by A. Hargrove
“We can't drive into the town itself so are you up for a walk?”
“How much of a walk?”
“Ten to fifteen minutes there. And then back. We can stop at a cafe for coffee or gelato, if you'd like.”
“I can manage that.”
He parked the car and we set off, with him explaining about each of the neighborhoods that dated back centuries.
“Don't look to me as being historically accurate because I'm not, but if you check out the emblems up there” —he pointed to the building near where we stood— “you'll find the names of them. They date back to the Middle Ages, I believe.”
“This is amazing. And I love the quaintness of it all with the narrow streets. In the U.S. we think a few hundred years is old, but here, that's a drop of water in a bucket.”
“Yes. I went and toured the historic area of Boston once, and while it was fantastic, it's not that old. Rome is old.”
“I’d love to visit Rome.” I sighed. “It sounds so romantic.”
“You will and I'll be your personal tour guide. My family spends a lot of time there. We have a distributor in Rome.”
He guided me through a maze of streets, which were more like alleys and I fell in love with it. Alessandro was the perfect tour guide, pointing things out to me that were relevant to history and the town. He asked me if I wanted to stop at some of the shops along the way as there were some adorable ones that I couldn't resist.
“You don't mind?”
“It's a weakness. I love to shop.”
“That's unusual for a guy.”
He shrugged. “You choose.”
We went inside one, but when I looked at the prices, I almost choked. “Let's go,” I whispered.
“You don't see anything here?”
“They're super pricey.”
He rumbled with laughter. “It's Siena. These shops cater to tourists.”
“Why didn't you say something?”
“Because I want you to find something you like.”
I tried to pull him out, but he went farther inside instead. He walked to some gold bracelets that had amazing stones in them. I didn't have a clue what they were, but they weren't precious stones. However, they were striking and I'm positive expensive.
“Do you like?” He waggled his brows as he held one up.
“How can I not?”
The sales clerk asked if he wanted to see it.
“No, I want to try it on my girlfriend.”
The woman unlocked the case and Alessandro put it around my wrist. It was lovely. The gold enhanced the blueish gray stones, which was surprising, because you'd think silver would stand out more, but it was perfect.
“We'll take it,” he said, watching me.
“Wait. You can't just buy it.” My protest was ignored. The woman smiled and placed it in a box.
“No, she'll be wearing it. Just put the box in a bag.” Then he switched to Italian and the woman glanced at me and nodded. She said something back and all I could make from it were the yeses and nos. When we left the shop, I was wearing the beautiful piece of jewelry and my boyfriend was as happy as me.
We turned a corner and a new row of shops awaited. Alessandro headed to one in particular. Turned out, it was a shoe store filled with a gorgeous array of boots of all kinds. The scent of leather filled the air and I breathed it in, loving it all. The shop wasn't large, but every square inch had been used to its advantage, displaying even handbags.
“Oh, this is heaven. I'd forgotten about Italian leather goods.”
Alessandro spoke to the shop owner and started pointing to boots. Again they were speaking in Italian. The man approached me, and in broken English, pointed to a chair.
“Oh, I don't need any boots.”
“Piper, need has nothing to do with it. When in Italy, you buy Italian leather. Now please, sit, so the man can measure your foot for a proper size.”
I didn't want or expect him to buy me things and I told him as much.
“I know, but it's my treat.” He gently pushed me into the chair and took off my shoes. I hoped my feet didn't smell bad. God, what if they did? I leaned over and sniffed.
“What are you doing?” He asked.
“Nothing. I, uh, it smells amazing in here.” I hoped he bought my little lie.
“Yes, leather does smell wonderful.”
The man measured me and soon I was surrounded by a mountain of boots. It was fun trying them all on but painful choosing which pair to buy. I settled on a pair of black ones that were buttery soft and not very fancy. I figured they were classic and wouldn't go out of style.
Alessandro had other ideas. By the time I put my shoes back on, he was paying for a total of three pairs of boots, and a handbag.
“What are you doing?”
“You loved all of them so I'm buying them for you. And I saw you eyeing this so I'm getting it too. And don't think of refusing these. They are my gifts to you for being my guest.”
“Aren't I the one who's supposed to buy you something to thank you for inviting me?”
“No, we don't do it that way here.” An impish grin curved his mouth. “Gabriele wanted you to have something from Italy. He’s been after me for a while so when I saw how your eyes lit up at the bracelet, it was meant to be yours.”
“The boots and handbag are too much. They are beautiful though.”
“Piper, I want to buy you beautiful things. Allow me this small amount of pleasure.”
“As long as it pleases you, okay, but please don't do this all the time. It somehow cheapens our relationship.”
“Cheapens? How?”
“I don't know. Maybe it feels like I'm here because I want you to buy me things, which I don't.”
“If I thought that, you wouldn't be here.” He threw an arm over my shoulders and we walked out of the store with him carrying the load he'd just purchased. “Gabriele will be so excited to see what you got. As will the nonne. They wanted me to surprise you, but I wasn't sure of your shoe size and it’s best to try them on anyhow.”
We ambled around town some more and stopped for some coffee at a cafe.
“Are you hungry? They have excellent pizzas here. But they aren't what you're used to.”
“I'd love to try one and yes, I'm hungry.”
He took me to his favorite place and we ordered one to split. It was delicious. The crust was thin and crispy and it had tomatoes, fresh basil, and sliced mozzarella of the likes I'd never tasted before.
“By the expression on your face, I can see you are pleased.”
“This is amazing. Not too cheesy and this crust is to die for. But this mozzarella. Why have you kept this a secret from me?”
He grinned. “It's so common here I didn't think about it. And the crust is not thick and doughy like it is on some of the American pizzas.”
“Exactly. This is divine,” I said, humming my pleasure as I ate.
“If you continue to make those little sounds, I might have to rush you back to the car.”
“Why?”
Instead of answering me, he took my hand and placed it over his hard cock. “Jeez, Alessandro.”
“Jeez, Piper,” he said, mimicking me. “This is your fault.”
“Mine?”
“You sound like you're having sex eating that pizza.”
“I do not.”
“I beg to differ. You've left me in quite a state here.”
“Should I ask the waiter for a bucket of ice?”
He barked out a loud laugh, which had heads turning. “No, because we don't use ice here as you do. But he'd also wonder why you needed a bucket full.”
“I could explain my boyfriend is having swelling issues.” I waggled my brows. He brushed the back of his fingers across my cheek, sending shivers over my skin. Good thing I was wearing a bra or my nipples would be aimed directly at him. Not that they weren't already, but everyone would be able to see them.
After clucking his tongue, he said, “You are a naug
hty girl.”
“I thought you liked naughty.”
“Did I say I didn't?”
“No.”
He tipped my head back and kissed me. It caught me off guard and he knew it. But that didn't stop him. In fact, it only made him deepen the kiss. My response was quick as my blood heated, rushing through my veins, telling me I wanted more.
“I adore naughty.”
“I agree,” I said.
“With naughty?”
“No. With the part about going to the car for a quickie.”
His eyes darkened, and his voice turned husky. “Finish your pizza, Piper.”
My eyes never left his as I obeyed him. He paid when we were done and we held hands as we walked back to his car.
He drove a flashy black sports car and not the big sedan, but we found a private spot somewhere outside of the city. He unzipped his pants and I straddled him. It was broad daylight, with the sun streaming into the car. But for this moment, I didn't care. All I wanted was him, inside of me, to ease the ache he was responsible for. And damn, he accomplished the deed. By the time we both came, we were sweating and panting, calling out each other’s names. He was gentle with me on the outside, as I was still sore from the bruises, but rough, exactly where I needed it on the inside.
“Your eyes sparkle after we make love. Sei bellissima.”
He tangled his hand in my hair and pulled me close for a kiss.
“Sei bellissima too.”
“No, for me it's sei bellissimo.”
“Right. I forgot about that. And you are most masculine.”
“Grazie.” Taking my hand, he turned it over and kissed my wrist.
“I suppose I should put my jeans back on and we should go.”
“Yes. Gabriele will want to see your new things. He was so excited about it.”
“I hate this part.”
Before I pulled away, his fingers circled my clit and we were on to round two. This time I leaned over him, resting on my elbows because of my broken wrist, and pulled up my shirt to free my breasts. As he sucked on my nipples, I rode him until I climaxed. It wasn't long afterward when he did too.
“That was amazing,” I said, still on my orgasmic high.
He answered by kissing me. “What am I going to do with you, my Piper?”
“As long as you keep doing what you just did, I'll be a happy woman.”
“Let's go home. I want to shower with you.”
“That sounds wonderful, considering I'm definitely quite messy, thanks to you. Do you have any tissues?”
I moved over to the passenger's seat and he scrounged around in the glove box and didn't find any, but handed me one napkin. His lopsided grin made me chortle.
“Not sure this will work, but at least it's something.”
A shower was going to be very welcome.
When we drove up to the house, Gabriele ran out to greet us. “Papa, did you get it?”
“Yes and wait until you see.”
“Look,” I said, holding up my arm. “I have a new bracelet!”
Gabriele clapped his hands, although his eyes weren't very excited. I think he was more of a shoe person.
Alessandro grabbed the bags and we went inside for show and tell. Everyone loved the boots and I was forced to model them, even though I was eager for a shower because I was feeling rather squishy by now.
They raved about my choices, and even Gabriele said I did a great job in choosing. But they were happy that Alessandro bought the handbag because they'd decided I needed a new one.
The nonne went crazy over the bracelet saying it suited me perfectly. They eyed Alessandro, acting as though I wasn't watching. Speaking in hushed Italian to each other, I had to wonder what they were discussing. Whatever it was, they were happy about it.
We were finally able to escape in the guise of me needing a nap. I claimed I was tired from all the walking. But it was the shower we both wanted.
I rendezvoused with Alessandro in his room with only my robe on. He drew me into the bathroom and started the water. Soon, he lathered me up with the fragrant soap, and his hands were everywhere I wanted them to be. He spun me around, stretched my arms up and placed them against the cool travertine tile, and spread my legs apart. His fingers wonderfully invaded me, sliding inside and around me.
“You know exactly where and how to touch me.”
“You are stunning, my beautiful Piper. I am going to take you now.”
“Yes.”
I felt the tip of him slide around and then he pushed inside of me, slowly at first. When he was fully seated, he pulled back and then thrust hard. This is how I loved it best. One arm wrapped around me as he pumped in and out, deep and rough. Alessandro knew how to fuck. His body fit mine perfectly.
The water tumbled down on us as he slapped against my ass over and over. I groaned each time he powered into me, feeling him deep, deep inside. “Alessandro.”
His hand spread over my lower belly, his finger dipped onto my clit, pressing it. That's when I came with a cry. “Ahhhh, yessss.”
I clenched his dick in a rhythmic fashion, and it was an epic orgasm. He groaned hoarsely as he came. His cock throbbed deep inside of me. He kissed my shoulder, neck, and then my cheek.
We were joined as he still ground into me when the door burst open, and Gabriele cried out, “Papa, are you okay. I heard someone yelling in here.”
Chapter Forty-One
Alessandro
How the fuck did I forget to lock the bedroom door? “Gabriele, I’m fine. Now please leave.”
“But Papa, why were you screaming?”
“I wasn't.”
“Why is Piper in there with you?”
“Because she needed help. Now can you please leave?”
“Is she hurt, because I heard her screaming too?”
I released a long sigh. My dick was still inside of her and she was shaking with laughter. It was funny, but how was I going to get rid of my curious son?
“Gabriele, Piper can't wash her hair by herself. She has her hand wrapped. See?”
“But why are you holding her against the wall?”
“Um, I'm trying to cover her up so she doesn't get wet.”
“Then how will she take a shower?”
“Gabriele, please leave. We will explain later.”
“Okay. Can I get a cookie from Nonna?”
“Yes! Get two if you want.”
“Really? I can have two?”
“Yes! Now please leave.”
He finally left the bathroom, but the door was wide open. I didn't relax until I heard the bedroom door close.
“Shit. He's going to run his mouth to the nonne.”
“Don't you think they've already guessed?”
I didn't bother with an answer but spun her around so I could kiss her. She was magnificent and I would never get enough of her. Gorgeous from head to toe, her body was made to order for mine.
“You have the most delightful pussy, amore mio.”
“Grazie. And I am completely enamored with your male appendage.”
“My male appendage?”
“Yes, your man meat.”
“Man meat?”
“Trouser trout? One-eyed wand of life? Pink helmeted love warrior?”
She had completely stumped me and I could only repeat, “Pink helmeted love warrior?” I slowly repeated.
Biting her lip, she nodded. “You've never heard those?”
“Can't say I have. Then again, you Americans have some strange sayings.”
“And Italians don't?”
I'd never share, but hers were hilarious. I was laughing so hard my sides ached. “I need to wash your hair before little nosy one returns and we're still in here naming penises.”
The shower was the best we ever had, minus the interruption. I was quiet, trying to come up with something to tell my son.
“What's wrong?” Piper asked.
“Nothing. I'm thinking up something to tell Gabriele.”<
br />
“By the time we get to the kitchen, the cookies and the nonne will have worked their magic. You'll have them to thank too.”
“And then I'll have to explain to them why we were in here together.”
“You think?”
“I know. They are as old-fashioned as those hills out there. They'll want to know when we are getting married.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, her skin paled. “Married?”
“They think if you sleep together, marriage is soon behind it. Actually, no sleeping together until you're married. They are Catholic, you see.”
“Yes, but marriage?”
“Is it that distasteful to you?” I frowned.
“Oh, um, it's not that. But gosh, we've only known each other a few months.”
“But when you know, you know.”
“Alessandro, what are you saying?”
What the hell was I saying? At one point I didn't want to see her after the Christmas holidays. Now I was acting as though I wanted to marry her.
“I'm not exactly sure, Piper. I love being with you. I'm in love with you, but you already know that. What is the natural progression of things?”
“Wait. You're saying you want to marry me? I didn't think you ever wanted to marry again.”
“I know.”
“Can you do me a favor and tell me the whole story?”
“Haven't I done that already?”
“Yes, but it was before.”
“Before what?”
“This. This revelation.”
Painfully, I blew out a lungful of rotten air that always accompanied thoughts of Chiara. “We dated. Initially, she was fun. Then she told me she was pregnant and was going to get rid of the baby. I didn't want her to. She said the only way she'd keep it was if we got married. Papa begged me not to marry her. Told me to offer her money, but I didn't see it his way. In the end, that's what I should've done because that's what she wanted all along. We married and almost immediately afterward, she changed, telling me I only cared for the baby. That much was true, but I did try to be a good husband. She always wanted material things. So I gave her everything she asked for. Jewelry, designer clothes, whatever she desired. When Gabriele came, she accused me of only loving him. In all fairness, she was right. That's when the drinking began. She went to rehab. When she came out, things were much better, for a time. But then her craziness crept back in. I begged her to see someone, and she did. But her visits ended, and the drinking began again. That's when she became pregnant again. I told you about the condoms. After our daughter was born, the drinking got out of control. And then the accident happened. I did not offer her any reprieve. I even asked for more time in prison. I wanted her away from my son at all costs because she is so toxic.”
