by Jade, Ella
“To answer your question, there is nothing going on between the two of us.”
I knew that was true but it surprised me that she admitted it. I thought she would try to make me believe they were still seeing one another.
“I could sit here and talk it up and make you jealous.”
“I suppose you could but I probably wouldn’t believe you.”
“The truth is, I consider Gianni my friend. Even though he fights me, he knows I’m his friend too. I look out for him even if he won’t admit that. I keep my eyes open for all of them. I grew up around them. They’re family. The most important thing to know about him is he’s nothing if not loyal.”
“I know that.”
“Not just to his family either. If he considers you a friend, he’ll do anything for you. He’s protective and fierce when he has to be but there’s also this tender side to him. He’d deny that but it’s there even when he wants to be in control.”
“I’ve seen that softer side.”
“He knows I won’t cause a problem for the two of you because he’d make me regret it.” She cackled still using her hands when she spoke. “That’s why he left you out here alone with me. If he thought I would sabotage him, he never would have left you.”
“You know him really well.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. He is the most complicated man I’ve ever met.” She blew out that stinky vape smoke again. “Except Dominick. That man has serious issues. Anyway, don’t think you’ve got Gianni figured out after a week.”
“I don’t.”
“You do.” She smiled but it wasn’t as smug as before. “I see it in your eyes, sweetie. You’re quite taken with him. I can’t say that I blame you. He has a way with words, kisses, and passion.” She over exaggerated a shiver. “Especially the passion part but I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”
Oh god!
“You didn’t remember we were friends on social media but I want to be your friend.”
“You do?”
“Yes!” She playfully pushed my shoulder. “If Gianni likes you then I like you.”
“Thank you.” This was an interesting turn of events.
“Can I offer you some advice?”
“More?”
“I meant what I said when I told you to get used to him leaving for his... ah work. His family will always come first. There will be things he can’t tell you. Sometimes there won’t be an explanation at all. You roll with it. When they’re being secretive, it’s probably best you don’t know what they know. If you can deal with that, you’ll win in the end. They’re the greatest people I’ve ever met but they have their flaws. I’ve wanted in this family for years.”
“There are three more brothers.”
“Not Dominick.” She giggled. “He’s a nightmare when it comes to love.”
“Poor guy.”
“It’s true but he doesn’t seem to let it bother him. He takes real good care of his daughter.”
“What happen to Gia’s mom?”
“Oh, well, let’s say she wasn’t Marchelli material.”
“Maria.” Sal stepped out onto the patio holding a fancy, crystal flute. “Look, I brought you champagne.”
When he winked at me, I realized this was a rescue mission. I wondered if Gianni had sent him. Although, I had to admit, Maria ended up being a pleasant surprise. I couldn’t say if we’d ever really be friends but I’d be happier with her in my corner.
“Thank you, Salvatore.” Maria stood and hooked her arm in his. “What do you guys have to eat in there? I’m starving.”
“I’m sure Mama Stella will feed you.” He opened the glass doors for her. “Would you like to join us in the kitchen?” Sal asked me. “Mama Stella is cooking again.”
“Thank you but I’m going to head to Gianni’s place. Could you tell him I’m waiting for him there?”
“I will.” He kissed my cheek. “I’m glad you had dinner with us tonight.”
“It was wonderful.”
Maria nodded at me before she disappeared into the crowded family room. The number of people had doubled since I’d come out here. This family knew how to celebrate. I wanted to celebrate too but right now, the only thing on my mind was all of that passion Maria spoke of. I wanted to know everything she knew. For that to occur, I had to go right to the source.
GIANNI
Thank God my father didn't have an emergency that required my attention tonight. It was bad enough I’d left Angelique with Maria but I didn’t want to have to tell her I had to cut the evening short because I had something to take care of.
Having a girlfriend would take some getting used to. I’d have to figure out how to juggle my responsibilities with my new relationship. I wondered why she’d left the main house. I hoped Maria didn’t upset her. My old friend was harmless but when she wanted something she could go too far. Since her break-up with Todd, she hadn’t been relentlessly pursuing me. A few texts here and there. I didn’t think she’d be a problem when it came to Angelique. I didn’t want to misjudge the situation but something told me Angelique could hold her own.
When I entered my house, the downstairs was dark. Glancing upstairs, I noticed the hall was illuminated by a light from my bedroom. Could she be up there? I hadn’t shown her my room yet. I didn’t think she was ready.
“Angelique,” I called. “I’m home.”
“I’m upstairs.”
I stood at the bottom of the staircase deciding what my next move should be. I knew what I wanted to do but if I climbed those stairs, I’d be tempted to take the next step. Was that what she wanted? Why the hell was she in my bedroom? If she were any other woman, I’d think she was in my room because she wanted to have sex with me.
“Gianni,” she said. “I’m waiting.”
We can’t have that.
Taking the steps two at a time, I hurried down the hall. Standing in the doorway, I found her sprawled out on my bed reading the book that was on my nightstand. She’d removed her boots and tights, giving me a full view of her sexy, toned legs. She must have undone the first few buttons on the front of her dress because she hadn’t revealed that much cleavage at dinner.
What are you doing to me?
“Are you going to stand there or are you going to join me in your bed?” She tossed the book to the side and gazed up at me.
She wanted to play. That could be dangerous. Playing led to other things.
“Well?” She looked at me with those wide, vulnerable eyes and I couldn’t resist.
“I’d be a fool to turn down your invitation.” I kicked off my shoes and socks before joining her on my bed. Leaning into her, I trailed my finger down her smooth cheek and over her jaw. “Not that I’m complaining but how did you end up in my bed?”
“The party got overwhelming.”
“Maria?”
“Actually, she wasn’t who I thought she was.” She moved closer to me. “Sal took her off my hands.”
“I owe him.”
“I decided to come back here and wait for you.” She looked around the room. “I realized I’d never been upstairs.”
“You haven’t been here that many times.”
“I’d still never seen your bedroom.” She rested on the pillows behind her, thrusting her breasts forward. “Your bed is really comfortable.”
She was trying to entice me. It was working. I propped myself on my elbow, noticing how her nipples strained against the silky material of her dress.
“What is it you want to do in my bed?” I ran my fingers down her throat and to her chest. Her breathing hitched when I went lower, tracing a path between her breasts. “Because I know what I want.”
“What do you want?” She swallowed hard.
“Maybe we could start here.” I undid the remaining buttons on her dress, peeling the front open on either side, revealing her black strapless bra and tiny panties. “You’re incredible.”
She trembled when I kissed her neck.
&n
bsp; “Relax.” I circled my finger around her aroused nipple as I kissed her. Moving to the front clasp of her bra, I popped it open, breaking our kiss to steal a glance. “I’ve never seen such perfection.” I lowered my lips to her breasts, taking my time to delight in each of them. Swirling my tongue over the hardened peaks as I squeezed them in my hand. A perfect fit.
“Gianni.” She arched her back, forcing her chest forward. “I want more.”
“I’ll give you the world.” Patience! I needed resolve when it came to her. As much as I wanted to rip off those panties and slide into her, I had to exercise control.
“Please.” She wiggled beneath me, hitching her leg over my hips and pushing into my erection.
I took a breath, trying to center myself. When I gazed into her waiting eyes, I saw uncertainty.
“Are you ready to go downstairs?” I asked.
“No.”
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” I cupped her face in my hand. “You’re refreshingly honest with your feelings. In order for me to make sure you’re okay, I need to know what you want.”
“I want you to make love to me but I’m scared.”
“You don’t have to be afraid.”
“I’ve kissed guys before and done a few other things but no one has ever seen this much of me. I’m vulnerable but at the same time I trust you so much that you could do anything to me.”
Kissing her slowly, she relaxed into my hold as I skimmed my lips down her neck and to her breasts. I resumed what I’d started a few moments ago but this time I trickled my fingers down her stomach. She tensed when I followed with my mouth.
“We’re not going to make love tonight so put your mind at ease.” I positioned myself between her legs, spreading them as I stared at her. “I won’t do anything you don’t want.” I ran my lips along her inner thigh. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.” Her voice was breathless.
“Do you know how turned on I am that you want me to be your first?”
“I do want you to be my first.” She grasped the comforter when I kissed her thigh. “That’s why I’ve waited.”
I pressed my lips to her mound, breathing in her arousal. Her panties were wet with desire. They would have to stay on tonight. Taking her hips in a firm grip, I pushed my tongue along her lace-covered slit, holding her still as I licked her.
“Oh...” she moaned.
Her thighs clenched against my shoulders when I slid my finger inside her panties, gently slipping it into her. She was smooth, waxed. Fucking hot. I could taste her through the thin material as I stroked her with my fingers, losing myself in her pleasure.
“Gianni...” she yelled out. “I...” She ran her fingers through my hair as she rocked into my face, forcing me to increase my tempo.
After a few moments, she sunk into the mattress, climaxing hard, breathing erratically. I worked my way up her body with my lips, stopping to kiss her belly, breasts, and neck.
“That was, ah...” The blush filled her cheeks. “I’ve never done that before.”
“Glad I could be at your service.” I smirked. “I hope you found it pleasurable.”
“My heart is pounding out of my chest. I’m tingling in places I’ve never tingled before. And I want more.”
“All good signs.” I kissed her before rolling off her and pulling her close to me. “There will be plenty more.” Eventually...
“What about you?” She rested her palm on my chest. “You must be bursting at the seams.”
“Appropriate analogy.” I laughed. “I’ll settle down in a few minutes but so you know, I’m usually bursting at the seams when I’m close to you.”
“Maybe I could help with that?” She hesitantly lowered her hand, stopping when she got to my belt. “If you want me to.”
I set my hand on top of hers. “You don’t have to do that.” My cock disagreed.
“I want to.”
“You’re sure?”
She nodded with determination.
I unbuckled my belt, unbuttoned my pants, and lowered the zipper, setting free the erection that had been distracting me since I’d walked into my bedroom and found her waiting for me. Closing my eyes, I sighed when she took me into her hand, stroking slowly, finding her rhythm.
As I tangled my fingers through her shiny locks, I realized there had never been anyone like her before. I ached for her but not just physically. I craved her mind, body, and soul.
“Does it feel good?” she asked.
“Unbelievable.”
Chapter Nine
ANGELIQUE
His Angel
Opening my eyes, I focused on the unfamiliar room. I must have fallen asleep. Gianni’s room. When I turned to my side, I found him propped against the pillow with a book in his lap. I gazed at him for a few moments, remembering what we had done. It wasn’t a dream. My fantasies were becoming reality. I was really with him.
“Welcome back, Angel.” He tucked my hair behind my ear. “Did you sleep well?”
“My mother used to call me Angel sometimes.” It had been a long time since I’d thought about that.
“Does it bother you if I do?”
“Not at all.” In my sleepy state, I kissed him, wanting to cuddle into him. Safe, secure, and always with him. “I kind of like the idea of being your angel.”
“Good because that’s how I see you.”
“Even after what we did tonight?”
“I can’t expect you to be angelic all the time.” He shot me a wicked grin. “You can be naughty too.”
“I like being naughty with you.” I stretched my legs under the warmth of his luscious blanket. His bed was comfortable. Maybe it was because he was in it. “You covered me.” I tugged the blanket higher when I realized my boobs were spilling out of the top.
“You were out.”
“Why didn’t you wake me?” I didn’t want to waste our night sleeping. There were many things we could be doing.
“You looked so peaceful, and I found your breathing quite calming.”
“You didn’t sleep?” I wondered if he’d watched me the whole time.
“No.”
“What time is it?”
“A little after midnight.”
“Oh!” I sat up, searching for my dress. “I should go.”
“Why?” He reached for my arm. “Stay with me.”
“I...” I wanted more than anything to stay with him but that wasn’t practical tonight. “I have to be up for work in less than six hours. I’m sure my dad’s wondering where I am. He’s probably left ten texts.”
“Where’s your phone?”
“I left it in my bag in the foyer.” I didn’t want to leave. “I would like to stay but I really have to go with work and all.” Would any woman in her right mind slip out of his bed in the middle of the night? “I didn’t realize how late it was.”
“I’ll take you home.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to do that.” He took his phone from the nightstand. “I’ll let Michael know we’re leaving soon. It’s not a problem.”
“Don’t bother him.” It didn’t make sense for the two of them to drive me home when I had my own car. “It’s late.”
“It’s his job.” After he sent the text, he put the phone in his pocket. “I’m not letting you drive home in the middle of the night.”
“You’re the ultimate gentleman.”
“I’m looking out for my favorite girl.”
I QUIETLY MADE MY WAY into the house, trying not to wake my dad or Erica. I’d texted them both and let them know I was on my way home so they wouldn’t worry.
As I climbed the stairs, I used my phone as a flashlight on the dark staircase. It was late. I was going to look like a zombie later today but it would be worth it. My insides swirled when I thought about what we had done tonight. That man’s tongue...
“Angelique!”
“Dad.” I reached the hallway. “You scared me.”
“Where have you been?”
“At the Marchellis. I went for dinner, remember?”
“That was twelve hours ago.”
“Oh, well, Vincenzo and Nadia got engaged tonight. It was so beautiful. The celebration was still going on when I left.” That wasn’t a lie. The house was filled with people when we drove off the estate. “I have to get to bed or I’ll be useless tomorrow.”
“You could have told me you were going to be late.”
“I know,” I agreed. “I didn’t have my phone near me and I didn’t realize how late it was.”
“You look disheveled.”
“Huh?”
“Your dress is wrinkled and your hair is tangled.”
Oh shit! “This material wrinkles easily. It must have happened in the car.”
“Hmm...” He continued to stare at me. “I’m guessing Gianni is well.”
“He insisted on bringing me home, so you really had nothing to worry about.”
“Right.”
“Good night, Dad.” I kissed his cheek. “See you in the morning.”
When I entered my room, the sheets were turned down and my bathroom door was slightly ajar, allowing the nightlight to illuminate the room. Out of the corner of my eye, I detected movement.
“Welcome home.”
“Erica!” I jumped. “What is it with you people? What is everyone doing up?”
“Waiting for you.”
“I texted you.”
“I don’t sleep until you’re home.”
“I love you for it but you don’t have to do that,” I assured her as I sat on the edge of the bed, taking off my shoes. “I was with Gianni. I’m fine.”
“Next time maybe you could text us a little earlier.”
I’m twenty-three! “I kind of fell asleep.”
“Where?” She got up from the chair and sat on the bed next to me.
“At Gianni’s house. We were talking...” Although there wasn’t much talking going on. There was plenty of kissing, groping, licking... I needed a cold shower.
“Talking?”
“I really like him.”
“I can see that.” She smoothed out my hair. “Don’t fall too fast.”