She makes a good case for Nero. I sigh. “I guess that would explain some of his behavior, but he blows from hot to cold.” Like last night and then this morning where he made me come for him.
“Ah, is this about dinner last night?” she asks, taking a drink of her orange juice.
“Damn, you know everything,” I huff.
She pats my hand and tilts her head to get my attention. I meet her gaze, and she says, “Look, I love Nero like a brother, and that means making sure he’s happy and healthy. The man has a sweet tooth, just so you know. Anyway, I listened in and gave him my two cents, for what it’s worth. He was a bit stressed out and didn’t mean to come off as harsh or dismissive. They had important things to discuss, and time was of the essence.” She takes a drink of her orange juice before adding. “He’s afraid if he gives you free rein, you’ll run away from him.”
Ugh. I suppose he does have a reason to be concerned about me fleeing, although my feet don’t want to rush to the door. Instead, I keep myself planted, relaxed, and strangely anxious for his return. The way he made me come is insane, and my body craves a repeat performance with every second that passes.
“Oh.” I don’t have an answer to all her revelations, but thankfully, Giuseppe is not only a masterful chef, but he’s also quick and he sets our plates in front of us.
“This looks and smells fantastic,” I confess as I grab the syrup and coat my pancakes. I’m hungrier than I thought.
“It really is. I swear you have no idea. This man is a magician.” She pats Giuseppe’s hand.
He smiles and says, “I’ll clean up while you ladies enjoy.”
“Let’s take this in the dining room.” We’re about to go into the dining room when a man comes up to us.
“Signora Bianchi?”
“Yes, Luigi?”
“The boss said to give you these.” He hands her a stack of mail.
“Oh, goodness, this is a lot. Thank you, Luigi.” She takes the letters and smiles. “I guess Ireland is fabulous for my sister.”
I wonder if her sister is just like her, beautiful and energetic. “Is she there alone?”
“No, she’s with her husband and children. I personally had a bad experience over there and don’t care for it that much, although it’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“I’ve never been.” There’s so much more to that story and I want to know more but I won’t press.
“Well, one day you can make Nero take you. He hardly ever takes a day off, but I’m sure he’ll make time for you.”
“I think you got our relationship twisted. The man kidnapped me.”
She scoffs. “And you’re upset that he dismissed you last night at dinner, right?” I can’t reply because any denial out of my mouth would be a bald-faced lie. “See? You’re attracted to him, despite everything. Just go with the flow. The man needs you to be his anchor. Can you be the reason he loves to come home?”
“What about what I need?” I want to kick myself for letting my emotions show, so I take a bite of my sausage.
“And what is that?” she challenges.
“Someone who won’t abandon me when things get hard.” I’ve had enough abandonment issues that I don’t believe I could handle more.
“Oh, so last night…”
“I didn’t realize how bothered I’d been about it, but I couldn’t sleep all night.” Nero’s definitely more to me that my captor and I knew that from the moment he held me in his arms after I fainted. The kiss outside the women’s shelter only proved it some more, but last night was the icing on the cake. Nero could break me.
“Trust me when I say he’s not going anywhere.”
“What about having other lovers?”
“That’s a hard fucking no,” Nero growls. For a man his size, he moves with such stealth and agility. He stalks toward me, sliding his hand to the back of my neck and tilting my head so our faces are an inch apart. “Don’t ever think I’d allow another man to take my place.” He kisses me hard and fierce, a connection so profound it’s filled with possession.
When Nero pulls away, I’m panting and Aria says, “Idiot, she’s talking about you banging other chicks.”
“No one, and I mean no one, will ever take your place.” He kisses me again, and this time it’s so tender that I nearly melt in my seat. I cling to the lapels of his suit jacket.
“Um… I think it’s time I go before you two start screwing at the table. Come on, Giuseppe. Let’s give them some privacy.”
As soon as they leave the kitchen, Nero whispers, “So where were we?”
“Apparently about to screw on the counter,” I toss out there, hoping he might be willing to take the bait.