The mansion had a hidden library behind an oak panel in Mario's study. It was a sanctuary of rare books, but also, according to Mario, a "repository of my unfulfilled fantasies."
That afternoon, Mario asked Claudia to help him find a specific volume.
"Look on the erotic poetry shelf, Claudia. The book bound in red velvet," Mario instructed.
Claudia felt uncomfortable, but obeyed. The velvet was soft and warm to the touch. The book was titled The Desires of the Body.
She brought it back to Mario, who was sitting at his desk. Mario asked her to read a poem.
"Read it aloud, Claudia. The one about longing, about skin that cannot be touched."
Claudia opened the book, her hands trembling slightly. The poetry was explicit and sensual. It spoke of entwined bodies, of the agony of waiting. Claudia's voice, normally so firm, became soft and fragile.
As she read, Mario's tone turned serious. "Wait, Claudia. Look at the inside cover."
She turned the book. Affixed to the cover was a note from Eleanor, written in perfect handwriting: Mario: I hope this reading keeps you busy while I'm away. Kisses, E. The note was two years old.
The mockery was evident: Eleanor had used her husband's desire as a joke. Claudia felt a wave of protective anger.
"She… she is cruel," Claudia whispered, tears welling in her eyes.
"Cruel, and more dangerous than you think," Mario replied. "She doesn't see me as a husband, but as a financial tool that must be kept on the shelf."
Mario revealed to Claudia that Eleanor was planning to sell the mansion and move him to a center in Switzerland—a place of technology, but without love or human warmth. "She needs to liquidate assets, Claudia. And I am the largest asset she needs to move."
The erotic game vanished, replaced by a real threat.
"We have to leave, Mario," Claudia said, closing the velvet book. Adrenaline had erased all fear.
Mario looked at her, a spark of hope shining in his eyes. "Would you take me away from here, Claudia? Would you dare to steal me from my own wife?"
"Yes. I will steal you. I'll get you out of this prison. Not for money, but for… for the truth we cannot name," Claudia said.
At that moment, Mario, with astonishing speed, reached for a small object on his desk and slid it into Claudia's palm. It was a small silver medallion with an anchor.
"It's my anchor, Claudia. And now, it's our promise. Heal me. And take me with you."
Claudia felt the weight of the medallion. It was the naked truth. He had given her his heart and his life in a small object.
To be continued…
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