“Oh, bummer. Okay, well, no biggie. I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yes, I’ll be there.”
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye, Ella.”
I do feel a bit suspicious of Ella’s call. It could be just that Dixon is unavailable, but I do have to think she could have had something to do with the rumor that started. I just can’t think of what her motive would be. Unless she’s just a jerk. I head out and back on the T to get to Luca’s place.
I ring the bell and Luca opens the door. “Hi,” he says.
“Hi.”
He pulls me by the arm and envelops me in a warm embrace. “It’s too cold out there for you.”
“It is rather nippy this evening.” I take off my coat and Luca hangs it.
“Study?” Luca asks.
“Of course. It’s my second favorite place in the world.”
He looks back at me and smiles. “What is your first favorite place?”
“Your bed.”
“Perfect, I plan to take you there tonight.”
I go and sit in my favorite chair as Luca sits on the ottoman next to me. “What would you like for dinner?”
“I haven’t even thought of food yet. All I wanted was to get here and be with you.”
“I felt the same way. Today was difficult for me. I just wanted to hold you and kiss you, and God, did I want to make love to you.”
“I’m here now.”
“Yes, you are.” He leans forward and gently kisses my lips. “We need to talk about this, though.”
“About what?”
“Work.” Luca reaches out and touches my cheek. “I don’t know if I can handle working with you and keeping our love a secret.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know yet. This rumor Ella told you about bothers me because it implies that there is some level of indecency and power abuse happening. If we come forward with our relationship that could very well add fuel to the fire.”
“True.”
“But if we don’t come forward, it will look even worse with our secretive behavior.”
“Also true.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
“Is there someone you could ask for advice? The dean, perhaps?”
“Perhaps.”
“I don’t want to jeopardize any of your hard work and the reputation you’ve earned, Luca. Maybe I should resign.”
“No! I need you. In more ways than one. Even if I wasn’t in love with you, I couldn’t bear the thought of you being gone.”
“I don’t want to. I was just thinking of solutions.”
“That is not it.”
“Okay.” I look down at the floor.
“Look at me.” I look up as Luca’s grin spreads across his face. “I have an idea.”
“Yes?”
“Why don’t I take you to bed and strip you down and we’ll think about this another day?”
Laughing, I reply, “Brilliant idea.”
“Let’s go.”
We walk to his bedroom. I start to pull off my dress and watch him peel the clothes from his sexy frame. Tonight, I believe I shall lick the tattoo covering his upper body.
“What are you thinking, angel?” Luca asks.
“Just about things I would like to do to you.”
“Mmm, I like that. Get in bed and I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
I climb up into the large, comfy bed and settle down into the lush bed linens. Just as I thought the first time I saw it, it’s a very nice place to spend a cold, winter evening.
Luca returns with a tray, carrying a plate of cold cuts and cheese and two glasses of wine.
“Snacks,” he announces.
I watch as he lights a couple of candles and turns on some soothing classical music. Then he joins me in bed. I snuggle next to him to feel his warm, naked body against mine.
“I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep my hands off of you,” he whispers as he kisses the top of my head.
“You don’t have to.”
“But you’re sore.”
“There are other things we can do.”
“True. Today at work all I could think about were all the places I would like to make love to you.”
“Like where?”
“My desk—we discussed that.” He loops his fingers in mine. “The conference room where I had my meeting today. The bench underneath my favorite tree.”
“That would be lovely.”
“I don’t know how much of it is possible.”
“Well, we have our fantasies. I’m perfectly happy being made love to in this house.”
“I think you should bring a few things over and keep them here.”
“Do you?”
“Yes. I want you here as much as possible. I would be okay if you never left.”
I have no idea how to respond to that. Of course I want to be here all the time.
“What if you tire of me?” I ask.
“Never.”
“You don’t know that.”
“You sound sad, angel.”
“I’m just afraid that we are going headlong into this and your passion for me will burn out. Then what?”
Luca rolls on top of me. “Londyn, I love you so incredibly much, it’s impossible that a day would come that I didn’t feel as I do right now. I would marry you tonight if I could.” He rubs my cheek then kisses me so deeply, I lose my breath. “If you would say yes.”
He gazes into my eyes as mine fill with tears. Now I really don’t know how to respond.
“That wasn’t the most romantic proposal. I can do better.”
“Luca…”
“Shh, don’t say anything yet. I know I am overwhelming you, but I also know that you are it for me, Londyn. You are the woman I am going to spend my life with. Every ounce of pain and guilt, suffering and loneliness that I’ve gone through was worth it to have you in my life as I do now.”
I can’t hold back my tears anymore and Luca pulls me closer as I cry into his chest.
“I hope you aren’t crying because you don’t feel the same as I do,” Luca says.
“Oh, Luca…” I look up and smother his face and lips in kisses. “I’m crying because I can’t believe the wonderful words that are coming from your mouth. How many nights did I sit and pine for you? How many tears shed over what I thought was unrequited love? I am utterly blown away by the immensity of your words and actions towards me. I assure you that I return your feelings wholeheartedly.”
“That makes me so happy to hear.” Luca’s hand slides down my body and settles between my legs. “I know you are too sore for me, but there are other ways I can please you.”
“You don’t have to. I am happy to simply be held in your arms.”
“I do have to. I need to please you, to taste you, and hear you call out my name when I make you come.” He kisses my lips. “I definitely have to.”
“Well, I certainly won’t stop you, my love.”
Luca smiles and disappears under the blankets. I feel his scruffy beard brush against my thigh and sigh. It’s a delightful feeling. He pushes the blankets down and spreads my legs open, his hands reaching up to play with my breasts. The feeling that shoots through me as his tongue flicks my clit is mind blowing. I can’t stop myself from tangling my fingers in his hair and grinding against his mouth.
“Does it feel good?” Luca asks between licks.
“Mmm hmm,” I murmur. I can’t utter any more words than that.
“Good. How does this feel?” He slides two fingers inside me and I moan with pleasure. “You can handle it?”
I nod my head and mumble yes. Oh, my word, it feels phenomenal. Luca continues to work on me then suddenly flips around so that his glorious cock is hovering above my face. I swallow him hungrily, attempting to get every inch of him down my throat. I reach up and squeeze his ass then decide to try the little trick Maddie told me about. I’ve never done it and I’m quite nervous
, but I feel so very liberated at the moment, I can’t hold back. I suck my own index finger in my mouth and then very gently tickle Luca’s entrance. He inhales sharply and buries his face deeper between my legs. I will take that as a sign of approval.
I continue to suck and tickle as he writhes above me. I feel his muscles tense and his girth increase and I can’t decide what to do. Do I swallow? If I don’t, where does it go? Oh, bloody hell. I decide to swallow. After all, the man has no problem with anything happening between my legs.
“Fuck, Londyn,” Luca grunts. “I’m gonna come.”
I hold him down and press my finger just a little bit harder against his opening. He groans and shoots hot liquid down my throat.
“Jesus Christ,” he moans.
I’m aware of my own orgasm spreading through my lower body, but I keep him in my mouth as he pumps down my throat. It’s the most erotic moment I’ve ever experienced. I am capable of giving him this much pleasure. He pulls away from me and collapses on the bed next to me.
“Damn,” he pants. “That was fucking unbelievable.”
“I agree.”
“You amaze me.”
“You liked it?”
“I loved it.” He rolls over and hands me a glass of wine. “You can do that anytime you want.”
“I will.” I drink down my glass and snuggle next to him again. My eyes feel heavy with sleep, although it must be only around seven. “I’m sleepy.”
“You should be after all that. Sleep, my angel. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Just before I succumb to sleep, I roll over slightly and drag my tongue along the tattoo on Luca’s chest.
“Why did you do that?”
“Just something I needed to do,” I say, smiling. “Luca Di Roma, you are one sexy man.”
He laughs softly. “All for you.” He kisses my forehead and whispers, “Someday, you are going to be my wife.”
Mrs. Londyn Di Roma. I like the sound of that. I close my eyes and drift off to a peaceful, satisfied sleep.
AS MUCH AS I would like to sleep, I can’t. I need to figure out what to do about my relationship with Londyn. I need her at work, but I need her just as much in my bed. I don’t really think it’s a problem if we are involved. I’m just not sure how to approach it. Do I announce it? Inform my boss? Do we just go about our business and if asked, we confirm? I have no idea.
I play with her hair as she sleeps. She sighs and I admire her features. She’s so pretty. I run my hands over her skin, marveling at its softness. Her presence in my life has turned everything upside down. Suddenly my thoughts are about marriage and children. I think about our future together and if she’ll want to stay in this house with me forever. Maybe I should get a new house, one that we pick out together and isn’t full of memories of Sara.
Shaking my head, I think back to my dream. Or was it a visitation? It felt very real. I close my eyes and try to conjure Sara’s face, but it doesn’t come. It’s shocking to me to think that she really left. Did she linger because I needed her to? Was she just waiting for Londyn to get here? It’s very comforting to me to think that’s what it is. Londyn is my earthly angel sent by a heavenly one.
It’s too early for me to sleep so I pull myself away gently so as not to disturb her. I walk quietly to my study and sink into the chair I love even more now. The scent of her perfume lingers in the air. I happily spend a couple of hours reading. As I come to the close of my chapter, sudden clarity settles over me. I know that somehow everything will eventually make sense.
I stand to go back to my bedroom just as Londyn shuffles into the room, a blanket wrapped around her naked form. She yawns and I smile at her messy hair.
“Hey, angel.”
“I missed you,” she whispers.
I walk over to her and pull her into my arms. “I missed you, too. Even when you sleep.” I kiss the top of her head. “I was just on my way back.”
“Bravo, Professore,” she says, and giggles.
I lead her back to bed and climb in with her. Pulling her close, I kiss her neck, her cheek, and her mouth, while my hands roam over her amazing skin.
“Tomorrow you’ll make love to me?” she asks.
“With immense pleasure.”
“Mmm, perfect.”
“Goodnight, angel. I love you. More than you even know.”
“I do know.”
“Let’s sleep now. Tomorrow is a big day.”
“How so?”
“You’ll see.” I kiss her cheek and pull her just a little bit closer.
“Sounds mysterious.”
“I have no mysteries. Just surprises.”
Londyn snuggles a little closer to me. “Hey?”
“Yes?”
“You are far more interesting than you ever let on.”
I smile and give her a little squeeze before we fall asleep in each other’s arms.
Morning comes too soon for my liking. In just a few hours, we’ll be back at work and in the public eye. I’m going to start making my plans today, though, and if I’m lucky, I can get it all arranged by the beginning of the year. I just have a few things I need to do first. As soon as Londyn wakes, I’ll tell her the plan. Well, at least the beginning of it.
I pad to the kitchen and start the coffee machine. After it brews, I pour each of us a cup and add just a little cream and sugar. She seems to like her beverages sweet. I grab two almond biscotti and head back into the bedroom to wake her.
Placing the items on the nightstand, I lean over and kiss her cheek. She stirs and at that moment, I realize I need her to wake up here every morning. I have never felt this comfortable in my own home.
“Londyn, sweetheart,” I say gently to wake her.
She rolls over and smiles, moving the hair off her face. “Morning.”
“I brought you some coffee and a biscuit.” She looks at the nightstand and laughs softly.
“Using my word?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“Not in the slightest.” She stretches. “Do we have to get up? It’s so warm in here and cold out there.”
“Can you imagine the rumor if neither of us showed up today?” I tease.
“Hmm, very true.” She pulls herself up and I hand her the cup of coffee. She sips it and looks up at me. “I could get used to this treatment.”
“You should. This is how it is now.”
“When I am here, perhaps.”
“I don’t want you to not be, anymore.”
“I would like that.”
“Would you, my love?”
“Yes, of course.”
“I want that.” I stare down at the sheets for a moment. “After work, I have something I would really like you to do with me. It’s really important and I feel it needs to happen for us to move into our future together.”
“Whatever you need from me.”
I take her hand in mine and gaze in her eyes. It takes me a moment to gather my thoughts and find the words I want to say. I know this is right, though. I can feel it.
“I want you to help me say goodbye to Sara.”
THE LOOK IN LUCA’S eyes as he speaks urges me to move a little closer. I set my coffee down and rise up on my knees, pulling his body into mine. I hold him like this and he returns my embrace. His arms wrap around my waist and we are so close, for a moment, I wonder if it’s possible for us to separate.
“Luca,” I whisper against his neck. He pulls me back so we can make eye contact.
“I don’t know why, but I know this is the right thing to do. I’ve spent so many years of my life mired in the guilt and sadness of what happened. I feel like when she visited, I didn’t understand and I just have some final things I need to tell her. For the first time in ten years, I want to break free from it completely. It’s already started.” He leans forward and kisses my lips. “I only want the two of us in this relationship. You fill me up in a way I never thought could happen. Every day that you are in my life, I heal a little bit more. I
wrapped myself in a coat of armor, but right now, it’s lying discarded on the floor. I don’t need it anymore. I don’t want it anymore. I have everything I need in you.”
“You deserve to be happy, Luca. You do. I am so happy that we came together. I hardly believe it sometimes. You are amazing. So is this feeling in my heart. I want nothing more than to see a smile on your face and joy in your heart.”
“We’re getting there,” he says, smiling. “Much is going to happen in the next few months. Will you trust me and go along with me?”
“Every step, Luca.” I lie back against him as he strokes my hair. I hope what I am about to say doesn’t upset him, but it must be said. “Have you thought about making peace with Nico? He loves you so much and what he did for you is in the past. If you are ready to let go of Sara, you need to forgive yourself, and let your brother back into your life.”
I hear a deep exhale release from Luca’s lips. “I know,” he says softly. “I don’t know how. I’ve been fucked up for so many years, Londyn. How do I fix it all?”
“Well, let’s take it a bit at a time. Perhaps you can start with dinner and admit to him what you feel. Show him the man who is holding me in his arms right now. Put the armor down for Nico, too.”
Luca squeezes me tighter. “I have to. It’s the only way to move forward. I’ve been afraid to face this, but you make me want to. You make me feel that somehow happiness is possible for me. You deserve a man who can be completely present and open and that is what I am going to be.”
“Luca,” I say, twisting around so I can see his face. “I deserve you as you are. I don’t want anything about you to be different. Everything you’ve been through, even the pain, brought us to this moment. I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollars. The past cannot be changed, but the future is yet to be created. I love you and take you as you are.”
Luca leans down and kisses me gently. “I’ve waited ten long years for you. Thank you for coming. I hope you’ll stay.”
“I will stay.”
“I meant what I said last night. I want to marry you. Does it scare you when I say that?”
“Only that you are being impulsive. The intense high of new love is powerful and can make one think things they might not otherwise.”
Londyn Falls Page 33