by SJ Molloy
Temptress.
Before leaving her room, I finally get that watch on her wrist, to which we both agree it is something special. Just like her.
Greeted by Nonna, Nonno, and the other guests downstairs, I watch Lexi blush under the scrutiny of everyone making a fuss of her. Cute.
“Avete fatto buon, Lucca. Si guarda in modo molto migliore e radioso, e che entrambi hanno un aspetto meraviglioso insieme. Una grande coppia insieme. Sono fiero di voi,” Nonna whispers in my ear after kissing me.
Smiling, I acknowledge her words. I am glad she spoke in Italian. It just might have embarrassed me if Lexi understood her. “You did good, Lucca. She looks so much better and radiant and you both look wonderful together. You make a great couple together.”
What is wrong with me? I normally do not get embarrassed. My emotions are all over the place since meeting Lexi. Perhaps it is because I know how desperately fond I am of her and I am taking our relationship very seriously.
We converse with Maria and Allegra, along with the other guests: Pippa, Laurence, Bridgit, and Nuala. While Lexi is having a pleasant talk with Nuala, the younger Irish guest, I get a chance to talk with Hazel.
She thanks me again for the straighteners. I discover she actually is a fitness instructor … that is it! I knew I had seen her in my club. She teaches there and will be on Kirsty’s team, but I refrain from telling her I own it. I do not want her to be uncomfortable. It appears it is not just Lexi we have in common. Moving on, I ask how her fiancé, Dominic, is and what he does for a living.
Lexi briefed me on Hazel and Dominic when we had our chat in the bath. From what I gathered, they have been serious for a long time.
Hazel confesses that she misses him terribly and has never been away from him for three weeks before. She is already desperate to see him, even after a few days. She puts on a brave face because she does not want Lexi to think she is not enjoying her company or this holiday.
Bingo.
Dominic’s full name and the company where he works is the only thing I can get without being too pushy and blatantly asking for his phone number.
“Hazel, I want you to know that I am falling fast and have very strong, deep feelings for Lexi. I am in awe of her, and I think I can make her very happy if she gives me the chance. Thank you for understanding that I want to spend time with her,” I say before sipping some water gauging her reaction.
“Yeah, I get that. You haven’t taken your eyes off her all night. It’s nice to see her smile and be happy, Lucca. I’ve never seen her like this before so I honestly don’t mind as long as she’s safe and happy, but please take good care of her and be patient.” She sips her Prosecco.
Safe.
Hazel is protecting her from something, I just do not know what. It adds up with Lexi’s nightmare and her references to being afraid and her affinity for being cautious and reserved.
“Hazel, you do not need to worry. I give you my word, she is very safe. I will never let anything happen to her. Honestly, I have never felt this way about anyone before. She is an extraordinary woman and I cannot get enough of her.”
“Hmmm, I think she really likes you too, but don’t push her. You need to build her trust gradually, and when she wants to talk she will … if she ever does.” Her voice trails off in a mumble, eyes looking conspicuous while she smooths out her hair.
“What do you mean by that?” I ask, checking the time on my watch.
“Don’t expect too much that’s all. And I don’t know if you noticed, but she doesn’t sleep great. If she has a bad dream, you need to hold her and calm her. Sometimes she doesn’t even remember half the dreams she has.” She looks at Lexi and smiles then hardens her eyes on me.
Lexi did have a nightmare and said some awful things that fucked with my head.
“That is just it. I did calm her through one last night. I saw. I know she has them. I held her until she was calm again …” I scratch my neck. “Look, about that, I would like to move Lexi into my suite with me for your holiday stay. I want to sleep with her and calm her in any way I can, plus I want to get to know her. I wanted to tell you because I thought it was only fair. Would you mind?” I flash her my dimpled smile, lifting my brow with anticipation.
“Well you never wasted anytime did you?” Her lips press in a firm line, finger tapping her chin. I laugh.
“Um no. That is my point. I do not want to miss a minute of being with her. After spending today with her, I know I would not be comfortable being apart from her.” I feel a little embarrassed again because I must sound desperate.
“Okay,” she chirps, smiling over towards Lexi.
“Okay … as in you are fine with this?”
“If it makes her happy, then yes. And she needs this more than you know. So okay, but you better make this up to me. Feel free to send some watches and stuff my way … I’m only kidding.” She giggles.
Oh, I think I just might have something to give her that she will value more.
Her fiancé.
“Can I ask you something? Her … scars? I want to …”
Hazel stops me by putting her hand up. “Nope. Sorry, no can do. Off limits,” she warns, and cleverly I take the hint.
Before dinner, Lexi and I take a walk. I almost badger her into letting me take her on the bench next to the water fountain. She promises after dinner, and fuck, if it is all I can think about. That sexy, pink, cock-teasing ensemble under her dress will be ripped off her.
Leaving her at the table outside, I head into the villa to fetch drinks. I meet Marco, thank him for sourcing the gifts today, and ask him if my farmhouse is ready. I owe Lexi a date.
He follows me to the bar where I ask Stefano for some wine.
“I need something else, and I need to make it happen,” I say, waiting for Stefano coming back from the cellar.
“Of course you do. What do you need?” he asks with a rogue smile, clasping his hands, leaning on the bar counter.
I explain what I need and my intentions, scribbling Hazel’s fiancé’s name and company on a piece of paper, and tell Marco to get a contact number for the director or CEO. He nods and does not judge.
I take great pleasure in telling the prick that Lexi would not accept the watch and I had to persuade her. I think he is impressed that Lexi is bashful and genuine.
Lifting some wine, we make our way outside.
“I am looking forward to meeting this angel of yours, Cap,” he says behind me.
“Yeah, buddy, I want you to meet her. Listen, do not interrogate her or make her feel awkward, she is painfully shy,” I reply over my shoulder.
“Got it, boss, of course.”
Within seconds of Marco meeting Lexi, he is charmed, captivated no less. He exchanges a look telling me he is very impressed. His impressed eyes wide with rapt attention, lips curling into a broad smile showing honesty and a mirth before taking his seat. He is happy for me.
Thank fuck. It will make it so much easier having his support, especially as I depend on him as much.
My dolcezza has won him over in mere seconds with her exquisiteness, charisma, and presence of alluring calmness.
Dinner seems to go well. Lexi begins to relax and engage in chat during the delightful meal Annalisa and Maurizio have prepared. Until Nonno explains the history of tiramisu. Lexi tenses and drops her spoon pushing her plate away.
Everyone stares, and I hold my gaze on her, my hand on her knee. Something is off. She is alarmed and embarrassed and tries to mask it.
When she excuses herself to use the restroom, Hazel stands, saying she will go and check on her. Not a fucking chance. I want to take care of her and that means in every single way. Physically and emotionally.
“Hazel, please sit and finish your dessert. I will check on Lexi. Let me do it, please,” I say, placing my napkin down. Walking around towards Maria, I ask her if she would oblige me by moving Lexi’s belongings from her room to my suite. I tell her to get Allegra to help and to hang her things up in my w
ardrobe.
Not attempting to wait for a response from Hazel who is listening and stunned, I head straight to the ladies’ restroom to find my girl in a state of panic.
“Oh my God, Lexi. What is wrong?” I ask with urgency.
“I can’t. I can’t … ” She pants, gasping for air, face flushed, eyes startled, chest shuddering as she tries to breathe properly.
Christ, she cannot breathe. I hold her in my arms until she calms, until she breathes and her body stops shaking.
“Baby, what happened to you?” I ask, cupping her face.
“I had a panic attack,” she says regrettably, eyes downcast. No shit she had a panic attack. Fuck, I feel a stabbing hurt coil in me that my dolcezza is suffering. It fucking tears me up.
I promised her I would give her time and not push her. First her fear when I was holding the knife, her nightmare, the scars, and now this … I need to understand to help her.
Her eyes are darker. She looks tired, but she does seem, younger—perhaps more vulnerable. All I want to do is wrap her in my arms forever and keep her safe and happy. This does not change how I feel about her, not at all, but I need to get my head around this so I can protect her. Hopefully I can help make her more settled and tear her away from that darkness.
Brighter. I want to see those big, luscious eyes sparkle with that richness that lights her stunning face.
I need to show her light and keep her there.
With me.
Together.
“I know you had a panic attack. I mean, what happened to you? What on earth has happened to you in the past? Lexi, I need to understand this, please,” I beg with the softest cadence I can as not to upset her any more than she already is.
“You said you wouldn’t challenge me on this. You said you’d accept that I don’t want to talk about it,” she sobs.
Wiping her tears and moving her hair from her face compassionately as I can, I say, “Okay, I am sorry. I will leave it, but will you ever tell me?”
“No. I can’t. Ever.”
Fuck. Gut-wrenching and heartbreaking bolts of pain twist and travel through me, leaving me confused and frustrated. I want her to tell me, but I do not want her to end something we have only just started either.
What is she hiding? What could possibly be that bad that she cannot even share anything with me? Anything at all would satisfy my curiosity. Maybe this is all too raw and new, and she obviously has never had to explain herself. I wonder if she will open up with me at my farmhouse when we are alone and she relaxes.
I recall Jasmine being closed off and hiding things when she was going through shit. I knew exactly what was happening because she would have fresh bruises and scars. The thing is, Lexi’s scars look like old wounds and in no way fresh. I know she has never been in a relationship, so whatever is tormenting and tearing at her has been haunting her for a very long time.
Jasmine only came around to telling me when she learned to trust me.
Trust.
Lexi needs to trust me.
Part one: Lussuria ~ Lucca’s Words
“Lussuria ~ Chapter Sixteen: You Make Me Better”
Chapter 10
Enthralled
“Do you trust me?” I ask her. I already know the answer to this. If she trusted me, she would confide in me, but I want her to hear herself say it so that when I do win her trust, she will feel better.
She skirts around about answering me, telling me it is complicated. It is only complicated if she makes it this way. It does not have to be.
“I don’t trust anyone,” she whispers and bows her head.
I was not expecting that. It distresses me that she thinks she is unable to trust anyone because that is some fucking huge burden to carry and a concerning issue to address. Whatever it is must consume her to be so guarded like that.
In an odd way I feel honoured that she has given herself to me. She must subconsciously trust me or she would never have allowed me to devour her body like that so quickly. I am not going to lie, it hurts that she thinks she cannot trust me, but I believe she is able of trusting. She already has, she just does not realise it yet.
She asks if I am upset with her. God no. Never.
Hurt?
Frustrated?
Concerned?
Deep down yes, but I do not want her to know that.
“No, I am not upset, but I am distressed to see you like this. Now we are getting somewhere. The trust thing is something we will just have to work on,” I say before changing the subject. In order for her to fully trust me, I need to be as transparent as I can and give her all the attention she deserves, put her first always.
I desperately want to take her back to my suite and give her TLC. She looks tired, but she wants to stay longer with Hazel so I agree. As I plan to take Lexi out tomorrow on our first proper date, I want her to spend as much time with her friend as she can. It is only fair.
I watch her brighten her eyes and fix her makeup. The panic has subsided and the lush warmth in her eyes enhances her face again, giving her a healthy glow and making her look fresher and more radiant.
I kiss her before leaving the restroom, licking my tongue over the newly applied sticky gloss of her lips. Watermelon. That is what I smell and taste from her lip gloss. Delicious.
Placing my hand in hers, I usher her back to retire in the lounge with the other guests. Leaving her to talk with Hazel and the Irish girl, Nuala, I go and order some drinks. I find Marco at the bar, have a quick catch up with him, and then make the call to Dominic’s boss while Stefano prepares the drinks.
Negotiation is an understatement. I make his boss an offer he cannot refuse. In return he is allowing Dominic to have time off, fly over, stay for the duration with Hazel, and work from here if need be. I also request that Dominic keeps this from Hazel. I would like her to be surprised. Ultimately his boss has a busy night ahead of him rescheduling Dominic’s workload. Finally I get Dominic’s email address and phone number.
I need Hazel preoccupied and after her telling me she sorely misses him, it seems like the right thing to do. Time is of the essence, and if I want Lexi at the farmhouse with me for a few days, then I need Dominic over here pronto.
I leave Marco with Dominic’s details, advising him to contact Suzanne to get him booked on the first flight over, all expenses paid, transfers the lot. And if Dominic has any questions, then to call me directly and I will smooth it out with him, clarifying my intentions, but I think I was persuasive enough with his boss to seal the deal.
Walking back towards the lounge, I smile, feeling the most settling warm rush cascade through me admiring Lexi sitting now relaxed and carefree, talking with the ladies. Everything about her, the way she carries herself, her poise, elegance, and magnetic lure, it all enthrals me.
Passing the women their peach-flavoured mojitos, I take a seat and join in on their chat.
“Have you learned any more of your fitness DVD, Hazel?” Lexi asks Hazel. Sitting back, my arm stretched along the back of my chair, I listen intently to the girls, enjoying hearing them exchange friendly banter.
“No, I’ve been busy cooking, eating, and relaxing, but I will need to before I get back home. The new manager at the club had the group exercise coordinator come and audit our classes. Apparently, the new manager is screwing her, so she came into my conditioning class pretending to be a participant when she was actually checking me out. Turns out the manager’s wife found out about the affair and it’s all gotten messy. If you ask me, the manager’s ass should be fired. It was underhanded the way he brought her in,” Hazel says.
Ronan. The little bastard. I will hand him his fucking balls on a plate for this shit. It makes sense now why Kirsty was acting so nervous when I walked in on them in his office. The prick has been carrying on behind my back. Well good, gives me a reason to get shot of him and away from Lexi. He was never that good of a manager anyway.
“I think I will have to fire this manager’s ass when I get home for i
nappropriate behaviour. I will speak with human resources,” I mention flatly before taking a swig of my Peroni.
Hazel almost chokes when she finds out I own the club. I reassure her I am a fair boss and move the conversation on. The last thing I want to do is get caught in idle gossip about my manager with another member of staff; it would be unprofessional of me. But fuck, I am glad she brought it to my attention.
Checking in with Marco at the bar, I ask if everything is squared up with Dominic, reply to Suzanne’s emails quickly, and thank Maurizio, Annalisa, and Nonno for dinner. Moving Nonno to the side for some privacy, I discreetly tell him my plan for taking Lexi to the farmhouse and assure him I will reimburse him financially for all the food, champagne, hospitality, Lexi’s fees for her cooking experience, and extra on top.
Of course he is horrified I would even suggest such a thing and blatantly argues that he would never dream of accepting my money because I am family.
Instead, I sigh. Cocking my head at Marco, I narrow my eyes and silently tell him what to do. Completely understanding my request, Marco will arrange for funds to be transferred into Nonno’s account.
Reaching the lounge, I pause, placing my hand on my chest as I stare in wonder. Lexi is peacefully sleeping, her head resting on her arm on the edge of the sofa. God, she takes my breath away.
Everyone else is busy chatting around her. I do not pay attention to anything other than the endearing view of Lexi sleeping. I did not think I had even been gone that long.
Bidding goodnight to everyone, I swiftly scoop her up in my arms, kissing her head softly, while carrying her back to our bed. She comes to on my lap as I am trying to undress her. It is not long until I have her undressed revealing that cock-teasing pink lingerie.
The selfish bastard in me is glad that Lexi is fully awake and as eager for me to make love to her as I am desperate to devour her. I planned on tucking her in to bed to allow her to sleep, but shit, the unbridled desire in her eyes and erotic display of her actions calls for some serious sexy pleasure.