A/N: Uh... *nervous laughter* I'm back! Yeah, I'm super sorry that I am soo late on this. Life got in my way and my muse disappeared for quite a while. This chapter was hard to do, Aria alone in a new place. But it was fun to write and I hope that you will like it. I also gave you all a little more Ezio in the beginning for updating so late and because I can't bear to let him go!

Thanks to everyone that reviewed (and favorited and alerted - love you all):

Nerdman3000 - *I agree. Wholeheartedly. But it might be a while for that to happen D:*
rcmgamer218 - *Aria... is like any other teen girl. Confused. I would compare her to Altair in the emotions department as well as her commitment to the creed. She does care for Ezio but she doesn't want to risk the botherhood.*
Gabriella - *Thank you so much! I still a total newb at love scenes but I am working on it!*
DarkFlame Alchemist - *Thank you :3*
Dark Vienna - *Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story!*
SweetCandyRain - *Hahahaha, you always crack me up! I hope your exams went well and I'm sorry this is soo much later than expected*
kakashifan1792 - *Thank you!*

If I Surrender

Chapter 13: Far Away Places

I walked through the villa, silently going over a checklist in my head of all the things I needed to take to Venezia. I had packed all of my weapons and armor in my chests, under cleverly disguised false bottoms. I reminded myself to thank my father for such handy equipment. I sighed as I walked through the armory, towards my room for the last time, thinking of how I truly did not want to leave the home I had grown up in.

I walked in, noticing how bare the room looked without all of possessions scattered about it. I also noticed a certain someone sitting on my windowsill.

"Ciao, Ezio." I said, a little glumly because my mind was still on my leaving today. He turned and gave me a smile as he stood from the sill and crossed the room to me; leaning down, he placed a soft kiss to my temple before looking at me again.

"Ciao, Aria." He said my name sweetly, making my heart flutter. "How are you feeling today?" Ezio stepped away and began to look at the books on my shelves that I had decided to leave behind. I admired his frame as he reach up to pluck a book from the top shelf; I always enjoyed seeing him in normal clothes as well as his Assassin robes. He glanced toward me when I didn't answer and caught me staring at him, which made me blush a little. He smirked and rose an eyebrow at me while he waited for my to reply.

"I'm fine." I replied. "How are you?" I asked as I crossed the room to check my appearance in my looking glass; mostly looking for something to clear the awkwardness that I was feeling. I studied my outfit; I had on a plain commoners dress that was entirely black. I looked toward the table, nothing that my lacy black veil that accompanied the outfit was still there. My father and I had decided that it would be for the best if no one else saw my face once I arrived in Venezia; just in case there were Templars at the port that I was to be docking at.

The official story to the docks men would be that I was in mourning over the recent death of my husband and was returning to Venezia to be near family. Armando, my fathers right hand man, had taken a lot of risks to forge the proper passes for the both of us. Armando was my guard for the trip over and was a connection to the Auditores' once I was in Venezia.

"I have been well." He replied nonchalantly, eyeing me through the mirror. I saw his gaze drop lower and blushed out of instinct. "I almost thought I had returned from Firenze too late to see you depart." Our eyes met in the mirror and he smiled, very charmingly and I could help but grin back.

"What?" I said as I turned to him and put my hands on my hips playfully. "You think I could possibly forget about you?"

He chuckled, "I would hope not, cara." I blushed at the name again, the memory of him murmuring in my ear at our most intimate time was etched into my thoughts constantly. Ezio could tell, that bastard and played on it every time he could. "I would have been very disappointed that my favorite person left without a goodbye." He waved a hand. "Probably would have had to come get you for it."

I laughed warmly, relaxing a little in Ezio's presence. He made me nervous and I always felt on edge when I was near him. There was a tugging in my chest and my brain kept yelling at me to tell him that I loved him. I ignored my thoughts as I replied, "Oh, really?" I arched an eyebrow. "And what would you have done if I had just left? Hmm?"

I was teasing him and he knew it. I laughed for a moment before opening my eyes and gasping at his sudden closeness to me. His eyes were dark and I fought off taking a deep breath, knowing that his scent would throw me into a mass confusion.

"I would find you and make you say goodbye.." His voice was low and serious and I gave him a half-smile. "I would tie you up and hide you away for myself."

I gulped. Whoa, this was pretty intense. "I don't think I trust you around me if I am tied up."

minor sexy-time. xD

"Good." Ezio replied in a growl, wrapping his arms around my waist. "You shouldn't." He pressed his lips against mine, hard and I automatically melted into him. Normally, I would have fought with him, tried to get away but my brain was so tired of doing things that it didn't want to do. He twirled and pressed me against my bookcase and I instinctually wrapped my legs around his waist as he lifted me up. I could feel his arousal pressing against my stomach and I felt a tenseness in my lower belly. His hands were pushing my dress up further and I could feel the coolness of them on my warm thighs; he squeezed them lightly before brushing his fingers across my core slowly.

I arched my back, pushing my body into his and whimpered as he teased me. Ezio smirked and took his mouth from mine, trailing hot kisses down my neck and back again. My fingers somehow were weaved through his long hair as he kissed me. He grabbed my butt, squeezing it roughly as he lifted me up higher; he grinded his erection against my linen covered core. I sighed in delight as I felt him against me; I had been dreaming of him constantly since the first night and there was always a powerful need inside of me whenever he was nearby. I had no idea how to fight it.

I moaned quietly and he moved his mouth back to mine. He kept one hand on my butt, to hold me up as his other hand moved up my dress towards my breasts. He pinched a nipple, causing me to mewl out a little louder than I had been before. He rolled the stiffened peak between his fingers and grinded against me as I writhed against him helplessly. I undulated my hips against his and he groaned against my mouth, sending a hot flash throughout my entire body.

end sexy-time. D:

A small cough came from the door and Ezio all but dropped me and stepped away, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. I looked in annoyance towards the door to see Maria standing there with a huge grin on her face; Claudia was behind her with an even bigger blush than I had.

"Mario would like to see you off… He's getting impatient." Ezio kept his eyes adverted from me and I sighed.

"Tell him I will be there in un momento." Maria nodded before smiling at me again and Claudia followed her out, looking at Ezio and I with wide eyes. Ezio looked at me once they were gone and we both started laughing hysterically. "Well, that was awkward." I said as I wiped the tears of laughter from my eyes.

"Yes but you won't have to deal with that awkwardness and teasing that is sure to come." Ezio looked upset but I knew he was only playing. After we both calmed down from laughing, we watched each other silently.

"I have to go…" I murmured and he nodded, sadly.

"I know." He kissed me softer this time, wrapping me into his arms. It was sweet… And it was telling me that he would miss me. I wanted to cry but I kept my cool as I returned the tender embrace.

He released me after a few moments and I started to leave the room; his hand trailed down my arm as I walked away and it went over my palm until only the tips of our fingers were touching. And then, his touch was gone… I walked to my father in the main hall, feeling strangely emotionless.

The next moments went by in a blur. My father hugging me and telling me to be careful. Armando gathered my belongings and taking two letters from my father. Hardly any of it was computing. Ezio was all that crossed my mind and as Armando helped me onto my horse, I looked to the top of the villa and there he was. He blew a kiss to me and I acted like I caught it and pressed it to my mouth, making him smile widely. I turned back to Armando, who was giving me a strained look of understanding. I wondered briefly how he could understand before my mind flitted back to Ezio.

I stepped off of the boat in the Venezian port with Armando at my side and we took in the marvelous sights of the city on the water. I sighed a deep breath of salty air and silently thanked God that I was off of that forsaken boat. I hurried after Armando, who was pulling my luggage behind him; I kept my head low even though I hadn't spied anyone too suspicious… Yet. They were there, of that I'm sure and it made me feel nervous as we snaked our way through the crowds of people.

"Where are we headed first, Armando?" I asked once we had escaped the large groups of citizens at the docks. He smiled at me and held up one of the letters my father had given him before we left. The words written on the outside said Antonio de Magianis.

I grew thoughtful as I trailed behind Armando; I had studied Venezia very thoroughly and my notes had said Antonio was a member of the Brotherhood and also, the leader of the Thieves Guild in Venezia. I had never really liked thieves all that much but all the stories my father told of Antonio were of honor. He might not be so bad…

Armando spoke suddenly, breaking me out of my thoughts, "Your father wanted us to go see all of the contacts you'll be using while in the city, Signorina Auditore."

Sighing, I replied, "Armando, I have asked you to call me Aria. I hate being so formal." Armando smiled and gave a small chuckle but otherwise didn't say anything else as we navigated through the city. Although, we did have to stop for directions once or twice. We finally dodged into an old alley and walked past a few shady characters that were eyeing my coin purse much too frequently for my liking before we came to a halt in front of a lone door.

Armando sat my bags down and turned towards me, smiling a little uncertainly, "This is where I must take my leave of you. Antonio will take you to your next contact and then to your home."

"Thank you, Armando." I said, sincerely before grabbing him in a hug before he could get away. "Will I be seeing you anytime soon?"

Armando looked a little flustered from the random hug but frowned and thought for a minute. "I'm not really sure, Signorina Audi- I mean, Aria." He shrugged at me and I nodded sadly. Probably wouldn't see him for a while, then. I looked toward the door, suddenly feeling a little insecure that I would be meeting all of these new people by myself. Armando touched my shoulder barely, making me look back to him.

"Don't worry so much, Aria. You'll be fine." He gestured to the bags at our feet. "I will drop these by your parents home." Armando gathered up the luggage and turned and walked away before I could say anything else. I didn't move for a second, just staring at the door before I slowly realized that there were numerous thieves, sulking in the shadows behind me. My wrist was tense as I struggled not to release the blade that was hidden underneath the long sleeve of my dress as I glanced around at them. I threw back my veil and knocked three times, keeping my eyes on my surroundings. A moment later, the door swung open and revealed a woman with short, black hair and dark eyes. I was tunned, seeing her wearing mens clothing; I almost thought she was a young boy but she had a lovely hourglass figure that would be very hard to miss.

"Well? Are you going to speak or not?" She snapped at me impatiently after I stood in silence but I tried to ignore her hostility and I smiled instead.

"Salute, I am here to see Anton-"

"Si, I'm sure you world like to see him." She looked over me once and said harshly, "But he is not in right now."

Well, I had no clue what to do now and I really didn't want to wait with this angry woman but it seemed I didn't have a choice, considering that I had no idea where my next contact was. "It's of very important business so I will just wait."

"Fine. I don't care." The woman leaned against the doorframe, pulling a thin stiletto from her belt and began to pick underneath her nails. She smirked at me and I smiled back, a little unsure about the sudden change of attitude when she said, "So, what's your name? And what's with the black get-up?"

I stared at her blankly. "Aria Auditore. And it's part of my disguise to get here without detection." I tried to keep the ice out of my voice but I still wasn't sure if I liked this woman or not. "And your name is…?"

"Rosa is all you need to know." The woman, Rosa, snapped at me again. I clenched my fists in an attempt to keep my composure. She was getting on my nerves now.

"I think the black makes you look man-ish." Rosa commented boredly and I glared back her.

"Really?" I replied as I flipped out my hidden blade and examined coolly. "I thought it was very fitting."

"You tryin' to scare me, Auditore?" She stopped leaning against the wall now, her body was tensed for a fight and I was beginning to think that I'd be glad to give her one.

"Ladies, ladies…" A man's voice came from behind Rosa, who moved to the side to let him pass. "There is nothing to fight about."

He came out of the door and he was exactly as my father had described him. His brown hair was wavy and went to his shoulders. His eyes almost looked black in this light but I recalled that they were a deep chocolate brown. He had fine clothes and pouches were hanging from various places on his body. There was one blade hung on his side and I could tell that he was a business man, through and through. He held out a hand for me to shake, as I assume he would do with a partner.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet the daughter of Mario Auditore!" His voice was low and calming and I grinned at him.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet the infamous Antonio!" He laughed as he led me inside but he paused as we passed Rosa, leaning over to whisper something to her. I couldn't help but overhear,

"Didn't I tell you to play nicely with the others, la mia piccola rosa?" Rosa glared at him and turned her head away went he went to kiss her, causing him to hit her cheek. He looked over at me and shrugged. He sighed before saying, "Will you at least go tell Teodora that we will be along shortly, Rosa?" She gave a brief nod and shot me an annoyed glance before running to a building and scaling up faster than I had ever seen anyone climb.

"That was amazing!" I said excitedly as we watched her take a jump upwards; something Ezio and I would have avoided at all costs. "How did she learn to climb like that?"

"A long life of thievery." Antonio grinned at me. "I could ask her to teach you, if you want."

I shook my head, quickly. "I don't think she likes me that much… And I don't think I could spend that much time with her. Thank you, though."

Antonio threw back his head and laughed loudly as we entered his office. He offered a chair for me then took his place behind his own desk and began to fiddle with all the papers on his desk while saying, "Rosa doesn't bite…" He glanced up at me with a wide smirk. "Unless you bite first."

I looked away, trying to hold back my laughter as I replied, "I don't think you'll have to worry about any biting on my part." He chuckled warmly before pulling up a paper and looking at it for a moment.

"Well, you know the creed, so I won't go over that." I nodded and he continued, "Come to me to bring any information of the Templars or to get your monthly mission." He worked quickly, I had to give him that. "We will be heading to Teodora's, your next contact, in a moment to get updated. Then we will visit the new villa your 'parents' commissioned for the happy couple." He looked up at me and smiled at my confused and surprised expression.

"They commissioned a villa?" My father had not mentioned that. Talk about a surprise!

"It was on your fathers orders." I started to ask him all about the villa but he rose a hand and I waited. "Now, I won't give away any of the surprises but it is very marvelous."

"I'm not really sure what to do with a villa but knowing my father, he probably put in a few secret rooms or escapes in various places around the villa." I said, feeling kind of excited at getting my own villa but kind of disappointed because it was with a Templar.

"Well, you will not be disappointed but lets talk about that after our visit to Teodora." He stood and walked toward the door, opened it and waited for me to join him. I followed him out and we went down various alleys, never straying to the main street for more than then minutes at a time.

Antonio and I made it to Teodora's in good time. It was very obvious what this building was; since I had to drag Ezio out of several over the years. Red satin was draped over the windows and the door. I could also see into a small courtyard at the side of the building, revealing a few courtesans and their… clients.

Antonio opened the door for me and gestured for me to enter and closed the door behind us once we were inside. The smell of perfume, incense and sex almost overwhelmed me but I was able to keep from coughing. Antonio did not seem to be bothered by the smell at all, though. Three courtesans were standing near the door and approached us quickly.

"Antonio!" The red-headed courtesan that stood in front of the other two squealed. "You haven't visited me in such a long time!" She pouted at him, playfully and stepped a little closer to him before Rosa appeared in front of him before I had even known she was there.

"Back off, whore." Her voice was lowered to a dangerous tone and I wondered if this would turn into a fight since most courtesans I had met carried concealed daggers and were trained to protect themselves. The red head merely smiled at Rosa as if she was a child, which seemed to anger the darker haired woman even more. She looked past Rosa to Antonio, who was looking rather uncomfortable.

"Whenever you want a real woman, you know where to find me." She winked at him before turning away and swaying back to her corner with her friends. Rosa started to step forward to go after her but I grabbed her arm, gently. Her murderous glare was redirected towards me quickly but I shook my head.

"It's not worth it." I whispered to her.

"How would you know?" She hissed back as she shrugged my hand off of her.

"I have been in a similar situation before but I didn't have anyone to stop me." I grimaced as I recalled the situation. My father had asked me to fetch Ezio from town and my search for him had led me to the local brothel - big surprise. I was annoyed, hurt and confused as I entered and after I had found Ezio, the courtesan he was with kept making catty remarks to me as he was dressing and I finally snapped and punched her.

The fight escalated quickly but Ezio pulled me away, telling me that it wasn't a fair fight and that I should be ashamed that I harmed an innocent. I left and was angry with him for a long time after that but once I had thought it over, I apologized to the girl. She only smiled at me and told me that people did strange things for love. I gave her most of my coin because I felt badly for what I had done and even though I was skeptical of what she was saying, I couldn't ever get her words out of my mind.

Antonio gave a small cough and Rosa withdrew to stand behind us, throwing glares to the red head every so often. A slightly older woman than myself approached us and because of her fine clothes and jewels, I assumed that she was the mistress of this brothel and my other contact.

Teodora smiled at me knowingly before holding out her hands to me. I took them a little apprehensively, letting her pull me towards her and kiss both of my cheeks in greeting. "Aria, it is nice to finally meet you." Her voice was soft and kind but I could sense that it could take on a rougher edge if need be.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Teodora. I look forward to working with you." I replied and she nodded before leading Antonio and I to an office on the first floor. She stood at her desk, waiting for us to sit in the two plush chairs in front of her desk. Once we sat; Rosa stood silently by the door, Teodora sat as well and I slid her the letter that my father had written to her. She read it in silence, blushing prettily at a few parts before smiling and opening a drawer beside her. She pulled out two, long boxes and sat them on the desk.

"I won't keep you long since I'm sure you are excited to see your new home," Teodora pushed the red and gold box toward me and I took it. "That is your courtesan disguise for when you need it and for when I might need your skills in obtaining some information." I must have looked appalled because Antonio and Teodora laughed; I even thought I could hear Rosa chuckling behind us. "Don't worry, you aren't becoming a courtesan; your body will continue to be your own." I nodded and relaxed; wearing the outfit was fine by me as long as I didn't have to do any of the duties that came with it. Teodora pushed the next box towards me; it was completely black with silver ribbons. "This is a present from the Brotherhood here in Venezia, to welcome you to our family."

Unlike the red and gold box, I opened this one up quickly, excited to see what kind of presents Assassins gave to one another.

It was another outfit but I immediately recognized what kind it was. I lifted up the thin black fabric, admiring the spirals of crimson red that snaked up the sleeves and hood. I held it as I pulled out the matching pants and they were black with crimson laces up the entire side. I noted that black boots were at the bottom of the box and beside them was… I lifted up the dark, crimson sash; complete with a black Assassins symbol. I ran my finger along the side before smiling up at the two elder Assassins.

"E 'magnifico!" I said excitedly, looking from Antonio to Teodora. They were both smiling happily. "I don't know what to say or how I am ever going to repay you. It must have been very expensive."

Antonio chuckled and waved a hand, dismissing my words. "It is a gift, Aria, you don't owe us anything. We know you prefer the white robes of our order but here in Venezia, darker colors are the fashion. Plus, it makes it easier to hide in the shadows."

Teodora nodded her agreement and spoke, "It also has an attachment for the hood; a small veil to go across your nose and mouth - to keep your identity concealed from the citizens here since your wedding will give you so much publicity." I squirmed at the word marriage but nodded anyway.

"Thank you; both of you." I said, standing up as Antonio did. He took the boxes from my hands, ignoring my protest that I carry them just fine. Teodora politely walked us to the door and gave Antonio and I a quick peck on the cheek.

"I hope you like your new home!" Teodora said from her doorway and I waved goodbye as I hurried after Antonio and Rosa, who were quickly leaving me behind.

"It is amazing." I said simply as I looked upon the quaint villa; it was only a little ways away from my contacts and I could appreciate that. I could tell that seeing the streets from the rooftop would be no problem and that it was also easily accessible from the adjacent ones. One side was facing the water; not like I could truly escape water in Venezia but I knew that it would make things easier for hasty escapes.

Antonio smiled proudly at my praise, "After your father made the request, I personally stole the best blueprints for your home. I believe you will like it." I shook my head at how casually Antonio mentioned stealing but I shouldn't have been surprised. He was the leader of the thieves guild, after all.

"May we go inside?" I asked hopefully. Antonio laughed and produced a key out of seemingly nowhere while Rosa yawned, looking extremely bored. We walked slowly toward the large, wooden front door and I almost felt like I could die from the anticipation.

The door creaked open slowly and revealed a large front room. It had a large, two-sided staircase that came down on both side of an beautiful ornate fountain. I ran my fingers through the gentle flow of water, sighing. I had told my father that I wanted a fountain in my home. I missed him so much.

After touring the downstairs, which consisted of the entrance room, kitchen, living, dining, a small office and rooms for personnel to stay in, Antonio led me upstairs while promising me that I would love what came next. There wasn't much on this floor; I passed a few bedrooms and we went past the master bedroom but I couldn't bring myself to look in that room just yet. It made me sicker the more I thought about it. The three of us stopped in front of a closed door.

"And now, Signorina, your personal chambers." Antonio gave a regal bow as he swung the door open and gave us a comical wink as Rosa and I entered the room, barely containing our laughter. I looked around the room; it was an close replica of my room back in Monteriggioni expect for the balcony and a fireplace. It was nice and it made my heart warm knowing that I would have a little piece of home near me but… I was disappointed. I had expected hidden doorways and rooms. Antonio noticed the disappointed look on my face and signaled for me to come closer to the large fireplace.

"I believe that this design was chosen by an Ezio Auditore." My heart clenched at his mention but I couldn't deny that I was curious as to what Ezio had designed for my own home. It was a beautiful fireplace, I thought as Antonio reach forward and pushed in one of the smaller cravings that I hadn't paid any attention to. The wall behind the fireplace moved downward in an almost absolute silence. I'm pretty sure my jaw hit the ground, how was a contraption like this possible? Did Leonardo help with the design? So many questions for Ezio went through my mind as Antonio grinned at me and ducked down to the tunnel that was behind the wall.

I hurried in after him with Rosa hot on my heels and after a few seconds of absolute darkness, we entered into a medium sized room with a high ceiling. There were a few armor racks with my extra armor already hanging them immaculately. Beside the armor racks were weapon racks, littered with all sorts of interesting weapons. I even had my own desk and everything!

I hugged Antonio in my excitement, ignoring the scathing sound coming from Rosa and he gingerly patted my back as he chuckled. I turned to smile at Rosa and to thank her for any help she might have had in this but she stepped away from me with a disgusted look on her face.

"Don't be huggin' me." She snapped as she edged back toward the exit and I raised a brow at her. I certainly had no intention of hugging a snake ready to spring. "I didn't help with any of this!" She turned and disappeared down the tunnel quickly and Antonio rolled his eyes at her behavior.

"Forgive her." He said as he laid my two gifts down on the desk. He ducked into the tunnel to chase after her. I stayed a few minutes longer, looking over my room and sitting behind my desk. I opened the drawers to see if anything was in them and came across a blank sheet of paper in the first one. I pulled it out, wondering why someone didn't think I would need more paper than that. I flipped it over and gasped. Tears welled up into my eyes almost instantly.

It was a drawing of me and I was asleep in Ezio's ned; his red silk sheets were wrapped around me and my hair was fanned about my head, looking similar to a halo. There was a slight lift to the corner of my mouth, making it look like I was smiling. I sighed as that night rushed back to me again.

There were small scribbles along the bottom and when I looked closer, I realized that it was words. Left drawer. I recognized Ezio's writing immediately and ripped open the left drawer. There was a letter with my name carefully scrawled across the top.

Aria,

I hope you are enjoying Venezia and your new home. I really, really hope that you like the hidden room. I designed it (with help from Leonardo) after the one my father used in our villa in Firenze. I know you will love it, though; you always did enjoy things like that.

Actually, I'm watching you train outside with some of Mario's new recruits. You're walking all over them, pretty much. I know that when we first met I doubted your skills but now, I can see how graceful and well-planned you are. Beautiful, too. I know you hate me saying that, bella but any person with eyes would say the very same… You are a rarity in this dark world… I didn't want to tell you in person, I didn't want to make it harder for you to leave but I am so grateful to have met you. You have kept my head level and out of trouble (for the most part) since day one. I thought I was going to go crazy after losing my family but your stable personality kept me sane.

I almost didn't stay in Monteriggioni; I wanted to flee to Spain, to protect my mother and sister but once I saw you fight and heard your laugh; I had to stay. I was too curious about you not to.

I will be writing to you as often as I can and I do hope that I get a reply. I will be in Venezia as soon as everything here is squared away. Stay safe, mia cara.

Ezio.

I stifled a small cry; I missed him so damn much! I slammed a fist down on the desk, gulping down air. Why didn't I just tell him that I was falling in love with him? Why couldn't I just stop being a stubborn ass for once in my life? Antonio decided to stick his head back in the room at this time and noticed my tear stained cheeks immediately. He came to my side and kneeled down beside my seat so we were eye to eye.

"Stai bene?" He asked tenderly as I wiped my face with my sleeves, extremely embarrassed that the leader of the thieves guild just found me crying my eyes out. I forced a half-smile to him but I could tell that he didn't believe it.

"Si, I'm fine." I replied shakily. "I just found a letter from home…" I put my head in my hands and Antonio patted my back awkwardly.

"It must be very strange and difficult to be so far away from your home." He said in soothing tones and I nodded even though I felt utterly defeated. "Come on, we must get to your parents before the night ends. Your wedding is in a few days so you must prepare." Ugh. You had to remind me of that. Way to go, Antonio. (( Heh, that kinda rhymed xD ))

He held out a hand and I took it, allowing him to guide me out of the tunnel and down the streets of Venezia but I didn't see any of it as my mind was still on the letter, on Ezio; on his sweet drawing and the way he curves his letters. I looked up towards the night sky, surprising me because I had not realized it was nighttime yet. I looked at the moon and I wondered if Ezio was looking at it, too.

Thank you for reading this chapter! Please review :3

Ciao - Hello.

In un momento - In a moment.

Signorina - Miss.

La mia piccola rosa - My little rose.

E 'magnifico! - It's Magnificent!

Stai bene? - Are you okay?

Preview Chapter 14:

"So, are we to keep up this charade?" He spoke lowly as we walked and I took in a sharp breath, looking over at him. My mind drifted faintly to the knife I had strapped to my thigh and how I thought about how quick I would have to be to slit his throat. I had the entire household working for me in secrecy, they wouldn't stop it. But how would I possibly explain my new personal guard dead to Luca?

"I don't know what you mean?" I tried to sound confused, maybe trick him into thinking I was just extremely similar to... Well, myself.

"Really, Maria?" His voice was hostile as it rolled over my alias so I turned to face him, just to not have my back turned his way. I would hate to get a sword in it. He watched a maid walk out of the hallway before he gave me an inquiring look, "Or should I say Ariana."

Oh. Shit.

- Who is this mystery man? How does he know Aria's identity so soon? Tune in next time...