Pointing to the warm, crusty bread, Sam states, "This is my Nonna Rosa's recipe, which has been passed down through generations. I hope it's as good as hers. Eat up, but make sure you leave space for my famous tiramisu cake."
"Talking of Nonnas, have you decided if you are going to meet your's Sebastian?" Ben helps himself to a large piece of the bread, giving me a quizzical look.
"Not sure if I want to open that can of worms. What if they knew about me and my sister, but refused to take us in?" A heavyweight settles in my chest, making it hard to breathe. I'd have never lost my sister if my father named his parents or siblings as our guardians.
"I understand, man. But wouldn't you want to know the truth about why your father left and changed his identity? If she had any contact with him or not?"
"Of course, I do." I swallow to clear the knot of conflicting emotions. Alexandra gently touches my thigh in a sign of silent support.
"Do you know if your mother had siblings or other family members?" Sam's soothing voice probes.
"No, sadly she didn't. My grandparents were both archeologists and didn't want to have children. They spent their lives traveling around the world, visiting different archeological sites, but when my grandmother was in her late 40s, she got pregnant and kept the baby."
"Family is important. I can't imagine life without my crazy Italian family. They drive me crazy, but I love them. You should visit your grandmother, Seb. An extra pair of hands would come handy when you decide to have kids." Sam winks at Alexandra with a gleam in her eyes. I watch the color in her face drain as she coughs into her napkin repeatedly.
Earlier today, she didn't exactly appear enthusiastic when I suggested she move in with me, which makes me wonder if she isn't into me as much as I'm into her. This is her first Dom/sub relationship. What if she wants to go and explore with other Doms, Sebastian?
"Are you okay, pet?" I pat her back gently. Raising her head, she ducks her chin in agreement. Sam fills her glass with water, offering it to her.
"Sorry, a piece of bread got stuck in my throat. That'll teach me to chew properly next time," she speaks in a weak and tremulous whisper.
Taking a sip of water, she shifts her gaze to Sam. "You are an amazing cook. This bread is to die for. Sadly, I can't cook to save my life."
Clasping her hands on her chest, she chirps, "Oh, thank you, Allie. Honestly, everyone can be a good cook. You just need a wonderful teacher like my Nonna. If you are open to learning, I can teach you. It'll be fun."
"I'd love to." Sam claps her hands, excitement shining in her eyes.
"Great. Let's talk about dates later." She then takes the opportunity to share funny stories of her Nonna teaching her to cook and bake when she was only ten years old.
Bringing the dessert, she orders us to eat, then threatens that she won't let us leave the table until we finish everything on our plates. I bite into the soft sponge, savoring the intoxicating combination of coffee, vanilla, and brandy. As the delicious cake slides down my throat, I imagine smothering my little sub's body with the mascarpone cream and licking every inch of her luscious body clean until she is a quivering mess in my hands. Ben's suggestion for us to move to the living room and have a shot of Limoncello to help us digest the food takes my mind off the filthy images circling in my mind. Sinking into the large comfortable sectional, I lounge against the soft cushion, pulling Alexandra closer to me.
"I can't wait to get my hands on you tonight, my little sub," I whisper in her ear, making her swallow audibly.
As Ben pours us drinks, Wyatt's cry blares through the baby monitor. Jumping to her feet, Sam rests her eyes on Alexandra. "Do you want to come and meet Wyatt?" She stiffens next to me.
"Maybe some other time, Sam. He probably won't want to settle down if I come with you. Also, it's getting late and we should go." Her gaze darts to me, then back to Sam. A pin of uneasiness jabs in my chest. Stop overthinking, I order myself.
"Sure, no problem. I can bring him over when we meet for coffee next week. Give me a minute to settle him and I'll be back," she insists, then saunters off to Wyatt's bedroom. I take my phone out of my pocket to book an Uber. Knowing we would have a few drinks with dinner, I left the car at home and we took a taxi to their house.
Ben passes us the shot glasses, urging us to down the Limoncello in one go. The sweet alcohol glides down to my stomach, warming my blood and giving me a buzz. Thank God I'm not driving tonight. Sam walks back just as my phone pings, alerting me that our ride has arrived. Exchanging quick hugs, we promise to arrange another dinner.