by Lea Hart
Sipping his coffee, Gio studied Valentina and wondered why she was the only woman who made him want to surrender to the vulnerability that true love required.
Was is her sharp mind and wit?
Could be.
Her mesmerizing blue eyes?
Possible.
Or was she simply his other half?
Probably.
The feelings she elicited in him were like nothing he ever experienced, and that told him it was time to loosen his iron grip and trust-fall into the unknown. A concept so deeply uncomfortable that he wasn’t even sure if he was capable.
But true-love required it, and he knew he wanted it with the woman who was currently giving him a suspicious gaze. “More coffee?”
“No, thank you.” Leaning back, Valentina swung her leg and played with her napkin. “There is no reason for you to host Bruno and me. We are perfectly content here at the Wynn.”
“You know that’s not possible. My father gave me a fifteen-minute lecture last night about allowing you to stay, and I would much prefer having you home where I know you’re well taken care of and secure.”
“I have Bruno, so security isn’t an issue.”
“Do you really want to be among the masses when you can be at home enjoying your own pool and whatever other amenities you need?”
“I don’t mind the masses; after all, I live in New York and am used to a certain amount of hustle and bustle.”
Deciding she wasn’t going to give in right away, he changed the subject. “What did you two do last night?”
“We saw La Reve, and it was spectacular. I love all the Cirque du Soleil shows and wasn’t sure if I’d like one that wasn’t put on by the company, but I was pleasantly surprised.”
“Which Cirque would you like to see next?”
“I’d really like to see Zumanity since my club features a burlesque show.”
“What made you want to open a club after running your father’s casino operation in Macau?”
“I really wanted something of my own and knew the only way to do that was to start out small. Papa wanted me to run the casinos in Massachusetts, but I’d had my fill and didn’t want to be under his control anymore.”
“I’ve never been to the small island. Does it live up to its name of the Las Vegas of Asia?”
“Absolutely. Many of the same casinos here have exact replicas there. Bruno and I were there for five years and, for the most part, it was a wonderful experience.”
“So, what made you want to return to the States?”
“I missed living in the country of my birth and was ready to start the next phase of my life. Initially, I thought it would be on the East Coast, but have since discovered that living in close proximity to my family is not good for my mental health.”
“So, you’re here for more than just a research trip?”
“We’ll see.”
“Fair enough.” He ran his hand over the table and then gave her a smile. “Let’s get you settled at the house and then I’ll take you to the Red Door, so you can see what I’ve created.”
“Thank you; I’d actually like that. If we decide to relocate, then I’d certainly like to open a Vegas Ceylon Rose.”
“I like the idea of you living here very much and will do whatever it takes to make that possible.”
“Why?”
Leaning forward, he pressed her hand to his heart. “Do you feel that?”
“Yes.”
“It hasn’t beat this hard since the last time we saw each other.”
“That’s not possible.”
Not interested in hearing her objections, he moved closer and pressed his mouth gently to hers. The flame that had threatened to ignite since yesterday flared out of control as her soft lips met his and her hands went to his chest.
Praying she pulled him closer, he nipped at her bottom lip and felt her fingers curl into his shirt. He slid his lips back and forth over hers and waited for her to grant him entry. When her mouth parted, he swept his tongue inside and began learning all the things that made her moan.
He angled his head to take the kiss deeper and felt a rightness settle deep in his chest. He knew she was the one for him, and time passing wouldn’t change it.
Pulling away, Valentina’s eyes flew to his as she covered her mouth. “It feels exactly like when you gave me my first kiss at sixteen.” Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “How is that possible?”
“Because what was true then, still is,” he responded as he ran his hands through her soft hair. “Let’s not ignore what we have just to spite our parents.”
“Gio, I don’t want to date the heir to the throne. No way am I becoming a cliché and marrying a mobster.” Waving her hand around, she let out a quiet squeak.
Leaning his head against hers, he let out a low laugh. “The good news is that I’m not inheriting the throne; my baby brother Eduardo is. I keep my businesses separate from my family’s interests.”
“But…”
Covering her mouth with his fingers, he lifted an eyebrow. “Let’s not deny ourselves happiness just because we don’t want our union to become some sort of super-mafia alliance. We are destined for one another and should just accept it.”
“I don’t think…”
“Yes, we are,” he responded firmly as he tipped her chin up and dove in for another kiss. Their chemistry was undeniable, and perhaps that’s what they should focus on until she could get her mind wrapped around the possibility of a long-term union.
God willing, she would eventually accept what was, and then they could get on with their happy ever after.
One way or another.
CHAPTER FOUR
Gio walked into his home office and wished he’d settled Valentina into his room and not a guest one. It was a ruse that hardly seemed worth the effort, considering he planned on formalizing their relationship at the earliest opportunity.
Which might take a bit longer than he initially anticipated.
She was playing it cool and, while he couldn’t blame her, he hoped it was something she wouldn’t feel was necessary for very much longer.
Taking his chair, he spun around and looked out at the expanse of the land surrounding his estate and wondered if he should build a small house for Bruno. It seemed prudent, considering how close the two were, but perhaps he should wait and see if he wanted a place of his own.
Hearing a knock, he looked up and saw Sal standing in the doorway. “Everything copesetic?”
“As far as I can tell.” He took the seat facing the desk and crossed his arms. “So, what are they really doing in town?”
Leaning to left, he looked down the long hall and noted it was clear. “Valentina wants out from under the scrutiny of her family and the syndicate. Apparently, living in New York is like being under a microscope, and she’s ready for a little autonomy.”
“The princess of the family is never going to get that until Papa Conti knows his daughter is married and under the protection of a husband.”
“Which is one of the many reasons she’s ready to put a little space between her and all the Conti men.”
Sal raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “That’s a cover story; what’s the real one?”
“Bruno is gay and won’t come out to his family. She wants them to live far enough away so that he can live his life freely.”
“She’d do that for her bodyguard?”
“Apparently, he’s a lot more than that. He saved her life by taking a bullet and also foiled a kidnapping attempt. He’s her best friend and the only person she truly trusts, so moving halfway across the country gets them both what they want.”
“Damn. Had no idea she had that big of a heart.”
Placing his hands behind his head, he grinned. “Either did I, if I’m being totally honest.” He looked up at the ceiling and grinned. “She’s a hell of a woman.”
“So, why relocate here?”
“They wanted someplace warm as well as a city
where they could expand their business and blend in. They both want to live under the radar as much as possible, and this town would give them that.”
“That’s true and having the Zanetti family nearby would allow Papa Conti to give her some breathing room.”
“Exactly.”
Sal nodded and then leaned forward. “So, how do we play this?”
“Straight. No reason for us to share the reasons behind the move, and I’ll gladly play along with whatever makes her happy.”
“Seems like you’ve given up your fake arguments why she isn’t the one.”
“I finally realize it’s a wasted effort.”
“Good for you; it’s about damn time.”
Sitting up straight, he moved his pens around. “That’s it; you’ve got no other comments?”
He threw up his hands and smirked. “I’m for whatever makes you happy.”
“Thank you, brother.”
“Always.”
“This is going to make my father so fucking happy; he may shit kittens.”
“Unfortunately, you’re making all his dreams come true and giving him the marriage of the decade.”
“Kills me, but yeah, that’s exactly what I’m about to do.”
Running his hand over his beard, Sal raised an eyebrow. “Valentina on board with any of this?”
“Not so much.”
Laughing, he stood and adjusted his holster. “Well, then it’s time you show her exactly how charming you can be.”
“Unfortunately, charm isn’t going to get me squat. I’m going to have to open my heart and show her that there’s nothing I won’t do to become her king.”
Moving toward the door, he grinned. “This house needs a queen, so I look forward to your success.”
“God willing, it will happen very soon.” Watching his best friend walk out of the office, he let out a laugh and knew he wouldn’t rest until Valentina wore her crown and accepted her rightful place.
Hopefully, it would happen before the week was over.
***
Hanging the last dress in the closet, Valentina wondered if she’d done the right thing by being honest with Gio.
Considering she needed a certain amount of his cooperation, it seemed prudent. Hearing footsteps, she turned and saw Bruno walk into her room. “Are you settled?”
“Yes, Gio put me in the next room, so if you need something, I’m not far.”
“Can’t wait until we have our own place.”
Lifting the empty suitcase, Bruno let out a snort. “Cara, you are home.” He put the suitcase in the corner of the closet and then kissed her head. “Gio Zanetti is going to do whatever it takes to make you his bride.”
“I don’t think…”
Bruno put up his hand and shook his head. “Don’t waste your breath and make up lies. I saw the kiss you two shared earlier, and it’s the truest thing I’ve ever seen.” Placing his hands on her shoulders, he smiled. “This kind of thing only comes along once in a lifetime if you’re lucky, and I forbid you to pretend otherwise.”
“But…”
“Amore, what has you so frightened?”
“Is it possible to love the first man you kissed?”
“Apparently so.”
“We don’t even know one another; maybe we’re completely incompatible, and he’s got habits that I won’t be able to live with.”
“It’s certainly possible, but the thing flaming between the two of you seems a lot bigger than which side of the bed you sleep on and whether he leaves the seat up.”
Collapsing on the bed, she groaned. “I don’t know.”
Bruno joined her and slung his arm over her shoulder. “He doesn’t need anything from you because he comes from a family equal to your own and he also understands the risks of taking on Stefano Conti’s daughter.”
“All salient points.” Twisting her hands together, she looked up. “If I allow myself to fall for him, and it doesn’t work out, I could be devastated.”
“If you ignore it, then you’re guaranteeing your own unhappiness. You’ve held every man you’ve ever dated up to the Gio standard, and none of them have passed. The way he makes you feel has never occurred with another, so perhaps it’s time to accept what is.”
“Maybe.” She rested her head against his chest and let out a sigh. “But I still think we should get our own place.”
“Whatever you want, cara.”
“You’re just saying that so I’ll quit arguing.”
“Our years together have taught me when to give in and go with the flow.”
“Same,” she replied. “Are you ready to see the Red Door tonight?”
“Sure, I hear it’s a great club, and I’d like to see what Gio has done to make it such a big success. This market is as tough as New York City, and I look forward to discovering the secret sauce he used to make all the different elements work together.”
“I wonder if the Ceylon Rose would work here or if it’s too tame.”
“If we focus on the ‘couples market’ like we’ve done, then we may have a shot of having something unique enough to work.”
“We need to get tickets to Zumanity because I think there are elements to the show that we could incorporate into a club that would be perfect.”
“Take the burlesque idea to a whole new level?”
“I think so.”
“Interesting,” Bruno replied. “I’ll start researching the competition.”
“Perfect.” Laying back on the bed, she closed her eyes. “Do I have time for a nap before we’re expected at the club?”
“Absolutely.” Standing, he rolled his neck around. “I’ll get our car arranged and then let Gio know we’ll be going later this evening.”
Blowing a kiss, she closed her eyes. “Grazi, mi amore.”
“Prego.”
Hearing the door close, she pulled up the blanket and felt herself drift off with memories of the kisses she and Gio shared filling her head.
CHAPTER FIVE
Gio ran his hand over Valentina’s incredibly soft skin and felt an emotion fill his chest that made him short of breath. “Amore, wake up.”
Seeing her eyes flicker, he bent down and kissed her cheek gently, inhaling her sweet scent. “Let me see your beautiful eyes.”
Valentina opened her eyes slowly and smiled. “What time is it?”
“Seven-thirty.”
She ran her hand over her face and pushed herself up. “I slept too long. I was just going to take a short nap.”
“It’s perfect.” He brushed her hair off her cheek and then kissed her gently. “I sent Bruno off to the club with Sal.”
“Why are you here? Don’t you have to work?”
“I gave myself the night off, and we’re having dinner on the patio.”
“Don’t stay home on my account.” Moving away from his hold, she put her feet on the floor. “I don’t want to disturb your schedule.”
“You’re funny.” Standing, he slid his hands onto his hips. “Rosa has left us a beautiful meal, so we’re going to relax and have a good bottle of wine while we catch up.”
“All right, if you’re sure.”
Lifting her chin, he let his eyes roam over her delicate features and knew he’d never tire of hers being the first face he saw each day. “I have never been more sure of anything in my life.”
Pushing his chest, she let out a laugh as she moved past him. “I see the Zanetti charm is on full display.” Smoothing out her T-shirt, she pursed her lips. “I’m going to freshen up, and then I’ll meet you by the pool.”
“Can’t wait.” He blew her a kiss and walked out of the room, whistling. Happiness bloomed in his chest as he moved down the hall, and prayed that tonight marked their beginning.
Gio opened a bottle of 97 Luciano Sandrone, Barolo and set it on the table. Moving the plate of antipasti that Rosa made, he nodded in satisfaction. “Perfezionare.”
“What’s perfect?” Valentina asked as she strolled up.
<
br /> Opening his arms, he whistled. “You.” Taking her hand, he spun her in a small circle. “How are you so beautiful?”
Letting out a laugh, she slipped her hand away and sat in the loveseat facing the pool. “You must need glasses.”
“I have great vision and, you, my love, are my idea of perfection.” He poured two glasses of wine and then sat next to her. “Saluto,” he said quietly as he clicked his glass to hers.
“Alla vostra salute.” Taking a sip, she nodded. “Excellent choice, Gio. This is one of my favorite wines.”
“Mine too,” he responded with a smile. “We probably have a million things in common, and I look forward to discovering each and every one.”
Snorting, she leaned forward and took a piece of cheese, popping it into her mouth. “Probably no more than five.”
“Are you a morning or night person?”
“Night.”
“Movies or binge watch a series?”
“Both.” She replied with a laugh. “Action flick or comedy?”
“Action of course.” Tilting his head, he waited. “You?”
“Romantic comedy, though I do love a good action flick on occasion.”
“Salty or sweet?”
“Both,” she replied with a laugh. “I like to put milk duds in my popcorn whenever I can.”
“I probably have both in the screening room, so let’s plan on enjoying a movie later in the week.”
“You’re so fancy with this big house, Gio. What do you need all this room for?”
Smirking, he took her hand and held it gently. “I only have ten rooms in the main house and another five in the smaller one to the left. I’ve got men on site twenty-four hours a day, so we need the space. I’m also looking forward to having a big family. So, this may not end up being big enough.” When she didn’t say anything right away and let her eyes roam over the stone façade of the home, he wondered if she liked what she saw. “I love the industrial chic of the homes in Milan and wanted to bring a bit of it to the desert.”
“You’ve succeeded beautifully. The marble and stone blend into the surrounding landscape and make your home appear like it erupted from the desert floor.”