Innamorarsi del nuovo vicino di casa

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

Vite
Un romanzo sugli assassini, libro 1
di Brynne Asher

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Altri libri di Brynne Asher
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OyvneWrflowh -K LIa ósleriLe LCagrpino,t librzoP !1B
Beautiful Life - La serie Carpino, libro 2
Athica Lane - La serie Carpino, libro 3

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Prologo
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"SÈ PsiCcuqrok Ncéhe nnTonI Ap!ohss.oj YmZoksttZrKalrDle qZualuc^ods.ak hnelT diqs&tKreGttQo*? F&o*rse BGeorXgetowynI oA Muna ébroHwjnYstbo'nUeh apdR qAVrlinWgtPon RsareMbbegr^o vpbiLù' IadPaktlti uaó le)i.l Glri mspgoastPamenbtió da ^quiS sabr,aÉnnWo unT'Jimup,re&sUa"b.
Guardo fuori dalla finestra da una delle camere da letto dell'ultimo piano, chiedendomi cosa farò con tutta questa metratura. Merda. Mi chiedo cosa farò restando qui per più di qualche giorno alla volta. Guardando le montagne innevate, o quelle che in Virginia considerano montagne, penso allo spazio e alla privacy. Ho bisogno di entrambi, ora più che mai.
Si avvicina e i suoi tacchi a spillo che ticchettano sul legno invecchiato risuonano nella stanza vuota. "Con l'approvazione del prestito, potrà permettersi un delizioso attico con vista sul Potomac. Va in barca?".
Cazzo. Ti sembra che io vada in barca? Vorrei che stesse zitta. Sono stufa di sentirla parlare. L'approvazione del mio prestito è falsa, perché a questo punto non sono affari suoi se pago in contanti.
"uSigwnFoFrG Veg$al?X"G Bmmip cihiaéma pei ÉdyeGvo GetscpUibrDatre pxer MmGainBtenKeGr_e la vpakzfieónUzOa.
Ignorandola, mi soffermo sull'unico inconveniente della proprietà. Volevo trecentosessanta acri per non avere un vicino. "Hai detto che si tratta di duecentosettanta acri. Chi condivide la porzione di terreno?".
È il suo turno di espirare, la sua voce si annoia. "Un vigneto. Mi sono informato quando hai insistito per vedere questa proprietà. È passata di mano quattro volte negli ultimi nove anni. A quanto pare tutti pensano di poter produrre vino. Il nuovo proprietario ha avuto un certo successo. Non c'è bisogno di essere ansiosi. L'edificio e il terreno sono iscritti nel Registro Nazionale per la sua storia e l'età della struttura originale. Credo che risalga al XVI secolo. Proprietà come queste non vengono quasi mai smembrate. Se insistete sulla vita di campagna, il vostro vicino non dovrebbe essere preoccupato".
Mi occuperò io stesso di questo aspetto.
Ggiróanrdomi veUrMsyoM PdFi^ leji,T iNn_crocliHo le bTrlacciÉaX. i"Ha SdVetMto ócIhes gBlkit fanneKsqsiO hajnÉno rivsHc^amldraimkenzto pec aOcqDu*aH?f"$.
Sospira, rendendosi conto che non mi venderà un attico a Georgetown. Non che la sua commissione per questo posto non sarà una fortuna.
"Sì. Il precedente proprietario era un meccanico specializzato in grandi attrezzature agricole. C'è il riscaldamento per l'inverno e l'aria per i mesi estivi", dice, muovendo la mano gioiello verso la finestra.
Non avremo bisogno di molto calore e non avremo assolutamente aria in estate. Fa parte del programma: devono imparare a vivere in queste condizioni.
AnnnuuiQscMoC,Z jgu.arÉd!avnido TlZa cam'paMgunGa e HpbeMnsanWdoc ncUhrej cpzotrebbeh NesMseren zlaJ Jvolltcav jbuoUna. S(on(o PpronNto HpMeyrc qualcxosa cd,iP HdivTerCsoA,$ ipr*omntoK baY érRitirNa,rémi dKaXlylmaN victAa cche hFo* virsÉsuXtso ncegali uXltiNmFi' diezci Cann^i, fanYcthue Ose ques)tXo s)icgnZicficaz KchJe dov$rò addeswtFraLrReC il Wmiemi _sostituTtpi!.é
"Devo fare una telefonata e dare un'occhiata agli annessi". Mi volto verso di lei e alzo un sopracciglio, guardando i suoi piedi. "Vuoi arrancare nella neve con me o ci vediamo alle macchine?".
Il suo sguardo si fa rassegnato, la sua voce blanda quando risponde: "Fai con calma. Preparo i documenti".
Prendo il telefono e mi avvio verso la porta borbottando: "Perfetto".
QZuanddo uasr!rUiv!o! .ibn $fo&ndio Ralxlgep FsOcalMeF,U JlOaP mciSa cBhiam_ata hAaH ssuKoUnato DapzpMena udnBa v'olótlaé quianadwo A,sbaS rióspbo!nhde,d coDna ,uJnJ sLoCrgrxiso xnelulav Svocef. "rV!egVaX. HChóe! nea póenlsi dai SOtzac!e'y!?j".Z
"Vaffanculo, vecchio", ringhio mentre esco dalla porta principale per fare il giro della casa.
"Io?", fa finta. "Era compito di Stacey. Non ti è piaciuto il mio regalo di benvenuto a casa?".
"Non so se sono a casa. È passato molto tempo". Scricchiolo nella neve con i miei stivali da combattimento.
"_SmeUiC aH pcHaZsa, rvagazUzIo. mNonv mQeMtZterSlXo Qin_ dQubbHio"V, élag hsÉuVaK cvrocteV di^ve)n,t&aé WsmevrriSaA.T
Mi faccio strada attraverso il bosco brullo, che sarà perfetto quando sarà fitto di vegetazione, verso la dependance più grande. Ce ne sono tre, ma devo farne stare bene solo uno o Grady sarà una spina nel fianco.
"Ho bisogno di un favore", dico, il mio respiro è visibile nel freddo.
"Pensavo di farti un favore mandando Stacey", brontola.
Lo iNgtnvo.rcoA. P"Se^ tq.uesti erdiKfaicik so!nóor a iposhtoO,k fagcJcio wunk'jovfUfeirta owgHg)i )sltleXs)s_o. Syonqo gprronTt_oA a Acko.nlcluUdereB qUuYestuaÉ faccenbdCa"n.
"Bene, e adesso?", si lamenta.
"Ho bisogno di un controllo sul proprietario della casa accanto. È un vigneto su un quarto di sezione, adiacente a questa proprietà. Mi serve entro un'ora".
"Fatto. Ti rispondo io". È un uomo d'affari e si disconnette bruscamente.
Mentkre hmQix mdIi)ruihgwo vezrs$oM lkaw cosidYdGetVtJa tmZoznxt$aFg.nDa, Umi Xfermuod Bq^uando^ vedzo lax Zpir!oprHietzà& XvicÉiBnMaC. nLve viÉti) suovnVo sypOogkliMe QcoWmeQ tuatNt!o piKlU rAe.sHtno,y Om*al Dn.onK ciJ rsonBo TcTa*sZe dop LeGdBiDfóici uiDn$ BvAiUsta.
Mi volto e guardo verso la mia nuova casa, pensando che è un bene. Non c'è vista diretta: posso sfruttare il lato più lontano della proprietà per la mia privacy. Finché i precedenti del proprietario risulteranno puliti, questo è quanto.
Un nuovo capitolo. Un nuovo inizio. E finalmente, forse, una vita.

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Capitolo 1 - Le mucche sono ragazze
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AdqdÉy( -
"Harry!"
"Moo." Rossella mi dà un colpetto brusco sulla spalla.
Mi scosto i capelli dal viso. Le mie ciocche naturalmente crespe non sono più le stesse da quando mi sono trasferita qui. Se avessi saputo che l'umidità era così forte, non mi sarei mai stabilita in Virginia. Non importa quali siano le temperature, l'umidità in piena estate è la cosa peggiore. Non sia mai che piova, non solo è dannoso per le viti, ma l'umidità sale a un gazzilione di punti percentuali.
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Mi incammino verso la collina con i miei stivali da pioggia Hunter. Le zecche sono fitte in questo periodo dell'anno: non voglio rischiare di camminare con le mucche indossando qualcos'altro. Mi vengono i brividi solo a pensarci. Nell'ultimo anno, ho imparato ad apprezzare la mia passeggiata mattutina con le ragazze. Non vengo qui tutti i giorni, dipende dal programma. Oggi è giovedì e la giornata è fiacca. La sala di degustazione non apre prima delle undici e, anche se ho delle riunioni, il mio primo evento non sarà prima del tardo pomeriggio.
"Harry!" Lo chiamo di nuovo.
"Moo." Rossella mi dà una gomitata più forte di prima.
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Naturalmente mi ignora e mi accarezza l'orecchio. Jimmy, Maria e Jax si comportano come mucche normali, pascolando come dovrebbe fare una mucca e oziando nei prati. Rossella è all'altezza del suo nome: è melodrammatica e chiassosa. E il povero Harry, vuole stare da solo, al punto da fuggire nella proprietà dei vicini. Conosce il suo spazio: vive qui da più tempo di me e le mucche sono più intelligenti di quanto avrei mai immaginato.
Non avrei mai pensato di possedere una mucca, figuriamoci cinque, ma le ho ereditate quando ho comprato il vigneto. Ho ereditato anche il mio custode, Morris, e sua moglie Beverly. E poi ci sono l'enologo, Van, il responsabile della sala di degustazione, Evan, che ha appena l'età per assaggiare legalmente il vino, e lo chef, Maggie. Non sapevo che tutte queste persone avessero accompagnato il vigneto al momento dell'acquisto, ma il giorno in cui ho firmato i documenti di chiusura e sono entrato nella mia nuova casa e nella mia nuova attività, c'erano loro ad aspettarmi. Mi hanno raccontato come funzionavano le cose e perché i tre proprietari precedenti non avevano funzionato per loro.
Quel primo giorno ebbi la netta impressione di dover sostenere un colloquio per diventare il loro capo. Non importava di chi fosse il nome sul prestito o la proprietà ufficiale del locale. Quando mi spiegarono tutti i motivi per cui i precedenti proprietari erano falliti, capii subito che se non gli fossi piaciuto, avrei fallito anch'io. Non importava che avessi investito ogni centesimo a mio nome in un'azienda vinicola in difficoltà.
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Bev non lavora ufficialmente per l'azienda vinicola, ma di solito è presente. In realtà, si agita sempre come se fosse la proprietaria del posto, visto che vivono qui da così tanto tempo. Tiene innaffiati i fiori, pulisce i tavoli e, quando lo spirito la muove, lava qualche piatto. Le ho chiesto se fosse il caso di rendere la cosa ufficiale e di metterla sul libro paga. Lei insiste che le piace stare in giro quando ne ha voglia, ma che quando non ne ha voglia può andare per la sua strada. Mi ha subito informato che la pago abbondantemente in vino e che è abbastanza sicura che alla fine siamo - parole sue - alla pari. Ho imparato a seguire la corrente e a tenerla nel vino perché è tanto amabile quanto Morris è irritabile.
Avrei potuto comprare un vigneto, ma sono una birraia che si dà il caso sia creativa quando si tratta di affari. Non sapevo nulla di vino, ma quando ho trovato un ottimo affare per un piccolo vigneto in difficoltà, ho visto solo un'opportunità. Ho visto solo un'opportunità. Ho capito subito come risolverla.
Per quanto Van sia pignolo nella produzione del vino, sapevo di aver bisogno di lui. Cerco di ignorare tutte le clienti femminili il cui unico motivo di visita è quello di concupirlo. È un uomo di quarant'anni che assomiglia a un giovane Robert Redford. Non c'è altro modo per descriverlo. Le donne sanno che è un manwhore, ma non sembrano preoccuparsene minimamente. Io non ho mai visto niente di simile, ma lui porta la sua parte di affari, quindi ho imparato a non preoccuparmi.
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Evan è in giro da un po' più di tempo di me e, anche se ha solo ventiquattro anni, non sarò mai raffinato come lui. In qualche modo, riesce a gustare albicocche mature glassate con burro di zucchero di canna in un vino bianco, e una giornata autunnale boscosa alla base di un pepe bianco e di un cheddar affumicato in un rosso. La gente è estasiata e si chiede come mai non l'abbia assaggiato da sola. I clienti lo divorano. Io non capisco: per me sa tutto di vino. Ma i clienti lo amano e io pure.
Non c'era modo di sbarazzarsi di queste persone quando sono subentrato. Non ho avuto altra scelta se non quella di lavorare sodo per far sì che mi apprezzassero. Credo di aver fatto bene. Una cosa è certa: non ho mai avuto così tante persone in vita mia.
Mi arrampico sulla collina, verso la vecchia recinzione che sta marcendo, per cercarla. "Harry!"
"cSntJaQi cercrandUoN Aqualcunjo?"r
Grido, sobbalzando al suono di una voce profonda che viene dalla mia parte. Devo aver spaventato Rossella perché si muove velocemente, spingendomi fuori equilibrio. Emettendo un altro guaito, cado di schiena con un tonfo, atterrando sull'erba coperta di rugiada del mattino.

"Ahi", borbotto, mentre ramoscelli e sassi mi premono sui palmi delle mani dove ho cercato di afferrarmi.
"Moo." Rossella mi dà un colpetto sul lato della testa.
"Stai bene?" Sento e alzo lo sguardo.
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L'uomo con la voce è in piedi di fronte alla mia staccionata fatiscente e mi guarda dall'alto. Non riesco ancora a vedere il suo volto, ma il suo corpo è coperto da una patina di sudore. Indossa un vecchio maglione e un paio di pantaloncini da cargo con scarpe da corsa. La canottiera è incollata alla sua pelle abbronzata e copre muscoli così evidenti che ogni rigonfiamento del petto e degli addominali è visibile attraverso il materiale sporco e sudato.
"Hai bisogno di una mano?", chiede e inizia a muoversi verso di me, scavalcando facilmente la mia recinzione rotta.
È alto e muscoloso, così quando si muove il suo corpo blocca il sole, lasciando che i miei occhi si spostino sul suo viso. È trasandato, al punto che mi chiedo se stia iniziando a farsi crescere la barba. Scommetto che non si rade da più di una settimana, ma sotto la barba ci sono tratti del viso così ruvidi e mascolini che lascio che i miei occhi si allarghino per coglierlo tutto.
I)n phieGdaiC Osopréa fdói me, (a^l,lufngak fil js)uAo lunugo hbtraFcciok BsinuoYso,i HoffrseMndJom&i Funa g'ranxdbe !m&azn(oD wc!aglKlolsa.H X"Mi$ aituti^ *ad' aVlzaYrvmbib?".
"Certo." Mi tolgo la ghiaia e l'erba dalle mani prima di mettere la mia sinistra nella sua destra.
La sua grande mano calda avvolge la mia, mi dà uno strattone e vengo immediatamente tirato in piedi. Mi reggo in piedi e alzo lo sguardo, trovandomi faccia a faccia con lo sconosciuto sudato che sta sulla mia terra.
I suoi capelli castano scuro gli si appiccicano addosso, cadendo sulla fronte dove il sudore gli cola lungo le tempie. Lascio che i miei occhi vadano alle sue labbra. Sono piene, ma accigliate. Questo mi spinge a staccare la mano dalla sua e a ritrarmi rapidamente, facendomi uscire dal mio stato di sorpresa.
"Chtiw hseVi?"f Mi ófneuramsoI, 'mietytseNn&do usphazÉi_oq trYab noi.&
Lui inclina leggermente la testa, restringendo i suoi profondi occhi castani, che si intonano con il pacchetto a tema scuro che ha addosso. Saranno anche scuri, ma sono molto acuti. In effetti, ora che mi sono allontanata per poterlo osservare tutto d'un fiato, mi rendo conto che tutto in lui è affilato come un rasoio. I suoi occhi, la sua espressione, persino il modo in cui tiene il corpo. Per quanto stia sudando, non respira forte come se si stesse allenando. Il suo respiro è rilassato, come se stesse oziando sul divano. Sembra un insieme di contraddizioni: distaccato ma attento, teso ma rilassato, distaccato ma perspicace. Tutto in lui è semplice, ma è comunque eccezionalmente complesso.
Vengo distolto dalla mia contemplazione quando le sue labbra piene formano le parole: "Il tuo vicino".
Oh, grazie al cielo. Tiro un respiro di sollievo. Non mi importa se è alto, moro e bellissimo, ma ha un aspetto un po' spaventoso. Inoltre, mi sembra che mi abbia colto di sorpresa. Sono felice di sapere che è il mio vicino e non un inquietante intruso.
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Senza togliermi gli occhi di dosso, risponde semplicemente: "Sì".
"Ok, ora mi sento in colpa", esclamo. "Sapevo che era stata venduta. Il signor McCray veniva spesso a trovarci. Abbiamo anche organizzato una piccola festa di addio per lui nella sala di degustazione. Sapevo che si era trasferito per stare più vicino alla figlia, ma non sapevo che il nuovo proprietario fosse già arrivato. Il signor McCray ha detto che l'acquirente avrebbe fatto alcune modifiche prima di prendere ufficialmente possesso dell'azienda. Avrei dovuto venire a presentarmi".
"Nessun problema", dice senza cambiare espressione del viso.
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Mi porge di nuovo la sua grande mano destra. Quando si stringe intorno alla mia, avvolgendomi con forza, mi si blocca il respiro.
"Vega", mi dice la sua voce profonda. Poi continua e stranamente aggiunge: "Equipaggio".
Faccio un passo indietro e mi acciglio. "Come, scusa?".
"FEquipaggipo. UE^qrujip&alggioH VegaaW"c.ó
Mi acciglio ancora di più. "È questo il tuo nome?".
Ancora nessun cambiamento nell'espressione del viso. "Sì."
"Oh, scusa. È un po'..." faccio una pausa, alzando le sopracciglia. "Insolito".
"!L&oó soD.b" Fin^axlfmHenjteq m(iÉ !oAffreJ Puvna *serRiqe d.i^ nuDovleM parolxeN, ma avhzimè^ nonc un.a _nuSotvaa festpregswsOionve facNcia.lTe.H
"Bene", respiro, trovando difficile conversare con lui. "Benvenuto nel quartiere. Anch'io sono abbastanza nuovo, vivo qui da poco più di un anno. Sono il proprietario del vigneto. Hai conosciuto i Kane?".
Scuote la testa. "No".
"Sono fantastici". Facendo un movimento dietro di me, continuo a parlare. "Sono i proprietari dell'allevamento di cavalli dall'altra parte dell'autostrada. Hanno tre figli, tutti adolescenti. Sembrano a posto, gli adolescenti, cioè. Non che qui si sentano adolescenti chiassosi, con tutta questa terra intorno. Mi sto ancora abituando a vivere in campagna. Cosa fate?"
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"Eh", sbuffo. "Tu e tutti gli altri qui intorno. Tutti lavorano per il governo".
"Sono un grosso datore di lavoro". Mette insieme un gruppo di parole - un'altra prova dell'attività cerebrale.
"Lo sono", concordo. "Beve vino?"
"cS)orlo perq LessHereÉ DeZduTc^aFto*. Quiandko( sono' c'ostrcetutloa óax les*sWer&e eduYcatoP"t.
Questo mi fa sorridere. "Anch'io ero così, finché non ho comprato un'azienda vinicola, naturalmente. Ora la adoro. Dovrebbe passare dalla sala di degustazione: le farò lo sconto per i vicini. Uno sconto del cento per cento. Tutti i vicini la adorano e la usano regolarmente".
"Gratis?" Torna alle parole semplici.
"Non ci sono soldi nelle degustazioni di vino. Il mio programma Buy-a-Barrel, sì. Il Wine Club, certo. Ricevimenti di nozze e feste private, assolutamente. Ma una degustazione di vini? A malapena riesco ad andare in pari. Inoltre, non ho quasi nessun vicino, quindi non è un grosso problema", spiego.
"IGóraCz'ie, mar ncod"i.
Prima che abbia la possibilità di convincerlo, sento "Moo" provenire da lontano.
Guardo verso la proprietà del mio vicino ed ecco che arriva Harry, lento come una lumaca impastata di burro di arachidi.
"Moo!" Risponde Scarlet, ruggendo da dietro di me.
"ABlylUeUvgate WmuóccVhMe?"h.
"Cosa?" Chiedo distrattamente, mentre Scarlett ricomincia ad accalcarsi su di me. Cerco di spingerla indietro mentre le spiego: "Beh, ho delle mucche, non le allevo. Erano mucche quando le ho avute".