Ms. Calloway (Book 2 in the For Better Or Worse Trilogy)

Chapter 25

The sun is bright and alive, waking me from my deep sleep. This morning feels clearer. Like jet lag has given me a kiss on the forehead and decided to wish me a good day. Not bothering with the proper change of attire, I exit my room in a pair of carebear shorts, a matching tank top, and blonde hair taking the form of a nest. Mimosas and coffee drives me to the kitchen where my daydreams are interrupted by the sight of a shirtless Roman Berkshire, making pancakes. Before I can turn and sprint for my room, Roman looks up with a small smile.

"You like pancakes, right?" He asks, but I'm far too interested in the claw tattoo across his chest, revealing a monster beneath. Then the fiery phoenix tattoo on his left rib. Following the 5 small birds above his heart. An endless string of tattoos that are each as enticing as the last. "Sawyer?" I snap back to attention to find a grinning, all knowing, Roman. "Pancakes?" He repeats.

"Yeah, yeah." Using both of my hands, I helplessly work to make my hair more presentable by flattening it and tucking it behind my ears.

"They're ricotta pancakes." He waggles his brows, playfully.

"Very Italian." I reply, teasingly.

"I thought so." He follows me around to the dining table. Setting the plates down, he makes himself comfortable across from me. My eyes are glued to his chest, unable to look away. "Should I put on a shirt?" He laughs, like a man who is no stranger to admiration.

"What? No!" I shake my head. Shaking away the thoughts that threaten to take over. Back in Seattle, the thought of Roman as anyone, but my prison guard was implausible. But, here, in Italy, everything feels different. There's a new beat to my heart. One of freedom. Not looking over my shoulder. Feeling like a new woman. A woman who travels with her friends, eats gelato, takes instagram worthy photos, and embraces the stories she reads. There's something else too. Gratitude to the person who gives me this new hope and outlook on life. I take my fork to start digging into the pancakes. "Where is everyone, anyways?" My eyes stay glued to my plate, avoiding any more embarrassment.

That chuckle that always makes me smile, fills the space between us. He pops a piece of pancake in his mouth, tilting his head from side to side like he's thinking over his answer. I roll my eyes, shaking my head as I mirror him, popping my own pancake piece in my mouth. Finally, he swallows. "Well, sleeping beauty, they went out to explore the land of gelato. I understand you will be sorely disappointed by missing out, since it is your favorite part by far." He wears a teasing smile as he takes another bite. "I thought I could show you the more extravagant side of Italy in hopes that it can at least become a close second in your ratings."

"Be quiet!" I toss the piece of pancake on my fork at him, only for him to catch it in his mouth and grin.

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Nothing could have prepared me for the Vatican Museums. Pictures do not give it justice. Gold and blue, colors that are used to amplify the color and strokes of the main attraction, a painted Apollo, surrounded by his nine muses. The vault ceiling, painted beautifully by none other than Tommaso Conca. Turning and turning, I try to see the painting in all points of view possible. Not a single detail missed by my curious eyes.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" An all too familiar voice breaks my concentration and awe of this monumental moment. I turn around only to find that Roman's not looking at the art, but straight at me, again.

"The art is up there?" I point to the ceiling, directing his attention elsewhere. He doesn't budge.

"I think I have a little more experience with art than you do. So, I know what is art and what is performance." Without another word, he begins to walk through the room, circling the statues of Apollo holding a lyre, Athena, and more muses. Delicate, but strong detailing on each of them. Each different, but similar. All too captivating to look away. Well, for most people. "Come on." He holds his hand out. "There's much more to see."

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