”Barricelli now left Strozzi to study the folio on her own and went to talk with his trumpeters and kettle drummers. Their expressions and body lang...age as he approached them made Claudia smile; conversing with the maestro was a matter no little importance.“It must be wonderful studying here,” she said absently.“Oh yes, but its hard work too. My grandfather is a member of the Societa Italiana di Musicologia and expects nothing but perfection. If he praises you, then and only then do you know. I can’t wait to show you just how good! Hurry, go get him; I will meet you upstairs, first door on the right.” Keeping her directions in mind, I headed back to the front door to find my man. I found him quickly, and he looked bored as he greeted one person and then another. Smiling at the on-coming mass, I grabbed his hand and dragged him inside. His eyes filled with desire, knowing what I’m after – more or less. Whoops follow us as I dragged him up the stairs, pushing him into the first room. I revisited my other fighting skills, and using the same technique managed to improve my unarmed combat significantly.Not wanting deadly skills to be automatic, I blunted my edge by training myself to differentiate, so I wouldn’t react deadly to some moron’s practical joke. Even if it was Freddy K. jumping out of the bushes, if his talons were rubber and not sharp steel, I would put him down gently.I mean really, I was immortal now anyway, and didn’t need any life sentences. I can just guess. John was well built, atleast eight inches taller than Hope and she wondered ifhe liked short women. She asked him his feelings andJohn responded, “You’re not short. You’re petite.” Theyboth laughed. John smiled again and reached across the elevator topull her closer to him. His hands caressed her breastsand suddenly his hands grasped her narrow waist,lifting her and bracing her against the elevator wallas he pressed his body against her. As John’s warmmouth covered.