She sighed. For a man of the cloth, Father Kavanaugh was perfectly adept at tempting her. She typed a brief reply, thanking the priest for defending her to Cara and reiterating her eagerness to speak with her sister again. She made no mention of the restoration job.
Raven considered sending Father Kavanaugh’s e-mail to William but decided she’d speak to him about it in person. Then she crawled into bed, tossing and turning until just before dawn.
Now that she knew the wonder of sleeping in William’s arms, it was painful and difficult to sleep alone. She didn’t even have an article of his clothing—a shirt perhaps—to wrap herself in while they were apart.
Raven’s loneliness was made greater still by his cold demeanor the last time they’d talked. After being so close to William on Sunday evening and early Monday morning, it now seemed there was an interminable distance between them.
A distance made all the more sinister by the recognition that several forces were trying to tear them apart.
Chapter Thirty-eight
“It’s beautiful.” Patrick squeezed Raven’s shoulder appreciatively as they admired the newly restored Birth of Venus.
It was Friday afternoon. The Uffizi had closed early and invited its entire staff to the restoration lab in order to admire the finished piece before it was returned to the Botticelli room upstairs.
“Professor Urbano is very pleased.” Raven nodded in her supervisor’s direction. He was beaming with pride, shaking hands and clapping people on the back.
“Everyone is going out for drinks to celebrate.” Patrick touched her shoulder. “Are you coming?”
“Yes.” Raven smiled. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“What about your boyfriend? Gina and I would like to meet him.”
“He’s busy.” Raven’s smile faded.
Patrick squeezed her shoulder. “Trouble in paradise?”
“No.” Raven toyed with the bracelet on her wrist. “He’s just busy this week.”
“What about Batelli, is he still bothering you?”
“I haven’t seen him since he cornered me on Monday.”
“Good. The guy’s a jackass.”
Raven nodded, neglecting to mention that William’s reaction to her tale about Batelli had been much, much stronger. Gina walked over to them and, instantly, Patrick took her hand. They smiled warmly at one another.
Raven felt a sudden pang of envy.
“Are you two coming to the gala tomorrow night?”
“Si, certo.” Gina leaned against Patrick and he smiled widely. “What about you?”
“Yes. The restoration team is going to be introduced by Dottor Vitali.”
“Dottor Wood.” Professor Urbano approached her from the side, shaking hands with her and exchanging pleasantries with Patrick and Gina before asking if he might speak to Raven privately.
“I’ll see you tonight.” Patrick nodded at her before she moved away.
Raven tried not to be nervous at the thought of speaking to her supervisor privately. They walked toward the painting and, as they did so, the small crowd of people parted.
“The restoration is beautiful.” He gestured to the artwork, his face expressing satisfaction.
“The colors are so vibrant,” she said. “It’s like a completely different painting.”
“Yes.” He gave her an appreciative look. “I have good news. The gallery has been awarded funding to undertake a complete restoration of Artemisia Gentileschi’s Judith and Holofernes.”
“Really?” Raven breathed. “That’s wonderful. It hasn’t been restored before, has it?”
“No. The painting is very dark. There are multiple coats of varnish that will have to be removed. I have the chance to pick the members of my team. I would like you to be part of it.”
“Yes,” Raven replied without hesitation. “Thank you.”
He laughed. “Perhaps you would like time to consider? It is another year contract here at the gallery. Perhaps you’d like to return to the Opificio?”
“No. I like working here and it would be a great honor to restore that painting. I’ve always admired her work.”
“Good. As you probably know, Artemisia’s paintings have only recently been given some of the recognition they deserve.” Professor Urbano stuck out his hand. “Welcome to the team.”
“Thank you, Professor.” She shook his hand.
After that exchange, Raven’s smile returned, even though it was somewhat smaller than before.
The black Mercedes waited behind the Uffizi, alongside a few other luxury vehicles. Raven was just exiting the gallery with Gina and Patrick when she saw the car. She stopped short.
“What is it?” Patrick eyed her reaction with concern.
“My boyfriend is here.” She gave her friends an apologetic smile. “I haven’t seen him all week. Go ahead without me. I might meet you later.”
“We can wait,” Patrick offered, his eyes narrowing at the Mercedes.
“Give Raven time with her boyfriend.” Gina tugged on his hand. “Raven, we can meet you there.”
“Thanks.” She gave Gina an appreciative look.
“Bring him with you,” Patrick called over his shoulder.
As her friends walked in the direction of the bar, Raven made her way over to the car. She opened the door and climbed in, closing the door carefully behind her.
Chapter Thirty-nine
“I’m surprised to see you. I haven’t spoken to you since Monday night.” Raven clutched her knapsack, making no move toward him.
William turned to address the driver. “To the villa, Luka.”
“Wait.” Raven fidgeted with her knapsack. “My friends are going for drinks to celebrate the completion of the restoration project. I’m going with them.”
William blinked. “Very well.”
“That’s it?” She frowned. “That’s all you have to say?”
William adjusted his cuff links, avoiding her censorious look. “You wish to be with your friends. I understand. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
“But you won’t see me,” she protested. “Tomorrow night is the gala celebrating the restoration. I have to go.”
William’s eyes met hers. “Then I’ll see you afterward. Ring Ambrogio and let him know when to send the car. I’ll meet you at the villa.”
Raven turned to look out the darkly tinted window.
“I’m luggage,” she muttered.
“What’s that?” William’s tone was sharp.
“I’m something to be picked up and dropped off.” She lifted her knapsack to her shoulder and placed her hand on the door. “I haven’t seen you all week, after—after . . .” She faltered, suddenly fighting tears.
“Luka, get out of the car.” William’s tone was low and commanding.
The large man exited the vehicle and closed his door, affording the couple some privacy.
Without a word, William picked Raven up and placed her sideways on his lap, tossing her knapsack to the floor. He ran his thumbs under her eyes, gathering the moisture.
“What am I to do with you?” he whispered.
“Nothing, because I’m leaving.” She tried to move off his lap, but he placed an arm around her waist.
“Luka will drive you to meet your friends, after you explain the tears.” He dried her eyes again.