Read Online Cortigiana (A Vamp Life Prequel) by Jez Strider - Free Book Online Page B

bitter, but I could
taste the sugar and vanilla beans that sweetened the beverage.
    “ This is the best thing I
have ever tasted.” Almost as good as
sex . I thought, but wisely left that part
unsaid. “Where does it come from?”
    “ The chocolate beans come
from across the ocean. I have a friend in Spain where the drink is
popular. They crush them up into a fine powder.”
Amazed, I took another sip. I had been
introduced to many foods during the Renaissance feasts, but never
chocolate. “Thank you, Antonio.” Then, the wheels in my mind
started turning. “We should travel across the ocean to the New
World.”
Antonio shook his head and sighed. “Do not
start that again. The trip would be too much for a woman and it is
uncharted land. This place that they call America is far from ready
for you to explore.”
    “ I could do it. Giulia is on
equal footing with every man here. There is no reason I would not
be fine.”
    “ I will hear nothing else
about it.” He said.
    “ Forget I said anything.
Living in the now.”
    “ Correct.” Once again he
sighed, but stole a glance at me out of the corner of his eye. I
could see a faint smile despite how much I frustrated him and maybe
a hint of something else. An idea forming. “You would really
journey there with me?” He asked, after two seconds earlier telling
me to drop the subject.
    “ Yes. Anywhere.”
Days spent in my lover’s arms rapidly pushed
worries from my mind. As my concerns faded, I nearly forgot about
the impending return of Dante Sanuto and the dire obligations I
would have to face. Nothing else mattered but Antonio. I was young
and in love in the greatest city in the world. Art and music
surrounded me. The fact that an outbreak spread across the city and
worsened each day evaded me.
    “ Dance with me.” Antonio
extended his hand and I accepted with a curtsey.
    “ There is no music.” I said.
We were sequestered in my room, as often was the case.
That’s when the romantic musical notes
drifted from below and into my open window. I released Antonio’s
hand and ran to see where the sweet tones were coming from. The
notes reminded me of the song my music box played. Below, a lone
man in a boat skillfully glided a bow across the strings of a
violin to create the lovely sound. The man and the music were one.
I closed my eyes briefly, losing myself in the beauty, before
returning to Antonio and taking his hand once more.
Although well-educated in the techniques of
dance, the delicate movement and soft embraces Antonio and I shared
could not be taught. Something deep down inside me resonated with
him as we flawlessly expressed our needs, desires, and dreams in
fluid motion.
    “ You are an angel sent to
save me.” He whispered with a lightness of breath when he held me
close, then dipped me backward and let his lips brush down my
chest. Slowly, I was raised up to face him again.
    “ Save you from what?” I
asked, as I was spun around and he pulled me close again, this time
with my back to his chest.
    “ Myself.”
I had no idea what he meant, but the
reverence his voice held for me nearly hid the hint of
self-loathing that accompanied it. Our bodies swayed back and forth
together, as if we had all the time in the world and yet none at
all.

Lighthearted and happy, I headed to my
mother’s for a visit the next day. Antonio had been gone when I
awoke and Giulia had said something about an important letter being
delivered. It had been difficult to leave the house without my
bodyguard’s knowledge, but with a little stealth, luck, and a
substantial tip to the gondolier, I succeeded.
    “ Evelina!” My mother called
out and hugged me tightly. She didn’t look well, but once again, I
hardly noticed at first. I had been too self-centered.
    “ How are you? I apologize
for not visiting lately. Everything has been crazy.” I said as she
led me inside.
She brushed a hair away from my face and
smiled as we sat down. “I am well enough. Tired. Must be