by Blue Saffire
I looked up to see the whole room watching us. Both Lucie and my mom, had their mouths hanging open. Maria was grinning from ear to ear. Venny and my father looked all business, as if I had just closed a deal for them. The two of them made me sick, but I was too happy to think about them tonight.
“Let’s eat,” my father announced.
chapter Sixteen
Test Drive
Lorenzo
We all made our way to the dining room. Lucie sat on Victoria’s other side. My sister talked to Victoria every chance she got.
I sat on Victoria’s other side, holding her hand under the table. I only released her whenever we needed our hands free. Her hand was so soft and tiny in mine.
“You have to come to my recital,” Lucie chirped on Victoria’s other side.
“You bet,” Victoria replied with a smile. She then turned to peek up at me.
“I love you,” I whispered in her ear. I said it every time I caught her staring up at me.
Dinner went smoothly, Venny and my dad talked about things nobody cared about but them. They kept trying to make me listen for learning purposes, but I wasn’t interested. The beauty next to me had all of my attention.
When everyone had almost finished their dessert, I reached under the table to squeeze Victoria’s knee. She looked up at me there her lashes, giving me a shy smile. I pressed my lips to her forehead.
“So, can I see your cars? You promised,” she chimed.
I looked at her and smiled. I could tell from the way she said it, the cars had nothing to do with why she wanted to leave. I turned to excuse us, but my father already started.
“Lorenzo, you should take Victoria to see your collection,” he grinned.
I nodded, as I used my napkin to wipe my mouth and stood up to help Victoria from her chair. Lucie got up to follow us, but my father put a stop to that.
“Lucie, sit back down,” he ordered. I turned and winked at her, mouthing, take you out tomorrow. Lucie smiled, returning to her seat.
I led Victoria to the front of the house, where I could collect the keys my father had replaced that morning. Not because he wanted to un-ground me, but because he wanted me out of the house before he decided to kill me. Victoria looked on with wide eyes as I began putting the keys to twelve different vehicles in my suit pockets. I laughed at her expression.
“You did hear my father say collection? I want to have the keys to all of them, so if you see something you like, you can drive it,” I explained to her.
Her face beamed. “You’re really going to let me drive whatever I want?” she asked disbelievingly.
I winked at her. “Yes, Beautiful. Whatever you want,” I crooned.
We made our way to the thirty-car garage, at the far end of the house. When we got to the door, I stepped in and turned on the lights. I then helped Victoria down the steps that lead the way in.
The garage sinks some inches lower than the house. I didn’t want her to fall in. Victoria’s face lit up at all the cars. Every space in the garage was filled. I even had two motorcycles, which were the only keys I didn’t bring.
We walked down through the garage to where my collection started. I had gained my fetish for cars from my father. The first ten spaces belonged to his cars and those were only a few of the ones he owned. When we got to my 350, Victoria looked at me.
“These are yours?” she gasped.
I smiled and nodded. She dropped my hand and walked forward. Victoria passed by the Mercedes and the BMW. I watched her eye the Porsche Cayenne, but she didn’t stop there. She wrinkled her nose at my Range Rover and shook her head. I guessed she didn’t want the same car as Maria. When she got to my custom Bugatti, she turned and looked at me.
“Are you serious, where do you drive this?” she said with mockery.
I laughed. “Pick a car and I’ll show you,” I suggested.
She turned to move forward, then stopped in between my favorite girls. My candy apple red Maserati, Granturismo and my indigo Lamborghini. I stood watching her, wondering which she liked. She walked over to the driver’s side of the Maserati. She looked up at me and smiled, touching the door.
I smiled at her. “Nice, good girl,” I crooned.
This car was exactly Victoria’s personality. I fished through my pockets to find the right key. Finding it, I went to stand by her and unlock the car.
I opened the door for Victoria to get in. She slid into the seat and I closed the door behind her. I walked around to get in the passenger’s seat.
I smiled and handed Victoria the key. She flipped the key open and stuck it in the ignition. She fixed the mirrors and put on her seatbelt. Turning the key, she brought the car to life. I watched her as she beamed with pleasure.
She put the car into gear and I pointed out which direction would take us out of the garage. Victoria maneuvered her way out of the garage successfully, squealing, as we reached the pavement outside. I chuckled in amusement.
“Baby, don’t follow the curve. I want you to turn off at the little fork ahead,” I instructed.
She did as I directed, handling the car like a pro. This brought a smile to my face. Victoria gave the car more gas, as the headlights put the road into view. After half a mile, she realized where I was taking her.
“You have a race track? Shut up,” she squealed.
“Where else would I get to drive these cars?” I laughed out.
She pulled onto the track. Before I could say a word, she thrust the car forward, letting the engine purr beneath her. She was in complete control of the car.
I went to caution her at the first turn, but she bayed the curve perfectly. I was impressed. I sat back and let her have fun.
She giggled. “Can I try another one, pleeeease?” she sang.
“Are we still trying to find you a car you like or are we having fun with the race track?” I teased.
Victoria’s smile brightened. “Both!”
I laid my head back against the headrest and turned to look at her. “Sure, which car did you have in mind?” I replied.
She turned to look at me. “The one next to this, was that a Lamborghini?”
I couldn’t help the snicker. “Yes, a Gallardo lp560-4, Spyder. I think you might like the Aston Martin too. We’ll take out whatever you want,” I answered.
She became excited, as she slowed the car down to turn off the track back toward the house. When we got back to the garage, Victoria slowed to a stop and looked over at me biting her lip. I had to stifle a groan the look was so sexy on her.
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
“I don’t think I’m comfortable parking yet,” she said softly.
I smirked. “Okay, place in park. I’ll put it back,” I replied and leaned to peck her on the forehead. I got out rounding the car to open her door and let her out before parking the Maserati.
As I parked, Victoria ran over to the driver’s side of the Lamborghini. I got out and started to dig for the Lamborghini key. Victoria was almost bouncing in place, when I got to the door. I unlocked the car and this time she grabbed the door and jumped in.
I closed the door behind her and crossed over to the passenger’s side. The smile on her face meant the world to me. This time before I gave her the key, I cautioned her.
“Baby, this car isn’t like the last one. I had some special additions put on, which makes what’s already a fast car, even faster,” I warned her.
She rolled her eyes and held her hand out for the key. I gave her the key and she went to fix the mirrors. She opened the key and brought the car to life.
I chuckled as she jumped when the engine roared. Victoria looked at me, sticking out her tongue. We both laughed.
This time we made it to the track much faster. She took it easy on the track this run. I think the car scared her a little, but I could tell she didn’t want me to know this.
Victoria only lapped the track twice, then started to head back to the house. It was a sure sign the car made her nerv
ous. I was proud of her, though. She hid it well.
“Do you want me to drive back to the house,” I offered.
Victoria just shook her head and stayed focused on the road. Once we got into the garage, she came to a pause again. I smile and opened my door.
“Pick another car, while I park.”
“Okay,” she beamed.
I watched her make her way further into the garage. When I caught up to her I was surprised to find her standing in front of the 745.
“This one next?” I asked as I reached in my pocket.
She shook her head, no. I could see the tears begin to moisten on her face. I quickly wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into my chest. I didn’t know what happened that fast.
“What happened? What’s wrong?” I asked anxiously.
She placed her face in my chest and started to cry harder. “My mother has one of these, it’s her favorite car.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to say to that. I just stood and held her for a minute. “Do you want to go back inside?”
“No,” she said, then looked up at me. “I want to be alone with you.”
“Okay,” I replied and kissed her forehead.
“Lorenzo?”
“Yes, Beautiful.”
“Will you kiss me again?” she asked coyly.
I smiled at her, placing my hand under her chin and lifting her face to mine. I kissed her softly, not wanting to start another fire between us. Victoria had other plans.
She placed her arms around my neck, lifting herself on her toes to bring her face closer to mine. She mocked the way I licked her lip earlier, and my eyes flashed open. She reached to place her hand on my face, as I gave in to her, letting our tongues meet.
She gently touched where the bruise under my skin rested. Pulling her lips away from mine, she gently kissed the same place she touched. I ran my fingers down her neck just watching her.
I had more control this time. I let her kiss my face, as I watched her, reaching to play with the curls at the ends of her long thick hair. She stopped to stare at my face, before she backed away toward the car, leaning into a sitting position on the hood.
She tossed all her hair over one shoulder, while biting her lip. Croaking her finger, she beckoned me to her. Victoria had no idea the beautiful sight she made.
I slowly walked over to her, stopping a little outside of her reach. I looked her over with a crooked grin on my face. Victoria was trouble if I ever knew it. So much was natural to her. She leaned back on the car, propping herself up on her elbows.
How could I stay away? I closed the space between us and leaned over her, placing my hand on her side and pressing my mouth to hers. She reached up to trace her fingers along the bare skin that was exposed from the open buttons of my shirt.
I bit at her lower lip and felt her body shake. I smiled. Victoria had no idea. If she really wanted to torture herself, I could do this all day. She began to pant beneath me. I decided to teach her a little lesson about the little game she was playing.
I wanted to have a little fun with her. I gently placed a hand on each thigh. I slid my hands down her legs, gripping a little tighter once I reached the back of her knees. I wrapped her legs behind my back and placed more of my weight on her body.
Victoria’s panting, increased. My grin widened, as I kissed her deeper. She jerked her head back to catch her breath, and I went straight for her neck. I kissed my way to her earlobe, causing her to let a loud moan rip from her chest.
My lips turned up more. I reached for her back, clawing at her skin. The shiver that ran through her was so sexy, I could feel myself starting to become turned on.
I raised my face from her neck to watch her. Her eyes were closed and she was biting down on her lip. I laughed and went for her lips.
I bit at her upper lip, so she would release the lower one. Victoria did exactly what I wanted as another moan escaped her lips. However, that’s when she took me by surprise.
Her eyes opened and she grabbed for my collar, pulling me down onto her and throwing herself into the kiss with immense passion. I growled into her mouth, deepening the kiss.
My hands slide down to her waist and my hold tightened. This time I was gasping for air. I quickly pulled away from her. I laughed, as I watched her collapse on the hood.
“Victoria, you’re too much, you know that?” I breathed.
She didn’t respond. I stood there watching her with my arms folded across my chest. She finally sat up with a pout on her face.
I chuckled. “What’s wrong now?”
She frowned speaking through her teeth. “You like pushing all the right buttons, but you don’t like when I push them back,” she accused.
I was very amused by her statement. “I told you before, what you need, not what you want. If you insist on seducing me, I can push your buttons all night, but I have control of myself. I’m not going to let you change that,” I countered.
She sat and thought for a minute. Then she tilted her head to the side and raised a brow. “Ma ho pensato che si accende?” She definitely learns fast.
“You do. You turn me on in ways you could never imagine, but I won’t let that change what I promised you. So, do you want to drive another car or are we done,” I answered her.
“Lorenzo, you can’t just…oh, never mind. We’re done. I know what I want,” she replied.
I reached out my hand for her to come to me. She walked over to me and kissed me softly on the lips. I stared into her eyes watching a wide range of emotions play out.
“Thank you,” she said.
I hugged her. “You’re welcome. So, what kind of car are you getting?” I had a feeling I already knew.
“Do you really need to ask? The Maserati of course.” I was right. She really looked great in it.
We went to replace the keys to their rightful places and then went to find our families. Victoria was charged up about driving on the track. I loved the energy that oozed from her.
“Can I come drive my new car on the track?”
“Of course. What color are you thinking of getting?” I asked.
Victoria tapped her chin. “I have to think about that,” she purred.
Just then we found everyone in the family room. Lucie was on the rug sleeping. Everyone else sat talking about old times, while laughing. Victoria and I stopped at the top of the three steps that led down into the family room.
I stood behind Victoria with my arms around her waist and my face buried in her hair. It smelled like pineapples. I couldn’t help inhaling deeply, wanting to fill my lungs with her.
Everyone turned to look at us. Maria beamed once again. She was the first to speak.
“Did you see something you liked?”
“Yes, the red Maserati. It drives like a dream. They have a racetrack. Lorenzo let me drive it on the track. I drove his Lamborghini too,” Victoria answered without pause.
My father’s face broke into a smile. “She is very much like Lorenzo. Those are his two favorite cars, which means he must really like you, young lady. No one is ever allowed to drive those two, but him,” he mused.
Victoria turned to look at me. “Really?” she said elated.
I shrugged my shoulders.
Her eyes lit up and she kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you. I can’t believe you let me drive them. You didn’t even know if I was a good driver.”
I laughed. “I was praying you were,” I admitted. Everyone burst into laughter.
Venny grinned at Victoria. “So then, are we going to Maserati tomorrow or are you still not speaking to me?”
She twisted her face up. “We can go to Maserati tomorrow. I’ll think about the other part.”
Venny laughed and shook his head. Then, I remember another promise I made Victoria. Another I would keep. “Oh, by the way, Mr. La Marcello. I was wondering would it be okay if I took Victoria to Matt’s graduation party on Saturday?” I said politely.
“Call me, Ven, Kid. Of course, Loren
zo, but she’s going to have to ask herself.” Venny said with a menacing smile.
I chuckled as I felt Victoria stiffen in my arms. She crossed her arms and shifted her weight to one leg. After a long pause, she released a sigh.
“Lorenzo, I’m tempted to tell you I’ll meet you there,” she grumbled.
Laughter filled the room again. Victoria let out another sigh. “Daddy, would it be okay if Lorenzo takes me to Angie’s for Matt’s party?” she asked, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Venny smiled. “Why Victoria, that would be absolutely fine,” Venny chuckled in satisfaction.
“Pick you up at two,” I whispered into her ear.
Victoria melted into my chest and nestled into my embrace. I had all I wanted. I had my girl.
chapter SevenTeen
I do What I Say
Victoria
We must have left the Botticelli house around one in the morning. I still had to attend a study hall Friday morning, but I didn’t want to leave. It felt so good to be with Lorenzo and not have to hide.
I almost forgot the reason we were there in the first place. Lorenzo made me feel so safe, the way he stayed by my side the whole time. He made sure some part of him was always in contact with me. It felt like he was making sure I didn’t leave him.
I had my first kiss. It was amazing. Lorenzo was so patient with me. I didn’t know kissing him would be so incredible.
The way he touched me, made my head all fuzzy and I just wanted more. His hands felt so smooth and strong against my skin. I couldn’t help but hope I was as good a kisser to him as he was to me.
I almost felt sick when we had to leave. Only thing that made it a little easier was when my father agreed to let Lorenzo pick me up from school. We had plans to meet my dad at the car dealership.
My father had meetings all morning, so he wouldn’t be able to pick me up. Maria had some last minute meetings with the party planners all day as well. My father promised he would meet us at the showroom at 2 o’clock, so that gives Lorenzo and me plenty of time to be alone.
I stared at the clock that read 8:55 am. Lorenzo was done with school. He only had to attend his graduation. Lucky him.