Page 9

Chapter

Eight

Alice had marveled at their first day in Venice wandering the streets and bridges, their boat rides, and the elaborate dinner that unfortunately wasn’t as comfortable and carefree as lunch with Robbie had been.

She was trying to remind herself to keep her distance.

Robbie seemed to be struggling with something as well.

What if Robbie was hoping to make her fall in love with him so he could earn a million dollars from Brandon?

Dang Brandon. That money tainted the memory of Robbie staring at her as if he couldn’t catch a breath when she’d appeared at the top of the stairs in that gorgeous dress, one of a dozen Madelyne had left for her.

In that moment, he’d looked at her like he used to, as if she was the most breathtaking woman in the world.

Could the loyal, full of integrity Robbie that she’d once known be tricking her to fall in love for a million dollars and then bail at the first speed bump in the road?

She didn’t think Robbie would be here for money, but she didn’t trust him to stay.

She wasn’t ready to delve into their past, their breakup, and the fifteen years apart.

Robbie didn’t seem to be pushing any of those subjects either.

On their second day, they were joined by a professional tour guide, Alejandra.

They started with an insider’s tour through Doge’s Palace.

The palace was absolutely splendid, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Alejandra explained the layers of building elements and ornamentation.

The palace was originally built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

There had been significant Renaissance and Mannerist additions throughout the years.

The interior and all the artwork were splendid.

Every detail Alice viewed and insight shared by Alejandra fascinated her.

She’d studied the palace, but being here made it come alive. She didn’t want to leave.

After another delicious Italian lunch on the Grand Canal, Alejandra was waiting to take them to St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Terrace.

The basilica was an architectural marvel.

Alejandra explained the Catholic church’s design was a captivating mix of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance elements, showcasing Venice’s historical connections to both the East and West. The layout, resembling a Greek cross, was topped by five grand domes, adding to its grandeur and symbolic significance.

The interior features were intricate mosaics, marble floors, and lavish décor.

It was all an incredible and visually stunning experience.

Alice could’ve spent several days there, checking out each domed ceiling and the story behind each mosaic tile arrangement.

Robbie’s favorite part was the massive bronze horses.

Alejandra explained the horses were taken from Constantinople by the Venetians when they sacked the city.

They symbolized Venetian dominance and victory.

Alice appreciated the bronze sculptures, but they were far from her favorite part.

The tour unfortunately came to an end. They thanked and tipped Alejandra and walked out onto the square. They walked over to the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, paid for tickets, and waited in line to ride to the top.

Robbie had been friendly and relaxed all day, but there was definitely a wall between them.

She’d erected the barrier to protect her heart again.

She wasn’t certain why Robbie seemed cautious around her.

Maybe he simply didn’t know how to act with their history and current circumstances.

They hadn’t talked about Big Buddha or the risk to Robbie if the man found them.

She knew Robbie was tougher than anyone, but even muscle and skill couldn’t stop a bullet.

Finally, it was their turn to tour the tower.

They squished into the crowded elevator and rode to the top.

Walking out onto the promenade, Alice sighed at the picturesque view.

She wandered from one spot to the next, exclaiming over the different buildings and waterways and even the boats.

The Grand Canal looked almost as chaotic from up here as it had down in the midst of those waves.

Robbie stayed close to her side and their guards weren’t far off.

After they’d walked around the tower several times, they rode back down and walked to a nearby gelato stand.

They meandered back through the square as she licked her mango gelato, wondering how the Italians made their gelato creamy, sweet, and tart at the same time.

Robbie made short work of a three-scoop chocolate waffle cone.

Robbie eased in close to her and murmured, “There’s a guy at our six o’clock. I saw him outside the basilica before our tour, and he was in our group at the tower.”

She glanced around but couldn’t see anyone who stood out. She looked back at Robbie. He was smirking at her.

“What? Oh. Am I not supposed to look and make it obvious?”

“Something like that. I’m going to text Curtis and Price to fall back and give us some space. Let’s get off onto one of the side streets. If he follows, I’ll confront him and they’ll box him in.”

Her heart beat high and fast. “But what if he shoots you before Curtis and Price can get there?”

He grinned at her. “I’m too tough for a bullet to hurt me.”

She scowled. “Please don’t tease like that. Big Buddha shot Jack.”

The mirth disappeared. “I’m sorry.”

She nodded, clasping her hand to her neck and trying to calm down.

“I’ll keep you safe,” he said.

“It’s not me I’m worried about.”

His blue eyes were understanding. “Can we chat about this tonight?”

“There’s nothing to chat about,” she said. She didn’t want to share her feelings about everyone close to her being murdered. The way he’d said ‘chat about’ felt more like they were going to talk about their relationship, or lack thereof .

“I think there is.” He squeezed her hand before releasing it. “You’re worried about me.”

She gasped. “It doesn’t mean … Oh my goodness, just do your security spy thing and don’t die, all right?”

“All right.” He gave her a meaningful look, then pulled out his phone. Her stomach couldn’t handle any more ice cream, but she couldn’t see a garbage can, so she held it as it dripped over her hand in the warm evening air.

They turned down a side street and her pulse took off. The buildings’ walls and balconies rose on each side of them. If the man followed them, he’d be trapped in here with them. Which would be fine, as long as he wasn’t carrying a gun.

She looked over her shoulder and saw a solitary man walk into the alley behind them, maybe twenty feet away.

He wasn’t as tall as her five-ten, and he looked wiry and like a rat with longish dark hair and piercing dark eyes.

His gaze caught hers, and he smirked. Then he yanked out a gun and pointed it at Robbie’s back.

Before she could even gasp a warning, Robbie pivoted and tugged her behind him. He sheltered her completely with his larger frame as he faced the man. She felt safe, protected by the wall of his huge stature, and at the same time terrified of him getting shot.

“He has a g-gun,” she whispered. Had he been sent by Big Buddha, or was he Big Buddha and the name was ironic, not truthful?

“Hand over your money and la donna’s jewelry,” the man said, his voice pitching up and down as if he were nervous. His accent was slight. “No reason to hurt anyone.”

“You can’t carry a firearm in Italy, unless you’re active police or military,” Robbie said calmly.

“Don’t tell me what I can do. Hand over the money.”

Alice tried to peek around, but Robbie held her fast. How was he going to stay safe against a bullet?

They should hand everything over. She was wearing a diamond necklace, earrings, and two expensive rings her mother had gifted her.

She liked to wear them, but they could be replaced. Robbie couldn’t.

Please, Lord , she begged. Please don’t let him die too.

“Big Buddha?” Robbie asked .

“What?”

“Are you Big Buddha?”

“Do I look like a Big Buddha to you?”

Suddenly, the man yelped in surprise. Alice was finally able to look around Robbie’s side. Price and Merrick were closing in behind the man.

He tucked the gun into a pocket and ran at Robbie and Alice.

“Stop,” Price commanded from behind him, his own pistol out as he approached.

The man leaped and grabbed a balcony. He easily flung himself up over the railing, then ran several steps and vaulted to the next balcony. It was an impressive athletic feat.

Robbie spun and ushered her back toward their bodyguards, who were rushing toward them. “Price. Merrick. Call the police. Get Alice back to the condo.”

Then he took off at a sprint.

Alice watched him disappear, following the man who was springing from balcony to balcony.

Price and Merrick closed in on her. Tears sprang to her eyes. Robbie should let that man go. If he caught him and the man shot Robbie…

How would she live with herself for putting him in danger?