William’s hand spanned her lower back as he whispered, “Your beauty puts the garden to shame.”#p#分页标题#e#
Raven lowered her head and fussed with her gown. It was black and overlaid with crimson roses, almost reaching her knees. The dress dipped low in the front, drawing attention to her generous cleavage, and bared most of her back, as well as her arms.
Her cheeks flushed under William’s unabashed appraisal.
For his part, William had shocked her by donning a white shirt, rather than his usual black, with a black suit. He’d shunned a tie and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt, exposing his chest to great effect.
“This dress is short.” She pulled at the hem, vainly attempting to lengthen it.
William retreated a few feet in order to gaze at her. “I have observed you in much, much less.”
“In bed, yes.”
“Not just in bed.” He smiled. “In the shower, in my library, on the terrace, in my garden—”
“Point taken,” she interrupted, the flush heightening in her cheeks.
He stood in front of her and looped his arms around her waist. “I wanted to see you happy.”
“Thank you.”
He squeezed her backside. “My pleasure.”
He offered her his arm, and she took it. They explored the garden briefly before William led Raven to a low stone bench so she could rest her leg.
She patted the space next to her. “Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about the Renaissance?”
William joined her on the bench. “Not at all.”
“What was Beatrice like?”
William looked off into space. “She was beautiful. She was regal. She had many admirers, but Dante was probably the most obsessive.”
“You didn’t like him?”
William made what could politely be called a disgusted face. “He was proud, arrogant, and wily. He used many contrivances to get her attention. And he was already married.”
Raven looked at the garden, at the glass windows that divided the interior of the gallery from the outside space. “Dante made her immortal. Because of his love, people have been reading about her for centuries.”
“I could make you immortal.” William’s gray eyes lasered into hers.
“Art is the only thing that lasts.”
“I disagree. Let me change you.”
She looked away. “We’ve talked about this.”
William shuddered a sigh. “Yes, we have. I thought perhaps you’d change your mind.”
Raven hastily changed the subject. “It’s sad that more people can’t enjoy your Botticelli illustrations of Dante and Beatrice.”
William bristled. “They have copies. That must be enough.”
He rested his hand on her shoulder before moving to the table. He lifted a bottle from the ice bucket.
Raven recognized the label. Dom Pérignon.
She’d never tasted it before.
She watched in anticipation as William removed the cork.
“What are we celebrating?” Raven took the proffered glass, once it was filled.
“You. To your happiness.” He lifted his glass and tapped it against hers.
“To our happiness, William.”
She tasted the champagne—cool and dry, with the smallest bubbles. It was crisp and fresh and absolutely nothing like anything she’d tasted before.
They sipped in silence for a few moments. William watched her over the rim of his glass.
When she’d finished her champagne, he placed her glass along with his on the table.
He lifted her hand to his lips. “Unlike the rest of the humans who pine after vampyres, you don’t dream of being immortal. Tell me what you dream about.”#p#分页标题#e#
“I dream of living with you in peace. I’d like to travel with you, someday.”
“Where?”
“I’d like you to show me York. I’d like to visit my sister and make sure she’s all right.”
“Other dreams? Things you would like to accomplish?”
“I want to continue volunteering at the orphanage. I’m grateful I was able to go back this week.
“I enjoy my work at the Uffizi. We will be starting work on one of Artemesia Gentileschi’s paintings in September. I’d like to continue being part of that team.”
“I shall do everything in my power to ensure you are safe enough to do that.”
Raven smiled, for the thought made her happy. “I’d like to continue working on your collection as well, especially the Michelangelo.”
“Everything I own is at your disposal.” He kissed her fingertips, one by one. “Peace will come to my city, and I shall be able to take you abroad.”
“You would take me to see my sister?”