Chapter 9 - Confessions

“Lexi!” squealed Stefania as Alex and I entered the dining room. “Please, come, sit down.” she lightly tugged on my arm. “So, this is the famous boyfriend!” Stefania looked Alex up and down.

“Yes, I’m the boyfriend.” Alex responded, amused.

“Ahhh, she has done well, our Lexi!” Stefania applauded enthusiastically.

James, Dan, Troy and Jason slowly filtered into the room, all seeming to be struggling with the time difference and jet lag.

“Gentlemen, come....sit down” Stefania beckoned. Troy’s eyes lit up as he glanced at her low cut, figure hugging dress, which showcased her ample assets.

“Hello, Stefania!” he greeted.

She reached out at ruffled Troy’s mohawk. “They are all so adorable, Lexi. How ever did you choose?”

“I made them draw straws,” I joked.

“Wait! What? I never got a turn!” Dan answered indignantly.

“She was joking, you idiot!” mused Jason as he found a seat at the table.

James, ever the charismatic front man, shook Stefania’s hand before taking his seat.  “Thank you for the dinner invitation, Stefania.  We have a jam packed schedule for this tour, starting tomorrow. Lexi runs a tight ship so it’s nice to kick back and relax this evening.” Clearly at least one of the boys remembered their manners.

“Oh! Our pleasure!” Stefania chattered, “Any friends of Lexi’s are friends of ours!”

The door swung open and Riccardo walked in. His perfectly cut Armani suit caressed his body to showcase his impeccably toned physique. His dark wavy hair, styled into a flawless just-been-fucked haphazard mess, his brown eyes were so dark that they were almost black. It was as if the air vibrated around him, like even the atmosphere felt the gravity of his lineage and power.

“Alexia.” My name rolled off his tongue like honey. A name I hadn’t been called in years.

“Riccardo.” I stood as he neared the table.

“So, you finally return to Roma.” He lifted my hand and gently kissed it.

“Yes, I’m here on business. A promotional tour with the band.” I slid my hand from his and relaxed it at my side. Good one, Lexi, nothing like stating the obvious.

Riccardo turned to the boys in acknowledgement. “Yes, the band. I don’t have a lot of time for music but Stefania is a big fan.”

“Riccardo, this is my boyfriend Alex,” I lightly tugged Alex to my side and turned to watch Alex shake Riccardo’s hand. Riccardo regarded Alex closely.

It was weird seeing my past and present together. I never really had to worry about a situation like this before, because generally once I was done with a guy, I moved on. There really wasn’t a reason to be “friends.” Riccardo had been so kind though; he had never treated me with anything but respect despite my selfish agenda.

“Please, sit down. We have a special feast for you this evening.” Riccardo signalled to the waiter to bring in the first course as we took our seats.

Stefania positioned herself between Troy and Dan, much to their delight. Her long lashes batted furiously as Troy pulled out the chair for her. In all these years, she had not changed. She still got men to do exactly what she wanted, when she wanted.

As our first course was placed in front on us there was a heavy knock at the door. Riccardo shot an annoyed glance at one of the staff members who ran in the direction of the large, wooden doors that led from the private dinning room to the hotel.

The disturbance grew as the door opened and tense voices volleyed back and forth in Italian. It was hard to ignore, the voices growing louder and more animated.

Riccardo slammed his napkin on the table before making his way towards the commotion. Alex looked at me inquisitively, and I stared back blankly. Stefania, who had now perched herself in Troy’s lap seemed unaware of the disruption.

“Alexia,” Riccardo called, gesturing to the door.

I had no idea what to expect as I stood and ambled to the doorway. Thinking it could have been an over excited fan who had broken through the security measures, I put on my game face.

“Lexi, can you please tell these Ogres you know me!” Marcy puffed, exasperated.

What the Hell?! Can this night get any more bizarre?

“Marcy? What do you want?” my tone was as unwelcoming as my glare.

“You know this woman?” asked Riccardo, his hand still on the door.

I hesitated, thinking it would be a lot easier just to say no and have her ass tossed out but I had never let anyone do my dirty work in the past so I wasn’t about to start now. I nodded before facing Marcy, “We are in the middle of dinner, what do you want?”

“Gee Lexi, I thought it might be nice to have dinner here, being that we are friends and all. You are a little heavy handed with the security, aren’t you?” She placed her hands on her hips as she stared at the two hotel security guards blocking her path. I glanced back at the table, Alex and James, who were unable to see Marcy, were staring directly at me their faces shrouded in confusion. 

As I stepped out into the hallway Riccardo was closely behind me. “We are not friends. Nor do I want to have dinner with you. Why don’t you tell me why you really came here? Cause this bullshit you are peddling - I’m not buying,” I sneered.

Marcy’s eyes narrowed, “You think if you keep him away from me that you’ll be safe?”

Her mere proximity was leaving a bad taste in my mouth. “I don’t need to be safe. Alex has free will, he can leave any time he chooses. Yet he doesn’t. Do you think that if you are close to him, he’s going to lose his motherfucking mind and make the same mistake twice?”

“The only mistake here is YOU!” Marcy sputtered but I could tell her nerve was waning.

“That’s the best you’ve got?” I laughed as the absurdity of the situation hit me. I was standing in a hallway in Rome, with my ex-whatever arguing with my boyfriend’s ex-whatever. I struggled to breathe as I laughed harder. Riccardo scrutinized me like I’d lost my mind.  Marcy balled her hands into fists as she tried to formulate a comeback.

“You know what Marcy, go right in. Why don’t you go sit near Alex and see how that works out for you. I’m sure the psycho-pathetic needy routine is a major turn on.”

Maybe I had lost my mind but if there was one thing I knew, it was everything this woman was, I was not. Alex wasn’t mine to keep, much like I hadn’t been Riccardo’s, so if he wanted to leave, eventually he would, just as I had.

“Is this some kind of trick?” Marcy spat angrily.

“No trick,” I held open the door, “go on in.” I watched as she tentatively passed me before entering the room.

“You are insane,” smiled Riccardo.

“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been accused,” I giggled.

“You are exactly how I remembered you.” Riccardo took my hand before kissing my fingers, “Your eyes, your lips, your hair...your temper.”

“Some things are different.” I pulled my hand away.

“Yes, some things.” Riccardo ran his hand through his impossible mess of hair. “The Americano. He’s new. You love him, yes?”

“Riccardo, I’m sorry if I ever hurt you.” I blurted out. For the first time I was seeing how my past actions had affected someone else. How, despite my needs, that didn’t make men disposable. Sometimes there were causalities and Riccardo had not deserved that.

“We were children Alexia. You were a bird who could not be caged. You needed to spread your wings. I understood that. My eyes were open, I knew what you were. The problem was my heart.”

Alex walked into the hall, his eyes glancing between us. I wasn’t sure what he had heard. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Not at all,” Riccardo responded.

Alex faced me, his brow furrowed. “Why is Marcy having dinner with us?”

“I thought it might be interesting.” I shrugged.

Riccardo stepped forward. “I’ll see you both at the table when you are ready.” He kissed my hand again before disappearing inside.

Alex raised an eyebrow. “He loved you.”

“I guess he did.” Guilt slowly welled in the pit of my stomach.

“I love you.” He placed his arms around my waist.

“You need your head examined!” I looked into his clear blue eyes.

“Not the response I was looking for.” Alex frowned.

“I love you Alex and I’m not sure where this is going to lead but I know I want to go there with you.” I breathed into his chest.

Alex brushed his lips across mine. “That’s all I need to hear. Let’s go back inside.” He reluctantly pulled me through the doorway.

A place had been set for Marcy, who been introduced by James to Riccardo. I was hoping the introduction went somewhere along to the lines of “This is Marcy Bryant, she’s a talent-less oxygen thief who Alex fucked when he lost his damn mind.”  Jason gave me a questioning look as he watched me sit down, Alex close by my side.

“So Marcy, you are on television?” asked Stefania as she tried to be polite.

“Yes I am, it’s one of the longest running daytime soaps in the US,” Marcy bragged as she flicked her long, blonde hair.

“Hey Marcy, didn’t your character chase after that guy who rejected her? Refusing to accept it was over even though he was in love with someone else?” Jason twirled his wine glass in his hand.

Dan spluttered his beer as he watched Marcy squirm awkwardly.  I bit my lip to stop from smiling, I loved Jason! He had always had a dislike for Marcy and saw through her mind games. He had been careful to be discreet in keeping his voice low so only Marcy, Dan and myself had heard him.

“You ok, Dan?” James looked over to our side of the table.

“All good brother.” Dan took another swallow of beer.

“Listen here,” Marcy whispered across the table to Jason. “I don’t chase after anyone. I just so happen to be here and I’m not about to let you stop me from seeing my friend.”

Jason, growing impatient leaned across the table. “So look at him. Look at how much he loves her and look at the fact that it is NEVER going to happen with you.” My heart swelled as I heard Jason speak those words. His support for me, for Alex’s and my relationship was overwhelming.

I turned my head as my eyes misted slightly and tried to engage myself in the other conversation at hand. Riccardo had captivated the attention of Alex, James and Troy as he described his stable of European sports cars.

“So how far in the red can you get your Lamborghini Aventador?” Troy queried as Stefania played with his hair, both of them unaware of what was transpiring between Jason and Marcy.

“She gets to two hundred miles per hour. No problems.” Riccardo crooned.

Marcy, unwilling to admit defeat to Jason, decided to try another tactic. “So, Riccardo, how do you know Lexi?” Her smug smile hinted at the trouble she was trying to cause. Riccardo had been an impeccable host, he was charming and sociable, occasionally I caught his eyes lingering on me before he’d turn away but I wasn’t sure how he was going to answer that.

“I met Alexia many years ago, here in Roma.” His eyes connected with mine as he spoke.

Marcy, sensing there was more to the story, pushed a little further.  Jason’s eyes narrowed as he glared at her from across the table. “Gee she must have made quite an impression. After all, a man of your importance and stature having a private dinner with her and her friends… I imagine your time is very valuable.” Marcy sipped her wine, barley able to contain her smug smirk.

Riccardo looked over at me before considering his answer. Alex laid his hand in my lap, sensing my tension. “Alexia always makes an impression. She is captivating, truly unique and time with her is not something I could put a value on, nor anyone else whom I class as my friend.”  Alex’s hand tightened around my thigh.

“Wow, sounds pretty hot and heavy?!” Probed Marcy further.

“Enough!” The words left my mouth before I had time to even think them. “I know what you are trying to do. You want to come after me, come at me! But you leave everyone else out of it!” I pushed the chair away from the table. “Excuse me Riccardo, I must apologize for Marcy’s rude and intrusive inference. It seems basic manners is something that was not taught while she was at her Acting Academy.

“Thank you so much for this amazing dinner, you have been most gracious. I hope our behaviour has not offended you.” I would NOT tolerate this, not by her. How dare she try and use Riccardo’s kind hearted nature to further her own agenda.

“Marcy, you need to leave,” Alex hissed, finally seeing her for what she was.

“Alex, sweetheart. I think everyone just misunderstood me. I wasn’t trying to imply anything. I was just trying to make conversation.” Marcy wriggled in her chair as she pleaded with Alex.

“That was not a request. Whatever you thought you were to me is done. Do you understand? This is not something that is open to interpretation or discussion. I have not wanted to be a complete asshole so perhaps I gave you false hope. My apologies if that’s what you saw. I am asking you to leave and take with you whatever convoluted scenario you have in your head where my future is with anyone other than Lexi.” Alex seethed as he stared at her with contempt. It seemed that all her attempts to unhinge me had done nothing for her but dig herself a bigger hole. Karma train came and ran that bitch DOWN!

“You think you can reject me? Embarrass me? You think you are untouchable Alex Stone? No one treats ME like that and gets away with it. I put up with your moody bullshit while we were dating, for what? So you get to discard me? This is not the last you have seen of me!” Marcy’s voice hitched on a sob as she pushed her chair out and stormed out of the dining room.

“Well perhaps it might be best to skip dessert,” Stefania offered, breaking the silence in the room.

“Riccardo, Stefania... I’m sorry...”I was disgusted at the display they had just endured.

“Are you kidding?” Stefania breathed sultrily, “That was amazing, better than any daytime soap I’ve seen. I thought you said she was talentless?” Laughter filtered through the room, lightening the mood.

Stefania gave Troy a flirty glance as she lead him out of the room, both of them disappearing for the rest of the evening. Dan quelled his disappointment at not “getting the girl” by heading to the Hotel bar with Jason to “relax.” James excused himself wanting to speak to Hannah before bed, leaving Riccardo, Alex and I sitting at the table.

Alex, stood quietly giving me a gentle kiss on the forehead.  “I’ll see you upstairs.”

I nodded as he walked out of the room. “Riccardo...” I started to explain.

“No, Alexia. There is nothing that needs to be said. I see the way you look at him. I know it was not that way for me. I would rather see you smile with him, than be indifferent by my side. Did you not think I had the means to find you? What was the point Alexia? The truth is you were gone before you walked out my door. I’m glad I got this chance to see you again, to see you happy.”

“You are far kinder than I deserve.” A lump formed in my throat.

“You deserve kindness and so much more.” Riccardo gently kissed my cheek. “You will always be welcome here. Always. Just please... when you leave, make sure you say goodbye.”

Riccardo turned and walked out the door.

 

~~~~~~

 

Alex was waiting for me in our suite, his shirt discarded on a chair and his naked back faced me as he stood on the balcony, staring up at the dark velvet sky. I wrapped my arms around him as he turned his head to kiss me.

“Everything ok?” His voice was sincere and relaxed.

“Yep, I’m just a complete heartless bitch with no soul.” I murmured into his shoulder.

“You have a soul and you are not heartless.” Alex twisted his body, laying my head on his chest. “The bitch part... well,” a small laugh travelled from his throat. “Come here.” he pulled me away from the balcony and into the bedroom. “Lay with me.” Alex patted the bed before sliding off his shoes, socks and pants, leaving only his fitted cotton trunks.

I kicked off my heels and unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the floor.  Alex’s arms reached out, guiding me to the bed. The night breeze from the open balcony door caused a wave of goose bumps to cover my skin.

Alex pulled me close, the only barrier between our naked bodies was our underwear.

“As sexy as this is,” Alex traced the strap of my bra with his fingers, “it needs to go. I want to feel your skin on mine.”

I nodded as his hand slid down my back, sending shivers up my spine as he unhooked my bra. I watched Alex intently as his lips seductively curled into a smile. “What are you thinking about?”

“Honestly?” He bit his lip.

“Yes, honestly,” I asked as I gazed into his clear blue eyes.

“You with Stefania.” He grimaced.

“Of course you are!” I shook my head, “Should I call Dan and we can all sit around and discuss my past experimentations?”

“I’m sorry,” Alex laughed, “It is kind of hot. As much as I hate to agree with Dan, he has a point. I am a lucky bastard.”

“So, you want me to see if Troy’s done with her and ask her if she would like to join us?” I joked, knowing that was a part of my life I wasn’t repeating.

“No.” Alex’s tone turned serious. “I will not share you with anyone, not even with her.”

“So... then what?” I asked as I climbed on top of him, his chest flexing as he placed his hands around my waist.

“I want you all to myself.” Alex’s fevered mouth attacked mine. He pulled me down so I was laying on top of him, his hands moving down to my ass, tugging lightly on the lace of my panties.

“Mmmmmmmm.” Alex moaned, “I need these off.”

“So who’s stopping you?” I kissed his neck.

“Do you know how hard I am right now?” Alex chewed gently on my bottom lip.

“I thought we already established you are always hard?” I let my hands travel down the strong lines of his chest.

Alex laughed. “True, you have me constantly hard.”

I flicked the band of his trunks with my fingertips. “I want to feel you.”

“I aim to please,” smiled Alex as he pulled down his trunks, allowing his hard length to spring free.

“Mmmmmmm, you weren’t kidding.” I ran my nails around his shaft, slightly grazing his skin.

He grabbed my hand as it tightened around him. “I love you touching me.” He guided my hand up and down his long, hard cock.

“What else do you love?” I quickened my pace, watching his body tense under my touch.

“I love touching you.” He moved his hand away from mine and grasped my upper thigh.

“I love you touching me.” I watched as he moved his hands over my hip and down my stomach.

“I want to make you come just by touching,” Alex moaned in my ear.

His hands worked their way to my moist centre, slowly exploring me as I firmly stroked him.

“God that feels so good.” He looked down at my hands moving up and down, “I love watching you do that.” He shifted his eyes back to my body as he moved his fingers up and down, teasing me, not allowing his fingers to enter me. His thumb moved over my clit, the firm pressure making me tingle all over.

“Ahhhhhhh.” I moaned as he slowly slid a finger inside me. I moved my other hand and wrapped it around his erection, tightening my grip as I moved up and down.

“Ooooooo Lexi.” Alex closed his eyes as he absorbed my movements.

He opened his eyes as he moved his fingers inside me again, this time using two. The heel of his palm pressed firmly against my swollen opening. The sensation nearly sent me over the edge.

“Alex...” I tightened around his fingers, my slickness coating them as the moved in and out of me.

“God, you feel so good. This feels soooo good.” He glanced down to his throbbing hard-on in my hands.

He moved his mouth over my breast, the mere heat of his breath and his tongue enough to send me spiraling out of control.

“Alex! I’m going to come.”

“That’s it baby, come with me.” Alex panted as he swelled even larger, my hands gliding up and down.

My legs shook as the sensations overtook me. I sucked in a deep breath as I felt the waves of pleasure roll over me. My release was enough to finish him as he emptied his warm sticky load all over my stomach.

We collapsed beside each other, gasping, our bodies spent. The act of not having sex, intensified the experience. The sensuality of his touch had made it almost more intimate, closer and deeper than we had been.

Alex grabbed the large quilt at the end of the bed to cover our shivering bodies, his strong arms wrapping around me. As our breathing slowed, we gently kissed. Unable or unwilling to release each other we fell asleep, our hearts and bodies intertwined.

 

~~~~~~~

 

The next day was filled with interviews and appearances. There were CD signings and talk show appearances, even a live rooftop performance. The band were flawless, like a well-oiled machine. They played perfectly, despite shitty acoustics and a dodgy PA. I stood on the sidelines, my heart raced as I watched Alex’s intensity as he played. He was electric and sensual and made it all look so effortless.