by J. L. Drake
“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s so magical. I could stay here forever.”
“I think we had better get some good jobs if this is where you want to live. This place would cost a fortune to live in.”
“How much do I owe you for my part of the room?”
“Don’t be absurd. I’m the one making you cut your trip short. It’s the least I can do.”
She gazed at him. “Thank you for making my last night in Italy special. This is just over the top.”
“You’re welcome. I also picked this place because it’s known for being very considerate of their guests’ privacy. They don’t release information without a warrant.”
“That’s reassuring.”
“Yes, it is. Come on, they have a lounge down the hall. We can get a bite to eat and something to drink. It’s been a long day.”
He latched onto her hand and eased her back inside the room. She took another look at the pillows and longed to try each one out. Fatigue was setting in, the pillows were calling her name ready to whisper a lullaby, and comfort her into a blissful sleep.
“Don’t worry. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“Huh?”
“Isn’t that what you were staring at? I would’ve gotten two beds, but I wanted it to look like we were a couple. I didn’t want to raise any suspicions.”
“Tony, that bed is big enough for us and two other people. You will not sleep on the couch. You can sleep in the bed.”
“I don’t know if I feel right about it.”
“Don’t be silly. We’re both adults and I’m sure we can handle this situation.” She squeezed his hand and flashed him a smile. If this was her last night in Italy—her last night with Tony—she was definitely taking advantage of the situation.
They walked to the lounge, used their key to get inside, and found several other guests enjoying the amenities. There were multiple televisions throughout, some sofas and tables with chairs for people to eat at, and a small kitchen with snacks and appetizers for the guests to enjoy. Tony looked around for an empty table.
He pointed toward some doors. “Hey, it looks like there is a patio. Let’s see if we can eat out there.”
“That would be great. I’d love to see the view from here.”
They found a small empty table with two chairs. Katherine pointed over the edge of the balcony. “Is that the Vatican?”
He looked in the direction she was pointing. “Yes, that’s it.”
“It’s so large and beautiful. Look at all the lights. I can’t believe that’s where the Pope lives.”
“He doesn’t actually live in the Vatican. The Pope Francis stays in a small apartment outside of it. However, the Cardinals stay in the Vatican when selecting the new pope.”
“That’s fascinating. I had no idea. Why doesn’t he live in the Vatican?”
“I’m not sure; a personal choice, I guess. You wait here, and I’ll get you something to drink. What would you like?”
“Mmm, a glass of Prosecco. I’d like to drink to a wonderful last night in Rome.”
“One Prosecco coming up. I’ll be right back.”
She continued to look down at the city, and tried to pick out various sites she read about in the guidebooks. While her honeymoon trip hadn’t turned out how she expected, she felt content for the moment. She had a great view, even better company, and despite what was going on around them, a sense of safety.
Chapter Fourteen
Thompson woke to find Manchetti wearing headphones. He quickly rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat up in bed. He had been awake most of the night, but the jet lag had taken over, causing him to not think as clearly as he needed to. His eyes had felt like the lids were closing on sandpaper, and he struggled to keep them open. When Manchetti told him to catch a few hours of sleep, he gladly took the chance.
He quickly realized it was nine in the morning. He had slept six heavenly hours, but it felt like he had slept for two days. His body was completely revived, and was ready to go.
Manchetti took off his headphones and turned in his direction. “Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. Feeling any better?”
“Yeah, I feel great. Did you catch any sleep last night?”
“A couple hours.”
“What’s going on over there?” He gestured toward Katherine Anderson’s room.
“Absolutely nothing; I didn’t hear a thing all night. I’m beginning to think they never came back.”
“Did you check with the front desk?”
“Yeah, they haven’t seen them. The staff has changed, so they may not recognize them anyway.”
“How about we call their room and see if they answer?”
“Great idea.”
Thompson picked up the phone and dialed the number for the room next door. It rang about twenty times before he finally gave up.
Manchetti stood up and paced. “Call the front desk and see if they’ve checked out. Dear God, I hope we haven’t lost them.”
He picked up the phone again placing the receiver next to his ear. After the first ring, someone answered.
“Buongiorno.”
“Buongiorno. Can you tell me if Katherine Anderson has checked out?”
“Let me see. One moment please.”
He listened to the typing of a keyboard and talking in the background.
“No, sir. She is still registered. She isn’t scheduled to leave for two more days.”
“Grazie.”
“According to the front desk, Anderson is still in her room.” Thompson held one hand on his hip and combed the other through his hair, searching for answers.
“We need to search their room. There’s got to be some clue. Hopefully the cartel hasn’t gotten to them.” Manchetti grabbed the key and both men rushed out almost tripping over each other on the way through the door.
Thompson knocked on Katherine’s door, knowing no one would answer but wanting to be cautious. When he was certain it was safe, Manchetti slid the key in the lock and entered.
“She never came back last night; her bed is still made. Look! Her suitcase is still here!” He assembled the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle in his mind. It seemed plausible someone could’ve abducted Katherine. Why else would she leave her suitcase, yet not come back to sleep?
He opened the luggage and rifled through the contents. There were only minimal items: a couple pairs of socks, a dress, and a scarf.
Manchetti went through the dresser drawers and the closet. “Nothing.”
Feeling the wind blow out of his sails, he announced, “She’s gone. Look, there’s nothing in this suitcase and nothing in the closet. She must’ve packed her things in another bag and taken off. She’s gone.”
Manchetti barked, “Quit saying she’s gone! Where would she go?”
“How would I know? Your people were supposed to be keeping track of her. You assured me this wouldn’t happen.”
Manchetti pulled his hands through his hair. “All right, all right. Let me make some calls. Maybe they left via the train and there’s some security footage from the station.”
“I hope for my sake your people are able to find something. Otherwise, I’m in some hot fucking water. I don’t have a clue how I’m going to explain this one.”
They rushed back to their room, where he gathered up his stuff while Manchetti placed a call to get the security footage. “I don’t care what you have to do. Get those tapes now!” Manchetti slammed down the phone. “Christ almighty! When you need something now, people scramble and point fingers. Just get me what I need. Goddammit!” Manchetti swiped his arm across the desk shattering glasses onto the floor.
“What do we do now?” Thompson stood with his hands on his hips.
“We wait. There’s nothing to do until I hear back about the footage. We don’t even know which direction to head. We’ve been here all night. Who knows where they are? They could be anywhere. Jesus, they could be in Switzerland by now. Fuck!”
“If we have some t
ime, I’m taking a shower. It’s been two days and I smell like shit.”
Manchetti shook his head. “Sure, whatever. I’ve got to call the surveillance team to come get their crap.”
Standing under the hot water, Thompson searched through the puzzle pieces in his mind. He moved them around trying to get them to fit. Was she alone or still traveling with Massimo Bertalucci? Was the cartel part of this? How the fuck did she know Bertalucci? The questions flashed through his mind one scene at a time, and yet the answers were nowhere to be found.
He jumped at the banging on the door.
“Wrap it up. We’ve got to go,” Manchetti called.
He turned off the shower, grabbed a towel, dried himself, and secured the towel around his waist. He opened the door to find Manchetti packing the surveillance equipment.
“What’s going on?”
“We have footage of what appears to be Anderson and Bertalucci getting on the same train we got off of. In fact, you ran into Bertalucci.”
“I don’t remember running into anyone.”
“According to the footage, as we were getting off the train, they were waiting to board it and you brushed up against him.”
“Jesus. How could I have missed that?”
“I don’t think you noticed. You didn’t even look back.”
“So, where were they headed?”
“Rome. Tapes from the stations in Rome show they got on the subway.”
“So, they’re definitely in Rome?”
“Yes, but it’s a large city with two airports. They could’ve left the country for all we know. I have my people checking hotels and the airlines for anything booked under either name.”
“What if they’re using a different name?”
Manchetti paused while rubbing his chin. “I don’t think Anderson would have the time or the means to obtain a new identity, but it’s possible Bertalucci has one. This could be a problem.”
“Any clue as to why they’re together?”
“None. The cameras show them holding hands and walking with their arms locked at times. It doesn’t appear she’s going against her will. Maybe they’re dating, or could be they’ve known each other a long time.”
“We know that’s not true. Up until a month ago, she was engaged to a guy she’d been dating for several years. And, as far as we’ve been able to tell, she’s never been to Europe. I don’t know where she would’ve met him previously, let alone forge a friendship.”
“I don’t know either. I do know we need to track them down and fast. Get dressed so we can get a fucking move on.”
Chapter Fifteen
Tony woke and glanced at the clock. It was 10:00. When he looked over at Kate, he realized she was still asleep. She’s even more beautiful when she’s sleeping. What an idiot I am to let this woman go. He wasn’t used to the feelings tugging at his heart. How did she weave her way into them? Why couldn’t this be a simple wham bam thank you, ma’am?
They stayed at the lounge until one-thirty that morning talking and laughing about meaningless crap. She shared a little more about her ex-fiancé. He couldn’t believe any man would cheat on her. She was the type of woman every man dreamed about. She was smart, independent, and sexy as hell.
When they got back to their room, she pushed him against the wall and started kissing him as she unbuttoned his shirt. God, she was so fucking hot and such a turn-on. All he could think about was taking her right there. He imagined what it would be like to undress her, and touch every inch of her soft skin. He wanted to be inside her, and feel her warm pussy wrapped around his cock. He almost gave in but instead, he stopped her. If it had been anyone else, he would’ve been all over it. But, she was drunk and there was no way in hell he was taking advantage of an intoxicated woman, let alone someone he had developed feelings for. Even he wasn’t that big of a jerk. Instead, he tucked her into bed, sat on the balcony, drank another beer, and resisted the urge to jack off.
“Kate, you need to wake up.” He softly shook her arm.
She slowly opened her crystal blue eyes, “Mmm. What time is it?”
“After ten. We need to eat some breakfast and get moving.”
“Okay, just give me a minute. My head—it’s pounding.” She rubbed her eyes, and stretched her arms above her head.
“Take all the time you need. I’m going to take a shower.” A cold shower.
“Okay. I’ll just be lying here enjoying these pillows.” She had a cute little smirk on her face.
He laughed. She loved those pillows. Even when he’d tucked her in, she rambled on about them for twenty minutes before she passed out.
He got up and adjusted himself as he headed into the bathroom. When he stepped into the shower, he looked down to see his body was responding to what his mind was thinking. He was so engorged it was painful. He tried to clear the thoughts of her out of his mind, but failed. He used his hand to find the release he was unable to the night before.
He left the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. And saw she was still lying in bed, but with her eyes open. Her long blonde hair was tussled around her head, as though she had a wild night headbanging at a heavy metal concert.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
Her cheeks lit up like Rudolph’s nose. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the compliment, or because he was walking around in nothing but a towel. “Good morning. Are you finished in the bathroom?”
“Yes, it’s all yours.”
She pulled the covers back, leaving her flowery scent as she breezed past him in yoga pants and a tank top. His dick swelled again at the sight of her tight ass. Thank God she wasn’t wearing sexy lingerie. There would be no chance in hell he could control himself.
He grabbed a new Hurley T-shirt, boxer briefs, and jeans out of his backpack. He could hear the water from the shower running. More than anything, Tony wanted to go in there, take her naked body into his arms, and devour her. His body responded again to the thoughts in his head. Jesus, dude. Get some control. You’re like a teenage hard-on around her.
He dropped his towel, and bent over to put on his boxer briefs when he heard the creak of the door. He looked up to see her fully dressed, staring at him. Instead of walking away like he expected, she stood there with her mouth open. He pulled his briefs up over his fully erect manhood.
“I’m so sorry; I wanted to grab my face cleanser. I don’t really need it.” She put her head down and stared at the floor as she turned to walk into the bathroom.
“It’s okay. You’ve already seen what I have. I’m covered up now. Go ahead and get whatever you need.”
He put his jeans on. She looked back at him a couple times before finally turning around.
“What? You’ve never seen a naked man before?”
“No. It’s just—I’m sorry I intruded on you.” She returned to the bathroom.
He pulled his hand through his wet hair and walked out onto the balcony. What the hell was he going to do now? Maybe he should just bail on the packages his dad left and runaway with Kate. That seemed like the easy thing to do; run off into the sunset with a hot damsel in distress. What guy could pass that up?
He was startled as her warm hands wrapped around his bare chest. He turned to face her and saw she stood in front of him—naked. Her eyes had a look of longing and screamed of seduction.
“Kate. Wh—what’s going on?”
“What does it look like? I’m standing here naked in front of you, begging for you to take me.” She closed the gap between them. She embraced him once again, drew her mouth to his chest, and slowly planted her lips on his skin.
He closed his eyes and threw his head back in an attempt to stop the war being waged in his head between right and wrong—good and bad—should or shouldn’t—willpower versus lust. He quickly crashed his mouth against hers and carried her to the bed. He stripped the pants he had put on only moments before. There was no going back; there was no stopping this time. His self-control was lost.
He leaned over her as she pulled him toward her, connecting their mouths. Heat radiated from her body lighting him up like a five-alarm fire. His tongue found the inside of her mouth, longing and searching for a deeper connection—for aches to be tended to and needs to be filled.
He pulled away, eagerly wanting to cover every inch of her body with kisses. He nibbled at her neck and her back arched in response, thrusting her breasts into his chest. He brought a hand to one of her breasts and caressed her nipple until it formed into a hard pebble. His mouth took hold of the pebble as he nipped at it and teased it. Her entire body arched off the bed and wrapped around him. He moved to the next one and she let out tiny moans of pleasure, making him wild—urging on the animal inside him.
“Don’t stop! I want you so bad,” she screamed as she clawed and bit at his shoulder.
He moved his way down to her sex, wanting nothing more to than to consume the nectar of her flower. God, she was beautiful. She was his Aphrodite. Every part of her body was absolutely flawless.
“Don’t frickin’ stop! Keep going!” she cried out breathlessly.
He buried his head between her legs, searching for the carpel of her flower. He took his time dancing around the petals before finding his way to her bundle of nerves. She grabbed his head, pulling him closer and forcing his tongue deeper. She was so responsive. He teased and applied pressure to her most sensitive area as her back arched up and her moans became louder. She was close; he could feel it as her temperature climbed and her legs clenched his body, searching for a release. He inserted two fingers probing for the magical spot that would propel her into another world. Within seconds, her body clamped around his fingers; she cried out in utter pleasure. He milked her orgasm, riding it out as long as she could tolerate.
She hadn’t come down from her high before she commanded for him to be inside her. He didn’t hesitate, as his cock was throbbing and begging to be inside of her.
