by C L Wesley
“If I knew anyone’s numbers by heart. I rely on technology too much. I figured I could call The Nine and get Willa’s cell number from Chef Mike.”
Lou sat on the couch beside me. “You will be back to your life in no time. When you get all better you better come back to visit us now. You know Carlina and I have enjoyed another female in this house. I’m also pretty sure someone else will miss you when you go.”
“So much that it took him almost a month to talk to me? I highly doubt it.”
“He stayed with you last night, didn’t he?” I felt my jaw drop. “Oh honey, I know all in this house. That’s why they pay me so well.”
“Well I woke up alone so that speaks volumes.”
“That was my fault. I woke him and warned that his mother was on her way to check on you. That boy has his discretions but where you are concerned they seem honorable. Luca was in a state of sweet dreams.” She patted my knee and left the room. I spent the rest of my day waiting for my new phone and feeling sore from the chiropractor. I walk a little better each day but the act of using a step or incline hurts like hell. Just before dinner time Carlina comes in to check on me.
“I have your new phone.” Carlina hands me a new I-phone with a bow on it.
“Oh wow! This is too much. I’ve never owned anything but an android. I don’t even know how to use this. Thank you!” I smiled at Carlina trying not to tear up. I have never owned anything that was not cheap.
“You have a new phone number. I stopped at The Nine and entered your friend Willa’s phone number. Chef Mike also asked about your recovery. I entered his contact information as well.”
“Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome sweetheart. Luca and his father are at a business dinner tonight. I treat Lou to dinner when the men are away. Would you like to join us?”
“Absolutely. Thank you.” I looked down at my new phone like a kid at Christmas.
“I may have entered Luca’s contact information as well.” Carlina kissed me on the forehead. “Head over to the kitchen when you are up to it.” I went back and forth before deciding that texting Luca was a good idea. Just a quick thank you would not hurt anyone.
Me: Thank you for the new phone.
Almost immediately I received a response back.
L: You are most welcome.
I thought maybe we could have a conversation but I didn’t know what to say. After thirty minutes or so, I decided to make my way to the kitchen. Pathetically, with my new phone in tow.
7
Luca
I was on my way with my father to a dinner meeting when I received a text from Cameron. Knowing the meeting I was about to attend should not have made me smile, I knew I was beaming.
“Meeting with a whore after?” My father and Vinnie both have whores in random cities they take care of. One pain in the ass woman is enough, let alone multiples.
Pulling up to the restaurant I meet his eyes, a move Vincent Morano respects, “No, Cameron text me. Security must have gotten her the phone I requested.”
“Good. Earn her trust so that we can send her on her way with no questions asked and you will be rid of that mistake.”
“Yes sir.” I open the door and step out of the town car moving aside for my father to step out. “Papa?” My father turned to me awaiting my response. “Never mind, shall we get this over with?” My father nods his head and I follow with Tommie and the rest of the guards in tow.
Cameron
Carlina and Lou move in perfect rhythm together in the kitchen. I sit quietly at the island and watch as the ladies cut, bread, and fry the eggplant while my nose is tantalized with the smell of pure ecstasy simmering in the stock pot. I kept looking down at the phone on the countertop secretly hoping that Luca may have time to text me. Busting me on my efforts to look chill, Lou put me to work shredding fresh mozzarella.
“Do y’all mind if I taste this? I’m not sure I have ever had fresh cheese of this caliber?” I ask not wanting to appear classless by popping a huge chunk into my mouth.
“That is asiago, not mozzarella. It will have a buttery flavor.” Lou replied to me as I popped the piece in my mouth. I did not want to be rude by telling Lou that I knew what asiago was. I was saved by Carlina.
“Lou, Cameron studied at the Culinary Institute in Columbus.”
“And you don’t know what fresh cheese tastes like?” Lou snapped at me like we were old girlfriends.
“I have never experienced it this fresh. I’ve only had it in the air sealed packs where it was chunked.” The two ladies stared at me like I had three heads and I felt like a moron. I am so out of my element. I miss Chef Mike just now. He introduces me to this type of stuff so I have practice with it. I finish shredding the cheese and wanted to excuse myself but found myself keeping my ass planted on the stool.
Carlina must have sensed my uneasiness as she walked over and patted my hand. “Do not feel belittled. I am finding you are a wonderful young lady.”
“Oh hell, if I made you feel bad, my apologies. I like to joke around with Mrs. Morano and I don’t know where your boundaries are yet.”
“I’m okay.” I smile at both ladies.
“That smile must get you whatever you desire.” Lou grabs the cheese from me. Carlina excuses herself for a phone call. “Except a text huh?”
“Am I that pitiful?” I press the little round button to light the phone up.
“Not at all. You are curious and have questions. The person to give you those answers is not here and unavailable. Now let’s get this in the oven and boil those noodles Mrs. Morano made earlier. You are in for a treat.”
“Can I ask you about Luca?” I regretted the question as soon as I asked it.
“You should ask him if you want to know something.” I watched as she put the pot of water on to boil.
“That’s just it Lou. I just talked to him for the first-time last night and he doesn’t say much.”
“Actions speak louder than words darling. Given where I found him this morning you will get answers.”
“Do I even dare ask you to define your last statement?”
“Nope.” End of conversation.
8
Luca
Fuck being a Morano can be exhausting. After being dropped back at the office, I sat at my desk just staring out the window. I know I do not have the easiest life but the benefits are worth it. Unlimited funds, nice cars, the ability to go and do almost anything. Being in this lifestyle can give you a God complex, much like my father has obtained. My father has taught me never to eat at these meetings despite the fact we order leaving me starving. It’s 11PM and I cannot help but wonder if Cameron is awake. Is she upstairs or downstairs? Would she want to eat Taco Bell with me? I laugh at my last thought.
Arriving home, I immediately head to the kitchen. I’m fucking starving and tired. I’m startled as I enter through the back door. “Jesus Lou, turn a light on.”
“Yes sir. There is eggplant parmesan if you would like me to warm you some.”
“Let me guess, my Father ran through McDonalds?”
“He did smell of fast food.” Lou smiled as she made her way around the island. “Oh, and Luca, in case you are wondering, she is still downstairs.”
I barely tasted the massive plate of food I just ate. I was hungry and in a hurry for a reason I do not have an explanation for. I walked into the family room and stood in the doorway. Cameron was snuggled up on the sofa in my Mother’s blanket. Her brown hair was once again piled up on her head, something I noticed she liked. I walked over to find her fast asleep. Now that I know why she doesn’t go up to bed I made the executive decision to carry her. Carefully picking her up, I noticed she had her phone in her hand. Was she waiting on me? Lou should have helped her upstairs.
Making my way into the hallway, my Father is standing at the bottom of the steps, glass of bourbon in hand. “Son.” I paused and stared into his eyes cautiously holding Cameron close to me. He nodded his head and mad
e his way to his bedroom. I am going to assume by the nod that discussions concerning Cameron are now off the table but you are taught at an early age to never assume anything when it comes to Vincent Morano.
I lay Cameron on her bed and pull the covers over her running my fingertips down her arm pausing over the ace bandage wrapped around her elbow. “Don’t leave Luca.” I look to her face and there I am faced with big pleading eyes.
“Did you try waiting up for me?” I watched her look down. “Look at me Cameron.” She quickly obeyed my command before finally shaking her head. “Talk to me.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I am not sure. I wanted to I guess.” She continued to stare at me with her big doe eyes making it hard for me to walk out of the room.
“Again why?” I needed her to spell out what I am clearly missing.
“I guess because yesterday is the first time since I have been here that you have talked to me.”
“I’ve talked to you before.” Feeling on the spot, I defended myself.
“Not while I have been awake.” Her eyes were showing me the emotions she hides so well.
I let out a deep sigh and sat on the side of the bed. “Baby, you have no idea what you would be getting yourself into.”
“Try me.” With those two words, I gave in. I gently wrap my arms around her waist and lay my head on her stomach. Moments later I feel her running her fingers through my hair. “Let’s try something.” She said in a voice close to a whisper. Such a small intimate act had my dick jumping at the slight possibility.
“Hmm.” I stayed still not wanting to move, knowing sexual possibilities are not an option.
“How was your day?”
A simple yet loaded question. I could go the honest route and tell her that I spent the day laundering money for my old man and then the business dinner I went to was actually a meeting of the families but instead I took the coward’s approach. “Exhausting. What about yours?”
“Same. The chiropractor and physical therapist kicked my ass today.”
“You swear?”
“Like a sailor.” I smile into her abdomen. I find myself nuzzling my head into her. I was way too comfortable. “How old are you, Luca?”
“Thirty-three. A full decade older than you.”
“Alright old man.” She ruffled my hair. “So why do you live at home with your parents?”
“Well do you want the long or short version?” Cameron was not asking the questions I thought she’d ask.
“Just the truth.” Finally, a truth I can reveal to her.
“I just moved back home about six months ago. I owned a condo downtown and my ex-fiancé screwed me over and turned out to be a lying bitch who cheated on me every chance she got. I had put the condo in her name too and when we split I had to sell it. I was looking for another when I found you. Then I had more important things to worry about.”
“See you are not the hard ass you portray yourself to be.”
“I’m not the hero you think I am.” There I said it.
“Yes, you are.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Anyone driving in that neighborhood would have left me there.” That was the last of our conversation. I fell asleep with my arms wrapped around an angel.
9
Cameron
If last night was a dream then I don’t want to open my eyes. Luca told me a few things about himself, maybe not the answers I was searching for, but enough to hold me over for today. I felt him still wrapped around me, or at least I think I do. I may be dreaming still but I am too chicken to open my eyes. Whatever there is starting between us, it feels intense and it scares me or I could be imagining the whole thing.
I finally put on my big girl pants and open my eyes to find Luca still wrapped around my waist. I glanced at the clock on the nightstand and it was 8AM. Does he have the day off? I didn’t want to wake him. I was lost in my own fantasy when I felt him move. “Do you always lay there staring at people this long?”
I instantly felt my face heat up. I was so busted. “Do you have eyes in the back of your head?”
“No, I heard your heartbeat increase.” He turned to face me. “Are you okay? I know I sort of prevented you from moving.”
“I’m okay. Are you going to be in trouble for being late?” I run my hand through Luca’s messy locks.
“I run my division and nobody says anything because my Dad owns the company.”
“Entitled much?” Luca started to move and I regretted the words that are making him leave.
“Are you always this sassy in the morning?”
“Do you always talk this much in the morning? If so, I am waking up early from now on.” I smile at Luca earning myself a smile in return. Luca’s crooked smile was devastatingly handsome. “You are kind of handsome.”
Luca reached up and cupped my cheek. Seconds felt like hours before he finally spoke. “Do you have any doctors coming today?”
“I honestly don’t know. Lou keeps the schedule for me and tells me when she comes to help me downstairs.”
“Want to get out of the house today? We could go to The Nine so you could see your friends. I know you must be going stir crazy.”
“We?” Was I hearing him correctly?
“Yes, as in you and me. Is that okay with you?” Luca sat up crisscross beside me.
“I’d like that but I have nothing to wear and as cool as it sounds to see my friends, I’m really not up to it yet.” I roll to my side to face him.
“Is that a no to The Nine or a no to me?” And for the first time in the past 48 hours I saw Luca’s face soften. I wanted to go with him but I still had so many issues with walking steps I didn’t want to embarrass myself. “I can have clothes brought to you whether or not you want to go.”
“Why suddenly do you want to spend time with me?” Again, another question I wished I didn’t ask for fear of the answer.
“I’m not sure. For a reason, I cannot comprehend I just do.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?” His face lit up in anticipation.
“Yes. Okay.”
Luca
I must have looked like a raging lunatic running down the steps to Lou while Cameron jumped in the shower. Finding our maid in the laundry room I begin belting out my orders for clothes and whatever girlie things that Lou may think Cameron needs to leave the house today.
“Yes sir.” Lou replied with a smirk on her face.
“Do you find something funny?” I ask with annoyance.
“Actually, sweet boy, I do.” She began writing a list of items for Cameron.
“Well please, let’s hear it.”
“I knew you would fall for that girl.”
“It’s called guilt Lou.”
“No, guilt would be asking me to order her some clothes. Falling for her is demanding that I get them here in less than an hour.” Lou walks over to me and pats my shoulder. “Don’t worry your handsome little face. You know I keep secrets better than anyone in this house. I’ll have these delivered ASAP. Oh, and Luca?”
“Yes?” I answer despite the fact I just got schooled by the help.
“Ask her where she wants to go for lunch. Just don’t assume she is like the other women you bring home. There is something about Cameron. She is special.” I wanted to tell her no one knows that better than me.
Two hours later I was impatiently waiting Cameron’s appearance in the kitchen. Lou took her clothing up to her almost an hour ago. How long does it take to throw some clothes on? Please don’t tell me this girl takes hours to get ready. I am checking emails on my phone when I hear her voice. My heart and my dick start thumping with anticipation. Is that it? Do I just want to fuck the innocence out of her? I was seriously considering it when I heard Lou tell her I was in the kitchen. A single moment later I watched as Cameron hobbled into the kitchen. There is an old saying about moments that steal your breath away. This would be one of those moments. I thought she was
angelic before, she is fucking gorgeous! She was dressed in a light pair of bootcut jeans with a belt, a Kelly-green shirt underneath a brown leather jacket, her hair was down and holy fuck was it long, she was wearing some light make up, and a delicate pair of hoop earrings. She was downright striking.
“What?” She asked as she looked down at herself no doubt feeling self-conscious thanks to my gawking.
“You are a lot taller than I thought.”
“Okay, you are staring though.” She walked towards me more.
“You also have curly hair.” I reached out and grabbed a curl, running it through my fingers.
“Yeah.” She looked down again. This woman has nothing to be ashamed of. I run my hand down her arm and gently grab her hand pulling her into me. Hesitantly she fell forward into me as I wrapped my arms around her placing my chin on top of her head. She smelled so good. I really owe Lou a thank you later.
“It’s so good to see you up and walking. I always see you sitting.” It took her a few minutes to respond before finally putting her arms around me too. She let me hold her like I did last night after I put her in bed.
“Luca, your mother is here.” I turn my head to the right and see my mother standing in the doorway beaming. I relinquish my hold on Cameron and turn to my mother.
“Mother, I am taking Cameron for lunch. I figured she has been cooped up long enough. Would you like to join us?” I watched as my mother walked straight to Cameron and kissed her on the cheek.
“Ciao bella. Thank you, but you two go enjoy lunch today.” My mother then leaned her cheek in for a kiss and I complied. As soon as my mother left the kitchen I looked down to the angel standing next to me.
“Ready?” I held my hand out.
“Sure.” Cameron said nervously as she put her hand in mine.
Lou recommended the SUV and I was grateful for the suggestion as Cameron was able to get in with ease. Her eyes widened as she looked around the garage at the number of cars. I owned two, a Mercedes CLK that I refused to give up despite their extinction and a Land Rover. My father on the other hand, well he is a collector. “They are my father’s cars.” I felt the need to clarify.