Needing to think of something else, I address Giuseppe who comes to take the cake back to be refrigerated. “Did you make this, Giuseppe?” Giuseppe and his assistants worked miracles on our meal.
“Yes, Mrs. Bianchi. Was it to your liking?” I can see the pride the man has about every meal he prepares. It’s clearly something that makes him smile.
“Thank you, Giuseppe. Everything has been perfectly delicious. And the cake—it’s incredible, and so much more than necessary.”
“Nonsense, you deserve the cake of a queen, but we must settle for this one.” He frowns, as if this cake wasn’t fantastic. Yes, it’s not as intricate or lavish and much smaller than the one I wanted, but he had hours to make it, not two weeks. It’s a miracle I got this beauty, and I’m pleased most thoroughly with the care he took in making it.
“Although I believe no one should disagree with my bride, I have to side with Giuseppe. I’m sorry that you weren’t given the wedding you should have had.” Domani caresses my cheek.
“Yes, we had a larger wedding for my driver and his wife,” Cormack says.
“Still, I’m pleased. Now, enough. I’m happy, and I’d love to change out of this gown because I’m so stuffed,” I say, pushing my chair back and standing up. I’ll take whatever excuse I can to get a moment alone with Domani.
Domani stands with me. “Goodnight everyone. Giuseppe, bring dinner up at nine.”
“Yes, Mr. Bianchi.”
“What? It’s only four,” I mutter as Domani leads me to the door.
“Wife, I’ve been more than generous with sharing you with our families.” He flips me over his shoulder. “We’ll see everyone at breakfast.” My brute of a husband carries me out of the dining room and upstairs.
“Um…I just ate.”
“Oh. Sorry, amore.” He sets me on my feet as we reach the top of the stairs.
“It’s fine, but being upside down, I need a moment.” I press my hand up to calm the tension coming from him.
“Are you well?” He cups my face tenderly, lifting my face to meet his gaze. The simple act heats up my entire body.
Smiling up at him, I nod. “Yes. I’m fine. Just a little full.”
“You’re about to be a lot full, but first, let me get you in our room to relax.” He wags his brows, making me giggle. I’m not as full as I’m playing at and suddenly, my stomach is fluttering for another reason. I’m nervous and excited about becoming his in every way tonight. All throughout lunch, I replayed what he said in my head. We’re on a level playing field.
Taking a deep breath, I enter our bedroom to see red rose petals leading to the bathroom and the bed. “Wow, you still made it so special.”
“It’s just a day early. I’ve been waiting for this moment for far too long.” He pulls me into his arms, gently kisses my lips, and then slides his mouth down to my neck, swiping his tongue along my pulse. Tilting my head, I give him more room as I cling to his biceps. Goodness, I’m in heaven and we’ve only gotten started.
“Come, let me undress you,” he whispers. I spin in his arms and then feel his knuckles lightly graze my bare back before reaching the zipper. He tugs the zipper down, which quickly gives way. With a slight wiggle, my gown cascades to the floor in a pool of gauzy material. Domani takes my hand as I step out of the white puddle, leaving me in just a pair of panties and my kitten heels. As he stands behind me, Domani grips my long hair in one hand, tilting my head to the side before he slowly brushes open-mouthed kisses along my jaw and down to my neck. “My wife, my queen. Mine,” he whispers reverently before nipping on my earlobe.
I lean back, resting on his broad chest, letting him feel his way all over my flesh and lighting up every nerve ending. He makes me feel so delicate, feminine, and safe as his fingers skim over my arms to my breasts. The feel of his hands cupping them, plucking lightly on my nipples, shatters any inhibitions. I moan with each squeeze, caress, and I need more. “Domani.” I don’t even recognize the whimper that crosses my lips. My longing is so real, so intense that I can’t stop the sounds coming from me.
“You’re so beautiful, Aria.” He spins me around and scoops me up in his arms, carrying me to our bed and laying me down with tender care. Tugging his tie loose, he tosses it onto the chair and then methodically he removes his clothes until he’s standing in front of me in just his black silk boxers covering his impressive length.
“Wow,” I murmur, staring at his impressive package.
“Thank you, Aria.” Climbing onto the bed, he straddles my body and brings his mouth to mine as we begin to kiss. No dreams, no fantasies have prepared me for this moment—the way his body presses into mine without squishing me, and the way his tongue slides down my torso.