Bidding on the Billionaire (Bad Boys Billionaire Bachelors Club) (7 page)

Chapter 12

T
he day of the factory’s anniversary
celebration had arrived and Mandi was excited about the entire day ahead of
her. Sergio was gone, attending to last minute details and making sure
everything was in place.

Mandi
was gone too, but it was to dreams and faraway places in her mind.   As a treat
and a way to spend her day, Sergio had a full staff of people come over to
attend to all her needs.  She was in the bedroom and it felt like her own
private spa.  It was incredible.

It started
with a massage that was absolutely relaxing.  The masterful hands of Francois,
the masseuse, kneaded Mandi’s skin, hitting the few tense spots she had and
releasing them without the excruciating pain that can come with such things. 
At one point she even fell asleep as the gentle sound of the ocean traveled
into the room from the open windows and the aromatic oils absorbed into her
skin.  It was absolutely amazing.  Mandi thought she’d maybe try to learn how
to give a great massage so she could give one to Sergio that was followed by
some of the amazing talents he possessed sexually.  It made her smile.

Next
was the pedicure and manicure.  The nail technician pulled out her caddy of
nail colors and set it down next to the dress, which was carefully drawn out
over a stand in the corner so it wouldn’t wrinkle or lose its form. She found
the perfect shade of bronze for Mandi to wear.  The color was represented into
the gorgeous peacock feathers of the comb and it shimmered like it was a piece
of metal reflecting in the mid day’s sun.

Mandi
found herself with a few hours to do as she wished before the hair stylist came
and did her hair. Sergio had said that they’d do her make-up too, but Mandi
drew the line there. She liked doing her own make-up and didn’t like to wear it
heavy either, knowing that her natural features and skin tone were favorable. She
smiled, thinking of the words that her mother once said. “I don’t fill my
canvas up with color to hide the natural beauty of what I’m doing, I make sure
everything I put enhances the natural beauty of the subject.” Mandi wasn’t as
good at applying that advice to art, but she had managed to become masterful
with make-up.

It
was the middle of the day in the States and Mandi decided to give Sophia a call
and find out how things were going at the gallery. She called the gallery
number.

“How’s
it going, Sophia?”

“Fantastic,
Mandi. Andre and I are having an incredible week. I cannot believe how much is
happening. It’s so exciting.”

“I
can practically see you glowing through the phone. I bet if I Facetimed you
from this iPhone I’d see something on your face.”

“Maybe,”
Sophia said, laughing merrily.  Mandi knew that laugh.  It was the I’ve had sex
with a guy I’m very attracted to laugh.

“Was
it all you expected?” Mandi asked.

“And
more.”

“Good
for you.  I hope it works out.”

“We’ll
see.”

“So
how is everything going at the gallery?”

“Great.
Andre sold a couple of your paintings.  He was so good.  The couples that came
in didn’t stand a chance after he got talking to them.  He’s a natural.”

“Fantastic.
Maybe I’ll just stay in Rome for a few weeks and let you guys take care of the
gallery.  It seems like you do a better job than me.”

“Is
Sergio being attentive to you?” Sophia asked.

“Very.
He’s out taking care of details for the celebration tonight and I’m getting the
royal treatment—massage, manicure, pedicure, and hair is coming up next.  He
took me shopping too.  I always thought you were the master shopper, but your
brother gives you a run for your money.”

“He
went shopping with you?  Now that’s a first.”

“Lucky
me.”

“Well
Mandi, I’ve got to get going.  I have something to do.”

“Or
someone,” Mandi joked. Sophia laughed, making Mandi laugh too. She had it bad.
And
you have it bad too!

“Oh,
I almost forgot. Some guy named Leroy called for you and left a number.  He
said he met you at the auction.”

“I
cannot recall him right now, but that was a busy and hectic night.”

“He
said something about being interested in the gallery and your mother’s
artwork.  I’m not so sure it’s either of those.  When it rains men it pours for
you, Mandi.”

“I
don’t think I’m built to handle more than one man at a time.”

“Well,
I’m glad you’re trying to handle Sergio.  I cannot wait to hear how your trip
went when you get back.  Hopefully you don’t hold back on me.”

“We’ll
see,” Mandi teased.

“Okay,
now I really have to go,” Sophia said.  The two said quick goodbyes and she
hung up.

Mandi
went and took her shower and waited for the hair stylist to arrive so she could
put Mandi’s hair in a formal up-do.  She was starting to get nervous from
anticipation about the night at the celebration and being Sergio’s date for
such an extravagant affair.

Chapter 13

M
andi had just finished getting into her lovely
gown and putting her make-up on when Sergio walked into the room.  He had his
tuxedo in a garment bag and it was slung over his shoulder. 

“Hi
Sergio.  So what do you think?” Mandi asked, twirling around to give him a
chance to fully assess her appearance.

“You
look absolutely scrumptious and sexy.  If we didn’t have to go anywhere I’d be
taking that dress right off you right now.”

“Maybe
you can do that later,” Mandi suggested.

It
didn’t take Sergio long to get ready and when he was dressed Mandi admired how
dashing he looked in his Armani tux with emerald studs and cufflinks.  His
bowtie was black and he tied it masterfully.  Mandi watched with fascination. She’d
never really had a chance to watch a man get prepared for such an extravagant
outing before and Sergio made it look effortless. He certainly didn’t need the
amount of time that Mandi needed, and she wasn’t even particularly high
maintenance.

It
was now 6:00 and the family’s limousine was out in the driveway, waiting for
Diedre, Marcel, and their kids, plus Sergio and Mandi to take them to the
celebration.  It was exciting and everyone looked so happy and excited for the
evening, which promised to be special.

Everyone
laughed and chatted merrily as they made their way to the St. Regis Grand,
where a ballroom had been rented out for the evening.  As the limousine pulled
up Mandi couldn’t believe her eyes.  Ornate golden statues adorned the front
and the building was perfectly accented by lighting that made it look like it
was from a fairytale.  That made sense to her because she thought everything
seemed like a fairytale anyways.

Once
inside the ballroom, things got even more beautiful. There were not rooms that
looked like this in New York City, at least that Mandi had seen, and it was
incredible to see everyone there, celebrating and enjoying the day.  Sergio had
also shown his workers what a generous boss he was by closing the factory early
that day and getting rooms in the hotel for all the families that were
attending. The thought of how much it must have cost made Mandi’s head spin
because she still couldn’t grasp what life as a billionaire was like, although
she was starting to get a pretty good idea.

The
night started out with an amazing string orchestra playing soft Italian
classics while dinner was served, and then moved on into Sergio giving everyone
a heartfelt thank you speech for what they’d all done to help ensure that La
Bella Donna was a high end name that was taken seriously in the fashion world. 
Everyone clapped and cheered, and Mandi was sure that she saw a glimmer of a tear
forming in Sergio’s eyes. He really did care for these people and it was
obvious to see that they cared for him too.

All
the employees present, which totaled two hundred, were given a token of
gratitude from the Leon family too.  It was a round gold coin with a 50 on one
side and La Bella Donna on the other.  Mandi couldn’t believe it and she knew
enough about gold to see that it was at least 18 carat gold, if not 24 carat,
which was pure gold.

A
few other people spoke before and after Sergio, but the more lively fun and
dancing portion of the night commenced.  Mandi and Sergio danced fast and
pressed their bodies together dancing slow.  It was so much fun, and Mandi
couldn’t have been happier.  Sergio was so attentive to her, always having his
hand on the small of her back, which happened to be rather distracting because
his touch still sent jolts through her.

So
many kind people came up and spoke to Mandi in their best English possible,
telling her how much they appreciate and adored Mr. Leon. He’d saved the town
and many people’s livelihoods; they’d be forever grateful.

Mandi
reflected on the words everyone said and she realized what a special man Sergio
was.  He’d really gained a place in the hearts of these people and he was
certainly working toward that with her.  All of these intense emotions, and the
“arrangement” itself, were less than a week old, but wow—what a difference a week
can make.

As
midnight drew it was time to end the celebration and go back to Benvenuto. 
Diedre, Marcel, and the kids had left earlier, but the limousine was back,
ready to pick up Mandi and Sergio.

On
the way home they talked about what a lovely night it had been.  It was
perfect.  Mandi felt so alive and alert that she didn’t think she’d be able to
fall asleep even if she wanted to that evening when they got home.

Once
Sergio and Mandi were back home and in the bedroom Sergio went over to a small
drawer in the desk and opened it up, pulling out a box.  Mandi was watching him
and sitting on the edge of the chair, stripping off her fancy clothes and
preparing to sleep in her favorite pajamas—none.

“I
wanted to give you this,” Sergio said. Mandi looked at the box and knew it was
jewelry. She reached for it and he added, “As a thank you for being the most
enticing and wonderful date for such an important occasion in my life.”

Mandi
opened up the box, now only in her high heels, garters, stockings, and panties,
and looked at the necklace. It was absolutely stunning and wonderful.  It
wasn’t a dressy necklace like what you’d wear with a gown like she’d had on
that evening. It was unique and more casual, but incredible none the less. Mandi
recognized it too because she’d commented on how beautiful it was that day when
her and Sergio were shopping. How did he hear her and buy that without her
knowing?  Talented man.

“It’s
incredible. Thank you so much,” Mandi said. She stood up and leaned in to
Sergio, feeling her breasts touching the soft fabric of his tux and kissed him
passionately. It sparked an idea in her and before Sergio knew what was going
on Mandi was guiding him over to the bed, stripping his clothes off him.  She
casually flung them to the side until he was lying there naked, and looking deliciously
good.

“What’s
going on here?” Sergio asked, a hint of wicked amusement in his eyes.

Mandi
put her finger up to her lips and whispered, “Shhh…just enjoy.”

With
that, Mandi went down on her knees and began to lick and tease Sergio with her
tongue, causing him to groan from surprise and the abruptness of his arousal. 
As her tongue licked every inch of him she caressed him everywhere, causing him
to get even harder. When he was fully erect, Mandi leaned over him and slowly
slid down on his cock, taking all of him in. She moved up and down, adding in
little surprises and twists with her speed and rhythm that caused Sergio to
gasp and make little comments about what he was feeling.  Mandi was feeling it
too and had never received such great joy from giving oral sex.  It was making
her wet and the feel of Sergio in her mouth and pressing his thighs against her
arm made her build up that familiar feeling that came when an orgasm was about
to take place. 

Mandi
slowly slid her lips up Sergio’s cock and began to kiss the treasure trail
along his tan body, making her way up. She paused on his chest and gently bit
at his nipples.  He begged for more and she kept delivering it until she was up
by his face.  She kissed his earlobes, neck, and then let a gentle kiss linger
on his lips. 

Sergio
flipped Mandi over on her stomach and slid into her from behind, showing that
he had to take her and couldn’t wait any more. Now it was Mandi’s turn to beg. The
entire moment was so intimate, so raw, and it was a connection that was different
than the other ones. Yes, this was also raw passion, but it seemed that both
Sergio and Mandi were giving a bit more of themselves, making the pleasure all
that more intensive and the need all the greater.

With
one final thrust, Sergio and Mandi exploded together, and it was the perfect
end to a wonderful evening.

“That
was out of this world,” Sergio commented.

“I
think my head is spinning,” Mandi added.

The two fell
asleep lying in each other’s arms, not talking about much at all. Mandi didn’t
know what Sergio was thinking, but she knew that she’d just experienced
something that was beyond any emotion she’d ever had before after having sex.
It was exhilarating, interesting, and yes, a bit scary too.

Chapter 14

M
andi was ecstatic to find out that the next
day when she awoke would be completely devoted to her. Sergio was taking her
for some fun and sightseeing.  Mandi didn’t think that any scenery could
disappoint if Sergio was a part of it.

Before
leaving, the kitchen staff prepared a picnic lunch for Sergio and Mandi to take
with them on their adventures, and per Sergio’s suggestion they packed
swimsuits, and a few toys to have some fun with. 

The
weather was awesome and Mandi just sensed that it was going to be an incredible
day.  First off, Sergio took Mandi to see some of the ruins that were off the
beaten path.  They were breathtaking and he really surprised her when he pulled
out a camera, telling her that he wanted her to model and pose for him.  At
first, Mandi was hesitant, feeling too bashful to do something like that, but
Sergio soon talked her out of it. It took one gentle kiss and a soft, “Please,
Mandi.” She immediately said yes and didn’t mind being an easy sell.

The
ruins were beautiful and Mandi was surprised that no one else was around
there.  They were so interesting and she made a commitment to either sketch
them before she left, or find a way to get back to Rome again to sketch them. 

By
the end of the impromptu photo shoot Mandi was feeling a bit bolder and
unbuttoned a few buttons on her linen shirt, making her cleavage stick out just
enough to tease.  Then she lifted a bit of the shirt’s bottom up and showed the
muscles from her toned abs.  Sergio was laughing and whistling, helping give
her all the confidence a woman could ever need to handle anything—even a
billionaire ex-playboy.

For
lunch, Mandi and Sergio ended up by the olive trees that they’d visited that
first day. They meandered down a path to the side of them and found themselves
on the beach for their picnic lunch.  It was so pretty and they laughed
merrily, talking about some of the sillier things they did when they were
little.  It was great for Mandi to hear about the lighthearted side of Sergio
and experience it firsthand.  She couldn’t have been happier, and Sergio
commented to her that he loved the spark in her eyes when she talked about her
memories growing up.

“Do
you want to throw the football around for a bit?” Sergio asked.

“Is
it tackle football?”

“It
could be,” he answered.  “Do you think you can tackle me?”

“I’d
like to try,” Mandi responded. Without warning or another second’s hesitation
she went toward him and tried to tackle him down to the ground.  He moved out
of the way and she fell down in the sand, sending bits of it flying everywhere.

“You’re
fast, but you’ll have to move faster than that,” Sergio said.  He took off
running a short distance away and turned around, throwing the ball while he was
in motion.

Mandi
surprised him by catching it and throwing a perfect spiral back.

“Very
impressive.  I can add ball handler to your list of skills, not that I didn’t
know that,” Sergio shouted. His voice carried in the breeze and Mandi smiled at
his words, feeling great that she’d delivered him something memorable the night
before.

After
the football was done they decided to see if the water was warm enough to play
around in.  Mandi looked around, wondering where she could change into her
suit.  There was no place around and she soon found out Sergio’s next plan. 
He’d stripped off his shorts and was in the buff, making his way into the
water.

“How
do you know nobody will show up here?” Mandi asked, moving closer to the
water’s edge.

“I
don’t.  I’m just taking a risk.”

“I
have a feeling that your risks work out better for you than mine do for me.” 
Mandi wasn’t sure she could handle the embarrassment of being caught skinny
dipping, even if the country was more relaxed about those  things than the
States were.

“I
didn’t think you were a chicken,” Sergio commented.  “How disappointing.  Oh
well.”  He dove into the waves and came up a few feet further out into the
ocean.

Mandi
didn’t like being called a chicken or thought of as someone who couldn’t accept
a challenge and in that instant she flung her clothes off and charged in the
water, making her way to Sergio.

The
two laughed and splashed each other before deciding it was getting late and
they may get sun burnt if they were not careful.  “Trust me, Mandi.  You don’t
want to have sun burn in some areas.  It doesn’t feel good at all.”

“Speaking
from experience I see,” Mandi retorted.  She didn’t want to know who the
experience was with because it didn’t matter.  Besides it wasn’t like she was a
virgin when this arrangement started.

As
Mandi and Sergio rode back to Benvenuto they held hands and watched a glorious
sunset taking place. It was one of the most romantic evening she’d ever had
even without sex, with Sergio. Mandi was hoping to get to have Sergio for
herself for the rest of the night, but that wasn’t meant to be.  He told her
that he had to do some work and would be in his study for the remainder of the
night.  She was disappointed, but scolded herself for being selfish.  She’d
seen an amazing side of Sergio that day and she should be thankful.  His busy schedule
was one thing that she couldn’t change.