Read Online Blonde Ops by Charlotte Bennardo - Free Book Online

turned, a totally believable look of surprise on my face.
    â€œDante! Come sta? ”
    â€œ Ciao ,” he said to the two girls, who looked miffed that he pushed his scooter over to where I stood.
    I win!
    â€œYour hair, it looks bella , beautiful. I like it very much.”
    A little shiver ran down my spine. “ Grazie. ”
    â€œWant to take a ride? I can show you around town.”
    I winced. I oh so wanted to, but wasn’t sure if it was a good idea with Candace monitoring my movements.
    â€œHow about we grab a drink instead?” I pointed to a café few yards away.
    â€œOkay.” He grinned and rolled his Vespa down the side of the street. “So, you like Roma?”
    â€œI like it more every day,” I answered truthfully. Sure, I’d been shipped here without my consent, but I was discovering so many amazing things, like the breathtaking sight of Dante in front of me.
    The Vespa parked, Dante chose an outdoor table under a large canvas umbrella. All around us, waiters bustled, people chattered, plates clinked. He pulled out a chair for me.
    And a gentleman too.
    â€œIt’s better here, we can watch the people go by.” He waved to someone. “You know,” he said, leaning closer and whispering conspiratorially, “you can tell all the Americans. They wear jeans and sneakers.” He shook his head sadly, then smiled. “But not you. Ever since I saw you, you are different. I like that. And today, you are different again.”
    I smiled at the unexpected compliment. “So, what’s good to drink here?” I asked.
    â€œForget the drink. Get a limoncello gelato.”
    â€œDessert before dinner? I’m in!” Rome was so decadent!
    He ordered, and soon the waiter brought a single plate stacked with scoops of pale yellow gelato—with two spoons. As we savored the tangy-sweet dish, Dante asked, “Are you an exchange student, like Sophia?”
    It sounded so cute, the way he called her So-fee-ah, rather than So-fee. I shook my head. “No. I’m still in high school.”
    He waved his spoon energetically. “I finished last year. Now I am saving up to study in America. I have cousins who moved to New York City. Tell me about Broadway! Times Square!”
    I smiled apologetically. “I live in California.”
    His eyes lit up. “Hollywood! Have you seen any movie stars? I would like to visit there.”
    Again I had to disappoint him. “Sorry, I don’t live near Hollywood or L.A. I live farther north and I’m usually in boarding school because my parents travel.”
    He looked a bit sad. “My parents never traveled out of Italy. I want to see the world. First, study in the United States to make a fortune.”
    We spent the next hour discussing places around the world we wanted to see. At the moment, he was working two jobs. Soon, his sister would finish school and get a job and he would be free to travel.
    When it was time to go, Dante paid the bill before I could offer to chip in, and then he walked me back to the hotel, pausing in front of the doors. I knew one of the agents was probably watching.
    He sweetly kissed my cheek and grinned. “I see you again, no?”
    I nodded—hopefully not too eagerly. “Yes, I’d like that.”
    â€œ Buono .” He waved and walked back toward the café and his ride.
    Happy, I strolled into the lobby. Inside, Nelson stood by the elevator looking deceptively relaxed; I could see his fingers twitch as I approached. Bet he had a gun under all that black.
    â€œRebecca,” he said, and stood aside so I could go up.
    In the suite there were clothes and boxes piled everywhere. Gingerly stepping around the stacks, I headed toward my room. Parker’s bedroom door was open, and I caught glimpses of a coat, a hand, and a sensible shoe. There was a flash of silk, maybe an evening gown. And then someone staggered past, hidden behind a stack of