The Don's Young Love (The Don's of Italy Saga Book 1) Age Gap Romance

Episode 26: Shadows of Florence: A Tale of Art and Intrigue

Thalia's POV

I've been back in Italy for two weeks now, trying to get back into my usual routine. The last night I spent with Dom was unforgettable. We made love all night long and I can't seem to stop thinking about it. However, I know I need to move on because it was just a fling. Dom has been trying to reach out to me, but I've been avoiding his calls. As I walk to my art class, I come across Gabriele, who always seems to be there.

"Thalia!" he exclaims with a charming smile. He gestures for me to join him in the back of the room. Our professor hasn't arrived yet, so the class is filled with hushed conversations. I can feel my cheeks heat up at his compliment and I nod. I make my way towards the rear of the room and take a seat next to Gabriele.

"How have things been? How is your father doing?" Gabriele genuinely asks with concern. He's always been such a kind and caring person.

I inhale deeply before responding, "He's making progress. Thanks for asking. And how about you, Gabriele? It was really thoughtful of you to check in on me during my time in New York." I wait for his answer.

Gabriele runs his fingers through his wavy brown hair as he leans back in his chair, "I'm doing well. My days are filled with my passion for creating art and helping out at my dad's restaurant."

"That sounds nice," I say softly. As we continue our discussion about our current projects and throwing around ideas for the upcoming exhibition, Professor Rossi enters the room, followed closely by a sharply dressed man who turns out to be none other than Dominic Romano. I curse under my breath.

Dom strides confidently towards Professor Rossi, his perfectly tailored white shirt and black slacks emphasizing his chiseled physique. He exudes an aura of power and control, like a king walking among his subjects. As I scan the room, my eyes land on two hulking men stationed at the door like trained attack dogs.

My heart races as I realize that Dom is not just an influential figure in the art world, but someone with real enemies and dangerous secrets. Suddenly, I feel out of my depth in this glamorous and dangerous world of high society.

Why the hell is he here? What could be his ulterior motive? I wonder silently. Finally, the professor begins to speak. "We have a very special guest today, class. This is Dominic Romano. He's come to discuss an opportunity for those of you who are interested in pursuing a career in the art world beyond graduation."

Dom flashes a smirk in my direction. The professor settles into his seat. I attempt to focus, but my mind drifts away. "Greetings, all! I am Dominic Romano, proprietor of the renowned Romano galleries in both Florence and New York City. Allow me to introduce you to my gallery," Dom announces, his voice as smooth as silk. He delves into a thorough rundown of his establishment, portraying it more like a exclusive society than an art gallery.

"We exclusively collaborate with top-tier artists..." he declares, speaking of himself and his impressive roster of creatives.

The room is filled with a combination of awe and fear. Everyone knows that getting into one of his galleries is like hitting the jackpot. It's an opportunity most artists can only dream of, and it's clear that they're all hoping to impress him today. But not me; I refuse to grovel for a chance at fame or fortune. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, trying to ignore the intense gaze he's locked onto me.

Dom went on, "We're looking for three interns to join us this summer and we need the best of you. Your professor and I will collaborate over the next three weeks to select the top three students based on their paintings. You have one week to gather information and then two weeks to begin working on your pieces. The winners will be announced at the end of the three weeks." Dominic explained.

I keep my eyes fixed on him. His voice is softer now, but it still sends shivers down my spine. He's incredibly intimidating, even when he's not trying to be. I shift in my chair once more—a mixture of discomfort and anticipation ripping through my body. The students all eagerly nod their heads while taking notes, their pencils scratching against the page like furious birds plucking at worms. Dom continues with instructions about what kind of paintings he expects and how many submissions are allowed before announcing, "Any questions?"

Hands shoot up immediately. "What if we don't have access to certain materials needed for the pieces?" one student asks timidly.

"You'll figure it out," Dom responds curtly, "Now get to work." His tone sends chills down my spine as he dismiss us with a wave of his hand.

As the students begin to disperse, chattering excitedly about the challenge laid out before them, I remain seated. Dom's presence has thrown me into a turmoil of emotions, and his last words echo ominously in my mind. I'm still trying to process everything when Gabriele leans in, whispering, "Are you okay? You seem a bit... off."

I look at Dominic, his gaze fixed on me, an intensity in his eyes that I can't quite decipher. I turn my head, offering Gabriele a faint smile. "Yes, I am okay," I lie, the words feeling hollow even to my own ears. As the class finally comes to an end, and Professor Rossi dismisses us, the room bursts into a flurry of movement, but I remain seated, feeling a strange sense of foreboding.

As students start filing out of the room, Dominic approaches me, his strides confident yet seemingly measured. My heart skips a beat, not just from his proximity but from the unreadable expression on his face. "Thalia, can we talk? In private?" he asks, his voice low, threading a sense of urgency through the air between us.

Gabriele gives me a questioning look, but I nod, signaling him that I'll be fine. As I follow Dominic out of the classroom, a palpable tension builds, leaving me with more questions than answers. What could he possibly want to discuss that couldn't wait? And why now, after all this time?

Dear Readers,

Prepare to be ensnared by "Shadows of Florence: A Tale of Art and Intrigue," where every chapter peels back layers of passion, mystery, and power. Thalia's journey through the art-filled streets of Italy is laced with forbidden desires, hidden dangers, and secrets that threaten to change everything she believes in. As she stands at the crossroads between a haunting past with Dominic and an uncertain future, the decisions she makes will not only determine her fate but also reveal the dark heart of the art world itself.

Don't miss a single moment of this intoxicating blend of romance and suspense. The next episodes promise to escalate the stakes higher than ever before, drawing you deeper into the labyrinth of intrigue that lies beneath the surface of beauty and art. Will Thalia navigate the shadows to find her light, or will the secrets she uncovers pull her into the depths?

Stay tuned to find out. The canvas of Florence awaits, and its next stroke could be the most perilous yet.

Eagerly yours,

Zapphire Zucca