by Ella Jade
“Mom,” I heard Nadia say through the cracked door. “You have a lot of explaining to do when I get back.” She paused for a moment and I wondered why it was her mother that had the explaining to do. Shouldn’t it have been Nadia making it clear why she had disappeared for a few days? Would she tell her mother what she had witnessed? Maybe I should make sure she understood how important it was for as little people to know what she saw that night.
“I’ll need the truth this time.” Another break in conversation. “I know more than you think.”
I moved away from the door, feeling uneasy about listening to her. It seemed ominous almost as if I should have been paying attention. I shook it off. My last conversation with Dominick had me on edge but I wouldn’t allow his reservations about Nadia to cloud my own perception. I’d always had good instincts when it came to people.
Nadia was no exception.
Chapter Thirteen
NADIA
I More Than Approve
After dinner, we strolled around the lake, listening to the sound of crickets chirping in the grass. The air was still and the moon full on a gorgeous summer night. As much as I was glad to put this situation behind me, a part of me was sad to leave such a tranquil place. Maybe it wasn’t the setting at all. I glanced down at my hand in Vincenzo’s hold. I’d gotten accustomed to him so quickly. I’d never had this kind of chemistry with anyone. Could we survive in the outside world once we really got to know one another? I had to believe there was more to us than what we’d shared in isolation. Once we got back into the real world, I wanted to see how far we could take this. Now that things had settled down, we took the evening to get to know one another a little better.
“NYU,” he said. “That’s impressive.”
“Not as impressive as Harvard.”
“NYU has a wonderful reputation.”
“I know it does and I loved going there. It was the best time of my life.”
“College is such a freeing time. As much as I love my family, I needed to go away. Of course, Tommy had to come with me and my father and Dominick visited often.”
“They did?”
“My junior year was a tumultuous time in the, um, family business and there were a few people who had threatened to do some not so nice things to my dad’s kids.”
“That’s horrible.”
“They were just threats and that particular problem has been eliminated, or so I’m told.” I saw the conflict in his expression. It must have been hard for him to stand by his father when he wanted no part of the business. “Things have been quiet for several years.”
“Until you met me.”
“Well, you did make this week interesting.”
“I wish I’d never been in that warehouse but I’m glad I met you.” What a whirlwind week. If I hadn’t gone looking for Antonio, I never would have met Vincenzo. Life was funny sometimes. When I gazed into his eyes, I realized I’d mentioned the warehouse. Would he ask me what I was doing there again? “Thanks for lending me your phone today.” Maybe if I changed the subject...
“How did your call with your mom go?”
He respected my space and didn’t ask me what I dreaded he would.
“It was okay.” I wanted answers and she wasn’t willing to give them. She told me the same thing she always told me. You’ve gone your whole life without knowing your father. We’re fine without him. Don’t go looking for trouble.
I went looking all right. I found more than I bargained for.
“I’m going to visit her in the next week or so. After I get caught up at work.” If my mother could be honest with me and confirm what I thought to be true, I could tell Vincenzo. There was no reason to burden him with my speculation. He’d already done enough for me. I didn’t want to cause trouble for him when it came to his family. If he was dating Antonio’s daughter, I was sure that wouldn’t go over well.
“I’d like to come and see your company,” he said. “Maybe it’s time for an update on my website. The winery could probably use a refresher too.”
“I’m flattered.”
“We’ll discuss it when we get back.”
“I’d like that.”
We continued toward the house. When we got to the porch, we turned and looked out at the lake. The moon reflected off the water as a gentle breeze danced over us. It had been warm most of the night but now it was pleasant, calming even. I hadn’t realized how much I enjoyed nature until I spent time here.
“Is Tommy married?” It was an odd question but I wanted to make small talk. I desired to know more about Vincenzo’s life.
“He has a girlfriend but he takes his job very seriously.”
“Does he live with you?”
“He has his own place but not far from me. I don’t usually require him all day, every day. He’s my driver to most people but he’s there for my protection when the circumstances warrant it.”
“Like when you met me?”
“That’s what he’s here for.”
“Has he ever had to, um...”
“Risk his life for me?” He shook his head. “My father’s business has been quiet these past few years but Tommy has been my wingman a couple of times over the years.”
“Does he approve of me?”
“The verdict is still out.” He smirked. “But I more than approve.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“For the record, Tommy does approve.”
Gazing at the stars, I allowed the moment to sink in. “It’s such a beautiful night.” I rested my hands on the railing. “A perfect ending.”
“Not as beautiful as you.” He moved his fingers down my spine, kissing the back of my neck. “Nothing is ending.”
I glanced over my shoulder, tossing him a flirty grin. “Is it time to do those other things?”
As he pressed his erection into my backside, he slipped his hand up my thigh and under my dress. “Yes.” Gliding his fingers into my panties, he pushed them inside me.
Ah...” I gripped the railing when he increased his tempo.
“Do you want to go upstairs?” He wedged his knee between my legs and spread them open, sliding his fingers deeper.
“In a few minutes.” I thrust my pelvis into his hand. “I’d much rather stay here.”
“I had a feeling.” As he kissed my neck, he lifted my dress, exposing me to the breezy, summer air. “The guys won’t bother us out here.” He tugged my panties down my legs. “We’re all alone.”
“What are we waiting for?” I stepped out of my thong once it hit the floor. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“You’ve never had a week like this before and you’ve never met a man like me, I can almost guarantee that. I’m a risk-taker.”
“I’ve noticed.” A nervous energy coursed through me when he fumbled with his belt and lowered the zipper on his pants. When he stepped closer to me, I sensed him sheathing himself in the condom. “You thought of everything.”
“Nothing wrong with being prepared.” He bent me over the railing, smoothing his hand along my rear. “I’m not sure how I made it through dinner.”
I tensed when he ran his tip along my backside.
“Relax.” His deep laugh aroused me. “This is what I crave.” With one quick shift of his hips he was inside my hot, wet center.
The scenic view of the lake, the inviting night air, and the forbidden layer of being with him outside heightened my senses. What started out as the worst week ever, ended in a vivid array of colors. The darkness was replaced with a rainbow of bright hope. I saw something with Vincenzo. A future, an escape from my mundane... a life.
“Do you have any idea how incredible you feel?” Taking my hair in his firm grasp, his fingers were frantic as he pumped into me. His long, steady thrusts morphed into a quick, deliberate force. With each pass inside me, he tugged on my hair, taking me higher until I teetered on the edge of a frantic mixture of bliss and torment.
“Vincenzo... please.” My
voice too weak to scream, my plea ended in a desperate moan. Clenching tight around his shaft, my legs quivered.
“I’ll get you there.” He trailed his hand down my neck, his other still twisted in my hair, lightly gripping my throat. “Let go.” He applied enough pressure that I could still breathe but aware that I was at his mercy. Completely under his spell, his total control. That was exactly where I wanted to be. I needed his control.
Scraping my nails along the iron fence, I tightened my stomach muscles and braced myself for a climatic reward. He stilled inside me, kissing below my ear.
“Come with me,” he whispered.
A warm burst filled the condom as he groaned. I closed my eyes and spiraled with him, surrendering my soul to this man I barely knew. A rapid shiver crossed my skin as he pulled out of me. He buttoned his pants before adjusting my dress over my hips. Swooping down, he picked up my panties. “I’m quite certain you won’t be needing these tonight.”
When he kissed me, my thoughts spun in delight. “I hope not.”
Chapter Fourteen
NADIA
Take All The Time You Need
Sitting up, I clutched the comforter to my chest. The sun spilled in from the windows of the large bedroom as the birds sang their early morning melody. My muscles tensed as I stretched out my back. I smiled when I thought about the workout Vincenzo had given me last night. As I took in my surroundings, I replayed the last few nights in my mind. They had been the best I’d ever experienced even though I had been running from the mob.
“You’re awake.” Vincenzo stood in the doorway looking quite edible in his plaid boxers and nothing else. My sexual appetite had never been this large before meeting him. No woman in their right mind could resist him.
“Why aren’t you in bed with me?”
“Because we have to leave soon.”
“Oh.” He was right. “It had to end eventually.”
“I told you last night, nothing is ending.” He sat on the bed. “I’m Italian.”
“I had no idea.” I laughed before kissing his cheek. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“My family eats dinner almost every Sunday at my parents’ house.” He caressed my neck. “A big pot of sauce, meatballs, homemade pasta, bread, and lots of wine.”
“Sounds like a feast.” I came from an Italian background too but my mother’s family was more mainstream. I didn’t have any relatives who came directly from Italy. We were descendants so we didn’t have many traditions.
“My mother and Sal are home from Italy, and my brothers and I are having dinner at the house.”
“You want to get home in time for dinner.”
“I’d like you to join us.”
“You want me to come to your family dinner?”
“That’s what I’m asking.” He grinned. “Will you join me?”
“I’d love to.” Maybe this was our chance at trying something normal.
“We need to get ready soon.”
“It’s still morning.”
“We eat dinner at one on Sunday’s.” He shrugged. “That’s the way it’s always been. We have leftovers later in the evening.”
“Okay.”
“We do have time for...” He released the comforter from my chest, revealing my breasts. “One last tumble between the sheets.”
“Are you sure?” I licked my lips as I rested against the headboard. “I wouldn’t want you to be late for dinner.”
He positioned himself between my thighs, taking my calf in his hand and propping it over his shoulder. “I’ll risk it.”
“Ahh...” I sunk into the mattress when his warm tongue skimmed my thigh. “Take all the time you need.”
VINCENZO
The smell of my grandmother’s sauce filled the foyer as we stepped inside the house. Nadia held onto my hand, appearing more anxious than she should.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She nodded as her wide, sultry eyes gazed around.
“You’ve been here before,” I reminded her.
“It was different then.”
“Why?”
“We weren’t... together.”
“So, asking my father to save your life is easier than coming to dinner as my date?”
“Um, yeah.” She tightened the grip on my hand when my whole family gathered in the foyer. “Wow,” she whispered. “There are so many of them.”
“I see your point.” I probably should have mentioned extended family like aunts, uncles, and cousins sometimes ate with us.
“Vincenzo.” My mother stepped forward. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here.”
“Mama.” I hugged her. “Welcome back. How was Venice?”
“As spectacular as ever.” She kissed my cheek. “Salvatore and I ate at the most fantastic restaurants.”
“I think I gained ten pounds.” Sal shook my hand. “I heard you had an adventure. I’m glad to see you’re okay.” He looked in Nadia’s direction. “You as well. I’m Sal.”
“Thank you.” She extended her hand. “I’m Nadia.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” My brother took her hand. “You were lucky Vince was at that restaurant.”
“Very lucky,” my mother said. “I’m Jennie.”
“Mrs. Marchelli, I’ve heard so much about you. Thank you for having me today.”
“My son probably mentioned I’m very laid back, so call me Jennie.” She smiled at me. “I’m happy you’re both okay. I heard you had quite the ordeal.”
“We’re fine,” I assured her. “It was all a misunderstanding.”
“Let’s not have any more of those.” My father joined us, holding my niece Gia’s hand. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I bent down, so I was on the same level as Gia. “How was Italy?”
“Fabulous.” She hugged me. “You should come with us next time. Grandma goes to all the pretty stores.”
“I’m sure she does,” my father said. “Nadia, welcome. I’m happy you could be here with us.”
“It’s an honor.” She spoke to everyone as they continued to stare at her.
“Why don’t you all get out of the foyer and do what you were doing before we got here?” I suggested in an attempt to take my new friend and I off display. “Drink wine and mingle.”
“We were waiting for you and the lovely Nadia.” Gianni made his presence known as he stepped away from a group of our cousins. “We didn’t think you’d ever get here.”
“The safe house is comfortable.” Dominick joined us. “I hope you enjoyed your stay.”
“It was a beautiful home but I would have preferred not to have been there at all.” Nadia took my hand. “Vincenzo made it easier.”
“I’m sure he did.” Gianni laughed. “I’m taking Gia to the stables before dinner. Who’s coming with us?”
“I will.” Dominick scooped up his giggling daughter and carried her toward the back of the house. “I missed you, kiddo.”
“I wasn’t gone that long.” She hugged him tight. “Just two weeks.”
“Do you know how long two weeks is?” he asked.
“Fourteen days,” Gia answered.
“That kid is smarter than me.” Gianni followed them as the others dispersed throughout the house.
“Don’t take too long,” my mother said. “Dinner is almost ready.” She turned and spoke to me. “Offer Nadia some wine, Vincenzo.”
“Is it the Boss Wine brand?” Nadia inquired.
“You know it?” My father smiled with pride.
“I drink it all the time,” she said. “It’s my favorite.”
“I like this one.” He headed to the kitchen. “I’ll get you a glass.”
“If my husband says he likes you, you’re in.” My mother gave Nadia a welcoming hug. “I’m going to go check on Mama Stella and see where we are with dinner.”
“Mama Stella?” Nadia asked.
“My grandmother.” I led her through the house and to the back patio. “Looks lik
e we’re eating out here today.” The long table was set for a feast. “My mother likes to take advantage of the weather when it isn’t so hot. Eating on the patio is her favorite. We have dinner out here through the fall.”
“This is amazing.” She gazed around the patio. “Your mother just returned from Italy and she did all this?”
“My aunts helped her but we also have a staff that does most of the work. My grandmother cooks but they assist her too.”
“The whole thing is incredible.”
“It’s what we do.”
“It’s very special.” When she kissed my cheek, I saw the longing in her eyes. “You should cherish it.”
“I do.”
“Dominick has a daughter?”
“Gia is five going on thirty.” I grinned when I thought about my precocious niece. “They live here on the property with my parents. There are a few houses through the trails. Gianni lives here too.”
“I didn’t realize Dominick was married.”
“He isn’t.” The whole situation was touchy and the family didn’t talk about it often. “Gia’s mother is out of the picture.”
“Why?”
“It didn’t work out.”
“He has sole custody?”
“He did what he had to do when her mother left. He’s a fantastic father but he has plenty of help from my parents and all of us.”
“That’s, well, I didn’t see him as the fatherly type.”
“I know he’s given you a hard time but it’s his job to protect the rest of us. He’ll come around now that everything is resolved.”
“I hope so.” She sat on the half wall that overlooked the pool. “A week ago I never could have imagined I’d be here having dinner with all of you.”
“I hope you’ll spend more time with us.” I inched closer to her. “With me.”
“I’m planning on it.”
“Good.” I cupped her cheek, leaning in to kiss her, but as our lips met, my brother interrupted us.
“Dad wanted me to bring this out.” Santino cleared his throat. “I also wanted to introduce myself. I kind of get lost in the shuffle.”
