"For us." He corrected me, then relaxed and told me with a softer tone, but no less commanding. "Now, please, get dressed Siri. I’m only concerned about your safety. Your picture has been plastered all over the internet and if Ruth’s threat is real, you are in danger here."

  Without any more resistance, I obediently slipped into my clothes while he headed for the bathroom to pack the toiletries. When he returned, he said. "The rest can be packed properly and sent to the Compound. Come on. Let’s go. Grab the jacket."

  "Compound?" I stopped and stared at him.

  He laughed. "That’s only a nickname Antonio and I gave the family villa. It sounded more mysterious to two young boys, but it is in essence a compound. You’ll be safe there. We’re only leaving a few days earlier than I planned anyway. Not a big deal, Baby. Don’t make it one." He kissed my lips with a sweet butterfly kiss before he grabbed the luggage handles and we left the hotel room.

  In the elevator on the way down, he adjusted my cap for me. "Let’s hope we can sneak past the 'razzis and get to the parking garage without being ambushed."

  When we exited the elevator with our heads down to avoid eye contact, we made a quick sharp turn to the rear doors. Outside we were greeted by a couple of security guards. Carlo and Franco had ensured that we could leave unnoticed, so we simply walked to the garage where the valet parked the cars and got in a Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster. Black, of course.

  When Aurei cranked the car, he turned to look at me and whatever was on his lips vanished when he saw my twinkling eyes. "What’s up?" He asked suspiciously.

  "This car is dope!"

  "Yes it is, but that look is more than 'nice car.' I know that look by now. Spill it."

  I giggled. "Good thang we didn’t have to make a run for it."

  He frowned, looked at my shoes like something must be wrong with them because I run 'pretty good for a girl.' "Why?"

  I pulled my shirt up, lifting my tits so they bounced dramatically for him. "I would have given myself a black eye."

  "Shit! I forgot your bra." His eyes flashed shock and I couldn’t help the giggle that escaped. "Why didn’t you say something, Naughty Thang?"

  "Because I’m naughty!"

  He chuckled as he pulled out of the garage. "That’s for sure."

  I turned to look down the street for traffic. "Clear right."

  Driving down the empty streets to the main freeway, I hear. "Fuck. I didn’t pack a single bra."

  Now sitting in the dressing room, admiring his efficient motion as he moves fluidly from the last suitcase to the hanging rack, I clear my throat. He glances at me. "There’s that look again."

  I raise my shirt and show my tits to him. "Licks, please."

  "You need to keep those hidden." He walks to stand in front of me.

  I spread my legs and lean my head back to look up into his gorgeous green gaze while I lean forward to touch my tits against his ever present bulge. My hair swings gently against my back as my neck lays bare for him. His eyes shine down and the warmth fills me with sweetness. His musk fills my head and I take a big relaxing breath. His scent is so divine! "Just one little lick can’t hurt, Sir." I bat my eyelashes at him.

  He smirks, making me giggle. "What to do with you?" His eyes narrow.

  "You stick your tongue out and drag it across like this." I stick my tongue out and place it in the middle of his crotch. I start to drag it up as I reach for his zipper to release his beast.

  "That’s it." He turns and goes into the closet. I hear him rummaging around for something. When he reappears, he tosses me a small, fist size, light brown object.

  Instinctively I catch it, then give him a look of 'what the hell’s this for?'

  "Instant bra."

  "Umm, umm." I toss it back. "I don’t think so."

  He catches it and walks back to me. "I know so. Put your arms up. This is non-negotiable." His commanding tone is back and I know I won’t win this battle so I reluctantly lift my arms and put my hands on my head. He opens the ace bandage and wraps it around and around my tits.

  "My girls are not happy about this!"

  "It’s necessary. I can’t keep my eyes off them."

  "That’s the whole idea." I wink at him.

  When he tucks the end in my not so prominent cleavage, he asks. "There. How does that feel?"

  "Like I’m a little C cup instead of full DD’s."

  "Perfect then." He places a sweet kiss on my lips. "As soon as we get back here, I’ll set them free." He drops his ear to each one and mimics screaming behind his hand as it smashes his lips. "Let me out! Let me out!"

  I giggle and push him away. "Smart ass!"

  One Hundred Eighty-Seven

  Riding up to the house, I watch Aurei adjust the mirrors and tune his playlist. He’s nervous too. Maybe we should have discussed what we will say to his parents about our relationship, but his 'I got this' didn’t leave anything to say.

  I look out the window. My career and all its secrets makes the whole damn thing so complicated. Sweet Zeus, the scenario sounds like every parent’s nightmare much less a millionaire bachelors. We can’t tell them I am a wealthy business woman too without giving up Surreal and that would be a breach of contract. To not tell them leaves just the stripper Aurei is hooking up with and guarantees they will see me as a whore. His words of not allowing anyone to assume that label for me was sweet, but I know it’s harder to shake than he does. Still he is right. I have to rise above it and hold the truth high. I’m not a whore. I sigh deeply then look over at him. He’s got this. I have to trust him. Stay positive.

  He glances at me and I give him a big beautiful smile filled with more confidence than I actually feel. He gives the same in return then stretches his leg and reaches into his pants pocket. He pulls out his phone and hands it to me. "Here. Sync our phones with Find Friends. I want to know where you are at all times."

  I power it on. "I better be with you at all times."

  He smirks. "You might get hijacked to the spa with the girls."

  "As good as that sounds because I need a massage something awful, I don’t want to be separated from you."

  "You aren’t afraid, are you?"

  "Maybe a little."

  His hand slips between my legs and squeezes my thigh.

  "Ok. A lot," I admit.

  "Just smile. We will be ok."

  His phone comes on. "What’s your passcode?" I ask.

  "Guess."

  I start to laugh after I enter 7474 and it unlocks. "You got it bad for me, Sugar Bare."

  "Yes, I do. Don’t forget that. No matter what happens this weekend. You and I are unstoppable."

  I lean over and he meets me with a quick kiss. His lips feel soft and wet, and make me feel safe and warm. When I look down at his phone, my eyes sweep the message showing on the screen and I freeze. It is a text from Ann. My poker face slides down and locks itself in place.

  Ann: *Be warned, Bro. Mom is pissed at you! She’s hurt she found out from the News that you have a girlfriend. Don’t sweat it. She’ll love Siri once she meets her. Bee and I will be in Friday night late. See ya Saturday. I’ll be there in time to help you get ready for the battle. Don’t replace me! Maybe you won’t draw Quintus. Just kidding. Love you, Big Bro! Ciao.*

  Oh.... Zita is pissed. I hit the back button, afraid to read what else is there, but knowing I need to be prepared.

  Bob: *Son. Your mother is upset with you. Be prepared.*

  *Yes Sir.*

  *Ann said she was really sweet. We didn’t tell Zita. Maybe we should have.*

  *No Sir. Not your place. I got this.*

  *Ok. Love you, son. Out here.*

  Aurei cuts his eyes at me. "Need some help?"

  I glance at him but don’t give him eye contact. "Nope."

  Zita: *I’ve been bombarded tonight with questions from my friends about an American woman you were seen with. Why didn’t you tell me you have found someone and that you were bringing her to Rome? According to my friends, she is from Vegas. I thought you were still in Alabama? Are you bringing her to the Villa too?*

  *I have. I was. I am.*

  *Ok, Son. Looking forward to seeing you again and meeting her for myself. Love you, dear.*

  *Love you too, Zita. Out here.*

  I quickly find his app and open it. While I go through the motions of syncing our accounts, my mind digests what I’ve just read. I finish as Aurei pulls into a parking spot. He looks at me and I tell him. "Done. Our phones are one too."

  He smiles and leans over to me. His hand cups my chin and holds my lips in place. He puts his mouth on mine and pushes his breath into it as he whispers. "Remember that. US." His tongue touches the edge of my lips and I suck, drawing it into my mouth. He gives it up and his hand slips behind my head, gripping my hair. I gently massage his tongue and it relaxes me. I sigh, pushing the calmed air out my nose. The warmth of my breath mixes with the warmth of his skin and it reminds me of a gentle summer breeze as it blows back onto my face. I smile and release my grip on his tongue. He puts our foreheads together and sighs too, blowing his sweet warm breath down my face.

  He kisses my forehead and I feel his reassurance with the simple gesture.

  "I love you, Maximus Aurelius Moore."

  "Ditto, Wild Thang." He kisses my forehead again and then pulls away to open the door.

  "I trust you more than I’ve ever trusted anyone too."

  His beautiful smile beams at me before his beautiful beast of a body uncoils and he stands. Not taking my eyes off him, I watch as he walks like the god he is around to my door. When he opens it, I take his hand and stand. He opens his fingers and I slip mine in.

  Walking up to the house, cinched to my man, my mind talks. Our lives are so opposite, so complicated, there will always be turmoil. Just be yourself, be polite, be sweet, be brave, be bold ... I sigh. Just be in love with Aurei.

  At the stone steps though, my heart starts to race. When Aurei puts his hand on the door knob, he pauses and looks at me. Words are meaningless at this point. Now we stand together and we show the world, starting with his family, the truth. He gives me that killer wink as the Diva passes by with her head held high and enters Big Al’s mansion.

  We enter a large foyer and then walk into the expansive living room area. It has a certain warmth to the layout. It looks more like a lodge than a house. The walls are full windows with a view of the exercise area and the stables. The furniture is a mix of couches, love seats, and recliners of heavy leather, with lots of colorful throw pillows, coffee tables, and lamps. No one is here so Aurei walks straight into a dining room. A delicious aroma fills the air. The heavy rustic table is elegant wood and very large! There is no one here either and no place settings.

  Aurei tells me with a sly grin. "I don’t think anyone else has arrived yet."

  We continue through to the kitchen. When Aurei swings the doors open and we step through, everyone inside immediately stops talking and stares at us surprised that someone is here is evident on all over their faces.

  Aurei’s voice is light and happy. "Ciao, Marco! Breakfast smells delicious. What are you cooking? We are hungry."

  A big man with a full apron and chef’s hat drops his knife and opens his arms wide. The other two men and women with aprons on welcome us with big grins. Marco comes around the island and walks towards us. "Maximus! What a surprise? We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow." They hug, slapping each other on the back, swapping sides, then he pushes Aurei away. "Ah! Magnifico! You have found a beautiful one. No?" He walks around sizing me up.

  "Sì, My Bella Signorina. Where is Zita? I need to check in before we eat."

  "Zita and Bob are in Venice. They will not return until tomorrow afternoon with the rest of the family." His eyes twinkle at me, but he fake frowns when he says. "She is skinny. Come." He takes my hand and leads me to a bar stool.

  Aurei pulls one out next to me and sits down too. He leans on his forearms and talks while Marco marches back around to his station, barking orders to his staff. They jump into action and begin opening the refrigerator, cabinets, drawers and putting cookware on the stove. The whole kitchen comes alive again with activity. "Marco, allow me to introduce my girl, Siri Wright. Siri, this is Marco DeFranco. He has been the Liotine Family Chef for 30 years. He can cook anything. He can even make broccoli taste good."

  Marco laughs as he turns to face us. "Keep it crisp, bury it under a mound of cheese and this boy will eat it, but when he was young, it was a different story."

  Aurei leans over to me and his eyes have that crinkle to them as he laughs. "Marco loves to tell this story called…."

  "The Hidden Broccoli." Marco launches into his tale of how he told a picky four year old one day to coax him to eat the vegetable.

  I’m giggling through the entire story. When the 'tale of the dragon who tries to steal the buried treasure of broccoli hiding under a mound of cheese which would ensure the captive Princess would never escape, and the sword wielding hero who figures out the only way to save the Princess was to eat through the barrier of cheese and consume all the broccoli so the dragon had to go elsewhere for food' comes to an end, I ask. "And that worked? The little boy ate all his broccoli?"

  "No." Marco chuckles and his big belly shakes. "The little stubborn boy pushed his food around during the entire tale, not taking a single bite."

  I tilt my head and look at Aurei. "But you said Marco can even make broccoli taste good."

  "He can."

  When I look back at Marco, he says. "Then I told him. 'You will eat all or no dessert.'" He wags his finger at me, demonstrating the emphasis he gave the little Aurei. "No Chocolate Soufflé for you until every bite is gone."

  "Ah!" I giggle.

  Aurei chuckles. "Marco’s specialty dish is Chocolate Soufflé."

  "And it is to die for?"

  "Yes. It is."

  "Now, dear, what would you like for Marco to cook for you?" He waves his hand across the kitchen.

  Aurei cocks his head and turns his face to mine. He whispers his warning. "Choose wisely."

  My eyes twinkle at him. "I already have."

  Aurei kisses my nose.

  Marco continues. "You may have whatever your heart desires."

  "I already have that too." I say loud enough for Marco to hear as I stare into those gorgeous green eyes that make me feel alive.

  Aurei’s lips part in a sweet, beautiful flash of brilliance before they pucker up and lay on mine. When he withdraws, he turns his twinkling eyes to Marco and tells him. "She’ll have my usual."

  Marco’s beaming grin lights up the room. "Ah. Like minds are a good thing, but like pallets are even better."

  I giggle again at him as he gives his staff the order and turns to the stove. I watch the synchronized dance play out in front of me. I had no idea cooking was an art form. Before long omelets of steak, green onions, cherry tomatoes, sprinkled heavily with cheese, and covered with some delicious smelling gravy are placed on two plates. Then he adds some slices of bacon, a piece of toast, and tops it with a corkscrew slice of orange. Placing them before us, he wags his finger. "You will eat all or no Chocolate Soufflé for you."

  I giggle. "Challenge accepted." I put my napkin in my lap, take my fork and begin to make his eyes dance with delight.

  "She eats good for a little one, no?"

  "I forgot to mention she is a dancer."

  Marco grins. "Ah! She will burn many calories for you, my friend." Then he goes back to doing what he was doing when we walked in, giving his assistant the final okay on the menu for the party. It sounds like he is feeding a small Army.

  Aurei listens, then asks him. "How many will be attending?"

  "The list stands now at 200."

  My jaw drops and I cut my eyes at Aurei. "Damn! You do have a big family!"

  Everyone laughs then Marco explains. "The Celebration has been open for the media and their guests." He beams at me. "Perhaps to show off his new girl." He nods at Aurei and winks.

  "Perhaps." Aurei slips his hand down between my legs and his pinky finger tickles my crotch, wiping the look of panic off my face and making me grin. His smile is full of 'us' as he leans in for a peck. His soft and firm kiss warms my heart.

  Marco begins to sing as he turns back to the kitchen staff. He leans over them, giving them directions with hand gestures, or patting them on the back. His rich voice fills the kitchen with "I Have But One Heart" by Dean Martin.

  What a sweet song choice to sing. If he sees the love between us, the others will too. Stop worrying and own our truth!

  The words describe giving your heart to that one lifelong love and I feel a little better about my predicament. As I listen to the comforting lyrics delivered by his rich baritone, I relax and realize I’m starving. I eat every bite, cleaning my plate. When I push it away, I see Aurei’s eyes crinkle.

  "You were hungry."

  "And I love Chocolate Soufflé." I tell him as I place my napkin on top.

  Marco comes over to examine our plates.

  "Ah! Very good, Bella Signorina." He winks at me and beams at Aurei. "She does indeed have a dancer’s appetite."

  "I cleaned my plate. May I have your Chocolate Soufflé?" I ask innocently.

  "Sì. Come back at 2 and I will serve you my signature dish. It is the best your mouth will ever taste." He boasts without bragging.

  "I’ve eaten some pretty tasty Chocolate Soufflé in Vegas." I say with a hint of skepticism, teasing him.

  Aurei’s eyes flare with concern when he recognizes the mischievous twinkle in my eye.

  He huffs, a tad offended. "It will be better!"

  I smile at him. "I tell you what, Marco. If it’s as good as you two say it is, I will offer an apology by dancing for you." I pat the bar top.

  Boom! Aurei’s eyes flash thunder at me.

  "Eccellente!" Marco beams. "I will clear the bar for your dance."

  Aurei rises quickly and takes my arm, leading me outside under a porch filled with chairs and tables. When the door closes behind us, he locks his green gaze on me. "What exactly are you planning?"

 

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