by T Gephart
“You know what Marcy, go right in. Why don’t you go sit near Alex and see how that works out for you. I’m sure the psycho-pathetic needy routine is a major turn on.”
Maybe I had lost my mind but if there was one thing I knew, it was everything this woman was, I was not. Alex wasn’t mine to keep, much like I hadn’t been Riccardo’s, so if he wanted to leave, eventually he would, just as I had.
“Is this some kind of trick?” Marcy spat angrily.
“No trick,” I held open the door, “go on in.” I watched as she tentatively passed me before entering the room.
“You are insane,” smiled Riccardo.
“Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been accused,” I giggled.
“You are exactly how I remembered you.” Riccardo took my hand before kissing my fingers, “Your eyes, your lips, your hair...your temper.”
“Some things are different.” I pulled my hand away.
“Yes, some things.” Riccardo ran his hand through his impossible mess of hair. “The Americano. He’s new. You love him, yes?”
“Riccardo, I’m sorry if I ever hurt you.” I blurted out. For the first time I was seeing how my past actions had affected someone else. How, despite my needs, that didn’t make men disposable. Sometimes there were causalities and Riccardo had not deserved that.
“We were children Alexia. You were a bird who could not be caged. You needed to spread your wings. I understood that. My eyes were open, I knew what you were. The problem was my heart.”
Alex walked into the hall, his eyes glancing between us. I wasn’t sure what he had heard. “Did I interrupt something?”
“Not at all,” Riccardo responded.
Alex faced me, his brow furrowed. “Why is Marcy having dinner with us?”
“I thought it might be interesting.” I shrugged.
Riccardo stepped forward. “I’ll see you both at the table when you are ready.” He kissed my hand again before disappearing inside.
Alex raised an eyebrow. “He loved you.”
“I guess he did.” Guilt slowly welled in the pit of my stomach.
“I love you.” He placed his arms around my waist.
“You need your head examined!” I looked into his clear blue eyes.
“Not the response I was looking for.” Alex frowned.
“I love you Alex and I’m not sure where this is going to lead but I know I want to go there with you.” I breathed into his chest.
Alex brushed his lips across mine. “That’s all I need to hear. Let’s go back inside.” He reluctantly pulled me through the doorway.
A place had been set for Marcy, who been introduced by James to Riccardo. I was hoping the introduction went somewhere along to the lines of “This is Marcy Bryant, she’s a talent-less oxygen thief who Alex fucked when he lost his damn mind.” Jason gave me a questioning look as he watched me sit down, Alex close by my side.
“So Marcy, you are on television?” asked Stefania as she tried to be polite.
“Yes I am, it’s one of the longest running daytime soaps in the US,” Marcy bragged as she flicked her long, blonde hair.
“Hey Marcy, didn’t your character chase after that guy who rejected her? Refusing to accept it was over even though he was in love with someone else?” Jason twirled his wine glass in his hand.
Dan spluttered his beer as he watched Marcy squirm awkwardly. I bit my lip to stop from smiling, I loved Jason! He had always had a dislike for Marcy and saw through her mind games. He had been careful to be discreet in keeping his voice low so only Marcy, Dan and myself had heard him.
“You ok, Dan?” James looked over to our side of the table.
“All good brother.” Dan took another swallow of beer.
“Listen here,” Marcy whispered across the table to Jason. “I don’t chase after anyone. I just so happen to be here and I’m not about to let you stop me from seeing my friend.”
Jason, growing impatient leaned across the table. “So look at him. Look at how much he loves her and look at the fact that it is NEVER going to happen with you.” My heart swelled as I heard Jason speak those words. His support for me, for Alex’s and my relationship was overwhelming.
I turned my head as my eyes misted slightly and tried to engage myself in the other conversation at hand. Riccardo had captivated the attention of Alex, James and Troy as he described his stable of European sports cars.
“So how far in the red can you get your Lamborghini Aventador?” Troy queried as Stefania played with his hair, both of them unaware of what was transpiring between Jason and Marcy.
“She gets to two hundred miles per hour. No problems.” Riccardo crooned.
Marcy, unwilling to admit defeat to Jason, decided to try another tactic. “So, Riccardo, how do you know Lexi?” Her smug smile hinted at the trouble she was trying to cause. Riccardo had been an impeccable host, he was charming and sociable, occasionally I caught his eyes lingering on me before he’d turn away but I wasn’t sure how he was going to answer that.
“I met Alexia many years ago, here in Roma.” His eyes connected with mine as he spoke.
Marcy, sensing there was more to the story, pushed a little further. Jason’s eyes narrowed as he glared at her from across the table. “Gee she must have made quite an impression. After all, a man of your importance and stature having a private dinner with her and her friends… I imagine your time is very valuable.” Marcy sipped her wine, barley able to contain her smug smirk.
Riccardo looked over at me before considering his answer. Alex laid his hand in my lap, sensing my tension. “Alexia always makes an impression. She is captivating, truly unique and time with her is not something I could put a value on, nor anyone else whom I class as my friend.” Alex’s hand tightened around my thigh.
“Wow, sounds pretty hot and heavy?!” Probed Marcy further.
“Enough!” The words left my mouth before I had time to even think them. “I know what you are trying to do. You want to come after me, come at me! But you leave everyone else out of it!” I pushed the chair away from the table. “Excuse me Riccardo, I must apologize for Marcy’s rude and intrusive inference. It seems basic manners is something that was not taught while she was at her Acting Academy.
“Thank you so much for this amazing dinner, you have been most gracious. I hope our behaviour has not offended you.” I would NOT tolerate this, not by her. How dare she try and use Riccardo’s kind hearted nature to further her own agenda.
“Marcy, you need to leave,” Alex hissed, finally seeing her for what she was.
“Alex, sweetheart. I think everyone just misunderstood me. I wasn’t trying to imply anything. I was just trying to make conversation.” Marcy wriggled in her chair as she pleaded with Alex.
“That was not a request. Whatever you thought you were to me is done. Do you understand? This is not something that is open to interpretation or discussion. I have not wanted to be a complete asshole so perhaps I gave you false hope. My apologies if that’s what you saw. I am asking you to leave and take with you whatever convoluted scenario you have in your head where my future is with anyone other than Lexi.” Alex seethed as he stared at her with contempt. It seemed that all her attempts to unhinge me had done nothing for her but dig herself a bigger hole. Karma train came and ran that bitch DOWN!
“You think you can reject me? Embarrass me? You think you are untouchable Alex Stone? No one treats ME like that and gets away with it. I put up with your moody bullshit while we were dating, for what? So you get to discard me? This is not the last you have seen of me!” Marcy’s voice hitched on a sob as she pushed her chair out and stormed out of the dining room.
“Well perhaps it might be best to skip dessert,” Stefania offered, breaking the silence in the room.
“Riccardo, Stefania... I’m sorry...”I was disgusted at the display they had just endured.
“Are you kidding?” Stefania breathed sultrily, “That was amazing, better than any daytime soap I’ve seen. I thought you
said she was talentless?” Laughter filtered through the room, lightening the mood.
Stefania gave Troy a flirty glance as she lead him out of the room, both of them disappearing for the rest of the evening. Dan quelled his disappointment at not “getting the girl” by heading to the Hotel bar with Jason to “relax.” James excused himself wanting to speak to Hannah before bed, leaving Riccardo, Alex and I sitting at the table.
Alex, stood quietly giving me a gentle kiss on the forehead. “I’ll see you upstairs.”
I nodded as he walked out of the room. “Riccardo...” I started to explain.
“No, Alexia. There is nothing that needs to be said. I see the way you look at him. I know it was not that way for me. I would rather see you smile with him, than be indifferent by my side. Did you not think I had the means to find you? What was the point Alexia? The truth is you were gone before you walked out my door. I’m glad I got this chance to see you again, to see you happy.”
“You are far kinder than I deserve.” A lump formed in my throat.
“You deserve kindness and so much more.” Riccardo gently kissed my cheek. “You will always be welcome here. Always. Just please... when you leave, make sure you say goodbye.”
Riccardo turned and walked out the door.
~~~~~~
Alex was waiting for me in our suite, his shirt discarded on a chair and his naked back faced me as he stood on the balcony, staring up at the dark velvet sky. I wrapped my arms around him as he turned his head to kiss me.
“Everything ok?” His voice was sincere and relaxed.
“Yep, I’m just a complete heartless bitch with no soul.” I murmured into his shoulder.
“You have a soul and you are not heartless.” Alex twisted his body, laying my head on his chest. “The bitch part... well,” a small laugh travelled from his throat. “Come here.” he pulled me away from the balcony and into the bedroom. “Lay with me.” Alex patted the bed before sliding off his shoes, socks and pants, leaving only his fitted cotton trunks.
I kicked off my heels and unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the floor. Alex’s arms reached out, guiding me to the bed. The night breeze from the open balcony door caused a wave of goose bumps to cover my skin.
Alex pulled me close, the only barrier between our naked bodies was our underwear.
“As sexy as this is,” Alex traced the strap of my bra with his fingers, “it needs to go. I want to feel your skin on mine.”
I nodded as his hand slid down my back, sending shivers up my spine as he unhooked my bra. I watched Alex intently as his lips seductively curled into a smile. “What are you thinking about?”
“Honestly?” He bit his lip.
“Yes, honestly,” I asked as I gazed into his clear blue eyes.
“You with Stefania.” He grimaced.
“Of course you are!” I shook my head, “Should I call Dan and we can all sit around and discuss my past experimentations?”
“I’m sorry,” Alex laughed, “It is kind of hot. As much as I hate to agree with Dan, he has a point. I am a lucky bastard.”
“So, you want me to see if Troy’s done with her and ask her if she would like to join us?” I joked, knowing that was a part of my life I wasn’t repeating.
“No.” Alex’s tone turned serious. “I will not share you with anyone, not even with her.”
“So... then what?” I asked as I climbed on top of him, his chest flexing as he placed his hands around my waist.
“I want you all to myself.” Alex’s fevered mouth attacked mine. He pulled me down so I was laying on top of him, his hands moving down to my ass, tugging lightly on the lace of my panties.
“Mmmmmmmm.” Alex moaned, “I need these off.”
“So who’s stopping you?” I kissed his neck.
“Do you know how hard I am right now?” Alex chewed gently on my bottom lip.
“I thought we already established you are always hard?” I let my hands travel down the strong lines of his chest.
Alex laughed. “True, you have me constantly hard.”
I flicked the band of his trunks with my fingertips. “I want to feel you.”
“I aim to please,” smiled Alex as he pulled down his trunks, allowing his hard length to spring free.
“Mmmmmmm, you weren’t kidding.” I ran my nails around his shaft, slightly grazing his skin.
He grabbed my hand as it tightened around him. “I love you touching me.” He guided my hand up and down his long, hard cock.
“What else do you love?” I quickened my pace, watching his body tense under my touch.
“I love touching you.” He moved his hand away from mine and grasped my upper thigh.
“I love you touching me.” I watched as he moved his hands over my hip and down my stomach.
“I want to make you come just by touching,” Alex moaned in my ear.
His hands worked their way to my moist centre, slowly exploring me as I firmly stroked him.
“God that feels so good.” He looked down at my hands moving up and down, “I love watching you do that.” He shifted his eyes back to my body as he moved his fingers up and down, teasing me, not allowing his fingers to enter me. His thumb moved over my clit, the firm pressure making me tingle all over.
“Ahhhhhhh.” I moaned as he slowly slid a finger inside me. I moved my other hand and wrapped it around his erection, tightening my grip as I moved up and down.
“Ooooooo Lexi.” Alex closed his eyes as he absorbed my movements.
He opened his eyes as he moved his fingers inside me again, this time using two. The heel of his palm pressed firmly against my swollen opening. The sensation nearly sent me over the edge.
“Alex...” I tightened around his fingers, my slickness coating them as the moved in and out of me.
“God, you feel so good. This feels soooo good.” He glanced down to his throbbing hard-on in my hands.
He moved his mouth over my breast, the mere heat of his breath and his tongue enough to send me spiraling out of control.
“Alex! I’m going to come.”
“That’s it baby, come with me.” Alex panted as he swelled even larger, my hands gliding up and down.
My legs shook as the sensations overtook me. I sucked in a deep breath as I felt the waves of pleasure roll over me. My release was enough to finish him as he emptied his warm sticky load all over my stomach.
We collapsed beside each other, gasping, our bodies spent. The act of not having sex, intensified the experience. The sensuality of his touch had made it almost more intimate, closer and deeper than we had been.
Alex grabbed the large quilt at the end of the bed to cover our shivering bodies, his strong arms wrapping around me. As our breathing slowed, we gently kissed. Unable or unwilling to release each other we fell asleep, our hearts and bodies intertwined.
~~~~~~~
The next day was filled with interviews and appearances. There were CD signings and talk show appearances, even a live rooftop performance. The band were flawless, like a well-oiled machine. They played perfectly, despite shitty acoustics and a dodgy PA. I stood on the sidelines, my heart raced as I watched Alex’s intensity as he played. He was electric and sensual and made it all look so effortless.
Chapter 10 – Sex in the City
We moved on from Rome, leaving Riccardo and Stefania behind. I did feel like I had some closure and perhaps I’d grown a little emotionally. I promised them both to return sometime soon.
We zigzagged through France, Germany, England, Ireland and Spain, at neck breaking speed. All we saw of the cities were airports, hotel rooms, music stores, TV and radio studios. People swarmed to see the band, their dedication and loyalty overwhelming. They knew the lyrics to every song. Wherever we went, we were followed by fans; desperate to catch a glimpse of their idols.
The new album topped the charts at number one in 18 countries, including the US. The reception to the new material was unprecedented as they won worldwide acclaim, giving credence to
their longevity and success.
The days blurred as did the cities- another day, another plane. The only constant was at night. When all the noise was gone, there would be Alex. We joked about making love from one end of the world to the other and for the most part it was fairly accurate. I never tired of it, no matter how exhausted or wired I was, I needed him.
“So where are we again?” Alex gasped between kisses.
“We’re in Sweden,” I moaned in his mouth as my hands slipped down his chest. “We’re heading back stateside tomorrow.” I clawed at his t-shirt, pushing it up over his head.
“Right, Sweden.” He mumbled as he undid my zipper and let my dress fall to the floor. “What time is the flight?” Alex ripped at my bra. The metal eyes protested under his fingers before releasing, sending the fabric flying across the room.
“Early.” My hands fumbled with his belt and his zipper.
“I hate early.” Alex moaned as he helped me push his jeans to the floor.
“Suck it up, Princess.” I hissed as my fingernails bit into his back causing him to gasp.
“God, you’re bitchy today.” Alex grabbed my ass and pushed me up against the hotel wall.
“Yes, one might question if I’m getting any!” My hand trailed down his strong back and tugged at the waistband of his fitted cotton trunks.
“Oh I don’t think that’s your problem.” Alex smirked as he grabbed at my panties.
“I need you... now,” I gasped as my mouth moved up his neck and over his lips.
“Whatever you want.” Alex pulled at the delicate lace before it disintegrated into shreds in his hand.
“Ahhhhhhhhh,” I moaned as his hands moved over my newly naked flesh. My hands pulled and pushed at the thin cotton that housed what I so desperately wanted.
“God you’re beautiful,” Alex whispered as he kicked off his trunks.
“Shut up and make love to me.” I laughed as I palmed his rock hard erection.
“Bitchy and demanding! How did I get so lucky?” Alex pushed me onto the bed.
“I never thought getting LUCKY was a problem for you.” I rolled on top of him, my knees pinned to his sides.