Everything runs smoothly and I manage to keep my happy face firmly in place throughout the day. Lily asked a few times if I was okay, but I just played it off as a little jet lag; nothing to be concerned about. I managed to slip away at one point when Xander was being a naughty boy, chasing Lily around this gorgeous town. It worked in my favor though and I quickly found the nearest pharmacy, bought a pregnancy test, and shoved it to the bottom of my oversized bag.
I only have a half hour before the evening’s events kick off. I rush to my room to find that Carter is already gone, and he left a sweet little note for me:
Tesoro,
You know I love you more than words.
I’ll be waiting for you downstairs with love in my heart,
a smile on my face, and a hard-on in my pants.
Sorry about this morning.
Carter xxx
I have no idea why he’s apologizing, but I love him for it. He can make me smile with the smallest gestures. I really don’t deserve him.
I quickly rummage in my bag for the test, ripping it open to pull out the instructions… DAMN IT! My hands are shaking so violently that I can’t even keep hold of the box. I drop it on the bathroom floor, the test stick falling out of the packet and onto the cold, hard tiles. I’m immediately transported back in time to when I last had to take a pregnancy test.
I break out in a cold sweat, unable to face the seemingly inconsequential task of peeing on a stick; the outcome of which could change my life forever.
I gather up the contents of the box and shove everything back into my handbag. I can’t deal with this right now, so I resolve to take the test first thing in the morning and concentrate on getting ready for a night of smiling and pretending that everything’s fine.
The rehearsal dinner is a complete success. Xander and Lily are the picture of a happy couple, and it warms my heart to see Lily so in love. It was a difficult road for her to find Xander, but she’s a tough cookie, and I love her more than I could ever express.
When I find Carter he’s his usual cocky self. “Hi. Are you my Addi? She loves me so much it’s embarrassing at times. She practically worships the ground I walk on. She’s fucking adorable, but she has this crazy evil twin that appears sometimes and she acts like she wants to rip my head off and spit down my neck. Which one are you? You’re both smoking hot, so it’s hard to tell the difference.”
I throw myself into his strong, safe arms. They feel like home, and I know this is where I want to be.
“There’s my girl. I missed you today, Tesoro.” He cups my face, planting a gentle, reverent kiss on my lips. He tastes amazing – Carter and Scotch. “You ready to say hello to my parents now? They have been dying to meet you since we arrived. I can only hold my mother back for so long, baby.”
I feel ok about meeting them. This is a major step forward for me, and considering my current predicament, I can only assume it’s a good thing. Carter has shown me time and time again how much he loves me, and would do anything for me. He didn’t judge when I told him about what happened with Gavin; his opinion of me didn’t change; he kept on loving me. When I take the test tomorrow, I’m just going to tell him. I think we can handle it. It’s not the way I would have planned it, but I love him, and want to spend the rest of my life with him.
“Okay, let’s go meet your parents.”
“I’ve already met them, baby. I’ve known them my whole life.” He thinks he’s so funny, and I know he’s trying to ease my nerves.
“Ha-freaking-ha. You know what I mean.”
He leads me over to where I see Vittoria talking with an older gentleman that bears a striking resemblance to Carter. Wow. If this is how he’s going to age, I am definitely sticking around. Next to him is a stunning, petite woman, with black hair, tanned skin, flawless complexion, and an air of sophistication that you just can’t fake. I love her instantly.
“Ciao, Mamma. I’d like you to meet my girlfriend, Addison Warner.” He kisses her on either cheek before presenting me to her. She looks me up and down before pulling me into a heartfelt hug.
“Ciao, Bella. You are very beautiful, Addi. I have heard so much about you from Carter and Vittoria. It is a pleasure to finally meet the woman that has captured my son’s heart.” I blush at her words.
“The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. de Rossi.” She’s shaking her head at me.
“Mrs. de Rossi is my mother-in-law. Please, call me Ria.”
Carter is already turning me in the direction of his father. “Ciao, Babbo. This is Addi.”
He holds me firmly by the shoulders, kissing each cheek before he speaks. “It is wonderful to meet you, Addi. We were beginning to think you were a figment of Carter’s imagination, but I don’t think even he could have dreamt of someone as beautiful as you.”
“Why thank you, sir. I do believe I know where Carter gets his charm.”
He turns to Carter with a wide grin. “This one’s a keeper, son. Don’t let her get away.”
“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on it.” He pulls me to his side, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
I chat with Ria and Vittoria for a while, catching up on what Tori has been doing on tour. I’ve missed seeing her, but we keep in touch and have become really good friends.
Ria watches as we laugh, joke and swap funny stories. “It is lovely to see how easily you have become a part of both my children’s lives. When you have kids of your own you’ll understand just how much it warms a mother’s heart.”
Carter butts in on our conversation. “Calm it down, Mamma. There will be NO children in the near future, if at all. Let us be. We’re happy just the two of us.”
My heart sinks… drowns… as the words fall from his lips. The lips I love, the ones I thought would welcome a child who is a part of me and of him into the world. I never even considered the fact that he might not want kids. The room starts to spin, my legs giving way beneath me. Carter catches me before I fall. “Addi... are you ok? What’s wrong?”
I steel myself to answer him, unable to tell him the real reason for my collapse. “Just feeling a little lightheaded. It’s really hot in here, and I think I may have had a glass of wine too many.” He helps me over to one of the tables, kneeling in front of me as I attempt to stop the spinning in my head. “Could you get me a glass of water, please? And don’t let Lily see me. She’ll worry over nothing.”
He does as I ask, returning quickly - a concerned look on his face. “You haven’t been right since we got here. Maybe we should get you to a doctor.”
“NO! I’m fine… honestly.” I’m silently begging him with my stare.. “I’m still a little run down after the travel sickness, that’s all. I’ll get a good sleep and be fine tomorrow. Stop worrying.”
He bends down, kisses my head and looks deep into my eyes. “I will ALWAYS worry about you, Tesoro. I love you. You’re all that matters to me.”
I close my eyes, savoring his words; the knowledge that my time with him may be limited. He doesn’t want kids, and if this test comes back positive, I know I can’t get rid of the baby - our baby. I can only pray that I’m wrong; that the test will be negative, and that I won’t lose the only man I have ever truly loved.
CARTER
I can’t believe Xander is getting married today. We’ve been best friends all our lives, literally, since birth. He’s not just my friend, he’s my brother. Life couldn’t be better. He’s marrying the girl of his dreams, who happens to be best friends with the girl of my dreams. Although, if my girl doesn’t get her ass out of the bathroom sometime soon, this day isn’t going to happen at all. I’ve already had Xander texting me asking where I am, and Lily has been texting Addi’s phone, which is sitting next to the bed while she hogs the bathroom. It’s not like her to lock the door, but I figure she’s a little stressed with the whole maid of honor gig.
“Addi, are you ever coming out of there or do I need to tell the bride and groom that we’re changing the location of the wedding to the executive suit
e bathroom?”
“Fuck off, Carter. I’ll be out when I’m goddamn ready.”
“Open the fucking door, Addi. NOW.” I wait, ready to kick the fucking thing in if I have to, but I hear the click as she unlocks the door and brushes past me. “What the fuck is going on? Wait… have you been crying?”
“Leave me alone, Captain Obvious.”
“What the fuck have I done now?”
“Nothing. My best friend is getting married today. I’m allowed to be a little emotional for crying out loud.”
“Yeah, I understand that. But you haven’t been yourself since we got here, and you’re starting to piss me off.” I just poked the bear.
“PISS YOU OFF?! Well why don’t you save us both the trouble of wasting our time and just leave me already? We’ll call it quits and be done with it.”
“Have I just walked into the fucking twilight zone? Where the FUCK did that come from? I’m not going anywhere. This… what we have… is not a waste of time. I’m NOT quitting on you… because I LOVE YOU! Get with the programme, will you?”
She breaks down, crumpling to the floor like I’ve never seen her before. So fragile, and I don’t even know why. All I can do is offer her some comfort. “I’m not going anywhere, Tesoro. It’s just you and me. Okay? No one and nothing will come between us. It took me this long to find you, I’m not about to let anything get in the way of us being together. Will you please believe me when I tell you that you are it for me? ALL I WANT… IS YOU.”
She sobs against my chest as I rock her body back and forth in my lap, trying to sooth whatever it is that has her spooked. The rocking turns into kissing, the kissing turns into caressing, and before I know it, Addi is the one begging me to make love to her. I don’t hesitate. I can see the need in her eyes, and want to reassure her that I’m here, and I will give her anything she needs; I would do anything for her. Lifting her off the floor, I take her to the bed, and make love to her; my eyes never leaving hers; the connection between us, a physical presence in the room. It’s the first time that we’ve come together in quiet moans of appreciation; the intensity of our joint release held tight between us, inside us, around us.
When Addi and I finally went our separate ways to get the bride and groom ready to tie the knot, I had a knot of my own, deep down in my gut; a feeling of dread that I just can’t shake.
Xander called me on my mood while he was standing at the altar, waiting on Lily. I felt like a total bastard, having him being concerned about me on his wedding day. But, it all paled into insignificance when I saw Addi walking down the aisle, a beaming grin on her face, her eyes fixed on me, looking so breathtaking I just wanted to run to her, touch her, to check that she was real.
The ceremony went off without a hitch and everyone is having a great time at the reception. Addi and Vittoria have spent a lot of time together, Xander and Lily have been completely wrapped up in each other, and I’ve been shooting the shit with Logan. He seems distracted, but I’ve given up trying to understand him lately. Besides, I’m pretty distracted myself as I watch Addi across the room. Her carefree laugh, her mischievous grin and her smokin’ hot body teasing me with every move.
When it comes time for the bride and groom to make their exit, I find Addi in the crowd, her eyes moist with unshed tears. “You ok, baby?”
“Yeah, I’m just so pleased for Lily. She deserves to be happy more than anyone.” I hold her tight to my chest, feeling her sweet little body melt against mine.
“You deserve to be happy, Tesoro, more than anyone I’ve ever met. Let me make you happy. Travel around Italy with me.” As she lifts her eyes in surprise, Xander and Lily pounce on us.
“You didn’t think we would leave without saying goodbye, did you?” Lily envelopes Addi is a tight hug as they both let the tears flow.
“We’ll see you in a few weeks. Thanks for everything, brother.” Xander pulls me in for a man hug/slap on the back.
“I’m really happy for you, Xander. Have a great honeymoon. We’ll catch up with you guys when you get back.”
He turns his attention to Addi, giving her a hug. “Look after my boy here. He loves the shit out of you.” She gives him a small smile and a nod, before tucking herself under my arm.
Two minutes later and they’re gone, but the party is still in full swing.
“Dance with me?” I hold out my hand, happy to feel Addi’s warm, elegant fingers slide into my palm. I lead her onto the floor and begin to sway, holding her hand against my chest, nestled between us, my other hand skimming her lower back. As she rests her head on my shoulder, I feel myself relax for the first time today. “Will you let me show you Italy, Tesoro? New York will still be there in a couple of weeks. I already checked to see if you could take the time off - I hope you don’t mind. I thought we could use some time together, just the two of us; no work, no pressures, just us. What do you think?”
She slinks her arms up and around my neck, pulling me down into a tender kiss; her intoxicating scent invading my senses. “Sounds perfect. Thank you.” Her voice is small, and she sounds choked with emotion as her words tumble forth. “I love you so much, Carter, you know that, don’t you?”
I stop moving, my hands coming to rest on each side of her stunning face; my eyes fixed on hers. “I know, Addison. I know you love me. We can work through anything as long as we’re together. Just you and me now. Tu sei tutto quello che vedo il mio, Tesoro.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means – You are all that I see.” Her lips find mine in an urgent kiss. A fervent plea for… what... I’m not sure. But I will find out, and I will make it better for her.
“Make love to me all night. Show me you love me, Carter.” Without another word, I lead her from the dance floor, the beginnings of Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are, playing in the distance.
We walk through the cobbled streets of Verona, hand in hand, the tension rising as the streets close in on us, shielding us from the outside world, from reality; trapped in a Shakespearian tragedy of love and loss. A feeling of desperation wells up inside me, the dread from earlier rearing its ugly head. I won’t be able to breathe if I don’t touch her, taste and feel her… now. As if reading my mind, she stops mid-stride turning to face me.
“Touch me, Carter. Here… Now… Fuck me the way I need you to.” Her eyes beg me, and I can’t refuse.
I pull her down a quiet cobbled alley, only realizing at the last minute that we’re at Juliet’s balcony. It’s deserted at this time of night, and completely secluded. A perfect place for a lovers’ tryst. “Take off your panties and lift your dress for me, baby. Let me see how wet your sweet little pussy is.”
She does as I ask without question. “I’m so wet for you, Carter.” Spreading her legs wide, she props one foot up on the statue of Juliet, opening herself up to my roving eye. I make short work of the distance between us, dropping to my knees, grabbing her ass and pulling her pussy into my mouth.
“You taste so fucking sweet, Addi. I could eat you all night… and I intend to, but for now a quick taste will have to suffice until I can get you back to our bed.”
I flatten my tongue against her folds, licking from her entrance, dripping with arousal, up the length of her until I reach her clit; swollen and ready to be teased into a quick, frenzied orgasm. I slowly circle the bundle of nerve endings that bring her an intense kind of ecstasy, before sucking it gently into my mouth. Her skin is so fucking soft and tender, I just want to kiss these lips the same way I kiss her mouth – for hours; enjoying the tantalizing taste of her. Her mouth tastes like cherries; but these lips are like a sweet liquor – addictive and able to make a grown man drunk. I move my tongue, spelling out her name as I flick, suck, and nibble on her clit. Her soft moans spur me on, her breaths growing frantic as she begins to lose control.
“Vieni per me, il mio amore… come for me, my love.” I hold her tight against my face, letting her ride out the aftershocks of her orgasm; her body trembling beneath my hands.
I press her against the wall, a shrine to lovers past and present who have scrawled their names as an offering to Juliet, seeking her blessing on their love for one another. I quickly unzip my pants, pushing them down just far enough to let my cock spring free; throbbing and ready to sink into her warm depths. I stroke myself from root to tip, enjoying as she watches in anticipation. “Is this what you need, Addi? Tell me you need me.”
“I need you, Carter. I want you to fill me, possess me, claim me.”
I lift her, positioning myself at her slick entrance. “Hold onto me, baby.”
I pound into her with a punishing rhythm, pressing my hands against the harsh stone, shielding her silky, smooth skin as I hammer in and out of her with every delicious thrust of my cock. She’s screaming my name in seconds, her teeth sinking into my shoulder to stifle the noise reverberating around this enclosed alley. I enjoy the painful bite as I chase my own release, thrashing into her over and over until I feel myself spilling inside her. My breathing is labored and sweat trickles down my back as I press my forehead to hers, drinking in her scent as I allow my racing heart to calm.
“Let me take you back to the hotel and make love to you properly. I want to taste you all night long, feeling your juices dripping from my chin as I take my fill.”
I fix her dress, before making myself presentable enough to walk the remainder of the way back to our hotel without being arrested. I don’t really want to call my dad to bail me out with the polizia for having my cock out! My mom would have me saying Hail Mary’s for years.
In this moment, I feel like everything has fallen into place. I’m in the country I love most in the world, the birthplace of my father; I have the girl that makes me want to be a better man tucked under my arm, her hand resting around my waist, and a future ahead of us, full of possibilities. As long as we’re together, I don’t give a fuck what happens. If I lost all of my clubs tomorrow and all my worldly possessions, everything would be fine - as long as we’re together.
Relentless - Manhattan Knights Series Book Two Page 14
