Love and Truth

by FRANCES, KAREN

  He lies down beside me, on his side. One hand has my hands still pinned above me. As his other hand slides across my skin, all I want to do is touch him. To feel him. My body shakes involuntarily. “Are you cold?” he asks, his voice full of concern.

  “No. I just need you.” I’m so overwhelmed with emotion. More than any other time we’ve spent together. It’s hard to explain. Maybe it’s because I’ve brought him to my safe place. No one can touch me here. I have nothing to fear.

  He releases his hold on me and I get to feel him. Running my fingers through his hair and stroking his face, I press a soft kiss to his lips. He grins and moves position. I’m all but ready to huff when his mouth runs down my body between my breasts, kissing and licking. His breath is hot against my skin.

  I whimper, squeezing my legs together, trying to relieve the tension that’s building. His mouth captures my nipple, teasing and gripping it between his teeth, his erection pressing hard into my side. I wriggle, wanting to get in a better position. My desperate need for him is going to be my own undoing. I want this to last as much as he does, but my need is proving too great.

  He parts my legs. I gasp, feeling the rush of pleasure building as he pushes two fingers deep inside me. My senses are lost. My body is heavy, yet light at the same time. I’m floating on a cloud.

  I groan, delving my hands through his hair before grasping hold of his head. “Please,” I beg. My voice sounds high-pitched in the air, but I don’t care. My only thoughts revolve around my man.

  Lifting his head, he smiles. “I’m all yours.” My body screams for his touch when he moves position. He settles between my legs. “Only yours.”

  He begins kissing the inside of my thighs in the gentlest way possible. My back arches to meet him.

  “Oh, dear God.” My fingers grab the blanket tightly. My head falls back and I’m biting on my bottom lip in an attempt to stop myself from crying out.

  “Sweetheart, look at me,” he pleads, and I drop my gaze, meeting his dark green pools of desire. He’s watching me. “Eyes on me.” His tongue laps in and out and around. Each stroke is soft and even, yet carrying the perfect amount of pressure to send my body soaring back into the clouds. I’m struggling to concentrate. This intimate moment tells the other what words cannot describe.

  Each delicate touch and groan he makes is pushing all my buttons. Emotion is overcoming me like an electrical current coursing through my body. His lips pull against me and I cry out, unable to hold back any longer. I grab his shoulders, pulling him closer, and at the same time pushing him away, totally unsure of what I want or where I need him. His tongue continues to lap up my arousal, slowly. He finally stops and places sweet kisses on my thighs.

  “Come here,” I say, staring down through my lashes at him.

  He crawls up my body, freeing his erection, and settles between my legs, positioning himself exactly where I want him. He waits. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I give him a little encouragement.

  “I love you,” he says softly, pushing slowly into me. I grip his back tightly, clinging to him as though he’s my air to breathe. In a way he is. Life has a whole new meaning for me with him.

  Keeping my gaze, he slowly begins to move, his hips thrusting gently into mine. His eyes are soft and warm. He’s my home. Tears invade my own eyes and I will them not to fall. I grab his face, pulling his mouth to mine, needing more. My breathing quickens as his tongue works against mine. His thrusts are slow and steady, but as my need builds, I’m trying hard to keep the tempo he’s set.

  Jack increases the pace, sensing how I’m feeling, thrusting deeper and harder. “I’m close.” His whispered words are all I hear. Our kiss is demanding as the pace quickens. We’re both close. “Maria…” He whispers my name and thrusts hard and stills. Warmth floods me and my body trembles beneath his.

  I’m in love. Truly and madly in love with Jack McKenzie and there’s not a single thing in this world that will change my feelings. He collapses on top of me before pulling us both to our sides. Our breathing is uneven, and the light wind is enough to cool us down. “I love you,” I say breathlessly.

  He reaches out, a sweet smile on his lips, brushing my hair away from my face and tucking it behind my ear. I place my hand on his face; the roughness of his jawline is something else I’ve grown to love.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Jack

  With a contented sigh, I’m relaxed. For the first time in weeks. All I can do is smile at the warmth of my feelings for the woman in my arms. She consumes my thoughts and dreams and, at times, has been present in my nightmares. I can’t and don’t want to imagine a life without her.

  “I could lie here all day with you in my arms without a care in the world,” I say, as her naked body rests against me. I watch as she closes her eyes, her breathing now slowing to something a lot more normal. I study her for a few minutes, allowing her peace to relax.

  “It’s okay. I won’t fall asleep,” she says without opening her eyes. “I want to take you somewhere else.” She has my interest, although I’m not sure it will hold my attention after this picnic. Today has been pretty remarkable.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  She opens her eyes, and places the briefest and softest of kisses on my lips. “To my parents’ house. Giovanni gave me the key. I’ve not been there since after they died. I know Teressa has been looking after it.”

  Her admission doesn’t come as a great surprise to me. Tony kept her from spending time with her brother, so I don’t suppose she’d have had much opportunity to go to her parents’ house after they died. This is a big deal for her and I’m glad she wants me to be with her.

  Small steps. All heading in the right direction.

  “Well then, sleepy head, I think we should at least get you dressed, otherwise I think you might just fall asleep.” I feel her move against me as she laughs. “Come on,” I say, reluctantly pushing her away and instantly missing the warmth and connection we shared.

  I take a minute to enjoy my view as she puts her clothes back on. When she stands before me, fully clothed, I know I need to move. Wearily, I stand with my eyes still on her. She has a warm, rosy glow on her cheeks, and I smile, watching as she attempts to tame her wild, just-fucked hair. But that’s not what we’ve just done. I’ve made love to the woman I’m madly and deeply in love with.

  Quickly, I sort myself, fastening my trousers and pulling my t-shirt back on. I grab the basket and put the rug inside. “Are you ready?” she asks, her hand outstretched to mine.

  “Always ready when it comes to you. Let’s go.” I take her hand and we set off, walking along the banks of the water, taking us farther away from the direction we came. We walk in relative silence. Not that it bothers me; it gives me the opportunity to watch her. Seeing her in surroundings that she’s obviously very comfortable in is pleasing.

  Today, everything about Maria seems happier; she’s much more at ease. She’s calm.

  Walking along, every time I steal a glance in her direction, she’s smiling, looking around, taking in all the natural beauty of where we are. She appreciates all the little things and I’m quickly coming to the conclusion that so do I. But most importantly, I appreciate the woman beside me.

  “Look,” she says, grabbing my attention.

  Wow.

  And I thought Giovanni’s house was impressive. The house is to the right and I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. Giovanni’s house is a very modern build and has a modern, contemporary feel to it. This looks so much more in keeping with the surroundings. The stone work is incredible. It has an almost farmhouse feel to it from the outside.

  “It looks beautiful,” I say as she leads me by the hand toward the front door. I put the basket down as she fumbles with the key in the lock. Turning around, I take notice of the very large and formal circular driveway with a fountain in the centre of it. Beyond the double gates, I can see a tree-lined single track road that I presume leads to a main road. From here it look
s as though the trees go on for miles.

  “Come on. Let’s go inside,” she says enthusiastically.

  Pushing the door open, I feel her tense as she steps inside. I squeeze her hand, offering her all my comfort and support. The entrance hallway is stunning and bright, although smaller than I had envisioned, with double glass doors on either side of me and a wooden staircase in front of me.

  She turns left, opening the glass doors. Her hand leaves mine and I let her enter first, watching her and giving her this moment on her own. Her steps are slow as she takes in the grand empty room. I pause in the doorway, and even from here I get the feeling that this was a well-loved and well-used room.

  I enter the room when she’s standing, in front of the window looking out over the front lawn and driveway, her body shaking a little. But enough for me to notice it. Striding across the room, I wrap my arms around her waist, and she sinks back into me.

  “Maria, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s…I never expected to feel so emotional walking through the door. So many memories flooding my mind. This was always a happy home for me and now I feel as though a part of me was stolen here, with not knowing about my mum.”

  “Hey.” I turn her in my arms. “Your mum kept it from you for good reason. I believe she didn’t want you to have what she had gone through on your conscience. You were young. There’s nothing you could’ve done to change what happened. She didn’t want to burden you and isn’t that what parents should do? Not burden their children with their problems.”

  “But…she was my mum, and when I think of all the pain she’s suffered and subsequently hidden from me, it breaks my heart.”

  Her tears fall freely and I hold her in my arms. “And I’m sure her heart would be breaking for you if she were here today. Maria, you’ve already said you can’t change the past, and dwelling on all the events is only going to mess with your head. If you allow that to happen, Tony and his dad have won. You are still here and you’re so much stronger than you realise. I need you to dig deep, find your strength, lean on me, and do what you have to move forward. To look forward to a future that I hope includes me.”

  Lifting her head, her glazed eyes focus on my face. Her body is trembling in my arms. I rub my hands on her back, hoping that it helps stabilise her chaotic breathing. There’s a deep ache in my chest. I want to take away her pain, but I can’t. She has to deal with this. She’s essentially grieving again for her mother.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t think this would be so hard.”

  “Don’t be sorry. I want to be here with you for this. Of course it’s going to be unsettling. It’s only natural.”

  “This was the living, sitting room, whatever you want to call it. Where my parents would relax at the end of the day. Mum would be sitting on the sofa with her nose in a book. Dad would flick through the channels on the TV until he got to some documentary or cooking program. And Giovanni and I, well, we’d usually be bugging the life out of each other until we got a telling off and were sent to our rooms. This is where all our extended family would gather at Christmas.”

  “You have to focus on the good memories. Why hasn’t Giovanni sold this? Why has it lain empty all these years?”

  “At first, sentimental reasons. Neither of us was prepared to sell it. That would’ve meant selling off some of the land and we both wanted that to be kept in the family.”

  “I understand sentimental more than most. You’ve seen my house, covered in knick-knacks belonging to my mum.”

  She laughs. “Yes, and it keeps her with you. Giovanni wants me to move in here.”

  “Okay.” I don’t know what else to say. That has surprised me.

  “It was left to us both, but he’s told me he’s already had the paperwork drawn up to sign all of it over to me. I’m not sure.”

  “What’s not to be sure about? You can’t stay in that flat above Crave forever and here you are protected.”

  “I don’t want to be protected.”

  “Miss independent. But I want to be the one to protect you. Protect you from all the demons that haunt you.”

  She shakes her head in annoyance. “This is a family home.”

  I hear the pangs of guilt and regret and I see her drift away with her thoughts.

  “It is, and one day I know it will be filled with your own family. Our family.” She wipes away her tears and her eyes hold my gaze, searching, for what, I’m not sure. But I mean what I say. We will have a family of our own, when the time is right for us. Her chest expands sharply. For a moment, I think she’s about to speak, but she doesn’t.

  “Come on,” I say softly. “Show me around.”

  “Okay, handsome. I’ll show you around.” And just like that, she’s back in the room with me.

  We wander around downstairs, flitting from room to room, and as we do, she tells me childhood memories. Happy thoughts that are now filling her head. When we enter the kitchen and what I think would be a great family room, she sighs, and I see why. There’s box after box piled high.

  “Not for today,” I say. “You and your brother can do that together.” She nods with a smile, accepting my words.

  The patio doors lead outside to a beautiful terrace, and in the background, I see the water’s edge that we walked along to get here. Picture perfect.

  “Show me upstairs and I’ll pick out our bedroom,” I say.

  “Who said anything about you moving in?” She playfully shoves my arm away.

  “Sweetheart, if you move in, it will be with me. There will be no doubt about that.” She smiles, pulling my hand. See, McKenzie. She’s coming around to your way of thinking. It’ll just take her a while longer, but she’ll get there.

  Up until now, having Maria in my home felt right, but I didn’t envisage our life together there. Here is different. I can see us, our family, so clearly in my head and this could be home if it’s what she wants.

  Although for me, home will be anywhere with Maria.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Maria

  I sit in the kitchen with my coffee in hand, Teressa is at the stove, and I’m sure she’s already cooking dinner for tonight. What a woman. She really is enjoying having us all staying to fuss over, especially Rebecca and Daisy. It’s early, but I’m sure the girls will be up soon enough, so I’m taking a few minutes to enjoy the peace and quiet and reflect on yesterday.

  Jack is right. If I dwell on the past, I’ll never be able to move forward. My parents and Giovanni kept the secret from me, and deep down in my heart, I know they did it for the right reasons. No matter how much it hurts me now. My poor mum. I’m sure her heart broke in two all over again when Tony and I started dating. Today, I’m going to try and shake away all the darkness and sad thoughts about my parents and focus on a future. A future that I’m certain will be a whole lot brighter.

  With Jack.

  Both he and my brother have given me so much to think about. A move to my parents’ house might be what I need; my fresh start. I know it’s not just a decision for me. Any decision on a house has to be made jointly between Jack and me. I believe we both want the same thing. But there is also so much other stuff to think about. With both clubs being closed at the moment, it’s given me some space. I’ve been adamant from day one that I would keep Crave, but now I’m not so sure. Doubts have been creeping into my mind. Maybe I should cut all ties with the life I had with Tony, severed for good.

  “Maria, Maria. What is troubling you on this beautiful morning?”

  Teressa’s voice stops my train of thought. “Lots of things. I’m trying to make sense of my life and sort it all out.”

  “You will, I’m sure. Now, can I get you anything before the girls get up?”

  “No, thank you,” I reply, and she turns back to the stove.

  My thoughts turn back to Rebecca and Daisy.

  Giovanni has given the girls a bedroom to share, even though he could’ve given them a room each. I’m sure having them sharing has given them both
some comfort. It must be difficult for them staying here, in a stranger’s house. Yes, Giovanni is my brother, but they don’t really know him or Teressa. Although, both of them have taken to Teressa. I’m sure she won them over with her home baking. She’s won everyone over with her cooking. The girls know exactly where to find her. She told Rebecca last night to come straight down to the kitchen instead of waking up her parents and that she would sort out their breakfast.

  Lou does need some rest; so much has happened in a short space of time. Last night, I could see that she was struggling to come to terms with everything. She trusted Pete, just like Tony did, and that bastard has taken everything away from her.

  “Teressa, what are you doing?” I finally ask.

  “I’m making soup. Minestrone; the girls love it. I know you all love it too, but seeing their innocent faces light up at simple things like my cooking has made me smile. I feel like having you all here has given me a purpose. I love your brother, but…”

  “I know what he can be like. And I know you must get fed up of looking at his face.” I laugh. “I’ve only been here a short time and already I’m fed up of looking at him. He must be due back in the city.”

  Teressa laughs and continues stirring. “See, you always brighten my day. You and Rebecca and Daisy.”

  “So, will they be baking with you today?” I ask.

  She turns around, her hand still on the wooden spoon, stirring the contents of the pot on the stove. “If they want to and if Lou wants to rest.”

  “She needs that.”

  “Yes, and she’s not the only one. You, Maria DeLuca, haven’t stopped since you got here.”

  “I have. I’m so much more relaxed than normal.”

  She frowns. “That may be so, but you’ve still been working. Endless phone calls. Don’t think I haven’t noticed. You could all do with a nice holiday in the sun.”