L'amore: The Luminara Series

by SJ Molloy

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it literally,” I mutter, lowering my head, but he lifts it up gently. I said it without thinking.

  “No, do not dare apologise. I over reacted. I am sorry. Kiss me, dolcezza.”

  His hot breath on my lips has me rattling at the knees and elicits a flutter deep in my stomach. He moves his hands up, grabs the back of my head, entangling my wavy, long mass in his hands, and I close my eyes, kissing him indulgently without consideration for anything else round about me.

  Tongues circling.

  Clashing.

  Caressing.

  “I am looking forward to ravishing every inch of this glorious, sexy body tonight.”

  And now I’m melted.

  Into him.

  For him.

  Liquid love.

  I’m damp between my legs, sensitive and twitching to have him on me, in me, and around me, but I need to compose myself and wait before I drag him into the restrooms and allow him to do just that right now. God! He does it to me every time.

  “You have a lot of making up to do for embarrassing me. I will expect complete attention all night long.” I run my fingers through his curly jet-black hair. I’m not asking, I’m telling.

  “Fuck. Oh, I plan on doing nothing else. Do you still love me?” He smirks, running his tongue along his bottom lip. Every time he does that he looks vulnerable but ever so sexy.

  “Yes, I love you. Can I go now?” I grumble because I’m exasperated with this little performance.

  “Yes, keep your phone on and remember your pin is stored in it.” He places the card back in my hand and walks me to the edge of the tables to get my bag. Everyone claps and cheers.

  Ugh.

  “And that, boys, is my sister.” Cameron directs to the table. “I’m glad you made up because I’d get her moaning shit later if you hadn’t,” Cameron jests towards Lucca.

  Fuck!

  File F for fireman’s lift. Fireman’s lifts are so goddamn humiliating.

  I blush, fluttering my lashes and forcing a smile towards our local celebrity boys who are mesmerised by my antics. Lucca smacks my ass playfully before sending me on my way.

  Roberta pulls at my dress. “Aunty Lexi, were you naughty? Why was Uncle Lucca lifting you?” Her big, blue, innocent eyes are staring up at me. Everyone chuckles at her question.

  “Yes, she was naughty, Roberta,” Lucca answers for me.

  I’m rolling my eyes but certainly not entertaining that comment. “Princess, I’m going off to find your mummy. I’ll be back soon. You have fun and pick a nice teddy bear out.” I bend down and kiss her forehead.

  Lucca watches me, smiling fondly, but I’m also aware of Jackson devouring me with his eyes. I choose to ignore that look.

  File.

  Ignore.

  Denial.

  The order of my life.

  I have no intention of spending Lucca’s cash on myself, but I do have some gifts I’d like to purchase, so my first stop is the Swiss pen shop within the indoor centre. I don’t want Lucca to see where I’m going so I take the elevator and walk around the first floor. I bought him a sleek ballpoint pen in Tuscany, so I opt for a fountain pen this time—more of a keepsake rather than an everyday use pen.

  I don’t have time to get this one engraved, so I have the Diamond Le Grande fountain pen wrapped, knowing he loves anything with diamonds. When I slot the card in the chip and pin machine, I feel sweaty and nervous, as if I’m doing something wrong. I feel guilty using his cash instead of mine, but this is for him so I can just about justify this.

  I’m going to marry Lucca, and I know he will appreciate my gift and will not think twice about the money. My stomach backflips in case it’s the wrong pin or it doesn’t work, but then I know enough to realise Lucca’s bank account is financially secure.

  When the helpful attendant smiles and tears off the receipt, I relax my shoulders and breathe. Feeling relieved, I call Hazel and find they are in Buchanan Galleries—a large, indoor shopping centre ten minutes up Buchanan Street. I tell her I’m going to House of Fraser department store and I won’t be long.

  I know exactly what I am going to purchase.

  I walk straight past the cosmetic counters. Although, I kick myself as this is my own guilty pleasure. I adore make up and skin products, and I could go absolutely mad in here buying pretty powders and glosses and sweet smelling creams, all of which I don’t need right now. It’s not about me today.

  My mum thinks my desire for them is because when I was younger and trapped, we only had running water from an outdoor hose and that was it. No soap or toothpaste or general toiletries. I remember my mum on her monthly cycle using a rolled up face cloth to absorb her blood, then she would rinse it outside in a bucket. I’m lucky that my cycle didn't start until we escaped.

  I feel self-conscious about the scars on my back. It’s all in my mind, but without cosmetics I feel stripped bare and it makes me think of being naked, scarred and … ugly. They’ve always made me feel ugly, and using cosmetics, even if it’s just the hint of a little blush on my cheeks, makes me feel less bare and exposed.

  I continue my wandering until I reach the lingerie department. The efficient attendant approaches me and asks if I need assistance. Of course, I’m mortified. I politely refuse and peruse the rails of designer underwear on my own. Again, this gift will be for Lucca, and I plan to wear it when he gets home next week. The thought of it sparks my intense, raging desire for him. I find what I’m looking for, and it’s wrapped and bagged.

  I meander towards Buchanan Galleries slower than normal due to my high heels’ height, just enjoying the day.

  Once I reach the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre, Hazel texts to say they are all shopped out and in Starbucks having coffee. I tell her I will join them shortly and venture towards John Lewis department store to purchase a few more small gifts for all the people in my life now. I have no hesitation over spending Lucca’s money on his family. The thought makes me smirk to myself as I repeatedly hand over the shiny little card.

  I have gifts for my mum and grandparents from Tuscany, but I’m feeling horrible after my fight with my mum and would like to purchase her something special. I know exactly what I’m going to get her—something that has changed my whole life, and something I should have done earlier when my therapist Casey recommended it. Something that Lucca introduced to me for which I will be entirely grateful because it has been so special to me.

  A journal.

  My last stop before meeting the girls for coffee is the kitchen and housewares shop. I’ve found the perfect third gift for Lucca. Just as I pay for an ice-cream maker, my phone chirps.

  “What are you buying for the kitchen? Rose would have taken care of that. You should be buying yourself something nice.” I turn around looking for him and don’t see him anywhere.

  “How did you know I’m in here?”

  “We saw you go in. We are next door stuffing teddy bears. You want one?”

  I chuckle. “Lucca, I think I’m a bit old for teddy bears.”

  He laughs. “Okay, come and get us when you are done.” The thought occurs to me that I’ve never actually owned a teddy bear or cuddle toy ever in my life.

  I walk in and see the kids having a ball picking outfits for their new teddy bears. Lucca pays and the kids all hang off his legs thanking him, showing lots of appreciation.

  Once inside the coffee shop, I dump my bags and turn to talk with my handsome fiancé while Hazel orders an espresso for Lucca and a skinny latte for me.

  “Good time?”

  “Yes, it was productive,” I reply.

  “Did you get something nice?”

  I picture the lingerie, which is giving me sexy chills thinking about it and how nice it will be for both of us.

  “Yes, I bought gifts actually and something very nice for you.”

  He holds my hips and kisses my nose. “You are so thoughtful, and I love that you are, but if you are not going to treat yours
elf I will need to continue to spoil you anyway I can.”

  I hope he means in the bedroom.

  “You can spoil me tonight,” I whisper, stroking the end of my hair across my lips.

  He mutters with a low groan and adjusts his jeans. “You have me twitching for you. You need to stop seducing me in public or we will not last until tonight, and I will need to take you into the restroom.”

  After the fireman’s lift, I’ve no doubt in my mind he would as well.

  I grin, knowing I’m being a tease, blithely running my teeth across my bottom lip. Lucca sharply hisses through clenched teeth, and I need to pull away before things become very heated.

  I pass the bag containing a dress for Antonia over to Sarah who’s feeding her some soup in a highchair.

  “Lexi, that is so thoughtful. Thank you so much. You’re very kind and it’s beautiful. Look, Antonia, at your pretty new dress,” Sarah says, holding the dress up to show Armando, keeping it away from the soup.

  “Mummy, wook what we got!” Emilio holds his bear up to Kate.

  “You are very lucky. I hope you all said thank you.”

  “Skip, what did you get?” I ask.

  “Just a new sports bra and running vest for work. Dominic has curbed my spending so we can save for the wedding.” I rub her arm and wish I could help her out more. I know she’s saving, but she’s not mentioned she’s struggling for money.

  “Hazel, we will need to save for twenty years if you keep spending,” Dominic gripes.

  “Well, maybe your boss needs to give you a pay increase.” I smile at Lucca and he nods.

  “I will see what I can do.” I squeeze his hand tightly to thank him.

  Hazel silently mouths a thank you then blows me a kiss; I catch it and give her a wink.

  We kiss everyone goodbye then head for home with my bags of gifts I’ve purchased.

  As we walk I yawn and lean on his shoulder, slumping downward. “You are tired, baby. Let’s go home.”

  It has been a hectic weekend and I’m feeling sleepy now. “I’ll need to call my mum later and apologise.” I yawn again and rub my eyes.

  He stops walking and turns me around, leaning me backwards in a dip. He kisses me so sweetly on the lips and neck that I could stay frozen in this position forever. “Your mother is very lucky to have you. I am very lucky to have you.”

  He opens the passenger door for me and gestures for me to get in.

  I suppress a yawn by trying to clench my mouth closed while I’m rummaging for my keys in my hand bag, surrendering them to him without argument. I’m just too tired.

  “Save your energy for tonight. You will need it.” His lips marry mine to silence any objections I may have. A shiver runs through me at the promise in his voice.

  Chapter 18

  Trust Me

  Closing my eyes on the way home, I feel rather drained after a few days of entertaining and babysitting. After a seemingly smooth journey, I flutter my eyelashes when I’m carried through the front doors of Castello di Caruso otherwise known as “The Smithstone.”

  I blink, noticing the crystal of the chandelier above me, the glass twinkling bright 3D colours overhead and I can hear Doris distantly barking from outside.

  Flinching at the sound of the door closing behind us and my shoes clattering on the marble tiles I murmur, “Hmmm. I must have fallen asleep.” His hot breath and tongue flickering over my neck has sparked me back to life. Curling my hand around his neck, I pull him in closer pushing my chest forward and groaning into his ear.

  He starts lifting me up the stairs. “You are shattered. You need some sleep.”

  I clench my hands on his brawny, defined biceps. “No, I need you. I’m awake and you promised to spoil me, Romeo. Spoil now. Sleep later.” I pout my lips.

  “Are you up to it? Because you will be numb and exhausted when I am done with you,” he asks with concern walking into the suite.

  Oh, numbness is good. I think I can manage that.

  “Of course I am. I want you to take me, claim me and have me. I don’t want to waste any time tonight. I’ve been craving you all day.”

  He sits me on the edge of the bed, kneeling between my legs, then slowly unzips the side zipper down on my dress. Before removing my dress, he traces his thumbs over my nipples, causing them to pebble under the stretchy fabric.

  He skims his hands over the material, touching all my curves, then tugs my dress up, pulling it over my head. He hisses a sharp breath, clenching his teeth at my exposed breasts, running his gaze over me. He brushes his thumbs across my nipples which are begging for his moist tongue, and he obliges by swirling over the perkiness with light torment.

  “Jesus … I fucking love your tits, Lexi.” He growls his desire, which is emanating deeply from within his raspy throat.

  I weave my fingers in the wavy hair at the nape of his neck. “You need a haircut soon, Romeo.”

  I moan with pleasure when he nips and bites. “I like you to have something to grip and yank when I am buried deep inside you, making you scream my name.”

  Sweet Jesus.

  I almost combust with rapacious need burning through me.

  “Lucca,” I moan.

  His tongue travels in wisps of feathery caresses over the curve of my breasts and down my flat abdomen. Then, stroking his thumb over my panties, he pushes me backward on the bed. Leaning back on my forearms, arching my back, I attentively watch his eyes streaming over my body.

  The vision of his desire for me is undoing me as his virile hands explore my body.

  Sensual.

  Alluring.

  Hypnotic.

  He strokes the insides of my sun-kissed legs, teasing ever so close to my damp core.

  A little higher, Lucca. A little higher.

  His masterful fingers enticingly spiral down my legs, pressing towards my feet where he stops, and his hands massage both soles in turn.

  “Hmmm, that feels nice.”

  “I am taking it slow tonight. I want to make endless, gentle love to you.”

  He can have any speed of love and sex he likes as long as I get him. All of him. He usually tells me to ask for it, but I think I have made myself pretty clear. I want him to work his magic and have teased him enough about it all day.

  He kisses the soles of my feet, kneading on my weak spot and causing me to buckle into a sensitive squirm. Then he slides his hand under my lower back and lifts my upper body so that I’m facing him.

  “I was enjoying that.”

  “Do not worry. I am going to massage every inch of this glorious body tonight. I hate that you are not going to be with me next week. I need my hands on you for as long as possible.” He’ll have me all anxious again, bringing our temporary separation up.

  He nudges my legs further apart and pulls me down towards him so my ass is sitting on the edge. I slowly undo his shirt buttons and brush his shirt gently down his arms, closing the space between us.

  This is going to be intimate, and I need it so much. I loved last night’s ravenous, carnal passion, but there is something so endearing about being preciously indulgent.

  Close.

  Considerate.

  Special.

  Laboriously, my heart beats against his every chest in a staccato rhythm. With two fingers, he lightly taps under my chin and tilts my head. I blithely run my upper teeth halfway along my bottom lip while the tip of my nose skims across his, catching his warm breath across my lips.

  Dipping my head down to the side, I give him full access to my throat and neck.

  Sucking.

  Teasing.

  Nibbling.

  My hands lace through his hair like silk weaving through a threaded web, and closing my eyes on a humming mumble, I enjoy his sleek strokes and kisses across my collarbone, shoulders, crook of my neck, and below my ear. I slide my hands down over his shoulders, needing to feel more of his body. I stretch them out, splaying them across his wide, bulky chest muscles clenching his huge pectorals in m
y palms.

  Trailing my fingers over his ripples, he mimics the gesture and moves his hand slowly towards my breasts. He teases me with his featherlike caress, and I plunge forward, asking for his virile hands and his tongue again.

  Soft.

  Slow.

  Seductive.

  Throwing my head back, I disappear into a world of lazy pleasure. The dampness between my legs is increasing, soaking the sheer fabric of my panties. The tingling of my skin is tweaking and pricking—soothing but powerfully erotic at the same time.

  “Nice?”

  “Hmmm … very.”

  Still with my eyes closed, I hum when his mouth takes my pebbled bud. His tongue doesn’t assault, bite, or thrash now; it merely twirls around and wisps over my beaded nipples barely touching. Now he softly blows air across the wetness of my aroused nipple and repeats the action on the other.

  Delicious.

  Divine.

  Decadent.

  “God you are perfetto, dolcezza. Mi manchi gia.”

  His husky bedroom Italian words cause my world to spin.

  His masterful tongue licks along my lips, settling on a long seductive kiss.

  Standing up to slip his belt off, he bores his crystal-pooled eyes into mine.

  Hot.

  Smouldering.

  “Let me do it.”

  His illuminated azure blues coax me into his calm waters.

  I unbuckle him slowly, sliding his belt through the loops. I’m so close to his ripped abs that I have to kiss them, softly and tenderly, the way he has been with me. I inhale his unearthly, rich, masculine scent, which blissfully transcends me. He straightens his back, filling his lungs and entwining his fingers through my long, soft, curly hair as his body stiffens under my tender caress.

  I love how he towers above me, watching and guarding. It makes me feel protected and safe, and the way he lusts for me has me encompassed in complete love.

  I slip my thumb down his happy trail and under the waistband of his jeans. I lightly skim my fingers then stop momentarily, pressing my lips to his defined obliques. Inhaling the divine tropical scent of his skin, a rush of warmth cascades over me. I never want to let go of his body, his heart, or his mind.