L'amore: The Luminara Series

by SJ Molloy

  “Are you looking forward to going out with the girls?” Lucca asks, upbeat, watching me get dressed in the grey dress. It has a racer back so I opt to leave my bra off and the weather is mild today so my shoulders won’t be cold.

  Placing the back of my hand to my mouth, I worry my fingers around in a nervous dance that tells Lucca I am thinking carefully. “I’d rather spend today with you since you’re going away this week. I don’t want to waste any time we have before tomorrow morning.”

  “That is why I want you to come on my trip. It is not too late for me to arrange. I will only be in meetings during the day in London, and when I am looking at the properties in Sardinia and Milan, you can come with me. If I have time we can sightsee. I have an appointment I cannot miss, but then we can spend time together.” He moves my fingers away tilting my head up with his thumb then kisses my lips.

  A twinge of nerves reverberates in my stomach from his soft kiss and I release a low groan, relaxing my muscles. I actually do feel helpless and nervous about him going away, but I need to keep some sort of boundary and independence. “If you keep kissing me like that, I’ll drag you in the hotel room, and you won’t make any of your work appointments.”

  “Fuck, do not make this any harder for me. Please reconsider, Doc. I am not happy about this either, and I know you do not want to be here on your own. Your eyes have just confirmed how you truly feel about it. Si?” His tongue darts out to moisten his lip as he rubs his thumb across his jaw.

  God, he’s good.

  “Lucca, I can’t go with you. I don’t want you to go either, but I’m a big girl and I need to keep my plans for this week. My girlfriends all have time away from their partners, and they say it’s healthy. I’m worried I’m going to become too dependent on you emotionally. It took me a long time to move away from my family to start a new life, and I’m afraid to be on my own again. Can you understand that?” Sighing, I nibble on my bottom lip then straighten his collar.

  “Okay, I will try and understand, but it is killing me and I am not happy about it one bit. However, I respect your wishes. I would have you with me 24-7, but I get that you need your space too.” He presses his lips together and exhales in a long sigh.

  He runs his fingers down my jaw and throat then softly kisses it and rubs his thumb over my diamond pendant. Moving my head to the side and closing my eyes, I groan, basking under the heat of his tongue on my flesh, hot flutters across my skin.

  “You know, there is something good about this though,” I seductively whisper as I follow the contours of his biceps with my fingers.

  “There is nothing good about being separated from you, from this …” His hands travel to the swell of my breasts.

  “The girls tell me that the sex before and after separation is hot as hell.” I absently brush the bottom of my hair over my lips.

  He pushes his body against mine. “Do they now? What else do the girls say?”

  “Hmmm … that it’s steamy, raunchy, and sexy as ever.” I bite down on the flesh in my mouth on the inside of my cheek, nervously feeling like a temptress.

  “Lexi, it is all of that with you and more every time. You have no idea. I am looking forward to lots more of it tonight and when I get back from my trip.” He cups my ass and presses his arousal into the bottom of my stomach.

  I wrap my hands in his wavy curls then assault his tongue with eagerness, but he pulls away.

  “Baby, you will have me slamming into you and I want tonight to be special. They are waiting on us downstairs. Can you hold off? Have fun with the girls today and we will have fun tonight. Lots of fun. ” He smiles showing his sexy dimple.

  Highly unlikely I can hold off. Not now.

  Bloody core tease.

  “Fine. If you’re not taking me right now, I’m off to spend all your money with the girls.” I turn around and pace into my dressing room, leaving him laughing hysterically.

  He walks in, wiping some laughter tears from his eyes. “Nice try, Doc. I know you are trying to throw that fiery stuff at me thinking I will take you now, but I am holding out for tonight.” He chuckles.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I open the drawer to my dressing table, rummaging for a nail file, keeping my back to him. Picking up my phone, I read my text messages; conscious he’s watching me the entire time. “The girls are going to the movies tonight and have asked if I want to go.”

  “Well, tell them no. You will be busy tonight.”

  I turn around; sitting on my stool and crossing my legs, then look downwards as I file my nails. “Hmmm … I’ll think about it.”

  “I am serious. I need you here.” He fiddles with the bottom of my hair.

  Sighing, I turn to face him. “Lucca, I was never going out tonight and have no intention on spending your money. You know that, right?”

  He laughs. “Doc, I knew you were jesting about the shopping, but I panicked at the thought of you going out tonight. It is not an option. I am sorry, honey. Normally, I would not mind at all, but your friends will understand it is for the hot sex before our separation. I have an idea how I can make it up to your friends.”

  “Thank you.”

  He looks puzzled. “Thank you for what?”

  “For being you. For putting up with me.” I rest my cheek on his chest.

  “I love you and I am the fucking luckiest man alive. I am not putting up with you as you put it. I am living it up with you because I love you.”

  He leaves me so I can finish getting ready. Then he returns smiling.

  “Change of plans. We are all going into town now. Savio has an appointment he is going to fit in, so we will grab some lunch and you girls can shop while we entertain the kids. It suits everyone, and I promised the kids a bear from that factory place they go on about.”

  “Come here.” I yank at his shirt and pull him towards me. “I love you so much it hurts.” I passionately kiss him until I hear giggles and rowdiness, and the kids interrupt as they bounce up and down on the bed. Thank goodness, we’re decent.

  Dominic and Cameron help Savio and Armando pack up their cars with all the luggage and kids toys and equipment. I’m looking back and forth like I’m watching a Wimbledon match, and it’s exhausting.

  I take Antonia from Sarah and search for Lucca. He has just put Doris in the downstairs family room and is locking up. “Hey, my favourite girls.” He kisses Antonia then kisses me with warm appreciation, giving me a roguish grin.

  “I was thinking we could maybe buy some toys and things at some point for when the kids come over and stay. You should see what’s getting loaded into the cars. It would make it easier on Kate and Sarah so they don’t have to bring all their stuff with them every time they visit.”

  “Antonia, that is why I love your Aunty Lexi; she is so thoughtful. Would you like to come back and stay with us, baby girl?” He takes her out of my arms, and she kicks her legs with excitement and buries her head into his chest, gargling and humming.

  I chuckle. “Um, Lucca, she’s soaked your shirt with drool. Her gums are bothering her.”

  He looks at his shirt and laughs. My heart melts. He is just perfect to me … perfect for me.

  I’ve no doubt that he will be a wonderful father. I take him by the hand, and we head out to the cars, agreeing to meet everyone in Glasgow as all are leaving in their own cars.

  “I’m going to start driving tomorrow. I’ve been doing my exercises and the new painkillers I have are much better, so I should be fine.” I sigh, watching Lucca open the passenger door for me.

  “You are not ready to drive yet,” he gripes.

  “Lucca, I’m a Physiotherapist. I know my body.”

  He stares at my wrist and frowns. “I am not comfortable with you driving yet. What if you cannot manoeuvre the wheel properly and have an accident? Lexi, I would rather you held off a little longer before driving.”

  Staring downward and shrugging, I rub my fingers over my wrist and subconsciously let out a sigh. “You
bought me the cars, Lucca.” I grumble.

  He lifts my hand kissing my wrist repeatedly. “Okay, I will let you test drive around the streets, and if you are okay and pain free, you can drive today,” he says reluctantly because he’s still not convinced.

  I screech with enthusiasm and pitch my arms around his neck, kissing his lips. “Thank you, I love you.” I’m excited to be getting control of my new car.

  “Hold up, you are not driving in those.” He gestures towards my five and a half inch Louboutins.

  “Why?” If he is referring to my grazes on my soles, he needn’t worry. They are just minor scrapes.

  “Because, it is not safe to drive with high heels like that. I would prefer if you wore flat shoes when driving.”

  I agree, but only because I want to meet him in the middle. I return to the house, grab a pair of black, patent, Lanvin ballet flats and put my heels in my tote bag.

  My new Aston Martin Volante drives like a dream—smooth, dynamic, and sleek. It has the sporty but functional specifications and interior. Cruising this sophisticated flash car feels effortless, as if I’m gliding. I could get used to this.

  “I need to give her a name,” I say, tapping the wheel.

  “Nervous fucking wreck, how about that?” he says, watching the side mirror.

  “Very funny. I’m calling her Chitty.”

  “Whatever you want, Lexi, just keep your eyes on the road.” He rolls his eyes at my playfulness. I always loved that film in my early teens at Granny and Grandpa’s. I slip onto the motorway. This is an experience, so I am going to enjoy every minute. Lucca relaxes only slightly when he knows I can manage this until I put my foot down to accelerate and nearly throw us back through the seats.

  “Jesus, calm down. It is powerful and you are speeding. That was careless.” He’s not amused.

  “Okay, I was only testing her.” I pout.

  By the time we approach Glasgow, I have successfully managed to work the loudspeakers on the acoustics to blast out a remix of Rihanna’s “We Found Love,” which I find quite fitting given the circumstances. I tap my fingers on the wheel, smiling enjoying the beats.

  Lucca turns it off and he’s back to being fractious. “Concentrate, Lexi … I have just found you and I do not want to lose you. Fuck, watch the lights, slow down!” he shouts, running his hands through his messed-up sexy hair.

  Spoil sport.

  I’ve had endless fun, so I’m disappointed when our short journey has ended. Once I reverse park, I turn around to Lucca and take his face in both hands kissing him. “Thank you, I really do love it, and it drives like a dream.” He looks chalk white. “Lucca, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”

  “You could say that. Lexi, you are too easily distracted, you do not concentrate, and stop that freaking dancing and singing at the wheel. I am serious, Doc. You were careless, and I am not sure I want you driving this week when I am away in case you get carried away.”

  “Are you serious? You buy me a car like this, but you won’t allow me to drive it?” Fire is burning at the back of my throat.

  “I did not say that, I just do not want you driving alone. I want you to enjoy it, but I want you to be sensible. Marco can use the company cars and drive you anywhere you need to go,” he suggests.

  “Are you done with the lecture?” I scoff.

  “Please, do not be upset. I am concerned and a little traumatised with your driving. That is all.” He softens his tone.

  “You’re being ridiculous. We were perfectly safe. I always drive like that, and I’ve never had an accident.” I’m firm reprimanding him looking out my window rolling my eyes.

  After a few moments of silence, he sighs. “You look sexy as hell behind the wheel.” He reaches for my face. With his fingers under my chin, he turns my face around.

  “You’ve changed your tune,” I whisper with an almighty scowl on my face.

  “Come here.” He places his hand on the nape of my neck and kisses me. Once I’ve relaxed under his tender caressing, I show him my appreciation and lasciviously kiss him back. Outside the car, I slip my ballet flats off and put my heels back on, drawing a lot of attention from pedestrians and moving vehicles.

  Lucca shakes his head, coyly smiling. “They’re watching you, not the bloody car. You’re going to give me a heart attack.” He has been so worked up since I sat behind the wheel today, and it’s made him on edge. I’ve no idea why he’s paranoid about my driving.

  Chapter 17

  Gifts of the day

  We decide to eat in Princes Square so that the kids can run around the huge circular floor space in the centre of the Upmarket Shopping Centre. After dolci, gelato being Lucca’s preferred choice, Hazel, Anna, Sarah, and Kate head to a boutique across from the restaurant. I choose to stay, play with the kids, and spend as much time with Lucca as I can.

  Roberta has a little doll stroller with her and Emilio and A-Jay are scurrying around the floor racing cars. They seem to have made some little friends as well, which is adorable. A little redheaded girl is sitting next to Roberta sharing her sweets and nursing her own little dolly.

  Watching them contently, I think about how different my childhood would have been if it were normal—whatever normal is.

  I wonder what it would have been like if I’d had friends and had experienced other situations and circumstances.

  When I was a child, my life was normal to me. It was all I’d ever known, and I’d had Cameron who was my life. I was blissfully unaware of anything else. It wasn’t until we escaped and were gradually introduced into society that I became aware. That was when we knew we had missed things. We were encouraged to learn how to build relationships, to be involved, to discover, to trust, share and accept through role-play, therapy, and various games.

  After many endless counselling sessions, which never made a difference for me, Mum helped Cameron and I both realise that although we missed fundamental things, we’d never missed out on love—nothing but unconditional love from our mum.

  I do have a massive amount of respect for my mum for having to raise us in the circumstances which she had to. It’s a challenging job in today’s society, and my mum was alone without love or support.

  With only hope and promises.

  Processing this thought, I startle from my reverie when Roberta takes my hand and asks me to play with her and her new friend Melissa.

  I twirl the girls around and around on the marbled circle floor that is centred within the spiralling rows of prestigious shops, bars, and restaurants. They skip, dance, and hop so innocently. I’m thinking I should have kept my flat pumps on now—high-heeled shoes don’t seem that appropriate. The place is buzzing with lots of children, parents, and grandparents sitting on the wooden steps edging the circle. Weekend shoppers are hanging over the light oak and gold railings as they people watch.

  Lucca doesn’t take his eyes off me. Even in conversation with the others, he is smiling at me adoringly. I notice Cameron standing talking to a group of handsome, smart men who are now sitting at the table next to us—his premier league football mates. They often can be spotted in this square on weekends as well as their wives and girlfriends. I don’t spot any females today. I do recognise a few of the boys though.

  Cameron turns around to me smiling then continues his conversation with them. I’m sure he’s telling them who I am or reminding them as I have been introduced before but have never really paid attention. I’ve never been sucked in by the cliché attached to the celebrity status they have acquired through their football publicity, and Cameron didn’t bring a lot of his mates by the house we shared because he understood that I didn’t like strangers there. I’ve met them at charity events and in the local bar and at one of Cameron’s birthday nights.

  Jackson always came across as rather sleazy; he knows he’s extremely attractive and uses it to his advantage and is notoriously popular for it. They sit back in their chairs, leaning on their arms, studying me. It’s making me uneasy. They have a reput
ation for being unfaithful and very much ‘players’ on and off the pitch. I wish I hadn’t worn such a revealing figure-hugging dress now.

  “Lexi, come here a minute,” Cameron shouts over.

  Oh dear Lord. Not the introductions again.

  I tell Roberta to play and I’ll be back in a minute. I drop my head blushing, reluctantly pacing towards Cameron, but I feel two hands grip me around my waist, an intense body heat against my back, and I smell that sexy scent. Lucca turns me around and graces my lips then moves my hair over my shoulders and kisses my neck.

  “Thank you,” I whisper.

  “You are not going over there on your own. You have every fucking cock at that table hard, baby. Trust me. They are eyeing you up as if you’re a piece of hot new ass, but you are my hot ass,” he groans.

  I chuckle. “You’re a caveman, but my ass is all yours, Romeo.”

  “And I would like to keep it that way, dolcezza.”

  He takes my hand to approach the table where six handsome, horny men burn me with their shameless, roaming eyes. They are undoubtedly attractive, and I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t notice them, but they are known for being in love with themselves, and their reputation is despicable.

  Actually, I shouldn’t judge as I know Lucca had this exact reputation prior to meeting me.

  The fact that I’m hanging onto Lucca’s arm doesn’t seem to deter their eagerness at all. In fact, I’m guessing it piques their interest. They sit up in their chairs, drinking me in and scanning my body, making me feel exposed before them.

  Bare.

  “Lex, you remember Jackson, Jordan, Adam, and Ben. This is Ethan and Tyler, the new transfers. Lads, this is my sister Lexi and her fiancé Lucca.”

  I’m grateful he uses the word fiancé to set the scene. He gestures his hand around the table then back towards Lucca and me.

  Jackson, being the first to stand, closes the space with sexy confidence. There is boldness in his posture as he kisses my cheek, holding onto my upper arm with hot hands, trailing his fingers down my exposed arm cascades nervous tremors over my skin causing me to slightly tremble.