She would probably be at the house waiting for him to get home. Dinner would be on the stove, and if they didn’t have any children, he was sure they would be working on it. Carlo took another sip of his coffee as his phone rang. He managed to pick up the phone on the second ring.
“Hello.”
“Hi. You sound tired.”
He smiled at the sound of Daníella’s voice. “I am, but I will be okay once I get some sleep.”
“Do you want to come over after work?”
“I do, but I’m afraid I will crash on you.”
He heard her sigh softly. “To be honest, I don’t care. It wouldn’t bother me if you needed to take a nap.”
Carlo chuckled. “I can come over if you are sure you don’t mind me going to sleep on you for an hour or so.”
“I wouldn’t. After the day I have had today, we can take a nap together, and then we can order takeout from somewhere.”
He sighed. “Sounds good. I’ll call you when I’m leaving work.”
“Okay. I will see you then.”
Carlo hung up the phone and finished off the coffee. It didn’t help him any. By the time he arrived at Daníella’s, he was nearly asleep on his feet. She pulled him inside and led him straight upstairs. He tried to help her, but she brushed his hands aside.
“Let me.” She undressed him quickly before pulling back the sheets. “Climb in.”
He wanted to protest because he would prefer to take a shower before he slept, but he was likely to drown in the tub. So he did as she asked. Daníella waited until he was settled before joining him. Carlo relaxed, and she leaned toward him and placed a kiss on his lips.
“Sleep.”
Carlo obeyed her command and closed his eyes. He couldn’t stay awake if he wanted to. Instead, he let Daníella’s soothing touch draw him into the wonderful world of slumber.
A little over an hour later, Carlo came awake slowly. His eyes fell onto Daníella, and the corners of his mouth curled upward. She lay on her side facing him, her hair covering her face partially. He couldn’t help but to notice how beautiful she looked. Her camisole was to the side, revealing smooth skin. The tops of her breasts were visible, making him want her. He wanted her more and more with each day that passed.
Waking up to her had always served as a reminder as to how lucky he’d been to have her in his bed—in his life. He could lie there and watch her sleep forever. There was something about her that made him ache for her. He had learned a while back he couldn’t deny his feelings for her—his need for her. The only problem was he had to convince her. He could see the doubt in her eyes when he stared deeply into them. Yet, he knew without a doubt Daníella was meant to be in his life. Now he hoped she’d still feel that way once he revealed his secret.
He held his breath when she shifted slightly. She settled again, and he continued to take in her beauty. He wanted to make love to her—to wake her up on the brink of pleasure. To hear his name on her lips as her eyes opened. Right now was the perfect time for him to do so, and he planned to take advantage of it.
* * * *
Daníella opened her mouth to gasp, but no sound came out. She was still half-asleep. Her mind didn’t want to let go of the wonderful dream she was having. Her muscles were leaden, and warmth pooled between her thighs. She couldn’t understand why her body felt so weighed down. Desire was flowing through her freely, making her breasts feel heavy and her nipples firm. The sensation of fingers caressing her made her body tighten with spasms of gratification. She couldn’t figure out where the feelings were coming from. Why desire was gathering between the vee of her thighs. Her fuzzy brain finally grasped that she was on her back. She never slept on her back. Her brain also began to register a steady stroke against the heart of her.
“Carlo?”
He didn’t answer her and for good reason. Her legs were strategically placed over his shoulders, and he was lavishing the most thorough attention on her with his mouth. Still feeling as if she were dreaming, she refused to open her eyes. This was a dream that she didn’t want to end. His talented tongue and hands teased her skillfully in a way that made her moan. Daníella gasped as jolts of satisfaction raced through her, making her toes curl. He pulled back, and her legs tightened, sandwiching him between them so he didn’t go too far. Even though she was still drowsy, she didn’t want the blissful sensations to end.
“Are you awake?”
It took her a minute to understand his words. When she did, Daníella responded as best as she could.
“If I’m not, then this is the best dream I’ve ever had.”
“Well then, don’t let me be the one to ruin it.”
He lowered his mouth to her once more, and her eyes closed as he sent another wave of pleasure surging through her. When his fingers joined his mouth, she cried out. His fingers dipped into her wetness. Daníella arched into his touch, and he let her move her hips, allowing her to control her own delight. She moved against him, trying to increase her pleasure as much as she could. His fingers continued to tease her until she couldn’t help but to succumb to the intense sensation. Daníella cried out as fulfillment raced through her veins, making her toes curl. As soon as she could move again, she reached for Carlo.
“I need you inside me…now, Carlo!”
She sighed with relief as he came up over her, his lips slowly brushing hers. Carlo protected them, and an instant later he was sliding inside her, filling her deeply. She exhaled with contentment, taking as much of him in as she could.
He began to move within her slowly, and she clung to him, caressing the smooth muscles rippling under his firm skin. His thrusts were so long, so deep, she had trouble determining where he ended and she began. Still, she arched into his thrust, wanting to have as much control over his desire as he had over hers. She loved to make him lose control. It was something he didn’t do often. Daníella was amazed at how in tune they still were with each other. Even after all of this time, she was able to detect when he was about to climax. She tightened her legs around his waist, smiling as his breath caught in his throat. He gathered her tightly in his arms, her name becoming a low growl in his throat. His control vanished and he thrust hard into her, taking her breath away as her orgasm crashed into her.
Carlo held her as tightly as she held him. When he was finally able to move, he slid to the side and pulled her with him. It took her several moments to catch her breath. When she did, she spoke. “I take it you had a good nap.”
“Yes, I did, but I have to say I’m ready for another now.”
Her smile widened as she straightened her camisole. “You should have thought about that before you awoke so excited.”
He reached out and brushed his hand against her face. “Well, you shouldn’t be so beautiful.”
She gave him an amused look. “So it is my fault, huh?”
Carlo nodded without hesitation. “Yes, it is.”
She hid a yawn. “I guess I will have to make you sleep on the couch the next time.”
He grimaced at the thought. “If you do, I hope it isn’t under the same circumstances. Dealing with the paparazzi is exhausting.”
Daníella gave him a sympathetic smile. She knew from a brief conversation with Sophia it had been an interesting and trying night for Carlo at the hotel. Carlo had gotten up in the middle of the night to go over to help defuse the situation with the media. Sitting up, she looked over at him.
“Hopefully you won’t have to deal with that again anytime soon. I would love to say never again, but we both know it is unlikely. Are you hungry?”
“Starving. I ordered a light lunch earlier, but it might have been too light.”
She shook her head but wasn’t surprised that he didn’t say anything before now. “I will order some food. You can use the shower if you need to.”
“What about you?”
“I’ll take a shower after I order the food.”
He wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I could wait for you if you like.”
She shook her head. “I would actually like to eat when the food gets here, so you go ahead.”
He chuckled as he slid from the bed. “Yes, I guess you are right. Then again, I’m sure we will need to preoccupy ourselves after dinner.”
She smiled, giving him a knowing look. “Yes, and for some reason I think you already have the activity planned.”
The look he gave her spoke of pure sin, and she had to keep her hands by her side to keep from pulling him back onto the bed.
“You’re right, but since I am already out of bed, you’ll have to find out about what I have planned later.”
She smiled at his disappearing rear end before reaching for her robe. On her way downstairs, she decided to order Ferroni’s. By the time she had the food ordered, he was heading downstairs to join her.
“The food should be here shortly. My purse is on the couch.”
He shook his head. “Since you gave me room and board, I will pay for dinner.”
“That’s fine. I am going to go upstairs and take my shower.”
When she returned downstairs, the food had just arrived and Carlo was at the door paying for it. The sight of him shirtless at her door did something to her. She studied the hard, muscular planes of the back she’d been clasping to earlier. A shiver went through her as the erotic reminder went through her mind. Daníella continued down the stairs, wondering if they were going to make it through dinner. She watched as he took the food from the deliveryman before closing the door. When he heard her behind him, he turned to look at her.
“Did you order enough food?”
“I think so, but we might not get the chance to eat it.”
He studied her for a moment before pulling her into his arms. “Actually, we are going to eat first then have each other for dessert.”
She grinned. “I like that idea.”
“Good. Now where do you want to eat?”
She nodded toward the direction of the living room. “We can eat in here around the coffee table.”
Carlo sat the bag down on the table. Several seconds later they had everything spread out.
“Everything smells good. What did you order?” Carlo asked, inhaling appreciatively.
“Cotaletta alla Milanese and Chicken Piccata.”
“Good choices.”
“Thank you. Smelling this good food is only making me hungrier,” Daníella replied, her stomach grumbling as if to offer proof.
She put a good serving of food from each container onto his plate before fixing her own plate.
“What do you want to drink?”
She thought about it for a moment before answering. “There should be a bottle of white wine in the cabinet.”
“I’ll get it.”
She watched the ripple of muscles as he stood up and headed into the kitchen. A short time later, he returned with the bottle of wine and two wineglasses.
“I like spending time like this with you, Carlo.”
“I like spending time with you as well, tesoro mio.”
Daníella studied him quietly for a moment. When she spoke, it was softly. “What happened between us, Carlo?”
He stared at the food for a long time, making her wonder if he was going to answer. Finally, he looked up at her. “It’s simple. I was stupid.”
It wasn’t the detailed answer she was looking for, but she read the sincerity in his expression, and for now it would do.
Chapter Twelve
“Carlo, what are you doing?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Even as Daníella protested, she allowed Carlo to continue to blindfold her. She could only imagine what people were going to think when they saw her like this. Her family already seemed to have a fit of laughter.
“Where are we going?”
He chuckled low in her ear. “If I tell you, then it won’t be a surprise.”
“Mom, Dad, are you going to let him do this?”
She could hear the amusement in her father’s voice when he spoke.
“Of course.”
“He isn’t a stranger,” her mother added.
“I’m not so sure,” Daníella mumbled under her breath.
“I heard that,” Carlo grumbled playfully.
“Good. I meant for you to.”
He laughed before taking her hand and leading her out outside. “Be patient, tesoro mio. You will receive your surprise shortly.”
She huffed with impatience. “Come on, Carlo. Tell me where we are going.”
“I told you. It is a surprise, but if it makes you feel any better, we are going away for the weekend.”
She stopped abruptly at his words. “Away for the weekend?”
“Yes, for the entire weekend, but we aren’t going far so we can get back if needed.”
Before Daníella could say anything or ask additional questions he tucked her into his car. A few moments later she heard him get in on the driver’s side. She didn’t hesitate to resume her questioning.
“What exactly does that mean?”
“You will see.”
She turned her head in his direction. “How do you suppose this will happen with this blindfold on?”
There was obvious humor in his voice when he responded. “As soon as I take the blindfold off, you’ll know exactly where we are, although I have to say leaving it on might be a better idea.”
She frowned at the thought. “I hope you have a set of handcuffs because otherwise I’m going to take this blindfold off.”
He chuckled. “I knew there was something I forgot to bring.”
She turned her head in his direction, her eyes shooting daggers at him that he couldn’t see. “You aren’t funny, Carlo.”
“You know I am. If you give me a few more minutes, I can reveal the surprise to you.”
Daníella sighed dejectedly but sat back in the seat and let him drive her to wherever their destination was.
“I can’t believe I’m letting you do this.”
He reached out and squeezed her hand. “Trust me, it will be worth it.”
A few minutes later the car rolled to a stop. “You ready to see your surprise?”
“I definitely am.”
Daníella inhaled his scent as he leaned toward her. His hands came up and undid the blindfold. It took her eyes a moment to adjust to the light. When they did, she looked at him as if he’d lost his mind.
“This is the surprise?”
Carlo shook his head. “No, the surprise is upstairs.”
She shook her head, not sure what to think about this entire situation. Looking back up at him, she sighed.
“You have officially lost your mind, haven’t you?”
“No, I haven’t. Now come on so I can show you the rest of your surprise.”
Daníella climbed out of his car and allowed him to lead her up the elevator inside the parking garage underneath Hotel Carabelli. Carlo led her through the lobby to the elevator, only pausing briefly as they were greeted by various members of the staff. When they reached the top floor, he led her down the hall and to one of the suites. She looked at him in astonishment.
“How did my suitcase get here?”
“Nikkía brought it by.”
Daníella froze. “What’s going on, Carlo?”
He walked over to her and pulled her into his embrace. “You and I are officially on vacation starting now.”
If the look on his face hadn’t been so sincere, she would have laughed. “Carlo, how can we go on vacation in the location you work at?”
“Simple. I paid for this room and took off work, so technically we are guests of the hotel and not to be bothered unless it is an emergency.”
Daníella arched a dark brow in his direction. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, I wanted you all to myself with no interruptions. I figured what better way to rent a room and put a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door.”
She shook her head. “I can’t believe you planned something like this.”
<
br /> “I wanted you to myself.”
She stared at him for a moment before smiling. “Well, you have me.”
Carlo placed a brief kiss on her lips. “Good. Now what do you say we unpack our bags before going down to relax by the pool?”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
Daníella walked over to her suitcase and laid it on the bed. When she unzipped the suitcase, she laughed. Nikkía had packed a bag for a romantic getaway. There was plenty of lingerie in the suitcase along with a swimsuit. The kicker was there were only two outfits decent enough for her to leave the hotel room in. One would have to be saved for checkout.
“I guess Nikkía assumed we wouldn’t be leaving the hotel room this weekend.”
Carlo took a brief glance at the items she’d laid out on the bed. He smiled sexily.
“Looks like she made several good choices to me.”
“I’m sure it does,” Daníella murmured as she picked up her clothes—or rather lack thereof—and put them away.
She changed into her swimsuit, actually looking forward to the ability to lie out by the pool and get some sun and relaxation.
“Has anyone ever told you that you have a beautiful body, tesoro mio?”
“You have.”
“Good. Remind me to show you later.”
“You already have, Carlo. Several times.”
“Yes, but a few more times wouldn’t hurt.”
She watched him pull on his swimming trunks. Part of the scar on his leg was revealed beneath the hem of his shorts, but it covered the one on his lower abdomen.
“Do the scars ever bother you?”
He shook his head. “I have gotten so used to them I almost forget they are there. Although I do have to admit I’m reminded of the one on my leg very often.”
She frowned in concern. “Has your leg been bothering you lately?”
“My leg bothers me every day. It is just a point of whether I can stand the pain or not.”
Morris, Stephanie - Unfinished Business [Indulgence 3] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 13