The Italian, page 39
I think I actually did okay.
* * *
It’s 4:45 p.m. when my phone rings and I see Rici’s name on the screen.
“Well, hello there,” I answer playfully.
“Hello, Olivia.” His commanding voice echoes down the line.
“I smile broadly, I missed him last night and I can’t wait to see him. “And to what do I owe this pleasure, Mr. Ferrara?” He never calls me this close to home time.
“I’m picking you up today. Catch the lift straight down to the basement parking lot. I’m parked just outside the elevator.”
“How come?” I frown.
“Just do it.”
“All right.” I sigh. “Still in your bad mood, I see” “Olivia,” he warns. “Do not give me your attitude today. You are right, I am not in the mood.”
I smile. I love stirring him up. I think back to not so long ago when that tone in his voice would have had me running scared. How times have changed.
“I’ll be down in ten.”
“See you soon.”
“Goodbye.”
Fifteen minutes later, I bounce out of the elevator and see the procession of cars waiting for me. Not only is Enrico here, but there are an extra three cars today. Every day it seems like more and more guards are added to the procession. I give the cars behind a wave, and I make my way to the front car. Enrico gets out and opens the door for me.
“Olivia,” he says as I approach him.
“Mr. Ferrara.” I smirk as I get into the car. He shuts the door and makes his way around to the driver’s seat. He gets in and starts the car, leaving me to smile over at him.
I don’t even try to kiss him in public anymore. I know better. He keeps that part of himself locked up safely for when we’re in private. At first it used to bother me that we couldn’t be affectionate around other people, but now I get it. He has twenty sets of eyes on him at all times. He’s much more comfortable with his cold persona. It’s easier this way. He keeps his feelings insanely private, and I like that I get a part of him that nobody else does.
The car pulls out of the parking lot, and I reach over to put my hand on his thigh. He takes it in his hand.
“How was your day?” I smile.
“Fine.” He keeps his eyes on the road.
“You know, I had the best day.”
“Why?”
“Well, I had a talk with your mother this morning.”
“About what?”
“How I’m not Italian and how I’m not her choice for you.”
“She said that?” he barks.
“Not in a mean way,” I add. “In a being honest way.” I pick up his hand and kiss it to try and calm him “And it’s not like I wasn’t expecting it, you know? I mean, at least she was honest, and she wasn’t being nasty.” I frown as I think back to what she said. “She talked to me at least. Last time I met her she didn’t address me once.”
He clenches his jaw and glares through the windscreen.
“What’s that look for?” I ask.
“She had better want to fucking talk to you,” he snaps.
I roll my eyes. “I’m not saying we’re besties or anything.” I shrug. “But it’s a starting point.”
His eyes rise to the rearview mirror.
“I start cooking lessons with your grandmother on Sunday.”
“Olivia, my grandmother will eat you alive. This woman makes grown men cry. Stay away from my grandmother.”
“That’s okay. I can hack it.”
He frowns and mouths the words hack it as he tries to process its meaning. “What is hack it?”
“It means I can take it. I’m willing to put up with it until she comes around to liking me.”
He rolls his eyes.
I reach over and run my fingers through his hair, pushing it behind his ear. “I’ll do anything for you.”
“We are moving back to Lake Como tonight. Your things are already there.”
“What? Why?” I frown.
“Because I said so.”
“Well, I don’t want to.”
“You will do as you are told. And when I tell you to stay home from work, you will fucking stay home from work.”
I screw up my face. “What the hell? What’s wrong with you today?”
He clenches his jaw as he glares out at the road.
“Don’t give me your attitude, Enrico. I’m not putting up with your bossy bullshit.”
“I have a lot on my plate at the moment and I don’t want to be dealing with your disobedience.”
“Disobedience?” I snap. “I’m not a dog, you know?”
He rolls his eyes as we take the turn off to Lake Como.
“I said I want to stay in Milan at the apartment.” He is really beginning to piss me off now.
He punches the steering wheel hard, causing me to jump. “And I said we are staying at Lake Como. I can’t keep you safe in the apartment in Milan. Do not push for a fight with me tonight, Olivia. I am not in the fucking mood.”
I sit back in my seat, affronted.
Safe.
He thinks I’m not safe. Why would he think that?
What happened in Sicily? I’ve been so preoccupied with all of my news that I didn’t even bother asking what the emergency was last night. His eyes flick to the rearview mirror again. That’s like the tenth time he has done that. I turn in my seat and look through the back window. There are two cars behind us and one in front. It’s more security than ever.
Something’s going on.
I watch him as he drives. He’s deep in thought—miles away. Anger is radiating out of his every pore.
Jeez.
I exhale heavily. He doesn’t need me adding to his stress levels and to be fighting about crap. I snuggle back into my seat and close my eyes. I’m going to ignore him. We can’t fight if I’m not awake. I let happy thoughts fill my mind. I dream of our baby… and I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.
Francesca
Antonio opens the door, his smile broad. “You’re really trying this term, Francesca. No doubt your marks will represent all your hard work this year. Your father would be so proud of you.”
I smile at my trusty bodyguard. If only he knew.
Every day for the last fortnight, I have come to the library for one reason only.
Giuliano Linden.
He’s like a drug I can’t quit, and we meet here in secret. I’m not allowed to date, and even if I were, I wouldn’t be allowed to date him. He’s nineteen. My mother would see him as too old for me. He’s not too old for me. He’s just right—perfect in every way.
I walk into the library with Antonio behind me. I’m holding my breath as I take a seat at the communal table next to a group of girls.
“Hi.” I smile as I pretend to know them.
“Hi,” they all reply politely.
I open my book as Antonio does his usual walk around of the library, checking to see that everything and everyone is in order. Once satisfied, he gives me a nod and goes to wait outside near the front doors. I breath out a sigh of relief.
Every afternoon, I live in fear that he’s going to spot Giuliano in the corner, pretending to study. I can’t imagine what would happen if he did.
Giuliano wears a cap to shield his face. From a distance he looks a lot younger than he is. Antonio hasn’t noticed him yet. Giuliano blends in with the young crowd. I’m hoping Antonio never will discover what’s going on.
My mother would hit the roof if she knew I’d been lying to her.
Right on cue, Giuliano lifts his head, and our eyes meet across the library. He gives me a broad smile. My heart somersaults in my chest and I feel myself light up. I never knew that a smile could make me feel ten feet tall.
But his does.
When I’m with him, I feel invincible.
I make my way over to where he sits. “Hello.”
His eyes search mine as I take a seat beside him. “Hi.”
We stare at each other for a moment. There’s this swirling chemistry in the air between us, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. A palpable energy.
I know he feels the same as me because he tells me often.
We meet every afternoon and talk for two hours. Then we go home and talk to each other all night long on Snapchat. We never run out of things to say. We discuss our hopes and our dreams and everything in between.
He’s sweet and funny—so different to anyone I’ve ever met. He makes me feel like I’m the only girl in the world, and to him… I am.
From our first kiss, we have been inseparable. Our chance meeting at my brother’s house was meant to be. We were meant to be.
It’s serendipity in its finest form.
I just wish we could be alone, but for now, stolen time in the library is all we have.
He takes my hand under the table. “You look beautiful,” he whispers.
I tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear, and I feel myself blush under his gaze. “You say that every day.”
His eyes twinkle as he watches me. “That’s because it’s true.”
I squeeze his hand and he squeezes it back. It’s like we have a secret language only the two of us can understand. “How was your day?” I whisper.
He looks out over all the people in the library. “It’s better now.”
I smile softly.
His eyes drop to my lips. “I just want to kiss you.”
I squeeze his hand again. Me too.
My heart beats faster in my chest.
Giuliano Linden is everything and more.
Olivia
“Olivia, we are home.”
Enrico’s deep voice wakes me from my slumber. I’m tired. I must have gotten all of two hours sleep last night. He leans into the car and helps me out. The first person I see is Sergio. His hungry eyes drop down my body, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.
Enrico stops still and glares at him.
My heart stops. Fuck, he saw it.
“What was that look?” He frowns.
Sergio swallows the lump in his throat.
Enrico walks up to him and leans in only an inch from his face. “I asked you… what was that fucking look?”
Shit.
Sergio shakes his head. “I-I didn’t… I wasn’t… I mean.”
Enrico reaches up and grabs him around the throat, and he squeezes hard. The men and I all take a collective gasp as our eyes widen.
“If I see you look at Olivia like that again,” he sneers in a whisper. “I’m going to hang you by your feet.” He tightens his grip around his neck. “I’m going to cut your fucking throat and watch you bleed out. Do you understand?”
29
Olivia
“Enrico.” I gasp. “Calm down.”
He doesn’t calm. He keeps his grip around Sergio’s neck and tightens it even more.
“Let’s go inside,” I urge.
Enrico glares at Sergio. I’m not sure if he’s about to completely lose it and actually strangle him for real.
“Enrico,” I repeat. “Let’s go… now.” I rub his back as a silent reminder that I’m here. He pushes Sergio back, releasing him from his vise-like grip. “Get out of my sight. Go downtown and look after the club. You’re not to come to my home or be near Olivia again.”
Sergio drops his head, his face filled with shame.
“Do you understand me?” Enrico barks.
“Yes, sir.”
Enrico glares at him, and I know he isn’t finished with this conversation, but right now, I need to diffuse this situation. I grab his hand and pull him away.
“Come on.”
Enrico walks inside, and I close the door behind us. His jaw is clenched and he’s raging mad. I look around at the Lake Como house. It’s familiar, grand, and beautiful. It feels like a long time since we’ve been here.
He takes his suit jacket off, and then jerks his tie hard as he removes it. He throws them both to the side. I watch him knowing this isn’t about Sergio. There is something else going on, I can feel it.
“Don’t worry about Sergio. Don’t let him get to you,” I say softly.
He storms past me to the bar, and with a shaky hand, he pours himself a drink. He tips his head back and drains his glass only to refill it straight away.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
He drags his hand down his face.
“Baby, talk to me,” I urge him.
He takes me into his arms and holds me tight—so tight, I may snap. He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t have to. He needs my comfort. I can feel that need pouring out of him.
“Just work things. It’s nothing for you to worry about,” he eventually murmurs.
I slowly slide my hand down over his broad chest as I kiss him slowly. His eyes close at the contact. “You’re home now, Rici,” I whisper against his lips. “It’s okay, baby. Forget work.” I slide my hand down lower and cup his penis through his pants. I feel it slowly begin to grow. “Let’s get you relaxed, shall we?”
His face softens as he returns my kiss.
I undo his suit pants and slide my hand down to cup his balls. They’re heavy, hard, and engorged. “Look how full you are,” I whisper up at him as I give him a long stroke. “No wonder you’re stressed.”
His lips take mine and I can feel his stress begin to evaporate.
I stroke him slowly as we kiss. His breath is quivering, and I know he’s already close to the edge.
His hands move to my shoulders and he pushes me down to my knees. I smile as he slides his pants down a little. His large cock hangs heavily between his legs.
Begging… no, demanding my attention.
With my eyes locked on his, I slowly lick the pre-ejaculate that drips from his end. Hmm. Tastes good.
He hisses in appreciation. “Yes, Olivia.” His hand moves to the back of my head to hold me in place as his instincts take over. He wants in my mouth.
He wants it all in my mouth.
He grabs his dick at the base and brushes his end over my parted lips. He’s taunting himself, watching his cock with dark eyes as it brushes over me.
I smile up at him. He motions to push himself into my mouth and I tighten my lips. “Not yet,” I whisper.
I begin to fist him hard and fast, and he inhales sharply as he watches on. He pushes on the back of my head. He wants in.
I lick up his thick shaft, and his eyes roll back in his head. This is the best part about giving head: the anticipation.
Putting him through hell until I decide when he can have it.
“What do you want, baby?” I whisper.
“Suck me.”
I run my lips over his end, and he grabs the back of my head. I push back and resist.
“Ol-iv-i-a,” he purrs.
I take just his tip in my mouth, and I flick my tongue back and forth. His head tips back and he moans.
I smile around him. God, I love this. I love bringing him undone.
Never have I felt more powerful than when I am on my knees in front of Enrico Ferrara. The world stops. There is nothing else but his cock and my mouth.
I own him when I’m here and he knows it.
I take him deep into my mouth and I feel his legs nearly buckle beneath him. He instinctively pushes on the back of my head and I gag around him as his cock closes over my throat. I give him a subtle shake of my head.
“Too deep,” I moan.
His hands tighten in my hair as he struggles to regain control over himself. His chest rises and falls as he gasps for breath.
I continue to suck and lick to the sounds of his soft moans. He loves this.
This is his thing. Just five minutes ago he was ready to kill someone. I smile at the thought.
My mouth is Enrico Ferrara’s form of Xanax.
I suck harder and harder as I begin to fist him. He clenches and hisses, and then drags me to my feet before he throws me on the sofa. He flips me over so that I am on my knees, and he drags me to the edge of the seat. He lifts my skirt, pulls my panties to the side, and in one motion, he slides in deep.
I moan out in appreciation.
With his hands griped firmly on my hips, he pulls out slowly to let me get used to him. No matter how aroused he is, he never forgets his size and the real possibility that he could hurt me.
His hand roams over my back, and he grabs a handful of my hair to pull me back onto him. My neck stretches back toward his vice-like grip.
My eyes roll. God, I love it when he dominates me like this. He pulls out slowly and pushes in again.
And then he slams home hard.
The air is pushed from my lunges, and I cry out. His hand drifts to my shoulders as he pushes them down. He wants my ass in the air.
Total domination.
With my face pushed down into the sofa, he begins to ride me hard.
Our skin slapping together echoes around the room, and my eyes dart to the front door. Good God. At least ten men stand just on the other side of it.
Can they hear us?
He begins to pant, and I close my eyes and clench in a rhythm around him.
A move that I know drives him to the point of no return.
“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” he growls. “Come.” He pumps me hard. “I can’t stop. You need to come.”
I smile against the cushion. He can’t stand the thought of coming first. It’s his worst nightmare.
God, I love this man.
“Olivia!” he cries as he completely loses control. “Now. Fucking now.”
I clench and spiral hard as his deep guttural moan fills the room. He pumps me full of his semen. I can feel the heat as it leaves his body and enters mine. He moves me slowly to completely empty himself, and then he lifts me and falls onto the sofa in a seated position. He pulls me over him to straddle his lap. He slides his cock deep back into my body and kisses me softly.
This is the time that I love.
No matter how hard we fuck, no matter how animalistic we get with each other,
after we’re finished, he always puts himself back into me in a missionary position so he can kiss me.
Just him, me, and the love that we share. A perfect moment of clarity between us.
