“You still don’t know me.”
I tap his cheek. “I know you better than you know yourself.” I brush past him but don’t make it too far. He roughly grabs my arm and spins me around.
“You’re playing with fire, Gia.”
“Well then I won’t have to worry about being cold at night.” I take advantage of his shock and break free from his grasp as I saunter back into the kitchen.
He’s right. I’m playing a dangerous game and I’m sure to get burned. While I’m no longer a virgin, and even though I’m inexperienced sexually, I’m not a naïve young girl. I’m completely aware of Stone’s aggressive sexual nature.
I wonder if he has one of those sexual torture chamber rooms. I shiver. I’m definitely not ready for that. In fact, I don’t think I ever will be. Sex with Stone is enough. I don’t need or want crazy torture devices involved.
I see Marco in the shadows of the kitchen. “Go make yourselves comfortable outside, boys.”
Marco’s gaze slides outside as if asking Stone’s permission. He must have heard our encounter. I see him nod to Marco. He takes a reluctant step forward, and Tio and Lucca follow.
We’ve all settled into our seats when Elena comes up the path from the vineyard. “Should I be offended that I didn’t get an invite?”
“Hi, Elena. There’s plenty of space and food. Have a seat.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“Nonsense.” I look across the table at Stone, who sits at the head of the table. I wish I was next to him instead of at the other end. Marco and Tio sit on one side, and Lucca the other, leaving an empty chair next to me. Elena takes it.
Maria hurries out with an extra plate and a set of silverware, arranging it in front of Elena.
“This looks delish. I love Maria’s manicotti.” She takes a healthy portion.
“I actually made it, but she did a lot of supervising.”
“You made this too?” Stone asks, his fork halfway to his mouth.
I nod and smile. “And the bread as well.”
“Why?”
“I told you why this morning.” I roll my eyes and butter my bread. “Or were you too sweaty and winded after...well, your attention obviously wasn’t on our conversation.”
I’m completely aware of my innuendo, and completely aware of his heated stare.
“Typical guy. Typical Rocco. So, tell me why.” Elena takes a bite of the manicotti.
“My husband keeps me locked inside this gilded cage, and I need to do something. Feel useful. And I love cooking. Maria has been an excellent teacher.”
“I don’t get out much either, but feel free to come hang out with me in the winery. I can give you a run down on the family wines. Anytime you feel like pouring flights, I can always use the help.”
“She’s not going to be a waitress,” Stone growls.
I roll my eyes, ignoring him, and laugh and talk with Elena during dinner. The men are quiet and have no desire to be part of our conversation anyway. I like this, having a girlfriend, having the heated stare of Stone on me during dinner.
Every time I lift my glass to take a sip of wine, our eyes meet. Playing with fire is right. He heats me up from across the table. I can only imagine what he’ll do to me when we touch again.
Dinner ends too soon, and the men get up to leave. Stone comes over to me first and bends down to whisper in my ear.
“Careful, Gia.”
I shiver at his simple warning.
“Always,” I say as he walks away.
“Damn.” Elena fans herself with her hand. “I never thought I’d see my cousin fall for a woman. He’s in deep.”
I want to tell her if he was in deep, he wouldn’t ignore me all day and all night.