chapter Fifteen
All is Well in My World
Lorenzo
I was sick to my stomach. I wouldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. Everything I was looking forward to had been washed away by one of the traits I love most about Victoria.
She’s very smart. How did anyone think she wouldn’t find out? How did I? I had messed this up big time. My father was on a warpath trying to kill me. My face wore a shadow of where his hand had hit last night.
This was turning into the way I always seen it. A stranger and I being forced to marry by any means necessary. From the conversation, my father and I had with Venny last night, Victoria was done with me.
I was nothing more than a liar to her. Even worse, she was as disgusted by this arrangement as I was. She didn’t want it even if it was me. Fuck, I had messed up big time.
She won’t answer or return my calls. No one will tell me where she lives. I am just supposed to wait until tonight when they force her to come here.
I had an hour, just one hour, before I was to be dressed and downstairs to greet Victoria and her family. Venny said if she was bold enough to date me behind his back, she would be bold enough to follow through with this arrangement. I had fucked up big time.
My mother had come in to check on me several times. The last time she left some pain killers and a note to cheer me up. My face and head were throbbing.
I stood in the shower, not wanting to move. My chest felt like someone had stolen my heart. As I stood under the spray, the tears fell with the pain, but like the tears, the pain kept returning. By the time I was able to move out of the shower, I had only twenty minutes to get dressed and downstairs.
I put on the grey suit and light grey shirt my mother had put out. I couldn’t find it in me to be annoyed that she’d laid out my clothes like I was five. However, I didn’t bother with the tie. I just left the top buttons loose.
I already felt like I was choking, no need for help. I slid on some black shoes and grabbed a watch and cuff links, from my accessory drawers. I fixed my hair and took a deep breath.
I left my room wanting to stay far away from my father. I walked downstairs and headed for the family room, but the doorbell interrupted my escape. They were early. The hour I was so happily waiting for yesterday morning was here, but not as welcomed.
I turned back for the door, to find my mother and father had appeared. My father opened the door and the pain cut through me like a knife. Victoria stood in between Venny and Maria, looking more beautiful than I’d ever remembered seeing her.
The smile of an angel on her face and the glow of the stars on her skin. She looked beyond words. Victoria was dressed in a form fitting grey dress that stopped just above the knee. Sexy black stiletto boots covered her feet, stopping just below the knee.
Her hair was straightened and curled into little ringlets at the tips. Her lips were glossy, making them shiny and glittery, showing off their perfection. Her eyelashes looked even longer than remembered, showcasing those honey dipped eyes. I almost forgot how to breathe.
I walked over to stand beside my mother, which was the safest place. I watched as Victoria stepped inside, doing her best not to look in my direction. That made the pain even worse.
I almost turned around and walked away. This was not what I wanted. I could see the smile on her face was there to please her father. When they all stepped inside, my father shut the door and began to greet Victoria.
“Now you must be Victoria. Wow, I see what all the trouble has been about. Pictures do you no justice. You’re stunning, young lady. I’m Lorenzo’s father, Alfonzo. It’s nice to meet you,” he started.
Victoria reached out her hand. “Very nice to meet you, Mr. Botticelli. You have a beautiful home. Thank you for inviting me. You must be so proud of Lorenzo,” she said in the sweetest harmonious sound.
Hearing her say my name crushed my heart for the millionth time. My father took her hand and kissed it. He then motioned for me to move forward to where the two of them stood. I moved in their direction as he ordered.
“Make a gentleman of yourself. This is the beauty you would rather die for. Here’s your chance to speak to her,” he said to me, in his broken Italian dialect.
To my father’s surprise, in the same dialect my father used, Victoria replied. “That’s not necessary. I know he’s a gentleman. No need to force him to do what he doesn’t want to.”
My father’s eyes flashed to her, then Venny. “Sorry, Victoria, I didn’t realize you speak Italian,” he spoke in English.
She looked him in the eyes very confidently. “I speak several dialects. My father insisted I learn. I take pride in my heritage, it’s what a La Marcello must do. How else would I teach my children?” I could hear the edge and sarcasm in her voice.
You could cut the tension in the air with a knife. Victoria was standing toe to toe with my father, something men wouldn’t do. Just when Venny was about to intervene, my father began to laugh and looked at me.
“I see why you’re so taken by her. She’s just like you,” he chortled.
I stepped forward. “Thank you for coming, Victoria. You look amazing,” I managed.
She looked me in the face this time. I saw her eyes widen, as she scanned the bruise on my face. Victoria looked back at my father, and again at me. I watched as the façade broke from her face. She looked at me with pain in her eyes.
“You’re welcome. You look very handsome yourself,” she said in a gentle voice, managing a weak smile.
My mother broke the rest of the tension, when she greeted everyone with her bubbly personality, hugging Victoria, then Maria, and Venny. Aunt Maria turned to hug me. She held on longer than I expected.
“She loves you, you can fix this,” she whispered in my ear.
I nodded once acknowledging her words. My father called for everyone to follow him to the tearoom. Victoria waited for everyone to move forward, then fell in by my side.
I wanted so badly to talk to her alone. To tell her how sorry I was. As we walked, she reached over and grabbed my hand lacing her fingers through mine. I lifted my head to look at her and she smiled at me. A real smile this time. I tried to smile back, but I felt like I was going to lose it.
We entered the tearoom, my parents sitting in the two beige winged back chairs. Venny and Maria sat on the matching sofa and then there was the blue love seat left. Victoria headed in the direction of the sofa to sit next to Maria, but gently I pulled her hand I’d been holding.
I motioned for her to stay with me on the love seat. Victoria turned to face me and complied with my wishes. We sat together still holding each other’s hand. I was in awe of the electricity that flowed through us.
I hadn’t expected such a pull. I felt amazing to finally be able to touch her. However, I still wasn’t satisfied with the situation. I wanted to know how she felt, what she wanted.
Our parents talked while we listened. Maria wasn’t her usual charismatic self. I knew a part of that had something to do with what I had told Victoria yesterday. Maria was no stranger to this setting.
Maria too had been promised. However, in her case the man she was promised to had already been in love with someone else. I know that had to sting.
Victoria interrupted my thoughts. “Where is Lucie?” she asked.
I looked at her surprised. “She had ballet practice. Uncle Mike should be on the way back with her now,” I answered.
“Oh,” she replied, leaning in she whispered. “Is your face okay?”
I winked at her. “Yeah, it’s my heart that hurts,” I clarified.
She looked me in the eyes. I could see her eyes tearing up. That was it. I needed to speak with her now. I wanted to understand how she felt. Had I ruined everything?
I cleared my throat to get the room’s attention. “Would it be okay if Victoria and I took a walk?” I asked.
My father and Venny looked at each other and they both shrugged. “Don’t go too far,” was my father’s response.
I stood up still holding Victoria’s hand and waited for her to rise. She was hesitant at first. Then, as if she had a sudden thought, she stood to follow me.
I walked out of the room, not sure where to go. Finally, I decided to go upstairs to the theater room. Victoria followed in silence. When we arrived in the room I wanted, I turned to meet her gaze. She immediately reached for my face.
“What happen?” she almost sobbed out.
I placed my hand on hers. “Nothing, it’s fine,” I assured her.
“It doesn’t look like nothing. Lorenzo, is this because of me?” she frowned.
“No, it’s because of me. I was supposed to stay away from you and didn’t, I messed things up.”
“What do you mean? I am not stupid, Lorenzo. I would’ve figured out what they were up to and probably sooner if you weren’t distracting me,” she demanded.
“I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I lost my temper with you, I wasn’t mad at you, I was mad at this. What they want,” I explained.
“What do you want?” she whispered softly.
I grabbed her by the waist and draw her to me. “You, that’s all I ever wanted. I love you so much, you have to know that,” I breathed.
“I don’t know what to believe anymore, Lorenzo. I want to believe you but… why would you keep this from me?” she murmured.
“Victoria, all a wanted was to make you happy. Does knowing this make you happy?” I pleaded.
“No.” she grumbled.
“Okay, then, there’s your answer. I love you,” I moaned.
She looked into my eyes and the tears begin to fall. “I love you too, more than you know,” she breathed back at me.
I couldn’t take her crying. Not while I was there and could do something about it. I leaned over and placed my lips right next to hers and paused. I could feel the electricity between our bodies. She leaned in toward me and I pressed my lips against her soft ones.
I could tell she was unsure of what to do, but ready to learn. I gently guided her lips to teach them my rhythm. Victoria quickly caught the pace and lifted her arms to wrap them around my neck. I tightened my grip on her waist, raising her up on her toes. I could taste the strawberries and cream, lip-gloss mixed with the salt of her tears.
Kissing her was better than I thought. Her soft lips felt perfect and the soft curves of her body melted against mine. I let one of my hands roam freely up her back. I was surprised to feel her bare skin against my palm. I hadn’t noticed the back of her dress was cut so low under all her hair. She arched her back at my touch and released a low moan.
I was lost in her scent, her feel, and her embrace. I traced my tongue across her bottom lip, causing her to moan again, as she parted her lips with a gasp. I slid my tongue into her mouth and patiently taught her once again what my mouth wanted from hers. Again, she caught on quickly, pulling me even closer, despite the fact that we were as close as we could get.
I staggered forward so that she stumbled back, causing her back to meet the wall behind her. I pressed her to it. We both let out a moan and I could hear her panting, and my breathing out of control.
I pressed my hands to the wall on either side of her head. When she moaned again, I moved my face to her neck. I brushed the hair away with my nose and kissed the birthmark under her ear.
Victoria moaned again. I reached down to place my hand on the skin under her dress starting at her knee. I paused there to see if she would object, but she whispered in my ear.
“I love you.”
I groaned this time and slowly drag my tongue up to her ear. “I love you too.” I whispered back.
I started to draw my hand up from her knee to her thigh, locking my hand in place at the top of her thigh. I squeezed at her skin that burned under my palm. We both moaned this time, a little too loudly. Victoria moved her hands down my chest, around to my back. I moved my lips to her forehead, then I kissed the tip of her nose, and moved back to her lips.
This time Victoria was eager to show me what she’d learned. Her kisses were skilled and passionate. I was taken back by how fast she learned. I heard myself growl her name in passion.
“Victoria.”
She whimpered in response. In that moment, I wanted too much. I realized I had taken this too far. The hand I had locked on her thigh wanted to move further, my lips wanted to kiss deeper. My whole body was hard for her.
I pulled back my hand and pulled away from her lips. Our breathing was so rough, I was sure I had gone too far. Victoria opened her eyes and looked at me with worry in them.
“Did I do something wrong?” she panted.
I back away and shook my head. “No, I just think we better stop.”
She wrinkled her nose at me and poked her lip out. “I don’t want you to stop. Come here, please.”
I shook my head. I knew what my body wanted and that wasn’t going to happen. I needed to stay right where I was. She asked me again, this time in a voice and a language she knew I wouldn’t refuse.
“Lorenzo, si prega di venire qui.”
She wasn’t playing fair. I bite my lip, then I did as she asked. I walked over to the wall where she stood and leaned in to kiss her softly. I moved to kiss her neck and she went in for the kill. She whispered again in that forbidden tongue of hers. “Lorenzo, ti amo.”
I couldn’t resist her, hearing it come out of her mouth that way. I pressed up against her and grabbed a hand full of her hair, pulling down on it, so her neck opened to me. I kissed and lick at her skin and moaned in absolute pleasure.
I reached down to navigate to her thigh again, but this time she wrapped her leg around my back. Her thigh pulled me tightly into her soft body. This was too much encouragement.
All of this from the girl that told me she didn’t want to, she wanted to wait. I tried to remember that, remind myself of what she’d said and what I promised. I’m a man, I could stop this.
“Victoria, Baby, this is too much, we need to stop,” I groaned.
She leaned to my ear and moaned. “No.”
I shuddered under her voice. “Yes, you don’t know what you’re doing. We’re going to stop now,” I demanded.
I dropped my hands and went to pull away, but Victoria locked her leg tighter around my back and reached to whisper in my ear. “I know what I’m doing. I want you to stay here.”
This wasn’t going to happen. I put my hand on her leg and slide my hand up her thigh as I watched her face. Then dragged my hand back down her leg, trailing it to where it rested behind my back. I unlocked it from around me.
“Never what you want, only what you need,” I leaned in to whisper.
I took several steps away from her this time. I braced myself on one of the movie seats. Victoria leaned on the wall with her head back. I stared at her, not believing how young she was.
She looked as if she were in her early twenties. When she stood up straight and fixed her dress, my eyes rolled over her figure. Stunning was the only word that fit.
I had full control of myself, so I motioned for her to come to me. She did as I requested, coming to stand right in front of me. I placed my hands on her waist and kissed her stomach.
“I love you,” I murmured.
She giggled. “I love you too. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you, it’s not your fault,” she said so softly.
“I understood how you feel about what our fathers want. You don’t need to apologize. I’m just happy you’re in my arms,” I replied.
Pulling her closer, I buried my head deeper in her belly, loving the feel of her so close. I wanted to be as close as I could get to her. Yet, it wasn’t enough.
Victoria ran her fingers through the nape of my hair. The gesture sending a bolt of electricity through my spine. I raised my face to look at her and I stood.
“I think we should go back.”
Victoria nodded and turned to leave the room. I watched her walk forward and took in what I missed before. I brushed her hair out of the way to get a better look at her dress, as I walked behind her. I got an eye full. Not able to help myself, I wrapped my arms around her, as she walked in front of me.
“Did you wear this for me?” I whispered in her ear. She giggled and nodded her head. “You’re so beautiful. Don’t ever leave me, Baby,” I pleaded.
She stopped, then turned around. “If you promise not to leave me,” she insisted.
I mocked the phone voice she used on the phone. “Promise.”
She frowned. “Promise,” she repeated, and we both laughed.
We returned to the tearoom to a bunch of curious stares. Victoria moved a little further away from me. I watched the smile that covered her face as she noticed Lucie in the room. Lucie sat next to Maria, but bounced up to her feet to greet Victoria.
“Hey, Vicky,” leave it to my little sister to have a nickname for Victoria already.
Victoria walked over to Lucie and gave her a hug. “Hey, Lucie,” she said, as she released her and reached for one of Lucie’s spiral curls. “How was class?”
Lucie wrinkled her nose. “Same old, same old. I’m moving to the advanced classes. This group is for babies.”
Victoria laughed, releasing the curl she’d been twirling her finger around, so that Lucie could return to her seat. Victoria came and took her seat next to me. I leaned over to kiss her temple. She hid her face in my shoulder in embarrassment, letting her hair fall to cover her face.
I looked up to see the whole room watching us. Both Lucie and my mom, had their mouths hanging open. Maria was grinning from ear to ear. Venny and my father looked all business, as if I had just closed a deal for them. The two of them made me sick, but I was too happy to think about them tonight.
“Let’s eat,” my father announced.