ELENA
When January rolls around, we find ourselves in Italy to celebrate Ginevra’s graduation from a culinary arts institute. She’s hosting it at her enormous villa. Arianna planned the party down to the last detail. Blake made sure no expense was spared for his wife, he’s beyond proud of her achievement.
“I swear I don’t know half the people here,” I confess to Ravenna.
She waves a hand at the crowd around us. “That’s because half of them are friends she made in school. You know how outgoing Gin can be, she’s an instant people magnet. It’s that sunny personality. I’m just surprised Blake hasn’t scared them all off yet. Does that man ever smile?”
I giggle. “Doubt it.”
“But damn does Arianna know how to plan a great party. Have you tried those little—?” She doesn’t get to finish because her husband cuts through the crowd toward us with a look of horror on his scarred face.
“You have to come. Now.” His urgency startles us both.
“What happened? Is it the girls?” Ravenna grasps his hands. Her nose wrinkles. “Ew. What’s this all over you?”
“I was trying to change their diapers, and…” Cian pales. “It’s not normal. It’s everywhere and I can’t get it off. Mia stuck her hand in it. Isla flung some at the wall. Then they giggled. I need help.”
Realizing what’s happened, I hide a grin behind my glass of champagne.
Ravenna’s clearly trying not to laugh as she drags Cian away. The huge Irish mobster has apparently met his match. Nine month old twins and poop. A lethal combination.
“What’s so amusing,bella?” Maximo swoops up behind me, engulfing my smaller frame in his arms. He nuzzles my neck, completely fine with this public display of affection.
“I actually think you don’t want to know.”
“Oh?”
“Parenthood.”
“Mm, sounds sexy to me,” he murmurs against my ear. “I was thinking we could find a nice quiet room and indulge in that act that often leads to parenthood.”
I chuckle. “Oh really? In the middle of a party? What if we get caught?”
“That only adds to the thrill. Don’t you think?”
“You might be able to convince me.” I gaze lovingly up at him.
His lips ghost over mine. “Come with me and let me convince you,cara mia.” He takes my hand and I let him lead me through the crush of bodies. We climb the staircase. On the third floor, we venture along a quieter hallway. The party sounds growing more and more faint.
Maximo pushes me up against the wall, his mouth devouring mine. I thread my fingers through his thick, silky hair and tug him closer. His rigid body pressed to mine, I moan.
I nip at his bottom lip. “We need to find a room. Right now.” It’s my turn to lead the way.
I try the first door I come to. It’s unlocked.
Pulling Maximo inside, my lips find his again in the faint light. Someone left a table lamp on. It’s dim, moody, the right atmosphere for stealing away from a party to have sex.
A strange shuffling sound catches my attention. Is there someone else in here or is that the wind?
Breaking away from our kiss, I let my eyes adjust as I scan the room. In the opposite corner, a man sits in a throne-like chair. His face is in shadow. He’s fully clothed except for the fact that his trousers are undone and he’s slowly stroking his very erect cock.
I gasp. Averting my gaze, I spot the woman on the floor. She’s on her hands and knees, wearing only a bra and panties as she crawls toward him.
“This room’s occupied,” I whisper to Maximo, trying to push him toward the door. We need to leave, I’ve already seen way too much. “Maximo?” Why isn’t he moving?
I glance up. His features twist with fury. He’s gone rigid, his entire body could be carved in stone. What’s wrong with him?
My gaze follows his line of sight, just as the woman screams. She frantically tries to cover herself. Is that..?Julianna?
