The Italian

by T L Swan

  His eyes rise to the rearview mirror.

  “I start cooking lessons with your grandmother on Sunday.”

  “Olivia, my grandmother will eat you alive. This woman makes grown men cry. Stay away from my grandmother.”

  “That’s okay. I can hack it.”

  He frowns and mouths the words hack it as he tries to process its meaning. “What is hack it?”

  “It means I can take it. I’m willing to put up with it until she comes around to liking me.”

  He rolls his eyes.

  I reach over and run my fingers through his hair, pushing it behind his ear. “I’ll do anything for you.”

  “We are moving back to Lake Como tonight. Your things are already there.”

  “What? Why?” I frown.

  “Because I said so.”

  “Well, I don’t want to.”

  “You will do as you are told. And when I tell you to stay home from work, you will fucking stay home from work.”

  I screw up my face. “What the hell? What’s wrong with you today?”

  He clenches his jaw as he glares out at the road.

  “Don’t give me your attitude, Enrico. I’m not putting up with your bossy bullshit.”

  “I have a lot on my plate at the moment and I don’t want to be dealing with your disobedience.”

  “Disobedience?” I snap. “I’m not a dog, you know?”

  He rolls his eyes as we take the turn off to Lake Como.

  “I said I want to stay in Milan at the apartment.” He is really beginning to piss me off now.

  He punches the steering wheel hard, causing me to jump. “And I said we are staying at Lake Como. I can’t keep you safe in the apartment in Milan. Do not push for a fight with me tonight, Olivia. I am not in the fucking mood.”

  I sit back in my seat, affronted.

  Safe.

  He thinks I’m not safe. Why would he think that?

  What happened in Sicily? I’ve been so preoccupied with all of my news that I didn’t even bother asking what the emergency was last night. His eyes flick to the rearview mirror again. That’s like the tenth time he has done that. I turn in my seat and look through the back window. There are two cars behind us and one in front. It’s more security than ever.

  Something’s going on.

  I watch him as he drives. He’s deep in thought—miles away. Anger is radiating out of his every pore.

  Jeez.

  I exhale heavily. He doesn’t need me adding to his stress levels and to be fighting about crap. I snuggle back into my seat and close my eyes. I’m going to ignore him. We can’t fight if I’m not awake. I let happy thoughts fill my mind. I dream of our baby… and I wonder if it’s a boy or a girl.

  Francesca

  Antonio opens the door, his smile broad. “You’re really trying this term, Francesca. No doubt your marks will represent all your hard work this year. Your father would be so proud of you.”

  I smile at my trusty bodyguard. If only he knew.

  Every day for the last fortnight, I have come to the library for one reason only.

  Giuliano Linden.

  He’s like a drug I can’t quit, and we meet here in secret. I’m not allowed to date, and even if I were, I wouldn’t be allowed to date him. He’s nineteen. My mother would see him as too old for me. He’s not too old for me. He’s just right—perfect in every way.

  I walk into the library with Antonio behind me. I’m holding my breath as I take a seat at the communal table next to a group of girls.

  “Hi.” I smile as I pretend to know them.

  “Hi,” they all reply politely.

  I open my book as Antonio does his usual walk around of the library, checking to see that everything and everyone is in order. Once satisfied, he gives me a nod and goes to wait outside near the front doors. I breath out a sigh of relief.

  Every afternoon, I live in fear that he’s going to spot Giuliano in the corner, pretending to study. I can’t imagine what would happen if he did.

  Giuliano wears a cap to shield his face. From a distance he looks a lot younger than he is. Antonio hasn’t noticed him yet. Giuliano blends in with the young crowd. I’m hoping Antonio never will discover what’s going on.

  My mother would hit the roof if she knew I’d been lying to her.

  Right on cue, Giuliano lifts his head, and our eyes meet across the library. He gives me a broad smile. My heart somersaults in my chest and I feel myself light up. I never knew that a smile could make me feel ten feet tall.

  But his does.

  When I’m with him, I feel invincible.

  I make my way over to where he sits. “Hello.”

  His eyes search mine as I take a seat beside him. “Hi.”

  We stare at each other for a moment. There’s this swirling chemistry in the air between us, and it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. A palpable energy.

  I know he feels the same as me because he tells me often.

  We meet every afternoon and talk for two hours. Then we go home and talk to each other all night long on Snapchat. We never run out of things to say. We discuss our hopes and our dreams and everything in between.

  He’s sweet and funny—so different to anyone I’ve ever met. He makes me feel like I’m the only girl in the world, and to him… I am.

  From our first kiss, we have been inseparable. Our chance meeting at my brother’s house was meant to be. We were meant to be.

  It’s serendipity in its finest form.

  I just wish we could be alone, but for now, stolen time in the library is all we have.

  He takes my hand under the table. “You look beautiful,” he whispers.

  I tuck a piece of my hair behind my ear, and I feel myself blush under his gaze. “You say that every day.”

  His eyes twinkle as he watches me. “That’s because it’s true.”

  I squeeze his hand and he squeezes it back. It’s like we have a secret language only the two of us can understand. “How was your day?” I whisper.

  He looks out over all the people in the library. “It’s better now.”

  I smile softly.

  His eyes drop to my lips. “I just want to kiss you.”

  I squeeze his hand again. Me too.

  My heart beats faster in my chest.

  Giuliano Linden is everything and more.

  Olivia

  “Olivia, we are home.”

  Enrico’s deep voice wakes me from my slumber. I’m tired. I must have gotten all of two hours sleep last night. He leans into the car and helps me out. The first person I see is Sergio. His hungry eyes drop down my body, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

  Enrico stops still and glares at him.

  My heart stops. Fuck, he saw it.

  “What was that look?” He frowns.

  Sergio swallows the lump in his throat.

  Enrico walks up to him and leans in only an inch from his face. “I asked you… what was that fucking look?”

  Shit.

  Sergio shakes his head. “I-I didn’t… I wasn’t… I mean.”

  Enrico reaches up and grabs him around the throat, and he squeezes hard. The men and I all take a collective gasp as our eyes widen.

  “If I see you look at Olivia like that again,” he sneers in a whisper. “I’m going to hang you by your feet.” He tightens his grip around his neck. “I’m going to cut your fucking throat and watch you bleed out. Do you understand?”

  29

  Olivia

  “Enrico.” I gasp. “Calm down.”

  He doesn’t calm. He keeps his grip around Sergio’s neck and tightens it even more.

  “Let’s go inside,” I urge.

  Enrico glares at Sergio. I’m not sure if he’s about to completely lose it and actually strangle him for real.

  “Enrico,” I repeat. “Let’s go… now.” I rub his back as a silent reminder that I’m here. He pushes Sergio back, releasing him from his vise-like grip. “Get out of my sight.
Go downtown and look after the club. You’re not to come to my home or be near Olivia again.”

  Sergio drops his head, his face filled with shame.

  “Do you understand me?” Enrico barks.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Enrico glares at him, and I know he isn’t finished with this conversation, but right now, I need to diffuse this situation. I grab his hand and pull him away.

  “Come on.”

  Enrico walks inside, and I close the door behind us. His jaw is clenched and he’s raging mad. I look around at the Lake Como house. It’s familiar, grand, and beautiful. It feels like a long time since we’ve been here.

  He takes his suit jacket off, and then jerks his tie hard as he removes it. He throws them both to the side. I watch him knowing this isn’t about Sergio. There is something else going on, I can feel it.

  “Don’t worry about Sergio. Don’t let him get to you,” I say softly.

  He storms past me to the bar, and with a shaky hand, he pours himself a drink. He tips his head back and drains his glass only to refill it straight away.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask.

  He drags his hand down his face.

  “Baby, talk to me,” I urge him.

  He takes me into his arms and holds me tight—so tight, I may snap. He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t have to. He needs my comfort. I can feel that need pouring out of him.

  “Just work things. It’s nothing for you to worry about,” he eventually murmurs.

  I slowly slide my hand down over his broad chest as I kiss him slowly. His eyes close at the contact. “You’re home now, Rici,” I whisper against his lips. “It’s okay, baby. Forget work.” I slide my hand down lower and cup his penis through his pants. I feel it slowly begin to grow. “Let’s get you relaxed, shall we?”

  His face softens as he returns my kiss.

  I undo his suit pants and slide my hand down to cup his balls. They’re heavy, hard, and engorged. “Look how full you are,” I whisper up at him as I give him a long stroke. “No wonder you’re stressed.”

  His lips take mine and I can feel his stress begin to evaporate.

  I stroke him slowly as we kiss. His breath is quivering, and I know he’s already close to the edge.

  His hands move to my shoulders and he pushes me down to my knees. I smile as he slides his pants down a little. His large cock hangs heavily between his legs.

  Begging… no, demanding my attention.

  With my eyes locked on his, I slowly lick the pre-ejaculate that drips from his end. Hmm. Tastes good.

  He hisses in appreciation. “Yes, Olivia.” His hand moves to the back of my head to hold me in place as his instincts take over. He wants in my mouth.

  He wants it all in my mouth.

  He grabs his dick at the base and brushes his end over my parted lips. He’s taunting himself, watching his cock with dark eyes as it brushes over me.

  I smile up at him. He motions to push himself into my mouth and I tighten my lips. “Not yet,” I whisper.

  I begin to fist him hard and fast, and he inhales sharply as he watches on. He pushes on the back of my head. He wants in.

  I lick up his thick shaft, and his eyes roll back in his head. This is the best part about giving head: the anticipation.

  Putting him through hell until I decide when he can have it.

  “What do you want, baby?” I whisper.

  “Suck me.”

  I run my lips over his end, and he grabs the back of my head. I push back and resist.

  “Ol-iv-i-a,” he purrs.

  I take just his tip in my mouth, and I flick my tongue back and forth. His head tips back and he moans.

  I smile around him. God, I love this. I love bringing him undone.

  Never have I felt more powerful than when I am on my knees in front of Enrico Ferrara. The world stops. There is nothing else but his cock and my mouth.

  I own him when I’m here and he knows it.

  I take him deep into my mouth and I feel his legs nearly buckle beneath him. He instinctively pushes on the back of my head and I gag around him as his cock closes over my throat. I give him a subtle shake of my head.

  “Too deep,” I moan.

  His hands tighten in my hair as he struggles to regain control over himself. His chest rises and falls as he gasps for breath.

  I continue to suck and lick to the sounds of his soft moans. He loves this.

  This is his thing. Just five minutes ago he was ready to kill someone. I smile at the thought.

  My mouth is Enrico Ferrara’s form of Xanax.

  I suck harder and harder as I begin to fist him. He clenches and hisses, and then drags me to my feet before he throws me on the sofa. He flips me over so that I am on my knees, and he drags me to the edge of the seat. He lifts my skirt, pulls my panties to the side, and in one motion, he slides in deep.

  I moan out in appreciation.

  With his hands griped firmly on my hips, he pulls out slowly to let me get used to him. No matter how aroused he is, he never forgets his size and the real possibility that he could hurt me.

  His hand roams over my back, and he grabs a handful of my hair to pull me back onto him. My neck stretches back toward his vice-like grip.

  My eyes roll. God, I love it when he dominates me like this. He pulls out slowly and pushes in again.

  And then he slams home hard.

  The air is pushed from my lunges, and I cry out. His hand drifts to my shoulders as he pushes them down. He wants my ass in the air.

  Total domination.

  With my face pushed down into the sofa, he begins to ride me hard.

  Our skin slapping together echoes around the room, and my eyes dart to the front door. Good God. At least ten men stand just on the other side of it.

  Can they hear us?

  He begins to pant, and I close my eyes and clench in a rhythm around him.

  A move that I know drives him to the point of no return.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!” he growls. “Come.” He pumps me hard. “I can’t stop. You need to come.”

  I smile against the cushion. He can’t stand the thought of coming first. It’s his worst nightmare.

  God, I love this man.

  “Olivia!” he cries as he completely loses control. “Now. Fucking now.”

  I clench and spiral hard as his deep guttural moan fills the room. He pumps me full of his semen. I can feel the heat as it leaves his body and enters mine. He moves me slowly to completely empty himself, and then he lifts me and falls onto the sofa in a seated position. He pulls me over him to straddle his lap. He slides his cock deep back into my body and kisses me softly.

  This is the time that I love.

  No matter how hard we fuck, no matter how animalistic we get with each other,

  after we’re finished, he always puts himself back into me in a missionary position so he can kiss me.

  Just him, me, and the love that we share. A perfect moment of clarity between us.

  A tenderness that we only get from each other.

  “I love you,” he whispers against my lips. My heart constricts.

  Now… it’s time.

  I pull back from our embrace. “Rici,” I whisper. “Ti amo.”

  He smiles softly.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  His face falls.

  “I don’t know how it happened, or if the timing is right.”

  His eyes search mine.

  “Is this okay?” I whisper, suddenly nervous.

  He grabs me, pulls me to him, and he buries my head into his neck. “Of course, it’s okay, my love.” He pulls me back so he can see my face. “Are you sure?”

  “I did a pregnancy test and it came back positive.”

  His face breaks into a breathtaking smile. His eyes are filled with tears. “I love you so much, Olivia.” He kisses me. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. A child… your child,” he whispers in awe.

  “Our child.” I smile softly.

  His fa
ce falls, as if he’s suddenly remembering something. “Oh dear God.”

  “What?”

  “I was so rough just now.” His hand goes to my stomach. “Are you all right? Did I hurt you?”

  I smile to myself. Never would I have imagined he would be worried about having rough sex.

  “You were perfect. We are perfect.”

  His hand spreads over my stomach and we both stare down at it.

  A baby. Our baby.

  So, so precious.

  Jennifer

  I put the earpiece into my ear and stare at the computer screen in front of me. “Are we on?” I ask.

  The screen rolls and then flips open. I can see the six people on the other end of the conference call. The Carabinieri—the ones who assigned me to this mission—is made up of five men and one woman. They are the team who are determined to bring the Ferrara reign over Italy to an end.

  “Hello, Jessica,” Alexander says.

  It’s nice to be addressed by my real name for a change. I’ve never worked undercover before. It’s felt weird being called Jennifer all the time.

  “Hello.” I smile. We have these phone conferences every two to three days. Today I’m excited. I have new information.

  “How’s everything going?” Smithson asks.

  “Great. I’ve made some progress since we last spoke.”

  “How so?”

  “Enrico and Olivia just became engaged. I pretended that I’m an event planner, which led to Olivia asking me to help her with the engagement party.”

  “That’s fantastic.” Alexander smiles. “Great work. We need to plant bugs throughout the house as soon as possible. Did you manage to plant one in Olivia’s handbag yet?”

  “No, unfortunately I haven’t been left alone with it long enough. Her friend Natalie was at the table when we had a coffee. It’s ready and waiting, though, so as soon as I get her alone, I’ll activate it. I’ve started wearing a body wire in case she slips up in general conversation. She knows everything. She’s no dummy.”

  “Good, more than ever we need intel. We are so close to bringing him down—closer than ever before.”

  “Has something new happened?”

  “Yes.” They flick up the screen in front of them and a series of images. “Have you seen this man before?”