by SJ Molloy
“My dog.”
“Done, but I’m not sharing you, so she’ll need to know you are all mine,” he says.
I roll my eyes “You see, that may be a bit difficult. She’s very much attached.”
“Not as attached as I am.” He rolls me over and we delight in making long, slow, tender love.
****
After breakfast, we tidy up a little around the kitchen, then Lucca makes some calls and I head for the lounge room.
I pick out an overpriced but fashionable bright lime green dress which has a simple v neck, thin straps and a v neck at the back, but not too low that my scars are visible. I pair it with navy high-heeled shoes and a navy colour block clutch.
After I shower, I call Hazel. She tells me that Lucca left a hire car for them, so they went sightseeing yesterday and are going again today. I learn that Dominic has taken my spot in the kitchen, and they’ve had a cooking lesson together. She tells me that she and Dominic have christened the sauna. A few days ago I would have been repulsed by this, but now I just giggle.
I wonder if Lucca has a sauna hidden here somewhere.
We agree to speak tomorrow, and I tell her I want to see her in the next few days. I miss my best friend, even though she is insufferable at times. We are usually together every day, so it’s odd not seeing her.
Lucca returns and swiftly follows me into the bathroom, turning the shower on. Once dressed, Lucca wraps his arms around me and kisses the side of my head. “Could you be any more divine?” he whispers.
I try to keep my composure while secretly melting under his sexy husk. Lucca has made arrangements with Marco to deliver more fresh groceries to the farmhouse for the next few days, so we walk out to the car.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“Florence for sightseeing and culture. We can have lunch there, if that is alright?”
“Yes, sounds lovely, thank you.” He inhales deeply, and squeezes my hand.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he drives effortlessly. The wind sweeping against my face and upper body is thrilling. With my sunglasses on, I lean back and look at the spectacular views and authenticity of the green outdoor sanctuary as we journey through the country side.
Florence is everything I thought it would be; filled with many tourist attractions, beautiful churches, museums, cathedrals and art galleries. The Firenze museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. It’s a historic city, boasting magnificent architecture; visually the buildings are classic and timeless with their lovely stone masonry and red tiled roofs.
Lucca takes me to the Uffizi Gallery. He has arranged a private tour again, this time with the overly familiar Adorna.
What is it with him and tour reps?
Once again, I feel she has been acquainted with my new boyfriend, perhaps too friendly for my liking. I don’t like the way she flirts with him. He knows I’m nervous, so he doesn’t let go of my hand, holding me close to him. I tighten my grip on his hand, knowing I may possibly be his future, and do something out of character; I lean over and kiss him on the lips in front of her. I need her to know that he is mine. Lucca smiles; I think he likes my possessive approach.
He puts his hand under my shaggy bun gripping my head and passionately kisses me back, ignoring everything else around us. I was not expecting that. When we part, I rub my finger over his lips that I have sealed. Adorna is strolling on in front of us, clearly in a stupor. I feel very proud of myself in this moment.
Mine.
We savor the remarkable masterpieces as we stroll, the first being Botticelli’s ‘Primavera and Birth of Venus’. Adorna’s mood has not changed. If anything, she is a little colder towards me. Next is Filipino Lippi’s ‘Madonna and Child with Two Angels’. Lucca stares at this painting a lot longer, his eyes soft, receptive and loving. I put my arm around him knowing that he may be thinking of his own son. I pray that Lucca’s son has his own angels looking after him. Lucca looks up at me and looks lost.
I whisper in his ear “I said a prayer for you, I know your little baby boy is being well looked after by his angels” and tighten my hold on him. He turns to face me placing both his hands over my cheeks staring into my eyes. “Thank you, I said a prayer too….I also thanked God for bringing you in my life.”
“Mi dispiace. Ho bisogno di uscire, sono stato chiamato in caso di emergenza. Godetevi il resto della vostra visita e mi dispiace ancora una volta, la prego di scusarmi.” Adorna kisses Lucca on both cheeks and hugs him, then shakes my hand and storms off.
“What did she say?”
“She has been called away to an emergency. Adorna apologies, but has to go.” I think it all seems a little rude, but I just nod. I’m thankful Lucca and I have more private time. We take in Titian’s Venus of Orbino painting, then stroll around the many rooms looking at the art of Michael Angelo, Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci. It’s a treasurable experience, and a wonderful date.
Outside is buzzing with tourists as we walk through the horseshoe shaped building to make our way onto the bridge crossing the Arno River. I turn around and lean against the bridge facing the sun, enjoying the heat and looking across the striking skyline. Lucca leans into me, placing his strong toned arms around my waist. He places his head at the side of mine, and my heart skips a few beats. He moves his hands down until they are grabbing my ass.
“You know, we could always stay here in Tuscany, instead of going home.”
“I would love to, but I can’t. I have a job and I have Cameron, Doris, my friends, my fam…”
Shit! I nearly divulged too much information.
Lucca looks at me, deep in thought, but doesn’t say anything. He straightens up and takes my hand. “Let’s go and eat.” He walks with me back off the bridge and the silence is uncomfortable.
We eat antipasto, bruschetta and salad at a charming bar in Santa Croce square, not far from Ponte Vecchio. I have a refreshing cocktail with lunch, and Lucca has a peroni. I can’t help notice he is very distracted, quiet even.
“Is there something wrong?” I ask.
Lucca sighs “No.” The atmosphere could be cut with a knife. This is not good.
“You seem quite distant. Have I done something wrong?” I whisper quietly, looking down. There is silence for a long time, and my heart is ready to rip through my dress, I am panicking, and it’s a horrible feeling.
“Why won’t you tell me about your family, were they bad to you?”
Fuck!
File P for Persistent. I thought we were done with this.
“I told you about Cameron.”
“No, that’s not all. You referred to family when we were on the bridge.”
I need to think about this strategically. “Well, of course I have family. Everyone does, but I just don’t see them. I would like to think of Mr. Carlin as family. He’s part of my life.” I look down, place the back of my hand against my mouth, and twiddle my fingers.
“Doc, I’m sorry. I just feel like you’re closing on me. I hate not knowing all about you, and I thought because you said you trusted me that you’d confide in me more.”
I remember him telling me Francesca would not open up to him, and he’s lost respect for her. I don’t want him to lose respect for me.
Oh God. I feel sick.
“I’m afraid to talk about things, especially to you. You won’t give me your heart when you know. You’ll run a mile when you find out the real me. Who I really am. I know you‘ll see me differently. I have nothing but dark shadows. They follow me everywhere, Lucca, and I won’t drag you into them.”
My chest is rupturing into a million pieces, and the tightness is sharp and pinching. I steady my breathing; I’m determined not to cause another scene. I can’t look up. He is so quiet, and it scares me.
“You won’t drag me into any darkness. I’ve had my own fair share, remember? Nothing you tell me will change the way I feel about you. I have every intention of bringing you more into the light, my light�
��.my luminoso” He strokes my hand and kisses my cheek. “Come on, you need distraction, and I have a good idea.” He settles the check and takes my hand.
How does he know distraction always works with me? I want to keep him close to me. Forever.
“No, I’m not going shopping. You’ve wiped all these boutiques out with all of the stuff you’ve bought me.” I‘m definitely putting my foot down on this one.
“Relax, we’re not buying clothes. Well, unless you want more?”
I frown at him, but I’m intrigued as to what he wants that is so important. We walk pass a lot of designer boutiques on Via Tornabuoni, then stop at an upmarket craft shop.
Hmm...
Oil painting was not what I had in mind, but then again, its apparently good therapy for my mother.
Lucca exits the shop with a little paper bag while I send Cameron a text. “Here, this is your gift of the day. I figured you were fed up with extravagant things for now, so I think this might be of more value to you.” Opening the little bag, I find a beautiful, indigo, silk covered journal. “I thought it might be easier for you to note down things, maybe your feelings and emotions. You don’t have to show it to me if you don’t want to, but I would like you to share it with me.”
I rub my fingers across the vivid purple silk as my eyes well up. “Lucca, this is the most precious thing anyone has ever given me. I will cherish it, I love it.” He rubs his thumb across a stray tear that has escaped down my cheek, and kisses me passionately. I cast my mind back to the day Casey Huddersfield asked me to keep a journal; I couldn’t do it back then as I just could not find the strength to put the words down onto paper, but maybe now it will be easier.
Strolling around, I see Lucca eye up some ridiculously expensive Swiss pens in the window of one boutique. “No, a pencil will do just fine,” I say, dragging him away. He laughs.
“I use those pens at work. I wasn’t going to get you one. God, Lexi, you are adorable.” I stop in front of an expensive Jewellery boutique glancing in awe and wonder if this is where Lucca got my watch and earrings. I’ve never been impressed by Jewelery, but since now owning two very special items, I see what the attraction is.
The diamonds are bright and twinkly like morning sunlight on crystal ice. They glow and glisten catching colours in the window like a mutli-colored kaleidoscope.I drag Lucca away before he gets any ideas. Instead, I buy some cheeses, chutneys, crackers and grapes from a little food store to take back to the farmhouse.
We spend a late afternoon strolling around hand in hand, taking in some monuments and sights. We enjoy some pasta and wine at an intimate restaurant as the sun lowers settling behind the red tiled roofs that strip across the skyline of Firenze. After the meal, I ask the waiter if I can borrow his pen. Lucca looks at me with a quizzical look on his face.
“I want to write something in my journal for you.” I smile.
“Here let me first.” Lucca takes the pen and on the inside page writes,
Voi siete la più bella donna intrigante che abbia mai conosciuto. Tu sei il mio qualcosa di speciale, da sempre e per sempre. Mantenere questa stretta al cuore, ho intenzione di rimanere vicino al mio. Amore Lucca xxx
You are the most beautiful, intriguing woman I have ever met. You are my something special, forever and always. Keep this close to your heart. I intend to keep you close to mine. Love Lucca xxx
As I read his beautiful words, I feel so many emotions wash over me. Lucca looks at me with soft caring eyes, and I melt under his loving sincerity.
I scribble on the first page Granny & Grandpa. I slide it across the table. Lucca reads it, and his brow frowns a little.
“You want to know about my family, so I’m sharing with you.” He smiles the biggest smile I’ve seen from him. “I’ll tell you about them after I thank you and make love to you tonight. Your gift of the day.”
His eyes are wide, and his breathing becomes irregular as his chest rises. “Come on, we’re going home. I need to have you over and over...” He throws money down on the table with the pen and I just manage to pick up the bag from the food market before I’m whisked back to the Aston Martin.
Lucca drives as though he is on a mission all the way home. I have to close my eyes on some of the winding roads with cars racing by. I walk into the kitchen and place the food bag in the fridge, then put my journal and handbag down on the counter. Lucca grabs my waist and pushes me against the pantry door. I throw my hips forward, thrusting into his hard erection pressing against my stomach.
We kiss passionately, frantically, needy...forcefully. He pulls my head back and claims my neck, abusing my mouth; I am so ready for him, for this. He pulls my dress over my head and flings it, leaving me with just my bra, panties and high heel shoes on.
“Fuck, you are so goddamn sexy. I want you naked. I love these, but I love you naked more. We need to get rid of the lingerie, but keep the shoes on.”
Picking me up, I straddle his waist and wrap my legs around his hips. My pulsing sensitivity is catapulting into orbit and back. He carries me into the dining area and puts me down on the table. I take my bra off, then seductively wink and throw it away. Lucca approves with a virile groan through clenched teeth, and pulls his shirt off, unbuttons his jeans, and drops them to the floor.
“Lucca, I need you.” I’m going to set myself off right now if he doesn’t hurry.
He leans into my body, kissing me...tonguing me...moving his hands over my body in seeming desperation. I tug gently on his hair as I throw my own back when he takes my hard swollen nipple in his mouth. With my legs wrapped around him, I lie back on the table, squirming under his expertise.
“Baby, turn around.” He groans in between sexually tormenting my nipples.
I turn around and face the table. He parts my leg open, then runs his fingers over my wet flesh between my folds under the minuscule lace fabric of my thong.
He rips the thong off my hips with one swift movement.
“Hey, I liked those!” I draw my legs back together.
“I fucking like you more. Spread your legs, baby.” I do, but I’m embarrassed at how drenched I am. “You are so ready for me, but I want to please you first. Tell me if you want me to stop.” He massages my ass cheeks, manipulating the muscles between my ass and thigh then leans over, putting soft sweet kisses on my ass and the occasional little bite with his teeth.
He wraps his arm around my waist to my front, causing me to lift my hips off the table. He strokes my clitoris and my body moves with him. I push up further onto my knees, I can’t believe how exposed I am. He hisses puffing outward, the view is definitely arousing him. Kissing my ass again, groaning, he travels his kiss further down.
“Lucca, please, I need-”
“Ssssh, baby.” His wet tongue slithers around my sensitive flesh.
Oh my goodness…
“Ahh!” I moan with every stroke and flick of his tongue. He is bending behind me, his face buried between my legs, caressing me from behind. I whimper as he enters his fingers inside me, pushing deeper, sliding my juices out and trailing it to my backside, wetting my other entrance.
Oh shit he’s not going to ….
He places his thumb over my entrance, putting pressure on it, then his fingers are back inside my core, his tongue dancing a seductive tango over my hot spot.
Oh my God!
“I’m going to make you scream with pleasure, baby. Hold on and tell me to stop if it’s too much.”
“I want more, Lucca. Please, don’t stop.”
“I’ll have you screaming, this is gonna be intense.”
His fingers inside me, I feel one slide gently into my back entrance. I yell out, buckling and clamping my contracting muscles around his finger. It’s unfamiliar, but feels sensational.
I can do this.
Pushing in a little further, he moves his finger slightly, causing me to grip around him. His other fingers stroke my hot spot while I contract my vaginal wall and grip the table. It’s all too much. I sc
ream, and scream, and scream...the intense torture, divine sensation and naughty expertise from him.
“Lucca, oh my God, Lucca, ahh!”
He removes his fingers and puts his tongue back on my throbbing, sensitive flesh, and starts his magic again. I buck into gripping explosion number two, slamming my hand down on the table, arching my head backwards, screaming with sheer uncontrollable delight.
“Baby, I need you now. Stay on your knees.” He sounds sexy as hell in that manly husky voice. He climbs onto the table, on his knees, and he grabs both my breasts at the same time, gripping them tightly. He places the tip of his cock at my entrance.
“Yes! Lucca, now,” I beg. He draws back, then enters me, slowly at first, then pushes in deeper.
“Fuck!”
Lucca pulls back and plunges into me again. He is moaning with his own gratification. You are so fucking perfect. You feel amazing.”
He grasps my hips and begins thrusting, pumping deeper into me, harder and harder again each time. I rock back and forth, accepting his power, wanting more of it. It’s sending rolling drums straight to my inner core, and I feel like I could rip apart any moment, but I can’t get enough. ”Are you okay?” he stutters frenetically.
“Lucca, don’t stop! I want more, keep going!”
“Jesus! Fuck, I need to fuck you hard and senseless.” He thrusts desperately into me, growling deeply, wildly and intensely thrashing behind me, pulling my hips back to meet his mighty relentless intrusion ravaging my sex.
“Yes, I can’t…I can’t… I need…” I drop my shoulder and lift my ass higher, wiggling into his direct path.
It’s too much.
It’s dissolute.
It’s carnal.
He thrusts back and forth, harder each time, over and over, slapping my ass with each shatter and digging his fingers into my skin. “Lexi, baby, I’m nearly there. I need you to...”
I scream and soar into a blissful, roaring, raging, raw climax, digging my nails on the table and tensing my legs, still whimpering and grinding moments after.
It’s the most gratifying feeling I’ve ever had.
I whimper some more as Lucca fills me again and again with his hot semen. He kisses my shoulder and slumps on top of me.
