Neighbors and More (High Rise Series)

by Mona Risk

  “You always have fantastic ideas.” She chuckled and laced her fingers behind his neck. “I’d like nothing better than to share my bed with you.”

  His breath hitched at her cheery disposition. He was finally recognizing the feisty girl he’d entertained the night before his trip, the one who’d asked him to play on his guitar while she danced in his living room. “Keep saying things like that, and we won’t have time to reach your bed.”

  Her crystalline laughter bubbled and swirled in his head like an Italian melody. Through the sheer material of her nightie, her breasts pressed against his chest and stirred his blood to the boiling point. Their lips met and his tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her. She responded with her previous enthusiasm as he strode with his precious load through the living room. In her luxurious bedroom, he set her on her feet on the plush white rug, against the side of the bed, and switched on the light. The spaghetti straps and deep v-cut of the mini-nightgown beckoned.

  Holding her shoulders at arm’s length, he stared at her smile of eagerness and allowed her to assimilate the turning point in their relationship. She tilted her head, waiting, lips parted, eyes shimmering with a new fire.

  With impatient fingers, he traced the edge of her sun-colored throat and collar bone, and skimmed the milky white of her generous breasts and the valley in between, and grinned. “Nice tan, but it’s too hot here.” Easing the straps down her arms, he smoothed his hands along the nightie and thong, and let them glide over her hips and heap on the rug.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he groaned when Alexa stepped out of her clothes and proudly stood in front of him. She had the most magnificent breasts he’d ever seen, full and pert. His hands closed over the heavy mounds, kneading and caressing. His fingers fondled the rounded tips. “Bella… Bellissima. Lovely, so pretty.” He lowered his head, and licked the tender flesh around each hardened peak.

  “Oh Dante…” How did I survive this long without him? Every nerve in Alexa’s body quivered in response. Impatient for a passionate reunion and an overdue tumbling, she climbed onto the bed. Kneeling on the firm mattress in front of him, she tugged at his shirt. “You’re overdressed.” With nervous fingers, she undid the buttons, peeled the shirt off his torso and arms. He helped her and threw it away, as she pulled at his belt and unbuckled it.

  “Now this.” She pointed at his zipper, unable to gather the guts to lower it.

  “Can’t you handle it?” He laughed. “Feeling too shy?”

  “Huh... no.” A blush warmed her face as she reached for the zipper and yanked it down. Sure enough it jammed. She scowled and jerked on it with both hands. The damn thing wouldn’t shift one tooth, but the bulge under the zipper grew bigger with the accidental rubbing of her fingers. Embarrassment heated her face and throat. After floundering for another minute with the stubborn slide fastener, she stared at it in dismay, and then flipped a glance at Dante who visibly struggled to keep a straight face. “It’s stuck.”

  “No problem, darling. You’ll get better with experience.”

  “Oh.” The air lumped into her throat. She’d been married for five years, but had never taken the initiative. Was it so obvious? Blood suffused her cheeks.

  He cupped her face between his hands and gave her a tender kiss on the mouth. “Excuse me.” He moved her hands away, rattled the coil of the zipper, and managed to loosen it over the toothed track.

  A whoosh of relief exhaled from her, but she swallowed hard when he lowered both pants and briefs in one motion, and stepped gloriously naked in front of her.

  Lordy, what a body. Broad bronzed chest rippling with muscles and narrowing at the waist, with a white area over his flat abs marking the part usually covered by his bathing suit. Quickly glancing below, she blinked at the sight of his strong member, licked her lip, and smothered a gasp of appreciation.

  Bending over his clothes, he retrieved his wallet from his pocket, extracted a few foils, and set them on the night table.

  She averted her eyes, not sure if she should be pleased or unsettled. “Do you always carry these things with you?”

  “Since I came back from Sicily, yes. I had to be prepared for whenever you’d be ready to come into my arms.”

  “I think I spoiled the moment with the zipper problem.”

  “Never. Just one look at you is enough to restore it.” He pushed her down on the mattress and followed, the mischievous glint in his eyes replaced by an ardent look. She could feel the warm stir of his breath, smell his strong, masculine scent.

  His mouth settled on hers, not allowing her another word. His tongue parted her lips, danced against her teeth, teased, and tangled with hers, as he practically devoured her. She welcomed him and responded eagerly, all the while wrapping her arms around his back. His hand closed over her breast and resumed his previous caress. Throwing her head back, she drew in a breath that turned into a moan when he sucked the hard tip.

  “More. I want more,” she mumbled, hardly aware of her words or the crazy thoughts careening in her mind. This was what lovemaking should be like.

  “Yes, amore mio.”

  She was ready, more than ready, wanting a man for the first time in her life, wanting this man. “Oh Dante,” she murmured, bracing both arms around his waist. His shaft nudged against her stomach, his hand slid between her legs. A shiver of anticipation trickled through her. His fingers played and stroked, drifted over her love bud and lingered, tormenting and pleasuring.

  He raised his head, and seared her with a gaze that reflected her desire.

  “Yes,” he murmured against her mouth.

  She wriggled and moaned and buried her face in his shoulder.

  “Look at me, cara mia. Let me see your face.”

  She opened her eyes and swallowed. Unable to withstand the mounting pressure, she squirmed, closed her legs, and whimpered when his imprisoned fingers accentuated his caress. Excitement sizzled through her.

  He smiled. “You’re so beautiful, amore mio.”

  Needing to touch him, she rubbed her hands over his pecs and through the thin fur covering his chest. She twisted, reached for his nipple, and sucked. It hardened. Delighted with her power over him, she nibbled, her frenzy accelerating with the dipping of his fingers in and out of her. Her whimpers hummed in the silence. “Dante, enough. Now.”

  “Right away.”

  She felt him moving and heard the tearing of paper. His hand tangled in her hair, tugging her head back. He covered her mouth and silenced her moans with his kisses. His shaft replaced his fingers as he filled her. She dug her nails in his back and butted against him.

  His thrusts accelerated. She followed him, gyrating her hips, tightening her muscles around him. Skin slapped against skin. Tremors shook her.

  He held her pressed against him and plunged. She lifted both legs, encircled him, and dragged him even deeper.

  Jolts of pleasure rippled through her and myriad stars sparkled behind her closed eyes. Her body shaken by a last convulsion, she screamed his name.

  “Amore mio.” Dante shuddered and sagged above her.

  “My love,” she whispered. Alexa slowly emerged from her blissful ecstasy. Had he called her Love? Had she answered in the same way? She smiled against his cheek, unable to remember and not really worrying.

  Splaying her hands on his muscular back, she tightened her hold. Whether they’d share more of the same or not, he’d given her an unforgettable moment. Her eyes filled with happy tears.

  Dante rolled off her and gathered her against his side, peering into her eyes. “Why the tears, darling? You didn’t enjoy it?” An odd anxiety underlined his tone. “Have I rushed you?”

  Rushed her? Good God, had he forgotten she was the one who jammed his zipper in her eagerness to undress him? She smiled and cradled his cheeks in her hands. “Believe me, I enjoyed it. And I’ll remember it till the day I die.”

  “So you’re not disappointed?”

  “Absolutely not. More like delighted.” She kissed h
im to prove her point.

  “Good. Are you tired?”

  “Not at all.” She snuggled up closer to him.

  He chuckled and tickled her chin. “If you want memories, how about we built some more?” Joyful sparks glittered in his eyes.

  More of the same? Heat infused her cheeks. “Are you serious?”

  “Dead serious. I mean very alive.” He burst out laughing, and moved her on top of him. “See for yourself.” He cupped her butt, pressing his hardening cock against the juncture of her thighs. “So what do you say? Ready for more?”

  “You bet. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring.”

  “Shh.” He pressed his fingers to her mouth. “No depressing thoughts. Tonight is for fun and love.”

  “For fun and love,” she repeated as if he’d just made a toast. She closed her eyes to savor the words and his kisses.

  Chapter Ten

  The alarm pulled Alexa from a frantic dream. “Dante.” She cringed and bolted to a sitting position. Next to her, the bed was empty. Where was Dante?

  “Good morning, bellissima.” He came into the bedroom, bent, and brushed her lips with a light kiss. “We need to get dressed. It’s already 8:00 am.”

  “You’ve already showered?” She skimmed his wet skin above the towel wrapped around his hips.

  He removed her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers. “No more of that, or we’ll never make it to the funeral.”

  “Ah the funeral. No wonder I had nightmares.”

  “When? You were sleeping like an angel in my arms.”

  “Just now. I dreamed that a man with a mask was chasing after me on the beach. He grabbed my shoulder.” A shudder raked her, and she rubbed her arms to erase the imaginary touch. “His fingers were ice cold.”

  “Darling, that’s a remnant of your lousy encounter in the ocean. A bad memory.” Dante’s hands cradled her face, and he brushed her cheeks with soft kisses. “No one will ever chase you again. I promise. You were amazing yesterday. So strong and brave. Come. A hot shower will restore your spirits.” He carried her out of the bed to the bathroom and turned on the faucets. “In you go.” He pulled the glass door behind her. “I’ll wait for you to get dressed.”

  She shampooed her hair and let the water massage her back. No nightmares could erase her wonderful night in West Palm Beach and then in her bed. Dante was one of a kind lover. Mmm, what would detective Ladd say if she and Dante ran away to Sicily and never came back? The hell with Steve and his funeral. And Greg, Carter, Julia and Dianna.

  “Hey Alexa, are you done?”

  “Yes, unfortunately. Give me a minute.”

  Clad in a black lacey bra and matching thong, she dried her hair, applied her make-up, and dabbed perfume on her throat and wrists.

  “Can I come in?” At the door of the bathroom, Dante clucked his tongue as his eyes devoured her. “These little black things are gorgeous. And you smell delicious.”

  She slipped on a black knitted dress with short sleeves. “Am I decent now? It’s my funeral dress. I wore it for my grandmother’s and for Greg’s mother. Not my usual type of clothing.” She chuckled and turned around for him to zipper her.

  “You’re beautiful in any outfit.” He moved her hair and pressed warm lips to her nape.

  “Thank you, Dante. I have bagel and cheese. Is it good enough for breakfast?”

  “I already made coffee.” In fact, the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted toward them. This man was perfect. What would it take to keep him?

  While they drank their coffee, her cell phone rang.

  “Greg?” Dante asked.

  She nodded. “Good morning,” she said with a jovial voice that must have stunned her ex-husband speechless.

  “You’re not depressed anymore?” Greg sounded shocked.

  “No, I’ve decided not to let anyone upset me. I’ll see you at the church. Dante is here.”

  “Dante? What? But—”

  “Don’t worry, Greg.” She giggled. “He’ll drive me.”

  “Oh...”

  “I’ll see you there. Bye.” She shut the phone. “That wasn’t too bad.”

  “That was great.” Dante’s big smile applauded her bravado. “Keep putting him in his place. It’ll become a habit, and he’ll stop bothering you.”

  “For a change, Greg was speechless.” She ate her last bite and took her plate to the sink. Nothing could dim the happiness simmering in her heart. Last night, Dante had lavished her with kisses and caresses and made love to her several times.

  Following his advice, she’d decided to live in the present—her precious present with Dante—and ignore the rest of the world and her nasty neighbors.

  “Leave everything to me and get ready.”

  He set the dishes in the dishwasher, as she went to her bedroom to find a pair of black pumps. She opened her safe and chose a pearl necklace, matching bracelet and earrings she’d inherited from her grandmother. Today she’d rather not wear a ring.

  The thought worried her that if Steve had managed to have access to her condo key, others could do it too. The locked room where the building association hid the apartments’ spare keys wasn’t as secure as in the past. Unfortunately, yesterday she hadn’t been able to call a security company to install an alarm system. She closed the safe and double-checked that her heavy coats covered the area, remembering her promise to her dad never to reveal the secret cache to anyone.

  When she joined Dante, a black purse dangling from her shoulder, her kitchen was spotless. “You know what? I’m keeping you. You’re a godsent gift in the kitchen.”

  He sent her a wolfish gaze. “In the kitchen only? How about the bedroom?”

  Her cheeks flamed. “That too.” His gaze skimmed her from the tip of her shoes all the way to her head. “Do I pass inspection?” She twitched her mouth in a grimace. “I mean for this occasion?”

  “You’re very classy. Perfect. I’m glad you’re not wearing Greg’s big rocks.” Dante slipped on his suit jacket.

  Dashing. She bit her lip not to blurt her admiration.

  “Now, let’s assume a serious expression. For the crowd,” Dante added as he closed her door behind them.

  Her heart sank. The next hour would be hell with all the neighbors gathered at the church. Her nice neighbors who wouldn’t hesitate to incriminate her. But with Dante next to her, the hell with the neighbors, dead or alive.

  ****

  Dante strolled next to Alexa and they crossed the parking lot toward the Assumption Church. He caught her elbow as she faltered at the sight of the black hearse already parked at the curb in front of the entrance. Two men in black suits approached them with deference. “Are you relatives or close friends?” the tall blond one asked.

  More like close enemies. Dante swallowed the words and offered a blank smile. “Neighbors.”

  “Would you like to wait here and enter behind the coffin cortege after the family?”

  “We’ll sit in the back row. Thank you.” He ushered Alexa into one of the pews and slid to the right side as far as possible from the aisle.

  “I’m glad we came early and chose our seats,” she muttered. “You won’t see me joining the procession behind the coffin.” In spite of her make-up, pallor invaded her cheeks. Vulnerable yet holding her own.

  “Good thing Julia decided against a wake to save money. But Ladd told me they will open the coffin for people to pay their respect.”

  “Oh dear. Looking at him is like living again the nightmares of the past few days.” Torment swirled in her eyes, two green pools lined with long charcoaled eyelashes.

  “You can do it. I’ll be next to you.” Dante furtively clasped her fingers, ice cold in spite of the warm weather. “There won’t be a burial. Julia has opted for cremation.”

  “You guys are already here?” Detective Ladd sat next to Dante. “Before I forget, I want you to wait for me at the end of the ceremony. I’m bringing a police officer. The one who’s investigating your complaint. He
wants to talk to you. He’s an expert at collecting evidence.”

  Music filled the big church and covered the din emanating from the entry hall where people gathered.

  “They are starting,” Ladd said.

  “Here are Julia and Katy.” Pretty in a black suit that enhanced her blonde complexion, Julia held the hand of a twelve-year old, dressed in white. “Poor thing, she’s obviously been crying a lot. She’s the only one I feel sorry for,” Alexa mumbled. “She spends a lot of time at her grandmother’s. Her parents didn’t seem to pay much attention to her.”

  Was Alexa comparing Katy to herself? Dante pressed her hand.

  Four men wheeled the casket down the aisle. The scent of roses wafted from the wreaths adorning the coffin. The congregation stood as the mourners lined up. Julia and Katy led the cortege, the girl sobbing, and her mother dabbing the corner of her eyes with a tissue.

  A few family members walked by, and then Greg strolled by himself. Where was Dianna?

  Dante surveyed the church. The beautiful Brazilian sat on the opposite side, in a back row next to the secretary of the building and some neighbors.

  “I’m going to the front.” Ladd squeezed past them to stride along the side alley and position himself not far from the altar behind a column.

  “I bet he wants to examine the mourners’ behavior as they approach the casket,” Dante mused. “Look, he’s raising his head and signaling to someone up on the organ balcony. Wait. I have to check that myself.” Dante left the pew and walked to the front, then suddenly turned and glanced upward. Sure enough, a photographer was hiding next to the organ, his camera zooming-in on the front of the church.

  “What’s going on up there?” Alexa asked when he returned to her side.

  “Ladd has a photographer videotaping the ceremony. Smart.”

  The music stopped. The pallbearers opened the coffin, and the priest started the prayers that hardly lasted fifteen minutes. An organist sang. Julia walked to the open coffin, her arm around Katy.

  “Here is Carter.” Dante gestured toward the altar.