“You called me selfish, but I vehemently disagree. I am a son first, and a violinist second. I would suffer hell before I forsake my mother. If this ends your support, so be it.

  “I could not live with myself if I deserted my mother when she needs me most.”

  The words hung in the air after she finished.

  Sir shook his head. “What could have possibly happened to Nonna that my father would forsake his livelihood to return home?”

  Brie’s eyes lit up when she remembered. “There was another letter he sent, but it was months after this one.”

  “Read it to me.”

  Brie returned to the box to find the letter. She glanced at Sir apprehensively before reading it. “Gino, my family is devastated. After so much loss, it seems unfair that my mother must suffer through it again. I need a few more months before I can consider your proposition. However, I’m interested in the charity event in Rome, and I am committing to that without hesitation.

  “Despite your generous offer, I insist on paying you back for the financial debt you have incurred. The choice to cancel the tour was solely for personal reasons. Please take out a percentage of my future earnings until I have paid in full.

  “Your friendship is important to me, and I refuse to let money get between us. Once I am certain my family no longer needs me, I will reach out to you concerning the American tour. Sincerely, Alonzo.”

  Sir shook his head. “He mentions so much loss and my grandmother suffering through it again. What loss is he talking about?”

  “I have no idea, Sir, but I just noticed this.” She pointed to the letter. “He said, ‘my family’ not ‘my parents.’ Do you think that means that Aunt Fortuna knows?”

  “She must. My mother’s bond with her is too strong for there to be any secrets between them.”

  “I wonder why they kept this a secret.”

  “I don’t know, but it seems to me they want that secret to die with her.” Sir sighed, then glanced at the boxes. “I trust there is something here that will shed some light.”

  If that was true, Brie fervently hoped they would not regret finding it.

  Deeper Still

  Brie and Sir spent hours poring over Alonzo’s letters. Although Sir was intent on finding answers to Nonna’s past, in his search he eventually came across the letters where Alonzo wrote about his love for Ruth. Brie knew Sir had finally reached his breaking point when he slammed down one of those letters on the desk and walked away.

  Quickly placing Anthony in the bassinette, Brie walked over to him. “Are you okay, Sir?”

  “How can I be? I’m reading my father’s declarations of love to a woman who would eventually drive him to commit suicide.”

  “Those letters were difficult for me to read as well.”

  “If I didn’t know how it ended, I would find his letters incredibly heartfelt and telling.” Sir groaned angrily. “How could he have been so easily deceived by her?”

  Brie was overcome with a sense of compassion. “I don’t think he was, Sir. I believe they did love each other in the beginning. What I can’t understand is why that changed.”

  Sir suddenly turned, his eyes flashing in anger. Taking her face in both hands, he demanded, “If you ever lose your love for me, tell me. Don’t run around with another man.”

  Brie placed her hands over his and smiled up at him. “We are condors, Sir. I will always love you.”

  It took a moment for her words to sink in before she felt his body begin to relax.

  Stroking her cheek with his thumb, Sir furrowed his brow. “I find myself at a loss, babygirl. Reading these letters…after finding out my grandmother is hiding something vital from me…it’s beginning to feel as if my entire life is built on lies.”

  “No, Sir,” she said gently, taking his hand and placing it over her heart. “My love is not a lie.”

  He nodded, kissing her on the forehead.

  Glancing back at the letter, he told Brie, “It would be difficult for you to understand what I’m struggling with because you were born into a happy marriage. I have no such foundation to stand on. I don’t believe I was born out of love but out of malicious deceit.”

  Brie remembered the video of Alonzo’s first performance in America and went to the box to search for it. Holding up the tape, Brie asked Sir, “Did you read the letter when your father described his first performance in America?”

  Sir nodded.

  “I watched this video right after reading his letter and I noticed something at the end I think you should see when you feel ready.”

  “I am ready now.”

  She looked at him in concern. “Are you sure?”

  “I am not a man to be controlled by emotions,” he stated gruffly, sitting down on the couch. Brie placed the tape into the ancient VCR and turned on the television. Settling down beside him, she said, “You’ll be grateful Gino preserved this moment. Your father’s performance is truly inspired.”

  Sir put his arm around her. Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly as if mentally preparing himself for battle.

  When he nodded, she hit play and snuggled against him as the applause from the audiotape filled the room. She felt Sir stiffen when his father took the stage and the camera zoomed in on his face.

  “Papa…” he whispered under his breath as Alonzo Davis looked into the camera and smiled as he placed the violin under his chin.

  It began to sing as he slid the bow effortlessly over the strings, playing the first notes. Brie was as entranced now as she was the first time she’d watched his performance.

  Alonzo’s violin sang like an angel as he carried the entire audience on a journey through the power of his music. When Brie covertly glanced at Sir, she caught him staring at the screen with a longing she’d never seen before.

  Quickly looking back at the television before he caught her staring at him, Brie was struck by how young and charismatic Alonzo was in the video. She could only imagine the feeling of loss Sir must be enduring as he watched.

  He was right. As much as she wanted to, Brie could never understand what it felt like to question her past and the relationship between her parents. She’d been one of the lucky ones. Even though her father could be critical and overprotective at times, she never once doubted her parents’ love for her—or each other.

  Sir watched the entire performance, keeping his emotions in check. When the audience stood up to give him a well-deserved standing ovation at the end, Alonzo looked at the camera and winked.

  Just like last time, Brie felt a thrill, as if his wink had been meant for her—but she knew better now. “Did you see that, Sir?”

  He cleared his throat. “What?”

  “His wink at the end.”

  Brie rewound the tape, explaining, “He’s winking at someone, and based on when Alonzo starts mentioning Ruth in the letters, I believe he is winking at her.”

  Brie hit play again, pausing the tape at the moment he winked. “You do not have to question whether you were born out of love, Sir.” Pointing at the screen, she told him, “This is the look of a man in love.”

  Later that evening, one of the servants knocked on the door to inform them that Gino had requested they join him in the dining room. Although Brie would have preferred to skip dinner altogether so she could continue her work, she reluctantly put down the letter she was reading.

  After feeding Anthony and putting him down for a nap, she took Sir’s arm and followed the servant through the long halls of the mansion.

  Gino stood up when they entered the room. “Please sit. Dinner is about to be served.”

  One of the servants at the table pulled a chair out for Brie on Gino’s right side, while Sir was directed to sit on the left. Brie stared at Sir from across the table while the servant placed a napkin on her lap.

  “I felt this arrangement would allow the three of us to talk comfortably,” Gino explained. “Tell me, Brianna, how is the research going?”

  She smiled, genuinely excited to be here again. “I’m learning so much by reading more of his letters and being able to watch his performances on tape.” Shaking her head, she confessed, “I can’t believe Alonzo kept such a hectic schedule.”

  Gino chuckled. “Alonzo was an extremely motivated man. He was determined to get his music out to the masses, and no one could keep him from his passion.”

  Sir nodded. “My father was devoted to his violin.”

  Brie sat back as the servant placed a bowl of soup in front of her.

  “You’ll be glad to know I asked my chef to skip the first two courses, Brianna. I suspect you would rather return to your research than eat.”

  She blushed. “I appreciate that, Signore Mancini.”

  “Gino,” he corrected her, raising an eyebrow. “I insist.”

  Brie looked to Sir, who nodded his approval.

  She smiled at the kind man, “Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Gino.”

  “My pleasure.” He pointed to her soup. “I wanted to share a little about my family through this first dish. It was my father’s favorite. Have you had minestra d’orzo before?”

  She looked down at the warm broth, unfamiliar with the yellow color or the smell. “I don’t think I have.”

  “It’s a traditional barley soup.”

  Brie took a sip of the warm soup. It was a pleasant mixture of barley and smoked bacon, with a base of traditional vegetables and a sprinkling of chives. “Delicious,” she told him, impressed by the taste.

  Gino nodded, clearly pleased that she was enjoying it.

  “Signore Davis,” he said, turning his attention to Sir. “What is it like, going through your father’s past?”

  Sir pursed his lips and took a moment before answering. “It has been an emotional journey.”

  Taking a sip of the soup, Gino stated, “I can only imagine.”

  Sir suddenly put his spoon down. “I do have a question for you.”

  “Go on,” Gino encouraged him while he continued to eat.

  “In the letters, my father mentioned my grandmother was suffering. If I recall right, he specifically said she had suffered too many losses. Do you have any idea what he was talking about?”

  “I discovered quickly that your family is extremely private. I could never pry what was going on with her out of Alonzo. Trust me, I tried—multiple times.”

  Sir frowned.

  After taking several sips of the soup, Sir set down his spoon again. “Did you get a chance to see the mask Dante sent my wife?”

  Gino smiled. “Yes. Truly a masterpiece fit for a queen.”

  “Did you happen to recognize the musical notes on it?”

  Gino laughed. “I’m sorry—that detail escaped me.”

  “Do you mind if I get the mask and show it to you now? I feel certain I’ve heard the song before, but I can’t place it.”

  “Certainly.”

  Brie perked up, surprised to hear that Sir had brought the mask with him. He returned with her mask a short time later and handed it to him before sitting back down.

  Gino stared at the mask looking perplexed. He handed it back to Sir and apologized, “I’m sorry. It’s only five notes.”

  “I realize that, but the combination is unique. I know I’ve heard it before.”

  Gino shrugged, picking up his spoon. “I wish I could help, Signore Davis. Fortunately for you, there will be a talented musician attending the gathering tomorrow. You can ask him then.”

  Sir glanced at Brie questioningly. She shook her head, as surprised to hear it as he was.

  “What gathering?” Sir asked.

  Gino sat back in his chair, addressing them both. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have invited a few friends of Alonzo’s to join us. It will give them an opportunity to see the child, as well as to reminisce about your father. I hope it will provide you with information you would not have otherwise.”

  “That is exceedingly kind of you. Thank you,” Sir told him, clearly touched.

  Late that night, after her eyes could no longer focus, Sir picked Anthony up from the bassinette and told Brie to follow him to bed. “It will still be there in the morning,” he laughed when he caught her looking back at all of the boxes.

  After setting Anthony in the antique crib in the guest room, Sir proceeded to undress her, then ordered her to bed.

  After shedding his own clothes, he joined her. Brie cuddled against his naked body and confessed, “I’m suddenly not tired.”

  “Really?” he chuckled.

  Brie was thrilled to be staying in the same room as before. It was impressive with its four-poster bed and red and gold bed curtains. “Did you know great artists throughout the centuries have slept in this very room?”

  “They have, have they?”

  Brie nodded. “Dante told me.”

  Sir asked with a playful smile, “What do you think they did on this bed, babygirl?”

  “Sleep?” she giggled.

  “I’m certain they did much more than that…why else would it be so big?” Sir sat up and began untying the curtains. “I wouldn’t want to scar our son with the wicked things I’m about to do to his mother.”

  Brie’s eyes grew wide as he let the luxurious curtains close them in. “This feels so romantic.”

  “Tonight, you address me as Master.”

  Brie shivered in delight, excited by his command. “How can I please you, Master?”

  He looked her body over hungrily and growled, “By letting me fuck that sweet little ass.”

  Brie cried out in surprise when Sir suddenly threw back the covers and flipped her over, grabbing her waist as he hoisted her up.

  “Shh…” he warned her, slapping her on the ass. “We don’t want to wake the baby or our host.”

  Brie squeaked, imagining Gino in the room across the hall. She covered her mouth, muffling her giggles.

  “Such a bad girl…” he murmured, biting her fleshy ass before spanking it again. Sliding his hand between her legs, he began stroking her clit. “Do you think I can make this bad girl come?”

  In her excitement, she momentarily forgot to call him by the proper name, and whispered, “Yes, Sir.”

  He slapped her ass harder this time. “What did you say?”

  Brie loved the sting of his hand but dutifully answered, “Yes, Master.”

  He leaned in close, commanding, “Not another sound.”

  Brie nodded to indicate she understood. She was enjoying his forceful play, maybe a little too much. Oh, God, she was wet…

  Sir ran his hands over her body, telling her how rough he would be. In response, she lifted her ass higher, silently begging him to show her.

  Sir pressed his fingers into her pussy, coating them with her juices, then rubbed them over his cock. He pressed his fingers into her again, telling her, “You are going to provide your own lubricant tonight.”

  Brie couldn’t say why but the idea of that totally turned her on and she ground her pussy against his hand. After his cock was thoroughly coated with her abundant excitement, he positioned himself behind her.

  “Bad girl…” he growled.

  Brie stifled her moan when the head of his cock pressed against her tight hole, demanding entrance. This was her favorite part of anal sex, feeling her body physically surrender to his sexual desire.

  “That’s it…” he murmured as his cock breached her opening and slipped inside. Grasping her waist tighter, Sir grunted as he forced his shaft deep inside her ass.

  It took everything in her not to cry out as she took the fullness of his shaft. He held her still for a moment, giving her time to appreciate just how deep he was before he began thrusting inside her.

  Brie threw her head back, giving in to his lust as he stroked her ass mercilessly with his cock. In that moment, all the questions surrounding Nonna’s past, all of the sadness and uncertainty caused by Alonzo’s death, disappeared as they became one, giving in to their unbridled passion for each other.

  It was glorious!

  Unexpected Blessing

  When Brie woke up the next morning, she parted the curtains to find Anthony quietly staring at her from the crib.

  “My handsome little boy,” she whispered as she leaned down to pick him up. Cradling his tiny body against her chest, Brie moved to a large chair and tucked her feet under her as she settled into it.

  While Anthony nursed, Brie looked around at the art on the walls, all of it representing centuries of work. There was something sacred about connecting with the past, and Brie felt that had been lost in the fast-paced world of today. She was always moving forward, ready to conquer the next challenge, yet never took time to reflect on the past or the people who had gone before her.

  She liked that about this house—about the Mancini family’s mission to support exceptionally talented artists through countless generations. It preserved something vital that might benefit future generations if they took the time to reflect and learn from it.

  Sir pushed the bed curtain away and stood up. Brie never ceased to be captivated by his naked body. The man was pure perfection.

  “How are you feeling this morning, Sir?”

  “Last night’s romp definitely helped me release some pent-up tension.”

  She blushed. “I know I certainly enjoyed it.”

  As Sir slipped on his clothes, he asked, “What are your plans today? I want to be efficient while I work beside you so we can get the information we need and get back to my grandparents.”

  “Agreed, Sir. I plan to watch the rest of the videos and take down notes. That still leaves the remaining letters, the box of photos, another box with awards and news clippings, and finally the one with all of his record albums and sundry things.”

  He nodded. “I’ll check through as many boxes as I can and document what I find.”

  “Perfect.” Brie sighed, worried about the evening. “I hope this gathering tonight doesn’t take too much of our time. There’s still so much for us to go through.”

  “I feel the same, babygirl, but we have to look at it as another resource.”

  “You’re right. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to people who knew him outside the family.”

 

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