Carpathian 00 - The Scarletti Curse

glided across the room with his natural grace, lifted the golden boat from its alcove shelf, and handed it to Nicoletta. "These pieces have been protected from all invaders, including the Holy Church."
    She gasped at the open admission for a need to protect riches from the Church and glanced at Maria Pia, who crossed herself devoutly. Nicoletta was also reluctant to take the sculpture from him. It was an exquisite piece, richly detailed and highly ornate. She admired the skillful workmanship, the attention to detail, and gave it back immediately. "Why would you have it in this room? It must be worth a fortune.
    Someone might steal it."
    For a moment the don's eyes glittered dangerously. "I think that most unlikely." His voice was a purr of menace.
    "And there are more of these sculptures?" she prompted.
    Giovanni nodded. "The King of Spain has gobbled up most of the cities and states in this region. I have managed to repel his armies from our lands, and he does not want to sustain more heavy losses. Still, my Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    'ancestors,' with their maps and hidden passageways, are guarding the art treasures in the event I fail to detect a threat in time to keep the invaders from overrunning us. At the moment we have an uneasy treaty with Spain, but greed can tip the scales. There is a rumor of war with Austria. Spain would like to get its hands on our coffers. This is not something I speak of with any other, so I trust you and Signorina Sigmora to remain silent on the matter. The passageway is a necessary evil, and I thank you for bringing to my attention that the bambino has been using it. No one can make it through to the sea without the map. Each section has numerous traps to slow the enemy and allow the famiglia to escape. Only the ruling don knows where the map is and how to read it."
    "You should have warned me," Nicoletta reprimanded him.
    A slow smile took the merciless line from his mouth and lit his dark eyes. "It did not occur to me that a woman would enter such a place. In truth, I did not think you would even hear of it. In the future, do not go exploring until you consult with me."
    Her chin rose a fraction. "You are always busy, and I do not wish to disturb you. I do not usually get myself into difficulty."
    He made a choking sound.
    Nicoletta glared at him. "I do not get myself into difficulty. And I took precautions. Sophie was watching for me. She was holding the door open." She put her hands on her hips. "Where is that little imp?"
    "I knew you were in danger, and I rushed in a most unseemly manner away from my important visitor and up to this room. The door was locked from the inside"—it was said as an accusation—"so I threatened to break it down. Sophie, doubtless trembling at my threats, ran to unlock the door. She dropped the key out of the lock at least three times, fearing, I am certain, she would be severely punished for her part in this escapade. The wall must have swung shut when she rushed to open the door for me. It was a harrowing experience, waiting for that child to let me in."
    "Why, you probably frightened her to death," Nicoletta said in exasperation, completely unsympathetic to his complaint. "Do you not realize that if you had not frightened her, the wall would never have closed, and I would have walked out of the passageway with no problem at all? Poor little scrap, she is probably in tears."
    "No doubt," he admitted dryly. His hand slipped around her throat, warm and strong and far too intimate. "I have asked the holy father to allow us to be married immediately. He has agreed."
    "Perhaps that was not such a good idea." Maria Pia rushed forward, catching Nicoletta's hand and drawing the young woman firmly to her side. Away from Don Scarletti. Nicoletta could feel the older woman trembling.
    "What is it, Maria Pia?" she asked gently.
    "Cristano did not return to the villaggio" she announced, her faded eyes fixed on the don in accusation.

Chapter Eleven
    There was complete silence in the room. A cold draft seemed to come out of the very walls and swirl Generated by ABC Amber LIT Conv erter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
    around Nicoletta. She shivered, and deep within her heart, she heard her own cry of unspoken protest.
    There was evil walking in the palazzo. She stared up at Don Scarletti, her gaze locked with his. Fierce.
    Intense. Soul to soul. She couldn't even feel Maria Pia's hand in hers. She and