Chapter Six
“What’s that on your neck?” Fabiana asked.
Mira’s hand instinctively covered the spot in question. She pulled the collar of her shirt over to hide the reddish-purple bruise.
“Oh shit! Is that a hickey?”
“What? No.” Mira chuckled. She found several love bites that morning when she showered. A few bruised patches of skin also peppered her breasts, abdomen, and between her thighs. The man had a habit of biting, sucking, and licking every inch of her. “You know I bruise easily. I was showering a bit too hard this morning.”
A nervous tremble went through her hand when she reached for her cappuccino, so she abandoned the attempt. It was silly to hide the truth from her best friend, but for some reason she didn’t want to talk about it. She ignored the questioning look on Fabiana’s face. Mira hid her sleep-deprived eyes behind the black lenses of her sunglasses. Giovanni was gone. So breakfast this morning had been served outside on the veranda facing the lake. They dined alone on an arrangement of pastries, so sweet and fresh the cream filled croissants melted on her tongue.
“I have news.” Fabiana’s voice, whimsical and light, matched the mood of her friend when she arrived in a tangerine sundress that Mira had designed for her three years ago.
“Sounds mysterious,” Mira said, grateful for the change in subject.
“Lorenzo and I are going to date exclusively. We’re falling in love. It’s real.”
“Oh? Okay.”
“That’s all you have to say?”
“Good grief Fabiana, I’m not your mother or your priest.” Mira chuckled. “If you’re getting close to the man, then it’s okay. I only want you to be careful and use your head.”
“Take off those sunglasses. I want to see your eyes when you say those words.” Fabiana laughed. “Where’s my friend? What have you done with her?”
Mira waved off the request. “I’ve only been protective of you because I love you. I’ve seen you disappointed too often in the past.”
“He’s great. Yesterday I broke the golden rule. He got a taste.”
“Taste of what?” Mira asked a bit disinterested. She wondered when Giovanni would return. He left before they could finish their talk. She was even more curious about the man.
Fabiana snapped her fingers in front of her face. “Pay attention. We made love. It was more than I expected. Not to say I’m in love with the sex. It’s just how he makes me feel. I can’t explain it.”
“Trust me I understand.”
“Would you take the sunglasses off please?”
She gently removed them from her face. Fabiana leaned forward. “Sweet Jesus, girl, did you get any sleep last night?”
Mira picked up her knife and checked her reflection in the sterling blade. Her eyes were puffy, and watery with dark circles beneath. She didn’t bother with makeup. “No. I didn’t sleep. Not a wink.”
“Why? You went to bed early enough.”
Indeed she had gone to bed. Between tossing and turning and being ravished, there was no time for rest. The sun warmed her face and shoulders, still she felt drained, hollow, lifeless. Fabiana stared with an expectant look of some confession to be offered. What could she say? Every time she begged for release he had his hands on her. All night he wanted her. When his dick didn’t respond he used his mouth and hands, fingers. It was never ending. Thankfully a knock on the door sent him to the shower and leaving her semi-conscious on the bed. She nearly had to crawl back to her room. The muscles in her legs screamed from the strain he put on them.
“Hello? I asked you a question. Why were you up all night?”
“Don Giovanni.”
Fabiana’s eyes stretched wide. Mira took another sip of her coffee, set the cup on the saucer and met her friend’s questioning stare. “He returned to the villa late last night.”
“And? So?”
“And I went to his room.”
Fabiana sat back, her long bangs falling into her eyes. She sat perfectly still, staring, as if they’d just met. Mira averted her gaze to the lake. The water was a beautiful cobalt blue, and the waves almost sparkled under the clear sky. This place defined paradise.
“Go on.” Fabiana encouraged.
“I let him… you know... we talked, and then we did more.”
“Are you serious?”
“I am.” Mira nodded. “All night.”
“But you said you went to his room? I found you in yours this morning, alone.”
“I did.” Mira shrugged. “And it happened.”
“Sounds to me like you wanted it to happen. Planned it?”
“Maybe. So?”
“So?”
“There’s no conspiracy. You just confessed to sleeping with Lorenzo. I’m sure you wanted that to happen.”
“Sorry.” Fabiana raised her hands in defense. “It’s not like you. That’s all.”
“You sound like Kei. This is not like you Mira, he would always say. Has Fabiana been putting crazy ideas in your head again?” she mocked her ex’s deep voice.
“Well? Have I?”
“Everyone thinks they know me better than I know myself. And that’s the thing with Giovanni, I can be me. He has no preconceived notions. It feels so good. So I say this is exactly like me. The new me!”
“Hey. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. What’s wrong with you? You dated Kei for six months before you had sex with him. You are very, very particular about men. More so than me.”
Mira put her sunglasses back on. “I guess I’m a bit caught up. You know. In all of this.” She nodded toward the sparkling blue waters of the lake. They were in the middle of paradise. She had a sexy Italian man showing her more passion than she’d had in years, and it’s got her head spinning. Who could blame her?
“I can be impulsive.”
“So he just wants sex?”
“I never said those words.”
“Do you care what he wants? Is this only about you?” Fabiana leaned in and lowered her voice. “Good for you if it’s about you and you only. I want you to be selfish for once. If you can forget Kei and all the stress of the past year, then that means you can create so much more. It’s perfect. This is why we needed this break, so we can discover who we are.”
“You are good for my inner wild child.” Mira winked. “I love you.”
“Who else will put up with your uptight ass? Besides I knew something was up. I mean girlfriend, who gets hickies from a washcloth?”
Laughter exploded from them both. “You haven’t seen anything. I think I got some on my butt, too!
“Whew!” Fabiana fanned herself. The laughter eased them into a comfortable silence, but Fabiana continued to grin. “Okay so I have to ask. The man is intense. Did you see the way he flipped to gangster on me at dinner?
“He did not.”
“He did too! He rarely smiles, unless you are speaking. And when you are in the room, he stares like you belong to him. Intense. Kind of intimidates me, and you know, no one intimidates me.”
“What do you want to know?” she asked.
“How… how did it go down? Did you just go to his room and then bam! Sex, lots and lots of sex?”
“Don’t be silly!”
“C’mon, did you seduce him? What? I have to know about this inner wild child.”
“He’s different. Less serious when he’s with me. Sometimes. He’s definitely different when he’s turned on. I went to his room… and yes it was a bam, thank you mam!” she chuckled. “The man had me so horny after he—” Mira bit down on her bottom lip. She had no intention of sharing the details of their prelude to their sex that made her bold enough to seek him out in the night.
“He what? Mira are you comparing him to Kei? Is that holding you back?” Fabiana asked.
Mira shrugged.
“That’s normal. Lorenzo’s different, too. Oh and trust me, here in Italy, different is good.”
They sat in silence for a moment, staring out at the sailboats drifting along the lake. Mira broke the silence. “You do know what they do, who they are?”
Fabiana shrugged. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Are you kidding? Having a fling is one thing, but you said you were falling in love.”
“And you’re not?” Fabiana tossed back.
“NO! Been there and done that. No. Absolutely not.”
“I’ve known you since we were nineteen. I’ve seen you with two men in all that time. One a blind date I set up for you that you chased away, and the other Kei. You went to Giovanni last night for more than sex. You like the man.”
“Like! I like him Fabiana. That’s not love.”
“Whatever you say. Remember we do plan to make Napoli our home. The man practically runs the entire region along the Amalfi coast. Your paths are going to cross, over and over again. Shouldn’t you get to know him outside of his bed?”
Suddenly, she felt thirsty. She reached for her water instead of coffee and swallowed down deep gulps.
“They aren’t men to dismiss lightly. Especially, if you’re having sex with them.”
She released a bitter laugh. “I know this. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know the man I’m sleeping with. And yes, I like him. Do you really think it wouldn’t matter to you one bit what Lorenzo does as long as you have him in your life? Especially if it’s illegal?”
“Are you saying that you’ll end this love affair with Giovanni without finding out if there’s something real there, because of your prejudices?”
“Now this is rich! I’m prejudice?”
“Of course you are.” Fabiana waved her off. “We all are in some way or not. Pre-judging people makes you prejudice. You even thought Kei was tied to something illegal because of his associations. If people don’t live up to the moral code your granny carved into you, you have no tolerance level for them. Everyone has to be perfect.”
The accusation cut deep. She was glad for the cover of her sunglasses. She double blinked away the glaze of tears blurring her vision.
“All I’m saying is you must give Giovanni a chance, like I will for Lorenzo.”
“A chance to what Fabiana? If these men are into illegal things, what chances are you suggesting we give them?”
“If? Let’s not pretend we don’t see who they are. The men with guns, the way they speak, dress, nearly bow when your sexy Don enters a room. I’m suggesting that we start our life by new rules in Italy. Take a chance to discover if who these men are matters more than how we feel when we’re with them. That’s all. Maybe we can be better influences on them. Who knows what the future could bring.”
“Dating criminals? I can’t believe you would even suggest it.” Mira shook her head. “You’re thinking about changing who Lorenzo is to make him fit into your life. I won’t play that game. You can’t change a man, and you know this.”
Fabiana picked up her mimosa and gestured in a mock toast.
“I get what you’re saying. I don’t want you to ever think that my support of you is on the condition that you are perfect Fabiana. I’m not perfect, and I don’t expect you to be.”
“Fine, neither is Giovanni or Lorenzo. They aren’t perfect. Let’s just enjoy the time with them and see what we see.”
“Right. I’m sure we’ll see plenty.”
After breakfast Fabiana excused herself to make a few business calls. Mira suffered a twinge of disappointment. Fabiana was far more sensitive than she. If her friend believed she was falling in love with Lorenzo then the blinders were on and her focus was singular. That could mean trouble.
A stroll is what she needed. The veranda had stone steps that led to a cobblestone path through a manicured garden. The cool serenity of the snug retreat made her feel welcome and safe. She shoved her hands down into the front of her jeans. A fresh breeze washed over her. Her oversized long-sleeve shirt, which she tied in the front and rolled the sleeves up on her arms, proved perfect for the day’s weather. Her hair was up in an untamed ponytail, and her sunglasses shielded her weary eyes from the sun. She was too restless to try again for sleep.
At the foot of the path, she stopped. Giovanni was there. He had his back to her staring off into the lake. He wore a dark shirt and slacks. In fact, since she’d met him, the man had worn no other color than black. His hair smoothed back from his face covered his lapel. A curl of smoke lifted from in front of his face before his hand lowered. She saw a half-smoked cigar in between two of his fingers. Her teeth caught the edge of her bottom lip, and she glanced around to see that they were alone. Should she disturb him? She was so excited to find him she ached to do so.
When did he return? Why was he out here smoking alone?
He turned in an instant, and his gaze fell upon her. No wonder she lost her head so quickly with him. One look into his eyes, and she was filled with nervous energy. Fabiana was right. Casual would not be their thing. It had gone beyond that point. “Hi,” she said.
“Morning, Bella. I thought that was you.” He extinguished the cigar with his thumb then dropped it into the front of his shirt pocket without a flinch.
“You knew it was me?” she asked.
“It’s a hidden talent of mine, eyes behind my head.” He approached her. “I had to perfect that skill years ago.” He greeted her with a kiss. She loved the height on the man.
“How tall are you?” Mira asked.
“Strange question,” he smirked.
“You’re tall, and so are your men.”
He chuckled. “Blame our fathers.”
“Did I interrupt you? You looked to be deep in thought.”
“No, I was waiting.”
Mira stepped closer. “For?”
“You. Didn’t want to disturb your breakfast.”
Her smile faded. He had seen her and Fabiana? Did he hear the conversation too? “Okay. So now that you have me what’s next?”
“How about we go for a walk?” He extended his hand.
A shadow moved and she spotted the first of three men who remained close. She glanced around and finally recognized the others. Where were they minutes ago? Had they been there all along? Was he ever alone? The man who was less than two hundred feet away stood silent, observant. Both of them kept a reasonable distance. “Do they have to come?”
Giovanni nodded. “I’m afraid so. You’ll get used to it.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to a man with a gun shadowing me.”
His fingers slid sensually over hers, and she accepted the offer. “Andiamo.”
They continued along the nature path that circled the property and drew them closer to the lake. It had the unreal beauty of a picture postcard. Tall trees and blooms nestled in dewy grass, and the lake before them under a clear sky awaited them. “Italy is so beautiful.”
“I’ve been all over the world, and there is no place like Italia.”
She dropped his hand and slipped her arm around his waist. Naturally, he placed his arm around her shoulder and kept her close. “About earlier. Did you hear me and Fabiana?”
“Debate my worthiness. You ladies were quite passionate.”
“Sorry, it was a private conversation.”
“You have your concerns. I understand. You made me a very happy man by sharing yourself with me. I’ll consider it a gift.”
“And if it’s more?” she smiled weakly. When his gaze lowered to hers she looked away. “Things moved a little fast with us. And I enjoyed it. I really did. I think we should talk about what’s next.”
“Okay?” He stopped.
“Fabiana reminded me of a few facts. We’ll see more of each other, outside of Bellagio. Napoli is a small city.”
“You want to get to know me?” Lightly he traced his finger along the side of her jaw.
“You’re an interesting man. Why wouldn’t I?”
“I have an idea. Let’s go upstairs and re-acquaint ourselves with each other.” He leaned forward to pull her in, but she stepped out of his reach. A frown deepened the lines between his brows. “Something wrong?”
“Feels like it to me. I usually get to the intimacy after I know the man, not before.”
“You came to my bed.”
She glanced over to the men to make sure she couldn’t be heard. “You’re addictive.”
Giovanni laughed. “Addictive?”
“Very,” she smiled. “That means I’ll want more, and I can tell you do too.”
“Of course I want more.” Gathering her into his arms, he forced her to her toes. Her breasts were pressed hard against the corded muscles of his chest. She could feel his uneven breathing and knew he was just as excited as she was. The warmth of his arms encircling her was so male, and bracing.
The hurried beating of her heart when she stood so close to him made her pant a little and lose her train of thought. This, of course, he noticed. There was a sly smile on his face. His blue eyes seemed to go dark as the lake behind him. That was another thing. The man’s eye color could change with the color of the wind. How on earth could she ever back out of this attraction between them? Unlike Fabiana, the idea of turning her heart over to another man terrified her.
“We won’t say goodbye.” His voice held a hint of a challenge and his gaze remained steady on her.
She chuckled and shook her head in disbelief. “Are you kidding? If I want to say to goodbye I’ll say goodbye.”
He grunted and slapped his forehead with his hand. In fact he started to speak hurriedly in Italian. Mira frowned at the animated way he spoke with his hands. “Speak English. I don’t understand you.” she yelled over his rant.
“Why are you so damn confused?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“We discussed this last night. We’ll enjoy each other for as long as I choose.”
“You choose?”
“We choose, I misspoke,” he quickly added.
Mira turned to march away, and he grabbed her wrist dragging her back to him. “There is no stopwatch keeping time on us. Why must you?” he asked.
“Why are men like you so damn arrogant and controlling?” She yanked her hand free. She dropped hers to her hip and narrowed her eyes on him. “My goodness we’ve known each other for a little more than 48 hours and already I belong to you? Until when? You get bored?”
“What do you want Bella? Reassurance?” He sighed deeply. “What is it you need to stop inviting me in and then shoving me away?”
“It’s simple. You don’t decide how long we last, or anything we do. I do for me, and you do for you. I want your friendship. But no thank you on the sex.”
Giovanni laughed. She frowned, eyeing him. He dropped his head back and closed his eyes. A deep groan rumbled in his chest.
“No sex? What does that prove?” he asked.
“I think we can enjoy Bellagio without ripping each other’s clothes off. And the attraction is what we explored. It also makes it easier to understand what’s happening between us. I can keep a clear head when I’m around you. All those pretty words and seductive touches confuse me. Hard to make this light when you make me feel the way you do.”
“Because losing control is a bad thing right?”
She rolled her eyes. “So what! I like to be in control is that so damn horrible?”
He shook his head, smiling down at her like a parent would a child. “Ti penso sempre!”
“English!” Mira demanded.
“I’m always thinking of you. Now it’s worse for me, after touching you.” Giovanni seized her. He lifted her by her midriff and brought her up against him. Mira didn’t resist. She hooked her arms around his neck and held on with her body flush to his. Warm heat captured her mouth as his crashed over hers, and she tasted the bitterness from his cigar. He kissed her hard and strong. Caught up, she found his lips were more persuasive than she cared to admit. Breaking the passionate exchange, he stared directly into her eyes when he spoke. “You feel that?” he whispered to her. “It’s me, and you can’t control me, Bella. Do you understand?” He reclaimed her lips. Soft shivers shimmied up her spine. Mira smiled against his mouth as he spoke to her with his tongue delving. “And this.” He heaved her up higher, now his hands gripping both halves of her ass, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. “This is us, Bella. You won’t control us. I see it will take more convincing. I am the man for the job.”
Mira turned her face from his mouth and closed her eyes as kisses slipped down the curve of her neck. “You can’t be serious.” She held to him tighter.
“Look at me. Am I serious?”
She returned her gaze and stared deep into his eyes. She swallowed all doubt.
“I’m a man. Don’t treat me like a boy, or one of those that work for you. Deal with me. Do you understand?”
She nodded.
“Then you must give me room to be near you. To have you.”
Confused, breathless, she only nodded again.
He kissed her again. “Approvazione, that means you’re okay with this. Say it.”
“Approvazione.”
He lowered her, and she slid down his large frame to stand on her own two feet.
“Then we will honor this ‘no sex’ rule this evening. I have a condition,” he said.
“What is it?” She fixed her shirt that had come untied.
“You return home with me to Sorrento. Let me show who I am. It’s near Napoli.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I couldn’t.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
“I have Fabiana.”
“She and Lorenzo will come as well. My villa has been in our family for close to two hundred years. It’s three times as large as this one. There’s plenty of room. My business calls me back. I can’t stay here more than a day. And I’m… I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
Mira put her fingertips to her temples. Her head literally swam, and breathing was a chore with him bearing down on her. “I need to talk to her first. We’re vacationing. She wanted to go sailing today, and I put her off,” she lied.
“Mira, it’s too late to put the brakes on when we’ve already taken the victory lap. You let me in, Bella.” He lifted her chin. “I’m not going anywhere. You said you wanted to know me. The only way to know me is to let me show you my world. A small part of it.”
“When?”
“I have a business meeting tomorrow, and then we can leave on my jet.”
“What’s in Sorrento that we can’t find here?”
“The opportunity to show you how beneficial being my friend can be if you give me a chance.”
The world was filled with him now. He consumed her thoughts when they were apart, and she desperately wanted to hold on to that feeling a bit more. He touched her again. His hand cupped the side of her face, and his irises were a softer shade of blue. Her mind relived the velvet warmth of his kiss. “Okay. I’ll talk to Fabiana.” Her friend would be game if it included Lorenzo.
Giovanni smiled and lowered his hand to capture hers. “Is holding hands allowed?” he kidded.
She laughed. “As if you need my permission.”