Packing this morning was easy. I didn’t have much that I wanted to bring along. Also, I would be here temporarily. If I needed anything, I’m sure I’d be free to leave. As soon as the car pulls up to the house, Franco’s driver exits the vehicle and makes his way to my side. Opening the door for me, he proffers his hand.
“Thank you.” When I smile up at him, it’s as if he knows why I’m here, not only to work for the Morettis, but to be whatever Franco wants me to be.
Yet, he doesn’t say a word, only escorts me to the door where the housekeeper is waiting with a friendly smile.
“Ciao, I’m Donatella.” Her accent is thick, more so than any of the brothers’. “I take you to your room,” she informs me before turning to head up the sweeping staircase. The house is silent, without so much as a sound coming from the kitchen or even the grounds outside.
There’s a long hallway that we meander down at a slow pace and I notice Donatella’s limp. Once we pass by four doors, she stops at the fifth and pushes it open.
“If you need something, I’m in kitchen,” she once again speaks in her broken English and then leaves me to enter the incredible suite I’ve been offered.
It’s an ultra-modern space with a king-sized four-poster bed. With a jet-black chest of drawers and the walls painted an off-white, it’s almost clinical, but the enormous deep red rug that covers most of the floor adds warmth. The bedding, with white and silver, adorns the mattress. To the left of the entrance is a walk-in closet with enough room for a small army, and beside that, hidden behind two large mirrors, is a large en-suite.
My cell ringing drags me from the memories of what happened last night, and all the pleasure Franco bestowed on my wanton body. As I pull the phone from my purse, I swipe my thumb to answer, but I hear my cousin before I can sayhello.
“How is the mansion? Sitting at the pool with cocktails?”
“You’re so frustrating,” I retort while rolling my eyes at her. “I’m actually in my new bedroom. It’s incredible, Cali.” Awe in my voice is evident and I flop onto the bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I hear her take a deep breath.
“I can’t believe you’re living with Franco. Like in the same house. Are you two…?” She allows the question to taper off, hanging like a lead weight between us.
“No, we’re just working. He needs me here. I… I’ve signed the contract for the six months. It will give me the stability I need. Away from Andrea.” She knows how I feel about my brother. About the way he handles our finances and rules over us with an ironclad fist.
Sighing, she responds, her voice dropping, “I’m sorry, Rai. He’s an asshole. Soon I’ll be gone. The contract I told you I got offered, I signed this morning. I’m going to be modeling again soon. I can’t wait to get away from your ass face brother.” She sighs, then asks, “Do you still get alone time? I mean, can we go to dinner or something?”
“Of course, babe. Franco isn’t locking me up in a cage.” As soon as the words fall from my lips, the image presents itself. Me in a collar, kneeling in a cage with him commanding me to touch myself.
A deep rumble comes from the doorway and I jolt upright. The man himself leans on the doorjamb, his shirt hugging impeccable toned shoulders.
“I have to go,” I murmur into the phone, and before Calista can respond, I hang up.
“A cage? I didn’t think you’d be into that sort of thing, but if you’re willing, so am I,” he quips, his tone thick with desire. Dripping over me, instilling that hunger that he seems to ignite deep in my veins.
“I was… I mean… my cousin was worried.” Stumbling over my words, I push off the bed and stand.
“Of course. Do you like the room? I know this isn’t the most conventional arrangement, but…” His eyes take in the room and when they land on me again, there’s something that’s hidden in those dark depths. “I’d like to make this work.” The way he voices those words, it feels likemore.Just so much more than what he said he wants and I wonder if he would ever love. Perhaps not me specifically, but anyone.
That brings my mind to his past. Has he lost someone before? Is that why he’s so opposed to it? Or is it really his lifestyle that’s got him pushing the thought of being with anyone away.
“I’m here, Franco. I agreed and signed. I’m not leaving until you tell me otherwise. Sometimes, you need to let go of past hurts to find happiness.”
I don’t know where my courage comes from, but once again, I notice how his gaze hardens. “I’ll be back later. Make yourself comfortable.” With that, he turns on his heel and stalks out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Something has hurt that man, and I intend to find out what it is.
* * *
The kitchen is immaculate.It’s been an hour since Franco stormed out of the bedroom, leaving me wondering how to get into his mind. “Hello.” Spinning around, I find Gio sitting on a chair at the table. He’s got his laptop in front of him and a cigarette hanging from his full lips.
“I didn’t know anyone was in here. I’m sorry.”
“Stay, I don’t mind the company. I’m finishing up some work.” He gestures to the chair opposite him, which I slide into. His eyes, a rich chestnut color, bore into me as he drags his gaze from my face down to my chest. For a moment, his stare settles on my breasts, and when I blink, he’s turned away, focusing on the screen in front of him. “Did you want dinner? There are some leftovers in the fridge. Ginnie made some lasagna. She’s a great cook, so I’m sure it’s good.” He speaks almost as if it’s a rehearsed speech. I wonder if he knows what his brother is into. What he does.
“Thank you. I thought Franco—”
“He’s not here. He left an hour ago,” he informs me with a wave of his hand, the white smoke creating intricate patterns in the air around him.
“Oh.” My voice cracks on the word, which has his eyes snapping up to mine. Before he can see the hurt that must be so clear on my face, I push up and head to the large steel refrigerator in the corner of the incredible kitchen. Opening the door, I find it fully stocked with food enough for an army. The container labelled with lasagna on the lid sits glaring at me, but I find my appetite gone.
“Listen,bella,he’s a difficult man. I know this, but when he cares for someone, he has this tendency to push people away.” Gio’s voice has me turning to face him. The light of the fridge shines into the room and illuminates it.