Turn Towards the Sun: Book Three- Forever in Bloom (The Sunflower Trilogy)

by Domenico, Jennifer

  “I hope you do.” I walk past him to our workout room, taking my phone with me so I can listen to music. Putting my headphones on, I turn the machine on and start my run. There is so much going on in my head. I’m trying so hard to forgive Enzo for keeping this Anna shit from me and I know why he tried, but I just can’t get past that he thought lying to me was the best move. What else has he kept from me? I turn up the speed on the treadmill.

  Even with the gun and all this extra security, I don’t feel safe all. Anna is deranged and I imagine her sitting at a table in a dark motel room plotting my demise. In fact, I don’t think anyone is safe right now, especially Enzo. She’s definitely an ‘if I can’t have him no one else can either’ type of girl.

  I wouldn’t believe any of this crazy shit if it weren’t actually happening to me. The situation with Emma was far more understandable than this. Emma wasn’t crazy, just hurt. Anna is one crazy bitch. You can’t reason with crazy.

  My thoughts wander to how Anna was able to get out of the mental hospital. Did she ever go to Illinois? How did she know she could get Enzo alone in Vegas? Oh shit. The interview we did on the morning show. If she’s been trying to get to us for a while she would be watching my every move. She knew he would be alone.

  She had to go to great lengths to distract him enough to slip something in his food or drink then lure him away without Checca noticing. Just how long they were alone and what she was able to accomplish is the disturbing part. Is it possible she could coerce Enzo to have sex with her while he was under the influence? Part of me finds it difficult to believe that even a drugged Enzo would be able to have sex with another woman.

  Angry tears roll down my cheeks while I run and the more I cry the faster I run. I have to remind myself that I can run all I want on this treadmill but the problem isn’t going away. After forty minutes, I slow down and start my cool down. My phone buzzes indicating a text message. I open it and freeze. Fuck.

  I stomp quickly down the hall to Enzo’s office and hand the phone to him. “A. She has my fucking phone number and B. She has pictures. Fucking bitch.”

  Enzo’s eyebrows rise at my choice of words but he quickly goes pale when he looks at the text I received from Anna. It’s a video of Enzo and Anna together at the hotel. He appears to be walking with her willingly, but what she doesn’t realize is that if you know Enzo, it’s very obvious that something is wrong with him. His confident gait is missing and Anna is clearly leading him to the room. We watch the short video as Anna fishes the hotel room key out of Enzo’s pocket and hands it to him to open the door. She looks nervously over her shoulder before entering the room. The text says, ‘Bet you can’t wait to see what happens next.’

  “I’ve seen this footage. The PI I have working on it was able to get it from the hotel,” Enzo explains.

  “Well, it was dumb of her to send it. It’s quite obvious to me that you were being led there. Her plan backfired if she thought it would convince me you went with her willingly.”

  “I’m glad,” he says but his tone doesn’t match his words.

  “Why do you still look so worried? I’m not buying it, Enzo.”

  “Ava, I’ve tried a thousand times to remember what happened in the room but I can’t. I don’t know what happened and I don’t know what she taped but I’m sure now that she will send you whatever she has.”

  “Oh. I didn’t think of that.”

  “I’m going to keep your phone.”

  “No, you’re not. Whatever she sends I’ll deal with it. In fact, I think we should text her back.”

  “And say what?”

  “Fuck you. Watch your back, bitch. You stupid whore. Any of those work for me.”

  “I don’t think we should validate her actions with a response.”

  “You’re probably right but if we don’t respond do you think that will just antagonize her more?”

  “That’s possible, yes.”

  “So what should we do? Maybe it’s time to get the police involved, Enzo. She is harassing us again.”

  “I’ve considered it but I think we have more to lose doing it that way. There is so much risk that she could go to the media.”

  “True.” I slump down in the closest chair. “I have no idea what we should do next. I feel like we are just sitting ducks waiting for her to strike. It’s a very uneasy feeling.” I’m hurt, angry, and doubting everything in my life.

  “I know, amore. I feel the same way. We’ll get you a new phone in the morning.”

  We sit staring at each other for several minutes before I stand to leave. Enzo stands at the same time and out of nowhere, I’m overcome by a sudden desire for my husband. I have no idea where it came from but it’s here. Enzo looks at me, silent, but his eyes say so much. I know he’s sorry. I know he’s hurt. We both are. The only thing I want right now is him.

  I rush towards him and throw my arms around his neck, planting my mouth on his in a passionate kiss. He quickly responds twirling me around until my back is against the wall. We kiss fast and hard as though our lives depend on it.

  “Enzo, I want you to make love to me. Now,” I say, breathlessly.

  “Are you sure that’s what you want?”

  “Yes. I need you. Unless you don’t want me.”

  “There isn’t a moment of the day that I don’t want you.”

  Enzo starts to pull me towards the office door but I stop him. “What’s wrong with right here?”

  “Here?”

  Pulling me to him, I kiss his neck. “I want you now.” I pull at his shirt and pants in an attempt to undress him. The feeling inside me is almost primal- like an instinct driving me to connect with him physically.

  “Ava…” Enzo whispers as he returns my passionate kiss. When I don’t respond, I’m taken by surprise when he suddenly lifts me off my feet and, pushing the door open, carries me valiantly down the hall to our bedroom. “I want to savor every moment with you, every supple inch of your skin, every crevice of your beautiful body.”

  My heart begins to melt from his romantic words. I want this between us too. Enzo hovers over me with a look on his face that I find extremely difficult to resist. “I love you so much and....” He buries his face in my neck dotting kisses along my cheek and neck. “I’m sorry, Ava. So sorry.”

  “I know,” I whisper, absorbing the blissful feeling of his hands and lips all over me. “I feel like I’ve been away from you for so long.”

  Enzo looks up at me and our eyes meet. “I’m so thankful to have you- so thankful for this moment with you.” He drags his lips across my cheek. “It pleases me so much to know that you still want me- that this…incident hasn’t repelled you.”

  “I need to shower,” I murmur, suddenly remembering post-workout state.

  “I don’t care.”

  “Enzo, I… mmm.” I can’t talk anymore as his hands explore my body. Enzo’s hands tangle in my hair as his mouth presses against mine once more. Right now, I couldn’t care less that I need a shower.

  “Ava, Ava, Ava,” Enzo whispers, “Tell me you’re still mine. Tell me you love me.”

  “I love you and I’m all yours, you know it. And you are mine, Enzo. No one can come between us.”

  “That’s right,” he says tugging on my stretch pants.

  I quickly pull off my sports bra to release my breasts from their restraints. Enzo’s hands immediately go to them, squeezing and kneading them between his fingers. Throwing my head back, I do my best to push my pants down. I reach down and unzip Enzo’s pants, pulling his dress shirt out of the way. Enzo uses his foot to further pull down my pants but they get stuck on my tennis shoes.

  I kick them off and help Enzo get my pants off the rest of the way. Reaching down, I stroke his erection and using my hand, I guide him into me. I take a deep breath and stare into his intense blue eyes. He moves slowly within me, as though he is savoring the feeling. I wrap my arms around his neck and return his gaze. God, I love him. I love him so much it’s overwhelming. N
othing else matters. Nothing.

  Enzo’s pace increases as we move in time. Our bodies fit together perfectly. His desire and passion envelop me until I feel as though I might implode. I dig my nails into his shoulders as he continues to whisper, “Bellissima, Ava, ti amo, ti amo.”

  “I love you too, Enzo. You are mine.”

  “I am yours.” His lips find mine and our tongues combine into a sensuous tango.

  With every opportunity, he feels compelled to assure me of the magnitude of his love for me. At this point, I’d have to be sick, dumb, and blind not to know. Even his lie was done from a place of love. No one has ever loved me like this. No one else ever will. It’s extremely comforting to know that I have a love like this.

  “Promise me you won’t leave, Ava. Promise me.”

  “Never. I’ll never leave.”

  “Thank God.” He pushes deeper into me, our bodies causing so much movement the headboard hits the wall behind us. Enzo’s body tenses and he calls out my name one more time as he releases into me. My own orgasm follows quickly and I quietly endure the pleasure tsunami washing over me.

  Enzo slowly releases me and supports himself on one arm while staring at me. Reaching out to me, he wipes away the hair that sticks to my face. It’s a sweet gesture.

  “I know I’ve told you. I know you know this but I have to tell you. Thank for you for letting me come back here and thank you for letting me show my love in this way.”

  “I have no choice when it comes to you, Enzo. I love you too much to stay away for too long.”

  “I hope I never give you a reason to want to stay away. I always want you here with me.”

  “I know.”

  We lay quietly next to one another- the silence between us filled with so many unspoken words. It’s unreasonable to think we can just go on with our lives after what happened but there must be a way to move forward. Somehow, I can forgive and Enzo can earn my trust again. We have to fight for what we have. We have to win.

  Enzo breaks the silence. “Bella, how about a bath and then some dinner?”

  Shaking my head, I reply, “I’m not hungry at all. I think I’ll just enjoy the bath and go to bed early. I am pretty exhausted.”

  “Yes, but you should eat to keep your strength up.”

  “I suppose I’m going to need it.”

  Enzo reaches out and rubs my cheek. “Amore, let’s enjoy tonight and not talk about unpleasant things. Let’s just have tonight.”

  “That I can do.”

  I WAIT FOR Gabby at Milano. We are finally having our lunch we had to reschedule thanks to all the Anna drama. Grayson and Marisa stayed with Enzo today and sent two other bodyguards with me so it would be less obvious. The two men sit at a nearby table, seemingly enjoying their lunch. I’m a little nervous being here, especially because it’s Girasole, but I know I’m not alone. It helps that I have a loaded pistol in my handbag too. I see Gabby walk in and I wave to get her attention. Smiling, she walks towards me and joins me.

  “Ava! It’s so good to see you.”

  I stand and hug my friend. “You too. How is everything?”

  “Awesome. Crazy busy too.”

  Our waitress, Terri, walks up to take our drink order. “What can I get you today, Mrs. Milano?” she asks.

  “I think Sangria would be nice. How about you, Gabby?”

  “I think I’ll just have a glass of iced tea.”

  “Very well,” Terri says and walks away.

  “So, Gabby. Fill me on what’s been going on in your life? How is school and Calvin?” I ask.

  “Really good. Calvin is such a great guy. We’ve started house hunting. Oh and school is going well. I think I’ve decided I want to focus on landscape pictures. People aren’t as interesting to me- to photograph, anyway.”

  “That makes sense. Flowers don’t talk back.”

  “No, they don’t.” She laughs and we glance at the menu for a moment. After Terri takes our order, Gabby lowers her voice and leans in towards me. “What’s happening with you, Ava? Anna called you?”

  “Yeah, a week ago. Apparently…” I pause as I think about how to say this. “Well some shit went down with her and Enzo and now we’re all concerned about how far she is willing to push this.”

  “What do you mean some shit went down? Did she contact Enzo?”

  I shift uncomfortably in my chair not wanting to tell my friend the details. I haven’t even told Cass the extent of this. It’s just too embarrassing and too hard to explain. “Yes, she saw him. She…ran into him in Vegas and she’s been stalking us ever since.”

  “Shit, Ava. Again?”

  “Yeah, again and to think I felt sorry for that bitch.”

  “What are you gonna do about it?”

  “We’re working on finding her so we can have her arrested. We are being careful because we all know she’s crazy and we don’t want this to go public again.” I motion towards the table with my bodyguards. “We’re safe though.”

  Glancing at the men, Gabby smiles. “No surprise.”

  “I have a gun too, Gab. Just in case.”

  “Whoa, seriously? Not taking any chances this time, huh?”

  “She tried to kill me before.”

  “Yes, I know. I’m sorry this is happening again.”

  “Yeah me too, but I assure you it will be the last time. One way or another that bitch is going down.”

  “I’ve never heard you talk like this before, Ava.”

  “I don’t know that I ever have, but I’m tired of having my life affected by her and her craziness. I’ve had enough.”

  Gabby nods her head. “Understandable. How are you and Enzo holding up?”

  Boy, that’s a loaded question. I wish I could say we were stronger than ever but every time I look at his gorgeous face, doubt and fear wash over me. On the one hand, I trust him with my very life and I know he would do anything for me. On the other hand, I wonder if there is a bunch of stuff going on that he has decided not to tell me about. It’s unsettling.

  “We’re holding up,” is the best response I can think of.

  “How are you doing otherwise, you know, about the baby?”

  “I’m frustrated that I’m not pregnant again, yet. It was so easy the first time. Now- nothing.”

  “It will happen.”

  “Why does everyone say that like they know something I don’t?!”

  Gabby looks hurt. “I’m sorry, Ava. I didn’t know what else to say.”

  “There is nothing to say. I don’t know nor does anyone else with any certainty that I will get pregnant again so unless you have a crystal ball I think it’s best to say nothing.”

  “Sorry,” she says quietly.

  We sit for a moment in awkward silence. I feel bad that I snapped at her again, but I am so sick and tired of people saying that to me when they really don’t know.

  “I’m sorry I was short with you, Gabby. I’m just tired of the topic and I’m under a great deal of stress.”

  “I get it. We should talk about something else.”

  “Yes.”

  Terri returns with our meal and after changing the subject we talk amiably for a long time about the various goings on in our lives. I tell Gabby all about the progress of La Bellissima and how we are sure we will make the August opening Enzo wants. She asks me about Dax who has been surprisingly low key ever since the incident, as I like to call it.

  Gabby tells me about her classes and how much she likes them. She’s continued taking Italian classes and she and Calvin have been going on very cerebral dates to the opera and symphony. They are peas in a pod.

  “I’m really happy for you, Gabby. It sounds like things in your life are going really well.”

  “Yeah, thanks to you introducing us. I’m very happy. I wish you were too.”

  “I wouldn’t say I’m not happy. I have a lot to be thankful for and I’ve been learning how to focus on what I do have instead of what I don’t. It helps get through the rough spots.”


  “Have you talked to anyone? Like a therapist?”

  I roll my eyes- another therapy suggestion. “No and I don’t need to. I’m doing fine.”

  “Of course.” She smiles. “Shall we go?”

  “Yep.” I already arranged earlier to have our tab paid so Gabby didn’t have a choice to argue with me. “I got lunch and don’t argue with me. It’s already done.”

  “Thanks, Ava. I appreciate it.”

  “I know you do.”

  “So, um, nice handbag,” she says as we walk towards valet, my bodyguards following closely behind. “Are you over your fear of spending?”

  “Yes, I was cured in Vegas of all places!” We both laugh and hug goodbye as the attendant pulls Gabby’s car around.

  I wait with one bodyguard while the other goes to get the car, once again feeling like royalty or a celebrity. Really all I am is a woman with a crazed stalker. She’s been quiet for a week but none of us think she’s done. There is no way.

  Riding home, I pull out my phone to text Enzo, but my phone won’t come on. I check the battery and try to reboot it but it still won’t work. Hmm. “Danny, can I use your phone? Mine seems to be dead.”

  Danny turns around and smiles. He’s a big man with a soft spoken demeanor. Just his presence is scary enough. “Sure, Ava.”

  I dial Enzo’s number. “Hey, babe, it’s me,” I say.

  “Ciao, amore. Why are you calling on this number?”

  “My phone is dead. It shows it’s charged but it won’t do anything. Anyway, just telling you I am on my way home.”

  “Perfetto. I’m here in my office.”

  “Okay. See you soon.”

  I hang up and hand the phone back to Danny as we finish our drive home. As I enter our home, I’m happy to see Maximus bouncing towards me. I go inside Enzo’s office to find him listening to someone on the phone, a concerned look on his face. The first thing I think of is Anna.

  “No, she’s not staying at the Fairmont. In fact, she is standing right next to me. She’s had some recent trouble with identity theft so I would assume that is how this happened. Did you say a credit card was used to secure the room?”

  Oh great. It’s more of this stolen identity crap. I roll my eyes and pick up the iPad to log into our cell phone account. I try to log in with the password I set up but get an invalid password message. What the hell is going on? I use the reset password function on the website, but get a message that my email address is not recognized. It dawns on me that this is probably related to the fraud.