by SJ Molloy
I put the smaller diamond pendant on, earrings and Cartier watch. I feel like I have stepped straight off a runway. Standing in front of Lucca, his mouth drops. “Fuck, you’re not going out like that. It’s far too short and your breasts are fucking amazing in it. Jesus, Lexi, are you trying to kill me?”
“You bought it and I like it. I’m not changing, so deal with it,” I fire back.
“I’ll have something from the hotel store sent up,” he panics.
“No, you won’t. Can we go now?” I storm past him, turning around when I reach the door. “Are you taking me out, or do I have to wander about on my own out there?” I ask firmly. In no time at all he’s right beside me, grabbing my hand and pulling me into his side. Walking through the hotel, everyone is staring at us. I tighten my grip on Lucca’s hand.
“I told you, you’re beautiful, so get used to it because you’re going to get perved over all day,” he whispers in my ear.
We stroll around the Duomo and The Baptistery then stop at a little up-market restaurant for some coffee and cinnamon gelato in the afternoon. I pass my gelato over towards Lucca to finish; he does not come up for air then lifts his heads and grins at me fully satisfied. I can’t help but giggle but then shiver feeling as if someone is watching me; it’s making me slightly restless, Lucca senses my anxiety.
“What’s wrong?” he asks
“I don’t know...I just feel….”
Before I finish there is an older man standing next to our table with an army of bodyguards around him. He lifts his sunglasses onto his long grey hair. “There’s a face I can’t forget. Miss Robertson, what a pleasure. Can I say how wonderful you look today? Have you thought about my offer?” Mr. Giovanni Costanzo kisses the palm of my hand.
Fuck!
File under D for Disappear. Disappear because I don’t want to have that conversation.
Timidly, I introduce Lucca to Mr, Costanzo; Lucca does not seem fazed at all.
“You have a very beautiful girl, Mr. Caruso. Here is my card. Please convince this Bella Signora to reconsider. It would be a travesty not to introduce her into the world of photography. She’s simply stunning.”
“Yes, she is,” Lucca replies.
“Mr. Costanzo, I’m sorry, but the answer is still no. I’m not your girl.”
Lucca’s eyes are wide, wondering what I’m doing. “Leave it with me, Mr. Costanzo. I’ll be in touch if she changes her mind.” I draw him a dirty distasteful look.
Giovanni shakes Lucca’s hand and I stand, kissing him on both cheeks. He holds my shoulders, admiring me. “Ah, such perfection,” then strolls off with his soldiers marching behind.
“What the hell are you doing?” I yell at Lucca. “Did you not read my journal? We are not considering this…end of…period.”
“Calm down, and stop with the sexiness. We’re in public, so I can’t have you here.” He leans over to kiss me, and I know he’s humouring me, but I’ve folded. Crumbled and melted in typical weakness. Damn his tongue.
****
When we return to our suite, we order food from room service for an early dinner, and I leave Lucca in the library to prepare for tonight. He’s showering in the main bathroom which I find strange; he’s avoiding me again and it’s making me restless.
I have a shower, then dry my hair and pin it back and up, leaving just a few loose waves down the front and apply soft natural make-up. I put the diamond pendant around my neck and wiggle into the cream and black vintage lace dress. It’s tight with bones all the way around the corset on the inside running down to my knees then it flares out at the bottom with layers of chiffon circling my feet it looks very elegant on and I feel lovely in it. Finally, I slip on the designer black heels, grab the black and cream clutch, and spray some Tom Ford black orchid perfume as I’m feeling bold and want to make a statement.
I go to look for Lucca, feeling a little nervous and excited at the same time. He’s standing in the garden with his back to me, wearing a black tailored tuxedo. My stomach catapults seeing him.
Turning around, he stares at me with complete love, and stumbles back a little. I pick up the bottom of the swishing dress and walk towards him. He meets me in the centre of the outdoor green oasis and wraps his hands around my waist. “You are breathtaking. I have never seen such elegance or beauty. I’m so lucky to have you,” he whispers into my ear, then kisses me chastely. He moves the lose wave of hair flowing down the side of my face behind my ear.
“God, you look amazing. So fucking stunning.”
“You look incredible yourself, Romeo. In fact, I think I just fell head over heels in love with you all over again.” I straighten his bow tie a little.
He touches the pendant around my neck. “It’s perfect and looks amazing. Here, I have something for you.” He lifts a box from inside his jacket pocket, and I open it to reveal a charming diamond bracelet.
“Wow, it’s beautiful,” I say with a parched mouth. He places it on my wrist.
“To go with the others.” He lifts his lip at one end, revealing his dimple, then cocks his head at me, flashing his wicked smile. “Later, just your skin and the diamonds, baby, and that’s all.”
Oh my…
He’s core teasing me again and I’m wet for him. “Can we not just stay here?” I whisper hopefully.
He laughs. “We have all night, and I’m going make sure it’s a night to remember.”
We have some Cristal Champagne while we wait. Lucca receives a phone call, then he escorts me out of the suite, not letting go of my hand. I hear lots of awes and gasps as we walk through the hotel and the staff smile and nod politely to us as we walk by. I feel like a princess.
There is a black limo waiting to take us to Pisa. We sip champagne in the limo while the sun starts to drop. It feels very surreal being our last night.
We arrive at the Teatro Verdi di Pisa, for Puccini’s operatic production of Madam Butterfly. The opera is enchanting, romantic and a classical masterpiece. I’m entranced by the haunting sounds and dramatic uplifting performances. Lucca doesn’t take his eyes off me; every time I turn around, he’s looking at me with devotion and showing no regard for the opera. After the very loud encore, he turns around and claims my mouth, leaving my stomach fluttering with my own butterflies.
He pulls away. “I need to get you out of here before I take you in this box,” he pants. I’m so turned on that I actually think I would let him.
****
We arrive at a boutique family run restaurant overlooking the bridge over the River Arno; we don’t eat a meal, but enjoy some olives and breads and balsamic dips and Champagne. Windows, cornices and balconies, churches, palaces and shops have been donned with white wooden frames covered in candles. Lucca introduces me to the restaurant owners Dario and Anita who own the hotel rooms upstairs as well. He has made arrangements for us to watch the Luminara celebrations from the upstairs balcony of the small boutique hotel so that we’re away from the crowded streets.
We are shown to the balcony which is lit up with glowing candles. “A room with a view,” he gestures. The views are out of this world; music and bright lights ignite glimmer across the night skies.
As 11pm approaches, 70’000 candles in glass boxes are burning on the river, the streets are crowded with locals and tourists, and the music is synchronized and powerful. We watch the most spectacular firework display over the Arno, twinkling in the sky like flashing stars. Lucca stands behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, pressing his head against mine.
“Thank you. This has been the most amazing experience tonight,” I say, squeezing his hands.
“You’re welcome, baby. I told you I would bring you into my light. You’re my something special and I want you to always have something special.” He rubs his fingers across my knuckles. “You like?” he asks.
“I love,” I reply, kissing his lips.
After saying our goodbyes to Dario and Anita, we leave the restaurant which has long since been closed to the public.
We walk through busy noisy crowds on narrow cobbled streets, and I struggle to keep up with my heels on. Lucca scoops me up and carries me back to the waiting limo. I rest my head on his shoulders and drift off to sleep on the way back to the Four Season Firenze. He carries me all the way back to the suite.
“Are you hungry, baby?”
“Yes, I’m famished, but I’ll settle for you,” I reply sleepily.
“There’s something I want you to see first.” Lucca takes me out to the garden, turning me around so I can admire the beautiful surprise. My breath hitches in my throat when I see the transformation. There are fairy lights and candles everywhere, and it’s flooded with fresh flowers in lots of summer colours. There is a circular table in the middle with heavy brocaded white linens draped over it, and two chairs upholstered in white linen with blue ribbons tied around the back. There’s a bunched bouquet of fresh blue orchid flowers in a tall vase in the centre, and candles in glass boxes. It looks exquisite, and ever so romantic.
“Lucca, this is incredible.” I lift my head to kiss him passionately.
He takes my hand and sits me over at the table, my exhaustion is long gone and a new surge of energy has awoken me. There are waiters on hand, standing discreetly in their finery waiting to serve us. Lucca sits down across from me and takes his blazer off, placing it over the chair as I kick my heels off from under the table.
Andrea Bocelli music is playing in the background; I sigh as I inhale the sweet smell of the fresh flowers all around us. I take his hand over the table. “Lucca, this is very special. It’s lovely, thank you.” I smile while he runs his thumb over my knuckles and fingers, watching me contently.
We are served an amazing light three course meal, but I have to laugh that we have good old cinnamon Italian gelato for dolci. We finish every bite, feeding each other sensually from the spoon.
“I won’t fit into any of those clothes you got me. You’re gonna end up with a tubby girlfriend.”
His lip curls up at one end, showing his cheeky dimple. “I’m hoping I’ll have more than that.”
What is he talking about? Oh God, please not the baby chats again.
His playlist has changed its Leona Lewis’s version of The First Time I Ever Saw You. Once the waiters leave the suite to give us privacy, Lucca disappears and comes back with a large rectangular box. “What’s this?”
“Open it.” He strokes my hand and places it in my palms. I unravel the white satin bow on the box, then delicately lift out the white silk journal. It is encrusted with pearls, crystals and lace. I look at him puzzled.
“I think the writing is helping you, and since you have opened up by writing about your past, I thought you would maybe like another journal to write about our life and future together. Something to hold onto with nice memories in it. Something new.”
Overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, I rub my finger over the white silk. “That’s so thoughtful, thank you. Thank you for this, and thank you for everything else, and thank you for a wonderful vacation, and thank you for loving me, and thank you for not judging me, and thank you for being patient, and thank you for everything,” I say breathlessly. I’m feeling very emotional.
“God, I love you. Open your journal.”
I turn the first page. A pressed blue orchid flower is inside, and he has written in it again.
Lexi, io vi amo e desidera trascorrere il resto della mia vita con voi. Non mi fate l'onore e sposare me? Xx
Lexi, I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you do me the honor and marry me? Xx
Shaking, I put my hand over my mouth and gasp as I watch him bend down on one knee. He opens a box in front of me. Inside is the most magnificent diamond ring I have ever seen. My eyes well up and tears flow, straying down my cheeks.
“Doc, I love you. You have stolen my heart. You are the one I’ve been waiting on, and God knows I love you. Lexi, will you do me the greatest honour and marry me. Dolcezza, will you be my wife?” He places the ring on my finger.
I look at the impressive sparkly ring, then look into his big, blue eyes full of hope. “Yes…Yes…Yes.” He leans his head into my chest, and I wrap my hands around his neck
“Yes? Do you mean it”? He asks for reassurance.
“Yes. I love you and I want nothing more than to be Mrs. Caruso. You’re my something special,” I whisper.
Breathing heavy with relief, he stands and lifts my hand to join him. He claims my mouth passionately, and we hold each other tightly.
“Lucca, this ring…it’s just…just beautiful, breathtaking. I feel so special, and I love you so much.” I wrap my arms around his neck and he picks me up with him and twirls me round. I stretch my hand out behind his head and glance at the magnificent ring again.
“I was afraid you’d say no because we have just met. I thought you’d challenge me on this.”
I shake my head at him. “I told you, I never want you to let go of me. I love you.”
“You have just made me the happiest man alive. That first moment I saw you, I knew you would be mine.” He kisses me again and again.
“You’re going to have to run this by my granny and grandpa, of course, as well my mother,” I say, coming up for air.
He laughs. “Of course I will.” Andrea Bocelli’s English version of Can’t Help Falling In Love begins playing. “Lexi, I promise I will make you very happy. I’ll keep you safe and protect you forever. I love you, baby.”
I can’t control my tears of happiness. “I love you too…to the moon and back,” I whisper.
“Dance with me,” he says and we slowly sway each other to the romantic song, our foreheads pressed together. I close my eyes and feel my heart pounding heavily; I don’t want this moment to end. We continue to dance to Andrea Bocelli’s Because We Believe, taking me back to my first encounter with him here at Sofia and Franco’s Villa.
“I believe, I believe in us,” I whisper.
He softly sings the lyrics in Italian into my ear, and my heart flutters. I will cherish this moment forever. Then Lionel Ritchie’s Stuck on you sends flutters to my core whilst he moves me around the garden slowly while the bottom of my dress continues to swish around.
“I’m stuck on you baby forever and always.” He kisses me chastely, running his fingers over the decadent black lace of my shoulder and back. He closes his eyes momentarily, then picks me up. “Now, I make love to my fiancée. I want to have you over and over again as my fiancée. It’s going to be special, baby.” He bites my bottom lip.
“Take me to bed. I want you so badly it hurts,” I reply. He carries me into the sumptuous bedroom which has been illuminated with sensual candles. He puts me down in front of the flickering candle glow, undoes his bow tie and shirt, then slowly unzips the back of my dress, trailing his thumb down my spine to my lace panties. The dress flows to the floor in a delicate gathering of elegance.
I step out of it, and his breath catches in his throat. I lift my arms to take the pins out of my hair, allowing it to freely tumble down my back and around my shoulders, then slowly slide my lace panties down my legs, stepping out of them.
“Fuck! You’re beautiful. You have no idea what a vision you are right now naked with those diamonds...Fuck, I need you so badly.”
Closing the space, I press my jeweled naked body into him. He lifts me up and puts me down in the centre of the bed and leans over me softly caressing me. He stares into my eyes while moving a stray curl from the side of my face. “Can I have you?” he quietly asks for my approval.
“You can have me whenever you want. I’m yours. Now make love to me, Romeo.”
“You are something special. Have I told you that?”
Chapter 28
Diamonds – Always and Forever
We sleep in the next morning, tangled in each other while my hair wraps around our skin like a soft warm blanket. I hold my hand up and admire the stone.
“I can’t wait to wake up with you as my wife,” he groans into my neck.
“Lucca, I think we should wait a while before we get married. I want to, of course but it’s all happening very quickly. I think we need to enjoy our time together, be engaged for a while.”
His body tenses under me. “To hell I am. I want to have you as my wife as soon as possible.”
I roll my eyes and give up, knowing this isn’t getting me anywhere. He’s so persistent. “Okay,” I say.
“What okay? As in okay? As in yes? You’ll marry me soon?”
“Yes, I’ll marry you soon. I’d like to spend my wedding night with you back here,” I say, rolling on top of him.
“You can have whatever you want, and yes, that would be nice. Now, I need a bit of help with something, Soon To Be Mrs. Caruso.” He thrusts his hips upward, pushing his erection between my legs.
****
We have a lazy day around the suite. We pack up all the cases once we have had our early dinner, then I stroll back into the gallery when I hear noises. Marissa, Antonio, Sofia and Franco have come to say goodbye and congratulate us. Sofia and Marissa both sob cuddling us both and admiring my ring, while Franco and Antonio hug Lucca and squeeze me nearly to death congratulating us.
“Look at you two, you are very happy and look wonderful together and I had a good feeling about you Bella” Antonio says. Marissa holds my hands and whispers in my ear, “I care for you a lot Lexi sweetheart, Please look after my boy. I know you’ll make him very happy. I’m delighted for you both and don’t leave it too long before you give me grandchildren.”
Tumbleweed.
We have some tea with them in the dining room of the suite. Anna has called screaming down the phone on loud speaker. She passes the phone to Cameron to congratulate us. I’m going to bloody kill him, why is he still hanging around with my soon to be sister in law. I warn him not to tell granny, grandpa or mom until we have spoken with them. I call Hazel next before Cameron tells her the news. She squeals down the phone with excitement and happiness. We have a very emotional goodbye send off from the Caruso’s; I’m touched they are so warm towards me. I feel so lucky to becoming a part of this wonderful family.
