Secrets and Seduction Las Vegas (Sexy Italian Imports Book 1)

by Laura Breck

  “I attended a boarding school for academically advanced girls. We only saw boys on field trips, but our chaperones were strict.”

  He laughed. “‘Academically advanced girls’ brings a lot of pictures to my mind. Like thick, black glasses, uniforms, and Velcro shoes.”

  “It was even worse than that.” Her fingers played at the ends of his hair. “Someday I’ll show you my class photos. Very geeky.”

  “You’ve improved since then?”

  She smacked his arm lightly with the back of her hand. “Summers back here in Vegas, my sister taught me how to wear makeup and buy real clothes.”

  “Thank Monica for me.” He laced his fingers through her hair. “Did you date during the summer?”

  “Monica and Jules set me up with a few boys but nothing serious. I didn’t have many friends other than Bryce…so I spent a lot of time with my parents and siblings.”

  “College?”

  “My parents encouraged me to attend a women’s college in the east. The education was phenomenal, but I was so much younger than the other women, I wasn’t included in much of the campus life.”

  “It sounds lonely.” He ran his finger over her jaw.

  “At first.” She looked into his eyes, and the compassion in them made her weak. “But I joined a sorority and made some lasting friendships, even though we’re spread around the country. I’m going to visit one of them, Sloan, in San Diego in a few weeks.”

  “Another psychologist?”

  “Yup. Scary, isn’t it?

  “It’s different. Dating a psychologist and being in therapy with a psychologist. I find myself second-guessing a lot of my actions. Things I used to do without a thought.”

  “Hmmm. Like what?”

  He looked at her, and his eyebrow went up. “No, Valerie. You’re not going to do that again. We’re talking about you.”

  She smiled guiltily. “Sorry. Just a habit.”

  “Tell me about Bryce.”

  She hugged a pillow to her stomach. “We’d been friends since we were toddlers. After high school graduation, his girlfriend broke up with him. We just sort of…” She clapped her hands together. “…bumped into each other.”

  “Bumping. Sounds like fun.”

  She smiled. “He was on the rebound, I was going away to college. We weren’t really serious until I came home for the summer after my junior year.”

  “What happened to raise the stakes?”

  She pursed her lips. “Our parents found out.”

  He laughed. “They didn’t walk in on you, did they?”

  “No. Frickin’ Monica did then ran and told everyone.”

  “Frickin’ Monica.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, she’s been a pain in the ass forever.”

  “So, your parents and his parents made plans for you two.”

  “Yup. He was in school at UNLV, I was in New England. We’d get together once or twice a year then all summer. It lasted until I graduated with my Doctorate last year, and he admitted he’d found someone else.”

  “Hurt?”

  She tipped her head. “Yes, I guess it did, but I knew he wasn’t the right man for me, and I had my practice to set up. We literally shook hands and said goodbye.”

  “Huh. I usually get a drink thrown in my face.”

  She looked at him. “And I’m sure you’ve deserved it.”

  He nodded. “Mostly.”

  “See.” She turned her whole body toward him and talked with her hands. “That’s the kind of passion I’m looking for. I broke up with Troy, and it was a relief, but no other emotions were involved.”

  His eyes darkened. “You want passion, bella, I’ll give you more than you can handle.”

  “I’ve been waiting for this. Waiting for the right man to bring something more to my life.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve found him.”

  He put his finger under her chin and tipped her head up. “You have no idea how amazing you make me feel. That I’m the right man for a woman as incredible as you.”

  Her cheeks warmed, and he kissed her gently, his lips touching hers reverently. She opened for him, and he touched his tongue on her lips. Sighing, she made a sound more like a moan. His tongue ran over her teeth, tickling the inside of her lips. She touched her tongue to his, the contact was electric, and she heard him growl from deep in his chest. With a falling feeling, she opened her eyes to see him moving her onto the soft couch.

  His face seemed darker, passion made him more masculine. The firelight reflected in his eyes. He took the pillow she was clutching and tossed it aside then lay next to her, kissed her neck, sending chills through her body. She put her hand in his hair, loving the soft, thick silk.

  “Valerie,” he whispered, nibbling her ear, “you are beautiful, kind, and intelligent. And too sexy for your own good.” He moved over her, his arms circling her, his weight pinning her down.

  “Antonio.”

  “Angelo mio. I’m going to make love to you,” he said quietly, staring at her. “It will be slow, beautifully slow and tender. We will be making love, Valerie, not having sex. Passionate, amazing, emotional. You will be my woman.”

  “Oh God.” She writhed with the pleasure racing through her body.

  He lay beside her, reached down, and unzipped her shorts, possessively reached his hand in. He found her soft, warm flesh and gently touched her. Her nipple showed through her bra and shirt, and he bit her tenderly, sending a wave of passion through her. His hand in her underwear touched her tender point then moved away to tease her.

  He touched her inner thighs, her stomach. His teeth teased her nipples, sending shock waves to every nerve.

  “Please!” She begged him for more.

  He moved his finger to her tiny pearl of pleasure and rubbed, circled, swirled expertly. She climaxed, her body bowed up off the couch, began to shake, her thoughts flew as fireworks exploded, her cries echoing in her ears. She floated slowly back to earth, found herself lying next to him, his smile arrogantly seductive.

  “Molto bella. Your face when you come is amazing. Your eyes. I can see into your soul.” He moved his hand from her shorts and put his fingertip in his mouth. “You taste so good. I can’t wait until I kiss you there, use my mouth to bring you pleasure.”

  “Stop.” He stoked her fire, and she felt like she could climax again.

  “My tongue.” He kissed her, used his tongue on hers to show her how he would please her down there. “I am hungry for you.”

  “Antonio, I feel…”

  “Again, sweet?”

  “Yes. Please.”

  “I need more from you, cara. Let me touch your breasts.”

  Without thinking, she grabbed the hem of her shirt and lifted it up over her bra.

  He laughed softly. “The bra, too.”

  She reached around back and unhooked it. He pulled it up to release her breasts. He stared at them for a long, breathless moment. “Perfection. Absolute perfection.” He took her nipple in his mouth, did something with his tongue and teeth that made her quiver with delight.

  He touched her stomach, ran his hand down to her belly then lower. He barely touched her, and she couldn’t help but come again. She spiraled upward, cried out his name; he kissed her neck, increasing the intensity. Shaking, her whole body chilled then heated. She ended up in his arms, opened her eyes to see him watching her.

  “Antonio, I’ve never felt this out of control. I love it.”

  “Would you like to try for three?”

  His question sent a jolt of pleasure, and her skin quivered into goose bumps. “How can it be so intense?”

  “It’s our fortune to have found each other. We’re perfectly matched.”

  She touched his face with her fingers. “We are fortunate.” She ran her fingers down his chin, down his chest, on his stomach. “May I please you?”

  In the other room, her phone rang in her purse.

  He shook his head. “Uh uh. You’re not answering the phone this time.” />
  “I’m not going anywhere.” She moved her hand lower to touch him. She whispered, “My turn.” Her eyes seduced him as she wet her lips with her tongue and ran her hand along the hard bulge in his jeans.

  Her phone rang again, this time a different tone. She froze.

  He put his hand over hers. “Don’t even think about it.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “I’m sorry. That’s my emergency service.” Valerie jumped up and ran. Behind her on the couch, he groaned.

  Reaching her purse, she caught the call. “Dr. Kane.”

  Antonio walked up next to her.

  “Oh, no.” She looked at him. His jaw was clenched and his eyes held a warning. “Okay. Where is he? In his dressing room? Call them back, please, and tell them I’m on my way.” She clicked off. “I’m sorry, Antonio. It’s a patient having a major meltdown.”

  She slung her purse over her shoulder and zipped her shorts. “Would you please call me a taxi?”

  “No.”

  She looked at him. Was he going to insist she stay?

  “I’ll drive you.” He pulled his boots on and palmed his car keys.

  “Thank you. It’s just down at Paris. The back entrance.” She slid into her sandals.

  They got into the elevator. She was uncomfortable with his silence. Brooding or pouting?

  She reached for him, but he stepped back. “Work always comes first for you, doesn’t it?”

  “No. People come first. This man is opening his tour tonight, and he won’t come out of his dressing room. If he doesn’t rehearse, he may not perform tonight, either. And his career could be damaged.”

  He held up a hand. “Sorry, you’re right—”

  “It’s not work to me, Antonio. It’s who I am. I help people. And right now in my career, I happen to be treating celebrities. If in five years I’m treating…” She gestured. “Murderers at the prison, I will still respond with the same concern.”

  He shook his head and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Valerie. Again, too little blood in my head, and I was thinking with my dick.”

  She smiled and kissed his chin. “You’re forgiven. And I apologize for the lecture on my personal mission.”

  “I loved it, bella. You’ve got a purpose for your life. That’s admirable.”

  The elevator door opened into the parking garage. Why did he sound depressed? Did he feel his life had no meaning?

  The drive to Paris took only five minutes.

  “I’ll pick you up when you’re done.”

  She kissed him. “It may take a while. If I’m done at a decent hour, I’ll call. But don’t wait up for me.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Was that a double entendre?”

  She looked at his jeans. “Maybe.” She jumped out of the car. “Thanks for the ride.”

  ****

  Valerie worked her patient through the crisis, stayed and watched from backstage as he performed his sets, and, during the breaks, she held his hand, giving encouragement. The star would be fine now, but it took all evening to convince him to perform and all night to get him relaxed after the show.

  She walked out the front door of the casino at 4 A.M. The manager offered her a room, but she chose a limo ride home instead. Slumping in the back seat, she texted Antonio. 2 late 2 call. Heading home 4 some sleep. C U soon?

  She sent the message and fell asleep, dreaming of how she would make it up to him next time she got him alone.

  ****

  Antonio couldn’t get his mind around Valerie having demons. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. She seemed completely in control of everything in her life, including her emotions. Her text message came in, and he forced himself to fall asleep, his dreams of her too sexual, too raw and hungry.

  The next morning, he picked up the newspaper from his elevator. In the kitchen, he poured coffee and sat at the counter. The front page showed a picture of last night’s show at Paris of the world tour for Valerie’s patient.

  The reviews were spectacular, but the paper didn’t mention why—Dr. Kane. What an incredible woman. Did he deserve her, though? He could still see her, hear her voice saying, I wanted to wait until I found the right man. He’d felt so proud, but now doubts surfaced. What he did on weekends was something he was ashamed of. And when Valerie found out, she’d no longer think he was the right man. He had a lot to talk about with his therapist tomorrow.

  ****

  Jarrodd repeated, “She is a society girl?”

  Antonio nodded.

  “And she’s only been with one man?”

  He nodded.

  “How old is she?”

  “Twenty-five.”

  “Did she tell you why she’s so cautious with men?”

  “Her parents kept her in boarding schools, and she attended a women’s college.”

  Jarrodd leaned back in his chair and stuck the end of his pen between his teeth.

  Antonio waited, already accustomed to Jarrodd’s mental pauses. He looked around the dark paneled office, diametrically opposite from Valerie’s, except for all the books. Soft yoga-like music played over hidden speakers.

  He would have preferred relaxing to a rock ballad by Metallica.

  Jarrodd came out of his reverie. “Interesting. How did she tell you?”

  “It took a while, but she did open up to me.” The double meaning of his words made him visualize her spreading her legs to let him touch her hot, wet softness. He closed his eyes as a wave of desire rushed through him.

  “How do you feel about her being that sheltered?”

  Pissed at the intrusion on his thoughts, he shot a nasty look at the therapist. “Shit, I don’t know. She’s still just as attractive to me. She wants me, but I keep thinking I’m too screwed up for someone as perfect as her.”

  “That’s where I come in?”

  Antonio nodded. “What’s the plan?”

  “What is my advice?”

  “Do you always answer a question with a question?”

  “I don’t know, do I?” Jarrodd smiled, his eyes twinkling at his own joke.

  Antonio wasn’t in the mood. He raised an eyebrow.

  “Sorry.” Jarrodd cleared his throat. “My advice—I considered your stripping from a lot of perspectives. It’s not illegal. It’s not immoral. It makes you feel good.”

  He ran a hand through his hair. “Then why do I hide it?”

  “It’s very controversial, and it seems to embarrass you.”

  “It does, but when I’m there, when I see the effect I have on women, it’s a rush, a high I never feel otherwise.”

  “Mm hm. Mm hm. Mm hm.” The therapist took notes. “And you haven’t told anyone. Not your friends, your family, your women. This new woman.”

  “No one. I haven’t been back to Italy since I started. I don’t want to leave Las Vegas and miss a weekend.”

  “It’s almost like an addiction for you, but I don’t see anything wrong with your continuing it.”

  Antonio felt his blood pressure rise. “What about my temper? She says I have anger issues. I need to get control.”

  “We’ll work on that, but to start, I suggest you tell her what you’re doing and see how she reacts.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t want to lose her.”

  Jarrodd just stared at him.

  Antonio snapped, “What?”

  “Are you developing strong emotions for her?”

  He shifted in his seat. When he thought about her, he felt desire. And something more. Something he didn’t know he could feel. Possessive. “Possibly.”

  “Then it’s imperative you are honest with her.”

  Antonio’s brow wrinkled. How? How did you tell someone you were addicted to a cheap thrill? “My gut tells me to wait.”

  Jarrodd sat back in his chair and tossed his pen onto the desk. “Wait for what? Or until what? Until she has given you her body? Her heart? What does your ‘gut’ tell you to wait for, Antonio?”

  His anger sparked immedia
tely. “Go to hell.”

  Jarrodd shook his head. “Hard questions? I know you’ve asked them of yourself. Am I right?”

  Antonio took a deep breath, released his anger. “Yeah.”

  Jarrodd looked at him, waiting for more.

  “How do you tell a psychologist something like that? She’s going to analyze me and kick my ass out of her life.”

  “She might. But better now than later after you’ve made her fall in love with the person she thinks you are.”

  Love. Antonio didn’t want to think about it. He stood. “I’ve got a lot of information to process. I appreciate your help.”

  “Same time next week?”

  “I’ll call you if I need to talk.”

  Jarrodd frowned. “I would suggest a few more sessions, but I understand if you’d like to take some time to digest all this. Call me anytime.”

  Antonio left, riding his motorcycle home, feeling more confused than when he’d arrived. He should either tell her or quit his weekend job. But it would be easier to just keep things the way they were. Wait until he could decide what his feelings were for her. And what hers were for him.

  Shooting through the Desert Inn super-arterial tunnel under The Strip, he considered stopping at her office, seeing if she was free to take a bike ride. It was Wednesday. He remembered her mentioning her day was packed with appointments, so he kept the bike headed toward home. He wanted to see her tonight. Hell, he wanted to see her every night.

  He pulled into his garage, took the elevator upstairs, grabbed the phone, and called her as he took off his jacket.

  “Hello.” Valerie’s sexy voice heated him deep inside.

  “Come over after work.” He sat on the leather couch, envisioning her in her office, wearing a pantsuit, swiveling around in the chair behind her desk.

  “I wish I could. I’m meeting my mother for shopping and dinner.”

  “After?”

  She gave a heavy sigh. “I have a very early meeting tomorrow morning. I need to prepare tonight and get some sleep. I’m sorry.”

  He decided to break his rule. “Tomorrow? After work?” Did he sound desperate?

  “Really? You’d give up your writing to see me?”

  He heard the pleasure in her voice. “Only for you, baby.”