Velvet & Dagger Chapter 3: Whispers in the Palazzo

By steamystoriesbysarahstormverified

Venice, 1527. Dawn steals across the canals after one forbidden night. In a quiet house in Cannaregio, young widow Isabella Contarini wakes in crimson silk with mercenary captain Lorenzo di Medici’s arm still around her waist. Church bells. Warmth. The city not yet watching. Then a knock. A letter. The emperor’s army is moving faster than anyone hoped after the sack of Rome. Lorenzo’s company must ride south within the week. Venice needs every blade. He has three days. Three days before war pulls him from her bed and the Council of Ten starts listening for whispers in the palazzo. Isabella lays her palm over his heart and asks for the only thing that still belongs to them. Give me those three days. Rated R. Mature historical romance.