ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE

CHAPTER 13

Maria couldn't stop thinking about Giovanni as she made her way back to the convent. Her body still hummed with the memory of his touch, and she felt a mix of guilt and longing. She knew that what they had done was wrong, but she couldn't help the way she felt.

When she arrived at the convent, Mother Superior was waiting for her.

"Maria, I need to speak with you," she said, her voice serious.

Maria felt a knot form in her stomach. She knew that she had done something wrong, and she was afraid of what Mother Superior might say.

"What is it, Mother Superior?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I received a letter from Giovanni's mother this morning," Mother Superior said. "She thanked us for our help at the winery and invited us to a dinner party at their home."

Maria felt her heart sink. She knew that she couldn't go to the dinner party. She couldn't face Giovanni again, not after what had happened between them.

"I'm sorry, Mother Superior, but I can't go," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mother Superior looked at her with concern. "Is everything all right, Maria?"

Maria hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. She knew that she couldn't tell Mother Superior the truth, but she couldn't lie to her either.

"I...I just don't feel well," she said finally. "I don't think I can handle going to a party right now."

Mother Superior nodded sympathetically. "I understand, my child. You can rest for the evening. We'll send someone else in your place."

Maria breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad that she didn't have to face Giovanni again, at least not for now.

As she made her way to her room, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Sister Mary, one of the other nuns, walking towards her.

"Maria, are you all right?" Sister Mary asked, her voice full of concern.

Maria forced a smile. "I'm fine, Sister Mary. Just a little tired."

Sister Mary didn't seem convinced, but she didn't press the issue. "Well, if you need anything, just let me know."

Maria nodded, grateful for Sister Mary's kindness. She knew that she had to put her feelings for Giovanni aside and focus on her duties at the convent. But she couldn't shake the memory of his touch, or the way he looked at her with desire.

As she lay in bed that night, she knew that she was in trouble. She couldn't keep avoiding Giovanni forever. Eventually, she would have to face him again, and she didn't know if she was strong enough to resist him.