Felix Hammond – aka Grant Christo – listened to them making love through the bug he’d placed in Sofia Amory’s bedroom. He closed his eyes and imagined it was him fucking that beautiful girl, making her cry out and come. When Tamara had sent him here to make her ex-step-sister’s life a living hell, she hadn’t mentioned a lover. Perhaps she didn’t know.
No matter. He was here to do a job. Tamara’s instructions were clear – ruin Sofia’s peace of mind, her burgeoning career. Get her back to New York City. They would keep her as their sex slave, Tamara said, before they eventually killed her. Her eyes had been alive with arousal as she described the horrendous things she had planned for Sofia Amory.
“I want to break her,” she had hissed, astride him, riding his cock hard as she detailed the things she wanted to do to her nemesis. Now, Grant could see why Tamara was eaten up with jealousy over Sofia. Sofia was beautiful, exquisitely so, soft and lovely. Something Tamara could never be. Tamara had looked down at him as she fucked him to an explosive orgasm. “I want to watch you kill her slowly,” she had said, her face sweating with desire and rage in equal measure. “I want to watch her die on the blade of your knife.”
Grant smiled to himself now, listening to Sofia Amory’s cries of passion. No problem, he thought. As soon as he had seen her in the flesh, his hands itched to both fuck her and drive a knife deep into her. He could imagine the confusion, the pain on her face as he stabbed her to death. Why? She would ask. Why? As she bled out in his arms.
But he wouldn’t tell her. Sofia Amory would never know why she was being to brutally murdered – because the reason was simple and incomprehensible.
Because I wanted to kill you. Grant gave a soft chuckle and went back to listening to the girl whose death was all he could now think about.
Chapter Twelve
Sofia’s hands were trembling so much that she had to shove them between her knees. She and Ivo were in a cab on the way to the gallery. Ivo had warned her there would be press but when she stepped out onto a red carpet and flashbulbs started to pulsate, she gave a squeak of alarm and backed into Ivo’s arms. He chuckled and bent his lips to her ear.
“It’s okay, darling. Just hold my hand and I’ll get you through this.” He was true to his word, guiding her through the throng with only a few catcalls coming her and Ivo’s way. She guessed that their relationship would be public knowledge from now on and it made her feel a little sad.
Inside, Ivo took her coat, sweeping an admiring glance over the lilac dress she wore. It was form-fitting, hugging her breasts, her curves, and the color was rich against her dark skin. Ivo steered her into a private space before kissing her. “You look so beautiful, baby.”
Sofia kissed him back, pouring all her nervous energy into the kiss until, laughing, Ivo had to break away.
“I’ll never make it through this if I’m ‘tenting’,” he said, nodding down to his obvious erection. He looked glorious in a dark grey suit, the blue shirt he wore underneath playing up the green of his eyes. Sofia leaned against him.
“I love you, Ivo Zacca. This is all your doing, thank you.”
“You’re welcome but you give me too much credit. We are a team, you and me. For all time.”
Sofia nodded, love making her body warm, her nerves relax. “For all time,” she agreed. Ivo smiled at her.
“Ready?”
She took a deep breath in. “Ready.”
Elli Navaro threw her arms around Sofia. “Sweetie, it’s so good to see you.”
Sofia was delighted. “I didn’t think you could come! Oh, god, Elli, thank you, thank you for coming.”
Elli grinned. “Couldn’t stay away. Indio sends his love but he had to work, so he’s back home with the rug-rats. Maceo and Ori are here, though…I know you met Maceo, have you met Ori?”
Sofia shook her head and Elli bore her off to meet Maceo’s wife. Orianthi Bartoli was gorgeous, and sweet and she made Sofia feel like she was already an old friend. “Maceo has gone into business mode,” she complained with a grin, “and, darling, one of your pieces has already sold.”
Sofia bugged at her. “You’re kidding.”
Ori laughed. “Nope. Come on, let’s go see – there’s quite the crowd around your work.”
In the end, Sofia had arranged her work, with the Gallery painting in the center, flanked by the portraits of Desiree and Ivo either side, then the two abstracts one the ends. Sofia knew it wasn’t the most sophisticated or cohesive arrangement, but even so, it worked. She saw the Sold sticker on Ivo’s portrait and felt a pang of sadness.
Ori saw her face and whispered. “I wouldn’t be too sad to see it go – this is business and you have the real thing. A lot of young artists feel that way when they start selling their pride and joys. It is a spectacular portrait.”
“The model is pretty spectacular,” Sofia smiled but felt a little better. She saw Ivo talking to Maceo and another man, blonde, tall, handsome with a kind face, who she didn’t recognize. Elli followed her glance.
“Grady Mallory. The lovely Asian woman with him is his sister-in-law, Quilla. They run the most prominent art foundation in the world. You’ve heard of Ran Mallory?”
Sofia nodded. Who hadn’t? Ran was - or had been before his recent death – the most prominent member of a family who, for the most part, lived for art. His daughter-in-law Quilla’s foundation had been responsible for championing artists from impoverished backgrounds. Sofia had known all about the foundation, but then she was still a part of the Rutland family, she had hardly qualified as impoverished.
“Come and meet Grady and Quilla. Flori’s around somewhere,” Ori looked around. Sofia felt nervous but she reminded herself that was why she was here. She steeled herself. Elli, walking beside her, squeezed her hand.
“Deep breaths. It’s going to be fine.”
As they walked across the gallery, Sofia saw with amazement that both of her abstracts now had Sold stickers on them. In a flash, she was being introduced to the Mallory’s, and to a host of other people whose names she immediately forgot in the furor. She saw Ivo and Desiree chatting with other guests – Ivo caught her eye, mouthing, ‘Are you alright?’ and Sofia nodded. She really was. This was easier than she had expected – all she had to do was talk about her passion for art.
After an hour, Desiree made a speech, thanking everybody involved in the building of the gallery, especially Ivo. “My oldest, dearest friend, Ivo Zacca, you are a remarkable man. I called you for help and boy did you come through for me.” She looked over and raised a glass to Sofia. “Ladies and Gentlemen, our newest bright star, Miss Sofia Amory.”
A cheer went up and glasses were raised as Sofia went scarlet and tried to hide. Desiree laughed. “Sofia, never before have I had a debuting artist sell their entire exhibit in one night. Now, I do admit, that I did buy two of them myself. For one thing – a girl’s got to have a great portrait of herself to take home.” She bowed demurely to loud applause and much laughter. “And, of course, we couldn’t have the stunning painting of this place go anywhere else. So, I admit to purchasing those for myself. But, Sofia, I think I would have had a fight on my hands. Your future is more than bright, girl, it’s on fire.”
Sofia blushed again as applause rang out and faces turned toward her. She felt Ivo snake an arm around her waist and kiss her temple. “I love you, Piccolo,” he whispered and she beamed up at him.
Desiree went onto to thank her other artists, less they felt side-lined, but all Sofia could think about now was the man beside her. “I love you so much,” she murmured, her lips against his. The kiss turned into something not fit for company and giggling, they slipped out of the main room and into the side-rooms.
Ivo pressed her against the wall as he kissed her. “You know we were talking about getting caught?” His smile was mischievous, his eyes sleepy with desire. Sofia chuckled.
“There’s maybe about three hundred people next door.” She said but Ivo was already hutching up her dress around her hi
ps, and once her touched her clit, she was helpless. Her hands went to his fly and she freed his burgeoning cock from his pants. Ivo tugged her panties from her with one swift move and Sofia gave a muffled cry as he thrust his cock deep inside her. They fucked hard and fast, Ivo’s strong arms supporting her, muffling their cries of release by kissing each other fervently. Recovering, Sofia burst into giggles. “This is the most amazing night,” she straightened her dress and Io tucked himself into his pants, grinning at her.
“Just the start of your stellar career, and of our life together.” He cupped her face in his cheek. “Sofia…live with me. I haven’t found a place yet but I’d rather we found something we both love. I don’t want to wait anymore.”
And Sofia knew without a doubt what her answer would be.
He moved away from the door, his erection pressing painfully against his pants. Watching them fuck had made him hard, inconveniently so – but at least now he knew who was screwing Sofia Amory. Ivo Zacca.
Ivo freakin’ Zacca.
Grant smiled to himself and as he mixed back into the crowd, he wondered how Tamara would take the news that Sofia had bagged herself one of the most eligible billionaires on the planet. It would drive her wild. Grant promised himself that he would be fucking when he told her – Tamara’s angry sex was second to none and this would make her apoplectic. He would have to be careful. Tamara might want to move Sofia’s murder up to sate her rage, and he couldn’t allow that. He wanted to enjoy Sofia’s death, not rush it. He would find a way to sate Tamara and keep her in line.
He stayed on the periphery of the crowd, observing them all. There were a number of exceptional beauties in the room, he thought, anyone of them would be a pleasure to fuck – and to kill. All too high-profile, all too risky.
“Hey there.” Grant turned to see Sofia behind him. She smiled at him and his stomach twisted with desire. She was still flushed from love-making, her dusky skin had a beautiful pink blush high on her cheeks. A second later he was aware he was staring and shook his head, grinning ruefully.
“Sorry, sorry, hello again. I’m sorry, it’s just…you look breath-taking.”
More blushing. “Oh, um, thank you. Have you got a drink? Oh, you have, um…” She was adorably nonplused. He decided to save her.
“Your work is incredible, Sofia. Thank you for inviting me.”
“It’s no trouble for a new neighbor – oh hey, Desi?” Sofia grabbed the hand of the owner, a tall, gorgeous exotic-looking woman, wearing a gold shift dress. The woman smiled at him. “Desi, this is our new neighbor, Felix Hammond. He’s taken Mme. Forniere’s apartment.”
Desiree shook Grant’s hand, studying him. “Have we met?”
Grant grinned widely. “I would have remembered. Sadly, we haven’t. Your gallery is remarkable, quite stunning.”
Desi took the praise with a graceful incline of her head. “Well, welcome, welcome. I hope you’ve seen somethings you like. This one’s work, unfortunately for you, is all sold out.”
Sofia rolled her eyes. “Because you bought two-fifths of it. And actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. Felix, would you excuse us for a few minutes?”
“Of course.”
He watched the two women walk back to the office at the side of the main hall. Damn it. He did know Desiree…or rather they’d crossed paths, years ago, when Desiree was still transitioning, and Grant was husting in New York. They hadn’t been friends, as such, just occasionally shared a cigarette at a late-night diner. Grant smirked to himself. Girl done good, he looked around the vast gallery. He had no doubt that Desiree had gotten herself a sugar daddy back in the day and that this was probably the result. How else would she have gotten this far? And smart cookie that she was, she’d moved here where no one knew her history.
Grant was impressed, but it posed a risk to his plans. He knew what to do if it became a problem though. He snagged another drink from the tray and went back to the party.
Desi was already writing a check before Sofia could stop her. “Desi, no. The paintings are yours, I don’t want any of your money. You’ve already given me so much.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Desiree said, blowing the ink dry on the check. “Besides, this doesn’t even begin to cover what your work is worth but you’re at the start.”
She handed the check to Sofia, who took it reluctantly. Her eyes opened wide when she saw the figure. “Oh, no, come on, Desi, this is too much.”
Desi waved her away with a hand. “Stop your griping. The checks for your other pieces were made out to the gallery so when they’re processed, there’ll be more. You sold out, kiddo, congratulations.”
Sofia’s legs felt suddenly very weak and she sank into the chair. “I can’t believe it.”
“Well, believe it. Both Maceo Bartoli and Grady Mallory are already fighting over who gets to exhibit you next and I know Quilla would like to talk to you about maybe teaching a summer class at her foundation. You’re headed for the stratosphere, baby.” Desi sneaked a cigarette out of her bag and grinned at Sofia. “Don’t tell Ivo.” She cracked open a window and blew the smoke out into the cool night air. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Sofia, you know? Big things are happening both personally and privately.”
Sofia opened her eyes wide and blew out her cheeks. “You can say that again.” She hesitated for a moment. “Ivo asked me to move in with him.”
“Tell me something I don’t know,” Desiree smiled. “But, you know, you don’t have to do anything until you are ready. I’d say the same to him. It is fast.”
“It is,” Sofia said, chewing her lip. Desi took another long drag.
“What does your heart tell you, little one?”
Sofia looked at her with shining eyes and Desi smiled. “Guess you’ve already made your mind up. Well, I am happy for you both. You’ll always have your room at my place, though.”
It was almost midnight before the crow started to disperse. Sofia was dead on her feet, and Ivo, seeing this, swept her onto his lap as they sat at one of the tables. Their new friends, Maceo, Ori, Flori, Quilla and Mallory sat with them, chatting. Sofia felt a comfort settling in her bones. She belonged somewhere. At last. She had also found out that it had been Adria La Loggia who had purchased Sofia’s portrait of her son and she was both flattered and glad it was going to someone who loved Ivo.
She heard his voice before she saw him and her heart froze. He was berating the security team in a loud voice as they refused to let him in, and then he was calling her name…no, shouting her name. Oh god.
She leapt from Ivo’s knees and started walking, almost stumbling towards the voice, desperate to stop him making a fuss, ruining Desi’s night. Ivo was at her side, steadying her. “What is it, my love?”
She looked up at him with stricken eyes. “You have to stop him…he’ll ruin everything, everything.”
“Who?”
Sofia didn’t answer but stumbled her way towards the man who had ripped her heart out. When he saw her coming towards him, he smiled beatifically. “Darling Sofia…”
Fergus Rutland pushed past the guards to take his step-daughter in his arms.
Chapter Thirteen
Sofia pushed his away roughly. “Don’t touch me.”
Ivo was there then, getting between the two of them. “Who is this, Sofia? Who the hell are you?”
Fergus bristled. “I am Sofia’s father, Fergus Rutland. And you?” He drew himself but couldn’t match Ivo’s great stature, height, certainly in the face of Ivo’s anger.
“Ex-step-father, I believe, and from what Sofia has told me, you threw her out of your family the day she buried her mother. You have no rights here, you son of a bitch. Get out of here.”
Fergus ignored him, and looked straight at Sofia. “Sofia…I know what I did was wrong. I know I can never make up for it. Please, let me try.”
Sofia was trembling so hard that Ivo put his arms around her to stop her from falling down. “No, I don’t want you here.”
&nbs
p; Fergus, to his credit, nodded. “I shouldn’t have come tonight. I’ve ruined your evening and I’m sorry. But please, Sofia, please consider meeting me to talk. Just once is all I ask and then if you chose to cut me out of your life, I’ll respect it. I’m staying at the George V. For as long as it takes. Please, Sofia.”
He stared at her, his eyes soft, no anger in them, then nodded stiffly at Ivo. Ivo didn’t move. Fergus turned on his heel and left.
Ivo pressed his lips to Sofia’s hair. “Are you okay, baby?”
She nodded, but her body was still trembling. Why? Way tonight? It was as if the rug had been pulled from under her. Just as I found my place in the world. Sofia couldn’t process how she felt except for angry. So furious she couldn’t speak.
Desiree put her hand on Ivo’s shoulder. “Take her to your place, Ivo. She needs to be taken care of.”
Sofia felt her anger grow as she and Ivo made their way back to his hotel suite. She went to the window and stared out of it for a long time, not seeing anything. She felt sick, and angry and just…. she sighed. Ivo slipped his arms around her and she turned in his arms, pulling his mouth to hers roughly. Her kiss was rough, full of need and Ivo responded, his fingers tugging at the zipper of her dress as Sofia ripped his shirt open and kissed his chest. Naked, they didn’t make it to the bed, Sofia straddling him, impaling herself on his cock with a groan of pleasure. She rode him hard, taking out all her anger on him, but for his part, Ivo didn’t seem to mind. He caressed her breasts, his thumbs teasing her nipples until they were rock hard, then finger-fucking her navel in rhythm with his cock thrusting deep inside her ready and swollen cunt. He flipped her onto her back and pushed her knees to her chest. Her eyes were alive with lust and anger. “Fuck me hard, Ivo,” she said in a low growl, “Fuck me hard. Hurt me. I need you to fucking hurt me, Ivo…”
He smiled grimly and crushed her lips under his until they both tasted blood. Sofia clawed at his back and clenched her thighs tightly around his waist as they fucked. Ivo pinned her hands above her head, biting down on her shoulder as Sofia urged him on.
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