CARLY'S POV

"Thanks." I muttered as I took the glass from him, feeling a little bit shy as his gaze lingered on me.

The wine was rich and velvety, with a hint of spice that left a warm sensation in my throat. I sipped it slowly, enjoying the taste and the way it made me feel.

"So," Alessandro said, breaking the comfortable silence between us. "What do you think of my collection?"

"It's amazing," I replied honestly, looking around at all the beautiful paintings hanging on the walls. "I've never seen anything like this before."

"I'm glad you like them," he said with a smile.

"For how many years have...