"I still want to see your Medici Grimoire research for myself. And your library," Marcella said, watching him move about the room. He was truly a handsome man, but knowing it came with a big brain and a charming family was bordering on unfair.
Marcella had gotten home late from their dinner the night before, and her apartment had seemed so quiet and empty. It was ridiculous. She had never felt lonely since leaving Carlo. She had enough family drama to last her for a lifetime.
Unfortunately, dinner with the Greatdrakes had reminded her that sometimes she did miss being part of a bigger group that knew each other so well, with the constant teasing banter between them.
Cosimo looked over at her, his gray eyes amused. "You're welcome to come to Ireland whenever you like to see my research and the library, Marcella. The house is massive, with plenty of guest rooms, so you would have space and privacy."
Marcella was tempted to say she would stay at a hotel, but she was too curious to see the inside of a magical mansion.
"Let's see if we can find your sister first," she said, feeling hot under her sweater. She was starting to hate that he could do that to her with a smile.
Last night in the garden, she had been so tempted to kiss him, just to get it out of the way. She had tried dating in the past but never found anyone worthwhile. She hadn't wanted to kiss someone for a long time.
Santa Maria, save me from my own stupidity and handsome, clever men.
Cosimo had just told her he wasn't interested. She would have made a proper fool out of herself if she had tried to kiss him, so it was a good thing she had kept her lips to herself.
Marcella looked away from Cosimo for her own mental well-being and started searching through the drawers of her desk. She found the folder that contained her divorce paperwork and took out Carlo's card. She had made sure she never put his number into her new phone, wanting to make a fresh start.
"Is it too early for wine? I think I need wine," she said, putting the card on her desk like it was going to bite her.
Cosimo looked over his shoulder at her. "Would you like me to leave?"
"No. No. Stay. It's not that. He's just going to be an asshole," Marcella replied with a groan.
"Sounds like it is his natural state," came Cosimo's reply. He closed the book he was looking through and came and sat on the edge of her desk. "Want me to do it?"
"No. It's fine. I just need to work up my courage a bit," she admitted. Hearing Carlo's voice was going to stir up old memories she didn't want to have to think about.
But a deal was a deal, and she would do anything to find Caterina's grimoire.
Cosimo reached out and placed a warm hand over hers. "I only know you a little, but I can say with complete certainty that courage isn't something you lack. You came into the Uffizi ready to fight me a few days ago. Bring that Marcella back."
She couldn't help but smile. "Easier said than done."
Cosimo's eyes darkened to a purple that she had only seen at dinner when he had threatened her.
And called you his treasure, her mind provided unhelpfully. She hadn't dared bring that up again.
"He might act like an asshole, but I won't let him hurt you. You are under my protection, remember?" he said.
"So you keep saying. When your eyes change like that, is it your dragon?" Marcella asked. She had noticed how his children's eyes sometimes did the same thing.
Cosimo removed his hand from the top of hers and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes. Sorry if it disturbs you. It doesn't like that you are scared right now."
"I'm not..."
"It can smell it. Your scent has changed," Cosimo said, his eyes still that deep Tyrian purple.
Marcella shifted uneasily. "That's disconcerting. Stop sniffing me."
"It's not intentional," Cosimo replied, his grin making an appearance. "My dragon really likes your perfume."
"Then it can buy its own bottle. It's calledRosa Mocenigaby The Merchant of Venice," Marcella said primly, picking up Carlo's card. If it came between dealing with her ex and Cosimo's flirty dragon, then she knew which one she had to choose.
Marcella took out her phone and dialed the number. She swore under her breath and then pressed the speaker phone button.
"Pronto," Carlo answered.
