Chapter 8 - The Villa in Lake Como
Six months later.
The afternoon sun glittered like millions of scattered diamonds across the deep blue surface of Lake Como.
The Villa Castellano sat perched on a lush hillside surrounded by ancient olive groves, terraced vineyards, and blooming red bougainvillea. The air smelled of sweet pine, fresh water, and woodsmoke.
On the wide stone terrace overlooking the lake, a grand dining table was set for twelve.
Nina stood by the railing, wearing a simple, elegant yellow summer dress, her dark hair blowing softly in the warm Alpine breeze. She was reading through a leather-bound folder containing the architectural plans for the Ghost Sanctuary for Rescued Working Dogs—a fifty-acre facility currently under construction in the Hudson Valley, funded entirely by the Castellano Foundation.
A heavy, familiar weight pressed against her left knee.
She looked down. Ghost—his fur shiny, his ribs filled out, his eyes bright and peaceful—nudged her hand with his broad black nose.
“Hey, big boy,” Nina smiled, crouching down to scratch him right beneath his chin, right over the white crescent moon on his chest. “Are you hungry again?”
Ghost gave a soft, puffing woof, resting his heavy chin directly on her lap.
Footsteps sounded on the stone terrace behind her.
Lorenzo walked out through the open French doors. He had discarded his formal suits; today he wore a crisp linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark trousers, and leather loafers. He looked relaxed, younger, his face free of the sharp, paranoid tension that had consumed him for years.
He walked over to Nina, standing close beside her, resting one hand gently on the small of her back.
“The legal transfer papers for the Hudson Valley land were signed an hour ago,” Lorenzo said, pointing to a document in her folder. “The sanctuary is officially yours, Nina. We open in September.”
Nina looked up at him, her eyes shining with deep emotion. “Thank you, Lorenzo. For everything.”
“No,” Lorenzo said softly, reaching out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Nina. You came into my home to deliver tuna, and you ended up saving my soul.”
May you like
He leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against her lips.
Nina closed her eyes, melting into his warmth, her fingers entangling in his soft hair. Ghost sat quietly beside their feet, his tail thumping rhythmically against the warm terracotta tiles of the terrace.
