by Sam Crescent
“I like her, too.” Sofia was an easy topic to talk about. There was no one who could hate that woman.
“I can tell. You probably remind her off her own daughter,” he said, sipping his coffee. Tess’s gaze wandered down to where his shirt gaped at his chest. He wore another pair of jeans and a light blue shirt.
“She never mentioned a daughter to me,” Tess said.
“She doesn’t like to talk about her daughter. She died of cancer when Sofia and her husband had not long married.”
“How horrible.” Her heart and sympathy went to the woman.
“It was a sad time. They got over it with time and had a few more children. I remember Giada. She was a little spitfire.” Duncan smiled.
“How old would she have been?” Tess asked.
“The same age as me. Giada and I grew up together. Sofia use to work for my mother and father.”
“Now she works for you?”
“My parents’ marriage didn’t work out.”
“I’m sorry. It must have been awful to have lost someone so young.”
“It was. Giada was amazing. I adored her. She was the first girl I fell for. At eight years old I hadn’t seen much of the world.”
“You don’t strike me as very Italian.”
He took a sip of coffee. “I’m not Italian. I mean, my father was half-Italian, and he owned a villa not far from here. There is a lot of history, but I don’t want to bore you with the details.”
They sat in silence, neither speaking.
Tess didn’t push him for more. “I never knew my mother,” she said.
“What?”
“My dad wouldn’t tell me anything about her. I don’t know what she looks like or who she was. When friends at school asked about her, I never knew what to say.” She glanced down at her fingers, not knowing why she was sharing such a private part of herself with him.
“Didn’t your father tell you anything?” he asked.
She shook her head. Tears sprang to her eyes at the bitter memories she recalled from being a girl. “No, nothing. I’ve asked, and all he says is it was a girl he knew. My birth certificate has the name Bessie Williams. He won’t tell me any more. I have no way of knowing who she is. I wish I knew her. There is so much I’d love to ask her. I don’t even know if she’s alive.”
“Do you want to know the truth? If your father told you, what would happen if it hurt you more?” Duncan reached out taking her hand.
“I don’t know. If she’s alive I’d like to know why she left me behind. What was her connection with my dad? I can’t even begin to think of everything I’d ask her.”
“Why didn’t you get a private investigator?” he asked.
“I can’t afford that kind of money. I never thought it would work, and I hoped my dad would tell me.”
“What if she did die?”
“Then I’m left not knowing.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. Duncan pulled her from her seat and into his lap. She cried into his shirt as he held her.
“Let it all out. I’ve got you,” he said.
After some time she pulled back wiping the last of the tears off her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I didn’t want to make you cry.”
“I had to tell someone. I’ve spent most of my life locking it up.”
He took hold of her braid. “Cute.”
She chuckled. “It is the only way for me to tame my hair.”
“I like your hair. It’s wild and free how it’s supposed to be. Here, let me do the other.” He took the band from her fingers then ran his fingers through the strands of her hair.
“How did you learn to do a woman’s hair?”
“Giada taught me.”
“She taught you well.” He let her hair fall back in place.
“I’m taking you out shopping. I think a trip to Milan will be perfect.”
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“You don’t have to take me to Milan, Duncan. I’m happy here.” She took his hand in hers stroking his fingers.
His free hand caressed her leg. “I want to do this, Tess. Please, let me.”
“Why are you being so nice to me?”
“You’re my wife.”
Tess let him fly her out to Milan. He always got what he wanted, and she didn’t see a point in arguing with him. She enjoyed his company as he took her to each designer boutique. Most of the clothes she wouldn’t dream of wearing. He sat and waited while she tried on new clothes.
The whole experience delighted her. Duncan knew how to treat a woman. When women came on to him, he brushed them off as if they weren’t important. Once they were done he booked them into a fancy upscale hotel. They shared a room and spent the whole night watching movies. She lay with her head in his lap.
Tess knew it was the start of a whole lot more.
****
The days passed. Duncan didn’t mention leaving Italy, and Tess didn’t ask. Her time was filled with delight, sight-seeing and exploring Italy and Rome. Duncan would fly them out to a lavish restaurant for a top dining experience, even though she’d have preferred to stay home. They visited the theatre and went on shopping expeditions. They ate by candlelight in Duncan’s villa.
Duncan had thought he would have to leave her for a short time to sort out some emergency, but he was actually able to get it sorted out over the phone shut away in his study. His business was soon cleared up, and he came to apologise by taking her to another theatre and expensive dinner.
Tess fell in love, completely head over heels in love, with Duncan James. Her feelings for him were so unexpected but so welcome. She wanted to be near him constantly. Tess listened to all his troubles when he talked about them. She laughed when he teased her or told jokes. She loved the way he cared for her, the time he spent making sure she was okay. Her feelings were so strong she thought she’d burst with the emotion welling up inside her.
She knew she would tell him tonight. Some of his work had come to Italy. He’d told her they needed to attend a gathering of some kind, a charity ball where money was splashed everywhere. It was her first appearance out with him, and she wanted to make a good impression.
He’d bought her a beautiful red silk gown. Her curves looked subtle as the dress fell around her waist and her hips. The neck plunged in the centre. It had taken her several minutes to arrange so her breasts wouldn’t tip out. She felt beautiful. Another silver studded diamond necklace danced around her neck with matching diamond ear rings. Her hair was pulled up in a lose bun, a red hair clip in her hair keeping everything in place. Small ringlets of hair escaped around her face to enhance her features.
Sofia had come to help her with the dress and hair. She’d left some time ago as she finished her make-up.
She knew Duncan was watching her from the doorway as she twirled in front of the mirror.
He made his presence known by coming up behind her and kissing her neck. He smiled at her in the reflection of the mirror. She loved it when he touched her, his arms holding her and protecting her.
“You look dazzling, a true beauty.”
“Thank you for the dress. It’s beautiful.”
“I love giving you nice things. Are you sure you don’t mind going tonight?” he asked.
“This is our first outing together. I think it will be good to show a united front.”
“You’re amazing,” he said.
Tess felt her whole body zing to life, and goose-bumps erupted over her exposed flesh. Her nipples hardened to soft peaks. His hands landed lightly on her shoulders. His smoldering eyes looked at her in the mirror. She recognised his desire as it mirrored her own. She felt his arousal against her ass. Tess hoped he’d stop tormenting her and make love to her by the end of the night. The days they’d spent together had been magical.
She felt seduced. Her body was ready for him to claim.
“Every woman will envy you tonight,” he said with a whisper.
She sighed, loving the feel of his body clos
e to hers. Her heart pounded erratically in her chest.
“Only because I’m with you and every other woman wants you.”
“But you are my wife. No other woman can have me.” He turned her head to the side and moulded his lips to hers taking and giving a passionate kiss. Duncan left no doubt of the meaning of his words.
Tess felt the love she had for this man growing deeper. He was no longer the horrible ogre she’d first met. Duncan James had become her white knight and the first man she’d ever loved. Her body craved for him to take her and possess her. Tess wanted him to claim her the only way he could.
He’d arranged for a limousine to pick them up. Duncan helped her with the wrap then followed her inside the limo.
“Are you nervous?” he asked.
“Only a little bit. It’s not every day a girl gets to go to a ball.” She locked her fingers on her lap.
Duncan chuckled. “You have nothing to fear. Everyone will love you.” He took her hand kissing her fingers as he laid her hand back in his own lap.
“What happens if I embarrass you?”
“I’d have to care what the people think. Tess, this is not a social gathering. The people we’re about to meet are not my friends.”
“They’re not?”
“No. Mark, the best man at our wedding, he’s my friend. These people don’t rate very high on my list,” he said.
“Then why go at all?”
“It’s good for business. There is a lot of stuff I have to do which is good for business. I don’t always like it.” He stroked the pulse in her wrist. She noticed he liked doing that. “The only part of tonight I find bearable is the fact I’ll be leaving with you.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Duncan. I’m here to stay.”
“Do you mean that?” he asked.
She stared at him, knowing there was more meaning to his question.
“Yes, for as long as you want me, I’ll stay.”
“You’re special to me, Tess.” He leaned over and kissed her. She moaned. They’d been sharing kisses for several days. No matter how many times he kissed her, his kisses felt as wonderful as if they were the first time.
When he pulled away she stared into his eyes. “You’re special to me, too.”
“I better leave you alone. I’ll mess up your make-up and hair. You look stunning.”
They moved apart. She stared out the window. None of it registered as she was lost in her own little world. Her lips tingled. Gazing out of the window she saw her nipples rock hard and pressing against the dress. Her pussy was wet. She wanted Duncan. If he didn’t take her soon she’d die of anticipation.
This is how women felt. She understood the passion now. She was experiencing it herself for the first time.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She followed his gaze to see the paparazzi flashing their cameras at passing couples.
“Wow, are these guys everywhere?”
“I’m beginning to think they have some kind of tracking device. Anyway, they’ll want to get a picture of you and me together. How do you feel about that?”
The limo pulled close to the curb. A man outside waited for a signal to enter. “I’m fine with it. Please, make sure I don’t embarrass anyone. I couldn’t stand to see my picture in the newspaper for everyone to ridicule.”
Duncan laughed. “You’re precious. I’ll take care of you no matter what. Smile for the cameras.”
The door opened, and she was swamped by all the attention. Cameras flashed at her. Duncan didn’t let her go. He kept his arm wrapped around her at all times. When the time came for their picture to be taken as a couple, Duncan pulled her close and took her lips in a kiss.
She forgot about everything. He knew how to distract her.
Chapter Eighteen
Tess gasped at the delight of the building where the charity ball was being held. A luxurious place with dazzling lights and picturesque views, it was far grander than anything she imagined. The ball was up on the second floor looking down along a star-studded garden and a beautiful romantic fountain. Couples gathered around, drinking sparkling champagne, dancing or talking in groups. Duncan had his hand wrapped possessively around her waist guiding her to groups of couples. He introduced her as his wife. She heard the proud note in his voice as he spoke. His arm around her waist was comforting. When people fired questions at her, Duncan took over if he thought there was anything she couldn’t handle. Within no time at all she became old news. Duncan never left her side as they moved around. Several times guests tried to separate them, but he held onto her, his fingers caressing her waist.
Tess felt like she was on cloud nine. After a time, everyone began to be nice and seemed to accept her as one of their own. She sipped one glass of champagne not bothering with anything else. Duncan smirked every time she took a sip. Tess struggled to contain her revulsion at the taste.
There was a difference in him. His attention along with each of his touches felt as if they were speared to something more.
She believed tonight Duncan would finally make love to her the way he should have done on their wedding night. Her nerves were firmly in place, but she couldn’t wait. The temptation had been there since he’d said how good it could be between them.
Her body trembled with excitement, the anticipation making her feel slightly giddy. The champagne had nothing to do with the head-rush she felt. The way she was feeling was directed at the man beside her.
“Are you having fun?” Duncan leaned down to ask.
She looked into his intense eyes and smiled. She could not think of any words to string together.
“Y-yes,” she said with a croak. Tess cringed at her response.
Tonight meant the world to her. Why couldn’t she grow some balls for a change?
****
Tonight was supposed to be all about Tess. He wanted to please her completely. Duncan had gone to great lengths so he’d be able to show her what true lovemaking could be. Tess looked so beautiful, and he didn’t want to scare her with his passions. He loved sex and wanted her to see how amazing it could be between two people.
He hadn’t planned on leaving her for any time throughout their honeymoon, but when he’d remembered Yvonne was still in his life he’d flown back to end things. His original plan had been to keep Yvonne in his life. He hadn’t believed his sexual needs would be met by Tess. After spending the last few days with her, he knew there was no other choice left. His first thought had been to fly back to end his relationship with Yvonne, which had seemed the better option than ending it with her over the phone.
Duncan knew Tess was getting to him. Before, he hadn’t thought about others’ feelings, but now he thought about them.
When he took Tess and made her his, he’d wanted to do so without Yvonne being in his life. Duncan had told Tess he’d needed to fly back on some important business.
He’d been on the helipad ready to fly back home when an attack of conscience had stopped him from boarding the plane. Tess had been standing in the security of their home while the private plane waited to take off. How could he lie to her? Leave her to go and break it off with another woman? It was her honeymoon, and he didn’t want to leave her alone to go and deal with another woman.
Instead of boarding the plane he’d gone inside and locked himself away in his office with the intent of calling Yvonne.
He sipped the champagne recalling the moment when she answered the phone. He’d hated every second of the conversation and knew he’d gotten away easy.
Duncan sat behind his desk with her number on the card she’d given him to be able to contact her at any time. She lived in an upscale New York place. He knew because he’d paid for her to live there. Her reputation as an interior designer had grown over the last few months, so now she could support herself.
Yvonne loved sex. She was compatible to him in appetite as she didn’t require any emotion from him. Their relationship had lasted longer than he’d anticipated.
&n
bsp; He thought about Tess seconds before making the call. She was changing him. He felt it inside himself. There was a time he wouldn’t have cared about having Yvonne in the background as he was pursuing another woman. He wasn’t Yvonne’s only lover. The woman was too insatiable to have one man at her disposal.
For the first time in his life, Duncan felt really nervous. He wanted to be with Tess and not making a call to another woman. .
He picked up the phone and dialled Yvonne’s number.
She answered on the first ring.
“Sweetheart, you called.” Yvonne practically purred as her voice came over the line. His body didn’t respond to the need he heard in her voice. For the first time ever his body did not respond to his mistress.
“I have missed you, Duncan. I have an ache which only you can fix.” Yvonne was always more than willing to try something knew. He knew she was trying to make him have phone sex with her.
“We need to talk, Yvonne.” The sooner he dealt with her the sooner he could get back to his own woman in the next room.
“Is this about that woman you were with? Don’t worry, sweetheart. I don’t mind sharing? Or do we have to be more discreet? You know what I can do for you. How good I can make you feel.” Her voice went deeper as if she was trying to play at keeping their affair a secret.
“That woman I’m with is my wife.”
That stopped her in her tracks. “Your wife?”
“Have you missed the papers? It was everywhere,” he said. The change within her was instant. He heard the change in her voice. She became shriller.
“You have a wife?”
“Yes.”
“You got married?”
“Yes.”
Silence descended.
“It won’t last.” She snapped at him. Her voice grew louder, screeching. “She’ll realise what a callous cruel bastard you are, and she will leave you.” Her voice was hard.
Duncan felt his temper rising. This woman had no right to question his relationship with Tess. He’d never treat her so appallingly. How dare this woman say such things to him?
“No, she won’t.” He told her. “You can keep the apartment. I’ll sign over the deeds. You can keep the jewels and clothes I’ve purchased over the months. You’ll cease all contact with me.” He waited for her final response before putting the phone down.