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?”
**
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.