Loving Venus (Sally-Ann Jones Sexy Romance) by Sally-Ann Jones Read Free Book Online Page A

, or wine estate, where the vintage was, he said, always spectacular. High up on forested hillsides, the wide-eyed child who was Annabella caught sight of crumbling villas whose walls were kept together merely by a tangle of wild roses and wisteria. She imagined the beautiful ladies who must have lived there once, perhaps sitting outside in the sunshine on their balconies, looking out over the very scenery she was enjoying. In her mind’s eye, she could see the dashing men who came calling on them and wondered what had become of their descendants now that their lovely little palazzi were in ruins.
         When they finally scrambled out of the fine old car as close to the Campo , or central square of the city, as Tonia’s husband could park it, they immediately walked through the winding, shady lanes and alleys to where they’d arranged to meet Alessandro, who managed to procure for them all a superb vantage-point from his school-friend’s own palazzo , which commanded a 180-degree view of the ampitheatre-like Campo .
         Alessandro didn’t hide his delight at seeing her after their brief separation and scooped her up into his arms. He carried her like a princess to the grand house from which they’d later watch the race. As soon as their great-grandfather pulled imperiously on the bell-chain which hung beside the massive oak front door of the palazzo , Alessandro’s friend, Mario, threw open the door and welcomed them warmly. “This must be the little lady who has stolen my friend’s heart,” Mario laughed, his eyes twinkling at Annabella. “He talks of nothing but you and now I can see why!”
         Alessandro said, “Come and let me introduce you to Mario’s family! They’re dying to meet you. They’ve heard all about you.”
         With the teenage boy effortlessly carrying the child up the stairs to the big balcony where chairs were already ranged and refreshments being served, the old man and her parents followed, Annabella’s father helping Tonia’s husband to negotiate the steep stone steps.
         Alessandro deposited his load in triumph on a throne-like chair in the middle of the balcony.
         “This is my Annabella,” Alessandro said proudly. “And her parents, George and Lucia. And of course you know my great-grandfather.” Turning to Annabella’s parents, he said, “Uncle, Aunt, I would like you to meet Signor and Signora Ferri, who are Mario’s parents and whose house this is. Their horse, Fulmine, whose name means lightning in English, is racing in the Palio this evening.”
         While the newcomers were being helped to drinks and antipasto and encouraged to take the best chairs on the balcony, Alessandro continued his commentary for the benefit of the visitors: “The Ferris are an ancient Sienese family and their colours are maroon and yellow. You will see Fulmine soon. Mario and I have been grooming him all morning and he looks fabulous. He ’s jet black and his coat is so shiny, Annabella, you could see your freckles in it.”
         They all laughed at this and he went on, “You see the thousands of people down in the Campo now? Some are tourists but most are residents of Siena’s contrade , or districts. They’re here to cheer their own district’s horse on and they get here well before the event’s due to start because they want to make sure they secure the best vantage spots. They’re happy to wait here all day, having lunch and chatting, until sunset. The horses will race around the square, on the packed dirt track, and the winner will be awarded the Palio , which is an old, old banner that has been fought over for longer than anyone can remember. We’re all very lucky to be up here because sometimes it’s dangerous down on the cobble-stones, with all the galloping and the excitement.”
         “Can’t I ride Fulmine?” Annabella  had begged, looking up first at her second cousin, then Mario, then beseechingly at her parents,