“Good point,” Enzo says amiably, taking a step my way.
Oh my god oh my god oh my god, I scream inside my head, it’s him it’s him it’s—
“I should have said, mind if I keep you company out here?” he goes on, interrupting my rapturous stream of consciousness.
His gorgeous body is coming closer to mine by the second. I let my eyes skirt along his tall, cut form, remembering all at once what it looked like naked. Big mistake, thinking about that, now. I feel an aching twinge between my legs, remembering the amazing orgasms I gave myself just thinking of his body. The body that’s headed my way...with two incredible looking cocktails in tow.
“Double fisting it?” I ask Enzo, striving for levity as I glance at the two drinks.
“Double fisting?” he echoes, raising an eyebrow at me, “Is that what the kids are into these days?”
“No, I just…I mean...” Shit. He’s going to think I’m some kind of ravenous sex fiend. And with what he’s doing to me right now, he may not be far off. “You’ve got a drink in each hand, not...” I hurry on, trying to explain myself.
“I know what you meant,” Enzo laughs. The devious gleam in his eyes only stokes the heat rising in my core. “I just wanted to see if you blush easily,” he goes on. “Apparently, you do. Good to know.”
Why does he want to know if I’m a blusher? Does he have something blush-worthy in mind for me? Holy crap...is Enzo Lazio hitting on me right now? Between the banter, and the blushing, and the second drink—is that even possible?
Don’t get ahead of yourself, Vaughn, I warn myself silently. He’s probably just trying to make me feel welcome, or something.
“It’s just a Scottish thing,” I tell him, blushing wildly even as we speak.
“Whatever you say,” Enzo replies, grinning mischievously. More than welcomingly, I’d say. “Actually, one of these drinks was supposed to be for you,” he goes on, “But it looks like you’ve got it covered.”
“Well. I’m nothing if not self-sufficient,” I say, striving for a friendly tone. I take a sip on my drink, hoping to obscure my red cheeks. If he’s not hitting on me right now—and I sincerely doubt that he is—I don’t want to make things weird between us. We’ll be coworkers soon, after all. Workplace romances are never a good idea.
“I wouldn’t say that,” he says in reply, easing his body against the railing next to me. His thick arm nudges mine, and goosebumps go dancing every which way across my skin. “You’re also intriguing. And funny. And incredibly sexy.”
What the—What!?
I stare up at Enzo in the soft glow of the string lights. All of a sudden his intentions are anything but mysterious. He is absolutely, one hundred percent coming onto me right now. I don’t know whether I’m more surprised by his brazenness or excited by what this could mean. Siena’s definitely told him about me by now, I’m sure. And he still wants to do this, even given my place on his team? That’s big.
“I just had to come out here and tell you how gorgeous I think you are,” he says, interrupting my thought. “I’m not very good at biting my tongue.”
But I bet you’re good at using if for other things, I think, letting myself imagine for the briefest of seconds what it would feel like to let that tongue explore my willing body. I picture it glancing against my own, working its way into my mouth...working its way into wherever it pleases, to be honest—
“I’ve had my eye on you all night,” he tells me, his voice ringing out through the night. More than anything, it’s his voice that gives him away. I can hear the lust in his every word. I still don’t know how it’s possible that he wants little old me, but even I can’t deny that I look awesome tonight, thanks to my hair and makeup team.
“I can’t say I haven’t noticed you too,” I reply, alluding the moment we shared as he entered the party. “This isn’t exactly the introduction I was imagining, I have to admit,” I go on, preparing to apologize for running away before.
“No?” he cuts in, placing the two cocktails on the railing. “Well, how’s this?”
Before I can say another word, Enzo catches my hand and brings it to his fine, soft lips. I swallow a moan as he kisses me there, sending tendrils of sensation up along my arm. He lets his mouth linger there, and I know one thing for sure:
It’s on.
“I’m Lorenzo Lazio. Enzo, to my friends,” he says, his voice nearly a growl. “But from the look on your face, I guess you already know that?”
“Of course I do,” I reply, letting a slow smile spread across my face. Sure, I’ve been kind of in love with this man since I was a kid. But I still know how this part of a hookup goes.
“Well, forget that do you,” he commands me. “Just for this moment. For right now, just think of me as a guy at a party. A guy who happens to think you’re stunning. A guy who would very much like to kiss you, now.”
As opposed to a guy whose F1 team I now drive for? A guy who’s going to be mentoring me in the fine art of racing all season? A guy whose family I home I happen to be crashing at for the moment? This is the guy who wants to kiss me?
“Is it really just a kiss you want?” I ask him, setting down my glass and laying my slightly trembling hands on his chest. I almost have to stop and marvel at the fact that’s really here, standing in front of me. But I can feel him, feel the strength and stamina coiled in those perfect muscles.
“For starters,” he tells me, circling his arms around my waist.
I notice with a grin that his emerald tie matches my gown. Of course, that’s hardly a coincidence, we’re both wearing our team’s colors. Even through the thick, swirling wave of lust that’s crashing over me right now, I can’t stop reminding myself that this is probably wrong of us. We should be getting ready for our big announcement, not making out on the balcony. But Enzo Lazio is pressed against me, looking at me, wanting me. I couldn’t tear myself away even if I tried. Even if I wanted to.
“Are you sure about this?” I whisper. “What about—?”
“Come here,” Enzo commands, pulling me against him. In an instant, I can feel his enormous cock hard against my body. That gorgeous, glorious member I saw through my bedroom window. “Is that sure enough for you?” he challenges me.
“We’ll just have to find out, won’t we?” I smile breathlessly.
I throw my arms around his shoulders, and my tiny form is subsumed by his impressively huge body in an instant. He catches me as I give my weight over to him, spinning me around so that I’m pressed against the railing of the terrace. Every inhibition that stood to hold me back is gone, now. Right now, he’s not Enzo Lazio—racing legend and my soon to be mentor. He’s just a gorgeous, audaciously charming man who wants me as much as I want him.
Our drinks are dashed against the ground as bodies come together. He doesn’t even notice as he catches my face in his hands and finally lowers his mouth to mine. In the cool Italian breeze, with the party raging on inside, Enzo kisses me at last.
I gasp as the taste of him bewitches me, sweeter and manlier than anything I could have ever imagined. I open my mouth to his, shiver with delight as his tongue meets mine. With a single kiss, he’s making me forget every other man I’ve ever touched. I bury my fingers in his jet black hair, pressing my slight form against him. I want to feel him everywhere, want to let him take the lead. I’ve never been the type to give over control to the man I’m with. But for this man, all I want is to make that very exception.
As if he’s read my mind, Enzo snatches me up as if I weighed nothing, taking all of me into his arms. He sets me down hard on the bannister, his hands sure and knowing on my body. My knees open for him, my sex throbbing with more urgent desire than ever. He steps between my parted legs, letting me feel how very much he wants me, too. I move my hips, rubbing up against the staggering length of him. His manhood is pressed flush against me, right where I want it. I can already feet an urgent, ready wetness between my legs. I want him. And I want him right now, right here. His hands trail
all over my body—over my shoulders, my arms, and finally my chest.
“Jesus Christ,” he murmurs, “You’re not wearing anything under that dress, are you?”
“Hardly a stitch,” I whisper back. “But you can check, if you don’t believe me.”
Enzo levels his dark gaze on my face. He seems surprised by me—taken with me. I wish I could see myself through his eyes right at this moment, perched on the railing, flushed with lust, ready for whatever is going to happen next.
“You’re not like most girls, are you?” Enzo asks, raking his eyes all along my body.
“Well. I don’t know about that,” I reply, my chest rising with each building breath. “But by all means, you’re welcome to find out for yourself.”
“Oh, I intend to,” Enzo assures growls, letting his fingers rove down the length of my form. “I guess I should start by asking for your name?”
What’s that now?
The entire scene grinds to a halt as I peer up at him in the soft light. Why is he kidding with me, at a time like this? He knows my name. Siena told him all about me, and about the fact that I’m going to be an affiliated driver...right? I feel like the air has gone out of the world as I brace myself for the worst.
Does he seriously not know who I am? One long look at those dark, fiery eyes, and I realize the truth at all once. He has no fucking clue.
“Oh boy,” I murmur, planting my hands on his chest and pushing away from him at once. “This is about to get very interesting.”
“Interesting is exactly what I had in mind,” he replies, cocking his head at me in the semi-darkness.
“I can’t believe this,” I seethe, giving him a firm shove. All of my upper body strength is insufficient to make him budge an inch, so I scramble down off the railing on my own.
“Hey, what’s going on?” he asks, reaching for my hand. “I thought you were into this?” I skip out of his reach, crossing my arms tightly across my chest.
“I thought I was too,” I tell him, blushing with real embarrassment now, “Until now, that is. Enzo, level with me. You really don’t know who I am? No one’s filled you in?”
“Oh god...” he mutters, shoving a hand through his hair. His erection is still raging, and I can tell that he’s having trouble thinking through his pent up lust. Too bad. “Look, have we already hooked up or something?” he finally asks me. “I’m sorry if I don’t remember you.”
“Jesus, you sleep with that many women?” I ask, aghast. “But no, as a matter of fact, we have not slept together. Nor will we be sleeping together.”
“Why?” he asks, sincerely shocked. “Because I don’t happen to know your name? What am I supposed to do, memorize a guest list before every party my sister throws?”
“Your sister,” I shoot back, outrage mounting. “Your sister didn’t say a word about me to you? Not a single word about my coming to work for Team Ferrelli.”
Comprehension begins to dawn on his gorgeous face. “Of course,” he nods, understanding at last, “No wonder you got so upset. I should have remembered, I’m sorry.”
“There we go,” I say, exasperated.
“Yeah. Now that you mention it, I definitely remember Siena saying something about hiring a new assistant for the season. I should have put two and two together.”
My jaw drops as I spin around to face Enzo. “Assistant?” I repeat, my voice rippling with incredulity. “I’m not your sister’s new assistant, Enzo. I’m—”
“There you two are!” I hear Siena’s voice call. Her words arrives on the wave of noise that spills out of the french doors as she opens them onto the terrace. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you guys. Come on, I’m about to tell everyone the news!”
As she steps out onto the patio, Siena looks between Enzo and me, squared off across the space. She sees my flushed face, Enzo’s glowering expression, and the broken cocktail glasses. I’m sure the scene doesn’t look too good from where she’s standing.
“What’s going on out here?” she demands, planting a hand on her hip. “Are you both OK, or what?”
“I’m fine. We’re fine,” I say hurriedly, not wanting to get into the specifics of what’s gone down between me and Enzo.
“Well. Good,” Siena says, not at all convinced, “Because it’s showtime.”
“Will someone explain to me what the hell is going on?” Enzo asks angrily.
“What’s going on is that I’m about to grab that microphone in there and announce our lineup for this season,” Siena tells her brother. “So if you’re still interested in being a part of that lineup, I suggest that you join me inside. Now.”
She turns on her heel and marches back into the villa. A moment of silence hangs over me and Enzo, weighted with unsaid words. Nervousness and indignation war for control of my senses as I shoot Enzo one last look, giving him the opportunity to say something. But his jaw is clenched shut, and I know that he’s too stubborn to level with me.
Fine, I think, turning away from him. God knows we’ll have plenty of time to work things out by the time the season starts.
Without another word, I storm away from Enzo and follow Siena back inside. I can feel Enzo hurry on my heels, but I dash ahead of him into the crowd. I’m angry, and slighted, and totally reeling after what just went down between us. In short, I have no idea what to make of all this, and no time to figure it out, as Siena’s grabbing the mic from the DJ this very moment.
“Good evening, everyone!” my beautiful boss smiles out into the crowd. The guests press into the great room of Lazio villa, clapping and cheering for Siena. She beams out at all of them, her perfect PR smile a thing of beauty. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for coming out to celebrate with us tonight. It’s been too long since we’ve all come together to let loose and have a little fun as a big, extended family. But though we all hail from different countries and different leagues, that’s exactly what we are. A family. I know that every single person in this room has supported me and my family when we’ve needed it most, and I appreciate that more than I ever say.”
Another round of applause goes up around the room, but I can’t focus on all the bonhomie. I can feel Enzo’s dark eyes on me as I work my way further into the crowd, beyond his reach. Little by little, I put distance between us as Siena barrels ahead with her speech.
“Now, I know that all sounds well and good during the offseason,” she says, to knowing chuckles, “But I want you all to know that Team Ferrelli’s commitment to improving Formula One through inclusion and diversity is not going to dwindle away when the next season begins.”
My pulse quickens as I dart through the crowd. Oh god, she’s about to launch into her big announcement about me—with Enzo still none the wiser. My feet refuse to move another inch as I turn my face toward my new boss and listen, helplessly, as she goes on.
“By celebrating our differences, we can become a stronger community,” Siena presses on, her voice passionate and stirring. “Our unique qualities can inspire and inform those around us. And that’s exactly what Team Ferrelli means to do this season. Inspire the rest of the world to be more thoughtful, more hopeful, more brave.”
I feel a strong hand close around my wrist and look up, startled, at Enzo’s beautiful face hovering just inches from mine.
“What are you doing, running away like that?” he asks, baffled. “What do I have to do to get you to talk to me, return your glass slipper?”
“I’m just...This is all so much...” I whisper, my head swimming.
“Hey, it’s all right,” Enzo says, laying his hands on my trembling shoulders. “Just take a deep breath. Everything’s fine.”
“You’re probably wondering what the hell I’m talking about with all of this, right?” Siena asks with a smile. “Well, without further adieu, let me introduce the two Team Ferrelli drivers that I’m most excited about this year. The first is a very familiar face, to me and all of you, but the second is new to our team, and the sport at large. Ladies
and gentlemen, here they are—Enzo Lazio and Ainsley Vaughn!”
The crowd erupts around us as a spotlight swings our way. Enzo and I are lit up for all to see, standing side by side in the crowd in the midst of our little spat. I watch as Enzo’s face breaks into the perfect camera-ready smile, and try to grin with half his enthusiasm. His eyes cast about the crowd, searching for something. Or someone.
Oh my god, I think to myself, he’s looking for Ainsley Vaughn. He still doesn’t know.
“Come on up here, you two!” Siena smiles, waving us over from the stage.
Enzo’s perfect smile wavers just a bit at her words. I can see the gears spinning wildly in his head as he follows Siena’s gaze and finds himself staring straight at me. At long last, comprehension blooms in those bottomless brown eyes as he takes me in.
“Hey teammate,” I murmur beneath the cheers of the crowd, “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Come on, you guys!” Siena insists, her words just a little sharper now. “I want to introduce you to everyone!”
Enzo snaps out of his baffled reverie and strides away through the crowd, leaving me to scamper along in his wake. I hurry after him as fast as I can as he vaults onto the stage, a maneuver that’s quite impossible in three inch heels. Looking out at all of the assembled guests, I struggle to stay composed. The hot stage lights, the dizzying array of people, and of course the heated encounter with Enzo on the patio have me reeling.
“You all know my incomparable big brother, of course,” Siena says, rolling her eyes with playful exasperation. “Our reining champ and lead driver, Enzo Lazio!”
Enzo’s smile widens as the crowd goes nuts for him. He’s every inch the cool customer, not the least bit rattled. But then, I guess he’s been doing this for a long time.
“But let me introduce you to someone new,” Siena says, laying a hand on my shoulder. “Everyone, this is Ainsley Vaughn. Ace, as she’s known in the F3 circuit. This season, Ace will become Team Ferrelli’s first-ever affiliated female driver!”
Excited gasps go up around the room at Siena’s announcement. Every eye in the place is on me. By rights, I should be bursting into tears or fainting or something. But instead, I feel my spine turning to steel, my eyes focusing. I draw myself up to my fullest height and hold my head high. I didn’t come all this way for nothing, after all. I’m here to kick ass, take names, and inspire an entire sport to be better than it is. And one ill-fated hookup with my teammate isn’t going to derail that. I won’t let it.
Faster Dirtier (Take Me...#5) (A Team Ferrelli Novel) Page 7
