CHAPTER 51

Vittorio and Ellis walked excitedly through the enchanting streets of Milan. As they explored the city's famous landmarks, they couldn't help but engage in their fun banter, each trying to outdo the other.

Their first stop was Villa Necchi Campiglio, a magnificent mansion surrounded by lush gardens. Vittorio admired the architectural elegance while Ellis teased him about his taste for grandeur. They wandered through the opulent rooms, marveling at the exquisite art collection and the stunning views from the terrace.

"Wow, Vittorio, this place is incredible! Can you believe the architecture? It's like stepping into a different era," Ellis said, gazing at the grand entrance.

"It's quite impressive," Vittorio agreed with a mischievous smile. "But not as impressive as the company I have by my side."

Ellis blushed at the compliment, playfully nudging Vittorio's arm.

"Okay, Vitinho, nice words, but I know you. Let's see what else Milan has to offer."

Next, they headed to the Fondazione Prada, designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. The modern and avant-garde structure intrigued Ellis, who appreciated its innovative design. Vittorio, on the other hand, carefully observed her traditional taste, pointing out the unconventional shapes and materials used in the construction.

"The combination of art and architecture here is extraordinary. It's like the building itself is a work of art," Ellis said, admiring the structure.

"Let me guess, you liked the modern and avant-garde style of the place?" Vittorio suggested with a smile. That guess wasn't something the mafioso mastered. He had studied a lot about the place to give off that air of an art enthusiast.

"Wow, you're right, Don Vittorio," Ellis admitted with a smile. "But I bet you can't guess which artwork will captivate me the most inside."

"Oh, really? I'm always up for a challenge. How about we make it interesting?" Vittorio raised an eyebrow.

"Okay... How about a little bet?" Ellis suggested, stopping in front of Vittorio. "If you can guess which artwork will captivate me the most, you'll have a favor to claim from me. And believe me, you'll want to take advantage of it."

"Challenge accepted," Vittorio replied with a smug smile. He leaned in close to Ellis, forcing her to lift her head to meet his gaze. "But don't be surprised when I win."

"However, if you lose, you'll owe me a favor," Ellis proposed. "Do you accept the challenge, Vitinho?"

Vittorio easily picked up Ellis and placed her on his shoulders, making her scream in surprise.

"What are you doing?" she exclaimed.

"Let's start our little game," he said.

He confidently walked towards the entrance of the Fondazione, carrying her with charm. The scene attracted the attention of everyone present, but Vittorio didn't seem to care, unlike Ellis who squirmed on the mobster's shoulder. Finally, he put his wife back on the ground, struggling to hold back his laughter.

"That wasn't funny," Ellis said, huffing.

"Oh, it was, and be aware that every time you call me Vitinho, you'll be carried like that," Vittorio warned. "Now, let's go, as I have a challenge to win, and I intend to make sure you fulfill it as soon as possible."

As they entered the Fondazione Prada, the grandeur of the space enveloped them. They roamed through the galleries, admiring the eclectic collection of contemporary art. Vittorio

absorbed the impressive pieces, his eyes scanning the room with a mix of appreciation and curiosity.

"Come on, Ellis. Give it your best shot, but remember, I have a keen eye for beauty," Vittorio said, smiling.

"We'll see, won't we? But don't get too confident. Art is subjective, even for you, Don Vittorio," Ellis replied, laughing.

They continued their exploration, going through various installations and exhibitions. Ellis seemed particularly drawn to the abstract and colorful works, while Vittorio leaned toward the more provocative and introspective pieces.

Finally, they arrived at a room filled with an immersive video installation, featuring fascinating images and an ethereal soundtrack. Ellis was captivated, her eyes shining with enchantment.

"This is it!" Vittorio declared confidently. "The way it combines images and sound is captivating. It's like entering another world. You owe me a favor, Mrs. Amorielle."

"Nice try, Vittorio, but it's not this one," Ellis denied, smiling but shaking her head. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, though."

"Then, what is it?" Vittorio asked, curious.

Ellis smiled and then took hold of the mobster's arm. They walked through the Fondazione until Ellis stopped in front of a sculpture of two intertwined children pointing upwards.

"This one captivates me," Ellis replied, standing in front of the sculpture, mesmerized. "The artist's use of form and material creates a sense of strength and vulnerability. It fascinates me."

Vittorio and Ellis stood side by side, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing sculpture within the walls of Fondazione Prada. As they admired the artwork, a silent connection began to form between them. Without either of them realizing it, their hands instinctively met, delicately interlacing their fingers.

Time seemed to slow down, and the air around them sparked with a mix of tension and desire. Ellis couldn't help but feel captivated by the strong, masculine touch of Vittorio's hand holding hers. She was drawn to the contrast of their touch—the roughness of his skin against her softness, creating a subtle friction that sent shivers down her spine.

Meanwhile, Vittorio's mind was consumed by the intoxicating warmth radiating from Ellis's hand. He couldn't help but imagine the delicate curves of her fingers caressing his, leaving a trail of pleasure in their wake. The sensations were electric, and he found himself yearning for more.

The surroundings blurred as their focus narrowed solely on the sensation of their joined hands. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the charged connection between them. Lost in her thoughts, Ellis imagined what it would be like to have Vittorio's touch exploring her body, igniting a fire within her that she had never experienced before.

Vittorio, on the other hand, imagined the taste of Ellis's lips, and how her body would respond to his touch. He felt a wave of desire growing within him, overcoming any remaining resistance.

Caught in this charged moment, both Ellis and Vittorio were torn between succumbing to their desires and maintaining the focus that they were only there because of their marriage contract. Their eyes met, and for a brief instant, the unspoken tension between them hung heavily in the air.

But as quickly as the moment arrived, it passed. Ellis withdrew her hand, breaking the spell that enveloped them. She averted her gaze, a slight blush coloring her cheeks, as if uncertain about her desires. Vittorio also withdrew his touch, his expression stoic as he tried to regain composure.

"I won," Ellis whispered, breaking the silence between them.

"Well done, Ellis," Vittorio said, smiling, impressed. "You have good taste, and I accept that I've been surpassed. Consider the favor yours. You can ask me for anything... except if it's related to our contract."

"Okay, I'll think about what to ask you," Ellis said, a little embarrassed. "One day, I will make my request."

Silence filled the space between them, with their unspoken desires and forbidden connection hanging in the air. Both knew that their relationship was based on a contract, a means to an end. But in that fleeting moment, the line between duty and longing had blurred, leaving them with an undeniable hunger that would continue to smolder beneath the surface.

"We should continue," Ellis began.

With a deep breath, Vittorio took a step back, his features regaining their usual intensity. Ellis followed suit, averting her gaze from him.

They resumed their exploration of the exhibition, each lost in their thoughts, deeply aware of the powerful undercurrent that now existed between them.