L'amore: The Luminara Series (9 page)

“You know these dogs?” Lucca asks.

“Yes, used to breed, show, and work them. Wait until Rose catches a glimpse of this little beauty. Although she needs a lot of work. You understand how this works, Miss Robertson, don’t you?”

No, I don’t understand. She’s my pet and not under ball and chain.

“Where will she be sleeping?” he adds.

Lucca shrugs his shoulders as he wraps his arm around my waist. “Well, that is up to my beautiful girl.” He’s redeemed and about bloody time.

“She will stay with me, you know, in the house,” I mutter while rubbing her ear with my free hand. There’s no way I’m having her outside or in a kennel; she wouldn’t know what was going on.

“Hmmm, interesting. Well let’s just see how that goes, and if you need advice, you know where I am,” Peter replies, giving Lucca an approving nod of his head. I watch him interact with her, and he does have a natural flare. Doris seems calmer already. Maybe Peter will be a good help after all.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it, but I hope she won’t get in your way too much.”

“Beautiful lady, she won’t get in my way. I’m thinking about you two young love birds because they can be, shall I say … attached to their owners.” He curls his lips on one side and winks at Lucca.

Oh my goodness, I’m mortified. I think he’s referring to … bedroom time.

Fuck!

File M for mortified. Mortified, he’s thinking of our sex life.

Inappropriate.

Lucca takes my hand and walks me into the house with Cameron following behind me. Peter stays outside with Doris, giving her some commands and trying to train her by the looks of it. I stop walking when my foot enters the grand hallway’s black and cream, high-polished tiled flooring and slowly lift my head, taking in the magnificent interior.

Cameron strolls by me and dumps boxes on the floor near the front doors. Swallowing hard, I open my eyes wide and drink it in—the fine details, artistry, and expensive accented décor. I have the same feeling as when I stepped into the luxury suite in Florence. It’s so grand.

Blinking a few times, my eyes are drawn towards the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above me. I’m mesmerised by the colours reflecting against the diamond-like pendants and droplets spinning over the room, fanning a jewelled palette of colours.

“Cameron, fix a drink. You are welcome to stay for dinner. I am just going to give Lexi the tour.”

“Cheers, mate, but I’m going to head back. I’ve got football training,” Cameron replies. Secretly I was hoping he would stay, just to make sure I settle in okay. Not that he can do anything about my lack of resilience, but it’s comforting knowing he’s there.

I’m lost in the amazing artwork and ornate pieces sculpted across the walls and stop listening to their conversation as I stare, transfixed on the opulent, busy furnishings around me.

“Lexi, snap out it. Did you not hear me?”

Startled, I turn to him. “Sorry, Cameron. I, um … anyway, what were you saying?”

I notice Lucca is no longer holding my hand. He’s not even in the hallway. “Where’s Lucca?” I ask. Have I been daydreaming that long?

“He went to find Rose. I’m heading off. Will you be okay? I’ll stay if you want me to.” He runs his thumb over his eyebrow and sighs then carefully forms a half-hearted smile.

“Yes, of course I’m okay. I’m just processing this. It’s a big change, but I’ll be fine. It’s not fair for you to cancel your plans, you don’t need to stay. Cameron … can you keep your phone charged? In case I need to reach you?” I ask nervously.

“Of course, but you’re perfectly safe. I vetted this place out when we collected the boxes, and Lucca has a great security system and it’s very private. There are cameras all around the property, and Lucca will take great care of you. Are you getting cold feet already?” He pulls me to his chest and chuckles.

I wrap my arm around his waist, lean my chin on his shoulder, and sigh. Lifting my gaze, I notice Lucca leaning on the substantial artistic banister which curls and weaves in a spiral formation.

He frowns as he pinches his forehead with his middle finger and thumb. He’s concerned, possibly offended.

Shit.

Cameron kisses my forehead before Lucca walks him outside to say goodbye, then punches in the code to open the gates for him. I wave half-heartedly to him but choose to walk over and sit on the bottom oval-shaped step of the staircase, hugging my knees to my chest.

Closing my eyes, I breathe as if I’m filling my lungs with courage and strength to embrace this new reality. Lucca returns and sits beside me on the step, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. We don’t say anything for a few minutes in an awkward silence.

“You never answered Cameron when he asked if you were having cold feet. Will you talk to me about this please?” he asks with agitation as he runs his hands through his hair.

He drops his head, and his wavy, dark hair flops down over his eyes. He’s upset with me because I haven’t been honest, and he’s given me ample opportunity to tell him how I feel about this move.

“I’m sorry, it’s just overwhelming. I’m not having cold feet, so please don’t think that. I love you, Lucca. It’s just surreal being here, and it’s all happening so fast. I think maybe it’s because we’re not still on holiday, or I feel slightly strange being here, as if I am going to wake up from a dream. Reality is hitting me hard and I feel like I don’t belong here.” I shrug and look down to the ground following the scrolls and intricate design of the tiles with my eyes as if I’m lost in a maze. Ironically, I know that’s how I might feel in this house.

He’s quiet.

“Please, Lucca, look at me,” I plead, lifting his chin. “I’m sorry I’m not hanging from the ceiling, sliding down the banister, doing backflips on your front lawn, or throwing the feathers out of the pillows. It’s just so new, and I don’t want to disappoint you. I love you more than anything else in this world. You are my world now, but I just need time to adjust.”

He grabs my face in both hands, leaning his forehead on mine as his hot breath skims my lips, and his sexy scent fills my nostrils. “I am not mad at you. I could never be mad at you, but I am worried about you. You could never disappoint me. You make me happy, so fucking happy, so stop being so critical and disparaging of yourself. I love you and I will give you all the time you need.”

He puts his hand on his heart, his lips press onto my own, and he holds them there. He floods me with his azure blue eyes while breathing deeply.

I pull back, leaving a small gap between our lips. “Kiss me. Kiss me then take me to our bed. I want you to take me so badly right now,” I seductively whisper then brush his bottom lip with the end of a long soft stray wave of my hair that has fallen out of place. One minute I’m cold then the next I’m roasting hot, my emotions flipping on and off like a switch.

Yanking me towards him, his tongue thrashes my mouth, assaulting my own dancing tongue. He bites, sucks, and presses so hard that my lips feel numb and bruised while I throw my head back.

He pulls away breathlessly. “I am going to have you on every inch of this house. You will remember this, I promise you, and you are going to think of tonight every time you feel lost, because I will bring you home to me,” he growls possessively against my lips.

I almost combust just hearing these words. I want Lucca.

I want his love.

I want his lust.

I want his light.

I’m officially a self-confessed sex addict. I’m sure of it.

Affirmative.

I push my heavy breasts against his chest, gripping his hair at his neck, then angling myself so I can wrap my leg over his hips to straddle him. Thumping my heels into his lower back, I moan and grind into his body, pressing my throbbing clitoris against his massive bulge where I rub my damp sex vigorously against the straining fabric of his denims, causing him to fall backwards on the step.

“You trying to take me or kill me? Jesus, right now if you take me like this, you will kill me,” he breathlessly stammers while he bites into the soft skin of my neck.

I actually think I might take him here and now despite Rose being in the house. I’m so undone and really don’t care for anyone else but our shuddering hearts and the undulate sexual energy coursing through my veins right now.

We grip and grind as I bite on Lucca’s ear and he moans with delight, digging his fingers into the flesh under my short skirt.

“Um, hey … excuse me,” a muffled voice croaks. Shit, someone is shuffling behind us near the doorway. This must be Rose and she must be mortified. I think this might be more embarrassing than when Lucca’s mother walked in on me in my lingerie.

Fuck!

File P for privacy. Privacy is a luxury, and I am a shameless hussy.

I can’t even bring my eyes up. My cheeks are too flamed, so I stay buried in Lucca’s neck, tensing my limbs rigidly.

“Lucca, I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I’m retiring for the night. Dinner is in the kitchen for you both. I made dinner as I thought you would be tired after your trip and the packing. Miss Robertson, I look forward to becoming acquainted with you tomorrow. Lucca, please call if you would like breakfast prepared. I’ve stocked the pantry and the fridge, and your mail is in the study. I’ll let myself out and lock the door. Enjoy your evening.”

“Thank you, Rose. We appreciate it. Have I told you how much I love you and how beautiful you look today?” Lucca smoothly charms her.

She sighs. “Yes, Lucca, you tell me all the time. Now don’t be going and getting Miss Robertson jealous. You need to keep all that flirting for her. I’m no spring chicken anymore, and I suspect Peter gets jealous with all the attention you give me.” She chuckles.

I instantly love her.

She has the nicest tone to her voice—warm, kind and loving, and she has a great sense of humour. It’s adorable the way she has a confident respectful relationship with Lucca.

Jumping up and straightening my skirt, I release my grip and walk towards her, rosy cheeked and embarrassed. “Please forgive my rudeness. I’m sorry you had to … um, find us like this … um, I’m Lexi. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m thankful Lucca has such wonderful people taking good care of him. I suspect you keep him on his toes, and it’s lovely to see. Peter has kindly offered to help me with my dog Doris and I’m very grateful,” I ramble, barely taking a breath.

Rose has a small frame; she must be less than five feet. She has short, thick, ash-blonde hair cut in a neat bob with streaks of grey running through it. She has good skin though and looks youthful and well dressed. The hint of lilac eye shadow across her lids opens her grey eyes.

Although her blouse is smart, she wears comfortable looking beige trousers and flat shoes. There’s something very earthly and warm about her, relaxed almost, as if she feels very much at home here and it swells my heart.

Unlike how I feel.

Rose holds me closer and kisses my forehead. “Finally, a beautiful, considerate young lady for my Lucca. I’ve heard wonderful things about you. You are such a sweet girl, and I’m thrilled to have another woman around. It also makes me very happy knowing we will have a dog again. I’m looking forward to meeting her.” Normally a cuddle like this from a stranger would make me tense and back away, but I do have a soft spot for the elders. Rose had me the minute I saw the kindness in her grey eyes and heard the sweetness in her voice.

I hug her just a little too long as I inhale her wonderful scent, the smell of her perfume instantly transporting me to another place and time. Nostalgia washes over me as I momentarily cast my thoughts back to Eleanor: homemade angel cake, lavender oil, sunshine, freshly washed linen sheets, and her fresh floral perfume—coincidently the same one that Rose wears today. I smile thinking perhaps this is a sign that Eleanor’s spirit and memory will be with me here.

“Are you all right, petal?” Rose asks with concern.

“Yes, sorry, I just had a familiar memory. That is all.”

I think Rose and I are going to get along just fine and I like that she calls me petal; this was a name that Eleanor also used to call me.

Lucca stands and approaches me, wrapping his arm around my waist. “I knew you two would get along. I now have my two favourite women here spoiling me, and I am a happy man.” He beams at Rose while his protective hand grasps my ass as he presses his hard erection into my lower back, reminding me how much he wants me.

She clicks her tongue and shakes her head, smiling at his words as she walks off. Once the door is closed, Lucca turns me around and swiftly lifts me up so I’m wrapped around his hips, causing my short skirt to ride up around my waist. He clenches my ass cheeks as he walks.

“God, I love her, but I am glad she is gone. I am so fucking hard for you right now,” he growls, and my excitable butterflies have awoken once more.

Pressing my sensitive sex against the tenting of his denim jeans, I grab his hair and thrash my tongue in his mouth. “I want you inside me. Give me it right here. I can’t wait.” I sound very desperate, but the nervous feeling about moving in here is gone and replaced by feelings of lust and desire.

I think smelling Rose’s perfume triggered happy memories for me and therefore has relaxed and calmed me. Reassuring me that I am brave and I can do this. As if Eleanor was speaking the words to me herself.

He hooks his thumbs under my lace thong and tears it off me, causing the material to burn my skin slightly with friction. Another lace thong torn and gone.

“Tell me,” he demands.

I have a newfound courage in my lustful state, and I don’t intend to sacrifice this feeling of desire. I want him and I know he likes to hear what I desire. “Fuck me here, on the stairs. Fuck me fast and hard, then take me to bed and fuck me again. Then I’m going on top to ride you senseless. I might even take your cock in my mouth. Then you can fuck me again.”

Where did that come from? Holy shit. This is by far the dirtiest I have ever spoken out loud.

His eyes have just changed from azure blue to crystal-white blue and are the biggest and most erotically starved I have ever seen them with his pupils dilating. He hitches his breath, completely aroused.