Opening the door, I ask him, “Is that so? What’s it for?”
“I don’t need a special reason to give you things,” he says.
“This I know.”
Enzo hands me a box and leans against the doorframe. “Open it.”
I pull the ribbon, open it and just stare. I have no idea what I’m looking at, so I look up at him, perplexed.
“You don’t know what it is?” he asks.
I shake my head. “Afraid not…”
A mischievous grin slides over his lips. “What does it look like to you?”
I look at the small, curved piece of plastic. It is purple with a little button on the side. Picking it up, I find a small strap. Is it a heart monitor? What the heck?
“I don’t know what this is. You’ll have to tell me.”
“I’d rather show you,” Enzo says. Walking towards me, he takes the item out of my hand. “These panties are perfect.”
“Perfect for what..?”
“Come closer, turn around and close your eyes.”
“Ooh,” I say. “I think I’m going to like this.”
“I hope so.”
Closing my eyes, I lean back against him. His hands slide inside my panties and I feel the plastic item there, positioned over my clitoris. Enzo moves away and I sense him lower himself in front of me. Hearing the snaps of the strap, I don’t know how to react.
“Okay, open your eyes,” he says.
“What is it?”
Grinning, Enzo pulls something out of his pocket. He clicks it and suddenly a vibrating sensation shoots between my legs. I gasp.
“I’d like to play a little game tonight, amore, where I’m in control of your pleasure. That’s if you say yes, of course.”
“How does it work?” I ask.
“I’ll turn it on when I see fit. It will be our secret. I’m already quite turned on by knowing it’s there. I can imagine your beautiful face tonight when you least expect it. Does it sound fun to you?”
Abso-freaking-lutely. “It does.”
“Then, after the party, I’m going to reward you for your patience,” he says, turning it off.
“Goody!”
Enzo looks intently into my eyes. “I need you to say yes. I want your permission.”
“Yes.”
He exhales. “Good. I’ll wait for you in the sitting area.”
I head into the bedroom to slide into my dress. The bodice is well fitting, which pushes my breasts into place perfectly. After stepping into my strappy, silver sandals, I gaze at my reflection in the mirror. I feel sensational and I actually look beautiful. It thrills me even more to know about our little game.
I walk behind Enzo and place my hands over his eyes. “Are you ready to see me?”
“More than you know, amore.”
I drop my hands and he turns to face me. Smiling, I curtsy playfully.
Enzo stands staring at me, saying nothing, with a huge grin on his face.
“Well?” I ask.
“I’m just trying to think of something new to say to you. How many ways can I tell you how stunningly beautiful you are and how you take my breath away?” he asks.
“What you just said works just fine for me.”
“Do you understand how beautiful you are?”
“I feel it tonight. Actually the more time I spend with you, the more I see it. You’ve had a very good effect on my self-esteem,” I admit.
“Ah, then my work here is done.” He laughs.
I shake my head. “Never!”
“You’re right. I will always keep working to make sure you know what you mean to me.”
“I know. I love that about you.”
“Is that all you love?”
“Not at all,” I reply, grinning. “There are just too many things to name and we’ll miss the countdown.”
“Ah, flattery – very nice.” He smiles and plants a peck on my lips. “Let’s go.”
I grab my clutch, and we walk out to the elevators to wait for our friends to join us. Within minutes, our group collects, and I can’t help but notice how fantastic we all look. The men look stunning in their tuxedos and, I must say, us girls are knockouts.
“Ladies, you all look so lovely tonight,” Calvin remarks.
“Thank you, as do you,” I tell him.
“Eduardo, let’s see the tat,” Cassie asks.
“I cannot show you with the tux on, so tomorrow,” he replies slowly, enunciating every word carefully.
“Yes, it is on his back,” Francesca explains.
Curious, Enzo asks, “What is it?”
“Just a design,” she replies, waving her hands in the air.
We walk into the hotel lobby and out onto the Strip, where we wander around for a few hours to experience Vegas on New Year’s Eve. This is something I’ve always wanted to do, and here I am.
I grab Enzo’s hand and entwine my fingers in his. I feel unbelievably happy.
“Wow, there are so many people here,” Gabby remarks.
“I know. Isn’t it incredible?” I reply.
“We should go back to our hotel now as the party starts soon. I’ve reserved a table for us,” Enzo says.
I smile, and kiss his cheek. “Of course you did.”
Returning to the Arabesque, we head towards the back of the hotel where the exclusive party is being held. As we check in, I notice a variety of masks on a table near the entrance. Several people are gathered, making their selections.
I look at Enzo. “It’s a masquerade?”
He shrugs. “I suppose it is.”
“You didn’t know?” I ask.
“No, but this adds a great deal of excitement, no?”
“Yes, it does, as if I wasn’t excited enough.”
“You have no idea what I have in store for you tonight, amore.”
I pick up a purple, sequined mask and place it on over my face, being careful around my hair. Enzo chooses a black one, which is masculine and just a tad intimidating. Our friends make their selections and then we all enter the party room.
I’m struck by how dark it is; only low lights and candles illuminate the room. Music plays in the background, but it’s not as loud as I expected. A waiter immediately approaches and serves us glasses of chilled champagne. I feel my husband’s arm wrap around my waist.
“What do you think?” he asks me.
“I think it looks fun. Where is our table?”
“My understanding is that they will be against the walls. Andiamo.”
Walking to the left where there could be tables, we quickly find ours and sit. Another waiter appears and puts down several buckets of chilled champagne.
“Wow, this is really nice,” Gabby whispers in my ear.
“I know. I’ve never been anywhere like this before.”
“Who has? I think only rich people come to things like this,” Gabby says. “Calvin told me it was a thousand bucks a ticket to get in here.”
“A thousand dollars?” I gasp. “Are you kidding me? For what?” I ask, completely incredulous.
“For the unlimited bottles of champagne, high-end hors d’oeuvres, and entertainment,” she replies.
“What kind of entertainment?”
“I don’t know, Calvin wouldn’t tell me. He just told me it would be a surprise.”
Nothing like the surprise between my legs right now, I bet. The music gets louder and an up tempo song begins to play.
“Time to dance, so let’s roll,” Cassie says, jumping up from her chair.
I glance at Enzo and grin. “Shall I go dance, sir?”
He smiles back. “Yes, I’d like to see that.”
Us girls head onto the dance floor, while the men hang back to watch. I feel completely uninhibited, and I assume it’s because I’m in Vegas and wearing a mask. I’m also dying with anticipation of when Enzo will use his toy on me.
We’re having fun dancing when all of a sudden I feel a familiar, soft buzzing between my legs. It’s a gentle hum,
a pleasant reminder that it’s there. I turn and wave at Enzo. I can’t detect his expression because of his mask, but I’m enjoying knowing that we are sharing something private. Just as suddenly as it was on, it’s off again. We continue dancing, and Kool and the Gang’s Ladies’ Night comes on. It’s a song I love dancing to.
“Man, this one takes me back,” Cassie yells above the music. She chose a bright pink mask that looks great on her.
“I know,” I shout back. “Me, too.”
We dance to several songs, sipping cool champagne in between our moves. My mood is heightened by the knowledge that at any moment Enzo could turn on his toy again. I glance back at him several times to find him sitting back, giving off a passive demeanor and chatting with our friends. I really want to know what he is thinking right now. My husband almost seems to be ignoring me, and I find myself remembering that first night at Milano. His aloof, uncharacteristic disregard towards me is… Turning. Me. On.
Wondering how far Enzo is willing to go with this charade, I decide it’s time to take a stroll to the ladies room. I look back at him as I exit the dance floor. Even from this distance, his eyes burn through me. I approach a group of young, good-looking men and smile as I pass through them. One grabs my arm playfully, but I push him away. I turn back once more, but Enzo isn’t sitting there anymore. He is nowhere to be seen.
I enter the restroom and freshen up, removing the mask to blot my face with powder. Then I reapply my lipstick, smooth my hair and take a deep breath.
Walking out, I pass the group of men once more and take my place on the dance floor. Looking in the direction of our table, Enzo still isn’t there. Where the hell did he go?
I look around the dark room, but it is hard to distinguish anyone in the crowd of masks. As I walk, I’m suddenly frozen by a tingling between my legs. He must be close. I look up, but I’m surrounded by people. My phone vibrates from inside my clutch and I take it out. There is a message.
HB&M: You. Are. Mine.
I grin; he is really playing with me.
Me: Yes. Always. Where are you?
HB&M: You’ll find out. Patience.
I put my phone back in my bag and look around. Oh my goodness, this is very exciting. I notice that the girls have gone back to our table and I start to walk in that direction. Just then the vibrating feeling between my legs intensifies, causing me to stumble forward. I can’t help but grin. Where is he? I sense that he is watching me. My phone buzzes again, another message.
HB&M: Stay where you are.
I stop, waiting with baited breath. I’m so excited that I could explode. Suddenly, I feel his hands on the back of my neck and hot breath in my ear.
“You are so fucking beautiful, Ava. Do you know that when you walk by, every man in the place is staring at your gorgeous body? Every man in here wants you. But you belong to me.”
I lean back into Enzo. His words are driving me crazy.
“I want you so bad right now, I’m hard for you. Give me your hand,” he says. Taking it, he presses it against his erection. “You shouldn’t tease me, signora. You know I get jealous. You don’t think I know what you’re up to?”
Enzo increases the vibration of the toy between my legs, making me gasp. “Tell me you belong to me, Ava. Say it.” His voice is dark, raspy, and beyond sexy.
“Make me say it,” I challenge him.
Where the hell did that come from? I guess the bright lights of Vegas are getting to me, because he is quite capable of making me say anything he wants.
“Are you sure you want to play this game with me?” he whispers.
I nod my head. You bet your ass I want to play.
Enzo is still standing behind me, his body pressed against my back. Slowly, his hands slide down over my hips and we start to sway to the music; all the while this darn thing between my legs vibrates wildly. I feel my breath quicken as I realize that I’m going to come right here, in front of all these people.
“Does it feel good?” he asks.
“Yes.”
The vibration between my legs increases yet again. Ah. My whole body tingles.
Enzo holds my hips and kisses the back of my neck. I dig my nails into his hands. Oh man, any second now… It stops. I turn around quickly to look my husband in the eyes. A sardonic grin spreads across his lips.
“Two can play the teasing game,” he tells me. “Say it and I’ll let you come.”
Oh, so this is how it’s going to go? I’m torn. Does he want me to beg, or should I regain control of the situation? If I give in, will it change things for us?
My thoughts flood with words from Emma’s book. I remember that she had to ask Enzo for permission to come. I’m suddenly very aware that we’ve been flirting more and more with this shift of power. The elevator, the spanking, and the submissive stance I took in our hotel room. But I know that I like it… a lot. I don’t really want to stop.
“I don’t need to come. I can wait,” I say, hopefully removing the strain from my voice.
“Is that so? Is this your attempt at a power struggle?” Enzo asks, running his hand down my back.
“Is it working?”
“Ava, my love, I am completely powerless in your hands. The only power I have is what you give me. You understand? What happens next is up to you.” He kisses my neck.
I take a deep breath. I have to trust that both of us know what we are doing, and that neither of us will let it get out of control.
“I want to play some more.”
I feel his grin pressed against my skin, the rough sequins of the mask contrast with the softness of his lips. His teeth nibble my shoulder.
“What will it take to get you to say it, say that you belong to me?” he whispers.
“Let’s find out.”
Enzo takes my arm and leads me over to a secluded corner of the room. Backing me against the wall, he leans towards me with his arms placed at either side of my head. I reach up and lift his mask, revealing the beauty of his features. His phenomenal smile fills his face.
“Enzo, you talk about my beauty all the time, but you… you’re unbelievable.”
“Take off your mask,” he instructs me.
Removing it, I lift my eyes to him. I completely belong to him, but I’m not saying it yet. No way – this is way too hot.
“You drive me crazy, you know that? You sashay through here, swaying that luscious ass of yours. I thought those men you passed on the way to the bathroom were going to pass out. That ass is mine. Say it, dammit.”
I grin. “Why do you want me to say that?”
“I need to hear it.” He leans in closer, pressing his forehead against mine. I feel his hand start to pull at the hem of my dress.
“What will you do if I say it?” I ask.
“Make love to you.”
“And if I don’t?”
“I’ll make you beg.”
“Maybe you should be begging,” I reply, giggling.
“I already am, Ava. Can’t you see?”
Reaching down, I stroke him through his pants, feeling that he is very excited. Enzo wouldn’t take me here, in this room, would he? We are surrounded by people, including our friends and family. He tugs at my hem again and my dress rises up my legs. His eyes burrow into me, and I know he is just waiting for me to give him what he wants.
“Are you going to undress me here?” I ask.
“I would like to. I want to climb between your legs right now.”
“That would be nice, but I haven’t said what you want to hear yet.”
“No, you haven’t. I’m waiting,” he says huskily.
“I know.”
“Jesus, Ava. How do you do this to me?”
“I could say the same thing to you.”
Enzo leans in and kisses me, finally. It’s a passionate kiss that makes me forget where we are. He breaks away unexpectedly and I’m surprised to see Grayson standing behind him. Enzo releases me and I smooth my dress down. I’m sure that my face is turning twen
ty shades of red.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, Enzo, but some local news stations have shown up to cover the event. They are setting up cameras around the venue. I thought you would like to know.”
Grayson’s face is just as red as mine must be, having caught his boss in a compromising position in the corner of a nightclub.
“Yes, thank you,” my husband says, straightening his suit jacket. After running his hands through his hair, he puts his mask back in place.
Damn, our moment is totally broken. Stupid media.
I put my own mask back on and walk quietly back to our table, my hand in Enzo’s.
“We’re not done yet, signora,” he whispers, winking at me.
“Where the heck did you go, girl?” Cassie yells as we arrive.
“I was with my husband, obviously.”
Smiling, I sit down in between her and Marisa, and reach for another glass of champagne.
“And what were you up to, missy?” she whispers in my ear.
“Just having a little new year’s fun,” I whisper back.
She laughs. “I can tell. I bet your cheeks are bright red under that mask.”
At that moment a photographer approaches our table and has a brief discussion with Enzo.
“Ava, come here please,” he calls to me.
I stand up and walk over to him, and he pulls me onto his lap. The photographer takes several pictures of us as a couple and then of our entire group. Enzo kisses my cheek and keeps his hand rested possessively on my leg the entire time. I’m surprised at this behavior as he is normally so aloof when the cameras show up.
Enzo stands and shakes hands with the photographer. “Ava, this is Giancarlo. He has covered some of my hotel openings in the past.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” I say.
“Nice to meet you, too,” the man replies. “I’ve been dying to meet the woman capable of getting this guy to settle down.” He grins.
Surprising me again, Enzo smiles too. “She has quite the way with me, Giancarlo.”
“I can see that,” he answers. “It’s awesome bumping into you here, but I had a feeling you would be. This is definitely the place to be this year.”
“It has been a very exciting evening so far, right, amore?” Enzo’s eyes glimmer with mischief.
“Very much so,” I reply coolly. “With much more to come, I hope.”
Turn Towards the Sun Book Two: After the Rain Page 29
