FORTY-THREE.

TWO DAYs LATER.

Needing a good dose of fresh air to clean the soul, I step outside the villa, tilting my face up towards the cloudless sky.

I stare up at an ocean of baby blue hues as I soak up the rays and breathe in the clean air.

The scent of freshly mowed grass lingers through the early spring breeze.

I close my eyes, indulging in the moment.

It's good to be alive!

I inhale another long breath and smile as I exhale, and slowly open my eyes.

"Ciao,” Alessandro smiles broadly as my gaze lands on his.

Rolling my eyes heavenward, “can't a girl enjoy a moment of peace all to herself?” I ask him sarcastically with a smirk touching my lips.

“Technically, you've had the last three weeks to pamper yourself with some peace and quiet.” He raises his brows with a hint of laughter glazing in his irises.

“I'm going to take a wild guess and assume you've never been stuck in your own head before?”

“I’m not obliged to answer that. Has Selena given you the all-clear to move about?” He e