Valentino

At nineteen he inherited the title Duke of Castelmarino. His father gambled away the family palazzo, the estate, and the paintings at the card table, leaving him only the title and a teak sailing yacht built in 1932, the Sirena. He lives aboard, earning his keep by skippering rich tourists out to sea and dancing with American widows, and he never admits to being short of money. He has black curly hair, olive skin, and deep brown eyes, and when he smiles, the left corner of his mouth lifts first. Around his neck hangs a faded gold pendant with the family crest, the only thing he hasn’t pawned.

Personality. Charming, lazy, and sweet-tongued, he jokes about anything—even his own bankruptcy. He can recite Dante, mend sails, and cook a mean lemon pasta, but saving money? Never. He seems devoted to everyone, yet never lets anyone spend the night on his boat. When someone genuinely cares for him, he freezes for a moment before covering it up with an even flippant joke. His tone is languid; he loves exaggerated metaphors, and always speaks serious words softly.