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

by Domenico, Jennifer

  “It’s the least I could do.” He lifts his glass to mine offering a toast. “Salute.”

  “Salute.”

  Enzo drags a large strawberry through the whipped cream and lifts it to my lips, reminding me of that night at Girasole. It seems like a million years ago but in this moment, it feels like it was yesterday. I take a big bite and watch as he eats the rest of it. Next he tears off a section of a cornetto and feeds that to me too.

  “It’s been so long since I’ve had the immense satisfaction of feeding you,” he says, softly. “You’re so beautiful, Ava.”

  “So are you, Enzo.”

  I dip my finger into the whipped cream and lift it to his lips to eat. He dips my finger into his mouth, greedily sucking off the cream. My eyes stay locked on his the entire time. Enzo pulls my arm gently until I’m close to him, face to face.

  “You are so perfect, so sexy,” he whispers, as he drags his lips up my neck. His fingers move up the base of my neck and twist in my hair. I lay my head back, exposing my neck to his divine kisses. Ah, it feels so amazing.

  “Enzo,” I say with heavy breath. “Make love to me.”

  “I plan to, signora.” He unzips my dress and slides it off my shoulders, kissing every area of skin as it is revealed. He buries his face in my cleavage, his tongue teasing me through the lacy fabric of my bra.

  How did I manage to go so long without his touch? I feel myself come back to life with each kiss and touch. Running my fingers through his hair, I move closer until I’m almost on Enzo’s lap. His mouth finds mine and we kiss, his grip on the back of my neck tight and possessive. It’s the most comforting feeling I’ve had in a long time.

  Enzo’s hands move behind me to unhook my bra and remove the rest of my dress. Opening my eyes, I’m almost startled by the intense expression on Enzo’s face.

  “You are everything, Ava,” he says, his voice thick and deep. “Everything.”

  I don’t respond but attempt to absorb the magnitude of emotion coming from my husband at the moment. He grabs me by the waist and flips me over so that I’m on my back. Hovering over me, he takes the bottle of Prosecco and carefully, pours a stream of the cool liquid into the curve of my belly. He leans downs and slurps it off of me, sucking my skin into his mouth as he does. God, it feels amazing.

  “So good, Enzo, so good,” I murmur.

  “I’m not done, amore. Far from it.”

  With my eyes closed, I feel a new sensation and open my eyes. Enzo smears whipped cream all over me, paying special attention to my hardened nipples. I raise my arms above my head and smile, begging him with my eyes to continue.

  He goes to work, licking and sucking every inch of me. Sliding my panties off, he disappears between my legs, pushing them open as far as they will stretch. His tongue finds the deepest part of me, teasing my clit every so often.

  “Ah, oh God, Enzo…” My voice breaks as I pant and writhe below this man- completely lost in pleasure.

  He moves back up my body, slowly, taunting me with his kisses. When he reaches my mouth, I pull him down to me and suck his lips into my mouth, causing him to moan softly.

  “Now, Enzo. Please.”

  “Yes, my love.” Suddenly, his clothes are off and he enters me, filling me completely. Our bodies twist together, entwined in our shared passion, under this magnificent old tree.

  My climax hits, causing me to cry out and shake as tears fall down my cheeks. Enzo gazes at me as he continues to move within me.

  He rubs my cheek softly. “Everything, Ava. Only you.” I feel his body tense and then settle back against me. He lies on top of me, his breathing heavy at first, then slowing. I rub his back, whispering in his ear that I love him.

  Enzo finally looks up at me and smiles and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in ages. Rolling off of me, he pulls my arm as he does so I roll over to the other side of the blanket. He sits up and pours us each a new glass of Prosecco. I lay on my back, staring up at the tree and the sunlight that peeks through the branches as Enzo runs his fingers through my hair.

  “Did you like your surprise, amore?”

  “It was perfect. I’d like to stay here all day.”

  “As long as you want. Your wish is my command.”

  We sit quietly for a while simply enjoying our surroundings and each other. As each moment passes I feel my heart heal as Enzo’s love completely overtakes me. There is no room for hurt in there, no room for doubt or fear. Only love. Enzo’s love.

  THE NEXT FEW weeks fly by and while I haven’t been able to put my guard down entirely, the constant threat of Stalker Bitch has died down a bit. Enzo seems to think she’s giving up since she must know I came back but I am positive she hasn’t. I think she is just waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike and I believe I know when that is.

  Bill Connolly was able to locate her twice and each time she moved to a new location before authorities could get to her. Now she seems to be off the radar and not staying in any commercial locations, but we’re all positive she is still in Arizona. She has made two more attempts to call Enzo, but none to me. I believe she has decided I don’t exist anymore.

  The last week has been nothing but preparations for opening night. We’ve had interviews, exclusive tours of the property, and celebrity visits. One of the most exciting nights for me was the soft opening of Dolce, Az. Cassie and I were giddy about the many chefs we drool over on Food Network standing right in front of us. I thought Gabby was going to go into a food coma. It was a delightful evening.

  Sitting in our shared office at the hotel, I finish some paperwork Francesca asked me to do with Danny standing nearby. I’ve gotten used to his presence and even have conversations with him from time to time. He’s a huge imposing man but seems to have a nice personality underneath it all.

  The phone on the desk rings and we both look at it. It rings all the time but I never answer it. Something inside tells me it’s going to be Stalker Bitch. I nod at Danny and carefully lift the receiver to my mouth. “Ava Milano,” I say, hoping I sound confident.

  “Hello, Mrs. Milano, this is Jerry from Jerry and Sons Landscaping. Is your husband or Daxton Delaney available?”

  I breathe a sigh of relief. “They are both out on the property right now. Do you have their cell phones?”

  He rattles off numbers he has and I confirm them and hang up. It’s annoying that every time a phone rings my heart practically stops. I wish we would find this bitch once and for all so we can finally rest easy and enjoy our lives.

  “ARE YOU READY for tonight, bella?” Enzo asks as he zips up the back of my dress.

  “Beyond. I can’t believe it’s finally opening night. It was a long time coming.”

  “This is true but it turned out beautifully. It may be my best property yet.”

  “I don’t know. Girasole is still my favorite I think. Our love affair began there. That time was so exciting. Every time I saw you I hoped it was going to be the time and I could finally seduce you.”

  “My dear, Ava, you had me seduced from the moment I laid eyes on you and the seduction continues every day.”

  “Ever with the romantic words. You’re amazing.”

  “I’m inspired.”

  Enzo rubs my cheek with his thumb while we stare into each other’s eyes. My excitement for tonight is off the charts. I only have to keep my feelings of dread at bay. I have the same nauseating feeling coursing through me as I did the day of my wedding. Everyone in Arizona knows about the hotel opening tonight. My mom told me she even saw it on the news in Denver. It’s everywhere. Certainly The Stalker Bitch is aware of it. If she wanted to try anything, tonight would be the night to do it.

  It doesn’t calm my nerves at all that we haven’t heard from her recently. All I know is that we have as much security around us as I imagine the President of the United States does. The hotel has been swept every hour on the hour. Every closet, every vent, every fucking corner. Tonight’s event is open to the public though so anyone
could get in here. Our guests will have to go through a thorough security clearance and everyone will be checked for weapons. We’ve explained the added security is due to the celebrities we will have in attendance.

  I won’t be alone for one minute, not even to pee. I’ve also packed my gun with me just in case I somehow end up with the madwoman. I am taking no chances. She is far more clever than any of us ever imagined.

  “We’ll have a great night tonight, amore?”

  “I know. You’ve worked so hard for this. You deserve it to go well.”

  “We’ve worked hard. We all deserve it.” He kisses my cheek. “And we have ample security.”

  “I know.”

  “I love you very much. More than anything.”

  “I know that too. You tell me every day.”

  “I will continue until I take my last breath.”

  I kiss his soft lips and say a silent prayer to keep us safe tonight.

  “Andiamo?” he asks.

  “Yes, let’s go.”

  We have a new driver tonight since Grayson and Marisa are part of the security team. Danny and another man stay with Enzo and me as we head off for our big evening. Enzo pops the cork off a bottle of Prosecco and we toast our evening.

  “To many bright days ahead,” Enzo says.

  Clinking his glass, I respond, “More than we can stand.”

  He leans in and kisses me sweetly. If it was possible for Enzo to be even more attentive than before, he pulled it off. I’m never alone and fortunately I don’t need to be. I feel comforted by his constant presence and safe when he’s with me.

  We arrive at La Bellissima and it looks like a Hollywood Movie Premiere. Cameras flash as local news stations cover the event. The door to our limo opens and a thousand cameras click at us. It’s all very surreal. As soon as I’m out of the car, two women with microphones rush to me, enthusing over the dress I chose. It was made especially for me by Suzette, the French designer whose fashion lines are all the rage of the moment. I’m suddenly in an interview talking about the dress. I explain how we chose the color to match Enzo’s eyes and how even though it’s very low cut I have measures in place to prevent a wardrobe malfunction. They even want to look at my black, strappy heels. Keeping my laughter to myself, I answer all the questions graciously with Enzo hovering protectively nearby. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to strangers giving a shit about what I’m wearing.

  After that line of questioning is over, Enzo places his hand on my lower back and guides me through the crowd of local onlookers. We have Phoenix police managing the crowd and ensuring our capacity limits are kept. Looking around I can spot all the enhanced security and it makes me feel somewhat better.

  Enzo leans over and whispers in my ear, “A thousand women here and still you are the most beautiful.”

  “Thank you, my prince. I feel the same about you.”

  I see a familiar face as a photographer approaches.

  “Ava, you remember Giancarlo? You met in Vegas,” Enzo explains.

  “Yes, I remember you. Good to see you.”

  “You too, Mrs. M. You both look fantastic. Can I get your picture?”

  “Yes, of course,” Enzo says as we strike a pose.

  Giancarlo snaps several pictures and then looking at his work, makes the comment, “You two have to be one of the most striking couples. You should have kids and pass those genes along to the next generation.”

  His comment causes me to stiffen a bit but Enzo squeezes my waist and laughs softly. “We’re working on that, no?”

  “Yes, we are,” I reply, smiling.

  We say goodbye to Giancarlo then spend our time moving through the crowd. The few times we are separated, I can always look up and see a reassuring smile from Enzo across the room. I love that much attention is being showered on Francesca and her amazing design.

  I stand chatting amiably with two couples that live nearby when my phone buzzes. I excuse myself and look at my text.

  Enzo: I need a few moments alone with you. Meet me in our office as soon as you can get away. I’ll be right behind you.

  I look over at Enzo and smile. He smiles back with a wink. My whole body tingles with the thought of us getting it on while this hotel is filled to capacity with people. Sneaking carefully through the crowd so as not to attract attention, I make my way to the hotel office tucked off away from the bustling party. Looking over my shoulder, I see that I’ve even given Danny the slip. That’s good since he doesn’t need to watch my husband make love to me.

  Just as I turn the handle on the door, a sense of fear washes over me. Maybe I shouldn’t be alone here. I shake my head and laugh knowing Enzo is right behind me. I go inside and shut the door, waiting for my prince to arrive.

  I LOOK UP and scan the room for Ava. All of a sudden I can’t find her. I motion for Danny who looks panicked when he realizes she’s gone. I go to pull out my phone but I can’t find it. My heart beats rapidly in my chest. This was the one thing that couldn’t happen tonight. Ava cannot be left alone. I couldn’t bear to tell her that I feared Anna was going to be here tonight. I did the best I could to ensure Ava’s safety and now she’s gone. Fucking gone.

  I SIT AT the desk waiting patiently for Enzo. I expected him by now. I pick up my phone to text him but there is no response. I start to feel uncomfortable and decide I better go back out to the party. I stand to leave when the door opens and my worst fear is standing in front of me. Anna.

  IT’S HAPPENING ALL over again. She got me alone and I fell for it and now I know I should be afraid.

  “I can’t believe you had the nerve to show up here tonight,” Anna says to me. “This is my party and you don’t belong here.”

  I remain silent knowing my words could provoke her to do something dangerous. Standing behind the desk, I glance at my purse that has my gun in it. I set it down on a table when I came in and it’s too far away from me to grab it without her knowing.

  My eyes shoot straight down to her stomach that bulges from her body. Her hair hangs limply around her face in a dark brown color. Huge dark circles mar her face and her skin remains so pale it’s almost translucent. Her clothes are dirty as if she’s been crawling around outside. It’s clear she is not well in more ways than one.

  “How did you get in here, Anna?”

  She laughs. “Because of you trying to steal my life, I had to hide out here for days. It’s not fair, Ava. You should just leave and let me and my husband be alone to raise our child.” She pulls a small knife from her back pocket and glares at me.

  Holy shit. She really thinks I stole Enzo from her. This is crazy. She’s way deeper than she was at my wedding. I glance again at my purse but her eyes follow mine and she snatches it from the table where it sits.

  “Why are you so interested in this? You want to call for help? Well you can’t. No one will help you. I’m the only one that can get rid of you and that’s what I’m going to do.” I watch in horror as she opens my bag and looks inside at my small handgun. “What did you plan to do with this? Were you going to hurt me and my baby? If you really love Enzo, you couldn’t kill his child.”

  “Anna, you are not well. You need to get some help.”

  “You’re right. I am not well. I’ve had to spend months chasing my own husband. You’ve got him so confused. He thinks you’re me and I need to fix that. There can only be one of us and that is me.”

  I refuse to stand by and let her pull my own gun on me. I rush towards her and punch her face as hard as I can. She falls to the floor dropping the knife and my handbag with the gun. My handbag opens and the gun slides across the floor. We both see it and scramble towards it but she kicks me right in the stomach causing me to lose my breath. I fall back and attempt to regain my composure but by that time, Anna has already managed to get the gun. Pulling herself to her feet she stands in front of me and I know she plans to use it. She’s going to shoot me and we are so far away from the event no one will know. Even from in here I can hear the m
usic playing. I’m going to die.

  “You stupid bitch!” she yells at me. “You are going to hurt the baby!” She kneels down on the floor getting close to my face. “How does it feel to know I can give Enzo something you can’t? I can have his baby but you are worthless. You’re not even a woman.”

  “Shut up, Anna. Just shut the fuck up!”

  “No! You shut up!” she screams at me. “Thank you for the gun. That makes this much easier.” Anna stands and holds the gun at me, preparing it to fire. “I hate you and I’m going to make sure you never come between me and Enzo again. Say goodbye, Ava.”

  I close my eyes and wait, knowing there is nothing I can do. Suddenly the door bursts open and Enzo rushes in. My Enzo is here!

  “Put the gun down, Anna!” he yells.

  Anna moves closer to me. “I’m glad you’re here. I’m going to kill this imposter and then we can be together. She’s been nothing but trouble and that ends tonight.” She pulls the hammer back and just as I think she’s about to shoot me Enzo throws himself on the floor and covers me, causing Anna to freeze.

  I barely know what’s happening when I hear Dax’s voice coming from the doorway. “You crazy bitch, what the hell are you doing?”

  “You get out of here!” she screams.

  “No way. Give me the gun, Anna. You’ve gone too far with this.”

  “Get out!” she screams again, looking frantically at Dax.

  My thoughts are frantic. How the fuck does Dax know her name?! Enzo stands and pulls me to my feet but before I can stop him, he rushes Anna and in her panic she pulls the trigger.

  The only sound I hear after that is my own scream as Enzo falls to the floor. Dax runs out of the room, leaving me alone with the madwoman and her gun. My Enzo lies on the floor, blood pouring out of him.

  “Enzo! My God! You shot Enzo!” I scream. I look up at Anna who is clearly distraught over what she has done. I crawl across the floor and cradle Enzo’s head in my lap. “Enzo, baby, I’m here.”