by K. L Mann
I set out my clothes and shoes on my bed and make my way into the shower. The heat of the water makes my already warm skin feel strange but I need to clean myself properly.
I towel dry my body before running a comb through the remaining knots in my curls. I do my usual routine of leave-in conditioner, serum, blow dryer, frizz cream and my hair is finally returned to beautiful after twenty minutes. I have some tight curls and some loose ones but my ringlets usually fall in all different directions. My hair is thick but tame from years of professional care. I quickly decided to pull the crown of my hair into a half up half down style leaving some pieces behind to fall in my face. Next, I did my base makeup with ease. I decided against any eyeshadow and opted for mascara and a thicker eyelash than yesterday. I threw a bit of eyebrow pencil on to fill in any weak spots and topped my lips with a light pink gloss.
I leave the bathroom to drop my towel on my pile of clothes, but they are gone. I decide to hang it on the back of my bathroom door instead of risking getting the chair damp. Lorenzo must have had someone take my clothes to wash them. Creepy or considerate?
My outfit doesn’t take long to put on. The skirt is dangerously short for my usual taste, I opt for a high-waisted pale pink one instead. It flows off of my thighs more but it’s only an inch longer. I don’t have time to try another, I stick with it and lace up my shoes. As I’m all put together and looking at myself in the mirror, I remember I need my ring. I grab it quickly and throw on the tennis bracket from yesterday as well.
There, perfect. I smile at myself
My alarm clock reads 8:58am. I have two minutes to spare but I decide to make my way out. As I open my door blackness catches my eye and makes me jump.
“Jesus, fuck Lorenzo! You scared me half to death.” I’m holding my heart and my door for stability and I regain my steady breathing.
“Scared looks good on you.” Lorenzo scans my outfit and gives a nod of approval. A few more of his buttons have been done up and now he’s wearing a silver watch and a few silver rings on his fingers on both hands. His shoes are black and look like some sort of skinned pattern. “Are you ready?”
I straighten my back and recover from my jump scare. “Yes. Where are we going?” I step out of my doorway and wait for him to lead me further.
“Breakfast with my mother and Arianna.” He doesn’t lead me farther; he grabs the back of his neck and sighs. “They’re planning on kicking me out after and taking you wedding dress shopping.”
“How do you know that?” I don’t know what else to say.
I don’t even know if I can marry this man. I don’t know if I can’t and continue to live if I don’t. Why haven’t you tried to escape? Because you aren’t stupid Kate, risk assessment first.
“My father tells me every piece of gossip my mother lets slip. Can you handle them? Without me there?” I feel like I’m being grilled for an interview about a job I didn’t apply for.
“I can handle them. Wedding dress shopping though? We’re actually getting married, like soon?” I try to sound indifferent about it.
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Ask him why! Why the fuck does he want to marry you? He doesn’t even actually know you. You know nothing about him. Say something! My brain screams at me but I don’t listen. “About last night–”
“No time for that now.” Lorenzo interrupts me. My hand is being pulled along with him, again.
Gio is waiting in the driver's seat of the same Maserati. Lorenzo has loosened his grip on my hand but only by a small margin and he still walks too quickly for me. He opens my door and waits for me to be seated before he shuts it behind me. I buckle up as he slides in his own door.
The drive to the café is short but beautiful. I realize I have no idea where in Italy I even am. There’s countryside surrounding both Lorenzo and his parents’ home but the café is in a small busy town. Gio let us out in front of the building to go park. Lorenzo takes my hand on the sidewalk and pulls me in closer to him.
“Did I dress okay for this? It looks so fancy.” I pout, feeling completely out of place. The café is gorgeously rustic and covered in vine plants that perfectly hang from its walls.
“You look good. Stop worrying about how you’re dressed.” Lorenzo gives me a look that says I’m being dramatic.
I sigh and let him pull me into the building.
The hostess is expecting us. She flushes at the mere sight of Lorenzo and bats her eyes at him like a schoolgirl. I grip his hand tighter in mine when she does instinctively. I think I see him smile when I do.
Miss flirtatious brings us back to a patio when we find Gianna and Arianna. They're seated at a round table and both wearing sundresses that probably cost more than my entire bank account. When my dad died, all of his assets went to my mom, she still tries to give me money. I don’t need it; it’ll all be mine when I lose her and it won’t make that easier either.
“Katherine!” Ariana beams and jumps up to hug me. “I’m so happy you made it!”
“It’s great to see you guys again.” I hug her back and Gianna hugs me next. I’ve never been a hug type of person but I deal with it. Lorenzo hugs his mother quickly while I hug Arianna and then he is seated. I take the remaining chair and relax into it.
“So, Katherine. Tell me, how was your first night in our country? Lorenzo tells me you’ve never been here before.” Gianna smiles kindly at me.
I can feel my face flush as images of last night race through my mind.
“It’s been really lovely so far. I’ve never traveled outside of North America before.” I admit.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Gianna isn’t old, but she has the heart of someone older and wiser.
A waitress brings the table platters of omelets, fruits, yogurt, bread and jams. Another waitress sets orange juice in front of me and coffee in front of the others.
“You remembered?” I ask Lorenzo sweetly.
What I really wanted to ask was ‘how the hell do you know I don’t like coffee? My Instagram couldn’t possibly have given this much away. I hardly post on it.’
“Of course, I did.” Lorenzo let his lips curl into a small smile.
We chat while we eat. I hate eating in the morning, I hate most things in the morning. But I forced myself to eat a few berries and half of an egg white omelet that was actually pretty good.
“Lorenzo dear, I’m afraid Arianna and I are going to have to steal Katherine away from you for a few hours. You don’t mind, do you?” Gianna asks with a smile. She’s not actually asking; she knows she’s going to get her way.
“I need her back by 1pm to meet with the wedding planner. That gives you guys three hours.” Lorenzo takes the last sip of his coffee and sighs.
“Plenty of time!” Arianna declares.
“Gio will drive you wherever you like. Luca will be here in a moment to take me home.” Lorenzo seems grumpy about leaving me to fend for myself but I feel confident.
Arianna and Gianna stand up to leave but I lean over my seat into his space first. I push my lips into his and I see his face turn up in surprise. He pushes his back into mine and I pull away before I can’t stop myself.
“I’ll miss you.” I whisper and stand-up, leaving Lorenzo dumbfounded.
At least I thought he was. He stands up too and then I’m in his arms and my feet are lifted slightly off the ground.
“I’ll miss you too. Sono pazzo di te.” He whispers back loud enough for his family to hear.
His lips hit mine again quickly this time.
“Oh my god momma. Did you see that too or am I dreaming?” Arianna is covering her mouth and Gianna is practically in tears.
I don’t even know what he said.
Arianna grabs my hand and takes me away from Lorenzo while he says goodbye to his mother. We’re waiting for Gio to pull the car around and she won’t stop smiling.
“What did he say in Italian just then?” I ask.
“He said he’s crazy for you!” Arianna is more excited than
I’ve seen her yet.
“That’s… sweet.” I hide my disappointment. He said that for them, it wasn’t actually for me. Yeah, this is a fake relationship, Kate. Idiot.
The Maserati pulls around and Arianna stakes her claim on the front seat claiming she gets car sick in the back. I think based on the way she looks at Gio there’s more to it than that. Gianna sits behind Gio on the driver’s side and I climb in behind Arianna.
“Where to?” Gio asks as we all buckle in.
Chapter 9: Bellissimo
It’s nearing 12:30pm when I try on the dress that makes my eyes water. I didn’t even come close to crying for my last dress. This isn’t even a legitimate marriage, I’m not in love. Still, I have never seen myself look this bridal.
I wipe the corner of my eyes with my finger to stop the flow of tears.
“That’s the one.” Gianna smiles as I turn around to show them.
A consultant comes from behind me and pins a veil carefully to my hair. Arianna starts bawling her eyes out, loudly.
“You have to get this one.” Arianna wipes her tears away with a tissue.
“I really love it.” My voice cracks. “It’s perfect.” Another small tear rolls down my face.
I’m crying over a dress. What the hell is happening to me? The repression of every emotion that tries to slip out of me must be becoming too much.
It’s the purest shade of white. Like the kind of white that shouldn’t exist in nature, it is too pure. The gown has a deep but tight V-neck, A-line style fit, floor-length that covers my feet, made of satin fabric with sheer semi-puffy full-length sleeves.
The sleeves are without a doubt my favorite part.
“Alessandra, can you have alterations done by the date?” Gianna asks a short pale woman with long brown hair.
She’s wearing measuring tape around her neck like an accessory and her glasses hand low on her nose.
“For you Gianna Vitale, of course I can. You will have the most beautiful daughter-in-law on her wedding day.” The seamstress declares.
I’m finally back into my own clothes when Gio storms into the shop.
“Times up ladies, we’re late and Lorenzo isn’t happy.” He grumbles.
Great, just what I need. I can’t do anything completely right. If I would have rushed, Arianna and Gianna would be upset. But now I’m late, and Lorenzo will be even more upset.
A second car is waiting by the Maserati to take Gianna and Arianna home. There are two men that Gio nods to, they must work for the Vitale’s.
We say our goodbyes quickly and Gio opens the passenger door for me. He’s in a rush and I feel bad for making him have to hurry. I secure my seat belt and we speed away from the shop.
“How upset is he?” I dare ask.
“He’s had better days.” Gio informs me with a hint of exhaustion in his tone.
My palms start sweating, and my stomach flutters in the worst way. I hate feeling like I’ve done something wrong, especially when I haven’t.
We arrive at home just before 1:20pm hits on the dashboard. I open my own door before Gio can reach it and march myself inside, worked up from overthinking.
“You’re late.” Lorenzo comes out of nowhere and makes me jump just like this morning.
I gasp.
“Fuck. You have got to stop doing that.” I hate being scared like that. “Did the wedding planner already leave?” I look around him, searching for whoever we’re supposed to be meeting.
“She’s not here yet, she’s coming at two.” Lorenzo deadpans.
I stare at him, furious.
“You’re kidding right?” I scoff, trying to remain calm.
“Why would I be kidding?” His voice is mean.
“Unbelievable.” I shake my head at him. “So, you’re mad that I’m late for something that hasn’t started yet?” My hands are on my hips and my sass is coming out to play. “You told us 1pm on purpose!” I accuse. “You know how your mother and sister are. You told us an hour earlier so I wouldn’t be late. But you’re still upset that I’m late? God! You’re so complicated Lorenzo.” I grumble, pushing past his blockade of the foyer.
My arm is pulled back and I’m pushed up against the wall just next to the front doors. My back hits it hard enough to make me wince.
“Don’t walk away from me like that!” Lorenzo’s mouth is too close to my face.
My back is pressed against the wall tightly and I can feel a cold barrel poking my ribs.
What is this? Foreplay?
Lorenzo’s eyes are inches from mine waiting for a response. I take my chances.
“Or what?” I hiss.
“You’re going to wish you never said that.” The gun moves from my ribs and back into a concealed holster behind his back. “But right now, you need to change and be ready for this meeting in twenty minutes.”
I’m given room to move and I start to head to the elevator. My shoes click against the floor as my steps are furiously heavy.
I spin back around. I’m not done being mad at him for being mad at me.
“Screw you!” I yell again. “I found a dress by the way! I nearly cried when I saw myself in the mirror and Arianna could have filled a pool with her tears.” I’m yelling at him, but he doesn’t close the distance between us. “I spent more than three fucking hours trying on dresses for a wedding I want no part of and talking about my life with two strangers in a city that I don’t even know the name of!” I throw my hands up instinctively. “All for a sketchy wedding, that I don’t even care about! So, while you think about punishing me later, how about you take that into consideration, you ass!” I storm off to the elevator and brush past Luca in passing.
I see him glance back at me as I do.
“Ughhhh!” I grumble in the elevator when the doors finally close.
I slam my bedroom door behind me and start pulling off my clothes angrily. I get even more angry as my stupid shoes take too long to untie. I take off my underwear too and decide to change everything. I throw them and my outfit onto the floor of my closet and start rummaging for what to wear.
What the hell do I wear to meet a fucking wedding planner? Stupid fucking rules and expectations. Who the hell does he think he is? Asshole.
I grab the top set of lingerie and put it one without examining it too much. It’s a lacy blood red bra and sheer laced panties in the same rich red color. I really just want to put on a pair of leggings and lay in bed for hours but I fight the urge.
The house is always freezing so I opt for a light grey knit sweater dress that is again, too short. I pull on some lightweight socks and then a pair of black velvet thigh-high boots. The sweater dress has tight sleeves and a loose turtle neck that makes me feel semi comfortable.
I check my hair and makeup quickly and see they both look fine. I only add some more lip gloss and cover myself in apple scented body mist. My ring is still on my finger and my tennis bracelet is still on my wrist. I throw on a pair of medium sized silver hoops and walk out of my room just as angry as I entered it.
I stomp my way to the elevator and only decide to calm down one I press the ground floor button. I take deep breaths and remind myself that I’m fine.
I get myself too worked up occasionally and I can’t see past the rage. I usually just lock myself in my room and scroll through Instagram or binge Netflix until I forget about it but I don’t have those options today.
“Lorenzo is waiting for you in the kitchen.” Luca is just around the corner from the elevator. He informs me with a less than perky tone.
“Well, that’s great, because I have absolutely no idea where the kitchen is.” I huff. “Sorry. I’m just frustrated, where do I go?” I apologize for being rude. Luca didn’t do anything and he’s probably already getting rudeness from Lorenzo in his mood.
Luca tells me where to go and I eventually find it. Lorenzo is eating at a long wooden island with cream-colored countertops. There is a second plate next to him. The clicking of my shoes gives me away.
“Sit, eat.” Lorenzo tells me without turning to see me.
I ball my hands into fists but listen to him. I’m starved, trying on dresses is mentally draining.
I sit next to him and pick up the fork next to my plate. It’s a fried chicken cutlet coated with melted cheese as marinara sauce on top of shiny spaghetti noodles. Chicken parm is really more Americanized Italian food, but I love it either way.
We eat in silence and my plate is almost finished but I’m thirsty. I set my fork down and start to get down from my chair before my wrist is grabbed.
“Finish your food Kate” Lorenzo has a grip on my wrist and now I can’t keep my anger suppressed.
“I was just thirsty! Why are you being so possessive today?” I pull my wrist back and rub it with my other hand. “Can I get myself a drink or are you going to pull my arm off?”
His response isn’t verbal.
Lorenzo’s hand is holding my jaw now and his face sends chills down my spine. He opens his mouth to speak but I move my lips into his before he can get a word in. He doesn’t push me away; he pulls me in closer instead. Our bodies rub together as our lips do.
There’s a crashing noise, our plates being thrown off of the counter. Lorenzo jerks my body into his hard muscles and lifts me onto the end of the counter forcefully.
Fuck. What am I doing? Why did I kiss this jerk? I’m so fucking mad at him, but I want him so much more than I want retribution. Screw it. I don’t care, I’m not stopping.
My dress is pulled over my head before I push my tongue back into his mouth. We both taste like marinara sauce and neither one of us cares. Lorenzo’s ripping off his belt and I’m left watching in awe.
“I’m going to fuck you so hard; you won’t be able to stand for this fucking meeting.”
“What–” I can’t finish my question.
His cock escapes his pants and he shoves my panties to one side in order to line himself at my entrance. I’m burning with desire as I steady myself at the edge of the counter by holding on to his broad shoulders.