After, we lay before the fire, and with feather light strokes, he made a pattern that I couldn’t picture in my mind along my stomach and hips. “Quello che condividiamo. Non è ancora normale.”What we share. It's still not normal.
“No,” I said, gazing at the ceiling. “It’s not. I doubt it will ever be.”
“È perfetto,” he whispered.That’s perfect.
I smiled. “You seem to be attracted to…out of the ordinary.”
We rested in comfortable silence for—however long. Being with him this way, time never seemed to exist until it was time to face the world. The crackle of the fire was the only background noise to our steady breathing.
“Define ‘out of the ordinary,’ baby.”
I blew out a heavier breath. “You love me despite my peculiar nature.”
He grinned against my stomach. “No, I fell in love with you because of it.Cosabella.”
“Is it easier for you to say…romantic things in Italian?”
“Sì.Molto più facile, mia moglie.”Yes, much easier, my wife.
“The words are greased with olive oil?”
We both shook with laughter.
“Sì,”he sighed. “E suono più romantico.”Yes, and they sound more romantic.
“I agree,” I breathed out. I felt a tingle from breasts to womb when his hand began to slowly stroke between my thighs.
He cleared his throat and then spoke in soft but rugged Italian. “Come and kiss me again with your eyes open so I can give myself over to the darkness and watch the stars in your eyes dance.”
Oh God…with that particular brand of magic, this peculiar creature was snared for life.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Scarlett
Vincenzo whistled low as I entered the kitchen. I stopped for a moment and looked down at my dress. It was black with pearl embellishments, a plunging neckline, and long sleeves. I paired it with Brando’s (my) leather jacket, a pair of black stockings, and high-heeled booties, since it was so cold out.
It was a dress I had been saving for a night out in Paris, whenever we went back. But no time was like the present, so I decided to go all out and wear it. Though I wasn’t sure if Brando was going to like it. It was a bit risqué.
“What are the plans?” Vincenzo grinned at me.
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Minimal instructions only.Get dressed for a night out.I’ll change if we’re just going for a ride on the bike.”
“That would be a sin.” Vincenzo winked at me. “Che bene è un tesoro che nessuno può vedere?”What good is a treasure that no one can see?
I didn’t miss the cold look Guido gave his brother. After the Santiago fiasco, he had been more severe, taking his job to another level. If Brando wanted a report on my every second, he was getting it. And Guido didn’t want his brother infringing on his territory or forcing Guido to reporthim.
I never asked questions about their relationship, but from the outside looking in, Vincenzo was a loner, whereas Guido enjoyed the company of friends and family. It put them at odds. Yet, they were still close in that way that brothers are.
A thought occurred to me then. “Ishe flying us to Paris?” I asked.
Guido, Vincenzo, and Nino grinned.
I scowled at them. “Pfft.Bloodisthicker than water.”
“No,” Nino said. “We are keeping the romance alive. Also, keepingourselvesalive.”
I took off the leather jacket and put it on the sofa. It kept me warm enough outside, but inside, I suddenly felt flushed.
