by SJ Molloy
Liar!
That’s not even being filed. It’s going straight in the shredder.
“Well, of course, you know I live here now, so if Anna is planning on coming over or inviting guests, she will need to check with us first to make sure it is a convenient time. Today perhaps was not the best day for her to invite you.” It’s abrupt but the most diplomatic way I can warn her off.
“It was never a problem before. In fact, I had my own key. We had an arrangement.” Speaking casually, she continues scrolling through her phone, not even bothering to look up.
“You had an arrangement?” I interrupt. Now she looks up with a small smile.
“Maybe I’ll just come over when you’re not at home. We’ll get more business done and it will be like old times. He’ll probably be glad of my company because we’re so good together.” She’s pressed a raw nerve with that comment.
“Kimberley, I don’t know why you’re being such a bitch towards me, but I’ve got no time for your juvenile behaviour. I don’t appreciate your tone or remarks, and I’ll make sure Lucca knows exactly what you’re doing. I’d be careful if you value your job and your friendship with Anna. I’ll tell everyone you are just leaving.” Thinking I have the upper hand, I turn around, stepping towards the door as I carry Antonia on my hip.
“I don’t give a shit about what Anna thinks. I care about Lucca. He’s going to get bored with that goody-two-shoes, little-miss-perfect act you’re putting on. He’s wild and adventurous and likes his women with more confidence. When he dumps your ass, I’ll be there for him just like I was when Fran bored him. I know exactly what he likes and needs.” She twiddles her hair, sounding very smarmy and sure of herself.
Fire erupts from the deepest cavity in the black cave of my core, and I turn back around. “Kimberley, you’re not welcome here. You don’t threaten me in the slightest. Actually, I pity you because you’re pathetic and you make me sick. You really are a spiteful little girl and need to get a life of your own.” My temper is flaring. Fidgeting, I juggle Antonia back and forth between each hip because I’m agitated then pace the floor towards the sofa.
“Oh right, just like you have? Playing the helpless, innocent card and sponging off Lucca’s money? Only difference between you and Fran is she had her own money and two normal parents that loved her. It’s clear you’re crying out for attention and love, and Lucca is an easy target, but that emotional crap is not the love he needs. He needs passion without emotion.”
Stunned.
Speechless.
Shocked.
“How did you get on with your little threesome the other night? I meant to ask. Did Leila teach you a few things, or did you run a mile and let Lucca have her all to himself?” she asks nonchalantly, staring at her polished fingernails admiring them. If I weren’t holding this baby I would get my nails right into her skin and rip her to pieces.
Fucking spiteful little bitch!
“How do you know about that? You conniving little …” I spit, absolutely fuming.
“How do you think she knows the code for the gate? Hmmm?” She tilts her head and smiling and raising her brow.
Lucca storms in, strides past me, and pulls the baby monitor out of the socket next to the fireplace and places it next to Kimberley on the sofa. They’ve heard everything, and in this moment, I’m grateful.
“That is enough, Kimberley. That was uncalled for. Do not ever judge or speak about Lexi like that ever again, got it? I am so goddamn angry with you. I should have known you would be a problem. You are no longer welcome here ever again. I do not want anything to do with you. You are finished and you disgust me.”
Lucca is enraged; he’s clenching his jaw and running his hands through his hair. I watch as he fists his hands by his sides, causing the veins on his arms to surface with his muscles contracting so tensely.
Cameron is standing behind Lucca with the same angry, offended look and stance. I notice Hazel and Anna both standing and staring, completely appalled. I strap Antonia in her stroller with shaky hands then pass her to Hazel. She curtly nods and walks away with her but returns moments later.
Lucca’s not finished scolding Kimberley yet. “How do you know about Leila? I swear to God, Kimberley, if you had anything to do with that I will see to it that your CV is so fucked up you will never get another decent job, not to mention I might be able to have you charged with conspiracy to commit unlawful entry.” She clears her throat, bristles, but doesn’t answer.
“I am not even interested. You have said enough, now fucking apologise. I am waiting.” She’s silent and can’t make eye contact with any of us after her outburst. “Kimberley, you better fucking apologise so help me God … and get that fucking idiotic fantasy out of your twisted head. I belong to Lexi.”
“You deserve more,” she replies.
Bitch!
“You are nothing to me, and you never will be. Lexi is fucking everything. How do you not understand this?” Lucca snarls, pacing up and down.
Anna stumbles forward, looking traumatised. “You were just using me to get to Lucca? All those years I confided in you, sacrificed, and put my neck on the line for you. I cannot believe you could be so conniving and devious.” Anna’s voice breaks, and her eyes fill with tears.
“Apologise to both of them!” Cameron shouts at Kimberley.
Fuck!
File C for catastrophe. Complete fucking catastrophe.
Anna takes Lucca’s hand and leans into him. He comforts her by kissing the side of her head and rubbing her back. I still haven’t moved. I’m alarmed and cold, my head is pounding, and I feel queasy, but I don’t cry. I won’t allow it. I want to stay strong for Lucca and for Anna. It’s Hazel’s turn. She pushes past us and heads to the sofa, pointing her finger right in front of Kimberley’s face.
“I fucking new you were a horrible little cow. I was being exceptionally polite earlier, and honestly, I’m glad you showed your true colours today. Now everyone knows what a back stabbing little whore you really are. Don’t ever … and I mean ever interfere with their relationship again. Stay away, because if I find out you are playing games and meddling, you’ll wish you had never met me.” For someone so petite and dainty, Hazel can look determined and intimidating when she gets on her high horse.
“Kimberley, how could you? I am supposed to be your friend. This is my family you are messing with, and Lexi is family now. I am so fucking angry at you for upsetting her and hurt that you would use me like this. I cannot believe you would do this. You have absolutely maddened me today, and I do not think I can forgive you for this.” Although Anna stays close to Lucca’s side, she is beginning to break and hold back her tears.
Kimberley tsks, stands up, and moves past me, pushing me brusquely with her shoulder as she does. Before she makes it to the door, Lucca grabs her arm and leans close to her ear. The look on his face leaves no doubt that the words whispered in her ear are a threat. Her face is scarlet, and she looks as if she is about to cry, but she isn’t given the opportunity. Cameron clutches her upper arm and pulls her to the living room door.
“Please, let me do the honours,” Hazel chirps, grabbing at her wrist to drag her out, watching from the front door until she exits the main gates.
Anna is a blubbery mess. “I am so sorry. I do not know what got into her. I have never seen her like that before,” she whimpers.
Lucca kisses the side of her head and warns her, “Anna, stay away from Kimberley please. Your friendship with her is not worth the heartache.” She sniffles and nods. I give her a sympathetic smile, pressing my lips together.
“I’m sorry, Anna. I’m sorry you had to witness that,” I mumble. She nods her head as tears flow down her cheeks then hugs me in such a warm, affectionate embrace, I melt into her.
“No, do not apologise, it was my poor judge of character. All this time she has been using me. I am so sorry, Lexi, please forgive me. I cannot apologise enough. I feel awful that you have had all this going on. I had no idea she was playing gam
es, and I did not know she was rude to you the other night either. I would not have asked her here otherwise. You must think I am an insensitive bitch. I am so sorry.” She sobs against my shoulder.
“No, I don’t. I’d never think that. It’s not your fault. At least you now know she was using you. Lucca is right, don’t waste any more time on her,” I reassure her, trying to comfort her because she’s taking it bad, the embarrassment and the guilt.
Cameron takes Anna’s hand, kisses her lips, and wipes under her eyes. “Come with me a minute,” he says to her softly.
I like to see him caring and compassionate. I feel proud of him, and it’s the first time I’m actually pleased to see both of them intimate with each other. Once Cameron and Anna have left, Lucca shuts the living room door and strides over to me. Wrapping his arms around me, he walks us back towards the sofa and collapses on it, taking me with him.
Lifting his chest, he inhales a long deep breath then exhales, burying his head into my soft, tousled hair. “Baby, I am so, so sorry. I should have listened to you and trusted your instincts. Are you okay?” he asks, running his hands under my top at the back, skimming my bare skin.
The heat of his hands is warming my skin and feels lovely. I relax and sink into his chest. “Yes, I’m fine,” I whisper.
“Please, do not take anything that she said to heart. She is clearly twisted and being irrational. It means nothing. It is obvious she was trying to hurt you and succeeded. At least we now have some sort of explanation as to why Leila randomly showed up. Kimberley must have sent her.”
I’m angry that Kimberley instigated that horrendous scene with Leila in my bed, but I’m also relieved that I know now that she didn’t casually turn up here by chance. I glance up and he takes my face in both hands, kissing my eyebrows, then my eyes, nose, cheeks, and lips, lingering softly on my lips.
I no longer feel lost or empty.
“She was interrogating Hazel earlier and mocking me, so I was prepared for her backlash. It’s okay, I won’t take any of it to heart, I promise. I’m only sorry Anna was hurt by her.”
“Cameron is a good guy. He will make sure she is okay. You are my priority. Please tell me you will be okay,” he pleads, searching my eyes.
“I’m okay, honestly. I knew she was going to try and interfere somehow. I’m not affected by what she said, and I’d never let her have you anyway.”
He chuckles. “Good, I am so proud of you and the way you stood up for yourself. God, you are so special to me. Have I told you lately that I love you?” He smiles, then skims his tongue along my bottom lip.
“Yes, you tell me all the time. I love you too, and just so you know, I wasn’t prepared to let her anywhere near you. She says she has a key?” I ask inquisitively.
He runs his thumb over my bra strap causing me to tremble. His tone is sincere. “Not anymore. I had new doors put in last year. She only had a key because while I was in Naples working, there were renovations getting done at the main office and I allowed her and Suzanne to work from my study here while my other employees were set up in temporary offices. I have never been with her here in this house. She was trying to get a reaction from you.”
I believe him. He did mention this before and I know Kimberley is a liar. “Did you hear the full conversation?”
“Pretty much. The baby monitor was on.”
I rest my cheek on his chest. “Remind me when we have kids to be cautious of the baby monitors.”
“Baby, let me see your eyes,” he asks so softly that I smile.
He slides me up so he can look straight in my eyes again. His hot breath skims my bottom lip, and his beating heart pounds against my own chest. He doesn’t need to say anything—he thanks me with his eyes and his tender touch.
I’m all his.
Chapter 15
Dark Black.
We bury the Kimberley ordeal and head into the cinema room. The kids are jumping from seat to seat on beige, leather bucket chairs in the front row. Emilio and A-Jay being warned by their mums. They might get separated if they can’t sit still. Anna looks a little weary from all her crying but much better than she was earlier. Cameron has shown her great comfort. He hasn’t let go of her since Kimberley left, and it leaves me thinking that maybe they would make a good couple.
I smile, showing him how much I admire him right now.
He smiles back.
I take a seat second row from the back, and Roberta sits on my knee. There are many spare seats, but I think she likes the comfort. I braid her hair as she plays with her doll on my lap.
Hazel is in the row behind me. She leans over, and whispers, “What happens in the back row stays in the back row.” Dominic shakes his head, nudging her.
“You’re unbelievable. There are children here,” I gripe.
“Oh relax, I’m only joking.”
I’m not so sure she is.
Lucca and Armando return with a box of ice-cream tubs, chocolate, and drinks. Once everyone is sitting, the movie starts to play. Lucca takes his seat next to me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
It’s the all-time classic, Beauty and the Beast. Roberta is thrilled because she loves anything princess, but the boys aren’t so sure. I fall asleep just after “Be Our Guest,” closing my eyes on Lucca’s shoulders.
“Baby, wake up,” Lucca whispers. My eyelids flutter open and it’s dark and noisy with only the movie credits flickering on the screen.
Everyone is shuffling out of their seats. The adults go to the bar area, and Savio fixes everyone drinks while the kids run around the open plan attic family area next door to the cinema room. Lucca puts his surround sound music system on, and Snow Patrol’s, “Chasing Cars” fills the room.
I sit on the corner sofa and bounce Antonia on my lap. She presses her feet into me using all her strength to straighten her legs so she can watch the boys drag some toy cars across the carpet. I place Antonia on the floor with the boys, and she’s off, crawling and trying to pull herself up on the opposite sofa.
Hazel has sprawled out over the other sofa and looks very relaxed. The music changes to The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey.” Savio picks Roberta up and twirls her around the floor. She giggles and throws her head back, allowing her hair to flow down her back.
Sipping my fruity iced drink, I look over to Lucca behind the bar. His shirt sleeves are rolled up as he mixes drinks. Damn, he knows that sight makes me lose control and has a direct line to my sex. It’s far too distracting and utterly hot. He winks at me, then leans over the bar, placing an umbrella in a fruity concoction.
The men go downstairs to prepare dinner, and Kate and Sarah ask what happened this afternoon. Anna and I explain quickly, desperate to put it behind us. By the time the boys have brought homemade pizzas from the kitchen, we’re on our third cocktail and giggly.
When I see the huge pizza platters, I suddenly lose my appetite, thinking about last night’s dream and the first time I tasted pizza. I choose to entertain Antonia while the others eat.
“Why are you not eating?” Lucca asks.
“Oh, I’m just not feeling like it right now,” I passively reply.
“You should eat. I am worried that you are fretting over today.”
“No, I’m fine, and I haven’t given it another thought, honestly. This little madam is keeping me distracted. I’m good, so please eat yours, and I’ll get something if I’m hungry,” I reply more assertively.
“I thought you loved pizza?” I did tell Lucca about my nightmare last night, but it was more about how Michael manipulated me and made me watch him pleasure himself. I never mentioned the pizza. I thought it was irrelevant until now.
“I do, but I’m just not in the mood right now. I’m sorry.” I shrug and sit on the floor, crossing my legs Indian style with Antonia between them climbing over me.
“You know, you think you’ve tasted pizza, but not until you’ve tried Savio’s. His are to die for, even better than mine,” Lucca says with a boyish smirk. He lifts a sli
ce of pizza, takes a bite, then leans over me and holds out the slice to my mouth.
“Okay, I’ll try it.” Ordinarily I love pizza and it does smell great. I bite into it, closing my eyes with mixed emotions, but what’s more empowering is the fusion of flavours, the texture, and the hot, soft, thin base.
It’s divine.
Closing my eyes, I don’t realise I’m making a low humming sound.
“Christ, you look sexy as fuck. Who would have thought pizza could be so orgasmic.” He chuckles.
Instantly, I drop the pizza base on the platter and swallow a long, hard gulp, trying to pass it by the lump in my throat. “I’m done,” I say sharply.
“Why? What is going on with you? Have I said something wrong?” Confused, he knits his brow then tilts my head up. I know he had no way of knowing and it wasn’t intentional, and now he looks upset that he’s hurt me.
“I’ll tell you later, but please don’t make a scene.” I sit Antonia on her play mat, supported by cushions, and he takes my hand, excusing us as he leads me down the two staircases to the kitchen. He lifts me up onto the counter then places his hands on either side of me.
“Okay, talk. I am listening.”
Sighing, I relay my nightmare to him in full this time—the first encounter with Michael Parks involving the pizza. He releases the air he has been holding then strides over to the fridge. He opens a bottle of Chianti and pours us both a glass of wine then lifts a ciabatta loaf and slices it. After rummaging around in the fridge, he places ingredients down on the counter.
“What are you doing?” I ask. He hasn’t even commented yet and his behaviour is worrying me.
“I am making us a little something. It is not the right night for pizza, so I will muster something else up because I am not having you starve yourself.”
He spreads leftover homemade pesto on the bread with salami, parma ham, sun dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, then places it under the grill. He washes the board down with his back to me. He isn’t looking at me, and he isn’t asking any questions. He’s angry.