Chapter Fourteen

Chase released a pent-up breath as she smoothed her hands down the front of her peach silk jumpsuit with crossed fingers. Everything must go perfectly tonight. It was her one last attempt at securing the loyalty of some of the big names in Ferrara before the opening.

She’d hand-delivered all the invitations with the help of Lucinda. She’d never worked so hard to become a part of a community, but Ferrara had given her a run for her money. Somehow the effort made each little success all the more meaningful.

Tonight she’d ply them with good wine and even better food and show them they were important to the success of her hotel. Without them, she couldn’t showcase the true Ferrara, and her opening wouldn’t be the success she needed to win over the board back in Malibu.

Ferrara must accept the hotel, they must embrace it, help it launch. Then she could go home to her life. A sharp pain in her chest made her wince and stole her breath.

Her phone rang, and she dug it from her clutch.

“Hello.” Distracted, she double-checked the place settings while she spoke. Drago would be showing any minute, then her guests shortly after him.

“Well, a warm hello to you, too, my globe-trotting friend. What, you get to Italy and forget your best friend back in boring old Malibu?”

Hearing Addi’s voice on the line shook her from her thoughts, and she dropped into the closest chair. “Addi! Oh, love, it’s so good to hear your voice.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know. You haven’t called.”

“Sorry. It’s been crazy busy. The director quit and I’ve had one problem after another.”

“When do you get home? I have a wedding to plan!” Addi said.

“In about a week. Then I’m all yours. I promise.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it. So how’s Italy treating you?”

Drago walked through the double doors of the restaurant, and Chase forgot the question. He was dressed in a tailored suit with a black shirt and black satin tie. Tall, dark, and dangerous was her new type, hands down.

“Fuuuuuuuu…” she breathed.

“What was that?” Addi’s voice broke through her musings.

“Oh, sorry. What did you say? I’m hosting a VIP dinner tonight and the first guest just arrived.”

“First guest, huh? By the sound of it, you want that guest as your main course.”

“Love, you have no idea. I have to go, but I want to fill you in on all the details.”

“I only want the juicy ones.”

Chase laughed. “Of course you do. I’m so sorry to cut this short. I miss you, and I’ll see you soon.”

She disconnected the call, slipped her phone back into her clutch, then turned a smile on Drago. “You look amazing.”

He sent an appreciative glance up and down her frame that left her feeling as if he’d caressed her with his fingertips. “You look good enough to eat. Like that apricot pastry Nonna makes.”

Resisting a shudder, she stepped up to him to place a kiss on his cheek, but he had other plans.

A hand slid around her waist, and his mouth fell upon hers in a thorough kiss that sent her temperature rising and her intentions straight to the illicit. His tongue slid along her lower lip and he gave it a gentle bite. “After dinner, I have a little surprise for you.”

She pulled in a shaky breath as he released her. Grabbing his arm for support, she tested her legs a bit before letting him go. “A surprise?”

“Si, you’ll need an overnight bag.”

Her hand fluttered to her chest. “Oh, I can’t. My whole day tomorrow is packed.”

“Taken care of. I spoke with Rita on the way in. She and Inez promise to have the items on the punch lists ready for your inspection upon your return, and she moved your morning meeting to the afternoon. I’ll have you back by lunch.”

She tilted her head. She was intrigued, but the opening was a time bomb, and taking off for an overnight stay wasn’t appropriate. It was tough to turn away from his excitement, though—especially with the grin that stretched his delicious mouth wide.

“Don’t say no. I know you have a ton to do, but if you leave Italy without seeing a little of it with me, you’ll regret it.”

She eyed him. “You’ll have me back by lunch?”

“I promise.” He slid his hands around her waist again, pulling her close until she softened into him. “Come with me. One night. Let me show you a little of the beauty Italy has to offer.”

She nodded, pressing her lips into his. It was quickly becoming her favorite place to be. Addi’s voice echoed in the back of her head. When do you get home?

Why did that question feel so different now?

A throat cleared behind them. “Signora Huntington, our first guests have arrived.”

The mayor of Ferrara stood with one of her doormen. “Grazie, Franco.” She walked up to the mayor and placed a kiss on each cheek. “Benvenuto.”

The rest of the guests arrived: the head of the police department, the newspaper editor, and the leading anchor for Ferrara news, as well as a few handpicked business owners, Lucinda included.

Drago whispered in Chase’s ear. “What’s she doing here?”

“Lucinda? You’re the one who introduced us. Of course she’s here; she’s been invaluable.”

He gave her a look that curled her toes in her Louis Vuittons. “I thought I was your invaluable resource.” He took her hand and led her to the table.

She grinned. She’d swear he was jealous if he’d been the type, but she couldn’t imagine Drago De Luca being jealous of anyone or anything. If the man wanted something, he simply took it. And sweet Jesus, he took it well.

Dinner commenced with a delicious array that was a simple fusion of Italian and American cuisine. Her hope for it was to be a subtle hint of how well the two could work together. And many bottles of wine and a few spicy discussions on politics later, Chase declared her dinner a success.

They liked her. They liked the Huntington. And she really liked them.

As they all departed for the evening, the mayor held Chase’s hands in his. “Grazie for such a nice evening. You’re practically one of us now.”

Her heart took to pounding in her chest again, and she forced the tears that threatened to remain right where they were. When had anyone ever said that to her before? Numbness set in in her hands, and she flexed her fingers to relieve the sensation. “Grazie. Thank you so much for coming.”

Silence followed the last guest from the dining room, and she turned as Drago approached her with a predatory gleam in his eyes. “Come. We’ve no time to waste.”

Chase made quick work of grabbing an overnight bag, then met Drago at the back door of the hotel. A car waited for them, and the driver held the door for her. “Signora.”

She slid across the plush leather seat. “Where are we going?”

His body warmed hers as soon as he settled in next to her. “Ever been to Rome?”

Shaking her head, she laughed. “We don’t have time for a trip to Rome.”

“You’ll see.” Drago settled back, pulling her into his arms, and quieted any more questions with his mouth on hers. She sighed and sank into him.

Way too soon, the car stopped and they were ushered to a waiting jet. Chase stared. “Drago, this is too much.”

He directed her up the steps of the jet, then settled her on a small sofa. “I’ll join you in a minute, bella.”

Before she could wrap her head around it all, he reappeared and sat down, pulling her close. And they were off.

She grinned. “This is ridiculous.” Though an heiress, she’d never been an extravagant spender and worked hard for her personal earnings. She’d been on chartered jets, and Huntington had one for corporate use, but nothing could compare to the opulence surrounding her now.

“This is a gift. A night of shopping in Rome, the sunrise from Gianicolo hill, followed by brunch in the fresh air of La Portineria.”

His plan was the most decadent she’d ever been a part of. She studied his face. “Why’re you doing this?”

Alone in the cabin, he pulled her across his lap until she straddled him. “Because I want to give you something to remember me by when you return to Malibu. Because you’ve been working so hard. Because I’ve never seen anyone sweeter to Nonna, which says a lot since she’s loved by all of Ferrara.” He brushed a kiss over her mouth. “Because I needed to get you all to myself so I could do this.”

Sliding a hand into her hair, he took her mouth in a hot, demanding, heady kiss. She gave back more in return, gliding her tongue along the outline of his mouth, sweeping inside to revel in the feel of him, the taste of him. His arousal was hot and hard against her, and she pressed down in an attempt to ease her growing pressure.

A low growl sounded from deep in his chest, and she grinned against his mouth. He pulled at the silk ties around her neck. The soft material pooled around her waist, exposing her breasts to his intense gaze and the cool cabin air, sending chills up her spine.

“Minchia, you’re so beautiful.” He licked at one dark, rosy nipple, then the other, blowing on them gently until they tightened to unbearable peaks. She pressed one breast into his mouth and kneaded the other on her own to ease the torture.

“Minchia,” she repeated, with her head thrown back. She stayed exposed, at the mercy of his mouth and tongue and hands.

Blindly, she reached to relieve him of his tie. Pushing his jacket from his shoulders, she unbuttoned his dress shirt. She swore at the cumbersome clothing as she struggled to rid him of it. Finally, his tanned shoulders and chest were free for her exploration, and she didn’t waste a second. She kissed him hard as her hands slid along his skin, his nipples tickling her sensitive palms. There was something about the way he looked at her, the way he touched her, that made her feel more beautiful than she ever had before.

Beautiful and bold.

Sliding her legs off the sofa, she stood. He tried to pull her to him again, but she stepped back, with a wag of her finger. “Be patient,” she chided.

He sent her a fierce look. “I’ve been patient all night. I’ve wanted you since the last time I had you.”

His words emboldened her even more, and she pushed the jumpsuit and her panties over her hips, letting them both fall to the floor. Standing before him in nothing but nude heels, she held his gaze as she cupped her breasts. The way he looked at her made her feel a little reckless, a little feisty. Nothing mattered more than making him squirm as much as he made her squirm. She squeezed her breasts gently, then slid the palms of her hands down her torso until they rested right above the part of her that ached most for his touch.

She slid one finger between her folds, and he shoved up from the sofa. Yes. Two strides and he had her in his arms with her legs wrapped around his waist.

She giggled. “This is becoming a habit.”

“Then it’s one I hope to never break.” He pressed his mouth to hers, silencing any response she’d thought of giving. His hands slid along her body as he held her, and she swore he fired off every single nerve ending in her skin. She gripped his shoulders and drove her fingers into his hair, pulling back with a firm tug. Sliding her tongue along his, she poured herself, her anxiety, and her frustrations all into the kiss.

Setting her on the bar countertop, he spread her legs wide, then with one hand on her stomach and the other on the inside of the sensitive skin of her thigh, lowered his body and dropped his mouth to her. Her head fell back and rapped against the wall of the plane, and she couldn’t have cared less. No pain registered over the exquisite glide of his tongue against her. “Oh God, Drago.”

He licked at her gently, then swirled his tongue around until she thought she couldn’t take it anymore. “Drago, I need—”

A firm squeeze of her thigh sent heat straight to her belly. “I know…let me give it to you.” In the deep recesses of her mind, she heard the sound of cellophane ripping and the jingle of his belt falling to the floor. But it was difficult to register anything besides the delicious back-and-forth of his fingers and the slippery heat of his mouth.

Then he started to suck, and she couldn’t think if her life had depended on it. All she could do was feel as he pushed her up and up. Pressure built at her center, making it hard to breathe, and hard not to. She gripped his shoulders, then his head, then back to his shoulders as she grew closer to the edge with every lap of his tongue. “Drago!”

“I’m right here.” In one fluid motion, he was standing and sliding into her so hot, so demanding, overfilling all of her in a way she had never experienced before. “Always right here.”

He pushed into her again and again as she shattered around him, biting into his chest to keep from screaming as she rode out her pleasure.

His hands never stopped worshipping every inch of her breasts, her hips, the sensitive skin of her stomach as he moved with her. Picking her up from the counter, he strode two steps back to the sofa and dropped to it with her straddling him. She grabbed the back of the couch on either side of his head, then rose and fell upon him until he too had to bury his mouth into her neck to drown out the telltale sounds of his body’s release.

Their breath melded as she dropped her forehead to his. She kissed him once, twice. “That was…”

“Agreed.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever—”

“Thinking’s overrated.” His grin was decidedly wicked, and she decided right then and there that it was her favorite look of his. She pressed a kiss to his warm lips, lingering against his heat.

He pulled her in tight, then released her. “I’d love to stay right here for our whole trip, but we’re landing.”

“Shit, love! Why didn’t you say something?”

He raised a brow as she shimmied into her clothes. “Because that would happen.” He waved his hand at her jumpsuit.

She shook her head with a grin. She’d never gotten dressed so fast in her life, and her shaky legs weren’t helping. A quick look in the mirror allowed her to run fingers through her hair and add a bit of gloss to her lips so no one would be the wiser. She caught Drago watching her, and he held her gaze. His jaw was set and his eyes were dark with something that made her stomach tighten. He distracted her in too many ways. Things she should worry about she brushed aside, and those to brush aside, she worried about.

Addi’s voice echoed in her head. When do you get home?

What if I already am?

Her chest strained against her racing heart, and she dropped her gaze. Oh God. He was about as open to commitment as Italy was to becoming American—and she’d never ask him to, anyway. She was no more than an exotic fling to him, a visiting heiress.

And what if that was all she was to him? What if all he saw was the same skin-deep things everyone else saw: the bold flirtations, the Huntington name? She chewed her lower lip. It was better not to know, and to enjoy what they had right now.

She gave a mental shake of her head as she busied herself with buckling the seat belt. Nothing to worry about. He had no idea about the ridiculous detour her mind had taken. Though the unfamiliar path was disconcerting, since she’d always prided herself on remaining pragmatic in all situations, especially anything having to do with sex. But with Drago, it was as if her heart was connected to her vagina—a problem she’d never had in the past. Damned traitor.

Drago ducked his head to catch her gaze. “Are you okay?”

She forced out a casual chuckle. That actually might be easier to handle than her damn feelings. Where was Addi when she needed a good solid slap back to reality? Oh yeah, back in Malibu. Exactly where Chase was working so hard to be.

“Oh, I’m fine. I think landing has turned me for a loop. I’ll be good once I’m on solid ground again.” But there was no solid ground when it came to Drago.

He continued to study her, but didn’t press any further.

Within minutes, they landed and taxied to a private gate. Drago whisked Chase to a car, and they were on their way.

“If I remember correctly, I promised you some shopping, but now that I’ve thought about it, the Colosseum might be more up your alley. They have night tours.”

She grabbed his arm. “That sounds amazing, love.” Her heart raced in a whole new way. It was a dizzying sensation to have someone get her like this. She couldn’t remember a time anyone ever had before. Looking out the window, she studied the star-studded sky and the landscape as it faded into evening. “Rome by night is breathtaking.”

“Everything’s illuminated. A very different perspective of the city.”

She grabbed his knee. “Perfect.”

His eyes flashed. “You keep that up and we really won’t have any time.” Trapping her roaming hand, he nibbled her fingers, sending a shiver up her spine in promise.

She leaned toward him and pressed a thorough, hot kiss on his mouth. “Grazie.” As he tilted his head to take it further, she scooted out of his reach and opened the door. He lunged across the seat toward her with a growl.

Laughing, she reached her hand out to him. “Come on. You have a city to share with me.”

A devilish grin spread his mouth wide, and he joined her by the trunk. She changed her shoes, then slid her arm through his offered one. “I’m ready.”

He pulled her into his side. “We’ll hang back a bit during the tour. I bet you could run circles around any tour guide in Rome.”

A flush washed across her skin, warming her chest. It was silly to be so pleased, and even worse that she couldn’t help herself. She studied his profile as they made their way toward the Colosseum.

Ever since she’d met him, she’d been prepared to say good-bye. And she’d be a fool to let a romantic trip to the Eternal city change that.