The next morning, Catherine woke after a fitful night of tossing and turning. It seemed that now that she had seen the man from her dreams in the flesh, he was much more persistent in trying to engage her. Several times, the black wolf had howled. Each time, she had felt the sound penetrate her body and take up residence in the marrow of her bones.

Catherine was grateful when she heard Sera moving about and left her room to join her. Sera was heading to her only guest’s door with a tray with espresso and a biscotti.

“You’re awake.”

“I didn’t sleep well last night. It might take more than one cup of espresso to get my heart started.”

Catherine reached for the cup and the biscotti.

“Chocolate?” she asked.

“Yes, for some reason yesterday when I was making biscotti I just got it in my head to make chocolate.”

Catherine laughed. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

Sera grinned. “You’re right. Chocolate is never a bad thing.”

Catherine followed Sera out onto the main back patio where they sank down into comfortable chairs and enjoyed their biscotti and espresso. They talked of nothing consequential and Catherine followed Sera back into the house.

Sera began to prepare a light breakfast while Catherine grabbed a shower and got ready for the day.

As Catherine came out of her room, the front gate buzzed. Sera answered and then buzzed the person in.

“One of your students?” Catherine asked.

Sera smiled at her before opening the door to allow a delivery person with a huge bouquet of lovely ivory roses with lavender tips. The vessel containing them appeared to be old.

“Which of you is Signorina Livingston?” he asked.

“That would be me,” Catherine said, coming forward and reaching out to touch the beautiful blooms.

“Compliments of your benefactor from last night. He bids you to remember that fairy tales can come true.”

He handed Catherine the card and turned to leave.

“Excuse me?” said Catherine.

“Yes, signorina?”

“What kind of roses are these?”

He smiled. “They are sterling silver. We are the only floral shop in Florence that carries them.”

“And the vase?” she said, running her hands down it to feel its texture.

“My boss thought that an odd choice as well. It is a piece of Etruscan pottery the gentleman had delivered to us along with his order and instructions.”

“And who might this mysterious benefactor be?” she asked.

“We were sworn to secrecy,” the delivery man said with a smile.

“Well, I don’t accept anonymous gifts. Take them back.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t do that.”

“Of course you can,” argued Catherine.

“No, I’m sorry. I can’t. Let us just say that I would far rather have you angry with me than your benefactor.”

With that, the delivery man tipped his cap and left.

“Hmm,” said Sera with a giggle, “it would seem you have an admirer... and one with good taste and a lot of money.”

“I don’t know about the roses, but if the pottery is real, I could pay my rent with what it’s worth for several months. And what the hell did he mean by fairy tales can come true?”

“Who cares? Obviously some wealthy man is courting you in his own unique...”

“Weird,” interjected Catherine.

“Unique,” corrected Sera, giggling, “way.”

“Pfft,” Catherine snorted. “But they are beautiful. But what the hell do I do when I go home? How do I value that pottery? And will there be duty when I fly into the US?”

“I have no idea,” admitted Sera.

“Well, let’s leave them out here so we can both enjoy them. I’m going to head out.”

“Where do your travels take you today?”

“I think first the Uffizi Gallery.”

Sera nodded. “Good choice.”

The two women shared breakfast sitting in the sun-filled kitchen before Catherine grabbed her bag and headed out.

* * *

The delivery man returned to his shop where Marco DeMedici awaited him.

“Well?” Marco inquired.

The delivery man smiled. “She seemed to like your choices.”

“Bene,” said Marco. “I am in your debt.”

“No. We are happy to serve the alpha of the DeMedici. She is very beautiful. Do you plan to take the lady to your bed?”

“She is my mate,” growled Marco and then realized the delivery man had meant no insult. He smiled to reassure the man and continued, “Although she doesn’t know it yet. Again, my thanks.”

Marco spent the rest of the morning visiting any of the restaurants, bistros, and espresso stands he thought she might frequent while during her stay in the City of Florence. He arranged that any and all charges from the beautiful blonde American, for he had learned her name and nationality, were to be charged to him. Marco revisited the stores she had gone to the day before and others of similar quality and arranged for the same thing. Knowing that she might refuse to take the items once she was not allowed to pay for them, he told each shopkeeper to simply charge them to him anyway and have them delivered to the B&B. If she refused delivery there, they were to be sent to his villa.

Griffin questioned him. “I get the dinner last night and the flowers this morning, but why everything else?”

“First, my Catherine—is that not a glorious name—will know that she need never concern herself with finances again. Second, she will know that her mate is a generous man and bent on spoiling her. Third, the less it costs her to stay, perhaps the longer she will extend her stay. And last, let her be intrigued as to how I managed all of this before we even met.”

“Careful she doesn’t feel manipulated and stalked. You do know the whole thing could blow up in your face.”

Marco laughed. “What is love without a bit of fireworks?”

Marco and Griffin spent the remainder of the day at the vineyard outside the city that Luca had wanted them to see. Marco agreed with his omega’s recommendation. Even if he hadn’t, seeing how much Griffin was enjoying the land ensured Marco would purchase it.

“But I will only purchase it if you agree to stay on for a while and act as my general manager.”

“Marco, all I know about the wine business is that you make really good, really expensive wine.”

“That is what you have Luca for. Their vintner is a fool. Luca will need to find us someone better to serve under his direction, but until then I need someone here to watch over my interests. Will you do that for me?”

“Why, because you’ll be too busy wooing your Catherine?” teased Griffin.

Marco laughed lustily. “No, my friend, because I will be enjoying my Catherine to the fullest extent. It’s all I can do to keep a knot from forming when I think of her. I think of little besides bedding her.”

Griffin shook his head. “God help that poor girl. She doesn’t have a chance.”

Marco nodded. “None whatsoever.”

They drove back to Florence. The plan was for the sale of the property to be finalized. Luca would gather Griffin’s things and join them before heading out to the newest DeMedici property and installing Griffin in the farmhouse to oversee things for a few months. Luca had said they had several workers who had indicated they would like a change of scenery.

* * *

Catherine had had an interesting but infuriating day. Whoever her mysterious benefactor was, he seemed to have his tentacles throughout the City of Florence. Her money seemed to have no value to anyone.

On top of that when she arrived at the Uffizi Gallery, the director of the museum had come down from his office to offer her a personal guided tour. Catherine had declined and the director had seemed somewhat taken aback.

“I assure you, Ms. Livingston...”

“How do you know my name?” Catherine asked, quite sure she had not given it to anyone.

“One of our patrons asked that I extend to you every courtesy the museum has to offer...”

“I appreciate the offer. But I would just prefer to wander your beautiful establishment on my own... if that won’t offend your patron.”

“I’m sure it won’t. He was most concerned that you have whatever you need in order to enjoy your visit with us today.”

“Let me guess,” said Catherine, already knowing the answer. “Anything I want to purchase, I can have but I will not be allowed to pay for it.”

“Of course not. Your entire experience here at the Uffizi Gallery has been paid for in full.”

“And if I wanted to purchase another piece of Etruscan pottery?”

“We do not have any to sell here at the Uffizi, but I could most likely locate you a piece if you were interested.”

Catherine shook her head. “No, the one he gifted me this morning is extravagant enough. Just how much would something like that set you back?”

“Without seeing the piece, it is difficult for me to say, but I can assure you that our patron would have no trouble affording it.”

“And I don’t suppose you’d be inclined to tell me just who your patron is?”

The director smiled. “He has asked to remain anonymous.”

“Of course he has,” Catherine said in a dismissive tone. Realizing it wasn’t the director’s fault and that he was not really the source of her irritation, she added, “I do thank you for your offer, but I will be far happier just to wander by myself.”

“As you wish,” he said, withdrawing from the foyer in which they had been standing.

Catherine shook her head, trying to shake loose her irritation at the way she was being manipulated. Who was this guy? And what did he want?

Catherine spent the day truly enjoying the museum. While she might find her benefactor a bit highhanded, he did seem to know what she would enjoy. Employees throughout the gallery were quick to answer a question and seemed to genuinely enjoy speaking to someone with Catherine’s depth and breadth of knowledge.

As she left the Uffizi for Seraphina’s, she had to admit it had been a lovely day. When she arrived back at the B&B, Sera buzzed her in and greeted her at the door.

“I don’t know who this guy is, what he wants, or if you’ve figured anything out, but he’s got style.”

Catherine rolled her eyes. “Oh, good lord, now what?”

“Well, let’s see, there’s the case of DeMedici wine; there’s the chocolate-covered strawberries; there’s some pair of gorgeous earrings...”

“Silver filigree with a ruby in the center?”

“Yep... then there’s... Wait, Catherine, what’s wrong?”

“I’ve spent all day not being able to spend money. I saw those earrings yesterday and decided they were too expensive. Then I decided last night to go get them. So today I went back to the shop. The woman who owned it wrapped them up, but wouldn’t give me a bill. So I left them. Who the hell is this guy?”

“I don’t know but there’s this really cool espresso maker that you should go try to buy...”

Catherine shook her head as she started to laugh. “That’s not funny, Sera.”

“But it is. Some guy wants to shower you with gifts and make your stay in Florence as incredible as he can...”

“Oh, my God, he got to you. Who is he?” Catherine said, stomping her foot and exasperated as she’d ever been in her life.

“I have no idea. Truly. But your bill was settled this morning with a note that if you extend your stay I just have to let the bank know.”

“Oh, and at the Uffizi? I was offered a personal guided tour by the director of the damn museum...”

“Whoa. Money and clout.”

“Yes, the director there referred to him as a patron. Okay, this guy wants to spend money on me? What’s the most expensive restaurant in Florence?”

“I don’t know if it’s the most expensive, but it’s way out of my price range and is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Florence. Enoteca Pinchiorri. But reservations are made way in advance... maybe your last night here?”

Catherine pulled out her cell phone and found the number. “Yes? Hi, this is Catherine Livingston. I’d like one of your best tables for my friend and me... say in an hour? [pause] You can accommodate us? That’s so kind. We’ll see you then. [pause] Would we like you to send a car for us? Even better.” And Catherine gave him the address.

A vintage Rolls Royce pulled up about forty-five minutes later. Catherine and Sera went out and were ushered into the car.

“Do me a favor?” asked Sera.

“Sure.”

“Stay forever? I could get used to this.”

Catherine laughed. “Tomorrow let’s go look at that espresso machine.”

They spent an enjoyable evening and as promised the food had been sublime. The chef came out to greet them and the wait staff made sure they wanted for nothing. Both Sera and Catherine made sure to express their gratitude for the food and service before they left.

“That may be the best meal I’ve ever had anywhere in the world,” said Catherine as they exited the restaurant.

Catherine found the next day that again her money was no good. It was maddening, frightening, and amusing all at the same time. The breadth of his reach was mind-boggling. Several times, she would feel something she could only describe as a rumble waft over and through her. The first few times, it was disconcerting to say the least. But the more often it happened, the more comforting she found it.

As Catherine returned to Sera’s place, her arms laden down with food she planned to make for Sera, Catherine looked up to see Sera grinning at her and waving a small envelope.

“Look what came for you! And my new espresso machine arrived. Thanks for that. Give me some of these groceries and let’s get them put away. You know you don’t have to do this.”

“Oh, I didn’t pay for them. Seriously—got up to the grocer to pay and was told there was no need. Can’t pay at a restaurant so if I want to express my gratitude I have to let whoever he is buy the groceries, but at least I can cook it. I can cook it, right? He didn’t send some master chef over to do it for me, did he?”

Sera laughed. “Not yet. You’ll have to talk to him about that.”

“I’d like to talk to him about a lot of things. The main one being what does he expect from me in return?”

Sera tapped the envelope on the counter. “Well, maybe if you open this you’ll get some answers.”

Catherine crossed over and took the envelope. “Handmade paper. Very nice. And if I’m not mistaken this is pen and ink, not a ballpoint pen.”

Catherine took a knife, carefully opened the letter, and removed the paper within. In beautiful handwriting that almost bordered on calligraphy, Catherine read:

Catherine,

I apologize that my work has kept me from your side. I hope I have been

able to provide you with a glimpse of all that our life together has to offer you.

Florence is only the beginning.

I will send a car for you this evening. The driver will bring you back to the

Uffizi where I have arranged for a private dinner.

Marco

Catherine handed the note to Sera.

“Marco? Like I know who the fuck Marco is? This country is littered with Marcos,” she said, exaggerating the last word.

Sera laughed. “Catherine, honey, he’s been described as a patron and a benefactor and seems to have a ton of money. With those credentials, there is only one Marco. Don’t look now, but I’d bet every dime I have that you’re being courted by none other than Marco DeMedici.”

“Well, he can bloody well court somebody else. I mean it’s been fun and he can spend his money any way he wants, but I’m not going to be summoned to dinner.”

Catherine turned away and started cooking dinner for her and Sera.

“Catherine, Marco DeMedici is one of the most eligible men in all of Italy, maybe even all of Europe, and it looks like he’s set his cap on you.”

“He can keep his cap to himself. I didn’t ask for him to start paying my bills, and I don’t need him to pay them. I’ll send him a note politely declining his invitation and telling him if he’ll send me the total of what he’s spent I’ll reimburse him for his trouble.”

“Catherine, that dinner last night alone would pay your bill here for a week. But if you’re going to do that, I’ll return the espresso machine.”

“Sera, there’s no need. I made a really good living as a corporate raider, invested wisely, and inherited my grandfather’s fortune. I can afford everything he’s bought for me. I just don’t usually splurge that way.”

“But you saw him. Marco DeMedici is sex on a stick.”

Catherine laughed. “Well, yeah. He is easy on the eyes, that’s for sure.”

“Easy on the eyes? Did you see him? Tall, dark, gorgeous. He could have any woman he wanted in Florence and he picked little ole you.”

“Well, little ole me doesn’t do casual sex or being ordered around.”

“Ordered?” questioned Sera. “He sends you a beautiful handwritten note on handmade paper and invites you to a private dinner in the city’s most prestigious gallery. You should at least go meet him and have dinner. If you’re not interested, then tell him thanks but no thanks.”

Catherine shook her head as she sautéed the onions and garlic. “As soon as I get this to simmering, I’ll dash him off a note.”

Once Catherine had her dinner in a good place to take a quick break, she grabbed a pen and wrote on the back of DeMedici’s note:

Dear Mr. DeMedici,

While I greatly appreciate the generosity you have shown to me, I must say

that you have not spent your money wisely. I will not give you a good return

on your investment.

I will not be joining you for dinner. And if you will send me the total of

what has been spent so far, I will be happy to reimburse you.

I would ask that you cease and desist in your pursuit of me and allow me

to enjoy the remainder of my time in Florence.

C. Livingston

Sera shook her head. “Catherine, you’re a fool. At least have dinner with the man. Who knows? He could be your soulmate... the love of your life.”

Catherine laughed. “No. What he is, is an arrogant prick who thought he could impress me with his wealth and power. I walked away from being a corporate raider because I realized there was a lot more to life than wealth and power and wanted to go find my little piece of it for myself.”

Catherine turned back to her cooking. She had just added the pasta to the sauce, when the buzzer at the front gate rang. Catherine tossed the pasta with the sauce, removed her pan from the heat, picked up her note, put it back in the envelope, drew a line through her name and wrote his name on it. She trotted out to the front gate and handed the driver the envelope.

The driver took the envelope and looked at her questioningly. “You’re not coming? But, Mr. DeMedici is waiting.”

“And he can continue to wait. He didn’t check with me to see if I was interested in having dinner with him or even if I was free, which I am not. I’m cooking dinner for my friend. The note explains it all, but do tell Mr. DeMedici that I appreciate his interest, but that he should refrain from contacting me in the future.”

Catherine turned on her heel and walked away, leaving the hired driver to stand with his mouth open. Catherine stole a look over her shoulder. She had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing. The look on the driver’s face clearly indicated he felt she was a fool and didn’t know who Marco DeMedici was.