My Mr. Beautiful: Eternal City Love, Book 1

by Passarelli, Caterina

  “Can you say the same about not being with anyone since we split up?” he asks me, with a look of hurt on his face.

  “Leo, I did not sleep with Carlo. I did see him at a nightclub while on vacation and we … kissed … but I ended it. I didn’t want to kiss him, I wanted to be kissing you.”

  He walks over to me and cups my face with his big warm hands. I’ve missed these hands!

  “Elena, I want you back. Please let me back in your life.”

  “Leo, I believe you that you aren’t with Victoria but I still can’t get the thought of you and Gabriella kissing out of my head. How can I trust you?” I say, staring into his emerald eyes. His hand is still on my face, and he brushes a stray curl behind my ear.

  “I know I can’t make it all better by promising the right words. You have to let me prove it you with my actions, Elena. Please, give me another chance to make this right.”

  I look up at him with tears forming in my eyes as he brings his lips to gently meet mine, as if asking for permission. I pull him in closer by his suit and crash our mouths into each other. He’s like a drug and I’m getting a hit after a major withdrawal.

  I suck on his lower lip and then tease his lips with my tongue. He lets out a low growl and pulls me even closer to him. I don’t know if things will be right between us again, but I know I don’t want this to stop. I’ve missed him so much! And this feels amazing. No one has ever made me feel this good before … ever.

  I grab onto his chiseled arms and run my hands over his chest, taking off his tie and then unbuttoning his dress shirt. Leo takes off my apron and unzips my black skinny jeans.

  “Leo, wait,” I say breathlessly as he starts to push my jeans down. “Wait, wait. We can’t do this here. Marco could walk in or a last-minute customer. The door is unlocked, and we are standing in the middle of my workplace in front of open windows.”

  Leo stops what he’s doing, looking just as frazzled as I feel.

  “You’re right. We can’t do this here. I wouldn’t want anyone to see what’s mine. I don’t share.”

  He says the last sentence with such force, as he looks me in the eyes, letting the message sink in. I think someone is jealous about a certain doctor. Interesting.

  “I don’t share either. I’m all yours, if you’re all mine.”

  I make a point to say it just as strong as he did, even though on the inside I’m still feeling uneasy. I push back from him, and we start to dress ourselves again.

  “But wait a second. You don’t want anyone else to see what’s yours, but we’ve done very intimate things in public places before.”

  Leo blushes this time. It’s a rare sight but makes him even sexier to me.

  “Cara, during the other times, I knew no one would notice. I closed off that room at the club, and for my birthday the table was high and draped with a long cloth. This time we are truly … exposed.”

  “Good point!” I say as I head to the back room to do a quick scan for Marco, who I know must have snuck out the back door when Leo walked in. We walk out the front door together; I lock the door, and Leo stares at me.

  “Did you eat dinner, cara?”

  The irony of his question hits me when my stomach rumbles loud enough for the whole block to hear! I guess I can’t lie to him now.

  “I’ll take that as a no,” Leo says as he laughs and grabs my hand to lead me to his town car. He opens the back door, and even with the tinted windows, I know Mateo is in the driver’s seat. I plop inside next to Leo, his smell taking over the back seat, having a feeling of déjà vu from our first car ride together in the limo.

  We end up at a gorgeous little restaurant just outside of Rome. The drive couldn’t have been more than twenty minutes, but it feels like we are in an entirely different place. It’s quiet, the stars shine overhead, and we sit outside where strings of outdoor lights are draped around the trees. There are a few other couples here, but they look just as into each other as Leo and I are.

  “This place feels so cozy,” I say, picking up my menu—Armando’s Bistro.

  “It’s one of my favorites. I know the owner. Armando was a friend of my father when I was growing up. I think of him like an uncle. He has a very kind family and they all treat me like their own, especially after my father died and my mom withdrew from the world. It was nice to have them with me.”

  Before I can ask him any more details about his family a young waitress walks up to our table and sets down a breadbasket … which smells heavenly!

  “Bread! You found the way to my heart,” I say to the waitress as I pick up a fresh-from-the-oven roll and spread on some butter.

  The waitress laughs and Leo introduces her as Armando’s granddaughter, Abrianna. She takes our drink orders and then hurries away.

  “I didn’t know that if I wanted your heart, all I had to do was give you bread,” Leo jokes as he takes a roll for himself.

  “Yes, bread and sweets! Both could score you some brownie points with me.”

  “I’ll have to remember that,” he says as he locks eyes with me so intently, and then he asks, “Do I need to be scoring brownie points with you, Elena?”

  I honestly don’t know how to answer. I am not certain about anything anymore. Our relationship feels like it needs a fresh start, but I am certain that my heart does not want this man to be with anyone else. He is mine. It upsets me to even think about someone else touching him, let alone having sex with him or sharing intimate details about their lives together. But is this good for me? Will he get to the point where the newness has worn off and he gets bored of me like my past boyfriends have? His friends already clearly hate my guts; maybe they’ll have an influence?

  And a question I’ve been trying to avoid: what about when he finds out that I’ve been lying to him about who I am? It can’t mean that much, can it? But I don’t want to bring that information into what we’ve already got. I do know I’ll eventually need to tell him about my own company.

  “Elena, you look deep in thought,” he leans back in his chair. “Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”

  “I wish it were that easy to just lay it all out for you.”

  “But it can be. Just tell me what has you making that face.”

  “What face?” I say, sticking out my tongue to break up the seriousness of this conversation.

  “I can think of many other places to use that tongue.”

  I choke on my water and laugh. I didn’t think this conversation would turn to sex so quickly but, heck, look who I’m talking to. We can’t ever seem to get away from our insanely intense physical attraction.

  “I don’t know how I feel about … us.”

  “Are you still upset with me?” he says, looking at me with big puppy dog eyes, and I can’t help but want to cuddle up in his lap and console him.

  “No, Leo, I’m not upset anymore. I think our time apart let me clear my head and realize how much I do want you in my life. I’m just unsure about everything. I don’t know how you feel about me, and it makes me crazy. But I also know that I don’t want to be away from you again. I was miserable. And I sure as hell don’t want you to be with anyone else. The thought of that makes me want to get sick and angry—all at the same time.”

  I meet his eyes across the table, and he knows I just put my heart on the line for him—an honest confession. He reaches across and grabs my hand on top of the table.

  “Elena, I will make it so you will never doubt my feelings again. I can’t stop thinking about you. It drove me crazy to be away from you for so long and I was also depressed. Then I almost turned into The Hulk at that restaurant when I saw you with another man!”

  Leo as The Hulk … I definitely would love to see him rip his shirt off.

  “Maybe we can start fresh?” I ask, before I notice Abrianna walking towards our table with an older gentleman. He’s shorter and has a round belly, but his face breaks out into a huge smile when he sees us.

  “Leonardo, my boy! Come stai? I have
n’t seen you in so long. And who is this young lady? Molto bella!”

  The man, who I am guessing is Armando, grabs my hand and plants a kiss on the top of it. Leo stands up to embrace him in a hug.

  “Zio Armando! Sorry it’s been so long. I couldn’t think of any place I’d rather bring Elena for dinner tonight than your astounding restaurant. I’m so happy you are here to meet her.”

  The two men talk quickly talking in an Italian dialect that I do not understand, but watching them is like watching a movie—they are so excited and animated. It’s quite a show! I feel their love for one another coming across in how they talk. It makes me happy to meet someone close to Leo like family.

  Our dinner of risotto with Gorgonzola and fresh pear sauce followed by pork tenderloin and an house salad ends up being divine. We wash it all down with a sweet white wine and enjoy milk chocolate mousse for dessert. Man, Zio Armando can cook!

  The conversation with Leo stays fun and light-hearted for the rest of the night. I love taking a break from all the seriousness of our regular conversations and just being able to relax with Leo.

  18

  I wake up in Leo’s bedroom and notice I’m alone in this big bed again. I look at my clothes scattered across the floor. Leo ripped them off as soon as he got me home from the restaurant. #Animal

  I feel so comfortable in this soft, big bed that I don’t want to get up, but my stomach lets me know it’s time for breakfast. I throw my clothes back on and do the walk of shame downstairs to find Gemma in the kitchen.

  “Good morning, Elena. Leo went into the office but he left you this note. I’ll have breakfast and coffee ready for you in a few minutes.”

  I take a seat at the marble kitchen table and read Leo’s note:

  “My lovely Elena,

  Went into the office to get about an hour of work out of the way so I can spend the rest of the weekend with you.

  Your Leo”

  My Leo—I love the way that sounds! I put the note down, and Gemma places a plate with Florence-style eggs benedict and an espresso in front of me.

  “Gemma, this looks great! Grazie,” I say with a mouthful of food as I dig in.

  “Prego. I’m glad you enjoy eating, unlike many of the other women,” Gemma says with her back to me as she loads the dishwasher. What did she mean by that—what other women?

  “Are there often other women here?”

  I wonder how often Gemma is making breakfasts for different girls of the week. I feel bad asking questions like this behind Leo’s back, but now I’m curious.

  “No, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean other women here. I just meant women in general. Everyone seems to be on a diet,” she says as she turns to face me, and I can see she’s brushing off the conversation.

  “Oh, that makes sense. Si, I love food!”

  I laugh it off but I have this feeling more was behind her comment. What was she trying to tell me? I finish my food and excuse myself from the kitchen. I find Leo’s home gym downstairs and I grab a yoga mat. I’m not a big fan of the stillness of yoga but in this moment I think it’s just what I need to clear my head.

  I’ve been moving through sun salutations for about an hour and I feel very calm, present in the moment, and stretched to the max. My muscles feel great, I’ve got a slight sweat going, and I listen to the calming music from my Pandora.

  My eyes are closed, and I’m bent over in downward-facing dog—hands on the ground and butt in the air. Out of nowhere, I feel hands on my hips and I quickly open my eyes but stay in this position. I see Leo’s legs from between my own. I can also see our reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirrors he has lining the walls.

  “This is a nice position to find you in, cara,” Leo growls from behind me, “but I’m going to need you to take off these clothes and get back into it.”

  “I’d say you are wearing too many clothes, as well. Ditch them, Mr. Beautiful.”

  We strip off our clothes, and I get back into my downward-facing dog position again. I feel very exposed with my butt in the air like it is, but very turned on. I’m hot, and it’s not just from my workout.

  Leo stands behind me in a wide stance and grips my hips with his strong hands. He starts to massage my ass and trails his fingers lightly over my back and legs. I look up from my position and catch a glimpse of us in his gym mirror … wow! Just seeing how primal we look together, I’m insanely turned on.

  Leo puts his fingers on my sweet spot and strokes me from behind.

  “I love that you are always ready for me.”

  He surprises me when he bites down on my butt cheek and then kisses the spot. Oh, my God! He continues to rub my clit until I think I’m going to explode and then stops.

  Before I can beg for him to continue, he’s inside of me and thrusting into me. My arms burn from holding this downward dog position, but I don’t want to stop. I start to move up and down on my toes, rocking back into his groin. He lets out a growl, and I know he loves it too.

  “Don’t stop, Elena,” he says and slams into me hard. I almost fall forward onto my face from his force, but I catch myself.

  I keep rocking back, and the angle hits my G-spot in the most glorious way. I’m so close to the edge! Leo knows I’m ready and he slides his hands around my waist and uses my juices to rub on my clit at the same time as he continues to thrust. My brain is about to short-circuit itself from the stimulation. There’s only one thing my whole body wants, and my brain is begging for it.

  “Elena, don’t come until I say so,” Leo commands me as he rubs my clit quicker. I don’t know if I’ll be able to obey him this time.

  Leo pulls out, and I’m instantly left feeling empty. He positions the head of his erection at the entrance of my slick pussy and then slams deep inside, filling me up. I can’t take much more, and my arms shake with pain.

  “Elena, now,” he commands as he tosses his head back, and together we climax and collapse onto my yoga mat. We lay breathlessly tangled in each other for a few quiet minutes.

  “I think we should work out together more often,” Leo says laughing.

  After getting hot and steamy during my yoga session, we continue our fun in the shower together. Leo has the most magnificent house—including the bathrooms. His master bathroom—black and white with touches of red in the towels and our robes—has a huge waterfall shower and a large claw-foot bathtub. I could live in this bathroom forever, especially if it involves taking long showers with my Mr. Beautiful.

  Leo leaves me to get ready as he goes down to his home office to check in on some work. The man is so driven, and his hustle inspires me.

  After putting my hair into a long side braid and throwing on a long colorful maxi skirt, white tank top, and wedges, I head downstairs to find my man. Before walking into his home office, I hear Leo on the phone speaking quickly in Italian but I can make out what he is saying.

  “I know it’s important to you. I can’t be at every function you do or I would never go to work.”

  With my ear still pressed to the door, it sounds like the other person wants Leo to show up at a charity ball next Saturday night.

  Leo lets out a big sigh and says “Okay, okay, Mama. I promise I will attend, put me down for two … Yes, I am bringing a date…Yes, I’m sure you’ll like her. Okay, ciao, ciao.”

  When I know it’s safe and Leo is off the phone, I walk inside, and he instantly looks up from his laptop and flashes me a grin. This man could model for Crest—his pearly whites are so perfect!

  “So … tell me about this charity ball.” I say as I walk around to sit on his desk.

  “I see eavesdropping is a skill you should add to your resume,” he says as he pushes his chair back and picks my feet up. He takes off my wedges and rubs my feet in his lap.

  “I wasn’t eavesdropping so much as waiting for the right moment to walk in. You sounded a little upset on the phone, and I didn’t want to make it worse by intruding.”

  “You could never make anything worse, bella.�
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  “So I’m going to get to meet your mom?”

  “Si. This charity ball is for her organization that supports breast cancer research. It’s an annual event; she’s been throwing it for the last 10 years now, and each year it raises a great deal of money. She suffered a scare a few years after my father passed away and has thrown herself into research to help others. She doesn’t always have the kindest heart towards the people she knows personally, but I have to commend her when it comes to giving to charity. She gives both her time and money—I did learn a lot from her in that sense.”

  “Do you think she’s going to like me?” I say with a bit of nerves.

  I have only met one of my boyfriends’ parents before, and it was by accident. We were making out on his basement couch when they walked in. The surprise was on them and me. They didn’t know they’d catch us in a compromising position, and I was told it was his house, not Mommy and Daddy’s. I guess I’m glad his parents stopped us before I actually had sex with him. Another loser bites the dust!

  “I don’t care if she does or doesn’t,” Leo says as he adds more pressure to the foot rub. I’m so distracted by how great his massage is that I realize he didn’t quite answer my question.

  “Don’t doubt yourself, bella. You are the best thing that’s ever come into my life.”

  He stares at me, and for a second I think he may say those three little words, but the moment passes when his cellphone rings. We look at the caller ID displaying Mateo’s name.

  Leo answers the phone and then sits silently taking in Mateo’s words. I can hear the normally quiet man loudly on the other end of line. He’s speaking very quickly in Italian, and I can only catch a few words, but I swear I hear him say ‘stalker.’ Leo does not look as alarmed as I feel. Is Leo being stalked?

  Just then he puts his hand over the speaker and says to me, “I’m sorry, cara. I need to take this for work. I’m sorry. I should be done with everything in about an hour, and then we can go out to dinner, if you’d like.”