Leah's Seduction: 1 (Gianni and Leah) (6 page)

Chapter 10

Leah staggered down the hall to the elevator, sobbing. She was mad that she had opened up to Gianni so easily. And angry that his manipulation had been so effective. Knowing she was such an easy target deepened the wound.

On the way to her room, she passed a couple holding hands, who glanced her way. Probably they wondered if she was okay. But she rushed past them and made it inside, where she went straight to the bedroom and fell onto the bed.

She allowed herself the luxury of crying, hard. What Gianni had done had crushed her. Hadn’t she known she’d be the fool? The idea that she was so grateful for his attention, and in awe of him, aggravated her.

Leah was embarrassed that her need was so obvious, and that she had let her guard down so quickly. The way Gianni had played her was impressive. Yet she should have seen it coming. Did she really think she would meet some hunk who thought the world began and ended with her?

Yes, for a moment she had. And that had been her undoing. But she couldn’t risk it again. Gianni had gotten too close. He had seemed to know her, body and soul. It was dangerous. And as it was, he had touched her more deeply than she could handle.

It had to stop. It was over. If he thought she would come when he called, and be his sexual plaything, he was wrong. She had feelings, and she had a heart. There was no way she could survive such an arrangement. She had to get away from him. Leah hoped it wasn’t too late.

He had hurt her, and she wasn’t about to give him the chance to do it again. As much as she longed for him, Leah resolved to hold firm.

Yet as soon as she made the decision, she doubted her ability to carry it through. The attraction she had for Gianni wasn’t going to disappear just because she knew he wasn’t good for her. She ached for him, and knew the days in Los Angeles would be agonizing, as there was no way to avoid seeing him.

*****

Leah managed to arrive at events on time, dressed as well as she could. Her main focus was on the new fashions and how the information she gleaned would fit with the marketing strategy at Barrington’s.

She logged her observations into the project each night, and emailed Vadim a couple of times. But her heart wasn’t in it. It was distressing that the encounter with Gianni was affecting her more than just her private life. She had let her emotions affect her career, too.

That couldn’t continue.

For the first few days, she didn’t see him. At first, that was a welcome relief. But she was anxious that every time she entered an event he would be there. Leah had no idea what other business he was attending to.

Vadim had mentioned that Gianni had showrooms in various fashion centers, and one of them was in Los Angeles. Likely he would spend time there, or deal with other business matters. Her boss had hoped she would learn something from him, and he made his displeasure clear when she confessed to not seeing Gianni at all recently.

There was one event Leah especially looked forward to. One reason was that it was held at Vibiana, a cathedral in downtown now used for a wide range of events. Holding weddings there was very popular, and when Leah entered she could see why.

The church feel was intimate even with its openness and high ceilings. It was all white inside, like a blank slate ready for any kind of lighting or décor. The catwalk was set up down the center of the huge pillars and arches.

It was a grand venue with an elegant vibe. Leah had taken a few minutes to view the grounds before going inside. There was a main patio surrounded by foliage, and a smaller side patio with a fountain. It was peaceful, and she walked around, absorbing the tranquility.

By the time she went in, attendees crowded the room. Some were finding their seats, and others were chatting with associates. Leah wove her way through the people and managed to find her seat before the lights went down. She was a few rows back, but had a good view of the raised platform.

The fashions were stunning, and she could see why the fashion world of Los Angeles had worldwide influence. The cutting-edge styles showcased impressive designer talent.

Leah was caught up in the performance above her, lost in the gleaming lights that changed from lavender to green, giving the women strutting along the walk intriguing looks. The fashions glittered, charming Leah with their uniqueness, and the art with which they were displayed.

She caught a glimpse of a man just a few seats down from her. He was looking at her. But it was nothing that made her uncomfortable. Her first impression was that he was handsome. Leah looked away and refocused on the show.

At intermission, she had just picked up a drink when he came up to her. Now that she could see him in better light, Leah noted he was even better looking. He had thick, dark hair, blue eyes, and a friendly face. He held his drink in one hand, and held out his other.

“Hello.” He took her hand when she offered it. “I’m sorry to stare, but you do look lovely in that outfit.”

Leah squeezed his hand lightly. “Nice of you to say.”

“I’m Cody Grayson.”

“Hi, Cody. I’m Leah Ivers. Are you a buyer?”

“Journalist. I cover all the major shows.”

She looked up at him. “Where is home?”

“New York, when I’m not traveling.”

Leah was flattered by his attention, and it was good to have someone to talk to. Going to all the events where she was surrounded by strangers magnified her feeling of loneliness. She fell in step with Cody and they went out to the patio for some air.

His eyes crinkled around the edges when he smiled. “Where are you from?”

“Also from New York. I work for Barrington’s in the marketing department.”

“Yes, I know Mason Barrington. He’s been in this industry for as long as I can remember.”

They chatted about the show and the fashions. The intermission was brief, so they began to make their way back inside. Leah finished her drink and disposed of the glass. Cody followed her back to her seat, but didn’t immediately depart.

“I know we just met. And I hope you don’t think this is too forward, but would you have dinner with me after the event? Unless of course you have a party to attend or something?”

The invitation made Leah feel just a little better. The loss of Gianni was weighing down her spirits. She missed him. Being with another man would be a welcome distraction, and an invitation she didn’t care to refuse.

Gianni was nothing to her. They’d made no commitment. And whatever it was they’d had, it was over. Her gut wrenched at the thought. Her interest in Cody heightened. He didn’t appear to be the type of man who liked sex
differently
.

Leah didn’t know how she could tell, but she could. And who said they would have sex, anyway? It was a dinner invitation. She needed to get a grip on her neediness. But the thought of sex refused to be subdued. And she thought some hot vanilla sex sounded pretty good right then.

“Leah?” he said, snapping her back to the present.

“I’m sorry. It’s just…sure, I’d love to have dinner with you.”

Cody smiled. “Excellent. We can go in my car…unless you drove?”

“No. Your car is fine.”

Through the remaining hours of the event, Leah tried not to look at Cody. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea. Or the right one. It was sensible to play it cool. Which, of course, she was lousy at.

The truth was that she was lousy at dating. Fortunately, Cody seemed easygoing, and one dinner date couldn’t hurt. Too bad she couldn’t resist taking the next step in her mind. That was a major issue for her. Sexual desire filled her thoughts and clouded her judgment.

When the lights came up, she looked over at Cody, who was already walking toward her. He guided her out to where his rental was parked, and helped her into the passenger seat before going around to the other side.

“So, what kind of food do you like?”

Being in the car with him felt intimate, and his masculinity stirred sensations she worked to repress. Wondering how he looked underneath his dress clothes wasn’t helping.

“Seafood would be good.”

Cody started up the car. “I’ve been to Palm a few times. How about that?”

Leah smiled. “Yes, fine.” She buckled up as Cody pulled out into traffic. “Mind if I check messages really quick?”

“Sure, go ahead.” He pushed a button and a disc started playing a familiar rock song.

There were two messages. A text from her sister, Jena, which said her mother had seen the doctor and was feeling better. The other text was from Kyra.

Haven’t heard from you. Call me.

Leah hadn’t wanted to tell her friend about Gianni, especially in a text message. It was going to be hard enough to explain what had happened. Not sure that she understood it, she delayed in bringing it up. She typed in an answer.

Busy. Will call soon.

The upscale restaurant was in the heart of the city. Cody let the valet take the car, and he escorted her inside. They were able to get a table without a reservation. It was dimly lit, and had a cozy feel. The smells from the kitchen made Leah’s stomach rumble.

Once they were seated, Cody asked, “Would you like wine?”

Leah smiled. “Yes, you choose.” She went back to scanning the menu. Though she had accepted the date, Leah felt bad that her mind kept wandering to Gianni.

Cody ordered a French white wine. While the waiter went to retrieve the bottle, glasses of water and a basket of bread were delivered to the table. The menu was extensive and Leah had trouble deciding, but she settled on the Chilean sea bass with corn relish.

“I think I’ll have the salmon,” Cody said.

He was polite and easy to be with. Not unnerving like Gianni. But Leah had the urge to just move past the getting to know each other part, and find a private place where she could…

“Are you okay?” he said.

Leah gulped some of her wine, which had been poured while she was lost in thought.

“I’m okay. Sometimes life is just stressful, you know?”

Cody nodded. “I do.”

What she wanted him to do was to take her hand, and guide her out of the packed restaurant. She wanted him to undress her slowly, and tell her that he could make her stress go away. He could make everything go away. Except him.

Only the man she imagined doing that wasn’t Cody.

“I’m kind of a mess.” She took another sip of wine. “You’ll probably wish you hadn’t asked me to dinner.”

His blue eyes grew intense. “No, not at all.” He gave her an admiring look. “I find you interesting.”

Leah hoped so. Even more, she prayed she wouldn’t fall apart. With the loss of Gianni haunting her, and her sexual need bubbling to the surface, she feared she might do something to embarrass them both.

Somehow she made it through dinner. It was delicious, and Cody was good with small talk. He told her a few items of interest he’d learned on this trip to Los Angeles. As a journalist, he sought out newsworthy topics.

Though she smiled and managed to reply, Leah wasn’t all there. When the meal was over, she passed on dessert and they left. Once in the car, she told him where she was staying. As he drove, she was quiet. Even as a grown woman, she found dates awkward.

And she hadn’t had many boyfriends. She’d had dates, but not many lasted beyond the first. Her behavior that evening was an example of how she managed to mess things up. It was the same story. She was interested. Sort of.

But she was torn between what was available and what she really needed. Leah knew she should act like any other woman might, and kiss him goodnight. Let the relationship develop. Why she couldn’t do something so simple was beyond her. Urges she couldn’t satisfy seemed to swamp her.

She was in no position to be picky. It had been a long time since she’d been with a man. Before Gianni, that was. But she knew that one thing led to another. Either he would be disappointed. Or she would be. Because of what she really wanted.

They stepped inside the hotel lobby, and Cody offered to walk her up to her room. Leah acquiesced, still considering the possibility of getting something going with him. Her high heels clinked on the polished floors as they headed toward the elevator bay.

Again her thoughts wandered, and Cody put his hand at the base of her spine to guide her. His action brought her back to reality. She was taking him to her room, but she still didn’t know what she’d do when they got there.

Before she had to make the decision, Leah had a bigger problem. Just as they reached the elevator, a strong arm linked through hers. And she looked up to see Gianni looking at her, his blue-gray eyes unreadable.

Ignoring her date, he said, “We have to talk.”

Chapter 11

Leah was stunned for a moment, but then she pulled her arm away. “Gianni,” was all she said.

“Do you know him?” Cody said.

“Tell him,” Gianni barked.

Leah spoke tersely. “Tell him what?”

Gianni seemed to realize the effect his unexpected appearance had. He calmed. “Tell him we have an appointment that you forgot about, and you’ll have to see him another time.”

Emotions boiled inside her, but Leah took a breath before responding. With Gianni so close, she could smell the alcohol on his breath. The heat of desire flooded her belly. She had no control over it. That was what he did to her, as maddening as that was.

Conflicted, but not wanting to put Cody through any undeserved torment, she pulled him aside. Out of range of Gianni’s hearing, she said in a low voice, “I’m so sorry about this, Cody. I really enjoyed dinner, and it’s been nice to get to know you.” As the words rolled out, she hardly knew what she was saying. With Gianni a couple of feet away, waiting for her, Leah felt a little weak.

“Gianni Rinaldi?” Cody said.

It was no surprise Cody recognized him. Likely he’d taken photographs of Gianni before, maybe even met him personally. But she needed to get Cody to go away right then. “He’s mad at me. And I really have to talk with him right now. I apologize.”

Cody nodded, clearly annoyed, but he didn’t argue. “All right. Maybe I’ll see you at the show.” He walked off.

Leah hesitated before turning around, grasping at how to handle the situation. Then she spun around and walked back to Gianni. “That was rude.”

“Maybe. But we need to talk.”

Leah sighed. “I thought you were done with me.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Well, I certainly got that impression.” Now she was mad. “And what makes you think you can just show up and I’ll be waiting to
talk
to you?”

The elevator opened, and Gianni took her arm to escort her inside. “Let’s go up.”

Leah wanted to scream at him, and to run from him. This was all bad. Very bad. It had started out so nice but had soured quickly. Now things were on a fast slide to disaster.

The way she felt about Gianni made being near him too risky. But she couldn’t turn away. She wanted to hear what he had to say, though she couldn’t imagine what it was. But she knew she wanted to be with him. Her urges were going to get her in trouble.

Inside his suite, Leah kicked off her shoes and walked over to the window to look out. Gianni poured drinks and brought one to her. He had removed his jacket and she couldn’t help notice how his shirt hugged his upper body. She wanted to reach over and undo his pants, despite how mad she was.

Leah sipped her drink, then looked over at him. “Were you following me?”

Gianni turned and leaned against the window. “I’ve been trying to stay away from you.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “Protecting you, I guess.”

“From what?”

Gianni’s gaze locked with hers, and Leah felt warm all over. “From me.”

Leah just looked at him.

“But then I walked into the lobby and saw you with that guy.”

She looked at him with big eyes. “You’re jealous?”

“I wouldn’t say that exactly.”

“Then what?”

Gianni motioned toward some chairs. “Can we sit down?”

Leah took a seat, and he sat across from her. Leaning back, Gianni crossed one ankle over the opposite thigh.

For a moment, they just sipped their drinks, but the air between them radiated with sexuality. Anger only served to fuel her need. It didn’t make Leah want him any less.

“He wasn’t right for you,” Gianni said.

Leah lifted her chin. “And just how would you know?”

“He’s not your type.”

She couldn’t argue with that, but Gianni acted like he had some claim on her. And he didn’t. “What type is my type?” she said.

Gianni’s eyes pierced into her, and Leah felt shaky inside.

“I’m your type.”

She downed another sip of her drink. “Well, you’re not on option. You sent me back to my room the other night, remember?”

Gianni’s eyes roamed over her body, and Leah’s nipples poked against her bra. She wanted him to touch her, and felt her resistance crumbling.

“I want you, Leah.” He leaned forward. “And I know you want me.”

She looked at Gianni, sexy as hell, and tried to breathe.

His expression was intense. “But I’m not the type to fall in love. It’s not a sweet romance we are talking about here.”

She swallowed thickly.

Gianni went on. “I want to try again. This time you know beforehand that our relationship does not involve the heart.” He put his drink on the table next to him. “But I can give you what you’ve been missing.”

How would he know what she’d been missing?

“Let me, Leah. I can give you the pleasure you want, in the way that you need.”

“And in return?”

A hint of a smile. “I want you to submit to me. I like sex a certain way. I will guide you.” He paused. “But I’m sure you will enjoy it. You will find satisfaction in pleasing me.”

Leah struggled, but could think of no way to refuse. However it was he knew what she wanted, he was offering it to her. Every word he said was true. The rawness of the emotion that filled her was too much for her to deal with alone.

She needed Gianni. And if she didn’t take his offer, such an opportunity might never come again. God knows she’d been looking long enough. As if reading her mind, Gianni opened his arms. Leah stood and went to him.

She must be out of her mind. But she wanted it too much. Leah didn’t care. Whatever came of this, she would have him. The promise of it drew her like a bee to honey. Turning away wasn’t a choice.

Leah sat on his lap, and Gianni ran his fingertips along her jaw. “Be mine, Leah. Just for a while. You won’t regret it.”

“I’m lost,” she said. “I don’t really know what you want from me. But I can’t refuse you. I don’t want to.”

Gianni’s eyes gleamed. Then he stood with her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Her heart pounded and her clit tightened. Yet he’d done nothing. Not even touched her yet. That was the power he had over her, and she melted into him.

He sat her on the bed and stood in front of her. Taking her hands in his, he kissed her knuckles. “First, we get to know each other. We will take our time. There is no rush.” He licked the inside of her wrist and sucked gently at one of her fingers.

“I want you, Leah. I want to see you naked again. I want to touch you, and hold you.”

With his warm lips on her skin, and his words spoken like poetry, desire flooded her. She would do anything he asked. Anything he wanted. As long as he didn’t send her away again.
That
she couldn’t endure.

Gianni took off his shirt and dropped it to the floor. He took off his shoes and socks then turned to her, his eyes filled with lust. “Now you,” he said, and held out his hands.

Leah stood and went to him. He held her face in his palms and kissed her like he had once before. Only this time it wasn’t a goodbye. Gianni kissed her softly, taking time to feel it, and sensation shot through her.

He nibbled at her lower lip and she wrapped her arms around his waist. Gianni ran his tongue over her lips and then kissed under her jaw. Leah closed her eyes. She had not been kissed like that before. Not with such intensity.

He kissed over her collarbone, then plunged his hands into her hair. Leaning back, he said, “Your full lips, your flushed cheeks, your soft eyes…excite me.” He gripped her hair tighter. “Do you like it when I kiss you?”

“Yes,” she whispered, and glanced at his perfect lips.

Gianni covered her mouth with his, and dipped his tongue inside. Leah wanted to taste him and feel him completely. His tongue raked against hers, tempting and arousing. She was still fully clothed, feeling more naked than she had ever been.

The kiss was long and deep. Leah felt like they melded together, and she savored him. As he savored her. His hands slid down her spine and over her ass. Then back up over her ribs. She whimpered, wanting so much and unwilling to delay.

Gianni skimmed her cheek with his lips, then looked at her. “You are impatient, aren’t you, baby?”

His question required no answer.

“I will teach you patience. It leads to greater pleasure, though it seems only to produce pain.” He slid a finger under her chin so she had to look directly into his eyes. “I will show you,” he whispered.

Then his finger slid down between her breasts and over the material still covering her belly. When he began unbuttoning her blouse, Leah’s began softly panting. As he undid one button, and then the next, her arousal soared.

She would be naked with him soon. The patience he spoke of wouldn’t come easy for her. After all the time she had hoped to find a man that promised what she craved, it was hard to wait. Leah’s heart pounded as he slowly removed her blouse.

It drifted off her shoulders and fell to the ground like gossamer. She was glad she’d worn her pink satin bra. Maybe he would like that. Gianni leaned down, and through the fabric he bit her nipples. The exquisite pain made her sex clench, and she moaned.

“Yes, baby,” he said. “You like that. A little bit of pain.”

She did like it, and he seemed to know without her having to tell him. He seemed to read her somehow without any help from her. Leah didn’t linger on that mystery. She was too swept up in the ecstasy he created with the simplest of actions.

Leah dug her hands into his hair, and he looked up at her. Then he dropped to his knees and took down her pants. Then her panties. The pink satin ones that matched her bra. She didn’t wax like some girls did. But her pubic hair was neatly trimmed in a narrow strip.

Gianni nuzzled between her legs, making her crave more pressure.

But he stopped and stood up to reach behind and undo her bra. Holding the clasp, he kissed her lips. “I enjoy the look on your face. When you know you are going to be naked for me. When you know I can touch your pink nipples and gaze at your firm breasts. Your joy increases mine.”

He slid the bra off and tossed it away. Her nipples were stiff, her breasts heavy with arousal. Leah was so turned on, she bit her lip in agony. It was too much. She just wanted him to take her. Now.

Gianni yanked back the covers and lifted her onto the cool sheets. He took time to look at her, admiring her form. And his gaze made her feel more beautiful than she knew she was. She drank it in, longing for more.

Then he undid the top button of his pants, and Leah stopped breathing. She could see the bulge underneath, and anticipated seeing him for the first time. He unzipped his pants in no hurry, and hesitated with his thumbs under the waistband.

He lowered them, letting them drop to his ankles, and he stepped out. Leah wanted to reach out and touch the bulge under his briefs. To feel his heat under her hand. She moved her hand to the edge of the bed.

“Yes, baby, go ahead.” His eyes gleamed. “Take them off for me.”

Leah sat up and dangled her feet over the side. She placed a hand on his hard chest and rubbed down his flat abdomen, stopping at the waistband. Then she cupped his erection through the briefs and squeezed lightly.

Gianni remained still.

She gripped the elastic and leaned forward to kiss him, just above his belly button, and slide her tongue over his skin.
Patience
. She was beginning to learn just a little about that. In no hurry, she began to lower his briefs.

First over his ass, then pulling down the front, so his cock sprang free. It was thick and beautiful. Leah leaned against it, feeling the heat against her lips. She yanked his briefs down his thighs and put her palms on his hips. “You are fucking gorgeous,” she gasped.

“Your mouth,” he said. And Leah thought he was referring to her foul language.

She looked at the mushroom-shaped knob, swollen purple. Then she looked into his eyes.

Gianni’s look was stern. “Put it in your mouth,” he said.