This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

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Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing,
Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a
heat rating
of
Totally Taboo
and a
Sexometer
of
3.

This story contains 50 pages, additionally there is also a
free excerpt
at the end of the book containing 11 pages.

Diary of a Free Woman

PASSION SAILS AT SEA

Diane Thorne

Book three in the Diary of a Free Woman series

Two sexy Italian men and a private cruise on the Mediterranean. What could be better?

Gwenevere is enjoying her dream vacation and looks forward to discovering what Rome has to offer. As she sits at a café, two stunningly attractive men introduce themselves. Although Leo and Paolo are twenty years younger than Gwen is, the age difference means little to them and they take turns flirting with her. Their directness, charm and playful nature appeal to Gwen. When they invite her to go cruising on their yacht to enjoy some vitamin D, she’s fully aware what they’re insinuating. Another prime opportunity is presented to Gwen and she has to make a decision. Is she ready to take a chance with two strangers, sail the Mediterranean Sea and explore passion in a way she never has before?

Chapter One

Sunlight reflected from the white paper in Gwenevere’s notebook and forced her to squint behind her sunglasses while she wrote. She sat alone at a small round table with an empty coffee cup pushed to the side. She was finishing her notes about her adventures in France. She’d jotted the majority of events in the journal during her airplane flight to Rome. She’d arrived yesterday and had been too busy to complete the entry. Upon waking, she’d decided she’d better conclude her Paris travels before the details escaped her brain. And she didn’t want that to happen. No, she didn’t want to forget the wonderful time she’d had with the sexy Frenchman, Pierre. The hot sex in the Louvre and on the Eiffel Tower had made her visit a very memorable one.

Gwen ended her paragraph and tapped the page with her ballpoint tip.
Done.
She set the pen along the inner spine, and inhaled a deep breath. The aroma of a something deliciously sweet baking predominated, but the scent of the nearby sea still lingered. She leaned back against her iron seat and gazed up at the beautiful blue sky. Not a single cloud floated in the area. She basked in the warmth. She’d dressed comfortably in a sleeveless peach-colored blouse with straps tied around her neck, a light sea-green skirt and sandals. Forecasters had predicted another dry and hot day, perfect for sailing or relaxing at the beach. Later in the afternoon, she might have to take a walk along the water’s edge.

A breeze tossed strands of her hair in front of her face. She ran her fingers into her locks and gathered them up and away from her shoulders. The wind brushed the back of her bared shoulders and neck, cooling her. She felt calm, at peace and ever so grateful to be on vacation. So far, her trip had turned out better than she’d ever imagined. Sex with two different, stunning men—one in London and the other in France—had been pleasant surprises. More than she could’ve dreamed about. Would she ever meet such handsome and kind men again? Had she been lucky and jumped at opportunities? Would she again take chances to be with a man if they popped up?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Live a little,
her inner woman firmly said and she grinned.

A loud horn captured her attention. She lowered her arms and hair then turned to look at the sea. Docked boats and yachts of various sizes crowded the shoreline, reminding her of cars parked at a shopping mall on the day after Thanksgiving. In the distance, she spotted a few ships heading away from land. If her daughters were with her, they’d probably be begging her to go for a ride on one of the vessels.

A smile spread across Gwen’s face as she thought about her grown angels, Kristy and Krystal. She’d spoken to them after she’d arrived in Italy and settled into her hotel. Their soft voices always brought her joy. Although she missed seeing her daughters, Gwen was enjoying her vacation. The freedom to explore her opportunities, different countries, cultures and men was one she valued immensely.

“
Signora
.”

Gwen turned to the waiter standing at her side. He wore a white shirt and dark pants. In his hands, he held a cup and saucer.

“For you,” he said in English as he set the drink on the table.

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t order another.”

“A gift from
signori
.” His English sounded bad. He twisted and pointed.

Gwen gazed past a few customers and found two young men sitting at a round table closest to the café. The hotties had lean athletic frames and similar facial features. The one on the left had short light-brown hair whereas the one sitting on the right had nearly blond locks. White T-shirts covered their torsos. Gwen couldn’t see any lower. Both looked twenty years younger than she did.
Good candidates for my daughters to date.
The cutie on the left tilted his head toward her.

Was he flirting with her by purchasing a cappuccino? Surely he wouldn’t have an interest in her, given the visible age difference.

Regardless of the reason for his kindness, Gwen couldn’t be rude and refuse their generosity. Smiling, she lifted the cup and gave a single nod.

“Thank you,” she said to the waiter.

“Enjoy,” he said before he walked away.

Gwen sipped on her drink and glanced at the hunks sitting across the way. One had his head turned toward the other and appeared to be talking. Questions continued to form in Gwen’s mind. Were they locals? Had they been watching her long? Were they traveling through Rome like she was? Why did they give her a free drink instead of the young lady with blonde hair and long thin legs sitting two tables from them? Other single good-looking women were around too. So, why had the gentlemen pinpointed Gwen?

She licked her lips as she set her glass on the saucer. Curiosity gnawed at her brain and she wanted answers to her questions. She grabbed her pen, closed her notebook, then leaned over her side. As she stuffed the items into her bag, she considered approaching the guys at the table. Thanking them personally for their kindness would make a great introduction. And if they were locals, perhaps they could suggest nearby less popular places for her to visit. No harm could come from chatting with them.

Gwen straightened and looked near the café. The table where the charitable fellows had sat was now empty. Her pulse jumped. Had they left already?

She scanned the area.

“
Signora
.”

Gwen heard a masculine voice behind her and twisted to face the person. She stared with wide eyes as she recognized the hospitable duo. They were tall and wore khaki Bermuda shorts with their casual shirts. Their solid torsos along with their muscular arms and calves were a joy to gaze at.

“Hi,” she said and smiled.

The stranger with lighter-colored hair spoke to her in Italian.

“I’m sorry, but I only speak English. And thank you for the cappuccino. I appreciate it.”

They glanced at each other briefly before returning their attention to her. In those few seconds, Gwen noted how similar they looked. They had the same type of short nose, perfect kissable lips and round faces. Were they related?

The cutie with darker locks smiled. “You’re an American.”

“Yes. I’m visiting Italy for a few days.” She paused and moved her gaze between them. “Would you like to sit and join me?”

“Yes, we’d love to.” Mr Blond looked at his friend and gave a single nod.

The few words accentuated with his Italian accent sent a quiver of excitement through Gwen. Maybe she’d make friends with the two. Perhaps they wouldn’t mind escorting her around Rome.

Mr Blond sat on her right while his companion took the chair on Gwen’s left.

“I’m Leo D’Antoni and this is my brother, Paolo.” Mr Blond extended his hand.

“Gwenevere Stratten.” She accepted his greeting, then Paolo’s. “Ah, you’re brothers. That explains the resemblance.” Upon closer inspection, she noticed both men had captivating green eyes.

Paolo placed his hand in the center of his chest. “Twins. I’m the oldest.”

“But not by much,” Leo said with a crooked grin.

“Are you from Rome?” She asked.

“No, we come from Sicily. We moved to Rome a little over four years ago to finish our education and find work.”

She looked at one man, then the other. “What do you do?”

“Paolo attends the university. He wants to be a lawyer. I completed my courses last year and found a job at a major technology company.”

“Do you plan to stay in Rome or return to Sicily?”

“Rome is our home now,” Paolo answered.

“Do you miss Sicily? I hear it’s a beautiful place. I almost chose to visit there instead of Rome.”

They smiled, and her heart added an extra beat.

“We love where we grew up. We miss our family and visit them often. But Rome has more to do, more people to meet.” Leo leaned back in his seat.

Paolo nodded. “What brings you to here, Gwenevere Stratten?”

“Please, call me Gwen.” She crossed her legs. “I always wanted to travel to Europe, but I had children to take care of. They’re grown and busy now, so I decided to take a long vacation. I’m visiting several places in Europe before I head back home.”

“Are you by yourself?” Paolo’s eyebrows rose slightly.

“Yes. Just me.”

Leo shook his head. “A beautiful woman should never be alone.”

“I’m confident I can handle any problems. I’m forty-four years old, not some inexperienced juvenile on a sightseeing adventure.”

They chuckled lightly.

“Do you have a husband or boyfriend?” Paolo asked.

“No, I’ve been divorced for over fifteen years.” Although the question seemed a bit personal, she had nothing to hide.

“No boyfriend?” Leo leaned closer to the table.

“None.” Gwen’s cheeks warmed. Men typically didn’t approach her and she hadn’t dated much over the years. Only until her vacation had she acquired the company of the opposite sex.

“This is not acceptable.” Leo shook his head. “A beautiful woman should always have a man. Always.”

“Maybe she prefers women.” Paolo shrugged one of his shoulders. “There’s nothing wrong with it.”

She lifted her palm to them. “I assure you, I don’t prefer women. My preference is for men.”

BOOK: Passion Sails at Sea (Diary of a Free Woman)

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