L'amore: The Luminara Series

by SJ Molloy

  Leaving the front door open, the boys head out front. Cameron puts Doris and her bed in the back of his jeep, and a few more boxes on the back seat. After saying goodbye to Hazel and Dominic, I lift my bag and walk outside slowly. My mouth drops when I see Lucca standing in front of his car. Another Aston Martin by the look of it, but it’s a completely different model in a shiny black gloss. Rolling my eyes, but not surprised at all, I press the key fob for my little Ford Focus but realise I shouldn’t drive yet with my fractured wrist. The rotational movements could be problematic still.

  Damn.

  I give Hazel my car keys.

  “Nice wheels, Lucca,” Dominic says.

  Lucca nods his head smoothly and then opens the door for me to get in. I notice his registration plate is CAR US04. I remember him telling me that his dad Antonio bought Marissa CAR US01 as a wedding present. Antonio has number 02, Lucca’s brother, Savio, has 03, his other brother, Armando, has 05, and Anna has 06.

  I wave to Hazel and Dominic before getting in.

  “You okay, Doc? I am worried about you,” Lucca asks.

  “Yes, I’m fine. It just feels as if a chapter is closing on me if that makes sense. I’m not all that good with change. It might take me some time to adapt.” I lower my voice with embarrassment, but I promised him honesty.

  “It is a big thing. A lot has happened for us in the last few weeks. You are doing so well and have made great progress; you should be very proud of yourself. Try to embrace it and live for today. I promise to be patient, and I will give you as much space as you need. Although I am looking forward to spending all my time with you. I want to make you really happy. You are my life now, so I will love you endlessly. Make you feel alive, just like I promised.” He places his hand on my neck pulling me towards him and circles my nose with his before kissing it then my lips.

  I know he will.

  Leaving me breathless, he pulls away to look at me with that very promise in his eyes. Love. The promise of love.

  “You’re right, I’m just being idiotic. Please don’t think I don’t want this, because I do. I want to live with you very much. It’s just such a big step for me.”

  “Please do not call yourself idiotic. You are anything but,” he firmly says.

  We drive up the tasteful, vintage, tree lined street of historic red sandstone houses. Cameron has pulled over to allow Lucca in front. Arriving at the private gate, he punches in a code opening the gates to allow us access. I roll my eyes. Of course I knew his property sat at the end of the street, and I’ve heard it’s spectacular, but being this close and now entering through the private gates feels somewhat surreal and intimidating.

  “What model is your car?” I ask, changing the subject.

  “It is an Aston Martin V-12 Vanquish, do you like it?” I remember he also drove an Aston Martin in Tuscany; he obviously favours them.

  “Yes, it’s great. Very flash. When I’m cleared for driving again which I think will be soon actually, I’ll need to get my car back. I need it for work.”

  “I think I will get you a new one.”

  “You’re not buying me a car. My car is just fine, thank you. I love my little fokey. It does me just fine,” I say assertively, straightening in my seat, shocked he would even suggest that I need a new car.

  He laughs. “You would be safer driving a golf buggy than that toy car. I intend to get you two cars. Something suitable for Doris, and something sleek just for you.”

  Hmmm. We’ll see about that!

  My mouth drops in awe as we approach the gigantic house. Oh my goodness. It looks like a castle—a fortress—and absolutely stunning. I had no idea that this is all behind those gates. Lucca told me that it’s a category B listed building dating back to 1802 and that he has spent years carefully restoring and renovating it. I knew his house would be impressive, but I’m astonished as I didn’t expect this.

  The house is made of traditional red sandstone and stretches over three levels with a separate coach house at the side of the building. There is a large, landscaped circle with a beautiful fountain in front of his home and several parking bays.

  The cobbled driveway leading to the house is bordered by gravel at both sides with lush green trees and a large, vivid green lawn on either side. The trees and hedges start along the wall at the front gate’s edge and continue around the perimeter of the property. Ivy climbs along the tall red sandstone walls and towering trees make it very private indeed.

  “Wow, you live in a mansion,” I say, looking out the window in awe.

  “We live in a mansion,” he corrects.

  “Who lives in the coach house?” I ask, a little awed by the scale of everything.

  “My housekeeper and gardener, Rose and Peter Smith. They are very loyal and good people. There is a granny flat out the back as well for any family or friends who stay over, and an extension onto the back of the main house. Anna’s known to show up from time to time to take advantage of my pool, so feel free to warn her off if she pesters you.”

  Lucca effortlessly swivels the car around the circular fountain centrepiece and swiftly brakes in front of the main entrance. My stomach twinges with nerves and anticipation as Cameron pulls up behind him. Lucca gets out, opens the car door for me, and takes my hand. He presses a code on a panel near the front door allowing the main entrance gates to close behind us.

  Cameron opens the jeep trunk, and Doris catapults out the back and bolts off exploring. I giggle watching her but nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a smash. She’s gone and knocked over a huge stone plant urn near the front door.

  “Lucca, I’m so sorry. I think she’s a little excited.”

  Laughing, Lucca adds, “It is only a pot, so do not fret, but we are going to have to get her to obedience classes.” I release his hand to go and pick up the shattered stone. “What are you doing? Leave it. Peter will get it.”

  He drags me back to his side while Cameron shakes his head in amusement. “Told you, mate, the mutt is a fucking liability. That dog is going to wreck this place.” Lucca nods his head and rolls his eyes in agreement with Cameron.

  A tall, sandy-haired man wearing a cable knit red sweater and brown cord trousers walks out of the house. Walking over to Lucca, he shakes his hand, then holds both his hands for a moment before patting his shoulders. “Well, young man, you going to introduce me to your beautiful new lady?”

  Blushing, I stay close to Lucca’s side.

  “Peter, I would like you to meet my beautiful fiancée, Lexi Robertson. She is the lady of the house now. If I am not here, please make sure she has anything she needs.”

  What’s with the lady?

  “Yes, Lucca, absolutely. It’s a pleasure to meet you finally, Miss Robertson. I hope you will be very comfortable. If there is anything at all, please just ask me or my wife Rose.” He shakes my hand, wrapping his other over the top and clasping it in a formal but warm gesture.

  “Thank you, Peter. It’s lovely to meet you,” I say shyly.

  Doris comes galloping around like a bloody racehorse and bangs right into the back of my legs, causing me to buckle over and stumble. She’s attracting attention with her hyperactivity.

  Bloody nuisance.

  Peter grabs my arms and lifts me upright while Lucca shakes his head as he holds my other arm.

  “Eh … thank you.”

  “Hmmm, this grey ghost belong to you?” Peter asks, already knowing the answer.

  “Yes, she’s just a little excitable and … well, hyperactive sometimes,” I confess.

  “Well, young lady, we will need to do something about this,” he adds. Cameron is looking as if he’s fit to burst and clearly loving watching me quiver under Peter’s shrewd words because he knows how spoiled Doris is and this will be a challenge.

  “What have you got in mind, Peter?” Lucca asks with optimism, grinning at him. I tighten my fingers around his hand. Nothing will be happening to my dog. She’s a pet and fine the way she is, a little unruly but very
loveable.

  “Obedience training starts tomorrow. Excellent pedigree I must say, and by the looks, a very good breed. Very loyal dogs and unbelievably clever, but you’re cutting it fine. They need to be treated firmly from the start, and it looks as if you have a playmate. Not that I’m saying they aren’t great companions, but, Miss Robertson, this dog needs dominance, force at times, and a strong leader. I’m guessing she’s not that old,” he says, studying Doris, rubbing his hand along his chin.

  I shrug my shoulders, wrinkling my nose and scowling slightly, grateful he’s willing to help but not with his choice of words. It’s not that I feel threatened by Peter because he’s merely referring to my dog and Lucca trusts him explicitly.

  Force.

  Dominance.

  Strong.

  “I suppose she needs a little training,” I mutter feeling a familiar ache in my chest.

  Sensing my uneasiness, Lucca rubs his fingers over my knuckles and it slightly calms me, his small gesture sending pulsing beats straight to my core.

  “A little? You think?” Cameron adds sarcastically. He gets a mighty scowl for that cheeky comment.

  Doris is jumping around looking for attention from Peter, so he pats her back then places the palm of his hand on her head. She sits, tilting her head to the side. I’m amazed.

  “You know these dogs?” Lucca asks.

  “Yes, used to breed, show, and work them. Wait until Rose catches a glimpse of this little beauty. Although she needs a lot of work. You understand how this works, Miss Robertson, don’t you?”

  No, I don’t understand. She’s my pet and not under ball and chain.

  “Where will she be sleeping?” he adds.

  Lucca shrugs his shoulders as he wraps his arm around my waist. “Well, that is up to my beautiful girl.” He’s redeemed and about bloody time.

  “She will stay with me, you know, in the house,” I mutter while rubbing her ear with my free hand. There’s no way I’m having her outside or in a kennel; she wouldn’t know what was going on.

  “Hmmm, interesting. Well let’s just see how that goes, and if you need advice, you know where I am,” Peter replies, giving Lucca an approving nod of his head. I watch him interact with her, and he does have a natural flare. Doris seems calmer already. Maybe Peter will be a good help after all.

  “Thank you. I really appreciate it, but I hope she won’t get in your way too much.”

  “Beautiful lady, she won’t get in my way. I’m thinking about you two young love birds because they can be, shall I say … attached to their owners.” He curls his lips on one side and winks at Lucca.

  Oh my goodness, I’m mortified. I think he’s referring to … bedroom time.

  Fuck!

  File M for mortified. Mortified, he’s thinking of our sex life.

  Inappropriate.

  Lucca takes my hand and walks me into the house with Cameron following behind me. Peter stays outside with Doris, giving her some commands and trying to train her by the looks of it. I stop walking when my foot enters the grand hallway’s black and cream, high-polished tiled flooring and slowly lift my head, taking in the magnificent interior.

  Cameron strolls by me and dumps boxes on the floor near the front doors. Swallowing hard, I open my eyes wide and drink it in—the fine details, artistry, and expensive accented décor. I have the same feeling as when I stepped into the luxury suite in Florence. It’s so grand.

  Blinking a few times, my eyes are drawn towards the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above me. I’m mesmerised by the colours reflecting against the diamond-like pendants and droplets spinning over the room, fanning a jewelled palette of colours.

  “Cameron, fix a drink. You are welcome to stay for dinner. I am just going to give Lexi the tour.”

  “Cheers, mate, but I’m going to head back. I’ve got football training,” Cameron replies. Secretly I was hoping he would stay, just to make sure I settle in okay. Not that he can do anything about my lack of resilience, but it’s comforting knowing he’s there.

  I’m lost in the amazing artwork and ornate pieces sculpted across the walls and stop listening to their conversation as I stare, transfixed on the opulent, busy furnishings around me.

  “Lexi, snap out it. Did you not hear me?”

  Startled, I turn to him. “Sorry, Cameron. I, um … anyway, what were you saying?”

  I notice Lucca is no longer holding my hand. He’s not even in the hallway. “Where’s Lucca?” I ask. Have I been daydreaming that long?

  “He went to find Rose. I’m heading off. Will you be okay? I’ll stay if you want me to.” He runs his thumb over his eyebrow and sighs then carefully forms a half-hearted smile.

  “Yes, of course I’m okay. I’m just processing this. It’s a big change, but I’ll be fine. It’s not fair for you to cancel your plans, you don’t need to stay. Cameron … can you keep your phone charged? In case I need to reach you?” I ask nervously.

  “Of course, but you’re perfectly safe. I vetted this place out when we collected the boxes, and Lucca has a great security system and it’s very private. There are cameras all around the property, and Lucca will take great care of you. Are you getting cold feet already?” He pulls me to his chest and chuckles.

  I wrap my arm around his waist, lean my chin on his shoulder, and sigh. Lifting my gaze, I notice Lucca leaning on the substantial artistic banister which curls and weaves in a spiral formation.

  He frowns as he pinches his forehead with his middle finger and thumb. He’s concerned, possibly offended.

  Shit.

  Cameron kisses my forehead before Lucca walks him outside to say goodbye, then punches in the code to open the gates for him. I wave half-heartedly to him but choose to walk over and sit on the bottom oval-shaped step of the staircase, hugging my knees to my chest.

  Closing my eyes, I breathe as if I’m filling my lungs with courage and strength to embrace this new reality. Lucca returns and sits beside me on the step, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. We don’t say anything for a few minutes in an awkward silence.

  “You never answered Cameron when he asked if you were having cold feet. Will you talk to me about this please?” he asks with agitation as he runs his hands through his hair.

  He drops his head, and his wavy, dark hair flops down over his eyes. He’s upset with me because I haven’t been honest, and he’s given me ample opportunity to tell him how I feel about this move.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just overwhelming. I’m not having cold feet, so please don’t think that. I love you, Lucca. It’s just surreal being here, and it’s all happening so fast. I think maybe it’s because we’re not still on holiday, or I feel slightly strange being here, as if I am going to wake up from a dream. Reality is hitting me hard and I feel like I don’t belong here.” I shrug and look down to the ground following the scrolls and intricate design of the tiles with my eyes as if I’m lost in a maze. Ironically, I know that’s how I might feel in this house.

  He’s quiet.

  “Please, Lucca, look at me,” I plead, lifting his chin. “I’m sorry I’m not hanging from the ceiling, sliding down the banister, doing backflips on your front lawn, or throwing the feathers out of the pillows. It’s just so new, and I don’t want to disappoint you. I love you more than anything else in this world. You are my world now, but I just need time to adjust.”

  He grabs my face in both hands, leaning his forehead on mine as his hot breath skims my lips, and his sexy scent fills my nostrils. “I am not mad at you. I could never be mad at you, but I am worried about you. You could never disappoint me. You make me happy, so fucking happy, so stop being so critical and disparaging of yourself. I love you and I will give you all the time you need.”

  He puts his hand on his heart, his lips press onto my own, and he holds them there. He floods me with his azure blue eyes while breathing deeply.

  I pull back, leaving a small gap between our lips. “Kiss me. Kiss me then take me to our bed. I wan
t you to take me so badly right now,” I seductively whisper then brush his bottom lip with the end of a long soft stray wave of my hair that has fallen out of place. One minute I’m cold then the next I’m roasting hot, my emotions flipping on and off like a switch.

  Yanking me towards him, his tongue thrashes my mouth, assaulting my own dancing tongue. He bites, sucks, and presses so hard that my lips feel numb and bruised while I throw my head back.

  He pulls away breathlessly. “I am going to have you on every inch of this house. You will remember this, I promise you, and you are going to think of tonight every time you feel lost, because I will bring you home to me,” he growls possessively against my lips.

  I almost combust just hearing these words. I want Lucca.

  I want his love.

  I want his lust.

  I want his light.

  I’m officially a self-confessed sex addict. I’m sure of it.

  Affirmative.

  I push my heavy breasts against his chest, gripping his hair at his neck, then angling myself so I can wrap my leg over his hips to straddle him. Thumping my heels into his lower back, I moan and grind into his body, pressing my throbbing clitoris against his massive bulge where I rub my damp sex vigorously against the straining fabric of his denims, causing him to fall backwards on the step.

  “You trying to take me or kill me? Jesus, right now if you take me like this, you will kill me,” he breathlessly stammers while he bites into the soft skin of my neck.

  I actually think I might take him here and now despite Rose being in the house. I’m so undone and really don’t care for anyone else but our shuddering hearts and the undulate sexual energy coursing through my veins right now.

  We grip and grind as I bite on Lucca’s ear and he moans with delight, digging his fingers into the flesh under my short skirt.

  “Um, hey … excuse me,” a muffled voice croaks. Shit, someone is shuffling behind us near the doorway. This must be Rose and she must be mortified. I think this might be more embarrassing than when Lucca’s mother walked in on me in my lingerie.

  Fuck!

  File P for privacy. Privacy is a luxury, and I am a shameless hussy.