I don’t care that this new ‘no memories Elena’ doesn’t know anything about her life, but something deep inside of me feels like this is right. My fate. I’ve never been so sure of anything before, ever. Not even million-dollar business deals that I didn’t even blink an eye at.
“I love you too,” I say before nibbling on his bottom lip.
“If you keep that up I’m going to be ready to go again.”
He can’t be serious? And before I can ask him if that’s a joke, I feel Mr. Beautiful’s cock spring back to life. Bring on round two!
I wake up in a gorgeous big bed that takes me a second to recognize, but when I hear gentle snores from Mr. Beautiful the memories from last night cause my face to heat up. That was glorious! I don’t think I’ve ever been so open with my body and my feelings before to anyone. During round one … two … three … or four. Four times! I can’t remember the last time I wanted to have sex twice in one night with my past boyfriends. Hell no, that was a chore, but with Leo it’s like a drug.
‘Hello my name is Elena, and I’m addicted to sex with Leo.’ I crave him and can’t get enough. Whatever he’ll give, I’ll happily take.
The sunlight streams across Leo’s face and he looks so relaxed. He’s not staring at me with heated eyes of desire or being so serious all the time. Just a man in his bed next to his woman sleeping peacefully. I love this moment. I take a second to admire his features: his strong jawline, olive skin, and full black eyelashes that match his thick dark hair.
“If you keep staring at me like you’re hungry, I’m going to give you something to eat,” he growls without even opening his eyes.
“Well damn! I didn’t think you could possibly think about that right now, after all we did last night.” I blush knowing he caught me gawking over him when I thought he was still asleep. Busted!
He opens his emerald eyes and smiles at me before rolling over to prop himself up on his elbow—mirroring my pose.
“I will always be ready for you,” he says before taking his other hand and skimming it down the red sheet to rub over my now hard nipple. “But I think Gemma is downstairs with our breakfast waiting, and I’d love to let her wait because you are more important, but I do have a few things to discuss with her before she leaves.”
For a second I freak out at the mention of another woman’s name, but I remember he told me about his connection to his close staff members—Gemma and Mateo—when he was helping me to get my memories back. They’ve both been in his life since he was a little boy. They’re all super devoted to one another, which makes me happy to know he has such caring people in his life. But wait—what about that mother who doesn’t like me? Where has she been? Before I can ask my question, Leo claims my mouth with his.
“What was that for?” I squeak out.
“It looked like you were overthinking about something unpleasant and I wanted it to stop.”
“I was actually thinking about your mother,” I spit out before realizing what I’ve said.
“What about her?”
“I haven’t heard anything about her since the shooting. And Sophie let me know that she doesn’t like me.”
“I think I should have a talk with Sophie myself.”
Oops! I didn’t mean to throw my best friend under the bus like that.
“Are you okay with having a relationship with someone who your family doesn’t like?”
“Elena, I don’t give a shit what my mama has to say,” he states as he cups my chin lifting my eyes to meet his. “You haven’t heard about her since the shooting because I haven’t really spoken with her. After it happened I was very angry with her and shut her out. She’s been able to … how you Americans say ‘weasel’ her way back into my life because we work in some of the same charity circles … but that’s it.”
“You don’t have to end your relationship with her because of me. I think family is so important—I would do anything for mine.”
“And I love that about you,” he says before kissing my cheek. “I would, of course, do anything to help her if she needs me, but when it comes to us, she can’t control my heart or who I give it to. I’ll fight for you Elena, until my heart stops beating.”
I lean in now to kiss his cheek, so touched by what he’s said. It takes a special kind of person to stand up to their family for someone they are in a relationship with. I don’t think any of my past boyfriends would have done this, and to be honest I don’t think I would have fought for any of them either.
“Alright enough overthinking. As much as I hate seeing you put on your clothes, I think it’s time we head downstairs,” he says before sliding out of the bed to put on his sweat pants. I catch a glimpse of his ridiculously toned ass, and I fight the urge to take a bite out of it. He turns around to spot me staring yet again and I bust out laughing.
“Okay you caught me! I was definitely admiring that hot ass of yours,” I say before putting on my yoga pants and T-shirt.
“I’ve got a great view too, bella.”
We walk downstairs to the kitchen hand-in-hand. Gemma has our plates set at the outdoor table on the patio. Yellow daisies fill a vase in the center of the table along with two cups of espresso as a short redhead Italian woman wanders out of the kitchen carrying two plates of French toast and bacon.
“Bon appetito!” she says before excusing herself back into the house.
The food smells marvelous, and in my first bite I find a surprise: the French toast is stuffed with a rich cream cheese. I must have let out one of those little moans of joy because when I look up Leo has his eyes on mine.
“Did I do it again?”
He leans in and wipes his finger across my lips, catching some cream cheese that must have gotten on my face, and then he sticks his finger out towards me. I pull his finger into my mouth and suck the cream cheese off. Slowly.
“Well isn’t that something I’d rather not see so early in the morning,” says a matter-of-fact Italian voice from the patio doors. I turn around in my chair to find a short woman with short brown hair and green eyes to match Leo’s. This must be—
“Mama, what are you doing here? Especially unannounced,” Leo says, wiping his fingers in a white cloth napkin. Fingers I just had in my mouth in front of his mom! Embarrassing!
“Well son, I see your manners towards me haven’t gotten any better, even with your little girlfriend back,” Rosalie says as she takes a seat at the table across from me and next to Leo. “Are you doing okay Elena? I’m sorry to hear about that ridiculous shooting.”
Ridiculous? That’s not a word I’d use to describe what happened to us. Horrific. Life threatening. Chilling. Yes. But ridiculous? I think that’s a word I’d use to describe a clown or comedy show.
“Yes, I’m doing much better. Thank you for asking.” Maybe it’s a good sign that she’s asked about my health in general?
“Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way,” she says turning her chair to face Leo completely, “Leonardo I’d like to talk to you about the charity luncheon you’ve so graciously offered to host here this week. I’ve drawn up all the plans—seating, menu, invitations, media press release, and I wrote you a speech.”
I notice Leo grip his napkin a little too tightly and a vein in his neck bulges. I slip my hand under the tablecloth, finding his hand, and I gently squeeze it. His expression softens and he drops the poor napkin that was trapped in a death lock back on top of the table.
“Mama I told you that you could have your luncheon here, but I didn’t say that I wanted to be involved in any part of it. You know I don’t want to, nor do I have the time for this. I was going to talk to Gemma this morning to put her in charge of the menu and setup—you can show her your plans,” he says nodding towards her big stack of papers. “As for the press release, you can send it to Natalia to take care of. And there will be no speech from me.”
“It upsets me how cold you can be towards your own mother,” she says. She turns to me now and says, “I’ve heard that
you don’t have any memories of being in Italy. Which is a pity. But I want to remind you that I don’t think you are good enough for my son and you are the reason our relationship is suffering.”
I can’t believe she just said that to my face!
“That’s enough!” Leo says as he slams his fist down on the table, causing everything to shake. His mother looks startled by Leo’s violence and she immediately pushes her chair out from the table, clutching her papers to her chest.
“That’s enough? I will not let you speak to me like this or act like some caveman. I will see myself out and I will see you at that luncheon,” Rosalie says before heading back towards the patio doors and leaving.
Leo has his fist still clenched on top of the table and he’s looking down at his mostly untouched food. I push my chair back and surprise him by cuddling into his lap. I wrap my arms around his neck, and he wraps his around my body. He meets my eyes and softly says, “I’m so sorry for what just happened. I want you to know that I don’t agree with anything she says. Those are not my thoughts.”
“Hey,” I say, taking one hand to cup his cheek, “it’s okay baby. You are not responsible for your mom’s actions—or anyone else’s actions for that matter. And you stood up for me, that meant a lot.” I lean in to kiss his delectable lips. “So tell me about this charity luncheon that’s going to be taking place here?”
“Ugh. I completely forgot about it because I’ve been wrapped up in much better things,” he says before trailing kisses down my neck, “but my mama called a few days ago to force her way into letting her host the event here. She has a huge mansion and still she wants to use mine. I think it’s because she rarely opens her world up to people. No one is welcome in her home. And I also think she wants to trap me into being involved in her work.”
“Is there anything I can do to help out?”
Leo looks at me like I’ve said something crazy. “Why would you want to help her? She treats you so badly. I’d think you’d want nothing to do with her. And I wouldn’t blame you for thinking that.”
I look sincerely into his eyes.
“She’s your mother and even though she’s mean to me, she’s doing something to help other people through charity. I can admire that. My company frequently donates money and time to local charities in Michigan—we just want to make a difference. Why not do the same in my new home?”
“Elena, you’re an amazing woman.”
12
My shift—an eventful one at that—is finally ending for the day. We hired Josephina, a new employee studying business in college, and I am the one in charge of training her. She’s incredibly sweet. I can’t believe I was able to convince Marco to hire more help—for so long it’s just been me and him, or so I’ve been told.
The coffee shop is booming with business; we’ve done two more poetry nights, and we are now advertising our business on Facebook and through Yelp. I hope Stella would be proud of all that we are doing to turn her business around and get Marco out of this massive debt she’s left behind.
On the walk towards my apartment I decide to take a detour and look at all the sights and sounds of Rome. I walk past little kids running through the streets kicking soccer balls, markets of fresh fruits and vegetables, other caffés and bars with patios outside full of people drinking coffees and eating sandwiches. Bright colors, smiling faces, and happiness are all around.
Has it always been like this? You’re in love and seeing things in a new light! Can that be true?
True or not, I walk and walk and walk until I look up to see a tall building, “Forte Enterprises.” As much as I used to hate interruptions in the office, I decide I’m going to surprise my man. I pull open the double glass doors and walk towards a younger looking secretary with a cute brunette Pixie cut sitting behind a huge glass desk. She has a headset on and she’s talking a million miles per minute. Men and women in stylish business suits walk through the lobby carrying briefcases. Everyone looks in a hurry, which is surprising for Italians. I hear chatter of projects, proposals, and deadlines.
I realize I must look completely out of place in my Stella’s white T-shirt and black skirt—but no one seems to stare at me. They actually all look right past me. What’s funny is that this corporate world is my element. My office in Michigan has a similar hustle and bustle, however, there’s no dress code. Everyone is free to express himself or herself in any way. If you can create a killer Facebook ad campaign for a multi-million dollar company wearing jeans, then go for it. Just get the job done.
As I’m daydreaming about my office back home, the secretary stops talking for a brief second to address me. “I don’t think we ordered any more baked goods today.” That’s all she says before returning to her computer.
What was that about?
“Well that’s good because I didn’t bring any baked goods,” I say as she continues ignoring me for her computer screen. “I’m here to see Leonardo Forte.”
“I don’t think he’s expecting anyone today,” she says without even looking up.
“He’s not, but I don’t think he’d mind. If you could just tell me how to get to his office.”
“Listen, a lot of people come here trying to talk to Signor Forte and he doesn’t have time for that. If you want me to leave him your phone number, I can give it to him,” she says now looking me up and down, “but I doubt he’ll have time to call you back.”
As I’m about to jump across this desk to bitch smack this woman for trying to keep me away from Leo, Mateo shows up next to me. Why do I forget he’s always around?
“Maria, Signor Forte will be very upset if you turn Signora Scott away. I would put her on the list of visitors who should always be allowed instant access to him,” Mateo says. He means business. If he wasn’t my bodyguard, I would be a little scared of him right now.
“Signor Colonna, I didn’t know she was someone important. I’m very sorry,” Maria says before quickly turning back towards me. “Signor Forte is on the twenty-third floor, you’ll see his assistant Natalia’s desk when you exit the elevator. I’ll let her know you are on your way up. This won’t happen again,” she assures me.
Looks like Maria knows when to back down. I turn towards Mateo and realize I just learned his last name. How could I not know the last name of the guy following me around all hours of the day?
“Grazie Mateo! You always come to my rescue!”
I jump into the elevator and take it to floor 23. Just like Maria said, I find a woman whom I’m guessing is Natalia sitting at a marble desk outside of double doors.
“Signora Scott?” Natalia says in a much calmer demeanor than Maria’s. Her smile looks friendly and she tells me Leo is on a conference call but she will buzz me through into his office. I ask her if he’s gotten word that I’m here and she assures me he hasn’t—my surprise is still a surprise.
I hear a buzz and Natalia nods towards the double doors. I pull one and quietly make my way into the biggest office I’ve ever seen with floor-to-ceiling windows along a back wall overlooking downtown Rome. Leo’s back is towards the door, and I hear him talking to several voices coming through a speakerphone on his desk.
Let’s make this surprise visit worthwhile.
I take my Stella’s white T-shirt off and slip my black skirt and shoes off as well. I silently walk towards his chair. Leo doesn’t look up until I’m standing directly in front of him in just a pair of purple silk undies and a purple push-up bra to match. Everything on display for him.
“Fuck, Elena,” Leo says in a deep voice.
“Excuse me, signor?” Someone on the conference line asks.
I put my finger to my lips and motion for him to “ssh” as I get down on my knees in front of him. The man normally always in control looks completely caught off guard by his woman. I reach for his black belt and he grabs my hand to stop me but I wave him off. I remove off his belt, placing it behind me on the floor, and then pull down his dress pants and boxer briefs.
He’s
hard already, which makes me happy.
I lean forward and lick his cock like I’ve been hungry for it all day. Up and down I lick, stopping to suck on each ball, before taking him as far into my mouth as I possibly can. I hear him breathe out of rush of air as he continues to talk to his business associates.
How is he remaining so composed? Let’s change that.
Leo takes his hand and pulls my hair up to hold on to. He uses my hair to push and pull my mouth up and down to fuck his cock. I’m taking him deeper and deeper with my mouth as he guides me, while my hand massages his balls. I make a loud noise as I realize I’ve got his entire massive cock all the way into my mouth—touching the back of my throat. I don’t think I’ve ever taken anyone this deep.
Someone on his conference lines asks if anyone heard that weird sound, worrying that their line isn’t secure. I laugh a little on the inside knowing these high-powered business men and women are worrying about secure phone lines when I’m sucking my man off in his office.
Leo leans forward to unclasp my bra and I shimmy out of it before he cups my breast in his warm hand. He massages it aggressively while I take his cock back into my eager-to-please mouth. I pump him with my hand like my life depends on it and swirl my tongue around his cock. He tries to suppress little growls as he answers a question from an associate.
I take my mouth off his cock and flick my tongue over and over across the tip—getting it as wet as I can. I look up at him knowing he’s got to be close to having an orgasm. He squeezes my breast and rolls my nipple between his fingers.
I take Leo back deep into my mouth and he instantly lets go of my breast and tilts his head back, eyes closed, and lets out the most passionate sounding growl I’ve ever heard as he explodes inside my mouth. I swallow his cum and then sit back to stare up at him again. I realize my panties are wet. I’m so turned on by pleasing him, but I didn’t come here for me. I reach over for my bra but Leo grabs my hand and shakes his head ‘no’ at me.
“I’m sorry to cut this call short but it looks like an emergency has come up in my office. Something very important I need to take care of. You can continue to talk, email me the bullet points when you’ve finished,” Leo says to his partners.
Fighting For Mr. Beautiful: Eternal City Love, Book 2 Page 9
