by Marie Harte
“Sure, but if I tell your grandfather I still like to cook gourmet, he’ll never take me out to dinner,” she’d joked.
Allegra worked the bread dough in front of her with a happy sigh. Like her grandmother, she delighted in a kitchen. She thought it telling that Josh, her ex, hadn’t come close to giving her as much pleasure as baking her mini pear/almond cakes did. They sold like wildfire the minute she put them behind the glass counter, and they tasted like heaven dusted with sugar. Josh had been anything but sweet. Boring, even bland. Not like Matt or Renato. Allegra could almost taste the honeyed flavor of their skin, could smell the salty maleness of arousal as she pressed her mouth closer…
Ack. Keep thinking like that and you’ll go crazy. Again with those dreams…
Deliberately shaking free from her ill-timed fantasies, Allegra looked forward to trying one of the cook’s favorites, zeppole, which sounded a lot like funnel cakes made with ricotta cheese. Allegra knew she’d try the recipe as soon as she could find the ingredients. Lost in another fantasy world, this one much healthier for her state of mind, Allegra focused on the thought of what she’d add to her already impressive recipe collection as she kneaded the dough on the counter.
She was therefore understandably scared into a yelp when large hands settled over her shoulder and a warm mouth caressed her neck.
“Hmm, tastes sweet,” Matt murmured as he kissed her neck.
“Looks as good, too.” Renato came into view, his blue eyes filled with mirth. “Bella, why are you staring at me so shocked? We said we’d take you to the festival.”
His words barely penetrated as she tried to get over the feeling of Matt kissing her neck. Then she realized who she was looking at and gaped at the sight of Renato in jeans. And she’d thought he looked terrific in a suit? In form-hugging jeans and a black, button- down shirt, he looked good enough to eat.
At her stare, Renato frowned. “What? You no like?”
She loved when his accent thickened, that voice so sexy, so hers…
Blinking out of the sexual hunger again taking control, she tried nudging out of Matt’s hold, sucking in her breath when she felt the press of something hard against her backside.
“Matteo,” Renato barked.
“Yeah, yeah.” He continued in a husky voice, directly into her ear. “I’m sorry, baby. But you smell so damned good.” He nuzzled her neck before sighing and moving back. “What are you wearing?”
Turning to see him, she noted his similar attire to Renato’s, save he wore a red cotton shirt, the sleeves rolled back to reveal muscular forearms. Realizing he was waiting on her answer, she stuttered, “Ah, nothing. Just bread dough.”
Renato chuckled. “I’d like to see that. Nothing but dough.”
“What?”
“I said that dough looks about done, yes?”
She stared down at the mixture, aware she’d gone overboard. Grimacing, she put the blob in a glass dish and placed it next to the stove to rise. While washing her hands in the sink, she spoke, knowing it was easier to think without looking at God’s gifts to women.
“My family’s going to go to the festival tonight. All of us together.” When they said nothing, she glanced up, only to see an intense look pass between Matt and Renato. “I, ah, guess you could come with us if you want.” And hey, while you’re at it, feel free to put those lips of yours on me anywhere you like. Either of you.
“No, bella. You’ll join us. The time has finally come to choose the new Lord of Misrule. You can’t miss that,” Renato cajoled. Then he glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Ah, we’ll tell them together. Donna, Tony, it’s good to see you again. We’ve come to take Allegra to the party.”
“So soon?” her grandmother said, and Allegra frowned at the warble in her tone.
“Not soon enough,” Matt grumbled, only to grow quiet at a sharp look from Renato.
“I mean,” her grandmother paused and blushed, her embarrassed smile growing into laughter. “I can’t believe we slept so long. Allegra, you should have woken us.”
“It’s only been an…” Allegra stared at the clock in disbelief. How had three hours passed while she’d been preparing bread dough? And when had it gotten dark? When Matt and Renato had entered, sunlight had been streaming through the windows.
“Allegra?” Her grandfather studied her with a frown on his face.
“It’s nothing.” Nothing but losing three hours of my life, which makes as much sense as two men who look like Matt and Renato being interested in me. “Why don’t I clean up and change, and we can all go together?” She needed a moment to figure out what had happened, and she couldn’t put her finger on it, but this situation wasn’t right. Losing time? Attracting the attention of two eligible bachelors attractive and wealthy beyond her imagination? And besides, something about the pair overwhelmed her. As they studied her, she could feel wisps of power and sexual need enveloping her with seductive, greedy hands. It was all so incredibly bizarre, and not a little scary how much she wanted them both.
“Nonsense.” Renato dusted his hands together, his gaze intent on her face. “You look fine. It’s casual, in any case. Donna, Tony? Would you mind if we took Allegra on ahead and met you there?”
Allegra’s grandparents nodded.
“Nessun problema. We’ll find you, I’m sure.” Her grandfather looked entirely too pleased with himself.
Renato grabbed her jacket and Matt had her out the door in no time. And with some puzzlement, Allegra wondered how she’d been so easily maneuvered. And why she no longer worried about being with them. The uneasiness she’d just felt disappeared as if it had never been, and she chalked up her nervousness to vulnerability. But hell, what woman wouldn’t feel inadequate faced with two walking billboards for sex?
“We parked down the road a bit.” Renato shrugged an apology.
“Don’t worry, baby. You get tired, I’ll carry you there.” Matt smiled, and even in the encroaching darkness, Allegra thought his teeth looked overly bright. He seemed a little…feral, was the only word she could come up with.
“Baby?” Since when were they on such intimate terms? And why did the familiarity please the hell out of her?
“A term of affection, no?” Renato grinned and took her hand in his, his palm hot and overly large. “We are very glad to celebrate this festival with you, Allegra. Are you not pleased as well?”
Though they’d both coerced her to leave with them, she had to admit she welcomed the long walk to the car through the crisp, cold December night. And she’d be a fool to deny the intrigue of such attractive company. Honesty compelled her to admit she’d loved Matt’s mouth on her. The thought of Renato touching her as well caused flutters in her belly. Despite her rather staid sex life, Allegra’s fantasies were anything but mild. And though she knew reality would never pair an average American girl with these dream men, just being with them in this exotic, festive place gave her pleasure.
Oddly enough, she also felt safe with two men she’d met just yesterday. Maybe it was the fact that the Valentes worked for these men. Or that everyone seemed to like them. She studied Matt, who stared back at her, wondering.
“Tonight we will choose the Lord of Misrule, as I stated earlier,” Renato said, pulling her attention. “And he will choose his consorts.”
“Consorts?”
“Or consort. Tonight you will see much that others will not. And it’s all in fun. No one is hurt. Practical jokes, much loveplay, that sort of thing.”
Her cheeks heated. “Did you say loveplay? As in sex?” she croaked, feeling like an idiot. But how the hell could she hope to remain immune from the testosterone twins? Renato sounded so blasé about the idea. How would he feel if she instigated some “loveplay” with him or Matt? Allegra couldn’t help grinning at the thought of shocking the crap out them with such a bold move.
“Ah, good. Not so nervous about loving, eh?” Renato brushed a hand over her cheek and smiled. “There will be much of that, I think.”
“Ren
e, easy,” Matt growled. “A meno che lo desideriate prenderela sua destra qui, ora.”
“What?”
Renato, or Rene, as Matt called him, laughed at his friend’s temper. Why hadn’t she learned Italian, Allegra lamented, wanting dearly to know what Matt said.
“Such a beast,” Renato joked. “Matt has so little patience, Allegra. I think, perhaps, that you will be very good for him.” The expression on his face couldn’t have been mistaken for anything but sexual. And like that, Allegra lit from the inside out.
All mirth faded as the three of them stopped a few feet from a long, black sedan.
“Allegra, tonight you’re going to take part in something we’ve been waiting years for.” Matt breathed heavily and took a deliberate step back, as did Renato. “I think you should know ‑‑”
“That if we don’t get into the car, we’ll miss the party.” Renato shoved his friend and ignored the dark look Matt shot him. Grudgingly, it seemed, Matt held the front passenger door open for Allegra and entered the backseat quietly.
Renato slid behind the wheel and started the vehicle. “I’m sorry, Allegra. Matt always likes to explain everything. Takes the joy out of the surprise, you know?”
The twinkle in his eyes eased Allegra’s worries, and she smiled back, determined to relax and enjoy such pleasant company. Renato rolled down the windows, allowing the chill night air to soothe them. A sudden wind combed through Allegra’s hair in gentle strokes, a surprisingly warm balm of comfort, which only added to the camaraderie of the handsome man at her side and the one behind them muttering under his breath as they drove.
Entertained by Renato’s stories of life in Il Regalo as compared to life in the United States, Allegra laughed as they drove into town. They passed other cars and people, parking in front of a large two-story home on the edge of town, and all the while Allegra was held by Renato’s warm laughter, and by Matt’s beastly presence just behind them. By the time they stepped out of the car and began walking toward the glow of lights at the center of town, Matt had offered his apologies for his attitude and assumed the pleasant, carefree demeanor she’d encountered yesterday.
Hundreds of people gathered along the main avenues in town, the majority of partygoers hanging around the grassy park in the middle of the village, where the fountain sat, now obscured by a large fire blazing to high heaven. Arriving in the midst of revelry, Allegra noticed the hoards of merrymakers carousing together in the streets. A band played lively music, and several people were singing in Italian to a tune that caused much laughter among their audience. Food and drink carts were everywhere, with people taking what they wanted, no fees attached.
What struck Allegra most curiously was the lack of children present. Here and there she spotted a Valente mingling with the crowd, and was surprised to see her grandparents laughing with the revelers as well.
“Hey, look over there.” She tugged Renato, but he stopped, making her stop with him.
“It’s time, Allegra.” His voice deepened, seeming to echo around her as he pointed to the fountain they’d reached.
The statue had been replaced with a large, marble chair. Multicolored lights lit the fountain, and what looked like a stone bridge connected the outer rim of the ledge to the platform on which the chair sat ‑‑ where Saturn had stood just yesterday.
Silence suddenly descended, and Renato stood straighter, his grip on Allegra’s arm firm, but not harmful. To her surprise, all eyes fell on them, and then Renato addressed the crowd.
“Welcome, merry revelers. And a good Saturnalia to you all,” he said loudly, his voice carrying through the streets.
The crowd cheered. Around her she could smell and see alcohol spilling from cups. Beads glittered, jewelry and gaudy costumes blinked in the light from the streets, and a haze of what looked like fog settled over the gathering like a warm, welcoming mist. As she stared at the festivities, Allegra could almost imagine herself in another time, where people came together to commemorate life with open goodwill and appreciation.
“Tonight we celebrate the choosing of our new Lord of Misrule. It is under his direction that we offer our thanks to Saturn, father of the Golden Age, harvester of benevolence and plenty. To Saturn.”
“To Saturn,” Allegra repeated, filled with a bubbly contentment. She laughed, feeling drunk on the enthusiasm around her.
Renato smiled down at her before turning to a short, rotund man running toward him, waving a slip of paper in his hands. “Ah, our mayor comes bearing the name of our next Lord of Misrule.” Renato took the slip, and the stocky man bowed irreverently before flipping him off. With a laugh, Renato read the slip and smiled. He turned to Matt. “Take your place, My Lord Misrule.”
Matt bowed before the cheering crowd, sent Allegra a cocky grin, and walked through the parting masses to the fountain. He took a seat on the marble chair as if he’d been born to rule. The crowd sent up a loud roar, and then quieted when Matt began speaking in Italian. Strangely, when he spoke to the loud gathering, his voice could be heard as if he spoke into a microphone.
Renato translated for her in a low murmur. “I must insist you all imbibe as much as possible, play and feast to your heart’s content.” He paused as a swell of applause and cheer broke out. A few seconds after Matt continued, Renato spoke again. “And by all means, celebrate great father Saturn’s generous nature by sharing your love, your wine, and most importantly, your bodies. Clothing is now optional.” Renato chuckled, and Allegra blushed as several couples began taking Matt’s suggestion to heart.
“Wherever and whenever you please, give back to Saturn the gifts he has graciously bestowed. For I, Matteo Silvano, your Lord of Misrule, have so decreed.”
The crowd went wild. Matt stood and looked around, his smile wide. Renato murmured as he spoke, “And it pleases me to announce my consorts for the festival. My partner, Renato Fortuna, of course, and the lovely Allegra Valente.”
Pleasantly surprised to be so included, Allegra blushed with warmth, even as she wondered what “consort” actually meant.
“Basically, we’re Matteo’s assistants,” Renato explained before she could ask. “We do whatever he wants, helping with the ongoing party and encouraging the masses to eat, drink” ‑‑ he tongued the shell of her ear, making her start ‑‑ “and fuck.”
The feel of his tongue along the sensitive ridge of her ear reduced her to a puddle of nerves. Oblivious to the catcalls and hoots around her, Allegra could barely breathe as Renato leaned closer until his lips fused to hers.
Chapter Three
Allegra knew she was lost the minute Renato plunged his tongue in her ear. Her body responded on cue, automatically flooding with moisture. Her breasts swelled, and her nipples felt constricted under the taut fabric of her bra. But when Renato’s mouth closed over her own, a fire broke out over her body.
Sensation exploded. The warmth of his mouth, the sweet peppermint of his breath, the rock hard body pressing hungrily against hers… She wanted to wrap her body around him and hold him tight. To feel him sink deep and pump until he released inside her. Orgasm rose, a tidal wave of need that defied all expectation as Renato groaned her name.
She rubbed against him, telling him with her body what she needed. But to her disappointment, he broke the kiss and set his forehead against hers, panting hard. “Ah, bella, what I’m going to do to you tonight.” Renato nipped the base of her throat. Not giving her a chance to protest, he pulled her into his arms, her back to his belly, and faced the fountain.
“Renato?” Do to her tonight? That couldn’t possibly mean what she thought it meant, could it?
“Call me Rene, bella. I think Renato is a bit formal between friends like us, don’t you?” He nipped her earlobe, and she tensed, wanting him with every fiber of her being.
What the hell had he done to her? One kiss and she was ready to fuck him in the street, witnesses or no witnesses. “Not yet, but soon.”
Before she could ask what exactly he meant by that, s
he heard, “Nipote. What wonderful news.”
Whoa. A dash of cold water. Her grandparents. Summoning the will to stand and try to look unaffected, Allegra blinked into the beaming gazes of her family.
“So wonderful to be a consort on your first Saturnalia. How fortunate, Renato, no?” Her grandfather slapped Renato on the shoulder.
Renato squeezed Allegra tighter. To her consternation, she couldn’t miss the erection pushing against the small of her back, and her desire rose as sharply as before. God, she hoped her grandparents attributed her flush to the excitement of the party and not sexual desire for the hot man behind her.
“But of course, this is the work of Saturn.” Renato kissed her hair. “The great god gives us not only Matteo as his Lord of Misrule, but the grace of a beautiful Valente by his side.”
Allegra’s grandmother clapped her hands and kissed her husband on the cheek. “We’re so proud. Allegra, this is a great honor. For Matt and Renato to have chosen you…” She swallowed, her eyes bright with…tears?
“Grandma?” Renato? Matt was the Lord of Misrule.
“Oh, I’m just so happy you finally came with us this year. I’ve been bugging her forever, Renato. And finally our nipote consented to come with us. And now she sees the part of her missing for so long. Your culture, bambina. Your place in the world.”
Her grandmother spread her arms wide, and Allegra had to admit that despite her confusion, she was having the time of her life. People waved at her, toasting her name, Renato’s, and Matt’s. The air was sweet with celebration, she had a handsome man at her back, and the people she loved at her front. What could be better?
“I’m so glad I came.” Allegra smiled wide, happiness filling her to the point she wanted to burst. Renato shifted behind her, and she was reminded she wasn’t the only one wanting to come apart. He kissed the top of her head again, and she blushed. Such familiarity from a man she’d just met. What would her grandparents think?
“Time for us to go.” Her grandfather winked at her and grabbed her grandmother. He nodded to the throng of partygoers. “We’re a little too old for all this. Renato, you’ll take care of her?”