So do I.
Violetta
This birthday is the best one of my life.
That’s not saying much considering my childhood, but I can’t imagine a better one going forward either. Tristano has given me the perfect gift. He’s offered the freedom of choice and I don’t know if there’s anything else that matters more to me. My heart protests by lurching in my chest and I amend my thought.
Being loved, truly and unconditionally, is the only thing that would carry a greater significance with me.
I watch Tristano, leisurely running my gaze over his strong hands and deft fingers as he fills my wine glass and lifts it for me to take. My fingertips brush his during the transfer and I swear that sparks sizzle along my arm.
Or that could be desire…
Just knowing those same fingers have touched me, stroked me, and pleasured me is enough to stir my arousal; let alone being near Tristano.
Everything about him calls to me, pulls me in his direction. I’m in awe of his confidence, impressed by his intellect, and attracted to his strength. There’s no one I’d rather be with right now. If this is the way my sister feels about Rafael, then I’m beginning to understand why she left me and put herself in danger to save him.
I would do the same for Tristano.
The thought of him in trouble is distressing and not something I want to dwell on, so I take a sip of the champagne to distract myself. The tiny bubbles and the sweet flavor roll across my tongue, effectively bringing me out of my musings.
“What do you think?” Tristano asks me.
“I like it.” I hold out my hand, palm up. “I want to try yours.”
His brows lift, but he gives me his glass and I swirl the liquid, making sure not to spill it. Then I take a sip and let it glide over my taste buds so I can truly explore the different flavors of the wine.
“Are you a wine tasting connoisseur?” He watches me closely when I repeat the process and I find it difficult to swallow. “If so, what is your expert opinion?”
I assume a haughty air and lift my chin. “It will do.”
He’s quick to smile, his mouth lifting with amusement. “I’ll have to see if I can do better then.”
The evening passes with Tristano asking me questions of all types. It’d feel like he’s prying if not for the enthusiasm he shows at every answer I give. Sometimes I’m not sure what to say, since I don’t know what the future holds, but he’s masterful at the way he phrases the inquiries. They make me think, truly analyze the things I want out of life, and by the time we’ve finished the meal, I feel as though I know myself a little better.
But I want to know more about him.
“What are your aspirations in life?” I ask, propping my chin on my hand. The glasses of wine and champagne merrily course through me, putting me into a more relaxed, less formal state. “You’re already successful and wealthy, so what else do you want?”
He stares at me.
It’s such a long pause I nearly squirm in my seat due to self-consciousness and my growing anxiety. Have I offended him? Angered him? The questions were nothing more intrusive than what he’s already asked me, so I doubt they’re the reason something shifted in his gaze, taking it from silver to platinum.
Although beautiful, whatever’s lurking underneath is intense.
“I'm not actually sure,” he says after a while. “I’ve been focused on a single goal, one that is near completion, but I haven’t taken the time to fully contemplate my life beyond that.”
“I understand.”
He has no idea how much. This trip has distracted me from thinking about my place in Carina’s life. Yes, she’s my sister and she loves me, but does that mean she wants me to live with her? I suppose I’d have to, considering we don’t have a lot, if any money to our names. Rafael does and he’ll take care of her, that I’m sure of.
What about me?
I’m not trying to be self-centered, it’s that I’ll need a place to live and money to survive until I can make it on my own. That’s one of the many reasons I’ve been stressed about my sister’s new circumstance, because I don’t know how to be out in the world alone, or what I would do to earn an income. When you’ve been indoctrinated your whole life with the idea your husband will take care of you, it’s hard to change that mindset. I’ve never wanted a husband for that, or anything else, but until recently it was my future.
“What are you thinking about,ribelle?”
Tristano’s deep baritone carries me out of my mind and into the present moment. He studies me without remorse and I like it just as much as it unnerves me. I don’t think he’ll hurt me or anything, it’s just too much sometimes. And I worry he’ll discover things about me that I don’t even know.
