Siobhan: Savannah, you need to call me.
Siobhan: Girl, call me.
Siobhan: What part of call me do you not get? It's important.
She was at the end of her rope and had enough by the fourth text.
Siobhan: CALL ME!
There was no way I was calling her now. I knew how grouchy she could get when she felt like she was being ignored. I typed out a reply. You rang? I was on a plane. No texting allowed. What's the panic about?
She must have been waiting on my call or text.
Siobhan: Finally! It's all over the news about Kevin. I assume you've heard?
A wave of sadness passed over me. I sighed softly and tapped out my answer. Yes. My father called me before we left.
There was a small delay. That wasn't good. My phone chimed again.
Siobhan: Call me when you're alone.
I’m sure Malcolm had told her something about the friction between Nick and myself. She no doubt wanted dirt and wouldn’t settle for anything less than the whole story. Leaning my head back against the soft leather seat, I closed my eyes as we sped towards our hotel. I was looking forward to a long bath, food and bed. It had been a trying 48 hours.
“Everything okay?” Nick asked. My eyes fluttered open to see him staring at me intently. He bent his head to press his lips against my temple.
I nodded. “Yeah. Siobhan was concerned because I hadn’t answered her texts. She’s a worrier.”
We pulled to a stop outside of the St. Regis Grand. Sighing heavily, I smoothed my hair and dug through my messenger bag for the paperwork for our brief stay in Rome. It was time to step into my personal assistant shoes and shove my tiredness aside.
Nick pushed on his Ray Bans and opened the door, extending his hand to me. “C’mon, love. Shall we?”
Glancing nervously around at the crowd, I cautiously put my hand in his, letting him help me from the car. He didn’t let go of my hand as we walked into the plush lobby. Assaulted with expensive marble, chandeliers and heavy columns, I was taken aback by the beautiful opulence of the hotel.
Nick led us to the front desk. He leaned over to whisper in my ear. “It’s probably best if I handle the reservation. I do speak fluent Italian.”
My shoulders straightened and my irritation rose. “It’s my job, Nick. It’s what you pay me to do. Go do something a rock star would do. Go be obnoxious or something.”
His head fell back and his loud laughter echoed in the spacious room. The desk clerk, an attractive brunette with dark olive skin licked her lips in anticipation of assisting us.
As the clerk turned to face me and I was opening my mouth to speak, Nick gently pushed me aside and flashed his wide smile. His white teeth gleamed under the glow from the priceless chandeliers. “Mi Scusi. Abbiamo prenotazioni per Hart. Abbiamo suite private al piano St Regis.”
The woman typed away on a computer, glancing up occasionally to smile seductively at Nick. “Quattro suite, Signor Hart?”
Nick shook his head and gestured for me to hand over the paperwork to him. He read through the paper, frowning. “Si è verificato un errore. La suite extra per Miss Wood non è necessario. Essa rimarrà nella mia suite. Si prega di apportare le modifiche necessarie.”
Their back and forth conversation continued and I grew anxious as Nick became more and more frustrated. Just when I thought he’d had enough, she handed over nine key cards and looked at me enviously, flipping her raven hair over her shoulder.
“Enjoy your stay, Mr. Hart.” Her English was heavily accented but perfect. She flashed me a smile that didn’t reach her dark eyes.
Reaching across the polished wood, I grabbed the cards and paperwork. Nick had already moved to Ian, gesturing between the door and us. I walked to his side just as he was finishing his conversation.
“Her luggage is to be sent to my suite.” He turned to me with a smile. “Please give Ian a keycard to each suite. He’s going to handle the luggage situation with the bellboys.”
I slapped three of the keycards into the palm of Ian’s hand and stood angrily beside him. This wasn’t the way this was supposed to work at all.
“Let’s go.” His hand came to rest on the small of my back and he led me towards the elevator. Again, he spoke to the elevator operator in quick Italian and we all filed in the car. Either everyone was tired, or they sensed the obvious tension and wisely chose to remain silent.
The elevator came to a stop on our floor and Nick passed keys out to Randy, Pete and Johnny. “You can all sort out which suites you want to stay in. I’ll see you tomorrow after for sound check.”
He didn’t wait for their answer. He simply turned on his heel and headed for the suite at the far end of the hallway, leaving me to furiously stomp after him. I finally caught up to him just as he was swinging the doors open of the suite.
My fingers balled into fists at my side. “Nick…”
Before I could say another word, he picked me up and tossed me over his shoulder, kicking the doors closed with the sole of his heavy boot. He carried me through the suite, giving me an exceptional view of his firm ass and the brightly colored wool wall to wall carpeting. He came to a stop at the bed and I was expecting him to drop me on my ass. Instead, he gently placed me down in the center of the bed. The room swam around as the blood drained from my head and my eyes slowly refocused.
He was across the room, shrugging out of his leather jacket. He carelessly tossed it over a dark blue velvet wingback chair. He folded his muscled arms across his chest. “We can argue about this all day if that’s what you want. You have three rooms to choose from. Pick which one you want and stay in it. I’m not expecting you to sleep in my bed…even though I’d prefer it. But you are staying here. End of conversation.”
Crossing my legs underneath me, I ran my fingers over the ornate bedspread and glanced around the room. It was beautiful, with heavy, dark blue velvet curtains and ornate antique furniture. Even the wall behind the bed was decorated with a handpainted fresco. “It was my job to take care of getting us checked into this hotel. She spoke perfect English, Nick. I don’t need you to do my job for me. If you’re going insist on doing everything, why do you need me?”
He waved his arm wildly, his dark eyebrow rising in frustration. “This is what you’re upset about? Me doing your job? Jesus, Savannah. It’s not a big deal.”
Jumping off the bed, I was in front of him faster than he’d expected. His dark brown eyes widened as I jabbed my finger into his chest. “It’s a big deal to me, Nick. I’m not going to accept money for fucking you and being your arm candy. I might as well be your paid…”
“No! Don’t you even fucking say it, Savannah.” Anger flashed across his handsome face. “I treat you with respect and I’d like a little in return. Take this room and feel free to order whatever you want from room service. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He grabbed his jacket and stalked across the room, slamming the door behind him. I could hear him talking, but it sounded like a one-sided conversation. He either was on the phone or talking to Ian.
More than likely he was looking for a replacement personal assistant after my temper tantrum.
Figuring this was a good time to call Siobhan, I rummaged through my purse until I found it. I flipped through the phone book until I found her name and dialed.
The phone rang twice when I was greeted by her anxious voice. “Savannah?”
“Hey, Von.”
“You had me worried. Where are you?”
“Rome. We’re here for two days and then it’s on to Florence.” I fell back on the bed and glanced at the vaulted ceilings complete with yet another expensive chandelier.
“It sounds romantic. How’s Nick?”
I hesitated, listening to the crackle of the long distance connection. “Currently he’s pissed off at me. I pulled one of my temper tantrums.”
She laughed loudly and I had to hold the phone away from my ear. “Oh, Blondie. When are you going to learn that doesn’t work?”
Chuckling dryly, I sighed. “Obviously never.”
“How are you holding up with the whole Kevin thing?”
I appreciated her concern because there was no love lost between them. “I’m fine, really. It’s weird to know I can’t fix how we ended things. It’s always going to be there as a regret.”
There was a long pause on the line. “Look, I never liked the guy but the gossip mags are going nuts. They have pictures from Vic’s party where Kevin was being aggressive with both you and Nick. They’re having a field day. The big speculation is if Nick has mafia ties.”
Mafia connections?! If only that was the worst of his secrets. I barked out a bitter laugh. “That’s a good one. Have you talked to Malcolm about it?”
“Why would I talk to Malcolm? Does he know something?” Siobhan sounded perplexed.
“No. But he might offer a different perspective if you talk to him. Tell him I told you to ask him.”
“Alright...” Siobhan dragged out the word carefully. “You’re going to go apologize to Nick, right?”
I smiled into the phone. I could imagine Siobhan’s stern expression on her attractive face. “Yes, Von. Talk to you soon. Tell Malcolm I said hi.”
“Night, Blondie.”
Laughing, I tossed my phone on the bed and headed for the bathroom. I’d deal with Nick after a soak in the tub.
Chapter 8
Mood Music
It was easy to lose track of time in a luxurious bathtub. It could have easily held six people, but it didn’t stop me from filling it to the rim with bubbles and soaking until my fingertips were wrinkled like prunes and the water was starting to cool.
I’d dried off and wrapped myself in a plush bathrobe. I was brushing my hair as I walked into the bedroom and was surprised to hear the melancholy sounds of a piano playing. The song sounded familiar and I tiptoed to my door and cracked it open, listening to the strains of the music that floated down the hallway of the suite.
My curiosity piqued, I crept towards the main sitting room. Nick’s back was to me, his shoulders bent over the keyboard. Every muscle in his arms flexed erotically as his fingers stroked each key. Stepping closer, I could see his eyes were closed as he played, seemingly lost in the music.
And my heart almost exploded with the love I felt for him.
“My mother made me take lessons. She told me it would build character.”
The unexpected sound of his voice startled me. He didn’t miss a note, his fingers gliding elegantly over the keys. The sorrowful music filled the room and I walked to the piano, pressing my forearms against the glossy back lid.
I listened to him play for another few moments. “Did it work?”
He smiled broadly, his even white teeth glinting brightly. He still hadn’t opened his eyes. His thick black eyelashes cast shadows over his cheekbones and his messy black hair fell over his forehead. “You tell me, love.”
My hands itched to smooth his hair away from his face but I folded my hands together. “They do say music calms the savage beast.”
His brown eyes finally opened to meet my anxious gaze. “What do you think?”
“I think you play beautifully. Mozart, right?”
He nodded and glanced down at his fingers. “Yes. Piano Sonata Number 14. This is Moonlight Sonata. He was in love with a woman he could never have. It was said he wrote this out of mourning for her.” His fingers stilled on the keys. “And thank you. Come here.”
He grabbed me by the waist and dragged me between himself and the keyboard. He sighed and leaned forward, resting his forehead against my chest. His intoxicating smell wrapped around me like a blanket, comforting me. “We have to stop doing this. It’s a waste of time and energy. You want me and love, I want you. You need to stop fighting me so hard, Savannah. Especially over the little things like what happened tonight. I want to be with you and I’ll accept whatever you are willing to offer me.”
I gave in and smoothed his silky hair away from his face. My hands gripped his cheeks gently, my thumbs stroking across his lips. “That’s the thing. My heart wants to offer it all to you, Nick. But my brain…it tells me I need to keep things seperate. I don’t want to. I’m not used to feeling this way because deep down, I want it all.”
“Then let me give it to you, Savannah. Let me in. I won’t let you fall, love.” His brown eyes were wide and pleading. His face looked every bit the young man he was, the presumption and smugness wiped away, leaving his vulnerabilities exposed for me to see.
"Let me have everything..." I breathed. Before he could reply, my lips pressed against his. He’d said exactly what I needed to hear. And if he was willing to give, I was more than willing to take.
The kiss deepened and our tongues met with a freeness unlike anything I’d experienced since I’d been with Nick. I wanted to drink every bit of him in, to savor him. His hands had stilled at my waist, fingering the heavy belt of my robe. He slowly, untied it, moaning into my mouth when he discovered I was completely naked under the robe.
He broke away from my lips and blazed kissed across my collarbones, his mouth burning my skin. "You’re trying to kill me.”
“I think it’s a little late for that,” I joked weakly. I felt my eyes roll back as his mouth continued to set my skin on fire. “I want to feel you.”
Lifting my hands from his shoulders, I reached for the bottom of his t-shirt. He pulled away from me long enough to allow me to swiftly lift it over his head and drop it to the floor.
I was desperate to lose myself in him. My body was craving his touch, the sensuous feel of his flesh against mine. I didn't want to think about arguments or how everything was going to work out. I didn't want to see the hurt I caused on his face. I wanted to take away everything and forget it all.
All I wanted at that moment was Nick.
My hands were buried into his hard flesh, caressing every muscle of his chest and arms. Dragging my lips down his jaw, I nibbled his ear. "Nick," I groaned. "I need you. I need it all.”
He gripped my ass with both hands and stood, picking me up in his arms. As he moved, it caused my slick arousal to come into contact with the hard, denim-covered cock. My breath hitched at the sensation and I felt him pull me in tighter, a moan rumbling deep in his chest.
"You feel so good," he muttered. He buried his face at my neck and inhaled deeply. His mouth moved down my throat, his tongue cold and wet against my skin.
One of his hands held me while the other splayed across my lower back. We fit together flawlessly and I marveled at how our bodies meshed. We were like magnets, drawn together despite how much we fought against it.
I was expecting him to carry us to the bedroom, but he had other things in mind for us. He pulled away from my neck and his lips searched out mine. My fingers combed through his raven hair, fisting it and pulling him closer to me.
I lifted my lips from his, staring into the blackness of his eyes. He was still standing, simply holding me as if I was the most fragile and important thing in the world to him. His chiseled face was shadowed with lust, his breath coming in ragged pants.
In that moment, he'd never looked so beautiful. He was like a fallen angel...perfect and dark. And he was mine.
He took a few steps and stopped, his hand leaving my back for the briefest of moments. I felt my back press up against something and realized that it was the piano. "Hold on with your legs, love," his deep voice whispered in my ear.
Wrapping my legs around him, we both moaned at the resulting friction. He pushed my upper body back so that my shoulders were touching the top of the piano. One hand supported my weight effortlessly…and the other was relentless. He ran the palm of his hand up and down the length of my body, his fingers tracing the curve of my breast. His thumb scraped across my nipple, rubbing slow, light circles over it. His head lowered as he took it into his mouth, his tongue sucking, swirling and teasing.
My hands smacked down on the edge of piano as his mouth continued its wanton assault. Vibrating
with need, I whimpered and my hips rose against him on their own volition. I no longer had any control over my own body. I’d completely yielded to him.
"Nick, baby," I moaned, gripping the slick wood of the piano. “I can’t take much more.”
Desperately, I tugged his face back to mine. He leaned towards me, but instead of kissing me, his hands drifted to my hips and I felt myself being lifted onto the piano. My feet landed on the keys, dragging across them noisily. When I looked down, his face was right above my abdomen, watching me.
Pleased that he had my full attention, Nick kissed the inside of both my knees and his tongue licked up my thigh. "You can and you will. Lay back, love."
Reclining back, I rested my weight on my elbows. He pulled my hips to the edge of the piano and ran his hands up my stomach and back down, resting them possessively on my legs.
I gasped as he showered open-mouthed kisses on the inside of my thigh, sucking slightly against the tender flesh. Nick’s fingers spread my legs wide, his eyes smoldering as they greedily flickered over every inch of me. His head darted between my thighs and I felt his fingers part my slick folds. I had to brace myself against the piano when his tongue slowly, smoothly dragged from one entrance to the other.
"Nick," I panted breathlessly. The overload of his fingers and cool tongue meeting my wet sex was insanely erotic and arousing. My feet once again dragged across the keys, playing a desperate melody of longing.
"Our bodies already know each other, love. I want to hear that again," he demanded gruffly against my thigh. "I only want to hear my name on your lips." His tongue delved deep until I bucked against him, grinding against his face in a steady rhythm. My orgasm was building, raging like a violent storm inside of me.
I wouldn’t last much longer.
His thumb found my clit and he growled against my pussy. The combination was lethal and my back arched off the piano, fluttering around his tongue. He didn’t stop until my body finally relaxed, my legs falling completely open.
"I want to eat you alive," he crooned. I heard the zipper of his jeans lower and the rustle of his jeans as they fell to the floor. He slid his long, powerful body against mine, pressing me further back onto the piano. "You’re that fucking delicious."
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