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“Time to go, playboy. I’m driving this time.” Lia states. It’s refreshing that she is multidimensional, more than most women I meet.
Still steaming a little from my encounter with her pixie friend, I frown in distaste. “If you are going to call me something, at least be original about it.”
“I don’t know. When Krista called you that, I believe she got it spot on,” she says with a slight smirk.
Shaking my head in total disagreement, I deny it. “Well, it’s definitely a fictional statement. It’s a much more appropriate description when applied to either of my brothers. I like my women one at a time.” I state with a lazy smile.
Still smiling at my response, she starts pulling out. “I take it you have admirers,” she nods towards the van as we pass. “Will they be joining us?”
Until I receive more information regarding her illegal racing, I’m not going to give her any answers. “How long have you been illegally racing?” I ask. Blunt and to the point, leaving her to either answer truthfully or ignore me.
Forty-five minutes later, I notice we are heading towards the hotel. Exhilaration swirls through my body. I need to switch tactics to salvage this escapade. “Miss Leoni, I appreciate the ride back; however, I don’t stay in the hotel itself.” As we pull into the entrance of the hotel, I direct her to the private driveway toward the boathouse. “Park in front of the boathouse.”
I notice Angelo hasn’t returned yet. Determined to keep her with me, I reach for her long braid and give it a gentle tug. Stretching my fingers to her neck, I start massaging lightly. Her shoulders relax as she slows down.
Trying to keep her composure, she lets out a long sigh. “Mr. Ferrari, I believe I have mentioned a raincheck.” Not convincingly, her attempts to stay professional are failing miserably.
Leaning to her ear, I start to nibble down her neck, tickling her with my breath. Goosebumps of pleasure appear on her skin. I watch as she ducks her head to take in the building. “Are you kidding me this is your boathouse? It’s magnificent!”
I know she is playing for time, still deciding whether to stay or leave. Her body is betraying her, which brings satisfaction bubbling through my veins.
“Thank you, I designed it.”
Looking at me in astonishment, she puts the car in park. Taking the initiative, I turn the car off and take the keys. Unbuckling my seatbelt, I exit and briskly walk to the driver’s side door. Attempting to relax her, I make an unexpected bowing gesture. “Miss Leoni, I’m prepared for that raincheck this morning.”
Hesitant, she remains sitting, still not sure. Knowing she feels mutual sexual attraction, I wait patiently, unaffected by her attempts to control the chemistry. Eventually she puts her hand to mine. That strong handshake earlier at the club has turned delicate and dainty. Giving her a quick squeeze of assurance, we begin walking to the front entrance.
She starts some rambling questions as we get closer to distract herself. “Does your whole family live here? Why don’t you stay in the hotel?” She stops abruptly at the front step, “Why aren’t you answering any of my questions?” She huskily asks.
Grinning, I grab her braid again, holding her firmly knowing she responds positively to this gesture. Bending down, my lips gently graze hers. Adding pressure for her to open, my tongue is begging for entrance.
Finally, she relinquishes and opens up, and our tongues begin the mating ritual. Desire erupts through my body, and I’m tempted to take her right here. Chances of an audience are too high, so reluctantly I break our connection. Noticing her eyes are still closed, I watch as she inhales deeply, slowly opening them. Her eyes are reflecting the same need and desire as mine.
“I’ve been racing for about two years to reimburse a horrible loan my brother made,” she says quietly while looking at me expectantly. I place my hands on her shoulders to still her.
Opening the door, I reward her with answers in return. “My parents have an apartment on the top floor of the hotel. I share the boathouse with my two brothers.” Holding the door for her, she walks in. I watch her inspect her surroundings. “Would you like a night cap or something to eat before we head upstairs?”
“I’ll take some sparkling water if you have any,” she answers absentmindedly, still absorbing the scenery outside the windows. I grab a bottle of Berg mineral water and two glasses as I gesture to the stairs. “My room is on the top floor.” She turns on her heels and proceeds to sashay up the stairs.
Opening the door to the bedroom, she moves through the room and sits on the bed having peeled off her jacket and red camisole. I devour her with my eyes as she sits looking bodacious in her red lace bra and her unbuttoned black leather pants. She begins to undo her braid. “Leave it, it will be useful later,” I say hoarsely. Drinks are already forgotten.
Lia smiles and reaches her hands behind her back to undo her bra. Devouring her with my eyes, I slowly walk toward her, unbuttoning my shirt until I stand in front of her. She reaches up to take the shirt off me, immediately followed by unzipping my pants. I quickly step out of them, and she reaches out to slip off my remaining black boxer briefs. Reaching out, I stroke my thumbs across her nipples, pondering how I want to take her first. Leaning back on her arms, she holds up one leg getting my attention.
“I need help getting out of these.” I oblige, unzipping her boots and getting them off. Next come her leather pants. Before she can decide what the next step is, I grab her ankles and thrust them apart, opening her wide. She lets out a little sound of shocked pleasure. Lowering myself down, I start kissing and nibbling the inside of her calves. The sensation makes her squirm with anticipation. Taking my time, I acquaint myself with her body.
Hints of coconut combined with her natural sexual scents assail me, making me even more turgid. My tongue continues a slow journey upward. Reaching my destination, I blow a hot breath along with a satisfying hum of vibration right on her center. “Oh my god, wasn’t expecting that,” she moans in a husky voice. Lightly biting the fabric and snapping her panties, I give her another shock of pleasure as she arches her hips under my touch.
I quickly tear off the wisp of lace. Lifting her legs to my shoulders, I lower myself down between her legs, whispering, “I’m ready to collect that raincheck now, Miss Leoni.”
––––––––
“GOOD AFTERNOON, MR. Ferrari. Sleep well?” My eyes start to focus and see Lia leaning on her side with her head resting on her hand. My sheet slid down during the night, and I sleepily watch as Lia does a slow inspection of my body. My instincts were correct about Lia. She is a firecracker. I reach for her hair that had come undone at some point. Twisting the silky dark hair around my hand, I slowly bring her down to my lips. Reaching for her hips, I quickly bring her to sit on my lap. Starting to nibble on her neck, I hear her suck in her breath. “Santos, I really need to go.”
Ignoring her, I give a little tickle under her arm. “Why, you have another race?”
Squirming on top of me, shaking her head side to side, she gives me her answer.
“First, I need my way with you in the shower. I’m going to enjoy cleaning every part of your firecracker body, then we can discuss your need to leave.”
Eyes glazed, she turns to stand up. Before she can mutter anymore protests, I quickly scoop her over my shoulders, swatting her butt and marching into the shower.
An hour later, I put a hand through my wet hair as I make my way down the stairs. Reaching the living room, I see Angelo playing FIFA on the Xbox with Sam.
“How’s our sunshine doing today? Did your little illegal racer finish you in record time?” Nothing like Angelo and his attitude first thing.
“Very funny, Angie. Did you have fun stroking off alone last night?”
Sam spits out a laugh.
Opening the refrigerator, I turn and notice Angelo giving both of us the finger. I pour some orange juice and opt for a banana while I wait for Lia. A few minutes later, she appears all refreshed and glowing. Handing her an orange juice, she takes it greedily.
“We can head over to the hotel for something to eat if you’re hungry. Just need to get my phone upstairs,” I say to her.
Winking at me, she takes my half-eaten banana and sways over to watch the guys play.
“All right girls, Lia and I are heading over to the hotel to dine. Catch you later.” I tell them minutes later. Looking over to Lia, I notice her satisfied smile has been replaced by a puzzled frown. She looks at me and gives me a brief illusion of her former smile.
Concerned, I reach over to take her hand. “What’s wrong?” I ask her. She gives me a broader fake smile, stands on her tip toes to reach my lips, and gives me a quick kiss. “I really have to go; I’ll take a raincheck on breakfast. Walk me out.” Grabbing my hand and directing me to the door, she says goodbye to the guys who respond nonchalantly. Reaching her car, she swiftly turns, throwing her arms around my neck. “Thanks for cashing in your raincheck. I had an amazing and very satisfying time,” she says, looking into my eyes.
She drops her head, and I sense she wanted to say more but then decided against it. She starts to pull away, but I hold her tighter. “I’m not sure what just happened in there or what those bozos said to you but let me clarify: whatever Angelo said, please ignore him. He often gets diarrhea of the mouth.”
When she looks up at me in amazement, I knew I had hit the nail on the head. God damn Angelo and his mouth. “I can imagine in some format he told you to back off given your racing ties, am I close?”
She attempts to break my hold, and this time I allow her. “Santos, he’s right. You shouldn’t get mixed up with me. Hell, I shouldn’t even be in it, but I am. This was great, the best raincheck ever, but that’s all it’s going to be.”
Smiling at her, I agree that it was the best raincheck. She’s been a carefree surprise that I look forward continuing with until it fizzes naturally. “Let’s make a deal that we will continue whatever this is between us until we decide that it’s over—not Angelo or anyone else.”
Shaking her head in disagreement, she argues, “Santos, your family name is very powerful here, and I don’t want to be the cause of a rift between you and Angelo.”
A summer fling with no strings is all what I wanted. Silently, I curse my last name and plot my revenge against Angelo for ruining a great thing. For now, I need to put this fire out quickly. “Lia, please, I really want to see you again. Nothing between you and me will cause any problems with my family. Answer me honestly, if Angelo hadn’t said anything would you have been willing to spend more time with me?”
Her eyes reach mine, and she doesn’t need to answer. I can tell what she’s thinking.
“That is a start. You leave Angelo to me. Now, you said you are racing to pay back a loan. Who are you paying back, and how much debt do you have left?”
Contemplating her response, she chews her bottom lip with her teeth. The gesture is sexy as hell. Knowing the Ferrari name is powerful, she knows that having a Ferrari as a friend rather than a foe would be beneficial. However, her stubbornness and pride are trying to persuade her to keep far away from me. I’m sure in her mind she is also determining the consequences of yet again owing someone something.
Finally, she replies, “I’ve already paid off hundred thousand dollars. I have one hundred thousand left. Once that is complete, I need to negotiate buying back shares to fifty-one percent of Lion Whiskey.” She leans against her auto for support and looks at me to measure my response.
I am surprised at the large sum of money owed. That can only mean she is really in deep debt to someone powerful. “Who do you owe Lia?” I ask her quietly. Having spent years observing my father and uncle in business from afar, I knew it’s never the what, it’s always about the who.
Slowly the story spills out of Lia. “His name is Giulio Garza Jr., the only son of the owner of Garza Winery. Len and I were in the beginning stages of Lion Whiskey. Len was in charge of the financing. During that time, he got diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I don’t know if it was the medication he was on or if he was just feeling defeated, but one night he went to a strip club and got drunk. That’s when he was approached and swindled by Garza.”
Satisfied that she confided in me, even if it is the short version, I pull her gently into another embrace. Getting her loan paid off is the simple part. Getting her detached from Garza might be a little more complicated. “Last question, why do you switch off with Krista on the bike?” I asked more out of curiosity than a need to know.
She replies without hesitation, adding a simple shrug to her shoulders. “To hide my identity from him and others. To keep the Leoni name legit. Garza doesn’t yet know I’m the one racing. No one does. He has always suggested other ways I could personally pay off the debt. He’s a pig of a man.”
I bend down, bringing her in for a deep, long kiss and blending orange, banana, and toothpaste together. Breaking away, I ask her for her cell phone. Looking at me, still a bit unsure, she reaches in her purse and hands it to me. I put in my info, text myself with her phone, and then I hand it back. Reaching down to give her a final quick kiss, I gallantly open her car door. “Miss Leoni, I look forward collecting my raincheck on brunch.” I can’t resist swatting her bum as she goes to sit in the car.
Once she is gone, I turn and walk toward the house. Anger immediately soars through my body once I’m inside. Grabbing an orange from the counter, I whip it across the room, hitting Angelo in the head.
“Hey! What the hell are you doing, Sonny?” yells Angelo as the first orange hits him.
Picking up another one, I repeat the assault against him, hitting his side and back.
“Stop! Are you trying to kill me? You just screwed up my game!” He’s lucky that I don’t have a pellet gun handy. I could only hope the oranges left welt marks.
“You’re such a pain in my ass!” I yell back at him. “Thin ice, Angie, you’re on really thin ice with me.” Throwing one more orange at him for good measure, I return to my room, feeling the need to distance myself in order not to choke him. I change into more appropriate clothes for a nice, long motorcycle ride. That will give me time to cool off and to think about Lia’s dilemma.
Hours later, my calm is restored. I begin the routine task of washing the bike before storing her back into the garage. Just the thought of putting her in dirty generates anxiety. The first time I laid my eyes on her, she was neglected and a disgraced mess of a bike. Given her age, she was a lucky find. After many hours of slaving and laboring over her and fresh black paint, my BMW R75/5 looks brand new. Being the first motorcycle I ever bought and restored, it’s the most sentimental. God, I keep reminding myself about getting too sentimental about anything.
Hearing my phone ring, I glance to see who is calling before answering. It’s GF returning a call I placed to him at a petroleum stop during my ride. “Hey, GF, thanks for returning my call.”
“My pleasure, Santos. How are you guys settling in? I’m assured Germano had everything in order.”
Knowing full well that Germano reports regularly to him, I assure him. “All is well here. I do have some things that I would like to go over with you, possibly next week. I’ll send you an agenda with open items before the conference call.”
“Very well, but Santos try to relax a little. You won’t have time to rest once you start work.”
“Sleep is for the weak.” I state.
“I’m free on Thursday. Could we set it up for 13:00 Italy time?”
We continue catching up, and a few minutes later, we say our goodbyes.
Finishing the last spot with wax, I hear footsteps coming towards me. My body stiffens automatically, hoping it’s not Angelo. I’m not quite ready for him yet even though I have calmed down considerably.
Looking up, I see Mateo. “Hey Sonny, feel better after the ride? Sam filled me in. Be gentle with Angelo. He’s just looking out for you. I know the crowd your girl is in; nothing you want to get caught up in.”
Not wanting to snap at Mateo, I squeeze my eyes closed for a few seconds before speaking. Standing up from my motorcycle, I ask him, “Who’s Giulio Garza Jr.? And no bullshit that he’s just in the winery business.”
Lighting his cigarette, Mateo takes a long drag giving him time to answer my question. “The guy is a piece of shit. Your girl owes him money, and if she doesn’t pay, I’m sure he’ll use her as final payment. Her brother is a weak-assed rat letting her take on Garza alone.”
Standing up, I grip the rag in my hand so tightly my arm muscles flex. I surmise he must have gotten some of that information from Angelo and the rest from local rumors.
Mateo takes another long drag, blowing circles of smoke out of his nose and mouth. “What do you want to do about it, Santos? I know you well enough to know that you’re not going to let this go. I’m with you however you want to play this out. Just as long it doesn’t interfere with the wedding, or Josie will have both of our heads.”
This finally brought a smile to my face. I agree the full wrath of Josephine is definitely not recommended. The girl lit a guy’s car on fire after he groped her friend’s butt outside a club one time. Mateo had a hell of a time fixing that mess. That girl is tough as nails. Mateo definitely met his soulmate.
Some of my plans for Lia had already been formalized on the ride. “I need you to set up a tour for us next Friday afternoon at Lion Whiskey Distilleries. In the meantime, I need every piece of information on every Garza family member. I also need more information on Len Leoni. I want to know everything, from their shitting schedule to the vitamins that they take every day. My first hire need is a computer hacker, someone not tied to my family’s business. I need them under the radar, so that they can be trusted.”
Mateo takes one last drag, and he throws the discarded cigarette on the ground before grinding it in the dirt with his boot. “Yeah?” Mateo seems a bit reluctant. “I can already think of one of the best in the business, but you are not going to like who you will have to go through.”
“Who?” I ask.
“Remember the one you called Pixie last night? Well, the street buzz is that she is friends with one of the best. She is often in contact with someone who goes by the name of Indigo. Word is she is scrupulous.”
“Okay, find out what you can about this Indigo person as soon as possible, along with the other information I asked for. Please.”
“Sounds like you are planting seeds in Italy. Are you still planning on returning to Las Vegas? You know what and who you sound like, Santos? Or should I call you, Don Santos?” he asks with a matter-of-fact expression.
I don’t return his smile. I know I sounded like my father, but I don’t bother acknowledging the statement.
Taking that as a sign of dismissal, he starts to leave. "I’ll keep you updated on what we find and text you with confirmation on the tour.” Mateo states professionally.