CHAPTER TEN
There are so many sidesto Stone, and I haven’t a clue which one is the most authentic. His bad boy persona pissed me off at first. I’ve never been drawn to it, not even in the books I read. I swoon over the sweet boy-next-door heroes. They’re completely different from the life I left.
Surrounded by evil, egos, narcissism, and wealth growing up, the bad boys do nothing to turn me on. Stone possesses all those characteristics and then some. There are traces of compassion he keeps buried beneath his suits and stoic countenance, but traces aren’t enough to win me over. Not that I care to be won.
Even now, as we ride in the backseat of his Bentley, he has poise and manners instead of the arrogant asshole vibes he’d dished out during my first few days here.
I’m still riding the wave from whatever it is that happened between us in his office. One moment I’m having fun giving him a hard time, pushing his limits, the next I found myself plastered between him and the window, his hands gently gliding across all my curves.
Well, not all of them. Not in the places my traitorous body burned for him. I’ve never burned for a man. A book boyfriend, sure. Henry Cavill, damn straight. Never for a real man, not that Henry isn’t real. He’s a fantasy though. Stone is reality.
I know his type. Someone like Stone doesn’t stay celibate for long, nor does he have long term relationships. I have no doubt he has a revolving door for the women attending to all his sexual needs. It’s why I added the addendum to the paperwork.
Payback for ripping me away from Mama. Unlike Stone, I can control my sexual needs. I’ve been doing so my entire life. Keeping away from him won’t be a challenge. At least, that’s what I tell myself. That was before he touched me.
Simple touches. My arms. My legs. The way he ran his finger down my backside was anything but simple, but that was an exception. He was right. I was wet for him. I’ll never let him know. It is wrong. He’s my captor. He’s using me for his own vendetta. As soon as he gets his revenge on Lorenzo, I’ll be free.
Temporary. This is only temporary and will be worth it in the end. Mama and I will have our freedom.
“We’re here.” Stone interrupts my thoughts.
While gazing out the window, lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t taken in the scenery. Marco opens the door for Stone, who gets out of the car first, then offers his hand to me. I take it and slide across the seat, doing my best to prevent my skirt from hiking up too high.
With his sunglasses on, I can’t see where Stone’s gaze has fallen, but I bet my next glass of wine it’s on my legs. I have good legs. Work keeps me on my feet, and before I escaped Lorenzo, I got my exercise by running through the vineyard.
It was mentally as well as physically freeing.
When I get to my feet, I expect Stone to drop my hand. We haven’t talked about PDA. He doesn’t seem the type to hold hands or hug a woman in public. In the bedroom, however, is another story. I shiver at the thought.
“Are you cold?”
“No. It’s a beautiful afternoon.”
“Would you like to sit on the patio or inside?”
The building is elegant, yet rustic. It isn’t sprawling like the Parisi vineyard. Instead, it has charm and appeals more to the tourists, maybe even couples, or women having a fun day together. Unlike my family’s winery, which is one of the most expensive in the country and known for hosting elaborate parties for celebrities and billionaires.
“Rocco. I was wondering when you were going to stop by.” A beautiful brunette comes from behind the bar and stops in front of us, grinning from ear to ear. “You must be her.”
I have no idea who the woman is. An employee, no doubt. She’s wearing jeans and sneakers and a burgundy collared shirt with Parlatore Vineyards stamped across her chest.
“Elena, this is Gia. Gia, my cousin, Elena.”
“Cousin?” I don’t know why it surprises me so that he has family. I saw the pictures of a family of four perched on the shelf behind his desk but hadn't gotten close enough to see who was in the picture. Maybe it was Elena’s family. I know nothing about Stone’s, which I need to rectify before our meeting with the priest.
“And here I thought my cousin would loosen up a little now that he found you.”
Found me. Maybe she does know of the farce. “He’s a bit uppity but I’ve been working on it. I’ve found his buttons and have had fun pushing them.” I squeeze his hand and am disappointed when he doesn’t squeeze back.
Elena barks out a laugh. “I like you. And I’m glad the clothes fit. Shopping isn’t my thing. Rocco assumed since I have breasts I enjoy that type of thing. He didn’t allow me to shop off the list. I hope I did okay?”
“You’re the one who bought all those clothes? And shoes?”
“With his plastic.” Elena pats Stone on the back.
“It all makes sense now.”
“What does?” Stone asks.