Chapter 2

Your work with Papa Emeritus was actually incredibly easy. He desperately needed Latin paperwork translated properly for black mass and for rituals. He seemed to be attempting it, but all of his translations were off.

You giggled reading some of what he thought was correct. He looked up over his large desk and peaked an eyebrow at you. "What exactly is so funny about old Latin transcripts?" he asked you and seemed genuinely curious. You looked at him and couldn't help but giggle.

"I'm not trying to make fun of you, but your transcriptions are funny.." He seemed to be prepared to cut you off but his face lessened a little in intensity and he almost laughed.

"Yeah, I couldn't figure out all of it. Primo knows Latin, but I can't ask him for help. Your dad said you were the only one left other than him at your Abbey that spoke it fluently. I guess he wasn't kidding..." His voice trailed off as he buried himself back into the work at his desk. He seemed flustered and you couldn't help but to want to help him. You knew he was far from polite earlier today, but you hated seeing people unhappy or so angry and pent up like he seemed.

"Papa?"

"Hmmm?"

"Can I help you with whatever it is you're doing? I'm already done with the first three chapters. That's all you had me scheduled for today, and I have plenty of time left as your assistant..."

He looked at you with complete disbelief. "You're done with three full chapters already?"

"Yes, Papa. Now what else could I help you with?"

He considered his response for a moment. Surely she wouldn't be of any help to what he needed. He could merely respond to get her out of his hair and they could continue with the rest of the translations tomorrow. "I'm trying to figure out the chorus for this ritual. I doubt you could be of help". He said it so flatly.

You walked over to him slowly. He didn't even raise his head. You looked over his shoulder and saw he was working on music. You picked up the piece he was working on and strolled over to his piano playing it out slowing as it was written. You sat there listening to the notes resonating in the room and your eyes started to fill with tears. It was absolutely beautiful. You quickly wiped away a tear before he could see you showing so much emotion and turned to see him looking shocked. His mouth was even hanging open.

"You play piano as well?"

"Yes...I wanted so badly to head our church in America. I studied harder than any of my brothers. Learned Latin. I can play guitar and piano. Took singing lessons...guess it didn't matter in the end.." Your voice trailed off. It upset you thinking about how your brother got the title before you. You put so much work into it and he was constantly goofing around. But he got the title. And you were always just 'help' for him which basically meant you did all the hard work while he got the glory. You shook the thought off. It didn't matter now anyway. You were sent to Italy by your father and starting were anew.

"That was very impressive. I could actually use your help with multiple things."

You mustered a smile up at him. It felt good to be needed again. "Well," you started, "let's write us a new song for the ritual." You looked into his beautifully mismatched eyes and cold face.

He continued. "This should be interesting."

While walking back to your room you almost ran into a stone pillar, probably because you were so busy thinking about your first day at The Abbey and how everyone had been so excepting, other than Papa Emeritus III. However, that didn't even seem to matter. He just seemed miserable in general, and you decided it was best not to let him get in your way of true happiness. Shaking your head at the thought of him, you opened the door to your quarters and settled into the couch after changing out of your habit. After sitting and reflecting for a few minutes, your phone rang. You saw the name Ryan Marza displayed on your screen and smiled. He was the best friend you could ever hope to find and you cared deeply for him. You missed him and his boyfriend back in The States. They always made you smile. You picked up the phone and exclaimed, "RYAN!"

"How's my fabulous queen doing in Italy?!"

You sighed. "It's been...something"

He could sense the disappointment in your voice. "Mandi, remember this is a pretty big deal. Your father sent you there for a reason."

You knew he was right. But you missed home already. "I know. I guess..I guess I just need more time to acclimate. Papa Emeritus III is my new boss and he has been...complicated"

"I know you got this, babygirl."

Suddenly, you heard a knock at the door to your quarters and you startled.

"Did someone just knock on your door?"

"Uh...yeah. I guess I better go. Love you."

"BYE BABYGIRL!" and he hung up.

You rushed over to your door smoothing our your silk pajamas and opened the door a crack.

"Ready?" Copia asked beaming and smiling. You looked at him very confused.

"I'm sorry, Cardinal but did we have plans?"

He just seemed to notice you were in silk pajamas with your hair down and his face turned bright red. "I am SO sorry, mi amore. I penciled in a dinner date with you just to talk about your first day here. I probably should have told you verbally instead of doing it all electronically.." He looked defeated. He came dressed up in his red cassock holding flowers for you that you know had to be from Primo's garden.

"No, no, I am so sorry! Please come in, Cardinal! I just ordered food from the cafeteria! We can eat in here if you don't mind?" You questioned while trying to cover your chest. You silk night shirt was a little on the revealing side and you already took your robe off. You opened the door for him wide and he studied you for a second before accepting entrance and coming in.

"I appreciate it, mi amore. I do not want to be a burden if you are tired." he stuttered anxiously.

"No, Cardinal. You could never be a burden! I'll just call the cafeteria and ask for an extra order. Do you have any preference? I just got salad and pasta." You looked around aimlessly for your robe trying to be a little bit less promiscuous.

Copia smiled. "That sounds delicious to me, amore. I woulnd't turn down pasta with you."

You blushed and called the cafeteria asking for extra food for an additional guest while Copia studied your quarters and set your flowers out for you. Your father had most of your belongings sent here from the states and set up for you. Pictures of your family adorned your walls. Your decorations were all in sage green (your favorite color).

"Your quarters are set up nicely. I do like the colors you picked out..very soothing..reminds me of you." Copia said with a smile.

You finally found your robe hanging on a hook and threw it on. "I don't feel sp soothing most days." You laughed. "Please sit down. Make yourself comfortable." You patted on the couch next to you. He seemed nervous but sat next to you keeping space between the two of you. You could sense his hesitation on being so close and decided to try to break the ice. "Can I get you some wine?"

"Yes, please," he pipped up. His voice almost seemed to squeak.

You poured two large glasses of wine, and noticed Copia start to relax more as he drank his wine. You refilled his glass and continued talking about family, the congregation, how things were different here vs back home, and you found yourself so comfortable with him. He truly was so easy to talk to. He just put you at ease. You felt safe and enjoyed confiding in him. He asked you about your father and how this arrangement came to be and you fell silent and looked down. Did you really want to be a Debbie Downer and complain about your lack of promotion to him? Suddenly, you felt a hand on your chin pulling your face up. Copia's leathered fingers stroking your cheek softly.

"I did not mean to tread on a sore subject, mi amore. All that matters is that you're here with me now." He smiled. You could tell the alcohol made him a little tipsy. You as well. You reached up and touched his gloved hand. It was surprisingly warm to the touch. You suddenly wanted to feel his presence closer and moved towards him. You draped both legs over his lap and put your head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for being such a welcoming presence here, Cardinal. I can't begin to explain to you how much I appreciate you."

Copia smiled down at you, looking directly into your eyes. You could feel his face close to yours. You felt him moving in closer when suddenly you heard a knock at the door. He jumped so high you thought he would hit his head on the ceiling and you bust out laughing. Copia turned bright red as he watched you cackling. You couldn't stop laughing so Copia answered the door and grabbed your food order.

" I guess we should eat," he shrugged still looking terribly embarrassed.

You giggled and walked over to him. Tip toeing you gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "Yes, let's eat. I'm starving."

You refilled your wine glasses again and sat down and ate dinner making casual conversation again. It was truly amazing how well the two of you just got along and never had an awkward moment. Soon dinner was done. He helped you clean up and was then heading towards your door.

"I really enjoyed your company, mi amore. I would love to do this again..maybe next time without the robe so I can enjoy those pajamas." He joked. You elbowed him but couldn't help but laugh.

"Only if you wear something sexy for me too," you mumbled. He heard you and again turned the brightest shade of red imaginable.

"That, ah, could always be arranged," he grinned. He offered you a long hug and turned to leave. You grabbed his hand again before he could.

"Thank you again, Cardinal."

"Mi amore, it was truly my pleasure." He brought your hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss. It was your turn to blush. "Good night, bella ragazza."

"Good night, Cardinal."

You turned to sit back down in the living room and immediately called Ryan back.

"BABY GIRL!" he shouted in an inquisitive manner.

"What?!" you exclaimed laughing.

"I had to google this Papa Emeritus III you mentioned earlier.."

"And?"

"Well..." Ryan started. "He's SMOKIN' hot!"

You couldn't help but let out a snort of laughter. Only Ryan could look at someone as angry as Papa Emeritus III and find something attractive about him.

"Ryan, if by smokin' hot you mean cryptic and rude, then yes, he is" you exclaimed, waving your arms around in the air and throwing your head back in defeat. Terzo certainly could aggravate you like none other. You couldn't even imagine him having a girlfriend. The only women that could possibly be interested in a man like that would be gold diggers or fame seekers, and you were neither of those. You didn't need any more media attention than what you already had, and you were quite set in the money department. Ryan seemed to be reading your thoughts as you sat there with your head thrown backward in defeat.

"Not everyone is nice, princess," he sighed into the phone. "You're strong, and I know this may be a hard one, but by the time it's over with, you'll be thankful that you did it. And you know that your Daddy will be proud to see that you can handle so much. Just show sexy Terzo.."

"RYAN!" you yelled. "Please tell me you didn't just dub him sexy Terzo. I may banish you and have you locked up in an insane asylum!" You both started giggling uncontrollably.

"I'm just saying...," he said slowly. "Don't let him think that you aren't tough or that he has one over on you. Egomaniacs like him live for that shit."

You knew Ryan was right. There wasn't a chance in Hell that you would ever let Terzo see a weakness or fault in you. As he had said earlier, this should be interesting...