There was a charm to be found in her elegant, foreign dress despite how close their nations were physically and culturally.
This was the first time that he'd met her.
This exotic, charming, kind woman seemed to contrast with him and what he was used to.
This however failed at diluting his instant attraction to her as he did find himself infatuated by her.
Romano as his birth name was, wanted her.
He wanted to know Antonia's thoughts and reflections as well as her deep secrets.
He wanted to know of the things she loved and of what sent her heart racing with passion.
Romano wanted to know of what comforted this exotic woman.
The Italian wanted to gift her lovely gifts that were new to her but still reminiscent of her passions, loves, and interests.
He wanted to know every emotion felt by her and every passing memory of hers.
He wanted to know of every cadence of her voice and the exact texture, softness, of her skin.
The Italian wanted to know of how her skin shined in every kind of lighting no matter how dim.
Ultimately, these were forbidden thoughts and desires.
He was a mafioso in Italy, and she was the daughter of a Spanish mafioso and that man's mistress.
She was exotic to the touch yet even royalty ran in her blood.
She was the heiress to the throne due to her mother having been a princess despite never raising her taboo child.
Mafioso in Italy's past or present never stopped until they got what they wanted, but Romano was different.
His heart was gentler and sweeter; he couldn't hurt her like that or be fooled by such a temptation.
Antonia had twice as many reasons to betray him anyway.