"So why did you decide to work for your Masters?" I said to Demetri before shovelling a spoonful of turmeric coloured risotto into my mouth.

The crisp parsley blended nicely with the seasoned dish and every so often I could taste the salty but spicy sausage. I still donned his jacket, which was grey and black. I had to constantly push back the sleeves to prevent it being dipped into my lunch.

Renata and Demetri had explained to me that their bosses were three brothers who owned the castle and wanted to keep it in its most original state.

Even though some of them looked older than Marcus I guess it would be rude to disrespect him by calling him by name, if it wasn't his preference to be.

"It is a full-time job, unlike guiding tour groups that is occasional and for an extra buck. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I care for them."

I had gotten better glimpses of his face and boy was he nearly as handsome as his Master. His brownish eyes glittered every time he smiled.

"How is the tour so far?"

I swallowed.
"Better than yesterday. By the way how many of you work in there? Or do your bosses mainly live as the three of them?"

Demetri leaned back on the chair.

"There are over thirty people living in the manor, including the Masters, their wives and guards."

My eyes ballooned. Woah, that was a lot of people.

"But wait...you mentioned your bosses are married? Even Marcus, isn't he nineteen?"

Demetri smiled. I sounded way too disappointed as an afterthought.

"Taken a shining to Master Marcus?"

I sucked in my cheeks.
"No! I just think it's weird he's married." I said too loudly.

A lot of people in restaurant looked at me. I ducked down.

"You'd be correct he isn't, but his brothers are! So, they are off limits."

I rolled my eyes at him and he had the most gorgeous laugh I've ever heard, very musical and masculine.

I finished my dish and gulped down my red wine. It felt hot in my stomach. I requested for the waiter to bill me as I was about to open it Demetri snatched it up.

"Hey!"

He took no notice of me and looked at my bill. Then I watched aghast as he took out his wallet and pulled out some Euros.

"What are you doing?"

He looked at me then.

"I thought it was obvious. He leaned forward. I'm paying your bill."

He took out the mints though and put them in my palm and curled my fingers over them. He handed the money to the waiter.

"Demetri, why did you do that? I had the money."

"I wasn't going to let you pay. My Master relayed specific instructions, so if you have any convictions deal with him yourself."

He took me back to the castle after I was stuffed better than a Thanksgiving turkey. We met up with Renata and she took me to the staff room which had cheery furniture and high windows. Lastly I was taken to the dining room and I found someone I didn't expect.

"Marcus?" I asked.

He was on the left side of a dais holding three ornate thrones. The antechamber I was in was made ornately designed marble with Roman architecture and long columns from within. A monstrously tall man stood beside his chair. He was six foot seven!

He made Demetri and Marcus, who were tall themselves, look like dwarves. Another man with beige skin and almond eyes stood at the door where Renata and I entered.

On the opposite side of the circular room was Demetri. He saw me and I waved at him. Demetri gave me a soft grin. The giant near Marcus secretly watched the interaction with raised brows.

"Master, I've come back with Makayla."

He was bored; his arm leaning against the arm of the chair. Marcus sluggishly blinked then he spoke in Italian. The giant opened his mouth and the man by the door started arguing. Marcus sighed.

"Just do it. But Renata you may stay."

They all bowed, gave me one glance and left.

"See you soon." said Demetri before following his colleagues out the gold doorway.

They all wore varying shades of grey cloaks with hoods and strange necklaces shaped like a V.

Was this their uniform?

"Makayla." he said.

I felt the wings of my heart flutter wildly.

"Did you spend the day well?" he said.

"Yes, thanks to you. Your home is lovely, it feels like I went back in time."

He shrugged.

"My pleasure."

I had so many questions but I just stood there awkwardly and I kind of forgot Renata was there until she spoke up.

"Master, may I suggest she sits? She hardly sat the entire time, only when Demetri took her to lunch."

I felt my buttocks heat up and the strain on my thighs. It would be nice but there were only three chairs and they were possibly his brothers.

"Oh, yes you are right." he said then he gave me a half smile, not fully there; it was a ghost of what it should've been.

"Sit my dear."

"Oh, um? Where? I mean these... aren't.. these for your brothers?"

Marcus blinked.

"Did Renata tell you of them?"

I blushed secretly.

"No, Demetri mentioned your siblings. And I wouldn't want to impose."

He laughed and my heart hammered in my little chest. Dum...dum,dum,dum.

"They will bear it, after all you are only here for a short time."

"Ok, so which chair should I sit in?"

He gestured lazily to the one in the centre, placed slightly forward in the arrangement. I sat there and I must say it was the most comfortable seat I'd ever sat in. I relaxed in it, loosening up. Marcus noticed and laughed. Renata stood in the giant's place, beside her young boss.

"How come you've come to Italy?"

"Oh, it's my gap year before college and I wanted to scout potential schools. Not to mention experience the fine art, culture and architecture."

He seemed gripped by my words.

"Was it to your expectation?" he said slothly.

"No, more than I ever hoped."

"What did you like most of our city?"

I bit my thick, swarthy lips.

"You want an honest answer? Or flattery?"

"I've heard too much flattery all my life,honestly speak with me."

I'm sure he would have. He had such a beautiful face, glossy hair and a nice personality as far as I could tell. I stared at him entranced.

"Makayla?"

I started and he rose a black brow.

"Distracted?" he said silkily but with the tautest facial expression.

Was he flirting with me? I brushed away the thought and spoke back.

"Well, I would have lied and said it was this castle but the Church has always amazed me; everywhere I go they have the most extravagant looking places of worship.

Italy is no exception. My inn-keepers said Volterra's Cathedral wasn't so impressive but I still longed to see it. And l have no regrets it was beautiful and you could really feel God's presence in that building."

Marcus parted his lips slightly and said gently:

"Oh, are you Catholic?"

I gently beamed up at him.

"Why, yes. I thought most Italians were. Italy is a Christian nation. I bet there more Christians here than even in America."

I paused as looked at his curious eyes.

"Aren't...aren't you?"

He leaned closer to peer at me in confusion.

"Aren't you Christian? Don't you believe in God?" I probed.

He pushed back on his chair; his head covering a circle, above his chair, with what looked like a jade orb inside.

"A Christian, no but as for believing in God that I'm not certain I don't."

I was shocked. How could someone not believe? He looked at me and changed the subject.

"Do you have someone at home?"

I leaned away.

"What does that mean?" I said inaudibly but he heard anyway.

Did he like me too?
"I mean do you have a lover?"

I almost fell from the chair. My mouth opened and my eyes became guavas. I had no reply. He waited patiently, looking at me with soft eyes.

"I...um...I..." I said.

I was saved from answering him when that beige skinned man with a weird pony tail cut rushed in. He looked at me with wide eyes then he bowed before Marcus. One hand on his back.

"Master, your brothers are entering the hall soon; there's been a situation in the neighbouring country."

He nodded.

"Thank you, Daisuke. Tell my brothers I shall join them, instead, in the lounge on the eastern wing. They should not come here; tell Demetri to come back and escort my guest."

Daisuke bowed his hair whipping into his face.

"Yes, Master. I'll do just that."

He went out swiftly.

Marcus gave me a grin that finally touched his eyes.

"It seems the fates will not allow us more time together," he said standing to full height.

It was humorous seeing, Renata, a foot shorter, following behind. I could believe all these men l'd seen thus far were bodyguards but not her. I giggled and gave her an impish look. She scoldingly looked at me so I stopped my laugh.

"I was enjoying your company very much. Could we have another conversation like this soon, before you return home to America?"

I tensed. How did he know I was American?
"I'm sorry, have I disturbed you?"
I shook my head easing up.

"Sorry, no! It's quite stupid but I just got surprised you knew I'm American."

He laughed and my heart swelled.

"That only? Well it is a distinctive accent and also you don't speak much of the local language."

And also, I'm different from you. I was like a billboard on the Tuscan countryside with my dark skin, noticeably large assets and fluffy hair. I gave him a half-ass smile.

"What has you reacting in that form?"

"You can just say it you know; is it because I'm black?"

He laughed awkwardly and rubbed the back of his head. His hair danced and jiggled.

"Yes, that is the other reason, but we have black people as well."

Now I raised my brow.
"There are not many." We both cracked up after a beat.

"Okay, you have a fair point Makayla."

"Ok, about seeing you again. I think you may not see me anytime soon. I've already spent my three days here. I can't afford a day longer here."

His freshly placed smile evaporated as quickly as it had appeared.