|Carmella|
I watched Manuel and Janina's figures disappear down the hall, their backs turned as they left to carry out the errands I’d assigned them—cataloging paintings we needed for the estate. It was, in truth, a convenient distraction. My knowledge of Camilla’s tastes had proven unexpectedly useful. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to carve out this much-needed time alone with Dimitri.
Dimitri and I continued through the painting exhibition in silence, the tension between us thick and undeniable. The soft click of our footsteps on the marble floor was the only sound that accompanied us, a rhythm to the charged quiet. I kept my focus on the paintings lining the walls, using them to steady my racing thoughts, but I could feel Dimitri’s gaze on me—steady, unyielding, waiting.
Fin
