Tuscan Heat (SoBe Heat Book 1)

by Anise Storm

  He’d had a date of his own that he mostly ignored, needing to watch over Melania. He’d convinced himself that it was only out of concern, but he’d only been fooling himself. She ruined the entire evening for him, and by the end of the prom the luxury hotel room he’d reserved had gone unused. Instead of burying himself balls deep inside of his date, Mario had gone home and got himself off on the image of the dark-haired siren.

  Mario cleared his throat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I had no interest in her that evening or many nights after.” He knew it was a lie but didn’t give a damn. The last thing he wanted to do was stand here and talk about any woman, especially Melania.

  “I hope you at least spanked her tight ass, Rio,” Asher said.

  Mario smirked at that. “Of course. I need to go check on the kitchen and front of the house.”

  “Are you still up for drinks after work?” Bray asked.

  Mario shook his head. “No, I have to pay a visit to someone.”

  The men bumped fists with him, knowing exactly where Mario planned to go. It wasn’t until he was here talking to them that he’d even made the decision to go see Melania. Now that the idea was firmly planted in his head, it was for the best that he did.

  Mario left the men to enjoy what was left of their meal and walked back into the kitchen. As he looked at the screen of tickets, he could see that most were being taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. On first impressions alone, he was confident that his chefs were going to do just fine here at De Palmas.

  Mario checked the expo station and then poked his head into the silverware room. There were two women there drying and then rolling up the knives, forks, and spoons into the cloth napkins. Everything so far was running smoothly, so maybe Melania’s outburst was the only real interruption to tonight’s dinner service.

  He returned to the dining room and began to make his rounds, introducing himself to many of the tables as he inquired on the service, quality of the food, and the atmosphere in general. Just as he’d received in London and in Singapore, De Palmas seemed to be opening to rave reviews. He hoped that the satisfied customers would tell other friends and family of theirs and business would remain strong. The last thing he wanted to do was to admit defeat over anything, especially De Palmas. He knew Melania would love nothing more than his restaurant to crash and burn, but it was important to him to show her that he could provide for her without assistance from his parents. They may have been wealthy, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have ambitions of his own and the desire to pave his own way.

  “I think we’re a hit,” Maria Fontinelli, his general manager, said as she stepped up beside him. “We’re still on a wait and remained on one even during the pop up rain shower a little while ago.”

  “That’s great,” he replied while silently wondering when it had rained. Deciding that wasn’t important, he excused himself. “If you’ve got everything out here under control, I’m going to go back to my office for a while.”

  She smiled at him. “I think we’ll be fine, Mario. Go ahead.”

  With her blessing, he returned to his office and swore he could still smell the scent of her arousal as soon as he entered the confined space. He wasn’t a Dominant like Brayden, Asher or even Daxton, but it didn’t mean that he hadn’t picked up things along the way. He enjoyed some sense of control during sex but didn’t think that the lifestyle as an everyday thing truly appealed to him.

  His friends enjoyed having women kneel at their feet before they spanked the females’ asses. There was only one woman he wanted, and there was no way in hell he could ever imagine Melania kneeling for him or for that matter listening to a damn thing he said. That much was obvious in their recent encounters. Mario had pictured her in many different positions over the year; from being on top of him while riding him…bent over a piece of furniture as he fucked her thoroughly…and beneath him, gasping his name as she came around his cock. Never had he pictured Melania on her knees with her palms resting atop them while waiting on him to control everything.

  “I’m going to get through to you one of these days, Melania,” Mario said aloud as he sat down at his desk. He merely needed to figure out when and where. He already knew the why and how.

  The longer he sat there contemplating, the more he thought about calling it a night and leaving right now. Maria had mentioned that it rained earlier and odds were that Melania had gotten caught in the downpour. Mario closed his eyes and pictured her in the same light mint-colored sheath she’d worn in here, drenched from the rain. The material was so light that he would’ve been able to see her beige lingerie underneath.

  His cock swelled at the image his mind conjured up. Fuck! He wanted to follow Melania back to her condo, strip her out of every piece of fabric, and take her right there on the living room floor. He doubted he’d be able to wait to get her into her bedroom, not that she would mind. She’d be as wild for him as he was for her. Something about that woman made him want to throw all caution to the wind and take her so hard, fast, and completely that she couldn’t think, much less talk, by the time he was finished with her.

  Mario groaned as his erection pressed against his zipper. He had to go and see her tonight. There was no other alternative. Picking up a nearby pen, he tapped it against the top of his desk. His libido urged him to drop everything and go find her now, while his logic reminded him that she’d more than likely gone home to change before returning to Basilico. She’d stay until closing and then go home. He glanced down at his watch and realized it’d be hours before he’d see her again.

  “What we started here was only the beginning, my little spitfire,” he said aloud before logging into his laptop. Earlier it was his fingers buried inside of her, and if he was lucky, later on this evening he’d bury his cock inside of her instead.

  Mario knew it was best to prepare himself for the reception he was likely to receive when he showed up on her doorstep. There was no way in hell that she’d fling the front door open and fall into his arms while begging him to take her. His lips quirked into a grin at the image. As enticing as it was, the night would start out much differently. He’d wear her down and once he did, her passion would scorch them both. It was certainly something he was looking forward to.

  The next few hours went by rather quickly, and he’d only been summoned to the kitchen area once when they’d run out of lobster. He made sure to order a larger quantity for the rest of the weekend as soon as he reentered his office. Now, it was time to go, so he stood up and stretched his long legs. His night was only beginning, and he hoped it would eventually end up being one he’d remember forever.

  Mario left De Palmas and returned home to shower. Once he’d washed all traces of the restaurant from of his body, he dried off, touched up his beard, and then got dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. With any luck, she’d open the door in some flimsy robe or even naked. As he got back in his car and headed toward her condo, he knew it wouldn’t be surprising at all if she didn’t even answer the door. If the latter happened, he’d have to persist until she finally opened it to tell him off. At that point, he’d pull her into his arms and silence the mouthy female with a kiss.

  Chapter 14

  WHEN MELANIA RETURNED HOME the first time, she brought herself to an orgasm, showered, and changed clothes before heading back to work. Now, she had showered once again and was busy itemizing everything in her refrigerator as her stomach growled in protest. She should’ve eaten something when she went back to Basilico, but she was still very unnerved by the spanking she’d received at Mario’s hands.

  She couldn’t help but remember Olivia telling her about the flogging she’d received from Luka Perez. A part of her was appalled at the knowledge that her friend enjoyed that type of thing, while another much smaller part of her was truly fascinated. After finally getting the first spanking of her uneventful life, Lania had to admit it wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. The worst part was the mortification she felt afterwar
d, knowing the arrogant bastard was actually smirking as if to gloat about the punishment.

  Mario De Palma somehow knew how to push every one of her buttons and did so every opportunity he’d gotten. And Lania, like an idiot, allowed him to do so. Running a hand through her hair, she decided to stop thinking about him and focus on something to eat. It was too late at night to cook a full meal, and unlike most of the previous girls’ night ins, there were no leftovers this time. Deciding that she’d settle with some Gelatto, Lania opened the freezer and reached for the pint of salted caramel when she heard the sound of the doorbell.

  “Ugh,” she muttered in frustration as she shut the freezer door. “Who in the hell could be here at this time of night?”

  Lania knew that occasionally one of her girls would show up out of the blue, and assuming that it was one of them she didn’t even bother looking through the peephole. That decision was instantly regretted when she flung the door open and saw Mario De Palma standing there instead.

  “Hello, Melania,” he said in a low tone. “May I come inside?”

  His question barely registered as she stood there, practically undressing him with her eyes. It was actually only when he stepped inside that she realized what he said. “Are you here to assault me again?”

  His eyes narrowed and darkened, causing her to shiver. “I didn’t abuse you, Melania.”

  Well, maybe not. It didn’t mean that she wanted to go another round with him, though. “Fine, you punished me,” she retorted, using air quotations to put emphasis on the word ‘punishment’. “What do you want now?”

  Lania knew as soon as the words slipped from her lips that they were the wrong ones. Mario grinned wickedly at her, and she felt a slight bit of dizziness. She moved closer to the wall, hoping that it would help her remain upright.

  “I’d like to talk to you,” he replied as he advanced closer. There was a determination in his eyes that had her wanting to roll hers in response, and she might have had it not been for the clenching deep in her core.

  Lania needed to find a way to get laid more often so he wouldn’t have this disastrous effect on her. Her body’s response had to be due to sheer lack of sex. She hated to even consider any other options. “I’m not sure it’s a good time. I’ll look through my planner and let you know when it will be.”

  Lania already knew it would fall somewhere between ‘never’ and ‘hell freezing over’ but didn’t care to share that information with him. In fact, she needed to get rid of him before she did something crazy again like kiss him. Granted, she could blame it on her intoxicated state that one night but wouldn’t be able to justify anything tonight with the same excuse.

  “There’s no need for that. We’ll talk now and save you the trouble,” he said nonchalantly before he walked into the living room.

  Following behind him, she could already picture his grin. One of these days, she’d wipe the damn thing off his face. Maybe if she quit ogling him, Lania would tonight. Clearing her throat, she placed her hands on her hips as he turned.

  She nearly gulped at the heated look on his face. Dark eyes traveled down her body and when he smiled, she realized why. Fuck! She’d only put on a T-shirt that had ridden up her legs when she struck her current pose. Removing her hands instantly, she tried to pull down the material, but her efforts were for naught.

  “I’d rather you leave,” she stated.

  Mario moved toward her, and she took two steps backward in response, falling onto the couch. Lania tried to stop her fall but still ended up sprawled onto the piece of furniture. She was so damn jumpy around him. Scrambling to her feet, she regained her composure and glared at him.

  “Do I make you that nervous, Melania?” he asked her, obviously enjoying this little scene immensely.

  She rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself, De Palma. I’m just trying to make sure you’re not here to pick up where you left off earlier.”

  His eyes twinkled before he replied, “You would be right because that is the exact reason I’m here.”

  Her jaw almost dropped open and would’ve had she not clamped it shut. “I’m not going to allow you to put your hands on me again, asshole. Now, do us both a favor and get the hell out before I have you thrown out on your ass.”

  Lania hoped her threat would work, but instead the bastard simply chuckled. She inwardly groaned, wondering what she had to say or do to make him understand that she didn’t want him. You’ll have to convince yourself of that first. She hated that inner voice of reason.

  “You and I both know that leaving is the last thing you want me to do,” he stated while moving even closer to her.

  She had to admit that a part of her wanted him to lay her across the couch and sink deep inside of her. She’d been there and done that, though, and unfortunately only had that T-shirt of his to remember the night by. “Y-you’re delusional,” she stammered before stepping out of his reach and walking behind the recliner.

  “Am I?” Mario questioned. The man was so damn arrogant.

  “Yes, now please leave.” Her voice sounded shakier with each passing section, and Lania was about to sigh in relief when he stepped away from the couch. It was short-lived, however, when he crossed the room and moved right behind her.

  Mario brushed her hair to one side and leaned in to run his mouth over the uncovered parts on the back of her neck. She couldn’t have stopped the total body tremor that shook her all the way to the core even if she’d wanted to. His breath was warm and lips so firm as they trailed back and forth over the same spot.

  Goosebumps rose on her flesh, and she clutched the top of the chair. If Mario had come here with the intention of seducing her, then he was doing a damn good job. “Your body is saying something completely different, Melania.”

  Of course it is, Einstein. She rolled her eyes at his words. Lania had never been able to resist him, and when he was in such close proximity to her, every rational thought seemed to elude her. “I wouldn’t be so sure of myself if I were you, stud. I am the farthest thing from being turned on.”

  The retort slipped so easily off her lips, and proud of what she hoped was the dagger in this night, Mario tangled his hands in her hair, pulling her head back and to the side. “Liar!”

  Before she could respond, one of his large hands snaked around and began caressing her breasts. Both nipples hardened on contact, and she had to bite her lip in order to hold back her moan. Damn this infuriating man. Moisture pooled in the cotton center of her panties as she found herself becoming more aroused.

  His eyes were darkened with desire and the promise she could see in those blackened depths had her close to begging him to take her, right here and right now. She still possessed an ounce of pride but was realistic enough to know that it would dissipate as quickly as her willpower had already done if she didn’t diffuse this situation. “I’m not turned on. In fact, I’m growing quite bored with your juvenile attempts.”

  She even tried to feign a yawn for emphasis just as he lowered his head and thrust his tongue into her mouth. The kiss was demanding, and more importantly, knee weakening. Any further attempt she had at resisting him disappeared.

  Her lips and then her body, yielded to him, especially when he tugged on her hair, sending shooting pinpricks of sensation racing from the tips down to her clit. Lania needed more, so she didn’t even try to fight him when he removed his hand from her head and spun her around. She lifted her head at the exact moment he lifted her thighs.

  Lania wrapped her arms around him as Mario carried her to the couch and set her on top. His hands tugged on the thin material of her T-shirt until he pulled it over her head. She was perched on the edge of the furniture in nothing more than a pair of damp panties. He removed them as swiftly as her top and then pulled her back into his arms.

  Mario’s mouth returned to her own and her lips parted automatically for him. His tongue delved and explored every crevice, leaving her breathless by the time he pulled his head away. She didn’t immediatel
y understand why he stopped unless he planned to humiliate her in some way. Lania put nothing past him, especially where she was concerned.

  She opened her mouth, about to give him a piece of her mind, when he spread her thighs apart. There would be no way to hide the growing wetness that he had to be able to see glistening on her bare skin. When he knelt down in front of her, she didn’t even try. Lania had relived that night in Tuscany multiple times, but there had been so much that the two never got to do, and oral sex was one of them. His head moved closer to her pulsating core, and she felt his warm breath as his mouth hovered over her sensitive flesh. “Please,” she murmured, unaware of what she had just done.

  “I promised in your father’s study that night that you’d beg for it, Melania, and you just proved me right.” Mario’s voice was laced with conceit, and she had an urge to bring her knee up with force, and might have until he spread her lips apart and thrust his tongue into her pussy.

  She gripped the top of the couch and curled her hands around it, and her toes followed suit. “I fucking hate you,” she told him as her head fell back onto her shoulder.

  He mouthed something against her flesh as he tormented her with his wicked tongue. God, the man had skills, and she found herself frantically grinding her pussy against his face. She moved one of her hands to his head, threading her fingers through his hair as she tried to hold him steady. Mario De Palma was becoming her undoing in more ways than one. When he added a long finger to the mix, she was powerless to stop either him or the orgasm barreling toward her.

  With a keening wail, she climaxed, trembling as his tongue lapped at her cum. Sure that he would now move onto something else, Lania cried out when he added a second and then a third finger inside of her. They delved deeper and then curved to rub against the ultra-sensitive spot behind her pubic bone.

  Mario’s mouth swooped in and captured her clit and that proved to be the fatal blow. Her hand slipped from his head, and she fell all the way back onto the couch. Lania thought that all her blood would’ve rushed to her brain, but instead it stayed centered in the middle of her thighs. She could no longer hold her position and brought her legs up to his neck, wrapping them around his head.