by Olga GOA
“Absolutely right, cara. Ciao!”
Milano hugged Veronica tightly, sucking in her lips with such force as if they were life-giving water saving him from the heat. He desired to drink them forever.
“Let me go, crazy Italian!” Veronica jumped back, keeping Milano at arm’s length. “I know very well what will follow your kisses.”
“Therefore, don’t make my blood boil,” Milano hemmed, closing the door behind him.
Veronica giggled, confessing to herself that she loved that lewd man. Wanting to get busy, she took her sketchbook out of her gym bag and put it on the kitchen table. She began to draw interesting models of clothes for everyone that crossed her clever mind.
I wonder if anyone will approve some of my works. Will they surprise someone? Her thoughts about her future job worried her. I wish someone would tell me whether I should try modeling the clothes or not. I want to continue that work. I don’t want to quit it.
***
Veronica wasn’t alone for too long. Close to noon, her aunt Henrietta called on her mobile, asking about Veronica’s health over the past two weeks.
They had a nice conversation about everything including university that Veronica must finish next year. Henrietta promised that she will inform the dean about Veronica’s delicate condition, asking him to give her niece maternity leave. Henrietta had to admit that she was very glad for Veronica and her baby. She apologized for reacting the way she did the last time they spoke on the phone. However, Veronica never held a grudge against her aunt. She had understood that the news of an unexpected pregnancy would shock anyone. So, everything was quickly forgotten.
Aunt Henrietta told Veronica that she would like to visit her for a short time. But unfortunately, Veronica’s aunt’s boss was strict. He warned her that if Henrietta goes on vacation right now, she definitely wouldn’t be getting back to her high paying job at the chocolate factory. And a position like hers certainly wouldn’t be empty for a lengthy period.
The fact that Henrietta won’t be able to follow up on Veronica’s condition saddened her. She was upset that she couldn’t be near her niece in the coming months and take care of her girl as she had done in the past. Veronica, in turn, soothed Henrietta stating that she has friends here. The friends whom she recently met in Rome will never let her down. The second cousin to Aunt Henrietta, Signora Carmela, will always be able to help Veronica. Henrietta was pleased that her cousin could care for Veronica in her place and inform her about the situation of things.
But Henrietta’s heart was still in pain; her girl was so far away from her. She had to pray to God that everything would go well and that Veronica’s Italian wouldn’t change his decision regarding their impending marriage. She wouldn’t wish for that man to leave Veronica in the lurch, totally alone in a foreign country. Henrietta was unwilling to let her only-begotten niece suffer all her life.
***
In the afternoon, Veronica had more fun as Lucenzo returned to the cottage. They talked a bit about their eventful day and didn’t forget to mention Milano. Lucenzo, of course, was disturbed by the worst behavior of his eldest brother. He thought about how to put pressure on him to make Milano’s attitude softer toward Veronica.
But Veronica convinced Lucenzo that for now, it’s necessary to continue to ‘play’ on Milano’s playground. Veronica had worked out her plan―to push Milano so that he can be re-educated, seeking for the way that leads to the light himself. It could lead him in the right direction.
But did Veronica and Lucenzo know how serious the psychological state of Milano was? They didn’t. The older couple of the Veneziani family never made Milano’s psychological state known to any of their relatives. Or perhaps, they didn’t take Milano’s bipolar affective disorder seriously.
Sketching the lines of the summer evening dress, Veronica heard the phone ring. She picked up the phone, wondering who it could be.
“Buongiorno. Are you Miss Ledyanova?” The woman on the other end asked Veronica, lightly clearing her throat into the phone.
“Buongiorno, Signora.” Veronica greeted her. “And how did you find out about me?” she cringed, not understanding how that woman knew where she lived. What’s going on?
“This number was given to me by my director, Milano Veneziani. I am his employee from the personnel department. Signor Veneziani asked me to inform you to come to his office at lunchtime. He wanted a home-cooked meal; he is fed up with the sandwiches.”
The woman’s voice was strained, as though she was trying to keep up her appearance.
“And at what time should I come?” Veronica questioned.
“The sooner, the better, Signorina. Signor Veneziani demanded that you don’t linger. Otherwise, he would make a deduction in my salary.”
“What?!” Veronica broke out, jumping from the bed. The behavior of her Demon has already passed all bounds. How can she cope with this? She has to come up with something more effective.
“I expect that you will come, miss.” With hope in her voice, the woman told Veronica, “I don’t want to be fired.”
“Of course, Signora. Don’t worry.” Veronica gently ensured the nice woman that worked at Milano’s company. “I will come as soon as possible.”
Slapping the phone on the base unit, Veronica muttered. “Is this some kind of a slave system? Well, I’ll teach Milano some manners during lunch!”
Planting the big sketches executed in pencil into a folder, Veronica put them on the dresser. Grinning mischievously at her reflection in the mirror, she thought of a way to punish her impertinent Demon.
Descending the stairs afterward, Veronica noticed Lucenzo who was calmly dining at the kitchen table. Veronica poured the food that was left in the pan, which he cooked for lunch, into a plastic container.
Looking at her, Lucenzo immediately got a hint as to what she was doing―Veronica wasn’t going for a walk around. She was going to his family’s office, because of the quirks of his self-centered brother.
“Veronica. Do not tell me this is for Milano.”
“Yes, it’s for him, Lu. You get a hundred points for hitting the target!” Veronica made an involuntary gesture with her hand like she threw a dart at the wall.
Lucenzo laughed at her sarcasm.
“Is he crazy? After all, Milano already has lunch!” Lucenzo was overwhelmed by his brother’s orders and his desire to manage Veronica as he wanted.
“Apparently, he ceased to want to eat sandwiches. And besides, he threatened to cut his employee’s salary if I don’t get there.” Veronica rolled her eyes. She knew that she would forgive any antics of her Demon since she loved him so much.
“Oh… A real narcissist!” Lucenzo was lit with his domestic discontent, not having realized such behavior of his brother.
“What am I to do with him?” Veronica shrugged; a strange light already played in her brown eyes. She had planned something in her mind; new workarounds in the war against her Demon.
“I would go to his office now and kill his desire to mock you, but... I see that you like to care for Milano.” Lucenzo smirked.
Veronica smiled, hugging the young man and rejoicing that she had such a friend. “Thank you for your concern, Lucenzo. And you’re right for sure. I am happy to care for Milano, although I will never give up. I will continue to play, but only in my own playground.”
“You scare me.” Lucenzo raised his hands in surrender as Veronica stepped back.
“Don’t be scared.” She laughed, assuring Milano’s brother that he shouldn’t be afraid of women’s ruses.
“Wait, Veronica. Pietro will convey you to Milano’s office.” Taking out a mobile phone from his jeans, Lucenzo called his family’s bodyguard. He asked Pietro to drive Veronica to his brother’s company immediately.
In a few minutes, the bodyguard was standing at the door waiting for orders from the owners of the cottage.
“I understand why Fra chose you. You’re an angel, Lu.” Veronica felt shy when Lucenzo embraced her
like a brother.
“Thank you, dear. But I’m no angel. Sometimes I can be a devil as well.” Lucenzo grinned at her, criticizing his own personality.
“You are not at all like your brother. Not at all…”
“I am, Nike, but Milano has a good heart as well,” Lucenzo assured Veronica, seeing her to the door. “Just give him a chance to prove it, and you’ll see.”
Giving Veronica the lunch package for his eldest brother, Lucenzo put her into the Chevrolet Camaro. The car slowly pulled away from the house as Veronica waved to Lucenzo, merging into the flow of the city cars.
Looking at the Chevrolet Camaro, Lucenzo was thinking about the relationship between Veronica and Milano. He was afraid that his brother would ruin their relationship and the girl would run away from him. Milano is so straightforward, but while dealing with Veronica, he has to be sensitive and patient. There are some things that a man shouldn’t tell a woman. Girls are vulnerable, and if men have the desire to continue the relationship, they should have respect for the woman’s opinion and not go ahead treating her with disdain.
***
Heading in the direction of his office, Veronica was really glad to see the building where her beloved Demon worked. On the way, she enjoyed studying the splendid architecture of Italy’s capital, which always struck her mind and heart. Residential and office houses swept past her one after another, and it was impossible for Veronica to fix her eyes on them. Everything was so beautiful and cheered up people’s moods.
Soon Veronica and Pietro arrived at a five-story building with his modern architecture. Veronica looked at it with admiration and was so dreamy about meeting with Milano. She didn’t even notice when the door opened, and Pietro called her.
“Signorina Ledyanova.”
Veronica perked up hearing her name.
“Just Veronica.” She corrected Pietro, slightly crinkling her nose. “It’s not necessary to show me such respect. I’m a simple person just like you.”
“But you’re the bride of Signor Veneziani. I can’t speak to you any differently.” Milano’s bodyguard notified her.
Scowling with displeasure in response to Pietro’s clarification, Veronica pshawed. She willingly gave her hand to him, and slowly, like a movie star, got out of the car.
“It doesn’t matter what you call me, Pietro. I just wish we were good friends.”
“But we are friends, Signorina.”
The bodyguard showed Veronica his perfect smile, and Veronica returned hers to him. She liked how Pietro communicated with her almost like her uncle.
“Signor Veneziani’s office is on the fifth floor, at the end of the corridor. Secretary Susan will take you there if you get lost, Signorina.” Pietro explained with a smile.
“Okay, Pietro. But I think I can find his office myself. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it, Signorina. Here you are.”
Taking the lunch from Pietro, Veronica said ‘arrivederci’ and quickly walked through the glass doors of the building.
Pietro wondered about Veronica’s temper but immediately understood why his boss was so chained to her. Veronica was different from other women. She had her own opinions and was ready to defend them, compared to the other mistresses of Milano Veneziani.
Going up the elevator, Veronica listened to the outstanding classical music. In the elevator, she was immersed in the song by the Russian famous composer Borodin, ‘Fly away on the wings of the wind.’
Enjoying the gorgeous melody, Veronica came to the fifth floor. Straight ahead she saw a lacquer table; Milano Veneziani’s secretary sat behind it. The long-haired, skinny blond was filing her red nails, at the same time she pressed the button on the printer. She was making copies of some necessary documents for her strict boss. The twenty-eight-year-old girl looked very stylish but at the same time too seductive. The gray pantsuit emphasized her ideal figure and a sheer white blouse, with three undone buttons, showed her sexuality. She was more like a top model than Milano Veneziani’s subordinate.
After examining the appearance of the secretary, Veronica realized that she shouldn’t have come here. Maybe Milano had an affair with her? She is beautiful. She said to herself. And Milano probably likes her. Damn that Demon!
Noticing Veronica, the blond, Susan, burned her contemptuously with her sly blue eyes. It seemed as if she wanted Veronica to vanish out of the office and no longer bother her. The secretary was extremely surprised by Veronica’s arrival at Milano Veneziani’s office. As she knew, her boss always decided his love affairs downstairs in a meeting hall. And this office was his personal space.
What happened to him while he was absent for almost two weeks? Susan thought.
“How may I introduce you?” She asked Veronica through her clenched teeth.
“Veronica Le...” Veronica didn’t finish her answer when the door creaked in the long corridor. In a second, her Demon came out of the office with all his loftiness. It was impossible to let him out of her sight; he was too attractive. He spoke with his business partners from China, responding to all their questions smoothly.
Soon the delegation of businessmen said their goodbyes to Milano Veneziani, respectfully bowing to him and smiling as he did the same. As the delegation passed by Veronica, several men from it nodded at her in greeting, and she responded to them with a nod.
As soon as they left, the door of Milano Veneziani’s cabinet closed, and Veronica was left to stand still, rooted to the spot. Her Demon returned to his office, without even looking at her.
What was it with him? Veronica was irritated by the indifference of her man. Do I mean nothing to this Demon? I would have liked to beat him if he didn’t have a meeting!
She was about to tell the secretary that she had urgent business and needed to take her leave but then, suddenly, Milano Veneziani’s deep voice sounded through the intercom.
“Susan. Please let Signorina Veronica Ledyanova come inside.”
“Yes, sir.” Sitting at the table, Susan drilled Veronica with her unpleasant sharp glance. If she had a saw instead of eyes, she would definitely split Veronica in half.
Veronica wasn’t such a stupid woman not to understand one thing―Susan had seen Veronica as her potential rival, and she didn’t want to give in. Like hell I will lose! She promised herself, looking at the beautiful blond with suspicion. I wouldn’t give you Milano without a fight. Or maybe, never!
The secretary cleared her voice loudly, gesturing Veronica to go to Milano’s office. She was boiling inside with hatred for her boss’s new mistress.
Susan almost growled under her breath as she thought. Milano and this vagabond? I can hardly take it in. What is she doing here? Is it true that Milano—the walking sex machine, has a crush on this unkempt person? It’s just awful!
Albeit, Susan didn’t look like a fashionable lady. She was just a simple assistant to the ‘god’ who sat at the end of the corridor and to whom it was impossible to contradict. And if someone contradicted him, this ‘god’ immediately punished them for their disobedience.
Suddenly the intercom beeped again, and the voice of the person speaking on it wasn’t calm.
“Susan, I told you! Where’s Veronica?!”
“Right away, Signor Veneziani. She’s already coming.” Susan began to stammer, hearing the vociferation of her boss.
“Ask her to hurry up!” Milano quickly gibbered.
“Sure, sir.”
Even here he commands the women. Monster! Pondering about the nature of her man, Veronica grinned. She realized that it would be a good lesson for Milano’s secretary, and Susan wouldn’t snoop around anymore. Susan needed this as Veronica thought.
Without waiting for Milano to rebel again, Veronica quickly reached the end of the corridor and froze in front of the three-meter doors. The doors showed themselves as incredibly ancient Gothic architecture; they represented Milano’s office as one of the original offices in Italy. Veronica had never seen such a style and she was happy to explore more th
ings in Milano’s company.
Upon entering the office, Veronica looked around.
The office was the size of a concert hall and this fact only slightly surprised her. Perhaps this was done to ensure that Milano felt safe here. To ensure him that his pain and the ghosts of his past didn’t disturb him with his explosive thoughts. In his office, Milano was the master.
Dark burgundy settee-beds of medium size were upholstered in dark green velvet. They were straddled right at the corners of Milano’s huge cabinet. The settee-beds caused their colors to sharply contrast with the chairs and white walls, which spoke about the modern taste of the owner of the office. The settee-beds were sitting near the window, which was closed by steel shutters. A two-leaved wooden cupboard was located at the right side of the leather chair, where Milano sat. A vitreous decanter, glasses, and a crystal jug were positioned inside the cupboard. The compartments for papers and other correspondence were underneath it. A multi-tiered rack for folders of financial statements was located at the left side of the table. The office floor was covered with Persian carpets, quiet colors and different lengths of wool.
In general, the place was absolute chic, and everything there was orderly.
While Veronica studied the details of the office for a long while, Milano Veneziani slowly leaned back in his big chair. He was binding his fingers behind his head watching the reaction of his Amazon with a smirk.
“Do you like it, my Queen?” he asked his Amazon in an excited voice. He was wondering in his mind, how to catch her in a trap of his passion. The trap which she wouldn’t be able to escape this time.
“Yes. But something is missing here...” Veronica murmured, continuing to examine the atmosphere of his office and marveling at his grandeur.
“Lunch,” Milano answered, still not taking his eyes from his goddess and slightly amused by her modesty. He was glad that Veronica didn’t read his thoughts and didn’t guess the vicious fantasies that tormented him.
Remembering why she had come here, Veronica reached out to Milano hastily. She was pulling out a pack of paper towels, setting a container of food on his table. Placing cutlery on each side of Milano, Veronica tucked a paper napkin over the collar of his cream shirt, carefully adjusting its edges.
