“I’m jealous.”
“Your fantasy wears James Bond outfits and is basically a badass outlaw. Don’t talk to me about jealously.”
“Fine,” I laughed.
“One second, Si.” He paused then let out a long sigh. “Sorry. Poor Spencer is trying to get hold of her Aunt Lisa. I guess she’s gone MIA for a while.”
“Anything I can do to help?”
“No, I guess she’s been doing this a lot lately. She seems a little nutty, if you ask me.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Tell Spencer if she ever needs to talk…”
“I will.” He seemed distracted for a moment. “Oh, they’re waving me in, I’ll let you know how everything goes. Bye!”
I hung up and laughed at how happy and free Wyatt seemed. I pulled my focus back to the task at hand, exploring Elio’s house.
I let the vibe of his house take hold of my senses as I looked around. Everything was modern but had a simple, rustic feel. I knew all the lights were voice and motioned activated and other updated tech stuff was behind the walls, but it didn’t interfere with the old-style look. The view from the kitchen of the winding roads within the property line was like a child’s game of Snakes and Ladders. I left the window and sipped my coffee as I continued to explore. A small bathroom was tucked away at the end of the hall just off the living room area and stairs.
As strange as I felt climbing the stairs, I knew the only way I would ever feel comfortable here was to take the time to explore and get to know the place. I ran my hand along the deep chocolate-colored wooden railing that curved like a wave ahead of me as I took each step toward the top. Another bathroom was on the left, and two guest rooms were on the right, and the last room on the left was the master. Pressing down on the thin handle, I stepped inside Elio’s most intimate room.
“Wow.”
The back wall was all done in dark-gray brick, like subway tiles, from floor to ceiling. Up against it was a frameless king-sized bed with white bedding and a silver blanket that matched the lightshades on each bedside table. A rectangular leather headboard looked to have been bolted above the bed. Huge windows were on one side, and a big master bathroom was on the other.
I smiled when I saw that he had our picture next to the bed. So, his side was on the right. I liked that I now knew that little thing about him.
Exploring the bathroom next, I found two stone bowls for sinks with the neatest little levers for faucets. A mirror hung from the ceiling, and a stone tub that matched the sinks doubled as a base for his shower.
I looked at my battered body in his full-length mirror and decided I needed to pull myself together and get on with the day.
Once I got to the Hill House, I changed out of my dress and into another. Vinni grumbled about how I should have called him to come get me, and I just shook my head at him, thinking how ridiculous that sounded. It was, after all, only about a three-minute walk up a hill.
“Good morning.” Elio strolled into the kitchen at the same time as I did with a sexy smile. He looked mighty fine in his normal business attire. He leaned in as he brushed past me. “You smell like my shampoo,” he said softly with a heated look.
“I hope that’s okay.”
“You in my shower? I’ve dreamt of that.”
“Well, in that case,” I smirked, “I also borrowed one of your dress shirts while I dried my hair.” He let out a puff of air as he closed his eyes. “Speaking of which, and don’t change this up,” I referred to his outfit with my finger, “but I must ask. Do you evenowna t-shirt?”
He laughed. “You just didn’t look hard enough.”
“I didn’t want to snoop.”
“It’s not snooping when it’s your house,bella.”
I gave a small smile, unsure how this whole life thing was going to pan out.
He slid the files he was holding onto the counter then trapped me in with both arms. “Here’s how you should look at this.” He leaned down and brushed his nose by my ear. “I would have had you move in with me if we hadn’t had to leave Sicily. It might not feel like yours now, but it will. Anything you want to change, just talk to Francesco and tell him your plan, and he’ll make it happen. Just know this. I’ve never had a woman live with me, and I’ve never had a woman overnight there. I always kept my house to myself. I guess I was waiting for you to return to me.” He smiled, and I got lost in his eyes. “It’s yours, Sienna. I want you to be there with me.”
“I want to wake up to you every morning, too.” I used the words from his note, so he knew I’d seen it. I leaned in and pecked his lips. His grin was incredibly sexy as it spread slowly across his lips. He entwined his fingers in my hair and pulled me in for a long kiss. I pressed against his chest, concerned who might walk in, but he didn’t seem to care. His tongue commanded control, and I willingly gave in, loving his dominant side. He was the only man I could truly be myself with, who I ever wanted to be myself with. I always belonged to Elio. No matter how deep my scars were, he owned me, and given his hungry kiss, he knew it.
“Tonight.” He pulled away with a huff, and I could tell he was barely hanging on to his self-control. “I want you home.”
I nodded, still trying to find my footing. God, the man could kiss.
“But right now,” his face fell, “I need you to join me in the next room.”