock sounds at the door and I tense, but then I hear Marta's voice.
"Breakfast," she calls gently.
The lock clicks and the door opens.
Marta enters with a tray balanced in her hands.
She sets it on the dresser and glances at Sofia sleeping on the bed.
"How is she feeling this morning?" Marta asks.
"Better. The cough isn’t as bad."
"Good. The doctor will be here this afternoon to check on her." Marta moves toward the door, then pauses. "Is there anything else you need?"
"No. Thank you," I say, "for breakfast and for helping Sofia."
She gives me a smile.
"It's my deepest honor."
I don't understand why it's her deepest honor to care for my daughter except for one reason.
If Dante has told his staff Sofia is his, they'd treat her like a little princess around here.
It sickens me, but I'm grateful, nonetheless.
Marta leaves the tray and walks out.
The door clicks shut behind her, but this time, the lock doesn’t engage immediately.
