Valentino

Her life is about to change forever…

A sexy BBW, Italian man romance by Katie Dowe of BWWM Club.

Up and coming fashion merchandiser Kimani is sent to Naples on assignment from her boss.

The five-foot four plus size beauty has fought hard to make something of herself and is determined to stay her course!

Little did she know that as soon as she landed, her life would be changed completely, by a chance meeting with the handsome heir of the House of Calderone!

Despite a long-standing engagement and a devoted mistress, Valentino Calderone cannot dispel his desire for Kimani, leading them down a passionate yet troubling road with Kimani by his side!

Kimani is falling hard for Valentino, but she fears that he will only see her as his mistress…

And now she has discovered something that will change both their lives forever!

What will happen when she breaks the news to Valentino?

Will he stay by her side, or will she regret ever meeting the Italian heir?

Find out in this emotional yet sexy romance by Katie Dowe of BWWM Club.

Suitable for over 18s only due to hot sex scenes with an Italian billionaire!

Tip: Search BWWM Club on Amazon to see more of our great books.

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Chapter 1

A stiff breeze had sprung up and was stirring the brilliant blue water, sending white-capped waves crashing against the sleek stern of the brilliant white speedboat. The person manning the steering wheel kept his eyes in front of him, ignoring or oblivious to the reporter snapping pictures.

Valentino Enzo Calderone was accustomed to the attention and had learned over the years to ignore the curious and admiring stares. He was tall, topping six foot two, and had a body that had been religiously toned by exercise and active sports.

His thick, dark hair, which tended to curl, was whipped to and fro by the vigorous breeze, and he seemed unaffected by the coolness of the October weather.

He was wearing cargo shorts that revealed his long muscular legs covered by dense dark hairs, and the simple yet expensive shirt was molded to his body by the stirring of the breeze. Designer shades covered his eyes as he expertly maneuvered the boat towards the shoreline.

He was alone even though his company was sought by most people in society. The woman he was seeing had pouted when he told her he wanted to be on his own, but he had not paid it any mind.

His mother had warned him about going out alone in his boat, and he had reassured her that he could take care of himself. Of course he could, he was versed in the art of self-defense and always make certain he was not being followed.

He had taken his boat out because he wanted time to ponder. It was almost time for him to hang up his bachelorhood--he had nothing against getting married and settling down-- it was expected of him. He was heir to the House of Calderone and he would be required to produce sons to carry on the line. But he liked being single.

He liked the fact that he answered to no one (He was certainly not counting his mama!). He had done his fair share of sowing his wild oats, and certainly, that should be enough. But he had entertained the idea that, like his very good friends Tommaso Mancini and Prince Francesco Ricci, he would marry for love.

He liked Sophia very well and the demure beauty would make a perfect wife for him, as his mother constantly told him, but he did not love her, and he was quite certain she did not love him—well, not the way a woman was supposed to love a man. He had never made love to her and there had just been a chaste kiss between them.

She was the daughter of one of their board members and was quite sheltered. He sought his satisfaction elsewhere, slaking his enormous thirst with women quite willing to tumble into his bed and into his arms. But the restlessness could not be ignored.

He had been feeling that way for the past couple of months--he smiled wryly as he realized that it had stemmed from his recent visit to Mancini Isle where he had witnessed the joy of home and family.

Then there had been the visit to Ricci Island where he had been persuaded by the prince and princess to stay for a week. It had been Fashion Week there and he had combined business with pleasure.

Princess Tiana had been delightful, and he had been charmed by the twins. His friend, a former rake had been reformed and was now a devoted husband who had eyes only for his princess. Valentino had come back and settled into a contemplative mood that could not be shaken.

His mother, the indomitable Aurora, was determined to see him married to the entirely suitable Sophia Rossi by the end of the year, and he supposed he could do much worse.

Guiding the boat into the private harbor, he killed the engine and went below deck to gather his things. It was Sunday afternoon, and he had the obligatory dinner to attend with his two elderly grandaunts from his father’s side of the family.

“Your papa is gone, rest his soul, and I no longer feel it is my duty to attend to those old biddies. They are your family--not mine.” His mother told him with her cool, austere air. “Besides, I happen to run a company and it takes up an inordinate amount of time.”

But he could not forsake them. They were his father’s aunts and had loved him to distraction. Besides that, they had never married and therefore never produced children. Because of that, they adored Valentino and looked forward to his presence.

He grimaced as he realized that he would have to sit and listen to the journeys down memory lane and eat the unappetizing food that was prepared with their specific diet in mind. But it was his duty to attend to them every Sunday afternoon at precisely 7 p.m. whenever he was home, and he had no intention of shirking it.

Grabbing the bottle of wine from their small vineyard in Tuscany, he made his way up the stairwell and onto the deck. Milo, an employee of theirs, had made his way forward and was already anchoring the boat to the post.

He started to talk in rapid Italian, and Valentino listened attentively. In their household, he was required to speak only English.

He had been sent to a boarding school in the UK, and colleges in the UK and America, and his English was impeccable, with only a faint trace of an accent. He was involved in the fashion industry and had traveled all over the world, but Naples was home to him and always would be.

“Thank you.” He broke into the man’s chatter as he made his way off the boat. “I will not be needing it again this week.”

With a respectful bow, Milo made his way onto the boat to do his usual cleaning up.

*****

Kimani stared at Monique Romano in shock, unable to believe what she was hearing. “You are promoting me?”

The graceful beauty smiled at the woman in front of her with twinkling, dark brown eyes. “Is that so difficult to believe?”

“I have only been here six months… “

“And you have proven to be a very hard worker and one who knows her fashion. You are up to date on the latest trends and your vlogs are on point. The promotion comes with a twenty percent increase in salary as well as a clothing allowance.

You will be required to travel as a result.” Her smile widened. “As a matter of fact, your first duty is a trip to Naples in the next two weeks.”

Kimani blinked, her heart racing in shocked surprise. “I am going to Naples?”

Monique nodded, happy that she was able to do something so deserving for this extraordinary woman. She had discussed the promotion with her husband, Leonardo, and he had told her--with his usual confidence in her ability--that it was entirely up to her.

“You always know best, darling.” He had said with his intimate smile. “In two weeks…do you have a passport?”

Kimani nodded, still dazed by the offer that was being thrown at her. To be employed by one of the largest and most opulent fashion houses in the world was in itself a dream, but she had moved up from being a mere assistant to working closely with Monique Romano.

The woman was exceptionally good at what she did and had gone from being a high school English Lit teacher to vice president of Romano’s clothing line.

Kimani had only glimpsed Monique’s husband twice since she had been there. He was an imposingly tall and handsome Italian native who was not afraid to show his devotion to his wife.

“Have you ever been to Italy before?”

Forgetting for a moment who she was talking to, Kimani let out a snort and rolled her eyes. “The farthest I have ever been is New York.”

Monique let out a delighted laugh. “Then you are in for a treat.”

“Why me?”

Monique knew the question was coming and had prepared for it. There were others who had more seniority than Kimani, but the woman had the enthusiasm, drive, and of course the fashion sense that put her ahead of the rest.

“You are the natural choice.” She told her honestly. “You are hardworking, and you learn extremely fast. You remind me of myself.”

She steepled her fingers together and gave Kimani an assessing stare. Kimani Azzure Nicholson was a size sixteen African American with a flawless caramel complexion and thick, natural, dark hair that she wore in rivulets of curls framing her round face.

Her dark brown eyes were frank and direct, shielded by long lashes. Her body was curvaceous, and the clothing she wore, flattered her curves and brought attention to her. Her smile was bright and wide and served to transform her entire face, turning what could be classified as a simple attractive female into one of amazing beauty.

“As a matter of fact, “Monique continued, “you have made greater strides than I did in the same time frame. You know the story of how I met my husband and my naiveté in not knowing who he was.”

She laughed and shook her head. “But you are a natural, darling. My years of experience have taught me to spot talents and you have something that will take you very far.”

“I--I don’t know what to say.”

“Say thank you and go back to work. We have that meeting with the agent from Calvin Klein…“

“And then your 2 p.m. with those models,” Kimani added.

“What do you think of them?”

Kimani had brought the folders with her, thinking that the summons had been about them. Taking the photos out, she sifted through them, studying them intently. “I like these three.”

Monique studied the ones she had chosen and realized with a pleased smile that they were the exact ones she had picked as well. “Excellent.” She clapped her hands briskly in delight. “Now we must get back to work and we will talk further about your trip.”

“Thank you, Monique,” Kimani said quietly as she got to her feet.

“Don’t thank me yet.” She warned. “You will be going to the House of Calderone and the CEO is not an easy woman to deal with.”

“Trying to scare me on the heels of my promotion will not work.” Her dazzling smile struck Monique full on. “I am determined to work for it and be worthy of your faith in me.”

“I am quite certain you will.” She watched as Kimani left the room, settling back against her chair with a smile. The adjoining doors opened and her smile widened. “I thought you had gone to your meeting.”

“Without saying goodbye to my wife?” Leonardo asked as he leaned in to kiss Monique’s smooth cheek. “How did she take it?”

“As well as can be expected.” She wrapped her arms around his neck to keep him a little longer. The first few months of their marriage had been tenuous because they had barely known each other, and Leonardo had resented that he had been forced to marry her.

He murmured something in Italian before kissing her full on the lips. “I have to go my sweet wife.” He was breathing hard, his body igniting into flames. It astounded him that even after all these years, he could still feel the rush of emotions churning through his body. “We will continue this later on.”

“You have that dinner…“

“I will, of course, skip it.” He touched his lips to hers again before pulling out of her arms and making his way back to his office.

*****

Amata and Armina were identical twins, and the only way of differentiating one from the other was a mole on Amata’s left nostril. Both women had well-kept black hair threaded through heavily with grey, and excellent bone structures.

They were in their early eighties, but still had most of their faculties intact and could hold a rather sensible conversation. Valentino was entertained each time he visited and endured their meddling in his life with equanimity.

“We have this lovely young woman…“ Amata was the oldest by five minutes and the one who generally monopolized the conversation.

“I already told you that I am engaged to be married, Aunt.” He reminded her with a smile as he helped himself to the delicate pastries that had been served after the meal.

“And you are not in love with her, my dear boy.” Amata shook her head as she sipped her tea, dark eyes wandering over his handsome face indulgently. His papa--Vincenzo--had been adored by them; the only child of their brother and they had been devastated when he died--the love for his son tripled if that was at all possible.

And they longed to see him settled so he could give them grandchildren to spoil. They both knew that Aurora, that dreadful woman their beloved Vincenzo had married, only tolerated them, but Valentino was always coming over and when he was not there for the usual Sunday supper, he would call to check on them.

“We are compatible,” he said with a wave of one hand.

“That is, “ Armina spoke up for the first time since the conversation started, “it is non romantico.” She said breathlessly, her thin hands gesticulating and reminding Valentino of a bird flitting from flower to flower. “We would like to see you in love and drowning in it.”

“That is not a very flattering analogy, Aunt.” Valentino grinned at her. He was relaxed around them and perhaps that was why he made it his duty to visit with them. They loved him unconditionally and did not expect anything more from him than sharing a meal and mindless conversation. And they were not bent on being formal.

In his home, the sumptuous place that was home to him and his mother, everything had to be in its correct place and dinner was always a grand event.

The only time he could get away with requesting a tray brought up to his suite was when she was away. Whenever she was at home, it was all procedure and correct behavior.

Still, he was allowed to have his way—have as many females as possible because it was expected of him. He was Valentino Enzo Calderone, heir to the Calderone fortune, and he had looks as well as charms.

“Sow your wild oats, darling, for the time you are single and unencumbered. Dear Sophia will not think anything of it.” She had smiled that calm smile of hers. “The experiences you accumulate will benefit her when you place your ring onto her finger.”

“We want to see you happy, dear boy,” Amata told him gravely. “Just because you are a Calderone does not mean you cannot find someone to love you for yourself. As much as we merely tolerate your mother, she was genuinely in love with our dear Vincenzo and he was in love with her. We would like that for you.”

“When did this entire supper become about me?” he inquired lightly. “I had the impression that I would be hearing about your latest adventure; I was informed that you took a trip.”

That did the trick. Both women launched into a full-scale discussion about their recent trip to Rome and, specifically, to the Vatican, where they met the Pope. Thankfully, it took up the rest of the visit.

*****

“Honey, I am so proud of you!” Gladys Nicholson embraced her granddaughter, a lump forming inside her throat as she held on. She was the one who had taken her in when her stepfather had driven her out of the house and Kimani was forever grateful to her.

The woman had had very little in terms of resources but had worked her fingers to the bone so that she could provide Kimani with shelter, food, and a good education.

Kimani had always had an interest in fashion and had spent most of her earnings buying the latest fashion magazines and poring over them. She had worked first at a fashion magazine and then a few years after had gotten something in a large department store.

But she had not stopped there and had fought her way until she had gotten a foot in at Romano’s. She had started earning enough to buy her grandmother a house where they both lived.

“Thanks, Grams.” Kimani’s eyes danced as she produced the bottle of champagne she had picked up from the liquor store. “I know you are taking medication…“

“I will get the glasses.” Gladys hustled towards the cupboard and plucked the glasses from the shelf.

“Did I tell you I am going to Naples?” It was still like a dream to her, and she could not believe she was not sleeping.

“You did, honey.” Gladys beamed at her granddaughter as she handed her the glasses.

“Should I--just a little—"

“Girl, pour the wine,” Gladys grunted. “To the very top. I am proud of you, and I intend to show it by drinking every last drop of this bubbly. My medications be damned.”

“Yes ma’am.” Kimani gave a delighted laugh as she did as she was bid. She had come to live with the elderly woman who, at first, had been reluctant to take on a teenager. But she had declared gruffly that Kimani was blood, and they would make it work.

“I do not tolerate disobedience in any form, and body piercings or tattoos are not something I am going to put up with, neither is laziness.”

And Kimani had exceeded all her expectations. She had been determined to study hard and make something of herself.

She had been bullied in high school and had learned to defend herself, then had busied herself with work and college after high school. So much so that she had never had the time to form a relationship of any sort.

No one knew that she was still an innocent and the closest she had ever been to a man was to feel his lips on hers. She had always stopped before things went any further and had gained the reputation of being frigid, something she had not minded in the least.

The trauma of losing her mother one week and having her stepfather come into her room the next week to try and have his way with her had placed a shield over her emotions. She was determined to go as far as she could go and that was the goal.

“You are going to Naples,” Gladys said dreamily as she sipped her champagne.

“Your dear papa would have been proud of you.”

“I often wonder about that.” Kimani sipped the champagne, wrinkling her nose as the bubbles tickled her. “I barely remember him.”

“He was a sweet man and as determined as you are.” She shook her head. “We had a falling out when he married your mama because…“she trailed off into silence and looked into her glass.

Kimani knew the rest of it: Katherine Nicholson had kept him away from his mother because Gladys had seen right through her and had warned him against marrying her and she had been right.

It was not long before Katherine started getting restless and demanding a better way of life. Kenneth Nicholson had thrown himself into doing three jobs just to meet her constant demands and it had slowly killed him, even before his heart attack.

It was not long after that she found herself a man with money and married him. Kimani had known instinctively that he was not as sincere as he made himself out to be and had tried telling her mother that, but Katherine would not listen.

Gerald had given her covert looks and signals, but she had made it plain that if he tried anything, she was going straight to the cops. He had left her alone while her mother was alive but made his move as soon as the funeral was over.

“I am sorry,” Kimani told her quietly.

Gladys shook her head. “You are nothing like her honey and that is a blessing.” A smile touched her lips. “Now, enough of that maudlin talk. You are finally getting what you deserve; a career that is going places. Imagine, a family member of mine traveling to Europe. Who knows? You might finally meet the man of your dreams.”

“As if such a person exists.” Kimani snorted.

“You would be surprised.”

Chapter 2

Kimani had armed herself with an Italian/English dictionary and had been doing some studying of the basic words one would need to find one’s way in the busy and bustling city of Naples.

She had never traveled outside of the US before and the thought of jumping on an international flight and sitting inside an airplane for almost ten hours was more than she cared to process.

So, she was determined not to think about it. She would be gone for two weeks--two whole weeks in a foreign country. She would be traveling first class, of course, and the hotel had been booked for her as well as a guide assigned to escort her (If needed).

But Kimani had every intention of sneaking away by herself to view the ruins and wonders of the city. During the day, she would be consumed by the job--selecting new fashion trends for the American market was going to take up a lot of her time!

But, as soon as she was through with all of that, she would arm herself with her dictionary and make memories. She had her phone as well as a camera she had purchased. Grams had urged her to take lots of pictures. “I have to live vicariously through you, honey.”

She was going to Naples, Italy, and could not comprehend it. How had she been so fortunate? She wondered as she packed the stuff off her desk and got ready to leave for the day.

“You must have done a lot of sucking up to get the gig.” Melissa Holness made the snide remark as she wandered over to sit on the edge of Kimani’s desk.

“Joan and I have been here for the past two years, and we have never been offered anything like this. What’s your secret Kimani?” Her lips curled as her blue eyes wandered over Kimani’s face. “Or is it because you are black?”

Kimani’s tapered eyebrows shot up at the woman’s temerity. “Are you certain you want to go there?” She asked her softly.

“What? I was not being politically correct?”

“Get your bony ass off my desk.”

Melissa’s blue eyes flared, but she scrambled off just the same at the daunting look on the other woman’s face. “It’s not fair…“

“Then you should take it up with me.” They all turned at the sound of the soft, cultured voice with the hint of steel that was unmistakably Monique Romano’s.

“Would you like to do so now? I am free at the moment.”

“Ms. Romano…” Melissa was as red as a beet, her eyes shifting all over the large open space to avoid looking at her boss. “I did not mean…”

“In my office, if you please.” Monique’s eyes swept over the room and touched briefly on Kimani, who had risen to her feet. “You have a trip to get ready for Kimani, I suggest you take the rest of the time to go home and do so. I will email you a list of instructions later today.”

With a nod of thanks, Kimani gathered up her things and headed out. She was not perturbed at Melissa’s bitter envy; she had come too far to be daunted by the woman’s rancor, and she did not feel as if she had gotten the promotion because of her color.

She had worked too hard to be intimidated by anyone and her upbringing had ensured that she did not give two figs about what anyone thought of her. Her grandmother had brought her up with principles, and even though they had struggled to make two ends meet, theirs had been a happy and contented household.

Smiling at the security downstairs in the reception area, she walked out to the parking lot to go and get her car.

*****

Valentino smiled automatically as he accepted the glass of champagne from the passing waiter. He felt drained and was fighting hard not to reveal how lackluster he was. It was an endless entertainment of the fashion world and one he was part of.

His mother was playing hostess to dignitaries that had arrived from all over the world.

The swanky hotel was owned by the House of Calderone and the design, the lovely arches and towering columns, were old and stately. Sophia was present along with her parents and he had paid her a polite courtesy by dancing with her twice.

He had also seen a few of his past amours in the crowd. Nadia, his current mistress, was also present and looking resplendent in an emerald gown that had his company’s logo stitched inside the fabrics, but she knew enough not to make it apparent that they were together.

His mama might be forward-thinking when it comes to his many affairs and had indulgently given her blessings, but he knew enough to be discreet, especially with Sophia being there. Aurora was determined to keep the family name unblemished.

Valentino had often wondered, idly of course, whether or not she was carrying on an affair of her own.

His papa had died some years ago now and it was only natural if she was seeing someone. She was still a beautiful woman, well preserved with thick black hair and flawless unlined skin. But Aurora Calderone was intimidating and any man aligning himself with her would have to be fearless.

But he was bored, he realized, as he gazed around the room. During the days at the corporate office, he would throw himself into the mix of things, but these endless functions were wearing on his nerves.

He forced a smile as Sophia came forward, a gentle smile touching her mouth. He had been with her several times in the past, but the passion was mediocre at best.

She was demure and shy and appeared frightened by his seemingly unquenchable sexual appetite. So, he had done the prudent thing and taken his lust elsewhere. He would be a good husband to her, but certainly, he was going to retain his mistress.

He had set her up in one of their apartments and made sure she did not want for anything. She was given gifts, expensive ones, and he had only one rule: she was not to see anyone else while she was with him. He had a certain distaste for sharing in the respect.

“How are you, my dear?” He always spoke to her in English. He was enamored with his language, but he loved the language that came so easily to him. He inquired as to her health with studious courtesy, even though he had seen her earlier.

“It is quite a crush,” she acknowledged as she came and stood next to him. She was petite and delicate, not just physically, but in every other way. That had been proven to him when he had made love to her those three times.

And she was always seeking validation from him. His mother had told him that the reason she was so perfect was that she could be easily molded, but he was not sure he wanted to be the one to do that sort of thing.

“It is. Have you eaten anything?”

She shook her head demurely, casting her eyes to his chest.

“Would you like some Pizzelle or Biscotti?” he prompted politely, trying to keep the impatience from his tone.

“Is that what you are going to be having?”

Valentino almost ground his teeth, his patience wearing thin. “I am not particularly hungry,” before she could agree with him, he took her arm and led her over to the banquet table that was loaded with all sorts of delicacies. “Help yourself.” He invited.

“We would not want you wasting away, would we?”

Bending a smile on her, he waited until she had chosen a few items before politely excusing himself. He was needed at the podium anyway and it was a welcome distraction. Being with Sophia was reminding him that she was the woman he would be spending the rest of his life with.

*****

Kimani tried her best not to reveal how impressed she was that she was traveling first class. She realized ruefully that traveling like this was going to spoil sitting in coach for her. The flight attendants were warmer and smiled more and the leg room was out of this world!

The seats were, of course, more comfortable and the refreshments allowed her a taste of what it was like to have tons of money. She ate everything, from the salad and mushroom-flavored chicken to the delicate slices of pastries that made their rounds after the meal. And, of course, the champagne!

“Is it your first time flying?” She had forgotten about the woman seated next to her; she was so absorbed in her thoughts.

“Oh, no!” Kimani told her with a shake of her head. “First time going to Italy and flying first class though.”

“We do tend to take such things for granted.” The woman was well preserved and of indeterminate age--Kimani was guessing that she was either in her late fifties or early sixties and she looked very expensive.

Her quick eyes noticed the chic cashmere sweater and the custom-made pants. “My name is Olga Bruno.” She added holding out a well-manicured hand.

Kimani’s eyes widened as she took her hand. “You are Italian.”

“Born and bred.” The woman told her with a faint smile as she removed her hand.

“You do not have an accent.”

“I have spent many years in America, working as an actress.”

Kimani wrinkled her brows as she continued to stare at her and then recognition dawned. “I cannot believe I did not recognize you! You are a famous actress. I have seen you in several movies.”

“Maybe famous is too strong a word.” Olga gave her a sweet smile. “But I am grateful to you for saying such.”

“You are returning home?” Kimani still could not believe that she was seated next to a celebrity. Wait until she told Grams!

Olga nodded and picked up her glass of champagne. “I am an eighty-year-old woman who is longing to go home and tend to her gardens.”

Kimani blinked at her. “You are eighty?”

Olga tinkled out a laugh at the incredulous look on her face. “You are very good for my ego darling.

I just turned eighty in June and that was when I decided that it was time to go back home.” She took another sip. “I have a son who has given me several grandchildren and I would very much like to enjoy them before I pass on out of this life.”

Kimani shook her head. “I cannot believe you are eighty.”

Olga nodded, her dark eyes twinkling. “What is taking you to my fair city?”

“Work. I am a buyer for Romano’s.

“Ah. Quite a job. What does a buyer do, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“We have to be in touch with the latest trends. I just started working at Romano’s six months ago.”

“And already this privilege. How fortunate for you.”

Kimani nodded with a smile. “My sentiments exactly. I am going to the House of Calderone.”

“Ah.” Olga smiled reminiscently. “Quite the fashion experience. They and Romano’s have been rivals for a very long time. But thankfully, that rivalry has been squashed over the years.

You are in for quite a treat my dear. Aurora and her very handsome son now run the house and they have done incredibly well.” Olga reached out and touched her hand lightly. “I would like you to visit with me while you are there.”

“Oh, I couldn’t! You are just returning home and I am quite certain that your son…“

“Nonsense!” Olga exclaimed with a wave of one hand. “You will come and visit, I insist.”

*****

“Darling, you have been particularly robust tonight.” Nadia purred as she watched the delicious-looking man walk over to where his clothes were strewn all over the carpeted floor. She had watched him with that washed-out ‘intended’ of his and had felt the jealousy churning inside her belly.

She was not supposed to approach him while they were in public, and while she accepted her role as his mistress, it still did not stop it from stinging. But he had come back to her apartment with her, and the lovemaking had been more passionate than ever.

He would not marry her, could not in fact, because they were from two different worlds, but she was always telling herself and her friends that she was getting the better of the bargain. That pale la lupa might be getting his ring and his name, but she was the one holding him inside her bed.

“I hope I did not hurt you.” He was all courteous male, caring and magnificent. Her dark eyes wandered over the body he had not yet covered, and she felt the stirring of lust again. He was an expert lover if a little reticent. But still, he managed to make her blood boil.

“I did not mind in the least.” She stretched, making sure her generous breasts were exposed to his seeking eyes. He never spent the night, something she had been trying to change without success. He was Valentino Calderone and could not afford the scandal.

His engagement to Sophia was well established and nothing could change that. He was discreet in his dealings with her and treated her with kindness, something she was not accustomed to. He was fabulously wealthy, but he was not flashy and had never looked down on someone in a lesser position than he was.

He came over and sat on the edge of the bed, one hand starting at her throat and drifting down to her breasts. He had left the function and followed her home, wanting to dispel some of his restlessness and boredom, and she had served her purpose.

He knew she longed for more than he could give her, but she had never voiced her yearnings because it would have been fruitless. He was not in love with her--he liked that she was available and was willing to do anything to please him in bed.

“I could stay a little longer.” He told her and watched as her dark eyes lit up.

“I have wine.”

“We should indulge.” He said with a faint smile. His fingers continued to caress her throat and he watched with almost academic interest as her pulse fluttered and her lips parted. He was hard, but it was just an instinctive reaction to being with a beautiful woman who happened to be naked; nothing more and nothing less.

“A ruby necklace would look great around your neck.” He murmured absently as he continued to caress her throat.

“Whatever you say.” She whispered, trying to contain her delight.

*****

Naples International Airport was bustling with activity. The almost ten-hour flight had flown by thanks to her newfound friendship with Olga. The woman had kept her highly entertained, and the more she talked to her the more she found herself liking the woman.

She had slept a little when Olga had decided to take a nap and the sound of the pilot announcing their descent had awoken her and she had watched as the plane taxied onto the tarmac. She had left her home at 6 a.m. that morning and had landed in Naples a little after 10 p.m.

The lights were brilliant, the cacophony of foreign languages like music to her ears. Olga had gone into a different line from her, and to Kimani’s surprise, she had been ushered through without much trouble.

Picking up her bags from the carousel, Kimani set about following the crowd to the exit, her eyes dancing as she stared around the huge area.

A couple armed with two children caught her eyes and she could not help but stop to look as the man lifted the little girl into his arms and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, which managed to calm her down sufficiently.

“Family means a lot to Italians.” Olga had come alongside her without her sensing the woman’s presence. “I see you are all set.”

“Is someone picking you up?”

The woman nodded as they made their way outside. “We are a few minutes early, so the ride might be a little bit.” She waved her hand at a café at the airport. “How about we have a glass of strawberry Italian soda while we wait? Does the driver know who to look for?”

“He will be holding up a placard with my name.”

“The café is right near the exit so, of course, we will see him when he arrives. Come along, dear, I am not in the least bit tired. I suppose I am so used to staying up all sorts of hours.”

Kimani nodded and followed her, dragging her suitcase along in her wake.

*****

Aurora arose from the bed and dragged her silk kimono along with her so that she could do it up, going swiftly over to her desk to sit and reach for the slim cheroots she always indulged in whenever she was sated.

Marcelo was twenty years younger than she was, but she did not mind. He was eager and his stamina was quite welcome.

She was sixty but her sex drive was enormous and had not died when her husband did. She had loved him dearly, but she was a realist and had decided to take a lover two years after his demise. Marcelo was one of the models, his body wiry and muscular, and he was quite an accomplished lover.

They were discreet of course; she was the CEO of one of the largest fashion houses in the world and could never afford a single scandal to mar the name. He benefited from being her lover and was not too proud to accept the benefits that were thrown his way.

Whenever they were at the corporate office, she treated him like a regular employee, and he understood that.

But at nights, in her bed, he was the master who always managed to make her cry out his name in passion.

“Come back to bed, Tesoro,” he murmured in a persuasive tone, running one hand down his flat stomach and touching his well-endowed penis.

“In a little bit.” She pulled the smoke into her lungs, and her eyes narrowed as she studied his frame.

She had contemplated marrying again, even thought about Marcelo, but she would be laughed at in their society; perhaps not openly, because she was a powerful woman after all, but she would be derided, and she could not stand that. Their relationship was fine with her for now and she was not in love with him.

He gave her immense pleasure and their conversations, as few as they were, held her interest. He was a beautiful man, not as beautiful as her Valentino of course, but beautiful, nonetheless. And they had been together for the past year or more. He never asked her for more and she never offered.

“I need time to recover of course. You do realize that I am not as young as I used to be.”

His thick eyebrows lifted, his eyes wandering over the unlined face and the waterfall of dark hair tumbling down her back.

“I would never have guessed. Your stamina is that of a much younger woman.”

She smiled at him in delight. “You do say the nicest thing.”

“I mean it. You are almost finished.” He pointed to the flaming tip of the cigar.

“So I am.” She said in amusement as she dragged the smoke into her lungs and closed her eyes as the nicotine invaded her body. She was feeling languorous and successful.

The function had been a success, not that her son had seemed to enjoy himself. A frown touched her smooth brow as she wondered about him. She had told him that there should be a wedding by December, and she was going to make certain of it.

“Is something amiss?” Marcelo asked her a trifle anxiously. She was a formidable woman, and no one relished getting on her wrong side.

“I was just thinking of Valentino.”

“Should I be offended that you think of your son while I am lying here naked and ready for you?”

“I always think of my son…that is…except when you are deep inside me.” She murmured as she ground the tip of her cigar into the crystal ashtray and got to her feet. “Speaking of which…” shrugging out of the robe, she walked with sinuous grace towards the bed and allowed him to draw her down on top of him.

Chapter 3

Kimani was awoken the next morning by a knock on the door of her hotel suite and a tray being wheeled in.

“Scusa.” The beautiful, dark-haired hotel clerk shook her head as she smiled. “Pardon me signora, would you like, perhaps, for me to come back?”

“No. No.” Kimani shook her head and gestured for her to put the tray on the table. “It smells lovely.”

The woman beamed at her and set the tray down. “It is a tradizionale breakfast.” She removed the cover to allow Kimani to see what was there. “Panettone French toast with eggs. And some coffee.”

“Thank you. I am thinking of going sightseeing…”

“Oh, there is a tour bus leaving in the next hour. Would you like the front desk to make arrangements?”

“I would be delighted.”

The woman bowed slightly and got ready to wheel the cart away.

“What’s your name?” Kimani called out before she could clear the doorway.

“Isabella.”

“Thank you, Isabella.”

With a beaming smile, the clerk left and closed the doors behind her.

Kimani stretched languidly, her eyes touching on the beautifully arched ceiling with the quaint designs. She had been booked into a suite that belonged to Romano’s and it was sumptuous with thick grey carpeting and sky-blue walls.

It had three bedrooms and three baths and a lovely sitting room where she had reclined on one of the tufted yet comfortable sofas, to just look around and toyed with the lights and the huge TV set suspended on the wall.

She had spent her time at the airport chatting with Olga, enjoying the company and the drink, and had promised the woman that she would call and let her know when she was available for a visit.

“And you will spend the night, of course.” She had told her firmly. Kimani had not bothered arguing with her. During their brief acquaintance, she had learned that the older woman refused to take no for an answer.

Climbing off the bed, she stretched again and went to sit at the rather elegant table to enjoy her meal. Surprisingly, she did not feel jet-lagged from the difference in the time zones. She had called first Monique and then her Grams to let them know she had arrived.

“No work tomorrow.” Monique had told her firmly. “Go and enjoy the country. Naples is home to hundreds of incredible buildings, their beauty too astounding for words. Be certain to visit the Pompeii Archaeological Park and of course the Villa de Poppea. Find a tour bus to take you to the different places.”

And she intended to do just that. She had been delighted by being hit on as soon as she entered the hotel lobby.

A darkly attractive man had been coming out of the elevator and had sent her an admiring look, calling out to her in rapid Italian. She had smiled her dazzling smile and he had followed her to the front desk, bluntly asking if he could accompany her to her suite.

It had shocked her of course; Italian men were so different from the ones at home. Of course, the ones at home would be afraid of being slapped with a sexual harassment lawsuit and did not dare go that far. She had shaken her head and refused his offer.

She was going to enjoy every minute of the tour. She had been given euros to travel with and would be taking back tokens for her Grams and those in her office. It was a work trip, but it did not mean she could not enjoy herself. It was her first time in Europe, and she was thrilled, the excitement coursing through her body.

Memories of her childhood came tumbling back as she sipped the delicious and very strong coffee. She clearly remembered her dad, a sweet and gentle man who had been the one to read her bedtime stories at night, no matter how late he got home or how tired he was.

Her mother had always been petulant and miserable, making everyone around her feel the same way. But Kenneth Nicholson had been a cheerful soul with an indomitable spirit that had never been daunted by his wife’s demeanor.

Kimani had been relieved when he was home; the stony look on her mother’s face and the constant complaints wearing on her nerves. She recalled asking him one night when he had finished reading her favorite story: “Is mama mad at me?”

Her dad had shaken his head and smiled at her gently. “Your mama is mad that we are not better off than we are.”

She had stared at him puzzled. “What does that mean?”

“It means, my curious one, that she wished we had more money.”

“Are we poor dad?”

He had laughed at that, his smile bursting forth and touching his eyes. “I, for one, am very wealthy.” He had told her, touching the tip of her nose. “I have a beautiful and very intelligent daughter, what more could a man ask for?”

That night, she had heard them arguing inside their bedroom. “Do you have to show our daughter how damned unhappy you are?” he had asked her coldly. Kimani had been shocked. She had never heard her dad talk that way before and it had frightened her.

“She is old enough to realize that life is not a bed of roses.”

“She is a little girl for crying out loud! I would appreciate you not projecting your disappointment onto her.”

“Your problem is that you spoil her.” Her mother had snapped.

“And you do not show her any love. Is your life so very difficult?”

“You know it is. I wanted more than this and that was what you promised me.”

“I am trying my best. If you want more, go and look for a job.

“I am not trained for anything.”

“It is not too late. In the meantime, please try and show our daughter the love she deserves.”

Shaking away the memories, Kimani concentrated fiercely on the meal.

*****

Valentino had committed to afternoon tea with the Rossi’s. He had not been to the sprawling pink and white stucco-like building with the portico situated in the middle of the well-tended lawn.

Both Alfredo and Irena Rossi were in their late sixties, and with Sophia being their only child, they doted on her. Alfredo was on the board of the House of Calderone and had been a member for the past twenty or more years.

The family was a very old one and they prided themselves on being respected and above board. A match between Sophia and Valentino would suit them very well. They had money, but nothing compared to the Calderone name. It would be a very advantageous match indeed.

They had been left alone after the tea had been served and the desultory conversation petered off. But he was not certain he knew what to say to her. He did not know Sophia well, even though they had known each other since they were children.

Sophia Rossi had never worked a day in her life and even though she had been to the best schools in Italy and a finishing school in Switzerland, her life was more geared toward how to please her husband than anything academic.

He knew she spoke one other language aside from Italian and English, but he had never bothered to inquire as to what it was.

“The weather is so beautiful.” She murmured as she took a delicate sip of her tea.

“Indeed.” He felt compelled to say.

“I am so happy we are having this time together. Papa and mama can be so protective,” she murmured demurely.

“They have a right, I suppose.” Valentino stretched his long legs out and crossed them at the ankles.

The weather was indeed beautiful and the ambiance--the blaze of flowers near the statue standing in the middle of the garden, and the trickling sound of the water sprouting from the fountain was one of untold beauty, and he had a feeling that a poet would make something worthwhile of this setting.

But he was not a poet and even though the woman seated across from him was beautiful, he was wishing he was somewhere else. Perhaps in the arms of his mistress, losing himself in her body. It was disturbing that he did not feel an ounce of lust for the woman who was going to be his wife.

“I wonder what they would say if they knew.” She ventured.

“Knew what?” He looked at her sharply.

“That we…” She waved a delicate hand. “That we were almost intimate.”

“Disappointed?” He offered with a faint smile, surprised that she had brought it up.

“Perhaps.” She gave him a tentative smile. “I know I was a disappointment…”

His brows shot up in shock as her voice petered off: “I should not have said anything.”

“No, please, go on.”

She blushed furiously and ducked her head into her cup. “We should not discuss such things.”

“We are both adults Sophia, and very soon we’ll be married.”

She stole a look at him and felt her heart beating rapidly. He was too large and too dark and too passionate. She knew he had lots of women and had told herself that it did not matter. But he frightened her.

When he had kissed her, taken off his clothes, and started to touch her, she had been scared because he had been too big, and she had cried out in alarm, making him stop.

“We do not have to do it.” She took a deep breath and tried again. “Will you be wanting to every night? I mean…” She added hastily as he continued to probe her with his intense gaze. “We could…surely we do not have to every night…”

“Is the thought of intimacy so distasteful to you?” he asked her sardonically. He knew he had no intention of being intimate with her except in the times it took to produce an heir and, hopefully, that first time would be enough to have a son, but he wanted to torment her just a little.

Most women enjoyed his lovemaking and here she was, a woman promised to him, making it clear that she did not require it of him. It was dismal.

“No.” She shook her dark head wildly, eyes pleading for him to understand. “It’s just that you are…” She gestured helplessly. “It seems to be painful.”

“It is always painful at first.”

She shook her head. “I don't think I would enjoy it.”

He stared at her in surprise. “You will.”

“I do not think I can.”

A frown touched his brow. “If we are to succeed at this relationship, we are going to have to be honest with each other.” He pointed out with admirable patience. She was like a child who needed his approval and he wondered how on earth he was going to spend his life with someone like her.

He would have preferred a woman instead of a child wrapped in a woman’s body and dreaded the day they joined themselves together in matrimony.

“Of course.” She selected a delicate-looking pastry and broke it in two before tasting it. “You have your mistress who will be able to…” She stopped talking again and watched him beneath her lashes.

“Are you asking me or was that a statement of fact?” he asked her dryly.

“I do not mind, Valentino. I understand that you have needs.” She told him quickly.

“Why thanks.” The sarcasm could not be mistaken and, suddenly, he did not give a damn. The conversation was distasteful; the woman he was going to marry was giving her approval for him to continue with his mistress.

It was depressing as hell and not something he wanted. But what was he complaining about? Most men would love an arrangement such as this and here he was deriding it. Something must be drastically wrong with him.

Suddenly something devilish took hold of him, and he decided to have at it. The woman he was about to marry was hell on his ego and he did not take too kindly to that.

“You are giving me permission to carry on with her.”

“Yes.” She told him, blushing. “Not that you need it.”

“I most certainly do not.” Putting the tiny cup onto the table, he leaned forward enough to fix his mouth on her rosebud lips. “I could change your mind.” He told her softly.

“Scuza?” She looked frightened, and he almost gave up his intentions of moving forward.

“I am a very skilled lover,” His eyes wandered over her lips, and he watched them part before drifting down the length of her neck to where her small bosom was visible beneath a pink cashmere sweater.

“I would start by kissing your cheek and going to those soft lips of yours. But I would not linger there. The time I was with you, we were in a bit of a hurry, and I did not get to properly suckle your rosy nipples.”

His gaze flickered over her bosom, and he saw with satisfaction that the nipples were hardening--even beneath the material. “Then I would drift to your stomach and go further down to introduce you to the splendor of oral intimacy.”

“What are you…”

“I would use my fingers at first to seek out your warmth, to examine if you are ready for me. Your moistness would indicate that you were, you see, and then I would use the tip of my tongue to dart just inside you to savor your taste.”

“You need to stop.” Her hand had flown to her throat where her pulse was jumping madly.

“Am I making you uncomfortable Sophia?” he asked her softly. “Is it getting wet down there?”

“You cannot…”

“Would you like me to test it out with my fingers?” He scooted closer to her so that his knees were touching hers. She had on a flared skirt, and he started to ease a hand along her thigh.

“What are you doing?” She squeaked, eyes wildly going around to see if anyone was watching them.

“Testing it for myself. Would you like to feel my fingers deep inside you? I am pretty certain you did not have a climax the times we have been together, and my reputation is hanging by a thread here. I want to rectify that.”

He was not surprised when she sprang up from the chair as if a hot poker had been introduced to her derriere. Her dark eyes blazed as she stared at him, and her skin was flushed.

“How dare you treat me like your…your puttana!” the word was whispered as if saying it aloud would taint her. “I must ask you to leave.”

Valentino nodded curtly, disgusted with himself for going that far. He had wanted to prove a point and had done just that. The irony of it was that he had not even been turned on. “I apologize for being so forward. Good day to you.” With that, he strode away.

*****

Her tour ended five hours later, and Kimani was flushed with excitement at the things she had witnessed.

She had explored the ruins of Termi del Foro in Pompeii as well as the Casa del Fauno. The tour guide had been captivating and held them enthralled as he pointed out the various ruins and explained them all, allowing them to see how well informed he was.

There had been quite many Americans on the tour and several people from the UK and France. She had sat next to a couple, and they had struck up a conversation with her.

Now she was at a café enjoying a typical Italian meal and showing off her limited grasp of the language. She had been determined to order in Italian and the waiter had been very patient with her as she fumbled over the words.

The orecchiette with veal roulades in tomato sauce was quite excellent and she realized she had made a very good choice. Wine was served, and she felt positively decadent enjoying a full glass of it along with her meal.

The café was noisy with the afternoon bustle of people just ending their tours. She had taken lots of pictures and several selfies to show her Grams when she got home. A chill had sprung up and she was happy she had brought her jacket along with her.

It was a lovely country she realized. The people were so friendly and warm, and everything was beautiful. Even the ruins were wonderful. She had been there for a day and was not missing home.

She loved it, and if she did not have a very good job at home…. She shook off the fanciful thought with a laugh as she continued to sip her wine. Wishful thinking on her part. Of course, she could not uproot herself and settle here.

She did not even know how to speak the language, let alone navigate in an entirely new environment. It must be the magic of the place that was getting to her. And not to mention the potency of the wine.

The men--she shook her head again. Were they all attractive? Even the ones with paunches were attractive, and they were all flirtatious.

That must be it! She was fresh from America and had never left the country before. Putting away her glass, she dug into her meal. She would leave here and go straight to her hotel room and try and sleep off the wine as well as the tour. Tomorrow, she had a big day in front of her and she could not afford to mess it up.

*****

Valentino stifled a groan. His mother’s presence was precisely what he did not need at the moment. He had gone driving in the countryside instead of going to Nadia’s apartment to slake his thirst.

He had found it was not something he had desired--not the company, not the act of making love itself, not even the conversation that always followed. He had done something foul--or had it been?

Had it not proven even more forcefully that he was heading into a doomed marriage with a woman who would not welcome his advances?

She had said he was too large, and he had hurt her those times he had been with her. Yet, she had not said anything to him but had kept it to herself.

The drive had managed to cool his temper somewhat, but not his disgust, nor his restlessness. He had canceled supper with his aunts, quelling his guilt at their disappointment, and had promised to make it up to them.

Now seated on his balcony with a glass of wine and some pastries, he just wanted to be alone with his thoughts.

“I was surprised when one of the maids informed me that you were home.” Aurora swept in, her subtle yet expensive perfume filling up the space.

She was dressed in a chic black and white pantsuit that was undoubtedly their own brand--Aurora refused to wear anything else and had declared that it would be something akin to sacrilegious for her to do so.

Her hair was swept up on top of her head in an elegant bun and her makeup was flawless. Valentino wondered idly if he had ever seen her looking disheveled or even with a hair out of place. It was very daunting to hug someone so perfect, and he had never attempted to do so.

“I am feeling a little tired.”

“I hope you are not coming down with anything.” Her dark eyes were sharp as she stared at him and took a seat on one of the chaises. Valentino resigned himself to a conversation he was not in the mood for.

“Don’t worry, Mama,” he told her dryly as he sipped his wine. “I am as healthy as a horse.”

“I do hope so. That woman, the buyer from Romano’s, is already here and will be coming by tomorrow. I would like you to entertain her.”

His mouth descended into a frown. “Why not someone else?”

“Because I have meetings all day and you are my second in command. You happen to know the business inside and out.” Aurora stretched her legs and lifted her head to sniff at the clean air wafting through the slats of the latticed fencing.

“And we are trying to form a working relationship with Romano’s. As much as it pains me to admit it, we must form an alliance with them.”

Chapter 4

Kimani was nervous. She had arrived at the House of Calderone at precisely 10 a.m., as per the instruction told to her by some assistant, and had made certain she dressed carefully before making the trip.

She was a size sixteen, but she considered her best feature to be her face. She had often been told that she was quite attractive and knew she had gotten her looks from her mother. So, she had donned flattering loose-leg, black pants, and a corset-style, shell pink blouse that was striking on her.

She was a buyer for one of the most successful fashion houses in the world and would be going to another giant in the fashion industry, she had to dress to showcase the company she was representing.

And, she was armed with her portfolio and the ideas of what she needed. Italy was far advanced in the fashion industry, more so than the States, and she was excited to see what the House of Calderone had to offer.

She had seen their billboards all over Naples, and there was nowhere she had gone where the name was not whispered in awe.

She had spent a restless night anticipating this morning and now it was here. She was standing in front of the towering glass and solid walls, reflecting the light from the sun, and the nervous anxiety came tumbling back inside her chest.

A uniformed guard came running as soon as she reached the revolving doors, and she was ushered into a lobby with a high arched ceiling that was clearly a work of art.

“I am here to…”

“You are expected.” The man spoke in impeccable English, a polite smile on his face as he pointed her to what looked like a private elevator. People were coming and going, and they seemed to be dressed in the latest fashion.

She had to take several deep breaths as the elevator whizzed up to the very top floor and the doors slid open with smooth ease. A woman--strikingly beautiful with a flawless cocoa-brown complexion and a short curly afro--was waiting for her.

“My name is Allegra, and I am the first assistant to both Aurora and Valentino. This way please.”

“Are you Italian?”

“I am from the UK actually but have been living in Naples for the past fifteen years. This way, Valentino asked me to put you in here and he will be with you pronto.” With a nod, she left the room and closed the doors behind her.

The wallpaper was of the richest silk, patterned brown and green, the swirl of colors a rather pleasing blend.

The carpet was a slate grey and enveloped her up to her ankles. Putting aside her portfolio, she wandered around the room and took in the stately furnishings and the glittering chandelier. She was so absorbed in admiring a painting on the wall, that she did not realize that someone had come into the room.

Valentino went still as he surveyed the woman looking up at the painting. She was turned sideways, and her face was in profile. His eyes wandered over the generous curves, the way her trousers hugged them lovingly.

Her head was tilted to one side as if she was trying to figure out what the abstract art meant. It was a Jackson Colby original and cost a fortune.

He felt his body tighten and went rigid with shock at his reaction. He started to shake it off when she turned to face him, and the large dark brown eyes hit him straight in his gut. She was very attractive he thought objectively, but that was not remarkable.

Italy was filled with beautiful women, and he worked in the fashion industry and had been with more than his fair share. But there was something about her round face and large dark eyes as well as the slightly parted lips. Then she stole his breath when she smiled and moved forward because he was rooted to the spot.

“Mr. Calderone, very nice to meet you.”

He took her hand in his dazedly as he continued to stare at her. “Ms. Nicholson.” He had to clear his throat before continuing. “I hope you were not kept waiting.”

“Not at all.” She removed her hand from his. “I was admiring the painting over there.”

“And your interpretation?” He was watching her closely and his body tightened when she laughed, the transformation absolutely striking!

“I am not quite certain…”

“No one has been able to solve that puzzle.” He had not wanted to be here to entertain her and had been resentful, but now he was happy he had not delegated the duty to anyone else. “Is this your first time in the country?”

“Yes. And I have fallen in love with it.” She told him enthusiastically, seemingly oblivious to the tension surrounding him. He desired her, and that was disquieting.

“Naples tends to have that effect on people. Shall we?” He gestured towards the doors and allowed her to precede him. Taking a deep breath, he followed behind her until they cleared the passageway.

“This is our showroom.” Pushing the doors open, he led the way into a large room with thousands of stunning clothes, ranging from the very simple to the rather lavish. People were running to and fro, collecting clothes as they went along, and barely glancing at the intruders.

“I am certain you are accustomed to the flurry of activity.” He guided her out of the room, and they went into a smaller space with rows and rows of shoes and accessories that dazzled the eyes.

“I am.” She responded to his statement as she looked around. “This belt…” walking over, she picked up a bold red leather belt with a dazzling gold clasp. “I have seen it in magazines. I am not certain my country is ready for this yet.”

“You might be surprised.” He led the way over to the shoe section and jerked back in surprise as she grabbed a pair of butter-soft, yellow and orange knee-length boots with fringe.

“These are gorgeous, and I am not just saying that because I happen to be a boots person.” She rhapsodized over the footwear some more before a frown touched her brow. “I would pair this with…”

Before he could keep up with her, she had practically run from the room and was in the large fashion center. Hurrying after her, he watched as she rifled through the items of clothing and picked out a dazzling green top and a pair of black jeans and took them back into the room with her.

“You have a very good eye,” he told her admiringly. “Far beyond your experience.”

“Radicalism is a trait of mine.” She continued to look at the rest of the shoes, touching a few of them.

“Would you like the rest of the tour?”

“I would like that very much.”

*****

He took her to lunch while not exactly taking her off the compound. The lunchroom at the fashion house was like a swanky restaurant complete with waiters and the best chef money could buy. He explained to her that it had been a tradition that had continued throughout the years by the various Calderones.

The staff were well fed and well compensated for their services. He had given her the tour and she could not stop the exclamations of surprise and awe that came from her lips.

The more time he spent with her, the more certain he was that he was in deep trouble. He was attracted to her, but it was more than just an attraction; she was vivacious and her love for fashion was seen in her face and the way she moved.

“I could tell that you were the boss.” She told him, her eyes dancing merrily. They had finally sat down to a meal and the chef himself had come out to inquire as to their preferences.

“What gave it away?” He drawled, leaning back into the chair and stretching his long legs out.

“Oh, I don’t know.” She responded, playing along. “Maybe it has to do with the fact that the chef left his kitchen to come and see personally what you would like to eat. It must be tiresome getting all the attention.”

His thick eyebrows winged up, and he realized that he was charmed and intrigued by her. She did not have an ounce of coyness about her, and she was a natural. “You make it sound like a task.”

“Isn’t it?” Her own tapered eyebrows lifted as she sipped the wine that had been provided along with the delicious pasta.

“I admit that it does get tiresome, what with the bowing and scraping of the lesser people.” He broke off with a grin as she burst out laughing. She drew attention to herself without even realizing it and he could see the admiring looks she was receiving from the males present, something that was making him very enraged.

Kimani liked him. She had expected him to be stuck up and behave as if he was superior.

He was entitled, a darkly handsome and well-dressed man drew attention automatically, and she noticed the longing gazes that were thrown his way from the female employees. Romano’s was huge, but the House of Calderone was twice as large and lavish in design. “You are not what I expected.” She murmured suddenly.

“Good, I hope.”

She nodded and dug into her meal. That was another thing he noticed about her. She was not self-conscious.

The women he had been with would be preening for his benefit, making sure that they were holding the dinnerware at the correct angle. Kimani Nicholson was the complete opposite and was not afraid to show how much she was enjoying her meal.

After lunch, they would be going back to the showroom so that she could make her selections, but he wanted to prolong the day. He wanted her and he was not certain how to approach her with his request, because he had to have her.

“What are your plans for the rest of the day?” he asked her suddenly.

She wrinkled her brows as she thought about it. “I am thinking of doing some more sightseeing. I have a report to write and recommendations to send to Monique, but that can wait until later when I am getting ready for bed.”

“I would like to be your guide.”

She looked at him in surprise. “I would not like to take you away from your job.”

“I make my own hours.” He told her lightly. “Have you been to the Galleria Borbonica?”

“No.”

“You have not explored Naples until you have gone underground. I could take you and then we could take a ride on my speedboat.”

She stared at him with a slight frown, and he wondered if he had overplayed his hand. “Why…”

“You are a first-time visitor to my country, and I would love to give you the real tour.” He interjected smoothly.

“In that case, I accept wholeheartedly. As long as I am not taking you away from anything.”

He reflected on the meetings he had lined up and the tentative date he had made with Nadia and shrugged them off. “Nothing that will not keep.” He assured her.

*****

“Where is Valentino?” Aurora swept into the office and collected the folders Allegra handed to her.

“He was with Signora Nicholson.” Allegra had followed her into the office.

A frown touched Aurora’s brow as she looked at the time. “Is he still with her?”

“They did the tour and I think they are back inside the clothing department. Would you like me to pencil her in so that she could meet with you?”

Aurora contemplated as she slid into her chair. “I suppose you will have to. She is here for two weeks, and this is her first day here. I am going to have to talk to her eventually.”

Allegra glanced at the device she had in her hand. “You have to go out of town on Wednesday.”

“Ah yes.” She shook her head and touched her own device. “I will be gone for a week. What do I have for tomorrow?”

“You have meetings for most of the day.”

“Pencil her for late afternoon.”

“Of course.”

“The models?”

“Are on their way in.”

“What’s this I hear about an altercation with two of the models?”

Allegra blanched slightly. Nothing happens in the company without Aurora knowing about it, no matter how hard they try to keep it from her. The woman was a force to be reckoned with and ran the company with a firm hand. Valentino was somewhat more flexible, but not by much.

“It’s been handled.”

“How, precisely?”

Allegra fiddled with her device. “They were involved in a relationship…”

“Even though there is a strict no fraternizing among employees?” There was a hard thin line around Aurora’s mouth that did not bode well for the ones involved.

“We did not know…”

“I would like to meet them both in my office at once.”

“They are in the middle of a shoot.” Allegra was trying to find a way to salvage the two people’s jobs, but she feared that she would not be able to do so.

They were both friends of hers and she had warned them that their involvement would head to nowhere good. Being an exclusive model to the House of Calderone was a gig that could catapult one into immediate stardom.

Models had been selected from the House and had gone on to become international, getting contracts from Vogue and other famous magazines. Being fired was another thing altogether and Aurora Calderone was not a very forgiving woman.

“You will send them in to me as soon as the shoot is complete. That’s all.”

Allegra stayed there, her insides trembling, but she knew she had to make some sort of an appeal to the woman’s softer side, if such a thing existed.

“Is there anything else?”

Allegra took a deep breath and made the plunge. She had to try. “They made a mistake.” She rushed on, her eyes pleading. “Erika is the sole breadwinner for her family and her mother is ailing. She needs this job.”

“And the other?”

“Alonzo is stupido, but he is hardworking and loyal.” She approached the massive desk, an appealing expression on her face. “I am just asking you to give them another chance.”

She held her breath as Aurora stared at her, the inscrutable expression on the woman’s face not giving anything away.

“Are you quite through?”

Allegra felt her heart sinking and realized that she had failed. She had to back down or risk losing her own job. “I apologize for being so forward.”

The woman inclined her head regally. “That’s all.”

She was stopped by Aurora’s voice when she reached to open the doors. “I will take all you have said to me into consideration.”

Allegra dared not show her surprised delight. “Of course. Thank you.”

*****

“Want to take a turn?” Valentino asked as he flashed a grin at her. He had delighted in spending time with Kimani, viewing the ruins and the historical underbelly with new eyes. Everything fascinated her and he had started each time she grabbed his hand in her excitement.

She had been fascinated by the wealth of history and he had watched in amusement as she made little jottings in her notebook. She had also taken dozens of photos, and insisted on taking a selfie with him standing next to a broken-down pillar.

“That’s a joke, right?” The wind was blowing her hair behind her, and she had wrapped her jacket closer to her to ward off the chill. He supposed he should be heading back, but he did not want the day to end. His mother would have questions, but he did not care.

Today was magical and he wanted it to last. What would make it even better was ending it inside her hotel room or his suite, with him making love to her. But it would not be at either place, because he would certainly be recognized at her hotel and his house was out of bounds right now.

The servants there talked, and his mother would certainly hear of it. They had apartments they used for out-of-town business associates and some of them were empty. He just had to convince her that it would be perfect if they ended up together. And then what? As if his life was not complicated enough.

He had a fiancée, and a mistress to boot. But he wanted her and the more time he spent with her, the more he realized how much he was craving this woman he had only just met.

“I could show you some pointers.” He told her with a smile. Her head was back, and she was breathing in the excellent sea air. And she looked sexy as hell.

“No thanks, I am fine right here.”

“Sure?”

“Positive.” She threw him a curious look. “Tell me about yourself.”

“What would you like to know?” He navigated the waters and frowned slightly at the scudding grey clouds almost covering the sun.

“Nothing that is in the magazines or on the internet.”

“What else is there?” he asked her teasingly.

“Your childhood; I know you are an only child.”

“That’s correct.”

“So am I.”

“A lonely existence, some might say.”

“I guess so.” Kimani could not believe she had told him that about her life. He was Valentino Calderone and had been kind enough to show her around and invited her on his boat, something she was not certain she understood. Surely, a man like him had better things to do. And should she have accepted?

She was here to work and had to admit that as soon as she had landed in the country, the magical beauty of the place had captured her and turned her into a different person. A handsome man was flirting with her, and she was flattered by the attention. But she had to be her usual realistic self and proceed with caution.

“It’s getting late,” She muttered, standing up suddenly.

“Watch it!” he shouted, but his warning came too late. The vessel swayed and she lost her footing. Because she had been so close to the edge, it did not take much for her to topple overboard!

“Cristo!” Valentino felt his heart hammering inside his chest as he engaged the autopilot. He did not know if she could swim. The last thing he wanted was to have her death on his conscience. Dragging off his boat shoes, he dove into the water, calling out her name.

“Kimani! Where are you?” he went down again and felt the palpable relief when he found her the second time. And she was hurt! There was blood coming from the back of her head and she was unconscious. Dragging her with him, he struggled to climb back onto the boat while carrying her dead weight.

“Please let her be okay,” he muttered in Italian. By the time he pulled her on deck, his chest felt as if it was on fire.

He had to get her out of the wet clothes and down below so that he could tend to her. Taking several deep breaths, he carefully lifted her again and made his way down the stairwell. It was getting darker by the minute, and it looked as if a storm was brewing. He cursed the lousy timing and the accident.

He finally managed to get her onto the bunk and started to take off her clothes. He could not chance her catching pneumonia. But she was so still, he fretted as he removed her clothing. He tried to avoid staring at her almost naked form, the flat stomach, and the generous curves of her thighs, but he could not help himself.

Hissing out a breath, he went to get a blanket to wrap her in, before going to the cabinet to get the first aid kit. He was sincerely hoping that she was not suffering from a concussion and could just see the headlines now and his mother’s thunderous expression.

Biting off a sigh, he set about cleaning the wound, relieved that it was not so deep that it would require stitches.

“Please wake up.” He whispered as he started to chafe her wrists. He studied her face in repose, admiring the long lashes that were making shadows on her cheeks. Her hair was plastered down, and she looked very young and vulnerable. Her eyes flickered open suddenly and he gave a great sigh of relief. “What happened?”

“You decided to take a swim.” He told her huskily. “How are you?”

“Woozy.” She tried to sit up, but he pushed her back gently.

“Not yet.”

Suddenly, she noticed the blanket and that she was not wearing her clothes. “You undressed me.”

“To stop you from catching a cold. Let me get you some water.”

Chapter 5

She took the glass of water from him and drank it down thirstily. Her head was throbbing, but it was not unbearable. What was uppermost in her mind was the fact that here she was almost naked with only her underwear on, and they were alone on his speedboat and he was Valentino.

"How about something to eat?"

"I am not sure…what are you doing?" She whispered, shrinking back as he sat on the edge of the bunk.

"Checking your wound." He gave her an amused look. "What does it look like?"

"Nothing." She started to shake her head, but he gripped her chin.

"Hold still." His deep, slightly accented voice did the trick and she stopped moving. "You gave me quite a scare,” he added absently as he turned her head to examine the wound. "It does not look too bad, and the bleeding has stopped.

I thought I was going to have to take you to the hospital or radio for help." He probed the cut and she winced. "Painful?"

“A little."

"I was afraid you would be suffering from a concussion."

"Thankfully I am not." His nearness was becoming a source of discomfort for her, and his gentle touch was making her heart flutter a little which was ridiculous and kind of cliche.

The handsome foreigner touching her and sending heat throughout her body sounded like a damned novel. "I am fine," she asserted, willing him to move away.

"I am just making certain." He continued to probe her wound, but that changed as he started to massage her scalp and ventured down to her neck.

“I am okay, really. Shouldn't we be heading back?" She no longer cared that she sounded like a scared schoolgirl, his touch was unnerving.

"There is a storm, it's best to stay put until it passes over us."

'We could get shipwrecked." She had no idea what she was talking about, having never been on a boat before or aware of the weather pattern in a foreign country.

"It will be over soon and there is no fear of us getting shipwrecked." His deep voice was amused, clearly telling her that he was laughing at her.

"It's a logical conclusion." She told him defensively. He was massaging the back of her neck and sending awareness spiking through her.

"Is it?" Valentino had had no intention of starting anything, not this soon. He told himself that she was hurt and vulnerable and he should leave her alone, but he had seen her practically naked, and he was touching her, there was no going back now. "Your skin is so soft."

"Well, most skin is." She stifled a gasp when he touched her throat, probing the hollow of it. She should stop him before it was too late. But wasn't it already? His long fingers were making promises that she could not ignore. "What?"

"I would like to see more," he murmured, pressing her back down, his hands wandering to her breasts. She did not protest when he unclasped the front hook of her bra and slid the shoulders off.

A groan came from deep inside his throat as he stared at the generous nipples that were hardening under his intent gaze. He touched the one nearest to him, the movement almost a reflex action.

She squirmed, and he touched some more, his finger circling the tight bud. He wanted to taste it and with that yearning inside his mind, he looked at her, his request silently transmitted.

She gave her permission, the misgivings and uncertainties drifting away. She wanted this, she realized hazily. It would be her very first time, but she wanted to experience the passion that was raging inside her.

She saw his head descending and held her breath in anticipation of what he was about to do. She’d never had it done to her before but knew instinctively that it was going to be exciting--he was going to make it exciting--and she was not wrong.

The swirl of his tongue on the tight bud of her nipple had her gasping, her fingers clenching at her sides.

He toyed with her slowly, drawing out the pleasure, and she could feel the heat suffusing her body. Then he took her nipple inside his mouth, and she could swear she saw shooting stars blazing in front of her eyes. She had to bite down hard on her bottom lip not to cry out in shocked delight.

He started to suckle, and every inhibition and uncertainty fled from her like so much smoke. Her body heaved and shuddered, and she knew she wanted it all! But then he lifted his head, his handsome face taut, dark eyes questioning her.

"Yes." She told him breathlessly. Recriminations will surely come later, but she could not turn back now. She was in a foreign country with a handsome man, and she was going to ignore the fact that he was clearly out of her league. "Please."

Pulling the blanket down, he gazed at her flat stomach, eyes drifting to the apex of her thighs covered by the flimsy lace.

"I want to pleasure you." His accent had deepened and only made the words more erotic to her ears.

"I want that too." He had not asked for a response, but somehow, she felt like she should give him one.

"You will let me pleasure you with my hands and mouth before I do so with my cock."

His blunt words threw her for a moment and all she could do was stare at him.

"Yes."

"I will make it wonderful for you." He maybe did not know it, but his words were doing something to her stomach.

"I know."

"You liked it when I sucked your nipple."

"Yes."

He nodded and started to remove her panties. Suddenly the shyness that had been there before came rushing in and she stopped him.

"You do not want to?" He was staring at her with a frown.

"I am not used to…" She heaved out a breath and realized that now was the time to let him know. And if he asked her to get dressed and turn away, she was going to die. "Here is the thing…"

She breathed in deep this time. "I have never done this before." It was said in a rush, and she was not certain he had heard her, but the shocked look on his face told her he had.

"You are an innocent?"

"I would not put it that way," she muttered. She was practically naked before him and would have preferred anything but the look of surprise that had replaced that of passion. "I never met anyone I would like to—Oh! please stop looking at me as if I just told you I am an alien."

"You have taken me by surprise. Perhaps we should stop." His eyes drifted to her sex and knew that if she agreed, he was going to go quietly mad or even loudly so. Her revealing her innocence would not deter him, he was burning up for her.

"Do you want to?"

His eyes flew to her face, and he shook his head. "No."

"Neither do I."

"That is good." He hesitated a moment before peeling off her panties, his breath catching inside his throat. The enormity of what they were about to do, what he was about to do, was not lost on him.

was going to destroy her maidenhead. He had been with a virgin before, but that had been when he was thirteen; he could barely recall the act because it had been his first time. Now he was a grown man and had been with more than his fair share of women.

He was going to be the one to teach her and it humbled him greatly. He would make her reach for the sky, he would pleasure her so much that she would simply go mad from wanting him.

He would…he would certainly stop debating and get on with it. Getting to his feet, he took off his clothes hurriedly until he was standing before Kimani completely naked, his cock throbbing earnestly.

Valentino was Italian and had never been shy about his body. They had a place in Corfu, and he had swum there in the nude and had sex right there on the beach with other people milling around. He was tanned and kept his body in shape religiously. He had a personal trainer but preferred doing his own routine.

He had been told by many women that he was an excellent lover but had never needed validation.

He was from Europe and European men prided themselves on having perfected the art of lovemaking. He would teach her everything, he vowed, as he lowered himself on the bunk, his hand reaching out to touch her face and then her throat.

Her skin was silky soft and so flawless. And she was ready and eager for him. Lowering his head, he brushed his lips against hers slightly, capturing the sigh inside his mouth. He nibbled at her bottom lip, soothing it with his tongue, drawing just inches away when she lifted her face to deepen the kiss. "Not yet," he whispered.

He kissed the sides of her mouth slowly, his tongue teasing and titillating. Kimani could not keep still, and she turned towards his mouth, desperately seeking something more. He finally gave it to her, his tongue darting inside her mouth, exploring the sweet crevice.

His tongue touched hers and what he had feared happened! The kiss turned wild and primitive. Kimani's hands lifted to wrap around his neck as she brought his body closer to hers. He made a desperate attempt to keep her at bay, but she was moving too much, making it extremely difficult for him.

Dragging his lips from hers, he had to make an effort to slow his heart rate and was amazed that the torrid kiss had him wanting more and had inflamed his body so much that he was losing control.

he muttered something in Italian before kissing her chin and moving down to her throat.

Kimani clutched at him tightly as he kissed the top of her breasts and wanted fervently for him to just continue, to take the nipple inside his mouth, but he moved further down, his mouth soft as he kissed her belly and moved further down.

She went rigid, could not help herself, and the further down he ventured, the more rigid she became, until she felt as if her spine was breaking in two.

"There is nothing to be afraid of." He had sensed her reluctance, or was it her fear? And he wanted to reassure her.

"I know."

"You are stiff as a board." He pointed out huskily. He wanted to taste her more than he had ever wanted to taste a meal before and the musky scent of her was driving him insane. But he also wanted her to relax.

'I am not used to…"

"I would like to give you the utmost pleasure." To show her what he had planned, he eased a finger into her and heard when she gasped, her thighs widening. "I will try not to hurt you too much."

His breath was coming fast and his chest was rising in agitation. "You are wet," he whispered shakily, carefully easing in some more. "It means you are ready for me. Just feel." He ducked his head and touched her swollen flesh with his tongue.

Kimani reared up and cried out, her fingers clutching at the sheets, her eyes wide. Valentino inhaled her scent and felt faint from the longing surging through his unsuspecting body. He used the tip of his tongue to taste her, his body shuddering from the desire.

Then he plunged in deep, gripping her hips when she moved against his mouth. He tongued her ruthlessly, his control completely gone and when she came, he could not stop his fingers from digging into her hips as he guided her movements.

Moving upwards swiftly he climbed on top of her, his cock so hard that he felt as if it would burst. His face was fierce, his heart slamming inside his chest with a ferocity that was alarming.

Reaching between them, he guided himself just at the entrance, probing slightly, swallowing the lump inside his throat as he felt her wetness gliding around him.

"You enjoyed that." His voice was thick and did not sound like his own. He did not recognize himself; his skin was feverish to the touch, and he was eager to feel her wrap around his thick length.

"Yes." Her fingers sought his chest, wandering over the dense hairs there. She was on the verge of something so great that she did not want to wait, but she did not want it to end either. "Yes." She murmured again in wonder.

"I will hurt you but not by choice. If I could…" His teeth gritted as he eased in even more.

"I don't care. I want this…I want you." Her words fueled him, and he could not help but push in even more, his body lowering.

When she lifted her hips, he had to accommodate her. He had tried to slow things down in order not to hurt her, but this was getting out of hand, he was getting out of hand! He shoved into her and broke through the barrier, capturing her lips so that he could swallow her cries of pain.

He went still, his fingers digging into her hair, touching her face as he kissed her, his tongue making love to hers in a wild primitive dance. He was giving her a chance to recover, wanting her to become used to his thickness and willing the pain to go away and the pleasure to take its place.

And it did; he felt it when she lifted her body against his, her hands tight around his neck, fingers digging into his skin. He moved then, slowly at first, and then picking up speed as she moved with him.

His body slid into hers, the friction caused by her extreme tightness making him lightheaded, his hands were all over her, drifting to her rib cage and then her hips as he continued to thrust into her.

She came again and the climax was too much, so earth shattering that she had to drag her lips from his as her breath was backed up inside her throat. She called out his name, the tears running down her cheeks, her body engulfed in flames.

He fought to keep his own climax from erupting, but he had not counted on the addictive power she had over his body--he was not in control and the climax, Mio Dio, nothing had ever felt so damned good! So intensely passionate, the climax wrung cries from him and had him driving desperately into her.

He had not protected himself, he had never been careless or foolish before, had never let his guard down like this, he certainly could not afford to, but none of that mattered to him one bit as he poured himself into this intriguing and sexy woman.

Even after he had emptied himself into her, he could not move, the shudders were still wracking his body and his heart was still thundering inside his chest. He kissed her, his tongue darting into her mouth, his hands gripping her face as he ravaged her.

He was still buried deep inside her and did not want to move--did not want the intimacy to end just yet. He did not want to come back to earth--not just now--not when he was in the middle of something so glorious that there were certainly no words for it.

And he would have her again; he was far from being deflated. Kissing her, his tongue exploring her mouth, was giving his cock another charge and he had never thought it was possible for him to get erect after he had just spent himself deep inside her.

But she was moving against him, her hips lifting eagerly to feel him again. And he was happy to oblige her--happy to make love to her again.

He had no idea what was going to happen after this--she would be leaving, and he buried the troubling thought. The idea of her leaving was doing things to his insides, she was doing insane things to him that he could not find the words to describe.

He moved his hips slowly, languidly at first. Before, it had been frenzied and somewhat hurried because of the pressure from their desire, but now he could take his time and make it last longer. Ending the kiss, he placed his hands on either side of her face and eased out until only the tip of him was inside her.

His dark eyes met hers, holding the limpid eyes as he inched into her. One hand reached between them, and he used his fingers to grip his cock, wet from their combined climaxes. He grunted as he felt the stickiness of her lost maidenhead and felt his body shudder with emotions.

He drove in and then came back out until he was at the edge of her. He had been the one to take her innocence and the very idea of it made him wild with renewed longing. "You are sore, perhaps?" The question came quietly, as he stared at her. He should give her time to rest but he was insatiable, and he wanted more.

"A little." Her hands curled into his chest as she raised her hips to his.

"Would you like me to stop?"

"Not at all."

"I should…" he grunted when she lifted her head and used her tongue on his nipple. Swearing ripely in his language, he drove into her forcefully, his hands gripping her hips. "Mio Dio!" She was nibbling at his nipple, sending white hot darts of fire licking at his testicles.

A cry erupted from him when she bit into his flesh, the climax claiming her. It claimed him as well and his hands fisted, beating on the bunk as his body shuddered from the force of it. He waited a few minutes before he pulled out of her and stumbled off the bunk, his body not quite steady.

He was parched and unnerved and had to take a couple of minutes. His cock was still dripping and when he looked down at it he could see the combined climaxes covering all of him up to the dense dark hairs of his sex.

The eroticism of it was not lost on him and taking his cock between his fingers, he massaged the moisture into his skin, his eyes on the woman spread out on the bunk. Her thighs were still parted, and he could see the swollen flesh and how wet she was.

His eyes drifted to her breasts where he had fed so hungrily before going to her parted lips, swollen from his kisses, and the dark brown eyes limpid with passion. And he wanted more.

He was going to take more. They were inside his boat with no outside interference--no press, no mistress or fiancée--he winced as he reflected that he would be going back to the real world after this.

His mother--shaking his head, he dismissed the troubling thought of the woman who was bound to question his absence as soon as he saw her and concentrated on the woman waiting for him. "I am hungry for you." He admitted hoarsely.

"I know you are sore, and I would like to stop, but I find I cannot. I am going to have you again.” He looked down at his cock, which was burgeoning between his fingers, in wonder. "Will you let me have you?"

"Yes." She whispered.

"I promised I would teach you." Walking forward, he turned her onto her stomach and ordered her to get on her knees. "I will take you from behind." His hands wandered over her buttocks. "Just let me know if I am hurting you…"

He broke off with a groan as he moved into position behind her. He sank into her and felt as if his heart was about to stop; the feeling of being buried into her this way was indescribable and he stayed that way to savor her tightness.

His hands passed over her back as he muttered almost to himself in Italian. He finally moved, his head drifting back, his mouth open as his breath escaped.

He increased the pace, how could he not when it felt so damned good! Reaching down he toyed with her swollen flesh and shuddered when she cried out in shocked pleasure.

They came together, their combined cries echoing around the small space as he collapsed on top of her.

Chapter 6

Kimani was beside herself. Valentino had finally taken them back to shore and they had made the short journey in silence, each enmeshed in their own thoughts.

The worse thing was that instead of taking her back to her hotel, he had called a driver to take her there, making it clear that he did not want to have anything more to do with her. He had given her a curt nod before leaving.

Now she was inside her hotel room, reaping the consequences of her mistake. She had given her innocence to a man who was way out of her league. Plopping down onto the edge of the bed, she rubbed her temples where a headache was brewing.

She had to tell Monique she thought in anguish, who was going to think that this promotion had been misplaced. She had let Romano's down. Three days in the country and she had slept with the CEO, or co-CEO, of the very company they were doing business with.

What was she going to say? "Oh, Monique, I have the funniest story. Remember what happened when you went to Italy that time and you slept with your now husband? Girl, the same thing happened to me.

I slept with Valentino Calderone, on his speedboat of all places, and he transported me to heaven. And afterwards he treated me like crap, and I have no idea how I am going to face him again after what I did." She could just imagine what Monique would say.

The woman was cool and all and a very good employer, but surely she had her limits. She was also going to tell her husband and that man was scary as hell. She would be fired!

How could she have been so damned stupid? Valentino Calderone had women dropping their panties for him all day long, and she had always prided herself on being smart and sensible.

She had gone through so much and had resolved that she would never allow anyone or anything to get in the way of her making something of herself. The one time she had been given an awesome opportunity, she had allowed it to turn into a banana peel for her.

She was due back at the House of Calderone tomorrow and for the next few days. In fact, she was supposed to meet with the mother. "Oh God!" she cried softly.

How was Kimani going to sit there in front of her, knowing that she had slept with the woman’s son after their first meeting? She was a damned slut! How could she have saved herself for years only to have it come down to this? A one-night stand with some mega rich Italian on her first visit to the country.

She had never been tempted before--what had happened to her now? The bump on her head must have addled her brain, that was the only explanation, and oh, good God! she had sex with him without him using protection. “God help me," she whispered, refusing to give into tears.

"Please help me, God. I promise that I will start going back to church, give to the poor, and hand out tracks." She stopped, realizing that she would never go that far. "Just, please do not let my foolish actions bring about any consequences. I am already suffering as it is."

She closed her eyes as the time below deck came flashing back to her. She had simply melted.

There was no other word for it, she had melted on that bunk, mindless with passion and desire. It had been the first time for her, and it had been paradise. Never in her wildest imagination had she thought that anything like that existed.

And he had not called her to find out if she had arrived safely at her hotel, which simply meant that he regretted it, regretted that he had been with her. She had given her virginity to a perfect stranger after saving herself…

She ended the thought abruptly and stood to her feet. She was an adult and had never believed in regrets. It had happened and there was no turning back at this point. She had done something foolish, albeit glorious and amazing, and it was already done.

She would cool off for a day to regroup and would go back to the House of Calderone with her head held high.

She was going to call and tell that lofty assistant that she had come down with some sort of twenty-four hour bug and try and come to terms with her mistakes and pray fervently that there were no consequences attached.

*****

Valentino bit off an impatient sigh as soon as he stepped into the house and realized that his mother was in the living room.

"Join me, will you?" It was not a request and they both knew it.

Nodding curtly, he did as she ordered and went to pour himself a drink from the well-stocked liquor cabinet in the corner of the vast room. He had spent the time from the harbor in deep thought and had wanted to come home and go straight to his room and he needed to call Kimani.

He had not spoken a word since he made love to her because he had no idea what to say. For the first time in his life he was at a loss for words, and it was confounding him.

"Where have you been?"

"Out." He said briefly as he turned to face her, steeling his expression in order not to reveal anything. His mother was the most discerning person he knew and could spot a lie from several feet. He could not allow her to discover the truth.

The representative from Romano's had been involved with him on their first meeting--they would both be in trouble, she much more than him, and she would probably lose her job. Aurora Calderone was not a very forgiving person or an understanding one at that.

"Allegra said you took that woman out. Is that true?" She demanded.

Valentino took a sip of his scotch and took his time in responding. Anything he told her now would be held against him, and he had to think about Kimani. "I offered to show her a bit of Naples that the tour guide had not."

His mother eyed him for a moment before taking a sip of her cocktail. "That is certainly not your job and you had meetings…"

"I wanted to show her some hospitality, surely you cannot object to that." He pointed out smoothly, willing her to accept his reasoning.

"I do not approve of my son, the second-in-command, escorting around a representative from some foreign country. We have people for that."

"And I wanted to do it. The meetings were rescheduled, and I handled a few of them remotely."

She stared at him again and he had to force himself not to fidget. She had done that to him when he was a little boy and had managed to pull secrets from him, but now he was a grown man with a lot more experience at avoiding her trap.

"Very well. I hope that this is the last of your tour guiding chores. She is to meet with me tomorrow."

"Is she?" He asked casually as he lifted the glass to his lips. "Whatever for? I thought you wanted me to handle things with her."

"Nonsense!" She waved a dismissive hand. "We have our hands full and from what I was told, she has already made her selections. I am rather impressed by her taste by the way, she is very good."

"That she is." He forced himself not to show his admiration for her.

"And after the tour?"

"Pardone?" He blinked at the unexpected question.

"You have been gone for the better part of the day, Valentino, where else did you go?"

He could not tell her that he took Kimani on his boat and prayed that there had not been a reporter out to get a story. He had called a driver to take her home and could count on his discretion.

"I went for a ride on my boat." He told her the partial truth.

"And where was she?"

He laughed harshly and could not help that it sounded forced. "Why Mama, all these questions. It is beginning to sound like a classic interrogation. She was back at her hotel I presume."

Aurora eyed him for a full two minutes and he found himself holding his breath. "You are right of course; I tend to be inquisitive when it comes to my son." She took another sip of the drink. "I am going to invite her to the fashion show on Friday. I understand she is here for two weeks?"

"So I gather."

Aurora nodded and got gracefully to her feet. "I will send an invitation over to the hotel where she is staying, or give it to her when she comes by in the afternoon." Walking over to the cabinet, she put the glass away and touched his arm briefly.

Aurora Calderone did not believe in any show of affection, not even in the privacy of her own home. "I will bid you Buona Notte." She studied his classically handsome face for a few seconds and her expression softened. "You do look tired."

"I will be retiring just now."

Valentino watched her glide from the room before tossing back his drink. Waiting a few minutes to make certain that she had gone, he turned and walked out of the room and headed up the spiral staircase, his body rigid with tension. He let himself into his suite and strode over to the bed in the middle of the room.

A maid had turned down his comforter in readiness for him to slide between the sheets. Not bothering to turn on the lamp, he undressed in the partial darkness with the sliver of light from the stingy moon shining through the ceiling-to-floor windows.

He never slept in any clothing at all, and he had no intention of taking a shower either.

He wanted to smell her on him, the musky scent of their combined climaxes that still lingered on him. One of the reasons he had not wanted to be in the same room as his mother was the smell of sex on him, and he had been surprised she had not detected it.

Walking over to the mirror in the corner of the room, he stood there and stared at his body. There were scratches on his chest where she had raked her blunt nails down his skin in the throes of her passion. Lifting a hand, he traced the welts slowly, grimacing slightly at the pain.

His hand drifted down to his flat stomach and to the dense hairs covering his sex. Drawing in a sharp breath, he touched the cluster of white moisture that had gathered there before drifting down to his cock.

A shuddering breath escaped him as he massaged the thickness which was already erect and closed his eyes, visualizing her wrapped securely around him like a blanket. His teeth clenched tightly as he gripped his cock between his fingers. He moved his hips forward, his breath coming fast between his teeth.

He was inside her--going in deep, the walls of her vagina gripping him tight and her nipples—his eyes flew open, and a tortured groan left his mouth as he staggered back from the mirror.

He could not see her or be with her that way again. He might have compromised her and that would be a disaster.

He was betrothed and even though the idea of marrying Sophia was getting more and more distasteful, he was dead certain that his mother would never allow a union between him and some 'nobody' from America. She was the House of Calderone and they were practically royalty.

He could not offer her a life with him because that was completely out of the question, and he cared too much for her to suggest that they have a discreet affair. He also had a feeling that she would never be amenable to that suggestion.

It had been an afternoon of discovery and wonder, and he was going to treasure it for the rest of his life, but it could never happen again--of that he was certain.

*****

Kimani felt like a fraud and a lousy liar. She had called Monique first to tell her that she was not feeling well, and the woman had been so sympathetic and concerned that she had almost told her the truth.

"Take something for it, darling. Send one of the hotel staff out to get something at the pharmacy, or they might have a pharmacy on the hotel grounds."

"I will do so. I am just going to stay in bed for the day and try to recover."

"That's what I recommend. I will deal with Aurora and let her know that you will not be able to see her for two days."

"I was thinking one."

"Nonsense! Take two days to recover and then call me. Get some rest."

Kimani had hung up with her, feeling awful, and then she had called her grandmother, who was just coming home from some soup kitchen at church, and the familiar voice had made her want to cry.

"I hope you have taken tons of pictures. Have you met any handsome Italians yet?"

"I do believe that is the only way to describe the men here." She told her lightly. Her mind drifted to the handsome Italian who had destroyed her peace of mind.

"Any of them asked you out?"

"About a dozen." She parried. "Tell me about church."

"It is not as interesting as your trip. The flu is going around, and half of the members are catching it. Pastor Reeves said to tell you to be careful around those foreigners. His words, not mine."

"Tell him I am being extremely vigilant."

"What kind of excited thing do you have planned for today?"

Kimani contemplated telling her that she was not well but knew she would be worried. "I have another meeting at the House of Calderone."

"You have not told me about the first meeting."

Kimani filled her in on the basics; describing the building in detail and the rooms with rows and rows of clothing in the latest fashion. "I have to go now, Grams. Duty calls."

"Take care, honey, and do not work too hard. I am also listening out to hear about the handsome man who will sweep you off your feet."

Kimani made some appropriate response before hanging up with her, a bleak expression on her face.

*****

"I thought Signora Nicholson was coming in this afternoon." Valentino remarked casually as he took his seat across from his mother at the conference table. The fashion show was coming up and the place was a flurry of activity.

The billboards had been put up advertising the event and showcasing some of the models. The excitement was in the air and the House of Calderone was pulsing with it.

"Monique Romano called." Aurora was flipping through a portfolio, a slight frown on her brow as she studied the photos there. "Apparently Signora Nicholson is not feeling at all well."

"Oh?" He forced himself not to take out his phone and call the hotel to check on her. He had spent last night twisting and turning inside his bed, unable to sleep or to get her out of his mind.

"Some virus or the other." Aurora waved her hand distractedly. "It is a good thing actually; we are swamped today."

"I suppose you are right." He murmured. "Ah, here comes the others."

For the rest of the meeting, he was unable to concentrate and found his mind wandering frantically to all sorts of scenarios and coming up to the logical explanation as to her absence.

She was having regrets about what they did--surely she could not know if she was pregnant this soon? He thought irrationally. Surely it would take time, and considering that she was leaving next week, she would be back home for some time before she could ascertain that she was not with child--his child.

His hands clenched into fists at the idea of his seed growing inside her. For some reason, the idea appealed to him. Then his mother would not be able to stop them from getting married.

She would realize that the baby was a Calderone heir and would insist on them getting married. If she was in fact carrying his child, it would be the perfect excuse for him to bow out of his engagement.

*****

"My dear!" Olga greeted her warmly and ushered her into the cozy living room with the quaint furnishings and brilliant throw rugs. "I hope you brought extra clothing because you will be spending the night."

Kimani smiled at the woman as she tucked her hand through hers. She had stayed inside the hotel room, mired in guilt and misery, and had decided to give Olga a call. The woman had been delighted to hear from her and had demanded that she come over at once. "I did."

"Excellent. Come, let's go into my favorite room. I have ordered an Italian breakfast for us and asked that we not be disturbed. How are you settling in?"

"Very good." Kimani looked around, admiring the blue and gold design of the elegant sitting room. "This is quite lovely."

"I designed it myself," Olga told her in approval. "After my husband died, I wanted to get rid of everything. Sit anywhere and I will play hostess."

"You were not in love with him?"

"I was completely in love with him." Olga poured the tea and handed the cup to her.

"I hope it is to your taste. I spent a lot of years in your country and acquired the taste of coffee even though we make the best ones right here. The biscotti’s are delicious, help yourself to as many as you like.

Where was I? Ah yes, we were talking about my charming and wonderful husband, who was English by the way." She added with a laugh. "Phillip and I met when I was vacationing in London. He was a proper gentleman with the most divine English accent.

We met in a little pub. I was drinking ale and content to be by myself when he came in and sat next to me. I was quite annoyed at the intrusion, and when he started talking, I had every intention of telling him just that when I turned to look at him.

Those blue eyes of his made quite an impression." She let out a breathless laugh. "He was in the military, you see, and had just come back from a tour. That man charmed the panties off me, and I mean that in the literal sense."

Kimani stared at her wide eyed. "You are saying that you slept with him on the first meeting?"

"Oh, don't look so shocked. He was the first man for me, and I never regretted giving him my innocence. I was young, just twenty years old, and had my first taste of freedom. He was an excellent lover and I fell in love with him then and he did with me.

He was not like your typical stodgy English man, and he made me laugh." She smiled dreamily. "He was going back to active duty in a few days, so we spent all of that time together. He made promises to me, promises that I paid no attention to--I did not care if he was lying to me--all because he had shown me a wonderful time."

"And what happened?"

Olga sipped her tea reflectively. "I came back home and kept the memory of what we had shared deep inside me. You see, I was betrothed to another, and I had been content to marry this man my parents had chosen for me until I met Phillip.

I broke it off even though I was threatened by my papa. I just knew I could not marry him when I was head over heels in love with my Phillip."

"And he came back."

Olga nodded. "We exchanged letters, and in those days the letters took long to reach their destination, but I did not care. I just wanted him to come home to me and he did."

Chapter 7

The afternoon flew by as Kimani sat there in the elegant sitting room and listened to Olga recount the years of her rather interesting life.

"I was content to be his wife when we just tied the knot." She reflected. The breakfast had been consumed and they were now relaxing on the comfortable sofas.

Olga had gone to get an old album that had seen better years, as evidenced by its tattered and shredded cover, colored brown with age, and as Kimani leafed through it, looking at the black and white photos, it was obvious that Olga had been a very beautiful woman, something that had not changed with age.

"That was when you decided to go into acting." Kimani murmured.

"Goodness no!" She said with a startled laugh. "I was twenty-three when I got married and giddy in love. All I wanted was to be the perfect wife to the man I had fallen in love with." She gave a sly smile.

"I am not afraid or ashamed to say that we spent the first two months mostly in bed. That man knew how to pleasure a woman and he got me addicted."

Kimani stared at her for a moment and then burst out laughing. "I see."

"I suppose you do." Olga dabbed at her eyes with a delicate handkerchief. "We existed in that state of drugged-out euphoria for six months, and then we decided that it was time to enter the real world.

He had brought me to the UK with him and had fallen into the family business. His family was not very wealthy, but wealthy enough because they owned a few inns and taverns all over Knightsbridge.

In those days I was expected to keep house, but my Phillip told me that I did not have to follow tradition, and if there was something I wanted to do, he would support me. At first, I could not for the life of me figure out what I wanted to do. In those days, there were limited options for females.

I thought about being a nurse but got rid of that idea when I fainted at the mere sight of blood. Then I thought about being a secretary, but I hated doing filing and taking shorthand. Then Phillip told me that I looked like a model and the idea hit me. I would be a model."

"And you did just that." Kimani stared at a black and white photo where she was posing in a rather lovely polka dot dress.

Olga nodded. "I was a natural at it and my husband supported me and did not think it was scandalous for me to pursue that line of career." She shook her head, her eyes misting. "He was the best man I knew, and I loved him so much more for allowing me to follow my dreams when it was not proper for him to do so.

I became passably successful and then I was approached by a director who said I could do commercials." She shook her head. "I did not take up acting full time until my Phillip died when I was in my fifties, and I had finished having our children." Her eyes misted again.

"How did he die?" Kimani asked softly, feeling a touch of envy for a love that outlives death and time.

"The dratted man survived the war only to drop dead of a heart attack. I was so mad at him that I wanted to kill him even though he was already dead." She shook her head.

"And you never remarried."

Olga shook her head. "I took several lovers while in Hollywood, but none could hold a candle to Phillip, and I could never bear the thought of taking someone else's name." Her intense dark eyes were trained on Kimani.

"I wish that for you, my dear, that you will find a man whom you can love with all your heart and one who will love you completely."

"One might say that kind of love could destroy you. Especially when you have lost that person." Kimani said lightly, her mind going back to yesterday and what she had experienced on that boat.

"That is utter nonsense." Olga snorted. "I would never exchange what Phillip and I had for anything in this world." She reached for the album and a photo caught her eye and she pointed it out to Kimani. "This is Diego Calderone."

"What?" Kimani stared at the black and white photo intently.

"House of Calderone, the very company you are here to do business with. That is, or rather was, Valentino's grandfather. The family and mine are related, distantly of course."

She leaned forward to stare at the dashing dark haired man that looked very much like the man who had taken her innocence and left her in such a state. "I had a huge crush on him but, of course, he was promised to someone else at the time.

It's a tradition in their family and it was in mine as well: arrangements with suitable people that would retain the perfect bloodline. Valentino is to marry Sophia Rossi very soon, those two have been engaged since they were children."

Kimani concentrated fiercely on the photo in front of her and tried to blot out the roaring inside her ears. She knew he was attached.

After all, a man like that, with looks and money and one so important in society had to be taken, but that had not stopped him from making love to her, not stopped him from doing intimate things to her that had her shaking from the intensity of it. It had not stopped him from making love to her three times without using anything.

"My dear?" Olga was looking at her in concern and it made her aware that she was holding the edges of the album in a death grip.

"Yes?"

"Are you quite alright?"

"Just a little dizzy." She responded with a forced smile.

"We should go and get some fresh air."

*****

"You have no idea where she has gone off to? I thought she was ill?"

"I am sorry Signor Calderone." The woman at the front desk was saying. Valentino had been unable to bear it any longer and had come to check for himself to find out how she was doing.

It was not a good idea, but he had been unable to help himself. "She left this morning before breakfast and did not say where she was heading. I could find out the transportation…"

"No, that is completely unnecessary." He shook his head and forced a smile. He did not want word getting back to his mother, or the chance of some nosy reporter taking an interest in the interest he was taking in some buyer from the states.

He had spent the morning trying to concentrate on what was going on around him and had failed dismally. "I am certain she will be back soon. I will sit in the hotel lobby." He heard how that sounded and made haste to clarify. "I have an associate who should be here shortly."

"Would you like some refreshments?" The woman asked politely, trying to mask the admiration in her gaze. He was used to women openly vying for his attention and did his best to ignore it.

"Not at all." Before the woman could follow up with an invitation to her apartment, he left the front desk and hurried to a luxuriously decorated open lobby with palm trees and comfortable seats.

Selecting one in the corner of the room where he would not be noticed, he sat down and looked around. When she finally did come back, he would be able to see her.

She had obviously lied to Allegra by saying that she was ill. She was clearly well enough to have gone out and had left early enough not to have eaten a meal. Where was she? Had she met someone--some man who invited her out for the day?

The thought of her with another man was making him edgy and restless, though he had no right to be. He did not have any claim on her at all and it would be unfair of him to be upset that she was with another man.

But the image of her naked flesh, the flesh that he had become so intimately familiar with by using his mouth and hands and then his cock…with a ragged sigh, he stopped the torturous thoughts from becoming full-blown and getting him in trouble.

He had told his mother and Allegra that he had to meet someone and would be back in the late afternoon.

He could not afford to be seen with here--not here where he would be recognized, and even if she was to walk in here, he could not acknowledge her unless it was just a casual greeting.

He could not sneak into her hotel room unless properly disguised, and he had a feeling that she would not be welcoming any further advances from him. He had ignored her all night last night and this morning. That certainly was unforgivable. And he had also ignored calls from Nadia.

The thought of being with her now after what he had shared with Kimani made him leery and depressed. He could suggest that she replace Nadia as his mistress but he had a feeling that would not sit well with her. And he could not disrespect her like that.

Rubbing his temples wearily, he wondered how on earth he was going to go on as if nothing momentous had happened to change the course of his life? He had just met her, and she had managed to turn his life upside down.

What if she was with child? Would she tell him? he wondered. She would be back in her country next week and he wanted to keep in touch with her in case…damn, he wanted to keep in touch with her even if she was not carrying his child.

Maybe he could go and visit her--try and make his visit as low-key as possible and try and be with her, make love to her--his riotous thought was interrupted by the arrival of an associate of theirs and he almost gritted his teeth in frustration.

Maisie Fullerton was an American who now lived in Naples and was the operator of an exclusive store which carried their brands and was doing very well. Her store was situated in the tourist section of town and her fashion blogs kept her quaint little shop very busy indeed.

"Valentino!" She was loud. brash, and quite the gossip. If she had the slightest inkling that he was waiting on a fellow American, he would be doomed. He was going to have to leave before getting the chance to see Kimani.

"Maisie," he automatically got to his feet and greeted her with a chaste kiss on one cheek. "How nice to see you."

"I was just on my way out from meeting with an associate." Her inquisitive green eyes darted around the area as if trying to find out if he was here to meet someone.

"Fancy seeing you here."

"I happen to come here every now and then." He made a show of looking at his watch. "And I had no idea the time had gone by so quickly."

"I understand there is a representative from Romano's staying here, some buyer."

"Ah, yes! I do believe that is the case."

"You have not seen her?"

"Only at the House."

"I suppose she will be at the fashion show."

"I think my mother is making certain that she will be." He glanced at his watch again and felt like the greatest of cowards. "I am afraid I have to run, business meeting to attend." With that, he strode away.

*****

"Signora, wait!" Kimani was making her way towards the elevator when the voice stopped her.

"Me?" She made a U-turn and pointed to herself, but clearly the front desk person was referring to her.

"Yes."

Making her way to the desk she stopped and waited for the woman to address her. "You had a visitor."

Her heart jumped inside her chest, and she forced herself to be calm. It could be anyone--of course it could not be anyone. She hardly knew anyone in Naples. A total of two—Olga, and she was just coming from her place, and Valentino--but why would he come looking for her when he had not called her?

"Signor Calderone." The woman was giving her a curious look beneath her lashes as if wondering why the very handsome and eligible Valentino was asking after her.

"Did he say what it was about?"

"He thought you were ill and asked if you had left before breakfast."

"And?" she prodded, waiting with bated breath.

"Then he went to sit by the lobby. Only he is not there anymore." She added as Kimani turned to look in that direction. "He left."

"I see, I did miss a business meeting." She felt the need to say to the curious woman.

"Oh?"

Obviously that explanation was not enough. Why would a very important man like Valentino be chasing after her if she had missed a meeting? It did not make much sense. "I will call the House and explain that I felt better and stepped out."

The woman nodded and thankfully the phone rang just then, giving Kimani a chance to make her escape and she took it gratefully, hurrying towards the elevator and up to her suite. Should she call him? She started pacing the length of the sitting room in agitation. Of course she could not call him.

She would have to go through his assistant who would probably want to know the nature of her call and then transfer her to the mother who would somehow know that she had been lying about being sick. And why would she want to see him anyway? He was engaged to be married and had not said a word to her.

Obviously, to him, she had been a welcome distraction, someone to toy with while he awaited the upcoming nuptials, which according to Olga, were slated to take place a mere two months from now.

A December wedding, how romantic she thought sarcastically. He had spent a torrid evening with her, engaging in all sorts of intimacy and had never once said that he was engaged to be married and that he had a mistress!

Apparently, he was a very busy man and she had obliged him by being easy and opening her damned thighs and letting him slide easily between them. He must be laughing his ass off and had come back for more. Her dark brown eyes flashed murderously.

He was probably here to tell her that he would like her to replace his current mistress The nerve of him! The thought of it was making her angrier by the minute.

But she could not blame him, could she? Maybe just a little. He did take advantage of her weakened state. She had been hit on the back of the head, fallen into the sea, and almost drowned.

Surely her common sense, which she prided herself on having, had been severely impaired. He had not gotten a bump on the head and swallowed salt water down his throat.

Granted, he had jumped in to rescue her and had tended to her wound and taken off her sodden clothing, but he had been perfectly sane and in full control of all his faculties.

He should have done the decent thing and left her alone, taken her back to the harbor and allowed her to go home. Instead, he had seduced her with his magnificent body and his tongue and his penis. She sank down on the edge of the bed, her wobbly knees failing to support her.

"Oh, God!" she whispered shakily, passing a hand across the back of her neck. How was she going to be okay with this? She was going to try and wrap things up as quickly as possible and do her best not to see him during the short duration of her stay.

She had decided against staying the night at Olga's, assuring the woman that she would be back and would stay overnight. But now she was regretting that she had come back here. Her suite was too big and sitting here on the bed reminded her of all the things he had done to her and with her.

Her nipples were still sore and sensitive where he had suckled until she had thought she was going clean out of her mind. Her eyes drifted closed as she recalled his hands between her thighs, his fingers touching her…

Dragging a deep sigh from her chest, she flopped back onto the bed and took several deep breaths. He would go back to his mistress and forget all about the woman from the states who had been so easy with her favors. Fool that she had been!

*****

"Why?" Nadia stared at him in dismay.

Valentino had wrestled with the decision to come by the apartment and give her the news in person.

But it had to be done. She could keep the apartment and he would continue to pay the bills, but he could not be with her anymore. Even being here with her in the bedroom was making him edgy and restless. And the attraction that had been slipping away before he made love to Kimani had died a quick death.

"I am getting married." He hated the weak excuse and felt foolish for using it.

Apparently, so did she. "You always knew that, and it never made a difference." She pointed out.

He felt like a deer caught in the headlights and wished that he had imparted the news over the phone, or maybe sent her an email, explaining why he could not see her anymore.

"I want to settle down." The lies were getting more ridiculous, and he despised the fact that he had placed himself in this position. He sighed and came forward to sit on the stuffed rose-colored chair with the spindly legs.

He had been generous to her, giving her carte blanch to design the place as she saw fit, and she had taken him at his word, turning the bedroom into a boudoir complete with sheer curtains surrounding the bed and soft lights all around the room.

He vaguely recalled her telling him that she had seen the design in some magazine and hoped he was pleased. He had not cared one way or the other.

"I must apologize for hurting you this way Nadia and promise to settle a generous amount of money…"

"I don't want your money!" She cried.

He blinked at that, surprised at the exclamation. "You don't?"

"No." She shook her head furiously. "I want you."

"You never had me." He told her tightly. He had been hoping to avoid this kind of scene and could not believe he was in the middle of it. "You always knew it would end one day. I am offering you some money and this place."

He swung a hand around the area. "It will be yours to do with as you wish. The title is in my name and will be transferred to you, if you wish. You may do with it what you wish, and I am also offering you some money so that you can enjoy a measure of independence."

"You never saw me as anything more than your mistress." She told him bitterly.

"Which was precisely what you were." He was getting impatient now and tired of the conversation. "Nothing more."

"Of course not. I am not good enough to be anything else."

"You already knew that I was engaged to be married."

"And even if you were not, I would still not be good enough."

He rose to his feet, determined to end the conversation. '"I will leave you to…"

"You are just going to leave?" She cried, jumping off the bed, her rose pink robe flapping open to reveal that she had readied herself in preparation for his arrival. She was completely naked, her body gleaming from the lights of the various lamps scattered around the room. "I showered and shaved…I waited for you…"

"I apologize Nadia, but I do believe that a clean break would be best." His expression softened as he stared at her. It was not her fault that he had met someone else, someone who had twisted him into a complicated knot and placed him into an untenable position.

"Take care of yourself. I apologize again. I will instruct my banker to transfer the money into your account and please do not be foolish and not accept it."

Chapter 8

Kimani dressed with extra care, choosing a dress she had brought with her, it was green shot through with gold and molded to her generous body like a glove.

She had spent last night giving herself the 'talk' and realized that she could not hide inside her hotel suite any longer, it was time to get the hell out of the room and stop cowering. Besides, she was not the cowering type, but then again, she had never been in this sort of crises before.

No matter--she straightened her shoulders and firmed her lips. She would go into that function at the House of Calderone with her head held high and she would have the time of her life.

It was one of the biggest fashion shows of the year and she would be present for it. She was not going to allow anything or anyone to ruin it for her, not even the foolish mistake she had made. He would be there of course, and no doubt his fiancée as well, but she would ignore them.

They were the hosts, so it would be required of her to be polite and courteous, and she could do that.

She was here to represent Romano's and even though she had already let them down, from this point on, she was going to be the soul of discretion and make up--she shook her head as she realized that she could not make up for what she had done. But she was going to damn well try!

Turning to face the mirror, she gazed at her reflection. Her thick, dark hair was loose around her face and her shoulders. Her makeup was flawless even though she had applied it herself, and the orange lipstick was striking against her skin and highlighted her full lips.

Round gold hoops were at her lobes, and she had chosen a hammered gold necklace to wear. She was ready. A car was picking her up at the entrance of the hotel and she did not want to keep the driver waiting. Grabbing her jacket, she left the room and headed out.

Monique had called inquiring about her health, and she had felt so guilty that she had almost blurted out the truth, stopping herself just in time. She had told the woman that she was fully recovered and ready to finish the buying.

"I think I will be ready to leave before the two weeks."

"Really? If you wrap things up early, you can always take the extra days to do some more sightseeing."

"That's very generous of you."

"Darling, you are there for two weeks, make the most of it. It's Naples after all."

Where I have made a complete fool of myself, Kimani thought in despair.

The appreciative whistles and catcalls from the men in the hotel lobby boosted her confidence so much that by the time she was inside the car assigned to her, she was smiling.

*****

Valentino found himself adjusting his sports jacket several times as his eyes wandered around the room. Sophia was standing by his side, smiling prettily for the cameras.

She had apologized to him and begged him to forgive her, and that she had no idea what came over her. "I was a bit overwhelmed and frightened." She had explained and he had felt slightly disgusted and even more turned off.

"Please excuse me," he murmured to her, and without waiting for her response, he went straight to the bar. The entire second floor had been decorated and changes made to accommodate the amount of people that had been invited for the event.

It was a huge one and there were people from all over the world. The House of Calderone was showcasing the latest fashion, and people were eager to see first-hand what it was all about and to make their bids.

Normally, he would have been very excited, he had a major hand in the preparation of the event, but tonight he was restless and out of sorts. Not to mention the fact that

Nadia had been calling and leaving messages on his voicemail. And he was yearning for a woman he had just met. He could barely sleep at night because he was thinking of her and that evening on his boat. He had not been out on it again; he could not bear stepping foot on it because of what had transpired.

"Signor Calderone, might I interest you in…" he had no idea what else the man behind the counter said as his gaze was caught by the vision just coming into the room. The green and gold dress was striking and suited her well. She looked magnificent.

Her hair, those thick curls he had gripped in the throes of passion, was loose around her face, and her lips, Mio Dio! his cock tightened with need as he stared at them. He wanted to kiss her, wanted to make love to her so much that he could taste it!

He started to get up from his seat, but common sense prevailed. Reporters from all over the world were milling around the room and his mother was holding court with some designers, her watchful eyes taking in everything.

He could not very well march over there--he was going to have to play it cool. Just then, Allegra was greeting her and escorting her over to where his mother was to make a proper introduction.

He had to calm down sufficiently and try to appear as if he was not affected by her presence. He had no idea how he was going to regain his common sense and go through the long evening without showing his hand, but he had to be calm, as difficult as that was going to be.

Taking a deep breath, he left the bar and made his way towards them, a forced smile on his face.

“Darling, I was just telling Signora Nicholson that she is looking lovely.” Aurora addressed him as soon as he came alongside them. He saw Kimani stiffen and forced himself not to demand that she dance with him. He wanted to feel her body next to him, but he had to wait.

“Indeed. Signora.” Taking her hand in his, his grip tightened when he felt her resistance and he brought it to his lips. “A pleasure to see you again.”

She smiled at him sweetly, tugging her hand that was still captured in his. “I was just introduced to your lovely fiancée as well.” The others in the circle were not aware of the significance of what was exchanged between them, but he was, and he tried desperately to portray his apology, but she was having none of it.

Tugging her hand away, she turned to the women and completely cut him out by turning her back on him as she continued the conversation, forcing him to seek conversation elsewhere.

She avoided him for the rest of the evening, but she was not short of companions.

Men were drawn to her like magnets, and he felt himself getting agitated as the portly gentleman touched her arm as they leaned forward and whispered something in her ear. He could barely concentrate on what Sophia was saying, so caught up was he with her and what she was doing.

He had started to approach her several times, but she circumvented his approach and he had to divert to somewhere else.

“Scusi.” He muttered, cutting Sophia off in the middle of a sentence. “I have to speak to someone.” He was stopped so many times on his way that he had to force himself not to lash out at them in his impatience. It was almost time for the models to be showcased, and when that happened he would be swamped.

He had to hold her in his arms, and it had to be now. He finally made his way to her and, rudely cutting off the man who had been monopolizing her attention, he purposefully guided her onto the dance floor.

“I don’t want to dance with you.” She was aware of the many reporters milling around that were more than likely focused on him. She was so mad that it was taking a concentrated effort not to allow her fury to spew over.

“Tough.” He was smiling through gritted teeth, but his fingers were digging into her waist. “You were allowing him to…how do you say it? Maul you.”

Her head snapped up and she looked at him in shock. “It is my body…”

“I was the first man to make love to you.”

“And I want to thank you for the experience. Now we both can walk away without any ill feelings. You have a fiancée and a mistress…”

“I no longer have a mistress.”

“But you are still engaged.”

His mouth tightened at that as he brought her closer to him. “I want you. I know I should have called you before…”

“You do not owe me any explanation.” She smiled up at him, her cheeks straining from the forced movement. “We both acted in the moment, and now it is over. We get to go back to our own lives without remorse. I must commend you, it was my first experience, and I am grateful that you are such a very capable lover.”

“You cannot be telling me goodbye.”

She fixed a smile on her face as she looked at him. She had prepared how she was going to act and what she would say if and when he approached her, and she was determined to stick to the narrative.

“Not just yet, because I have a few more days left.”

“I would like to make love to you again.”

Kimani felt her stomach flutter and cursed him for making her yearn for him so much. Her heart had slammed inside her breast as soon as she saw him. He was terribly handsome, and she was quite certain that most of the women, single or not, noticed that as well.

And he had probably been with most of them as well. She was grouped in with the crowd of women who had been foolish enough to drop their panties for him and that made her very angry, mostly with herself.

“We cannot always get what we want now, can we? Not even someone as entitled as you are.”

“I understand that you are angry…”

“Oh, but you are mistaken, ” she told him sweetly. The song--a lively one sung by some Italian celebrity who was prancing on the stage--was coming to an end, thankfully. If she had to stay this close to him for much longer, she was going to disgrace herself by showing him how much she wanted him.

“Like I said, it has been an experience and I am grateful to you for giving it to me, Signor Calderone.” Before he could stop her, she pulled out of his arms and made her way back to where the damned man was waiting for her.

But he could not follow her. It was time for the models to be on stage and he was involved. Schooling his features, he made his way to the podium.

*****

Kimani wished she could leave. The longer she stayed the more she was aware of his presence. He was charming, charismatic, and articulate. He had the crowd eating out of his hands in short order and she could not help but notice how handsome he was.

He was wearing jewel colors, dark blue pants and an emerald green sports jacket with a baby blue shirt underneath, and he carried it off well. The gentleman next to her was chatting away, but she could not tell a word he was saying, making her responses brief, just to be polite. And she was using him as a crutch. She did not want Valentino to think that she was pining over him.

The nerve of the man! She thought furiously as she sipped her champagne. Thinking that he could get between her legs again while his fiancée was only a few feet away. She swallowed some more champagne as she watched him.

He probably knew that the women in the room were salivating over him, and who could blame them? The man was downright delicious and if what he had done to her on that boat was any indication of his expertise as a lover, she was surprised they were not all over him right now.

She wanted to leave but could not do so yet; she had to examine everything that was showcased today and make her notes and recommendations. But all she wanted to do was to go home. He had ruined the wonderful trip for her, and she had allowed him to.

She turned suddenly and someone jostled her, causing the rest of the champagne to spill right onto her bosom.

The man steadied her, speaking in rapid Italian as he tried to apologize.

“It’s fine.” She told him through gritted teeth.

“It’s fine,” she repeated as she backed away and put the glass away, turning to head out of the room. She would find a ladies’ room in this huge building. The party was in the showroom from what she had heard and there were staff as well as people from all over the world who had come for the event.

She found one and had to stop and admire the elegant setting – the rows of lighted mirrors, the heated towels and the large comfortable stalls. Thankfully, she was alone in the room and going over to the mirror, she used one of the warm towels to dab at her chest.

Putting the towel away, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her lipstick was waterproof, which was a relief as she had spent the time chewing on her bottom lip.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped back from the mirror. Should she say goodbye to her host? Not Valentino Calderone of course, but certainly to the mother. She had taken a few steps from the bathroom when she noticed that he was right in front of her.

“Signora, are you well?” His deep, slightly accented voice sent shivers throughout her body, damn him to hell!

“I am.” She made to brush past him when his hands snaked out and gripped her arm.

“I would like to speak to you.”

“We have nothing to say to each other.” She hissed. “And someone might see us.”

“You are quite right,”

She squelched the shriek as he pulled her into an empty room that was next to them and closed and locked the door behind them. “What are you doing?” She demanded.

“I have been trying to get your attention…”

“Let me out right now.” Taking the key out, he pocketed it and moved towards her. “Look, I don’t know what kind of sick game you are into…”

“This is where most of the photoshoots take place.” Ignoring her anger, he moved past her and forced her to look around the room. She had been so mad at his manhandling that she had failed to notice the setting.

There were umbrellas scattered all around and very expensive cameras suspended on tripods. Her heart jumped inside her chest as she noticed the mattresses strewn all over the carpeted floor.

“I don’t care.” She told him stubbornly, her arms going over her chest. “Where is your fiancée?”

Stopping in front of her, he gave her a brooding stare. “Like I was trying to explain to you, I did not call because…”

“I don’t care!”

“Will you listen!” He snapped at her, his dark eyes smoldering. “I apologize…” he ran his hands over the back of his neck wearily. “I am not accustomed to anything like this.”

His eyes roamed over her face and touched on her lips. “I have been betrothed to Sophia since we were children…he broke off and started stalking her, forcing her to move back.

“Why are you telling me this?”

His hands shot forward to clamp onto her upper arms. His fingers were sending heat into her skin, and she was afraid that she was not going to be able to resist him.

“I have never been with her physically.” He was pulling her inexorably towards him, an intense expression on his face that sent the fire starting in the pit of her stomach. One hand came up to wrap around her throat. His dark eyes were boring into hers hypnotically.

“I had a mistress, but after that time we spent together, I had to end things with her.” His fingers were slowly massaging her skin.

“This is my event, an important one, and I could not stay inside that room when I noticed that you were leaving.” He bent his head, and his lips brushed her forehead. “I need you.” His fingers drifted to her chin, and he lifted her head to meet his. “I need to make love to you. I cannot promise you anything…”

“Then let me go, damn you!” she blazed.

“I cannot.” He told her hoarsely. “I tried--that was what I did the last two days—tried to get you out of my head.” He brushed his lips against hers and felt his body tighten as her lips parted, her breath mingling with his.

“Your tongue…” before she could respond, his tongue darted inside her mouth. He had finished up swiftly and handed things over to his mother, hurrying to find her.

He would have some explaining to do later, but right now the most important thing to him was feeling her, tasting her. He cut off her ragged sigh as he deepened the kiss, his hand going around her waist as he pulled her closer to him.

Kimani was lost; she was swirling in a mist of desire that was so strong she could not control the current. She had sworn to herself that this would not happen to her again, that she would stay away from him, but feeling his body against hers; the muscular strength of him pressed against her was more than she could bear.

And he was moving her backwards, towards the mattress that was behind them. She should stop him now, she thought hazily, her hands clutching his jacket.

She should stop now while she still could, while she was in control, but she was not! And how she wanted to feel his body on hers! He slowly lowered her down, sinking down onto his knees as he cushioned her with his hands.

He did not stop kissing her. Somehow, he knew that if he did, she would find some way to try and leave, to try and resist him and he could not afford that. She was finally flat on her back with him on top of her, his erection boring a hole through her dress.

Her hands came around his neck, her fingers digging into his hair, her body surging towards his. He finally ended the kiss, dragging his mouth from hers and kissing her chin before racing to her throat and the hollow there.

Easing the shoulders of her dress down, he unhooked her bra, making a sound deep inside his throat as he stared at the generous nipples that had haunted his dreams since he had made love to her.

“I was your first,” he whispered in wonder.

“It does not matter.” She was squirming, the common sense resurfacing now that he was no longer kissing her. “I cannot do this.”

“We have to.”

Her body stiffened when he bent his head and took her nipple inside his mouth, and she knew she had lost the battle. He suckled hungrily, his lips greedy and seeking. One hand parted her thighs, his fingers skimming the flesh, moving slowly upwards.

Kimani gasped, her fingers going to his hair, her body vibrating! He did not let up, his hand going to the other breast and kneading it, taking the tight bud and pinching it gently, sending white hot darts throughout her body.

He had found the core of her, fingers massaging the swollen flesh before dipping into her moisture. A groan left his mouth and he had to stop. His heart was beating fast, his skin hot to the touch.

He had thought it must have been a fluke, that perhaps it had been the setting. He had thought she was about to drown and when he had rescued her his emotions had run high. But now it was the same thing, and he could not blame it on the elements!

Chapter 9

Kimani struggled to rise above the mist of raging passion engulfing her. Something screamed at her to make him stop--to turn tail and run. She had prayed about it and asked the Lord not to let there be any consequences from what had happened between them before.

Now she was doing the same thing: allowing this addictive man, one who was engaged to be married, to make love to her at his place of business. Suddenly, she had become a tramp, one who had gotten her first taste of sex and could not seem to be able to do without it, without him.

"No." She started up onto her elbows, stifling a moan as he shrugged off first his jacket and then practically tore off his shirt. Her eyes took in the furrows of dark hair on the very masculine chest and drifted down to the washboard stomach. He was taking off his belt and then it would be too late. "We cannot…"

"We must." His face was hard and taut with passion and his fingers were trembling, making it difficult at first to get the belt loose. When he did, he toed off his shoes and then dragged off his trousers.

Her eyes flew to the bulge in his boxers, and she knew she could not resist any longer. She wanted this--oh how she wanted him inside her--it was like a fever raging out of control.

Her lips parted as he peeled his underwear off and wrapped his fingers around his thick length. Lowering himself, he planted his knees on either side of her thighs. "We have to," he muttered as if he was talking to himself as he finished taking off her dress.

He had been honest with her, he could not promise her anything, but how he wanted to! He had a duty as the heir to the House of Calderone and he had to perform that duty, but he would ask her if she could see herself becoming his mistress. He would treat her very well, give her anything her heart desired. He would fly her in whenever she wanted to be with him, and he would take trips to be with her.

His hands drifted down to her belly and his heart fluttered as he wondered if she was carrying his child. He had not brought any form of protection with him, but with her he did not care. He wanted to feel her against him.

"I have thought of you every night." He pressed his hand over her sex and watched as she jumped. "I imagined myself deep inside you, taking you to heights of passion.

When I went home I saw your blood and moisture on my cock and I did not shower." He had inserted a finger inside her, his dark eyes watching as her lips parted. "I played with myself." Another finger had joined in, and Kimani felt the breath escaping her. "I pretended that it was you."

He was using his thumb to caress her swollen flesh slowly, torturing her. "Your tightness was something I could not imagine, you took me to heights I have never been before." His breath was becoming strangled inside his throat and his cock was so hard that it was aching.

"I want to feel you wrapped around me every night." He was thrusting in, probing with his fingers, noticing her hips lift as she met his thrusts. "Come for me," he whispered hoarsely. "I would like to see your face when you climax. Please come for me."

"Valentino." Her voice was whisper soft as she said his name and his heart turned over with something he could not identify.

"Come for me." He muttered something in Italian and broke off a groan when she exploded against his fingers.

Kimani's hands clenched into fists as she watched him through half closed eyes. He took his fingers out of her and she watched mesmerized as he used the moisture to rub over the reddened tip of him.

"Bend your legs at the knees,” he instructed harshly, and she did without question. Hunkering down between her legs, he guided himself into her, his breath hissing out when her familiar tightness closed around him like a vice. "Do you feel it?"

"Yes."

"So do I." He probed in deeper. "I never want to hurt you." His head came closer to hers, and his lips met hers in a kiss that drugged her mind. He moved then, his fingers tight on her hips, and she moved with him, her hands going around his neck. The kiss became primitive and wild as did the movements of their bodies.

Desperation took over and the control was torn from them. Gone was her reservations and uncertainties to be replaced by a passion so terrifyingly powerful that it was sweeping them along in its wake!

Valentino had clean forgotten that he was the host of the fashion show a few rooms down, and it did not occur to him that someone might have another set of keys to open the doors to the room they were in.

He was lost in the sensation of being with this woman he had just met--drowning in a sea of passion that defied description. And he was naked, vulnerable and without protection.

The consequences were inconsequential, nothing mattered but being with her like this, absolutely nothing. Her mouth was like sweet nectar to his starving senses and his cock was practically glued to the walls of her vagina. The sensation was so damned maddening that it was taking everything from him.

He felt her stiffen, felt when her fingers raked along his back, but did not feel the pain. He could not feel anything else but the powerful lust and desire raging through his body.

He swallowed her cries and felt when his own body tightened and stiffened. Dragging his mouth from hers, he buried his face into her neck and called out her name. His voice was hoarse with passion as he poured himself into her; his long, lean body shuddering!

He kissed her neck, nibbling and tasting the saltiness of her sweat. He felt weak and sated, contented to stay inside her for the rest of the night. But she was pushing at him, with enough force to make him lift his head.

He cocked a brow in inquiry, a lazy smile pulling at his lips. "You look like a woman who has been thoroughly satisfied," he murmured.

"Do you want a thank you?" She asked him darkly.

He chuckled at that, one hand lifting to twirl a fat curl around his finger. "We could stay here the entire night."

"I am pretty sure that people are scouring the place looking for you."

"I am pretty sure of that as well." He concurred but made no move to get off her. "I have some apartments…"

"No."

"I want to spend the night with you."

"And what would your fiancée have to say about that, or do you have some sort of sick arrangement with her?"

His mouth tightened and he did not respond for a minute. "I already explained about that…"

"And I told you that you do not owe me any. I need to leave."

"I would like you to be my mistress." Now was the time to make his intentions clear. "Please hear me out,” he added when she opened her mouth to respond, "I realize that you have to go back to your home, but we could make plans. I could fly you here whenever we need to see each other, and I could come to you.

I will transfer some money into your account, and I promise you that you will never want for anything as long as you live. We have something Kimani, something that is so powerful that it is undeniable."

Kimani was tempted. Oh, was she tempted. The thought of leaving here without seeing him again was making her so unbearably sad that she could not believe it. He had made her need him and this second time of being with him had shown her that as long as she lived, she would never be able to forget him.

It was not about the money--she did not want it--she wanted him, and it made her want to weep that she had met someone who she had fallen in love with…she stopped, her eyes flying to his face as the truth hit her.

Oh, good God! She had fallen in love with a man who was unavailable. After waiting for so long and being so cautious, she had made the mistake of falling for a man who was so out of her league that he might as well have lived on the moon.

Taking a deep breath, she forced the nostalgia away from her and stiffened her spine. She had her pride, and she deserved more than to be some man's mistress, even if she happened to be in love with him. "No. Thanks though."

His eyes flared at that, and a frown touched his brow. "You cannot deny what we have…"

"I was not going to, but I am not going to be your mistress."

"May I ask why?"

"Of course." She was not sophisticated in the least, but she was a fast learner, and she was going to be as urbane as she could in order to convince him. "I am worth much more than becoming your slut."

His eyes flashed at the insult, his face going rigid. "It is not…you would be well taken care of and provided for."

"I am well taken care of, and I can provide for myself."

"You would be adored."

"I have no doubt about that. But come December you will be married, or am I mistaken?"

"I do not have a choice in the matter."

"We all have choices, Valentino."

"My mother would never approve of…" He broke off and she filled in the rest for him.

"I am not your type; I am a simple working girl from the states as well as a black woman."

"It is not your ethnicity…"

"It's my lack of social standing and the fact that I do not have a fat bank account."

"I am sorry."

"No need for that." She told him carefully, her heart breaking into tiny pieces. "I was not asking for marriage anyway," she lied.

"Then why will you not accept my offer?" he demanded.

She lifted her eyes and looked at him, studying his chiseled features, the smooth olive complexion, the sensuous lips that could wreak such havoc on her body.

A lock of dark hair had fallen onto his forehead and made him appear boyish and his lashes were longer than hers, giving him a slightly feminine look. He was breath-taking, she thought longingly, and he was not hers--would never be hers.

"Because I have too much respect for myself." She told him quietly. "I am not angry with you for offering, and believe it or not, I do understand your predicament, but I am not going to be your mistress.

Now if you do not mind, I would like to leave before someone finds us together. It would not do anything to your reputation, but it would ruin mine and I would lose my job."

"I could keep you here." There was a stubborn tilt to his strong chin and she realized with an inward smile that he was so used to getting his own way that hearing no was not something he was accustomed to.

"Would you really want to do that to me?"

He gave her a frustrated stare. He was still buried deep inside her and wanted to stay there. he wanted to make love to her again and then again until they were both exhausted, and then he wanted her to fall asleep inside his arms and then wake up and do it all over again. "No." He told her quietly.

"I did not think so." Her hand touched his face briefly as if she was memorizing every line and features. "I need to go."

"Not yet," he whispered, something tearing at his heart as he bent his head towards her. "I need more."

"People will be looking…"

"Let them look." The determination stamped on his face could not be mistaken. "I do not care, and I would like the chance to try and change your mind."

"That will not happen." She told him, but it did not stop her from reaching for him or sinking into the savage kiss.

*****

Valentino lied and told his mother and Sophia that he was not feeling well and had gone to his office to sit for a while. Kimani had not come back inside the room and had told him that she was leaving, and he had allowed her to.

Tongues would have started wagging if they had both entered the room at the same time or minutes apart and they had been fortunate not to see anyone when they left the room.

He had made love to her again, spraying his seed deep inside her and now he felt adrift, like he was lost, the conversations going on around him were of little interest to him. Sophia had accepted his explanation even though he had seen his mother giving him a probing stare, which he had ignored.

But the light and life had gone out of the party and all he wanted to do was to go on home.

He had not been able to persuade Kimani to be his mistress, not even the passion that was shared between them had persuaded her that they belonged together. She had turned him down. He wanted her again, and was wondering if he could take the chance to go to her tonight. But he could not risk it, he had to be discreet.

"Valentino?"

The soft accented voice next to him broke through his reverie, and he forced himself to turn his attention to Sophia.

"Yes?"

"I was just saying that I think it is time I take my leave. Will you be staying?"

"Of course. Mama would never forgive me if I left."

"You were gone for so long before. Are you quite recovered?"

He had to make a conscious effort to school his features. "It was just a headache, and I am quite better now. You are leaving with your parents?"

"Yes."

They were like polite strangers, and he could not believe that this was the woman he was going to marry. She was so different from Kimani that it was not funny.

"I will escort you to where they are. Did you have a good time?"

She nodded shyly, sliding her hand through his arm. "I always have fun at these things. And it was quite a success."

"That it was. Did you see anything you like?"

"I am afraid the fashion was too bold for me." She admitted ruefully.

He had seen several items that would suit Kimani and wanted to give them to her as a gift. Without making a comment, he guided Sophia to where her parents were, and after a polite goodbye, left them and walked away.

*****

Kimani prided herself on being a strong black woman. She had had to be, considering the way she had grown up. She had lost her dad when she was little, the only parent who had been a parent, and had to contend with a woman who put her needs above that of her child.

She had not gotten through grieving for her beloved dad when her mother had found someone else to take his place, and that someone had been a prick who thought it was a good idea to be with both mother and daughter.

Then she had lost her mother as well. The relationship had not been close, but the woman had been her mother and she had found herself an orphan in her teenage years.

Then she had been thrown out by her stepfather, which had been somewhat of a relief. So, she had been forced to grow up. And she had sworn to herself that her life was going to be well ordered.

When the time came she was going to find someone to settle down with, a man who was going to love and respect her and would want to marry her, not one who had a string of baby mamas under his belt, and she was not going to be any man's baby mama, she was going to be someone's wife and that was that.

She had her career, and her life was more or less full. She loved her grandmother, and it was no hardship living with her. She earned a very good salary doing what she loved, and it did not get much better than that. Then she had been offered the position of head buyer and the chance to travel and her cup had overflowed.

She sank down on the edge of the bed, her entire body trembling. She could still smell him on her. His expensive cologne was all over her skin, combined with the smell of sex, how could it not, when he had spent the time lavishing her with the best sex one could ever get from a man.

He was her first, but she was pretty certain it would never get better than that. She had simply burst into flames. She clasped her hands tight and closed her eyes.

She could not describe the climax, she was not a damned poet, so how could she ever find words to describe the enormous tension in her lower belly or the feeling of plunging off a cliff into the middle of an erupting volcano.

He had made her greedy, turned her into a damned sex addict who could think of nothing more than his body against hers and his penis buried deep inside her.

When he had made the offer that she should become his mistress, she had almost shouted, Yes! She had almost abandoned her principles and gave him a resounding yes.

Because she was in love with him, because she knew that as long as she lived, she would never feel this way about another man again. But she could not do that, could never become some rich man's play thing, no matter how much she wanted to!

*****

He could not sleep. The function had wrapped up at midnight or thereabouts, and he had forced himself to participate: to give statements to the various reporters, interact with the associates and the models, and smile for the cameras, agreeing with his mother that it had been another successful evening.

But he had longed to be somewhere else, to be with someone else. He would have happily given up everything to be with her: to have her in his arms, stroking that flawless skin, kissing that provocative mouth, listening to that sultry and rather sexy voice.

He was inside his sitting room, a cheroot clamped between his teeth. He had given up smoking some years ago, but he needed the nicotine and the drink. He had finished half the bottle of scotch he had taken from his personal cabinet.

He wanted to get drunk, but he was Italian and could hold his liquor. He was buzzed, but not enough to stop thinking and feeling her. He was in a situation he never dreamed he would see himself in and he had no idea what to do about it.

He could force her to become his mistress, the ‘how’ of it he did not quite work out inside his head yet. She would be leaving in a few days, and he could not bear the thought of never seeing her again.

He could not end things with her. For the first time in his life he wanted someone so badly that he did not know what to do. He could not allow her to leave, perhaps he could kidnap her…he broke off at the ludicrous idea and laughed harshly as he reached for the glass again.

Perhaps he was drunk after all, or why would he be thinking such nonsense? A whiff of her scent assailed his nostrils and he sagged back against the cushions, his body charged and shaking.

He had made love to her twice tonight and it had not been enough. His cock was stiff, indicating his need to have her again. He wanted an entire night with her, several nights with her, and maybe the passion would have run its course or maybe it would have gotten even worse and out of control.

But he could not allow her to leave without having her and coming to some kind of agreement. Could he convince his mother that he could not marry Sophia? His expression turned bleak as he realized that would not go well a

Chapter 10

Kimani had to talk herself into going to the House of Calderone the next morning. There were still things left to do and after the very successful fashion show, she was going to have to go into their showroom and select items to be shipped back to her country and it had to be done today.

Monique had called her early that morning, which meant that the woman had been up at the crack of dawn to get in touch with her.

“We watched the show live.” She had told Kimani. “Very impressive. You will of course be going there today?”

She had been about to tell her that she did not think she should go, but had refrained from doing so just in time. So she was getting dressed and trying to cope, trying to fight to keep her eyes open after another sleepless night. She had spent last night tossing and turning and crying into her pillows--damn and blast that man!

She had spent time placing cold compresses over her eyes to get the swelling down. And she was hoping that he would not be there, but that was a vain hope; the man ran the place along with his mother and after last night’s success, surely the place would be very busy.

She would stick to the public sections; the place was hopping and surely there would be thousands of people around, and there would be no opportunity for them to be alone together.

She firmed her lips in determination. No matter how she felt about him, what was going through her mind and body, she would be a professional. She was going to be leaving in a few days and she would do her best to try and avoid him.

She had chosen to wear a chic emerald and white pantsuit that fit her very well. Her thick, natural curls were tamed into a neat chignon at the nape of her neck, and she had chosen small diamond studs for her lobes.

She looked professional and that was exactly what she wanted to portray to Valentino Calderone. She had been with him twice and it had blown her mind, but she could not think of that right now.

She has been sent here to do a job, she was on company time and she had taken advantage of it by being with a man who was unavailable.

The first time might have been a mistake, but she could not excuse herself the second time, she had wanted it and him and had participated in it with an eagerness that now in the cold light of day, sent despair flooding through her.

She had been so eager that he had offered her the position of being his mistress and she had almost said yes. Turning away from the mirror, she went to get her pocketbook in readiness to head out.

*****

He was looking out for her. All through the various meetings and the consultations with the models as well as the photographers and the going over the various showrooms, he was waiting for her to be announced. His mother had had to rush out to a meeting and had asked him to deal with her and he had been thrilled.

He had chosen where he would meet with her, some place that would afford them the utmost privacy from prying eyes. He was going to pitch his offer again and this time he would be more persuasive.

He had told Allegra to send her right through to him, and he was prepared. He had not eaten, only a coffee this morning, so he had decided that they would dine before going on to other business.

It had occurred to him that she might not turn up, but even though he knew her for such a short time, he instinctively realized that she had a strong sense of duty and responsibility and would not allow her personal feelings or fears to get in the way of doing what she should.

So, he was prepared for her. He was going to try and woo her. He was desperate, he had spent the night trying to get drunk and alternating between coming up with a plan. He had sat with his mother in a meeting and had almost blurted out his desire and the fact that he could not marry Sophia, but had resisted the urge.

He got to his feet slowly as the doors were pushed open. First Allegra came in, followed slowly by Kimani. “I told her that Signora Aurora had to run out…”

“Grazie, Allegra. Could you see to it that we are not disturbed? And please hold all my calls.”

The woman nodded and left, closing the doors behind her.

“I hope you have not had a meal.” He said briskly as she stood just at the doors.

“I am not staying.”

“I am assuming you came here to finish your business?”

“With your mother.”

“She had to step out. I am second-in-command.”

“Did you engineer it?”

“You mean did I fabricate a meeting to get my mother out of the way?” he asked chidingly as he lifted the covers and allowed the tantalizing scent of Italian baked eggs and sausage to waft in the air. “You don’t know my mother if you think that I could get away with that.”

“I am not having a meal with you alone in this room.”

“Afraid?”

“Not a chance. I just know what you can get up to.”

“It’s just a meal, Tesoro, will you deprive me of that?”

“Please do not call me that.”

“Should I call you Bella or Dolcezza? Or Amore Mio?”

Her eyes burned at that and her lips pursed. “I am not your damned love.”

“Are you not?” He was coming towards her and for one fleeting moment she thought about fleeing. “It would appear as if you were afraid of me.” He told her with a mocking tilt to his lips.

“And we both know that I am not. Look, I already told you I am not going to be your mistress.”

“And I respect your wishes.” Taking her hand in his, he led her to the table where the meal was and pulled a chair out for her. “Just sit and eat with me and let us talk.”

“Talk?” She stared at him with a frown and looked as if he had asked her to commit a felony.

“Talk.” He hid a smile as he handed her a plate. “Latte?”

“Yes, thanks. What do you want to talk about?”

“You, of course. Why you have chosen this career path and why are you still single? A beautiful woman like you.”

She was still staring at him in suspicion, but he deliberately kept his expression neutral. He was determined to make her relax.

“I always loved fashion.” She dug into the meal and realized to her surprise that she was hungry, having left her room that morning without eating. “Ever since I was a little girl, I would play dress up with my dolls.”

“What kind?”

“What?” She paused in the middle of taking a sip of her coffee.

“What kind of dolls?” he asked her softly. He was enjoying this, being here with her like this and having a meal and a conversation, he could almost pretend that they were on a date.

“Barbie. Black.” The expression on her beautiful face dared him to make a comment.

“I see.” He concentrated on picking up his cup of coffee and taking a sip. “That must have been fun.”

“It was.” She eyed him for a minute. “What are you up to?”

His thick brows lifted. “Like I said, just having a conversation and a meal.”

“Yea right.” She snorted and tried not to smile. He was incorrigible, but she loved being with him, if only things were different…she broke off abruptly and concentrated fiercely on her meal.

He was so attuned to her emotions that he knew when her mood shifted. Wisely keeping silent, he allowed her to enjoy her meal. He had told Allegra to make certain they were not interrupted and knew that would be carried out. He also knew that his mother would be out for most of the day, which was perfect for what he had planned.

Kimani studied his bent head surreptitiously, her heart breaking a little and skittering at the lock of dark hair that stubbornly refused to be tamed that was hanging down his forehead as usual.

He was wearing a thin dark blue sweater that hugged his muscular shoulders and was clinging to his chest. She had seen him naked twice and knew that his body was magnificent. He looked up suddenly and their eyes met and held.

Suddenly the air thickened, the silence stretching forth. Kimani felt her breath catching inside her throat and her skin getting warmer by degrees. She should have left when she realized his mother was not there. She should never have sat down to breakfast with only him in the room.

Carefully, putting the cup down, she pushed back her chair. “I should get going…”

“The showroom…”

“I will be back another time.” She had gotten to her feet.

“That won’t be necessary.” He had risen to his feet and was coming around to her.

“Valentino…” She broke off as he hauled her into his arms. “What are you doing?” She squeaked.

“What I have been thinking of doing since you left me last night.” He tilted her chin up, his fingers tight on her skin. “I did not sleep last night, and I tried to get drunk but unfortunately I have a high tolerance for alcohol.” He brushed his lips against hers and felt her tremble.

“Your assistant…”

“Would never dare come in here.”

“What will she think…”

“That I am addicted to you. Give me your tongue, Dolcezza. Let me lavish you with love and passion.” He touched the tip of his tongue to her lip, tracing the pattern of it before pulling it between his teeth and sucking it into his mouth.

She sagged against him, her fingers curling into his sweater as he continued to suck the flesh into his mouth. She was lost. It did not matter what she had told herself before, the pep talks she had muttered out loud, and all the reasons why she was mad to be doing this.

She needed this and it really did not matter that she was once again at his place of business, and someone might come in at any minute and find them together. It did not even matter that he was engaged to be married.

She would take this one sliver of astounding pleasure that was hers for a brief time and go back home to cherish the moments she had spent with him. How could she not? She wondered as her hands raced along his arms and then over his neck and down his back, the muscles clenching and shuddering at her touch.

She was going to take what she could get and keep it close to her heart. He had stopped feeding off her bottom lip and driving his tongue into her mouth.

She had been kissed a number of times before, and before now, she had thought they were passionate kisses, but then she had never experienced Valentino’s kisses, the potency of his tongue plunging into her mouth, the taste of his sweet and completely addictive breath stirring with hers, the press of his hard lean body against hers, the erection---she went faint at the feel of it--the rigidity pressing against her stomach and making it plain how much he wanted her.

She had never experienced anything like this before and it was driving her out of her mind!

He walked her backwards towards another room, a smaller one--darkened by the thick fabrics that had been placed over the windows--and slammed the door shut behind him.

He had told her that Allegra would not dare interrupt them and he knew that was true. And his mother was out for the afternoon, but he was taking no chances. Dragging his lips from hers, he mashed his forehead on hers and took several deep breaths. “Don’t go,” he whispered.

“What?” She asked him shakily, her hands wrapped tight around his neck.

“Stay here. I will deal with the extension for your visa. I have friends in the embassy, and it would not be a problem.” He was talking fast, but he wanted to put across his points before she said anything. “An apartment…I will give you…set you up in one and you get to choose.

You do not have to go back to the states, I will not let you.” He kissed her again, his lips bruising hers. He felt as if he was going insane. He wanted her with him, was on the verge of committing a felony just to keep her with him. His fingers dug into her hair as he tilted her face up to accept his kiss.

Pressing her back against the door, he ground his lower body against hers, making her feel how enormous his need was. Dragging his lips from hers, he trailed a fiery path along her temple and her cheek, going to the hollow of her throat.

“Stay with me, I beg of you. Please do not leave. I will not let you leave.” He was nibbling at her throat and making her knees weak. Her fingers clutched at his shoulders as her head drifted back so that he could have full access to her flesh.

She could not think – could scarcely breath and was weak with longing. He was tempting her – oh my God, she was tempted to throw her career away and leave her home and Grams to be with him.

The thought scared her so much that she pushed at him, managing to move him just a little – enough for him to lift his head and stare at her with narrowed eyes.

“Let me go.” She said quietly, trying to still the hammering of her heart and the weakness of her body. “Now, just let me go.”

His expression turned bleak. “You do not want to stay.”

“You expect me to leave everything I hold dear: my career, my grandmother, my home! To do what? Stay here and become your mistress?”

“I cannot be without you.”

“Then offer me something more permanent.”

His expression turned even bleaker. “You know I cannot.”

“Then let me go, damn you!” She felt the tears starting and did not want to humiliate herself by breaking down in front of him.

“I want to.” His body was still pressed against hers and she could feel the warmth of his skin. “I would love nothing more than to ask for your hand in marriage, but we signed a betrothal contract. I do not love her, Cuore Mio.”

His body pressed against hers and she had to stifle the moan that was coming from deep inside her throat. “I burn for you only – you are who I dream of each day and make love to, even in my sleep. I promise you that I would be faithful to…”

“Damn you!” She cried, thumping her fists at his chest. “You cannot promise me that. You are going to marry someone else! How do you expect me to bear it, to bear you being with her.” Taking a deep shuddering breath, she pushed at him again. “Please let me go.”

“I simply cannot.” He told her in defeat. “I need you.”

“Then tell her it is over and break off the engagement.”

“I cannot.”

“Then I am leaving.”

“Let me make love to you…”

“No.” She allowed herself the luxury and pain of leaning into his chest and breathed in his expensive scent. She had to leave. If she stayed a minute longer, she was going to give into his demands, that she knew for sure, and if he made love to her one more time, she was going to say yes.

Even now, she might be carrying his baby and how she wanted it to be so – but she did not want to force him to marry her and if she found out she was pregnant – it would always plague her that he was with her because of the baby.

Worst of all, his mother would resent her and make things difficult for her.

“Kimani?”

She lifted her head to look at him, a smile touching her lips. She would never regret loving him, that much she was certain of. Her eyes roamed over his handsome face, and she felt a quiver that such a man wanted to be with her – he just could not marry her. Making her mind up, she touched his face lightly. “I will come to you tonight.”

His dark eyes flared, and his face became taut. “Where?”

“You said something about some apartments.”

He nodded eagerly and she felt her heart breaking in two and her mind wavering. “I will write the address down and you will meet me there or if you would like for me to send the driver for you…”

“No.” She shook her head. “We have to be discreet.”

“Of course you are right.” He cupped her face and brought her head to meet his.

“You have changed your mind perhaps?”

“We will talk later.”

“Or not talk at all.” He told her gently, brushing his lips against hers. Kimani’s lips parted and she accepted his tongue with a sigh, her hands going around his neck.

She was telling him goodbye. It was still early enough for her to catch a flight back home. It might be several connecting ones, which would not allow her to be home until the next day, but it was something she had to do.

She had arrived in Naples less than two weeks ago and her life had been turned upside down. She had met and fallen in love with a gorgeous man; one that she could never be with. It was breaking her heart.

She had given him her innocence and her heart. This was not simply some holiday romance, this was something so intense and meaningful that it was going to take her years, if ever, to get over.

With that in mind, she kissed him back with all the pent-up feelings inside her, the regret and longing that she was feeling for him. She kissed him as if this was the last day she was going to see him, and it just might be.

Her body curved into his, feeling the erection that had taken her to the very pinnacle of satisfaction.

And then he ended the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, his breathing shallow. He muttered something in Italian as he stroked her back. “Perhaps you should go now, before I do not let you go. After all, we will be with each other tonight.”

“Yes.” She whispered, her fingers caressing his neck and shoulders. “We will.”

“Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he murmured.

“Some idea.” She was content to stay in his arms for a little while longer because when she left there, it would be all over for her.

“You turn me all around in circles.” He kissed her forehead tenderly.

“You do the same for me.” She admitted. She could do so now, because she was saying goodbye to him. “Kiss me again Valentino.”

She did not ask a second time. Lowering his head, he took her lips in a kiss that had her toes curling inside her boots.

Chapter 11

Valentino could scarcely control his eagerness and anticipation. Kimani had left after conducting her business and he had had to pretend that they were just associates. He had a distinct feeling that he had not quite pulled it off.

He had restrained himself from walking with her to the lobby. If he had done so, he would not have been able to resist the urge to take her into his arms or even to suggest that they go somewhere together, perhaps to his boat.

The memories of that evening were still so fresh in his mind. And he had not shown her the museums, some of the other ruins, or taken her to the shopping district. There was still so much for her to see and explore.

But of course, he would find a way to do so when she finally agreed to come and live there. He would be his most persuasive self--he would turn on the charm and make love to her until she was too weak not to agree.

It was settled he thought, he could not let her leave. Perhaps he could put off the marriage, postpone it indefinitely--he had been engaged since he was merely a child and the families had been waiting since then--they could wait longer.

He would discuss it with his mother and plead his case with her. He did not want to hurt Kimani and he knew that being with another woman would surely hurt her. He smiled slightly as he realized that he had suddenly become a one-woman man. Ever since he met her--was it only a week and several days?

He shook his head at that wonder of it. Ever since he had met her, he had been unable to concentrate on anyone else. She made his heart race, his skin tingle with acute awareness, and he was quite unable to keep his hands off her!

He shook his head again, this time ruefully, as he realized that he had been acting like a giddy schoolboy with his first crush. He still could not believe that she was a virgin in this day and age, and her being so beautiful. He had been the first man for her and would be the last.

His heart shivered as he imagined another man touching her, making love to her. He could not afford that to happen. He was going to be the only man for her--the thought of another man being with her was introducing murderous feelings inside him.

His hands clenched on top of the desk. He was inside his office and had locked his door, ordering Allegra not to put through any calls and to see to it that he was not interrupted.

He needed the time to gather his thoughts and plan for later. He would go to the apartment early; it was fairly isolated, so no one would see them, and he would make certain that some nosy paparazzi was not following him.

He wished he could just walk into that hotel and stride up to her room to get her. He wished he was some ordinary guy who did not have the name of Calderone and could do whatever he pleased. It was not the first time he had wished that.

Even growing up, he had had the thought. He had been brought up with the utmost care, being a Calderone had its own sense of trials. And his mother, especially, had been extra careful where he was concerned. While other young boys had gone to sleep-overs and birthday parties, he had had to stay home.

Even if he had gone, there would be 'babysitters' assigned to see to it that he was safe. It was only when he got older that the strings had loosened somewhat. But, he had often wondered if the women who were always crowded around him were into him because of his looks or his immense wealth.

Kimani was the first woman he had been so relaxed with; he was comfortable with her--contented to just be in her arms--even though whenever he was with her, he wanted to be naked, wanted their skin to touch, wanted to feel her and feast on her curves.

This morning at breakfast, when they were talking, he had been amused by her, by the way she ate, the way she would look at him with that look of anger and resignation.

She would never allow him to get away with anything and was not bowled over by his wealth. She was simply Kimani--no, he shook his head again. She was not simple at all.

She was wonderful and sexy and exquisite, and he wanted her all the time. It was new to him--this yearning for another person. He had always been self-sufficient, had always been able to walk away from a relationship, but now he feared that this time was different.

Even now, seated around his desk, he was thinking of her. He should have given her a phone so that they could communicate. Had she brought one over with her? He had not thought to ask that and demand the number.

But yes, he would buy her a phone, the most expensive one on the market. And he would shop for her. He already knew her style and he knew fashion, every aspect of it. She loved boots; a smile touched his lips. He had seen the way she looked at the ones on the shelves and their footwear was the best in the world.

He would simply take several from the showroom and gift her with them. And jackets, soft leather ones, cashmere ones as well. With bright colors, his mind went to the dress she had been wearing at the fashion show and realized the color suited her.

He wanted to lavish her with gifts: jewelry, not the stuff in the vaults that had been handed down from one generation to the next, but something that would capture her personality. Maybe fiery rubies or glowing emeralds. And…a frown touched his brow as his intercom lit up.

"I specifically told you no interruptions.”

"Your mother is demanding that you come to her office at once."

He could not very well ignore his mother's orders and it was time he was getting on with work anyway. He wanted to leave here early enough to see to the preparation of the apartment. Perhaps he could order some food to take with him.

"Very well, I will be there momentarily." He got to his feet gracefully and took up the reports he was supposed to have been studying. He had no doubt that she would want to know his progress. Ever since fashion night, they had been bombarded with offers and orders. Shaking his head to dispel the thoughts of her, he headed out.

*****

“My dear, come on in!” Olga exclaimed as she met Kimani at the door later that afternoon.

“I have lunch waiting for you. I have to say that--no please leave your bags right here in the foyer and one of the maids will take them up to the suite that has been prepared for you--like I was saying, there is a meal in the sitting room, and I want to hear all about what is troubling you.

You sounded as if you were in tears when you called.”

“I am not hungry.” Kimani began when she was dismissed with a wave of Olga’s hand.

“Nonsense. Let’s sit down and consume this excellent meal; my governante--housekeeper--made her succulent roasted rib of beef with garlic and herbs, and of course there is dessert.

Believe me when I tell you that you have not tasted cheesecake if you have not had our Ricotta cheesecake. I am sure that whatever it is that is happening will feel somewhat better after the meal. Please sit.”

“I hate to intrude…”

“Please do not insult an old woman this way.” Olga sat and passed the plate to her. “We will have the meal and a bottle of Costa Ambience that is an excellent fit here at this meal.”

“Thank you.” Kimani told her tearfully. She had left the House of Calderone and went blindly inside the car that had been assigned to her and gone straight to her hotel suite to make flight arrangements, only to find that she could not get on a flight until the next day.

She had composed herself enough to call and talk to Monique and told her that she had managed to wrap things up a little earlier.

“You could stay the extra days…”

“No. I am anxious to get things sorted out with these items I have chosen and have some idea how to arrange the window display.”

“As you wish.”

Her flight was booked for early the next morning, but she knew that when Valentino realized that she was not at the apartment to meet him, he would come looking for her or send someone to find her.

So, she had told the front desk that she was headed to the airport and was leaving the country, knowing they would impart the message to whoever was sent to the hotel, and had then called Olga and asked if she could spend the night.

She owed the woman an explanation and would tell her everything and beg her discretion. Somehow, she knew she could trust her.

“You are welcome.” Leaning forward, Olga patted her knee. “Now eat up, Leonora will not be pleased if all of the meal is not consumed.”

*****

“I would like you to go to Paris tomorrow.” Aurora murmured without preamble as soon as Valentino came into her office. She was flitting from her large desk to the cabinet in the corner of the room, her movements hard to follow as usual.

“What?”

“The offices there need your input. Ever since the fashion show, the label has been skyrocketing, surpassing even Romano’s Dior…”

“I cannot go.” He told her succinctly, determined that this time he was going to put his foot down. He had finally gotten Kimani to meet him at the apartment and he had every intention of spending the night with her and many more nights after that, if he had his way. He could not leave, and he would not.

“Why not?”

“I have things to do here.” He said evasively.

Her dark eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “You have not been seen with that mistress of yours for over a week, which means that you have replaced her. Who is this woman? And please, do not tell me that she is the reason you are refusing a direct order.”

“It is not.” He lied. “And the fact that you are ordering me to be somewhere means that you still see me as a ragazzo, and I am an adult. I am a partner in this company, second-in-command, you cannot simply tell me to go, and I do so without question. I will not tolerate that any longer.”

Aurora pulled out her chair, sank down into the cushiony seat, and stared at him. She knew him and knew that there was something he was not telling her. “I was not aware that you felt this way.”

“Well, I do. We have any number of people we can send to the Paris location; it just cannot be me.”

“And that is all you are willing to say on the matter?”

“Yes.” He murmured, sitting across from her and crossing his legs at the ankles. “I am needed here.”

“And it has nothing to do with this person you are seeing?”

He cocked an amused brow at her. “You are assuming that there is someone.”

“I happen to know you, darling. Who is she?”

“It is of no importance, at least not now.”

“You get married in December, and speaking of which, the arrangements should be…”

“I am thinking of postponing the wedding.”

Aurora stared at him, her face expressionless. Valentino forced himself not to fidget as she continued to look at him. “I will know why.”

“I am not ready.”

Her tapered eyebrows lifted, and she waited patiently for him to elaborate.

“I do not love her.”

“There is a contract…”

“And we have damn good lawyers.” He shook his head at the look on her face. “I apologize for the swear word, but I am speaking my truth. I was not consulted in regard to this and I do not appreciate that something as life changing as a marriage was made without my input.”

“You have never objected before.” His mother pointed out.

“I have been doing a lot of thinking…”

“Who is she?”

He shrugged elegantly. “It is beside the point.”

“I do not agree. I think it is precisely the point. You have met someone and this someone is influencing a decision that has been in place since you and Sophia were children.”

“And one I do not want to honor.” He told her with a steely inflection in his voice.

“Sophia’s father is on the board…”

“And he is a minor board member who should have retired ages ago.” Valentino spread his hands wide. “I want out of this contract, Mama. I have spent the last week or so thinking on it, and I would like the freedom to follow my own heart, the way you could when you married Papa.”

“It was an arrangement…”

“Which became a love match.” He pointed out.

“It did.” She agreed quietly. “Have you found someone you have fallen in love with?”

“I don’t know what I feel.” He admitted.

“And you are not going to tell me who she is?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.” He passed a hand over his thigh and avoided her eyes for a minute before looking at her. I know that you are still in love with Papa, but you deserve some form of happiness as well.” His dark eyes assessed her. “I also know about your relationship with Marcelo.”

She started, her eyes going wide as she stared at him in shock. “I do not know what you are talking about…”

“By denying it you are making me lose the enormous respect I have for you. I have known for quite some time, Mama, and figured it was none of my business. You are my mother, and I am European enough to know that one should get happiness wherever one can get it.”

She shifted the files on her desk and Valentino was amazed that for the first time his mother appeared to be embarrassed.

“I do not wish to talk to you about this.”

“As you wish.” He got to his feet. “We will discuss at a later date the dissolution of the contract.”

“Valentino.”

“Mama?”

“You are going to need my approval for this woman.”

“Undoubtedly.” With a respectful bow he left the room with her staring after him.

*****

Olga stared at the young woman intently. She was not surprised at the information; the only thing was that the man in question had offered her the position as his mistress.

“He is very selective.” She murmured, not quite knowing what else to say.

“It does not make me feel any better.” Kimani said dryly. She had told the older woman everything as soon as they finished the wine and felt somewhat better.

She had partaken of the delicious meal consumed two glasses of wine, and was feeling somewhat mellow and more at ease. Olga had listened attentively without interrupting.

Olga gave her a frank stare. “You are a beautiful woman my dear, but Italy, and in fact, the whole of Europe is filled with beautiful women. Valentino Calderone can have his pick and from what I have read, he has.

Women climb over themselves to be chosen by him. He is Italy’s royalty, he can pick and choose who he wants to be with. He has chosen you and that should mean something and from what you have been telling me, it seems that the man is obsessed.”

“Not enough to break off his engagement.” Kimani muttered.

Olga smiled at that. “I respect your sense of morals and your high principles my dear. Not a lot of women would turn down such an offer.”

“I had to do a lot of soul-searching and give myself some pep talks. He wants me to quit my job and live here.”

Olga smiled slightly. “It sounds to me like he has fallen in love with you.”

Hope flared inside Kimani’s breast. She had been thinking about that very thing and had not let herself believe it, not even in the slightest. “He is engaged.”

“Engagements cane be broken. I understand where he is coming from, he belongs to a very old family, and it is a tradition with them to pick the most suitable spouse for their children. Valentino is heir to the House of Calderone and it means that his bride has to be above reproach.”

“And I am just an American--a black plus-sized woman at that--and a mere buyer at Romano’s. His mother would never approve of me.”

“Traditions are made to be done away with as well. Times are changing and people should change with it.”

“I do not think it will happen.” She shrugged away the sliver of hope.

“You might be pregnant.”

She lapsed into silence. It was something that had been plaguing her since she had decided to run away from him, and even before that.

“You are somehow hoping it is the case.” The woman said shrewdly.

Kimani’s eyes flew to hers and she could not hide the truth of it. “Even if I were, it would not be a good idea. I have no intention of trapping him into marriage.”

“It would not be a trap, my dear. A man like Valentino Calderone does not perform the sexual act without proper preparation, he cannot afford to be that careless, but he was with you, and you said he did it the two times you were with him. It looks as if he wants it to happen my dear.”

“His mother…”

“Will have to accept it. You would be carrying the heir to the House of Calderone and that is a huge deal.”

She shook her head. I am going home, and I will be putting all of this behind me,” she said firmly.

Olga stared at her for so long that she started to feel uncomfortable. “You do not believe that.”

“I have to try,” She whispered miserably. “I should not have gotten involved with him in the first place.”

*****

Kimani was gone. He stood there in the parking lot of the apartment building and stared at the driver who had given him the news. He had been concerned when she had not turned up at the appointed time and had decided to give her a few more minutes.

When those minutes had turned into an hour, he had sent his driver to inquire of her whereabouts, and now the man was telling him that she was no longer booked at the hotel and the front desk personnel had said she had booked a flight out of the country. She had lied to him.

“Signor?”

“Go on home, I will drive myself.”

“Of course signor.”

Valentino waited until the man had left before going to his vehicle, and got into the driver’s seat, his entire expression one of acute depression. She had lied to him, and he had felt it--had the feeling that she was saying goodbye. She was gone--on a plane to the states--and he could not bear it.

He had been about to tell her that he was in love with her, that somehow he was going to persuade his mother to accept her because he could not bear to be without her in his life, and now she was gone. She had deliberately left after promising that she would be with him tonight.

He rubbed his forehead wearily and closed his eyes. What should he do now? Go after her? Demand an explanation? Did she love him, or was this just a holiday romance for her?

“Damn you Kimani!” He whispered as he leaned his head back against the padded rest. “How could you leave?” He closed his eyes as he reflected on the kiss they had shared just that morning and knew he wanted to see her--be with her--because he was in love with her!

Chapter 12

The plane ride back home was so different from the one she had enjoyed going to Naples. And it was longer--interminably long--and the seats were uncomfortable, or maybe it was just her.

Plus, she did not have Olga to talk to, but rather a stuffy businessman who was constantly on his laptop; not that she wanted to talk to anyone anyway.

As soon as the flight took off, she curled up into a ball and rested her head against the windowpane, her eyes closed. Olga had given her gifts, two lovely scarves, some cashmere gloves, and snacks to take with her.

“They do not feed their passengers properly on any given flight, first class or no.”

But Kimani was not hungry, she was numb and heartbroken. She was in love with Valentino and had no idea how to go back to the person she had been before she arrived in Naples. She had been so excited to visit another country, Italy at that, and had made a note of all the things she would do.

Now she was on her way home, heartbroken and yearning for a man she could never have. She had failed herself and of course, Romano’s. Yes, she had managed to perform her duty (barely!) but she had allowed her personal life to get in the way.

She sniffed as she felt the tears starting at the back of her eyes. She had spent last night fearing that somehow he was going to find her. But that had been her imagination running away from her.

He did not know of her association with Olga, and she doubted that she was important enough for him to take the effort to look for her. He had plenty of women to choose from and she was certain that he would find one in quick order.

The thought of him being with another woman sent her into such a spin of depression and misery that it took her breath away.

She sniffed and surreptitiously wiped at the tears that had started to roll down her cheeks. Damn him! She thought angrily. She had always been such a sensible person, always had it all together, and not even two weeks in his presence had turned her into a sniveling idiot who was pining for a man she had just met.

Loosening her seatbelt, she dug into her pocketbook and took out some napkins. The flight attendant was due to come back around to check on them and she certainly did not want the woman to see that she was crying.

Dabbing her face with the napkin, she snapped open a makeup mirror to examine her face, dismayed to see how haggard and sad she looked. She was going to have to wash her face and try to compose herself.

*****

“How is she?” Valentino could not believe what was happening. He had left the apartment late last night and, on his way, home had gotten the call to say that his mother had had a heart attack and had been rushed to the hospital; a clogged artery and they would need to operate.

He had camped out in the private waiting room until he heard that the operation had been successful. But after that there had been an infection that had made it necessary for them to monitor her.

“She is still out of it.” The man told him gravely. They had worked assiduously to operate on the woman whose family practically owned the hospital. “She will be out of it for the better part of the morning. I suggest you go home and get some sleep, Signor Calderone, and we will call you as soon as she is awake.”

“She will be well?”

The man hesitated and looked at the others who had come into the room with him.

“She will have to take it easy from now on.”

He smiled grimly at that. “She does not know the meaning of the word.”

“You are going to have to try and convince her. I would like to suggest that, as soon as she is recovered, she goes on a long cruise.”

“I will try and let her see reason. Please let me know if there is anything else I should know.”

“Of course, Signor.”

Valentino strode out of the waiting room, and ignoring the come-hither glances from the nurses and female doctors, he made his way out to the parking lot where the driver was waiting. The man jumped to attention and hurried to open the door.

“Take me straight to the office.” He said brusquely. “I will shower there.”

“Of course, Signor.”

He settled into the back of the vehicle and allowed his head to drift back, his eyes closing. He had not slept much last night and combined with learning that Kimani had run away from him, his mother had been rushed to the hospital. He was not used seeing her like that; laid up in a hospital bed, hooked up to a monitor.

She had always been so strong and healthy. He doubted he had ever seen her sick a day in her life. She was a force to be reckoned with and had taken over the running of the company when his papa had passed away.

His eyes flew open as the enormity of her state of illness hit him. He was going to have to take over and make all the decisions now.

The board, the staff, and their associates all over the world would be looking to him now and he was going to have to ensure that their stocks did not plummet because of her illness and subsequent stay in the hospital recuperating.

He knew her and realized that she would never willingly relinquish the reins. She enjoyed pulling the strings and making the decisions and it would not be easy for her to sit back and allow someone else to do so, not even if that someone was her son, who was heir to the fortune and the business.

His mind drifted to Kimani, and he felt the stark hurt and anger that she had lied to him--that she had told him she was going to meet him and left him standing there like a damned idiota! And right now he needed her so much that he could not stand it. And she was gone. He had never felt so alone in his entire life.

*****

She managed to sleep a little during the flight and actually forced herself to eat some of the delicious meal that had been served to her, but refused the champagne. She had gone to the bathroom twice to relieve herself and wash her face and had stayed inside for a few minutes allowing the tears to course down her cheeks.

Now she was as composed as ever and had cleared customs and immigration and had collected her luggage from the carousel. I’m home, she thought dismally as her heart threatened to break into pieces again and the tears hovered near the surface.

Monique had sent a vehicle for her and told her not to bother coming in tomorrow. “It’s Friday, darling, and you need to recover from the long flight and the different time zones. I will not expect you back here until Monday. I want no phone calls, or emails, or anything like that. Get some rest.”

She nodded to the driver who took the bags from her and loaded them into the trunk, allowing her to hop into the back. She had called and let her grams know that she was coming back and her time of arrival. Turning her head towards the window, she gazed unseeingly out, her heart heavy.

She was going to have to put on a different face before she walked into the house she shared with her grandmother or the woman was going to figure out that there was something wrong. What was he doing now? She wondered achingly.

Did he shrug those broad shoulders of his and dismiss her, dismiss what they had shared? He was Valentino Calderone. A frown touched her brow as she realized that she did not know that much about him, apart from what she had read in the papers.

They had not talked much… a moan escaped her as she remembered what they had done for most of the time. They had made love so many times that she had lost count.

She closed her eyes and could feel the touch of his lips on hers, his deep voice murmuring into her ear--sometimes in melodious Italian that she could not interpret--and sometimes telling her what he was going to do to her. She bit down on her lip to stop from crying out and forced herself to stop thinking about him.

*****

“I feel fine.” Aurora insisted as she tried to lift herself up to prove that she was indeed getting better. Valentino had been called by the head of surgery to let him know that she was awake. The adrenaline that had been driving him this morning was now practically gone, and he was operating on pure fumes.

The House of Calderone had been in a state of disarray and he had managed to call a meeting and quell the fears facing the staff and board members.

The PR team had also sent out a press release with reports that Signora Calderone was recuperating successfully. And he had been kept busy attending meetings and fending calls from associates around the world who wanted to find out if she was going to recover.

“You are not fine.” He pressed her back down firmly. “You have just been through a major operation and need to gather your strength.”

“How is everything at the company?”

He shook his head. “We are discussing business. You are going to have to trust and believe that I am able to handle things. We have a full battery of very experienced and dedicated staff. I am assuring you that the place will not fall down around our ears.”

“It had better not.” She plucked at the sheets restlessly and he realized that she was not used to staying still.

“Marcelo sent flowers.” He told her casually. He had seen the man looking lost and forlorn and had taken pity on him by calling him into his office and having a private discussion with him.

“He should not have done so.” She avoided his eyes and her gaze touched on the table that resembled a small garden. "You should ask one of the nurses to have them distributed to the pediatric ward."

"He cares about you, and I almost think that he fancies himself in love with you."

Her dark eyes met his. "I do not appreciate having this discussion with you."

"I am your son." He pointed out mildly.

"Precisely. If we are not about to discuss business, I would like to talk about your betrothal."

"What betrothal?” He challenged her.

"Valentino…”

"I was told by the doctors not to get your blood pressure up. You need to rest." He got to his feet and bending over, kissed her on the cheek. "It is wonderful to see you alive. I would hate to be running the company by myself."

"Speaking of which, could you tell me about the Paris…”

"No." he told her firmly, taking one delicate hand in his. "No talks of the company. It is being handled and I would appreciate it if you would trust me."

"I do." She told him quietly. "I always have."

He swallowed the lump inside his throat and nodded. "Thank you."

*****

Grams met Kimani at the door and threw her arms around her, causing the tears to start falling.

"Honey! I am so happy to see you." Putting her at arm's length, she noticed the tears with a frown. "What's wrong?"

"It is so good to be home," she half lied. Putting the bags next to the coat tree, she tucked her hand through the older woman's arm as they made their way to the kitchen.

She had been traveling for hours now and should have felt weary, but right then all she wanted to do was to sit inside the cozy canary yellow kitchen with the large island in the middle and have some tea with the woman who had brought her up and saved her from disaster.

"I brought gifts." She murmured as she slid onto the stool.

"And I would be glad to look at them at a later date." Muriel told her with a smile as she set about putting the kettle on. "It was too quiet around here without you. I made pecan pie."

"Gimme." Suddenly, the air of despair evaporated.

She was home with her grandmother, and even though she could not tell her what she had done yet, just her presence and being here with her in the cozy kitchen was making things okay again.

She might have to face the consequences of her actions in Naples, but at least she knew that her grandmother would be there for her and without judgment.

"Now, tell me all about your trip."

Kimani accepted the slice of pie and pressed the fork down into it, concentrating on the menial task fiercely. She could tell her about the sights she had seen, which included the magnificent ruins and the old graceful buildings and she could also talk about Olga and the woman's kindness.

She could describe the House of Calderone, which of course would bring back memories of Valentino, but she could not talk about him, could not even mention him slightly. It would make her start bawling down the place and her grandmother would demand an explanation.

So she spoke about the ruins in great detail and showed the photos she had taken with her camera. Grams “oohed” and “aahed” over them, staring at each of them in stunned admiration. "I cannot believe you have seen these places." She murmured, shaking her head. "We should get a special album to put these in."

"I am way ahead of you." Kimani told her with a faint smile. The shrill whistling of the kettle diverted Grams’ attention from the photos, and she bustled away to make the tea.

An arrow pierced Kimani’s heart as she stared at the underground ruins, the memories of that particular day coming to mind. It had been the day that he had taken her out onto the boat and stolen her innocence.

The day she had almost died and had been transformed by his lovemaking, her body coming alive under his expert hands and mouth. She had not taken any photos of the boat or of him, and she frowned slightly as she wondered why.

"Honey? You okay?"

"Yes." She accepted the cup of steaming chamomile tea with a forced smile. "Just wondering if I managed to process all of the pics."

Her grandmother picked up the stack of photos again and sifted through them as she allowed her tea to cool. "It is amazing to realize that the Lord is so wonderfully creative and that there is a big, beautiful world out there."

"Grams, I never asked you, have you ever travelled before?"

She laughed at that. "Just to Texas and Boston. There was never any money for such luxuries as traveling."

"Have you ever wanted to?"

"I was always contented to stay here in America, but I suddenly have the urge to take a trip. Maybe a cruise, but that would cost a fortune."

"There are affordable ones and I think you should go for it. We could look and see what lines are going where. There is always some Caribbean cruise in December."

"Child, please do not worry about it. I am old now and my time has passed."

"You are not old, and we can more than afford it. It does not hurt to check it out."

*****

Valentino sat on the silk sofa inside his sitting room and stared into the fireplace pensively. He had put on a show for his mother and in front of the staff and management team at the House. The adrenaline that had been fueling him for the past two days was slowly ebbing away.

He had thought he had lost her, and it had made him acutely aware that he loved her--she was his mother, and despite her controlling ways, he loved her, and her almost dying had reminded him of that.

He felt like smoking--the stress of Kimani running off and not meeting him coupled with his mother's heart attack was getting to him. His mind flickered to her--she was back in her country now and settling into her usual routine.

Had she forgotten about him? He shook his head--what they had shared would ensure that she would not be able to forget for some time. He knew he never would.

He had contemplated going after her, had thought about jumping on the company jet and going to find her. He had no idea where she lived, but he could very well find her at Romano's.

He had been to the states many times before, and even though he did not particularly like the place, he would have made an exception and stayed there long enough to convince her to come back with him.

But now, he could not do so. The heavy weight of responsibility was resting on his shoulders like an anchor. He could not pick up and go whenever he pleased.

His mother was in a weakened state and the doctors were demanding that she take things easy. He would have to step up and be the head of the company, and that role was an enormous one. He could not afford to give into his needs, as much as he wanted to. He was going to have to stay put.

One thing he knew for certain, he was not going to marry Sophia Rossi. He was going to have a sit down with their lawyers and find a way to break the contract, and he owed all of it to Kimani. She had stepped into his life and showed him that getting married to someone he did not even like was not good enough.

He had been willing to go to the altar and tie himself to a woman he had little or no regards for because of some stupid tradition. That was over and done with.

He had not even thought of Sophia since he left her at the function. He had not been to see her, and she had not called him either. It would have been madness for them to carry on. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the cushions wearily.

He needed Kimani, and perhaps one day when things quieted down, he would go and find her if she was not already taken. But now was not the time.

*****

Kimani could scarcely wait to go to her suite of rooms. She had drunk two cups of tea and eaten the slice of pie, refusing another slice, as she humored her grandmother by telling her about the places she had been when in Naples.

She had also managed to encourage Grams into thinking seriously about the cruise. They had seen several ports in various Caribbean countries.

But now she was showered and sitting up against her pillows. Now she had no distractions and could allow her mind to roam, and naturally it would go to the times she had spent with him.

The only other person she had talked to about it was Olga, and she was certain he had not told another soul. How could he? She thought bitterly. She was going to be his little secret. The foreigner he had made love to on her visit to Italy.

She closed her eyes and sniffed at that. She did not have any regrets--the intense passion and desire had opened her eyes to so many things and made her realize that she could never settle for something less than that and chances are she would never find anything like that ever again.

He had spoiled her for anyone else. The thought of having another man touch her the way he had made her want to cry out in protest. She could not do it. Those intimacies he had showed her, the way he had used his mouth to pleasure her, the things he had done with his tongue.

Taking her from behind until she had felt him so deep inside her that she had felt faint with fear and need. He had been so big that she had wondered how she had been able to accommodate him.

But she had, as if she had been born to do so, as if she had been made to fit him. His lips on hers--she shook her head--if anybody had told her that a kiss could have such power, she would have laughed at them in scorn!

But she had experienced it for herself. His tongue inside her mouth, the potency of what should have been a mere kiss had turned into something else completely and had sent fire to the pit of her belly.

The man had a mouth on him! And why not? When had he had time to hone his skills? She had tortured herself by going onto his social media page and scrolling through, the despair settling into the pit of her stomach as she saw the pictures of so many celebrities that had been photographed with him.

He had been involved with a few princesses, more than a few actresses, lawyers, a few doctors, and models. There was no way she would be able to compete. She had made a decision on the flight coming over, to forget him, and she was going to try her best to do so.

Chapter 13

“Stop fussing.” Aurora ordered as the maids fluttered around the bed, plumping her pillows.

“I think they are just showing how happy they are that you are home.” Valentino said mildly, giving a brief nod to dismiss the maids. He waited for them to leave and close the doors behind them before taking a seat on one of the plush sofas facing his mother’s bed.

It had been a rather trying and hectic week with him at the helm and for them to quell the rumors that the House of Calderone was spiraling downwards. It had taken a statement from both him and his mother for the furor to quiet down.

And now, the House was as busy as ever with orders pouring in.

“How did it go with the Rossi’s?” She asked him quietly as she adjusted the pillows.

“A little uncomfortable, but they understood.”

“And Sophia?”

“She appeared relieved.” He said with a mocking smile. “I have a feeling that she had never looked forward to the wedding night.”

“You do not have to be so coarse.” She muttered.

His thick eyebrows lifted. “I do not know how else to be.” Leaning back against the cushions, he stretched his long legs out. “Any thoughts about going on that cruise?”
“I am not going on any cruise. I have to be here in case…” Her voice petered off.
“In case I fail?” He questioned mildly.

“You know the business inside and out, and I have complete confidence in you.”

“Do you?” He murmured in amusement. “I am quite certain that you received daily updates from Allegra…”

“And I have been watching the stock reports and speaking to the CFO. Our stocks have soared over the past week.”

“The doctors told you to…”

She shook her head. “No one tells me what to do. I feel fine.” She insisted. “I have no idea what happened before and I am pretty certain that those doctors overreacted.”

Valentino opened his mouth to disagree but decided against it. Aurora Calderone was determined to have her own way, and no one could get her to change. He was just so happy to have her home. It seemed that their relationship had improved since the illness, and he was grateful for it.

“Marcel wants to visit.”

“I am not accepting visitors just yet. I am still recuperating.”

“I thought you already did that.”

She eyed him, a slow smile touching her lips. He had of course proven himself to be more than capable, and she was proud of him.

He was ready and she was absolutely certain of it, and he was strong. He stood up to her and had been doing it more and more since she had been incapacitated.

And she had to acknowledge to herself that she was tired and ready to relinquish the role she had been thrust into since the death of her husband, and her son was more than ready to take up the mantle.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You are not with anyone.”

“I have been busy.” He pointed out.

“And that is the reason?”

“What other could there be?” He asked her mildly.

“Darling, who is she?”

“I don’t…” He broke off at the look on her face that told him she was not about to let the subject drop. He had been having sleepless nights thinking about Kimani, and when he closed his eyes he would see her in his dreams.

He kept busy during the days and there were rounds of functions most of the nights, but as soon as he got to his suite, he would have a difficult time falling asleep. He could still smell her and taste her; it was frustrating as hell, and he had to admit that he was not over her and probably never would be.

Flexing his hands, he shifted slightly on the sofa before responding. “You would not approve of her.”

“Is that so?”

He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips as he stared at her. “She is not what you would consider to be socially acceptable.”

“How do you feel about her?”

He looked surprised at the question and realized that he did not have to think about it. Ever since she had been gone, he could not stop thinking about her and it was something that was constant.

“I am in love with her.” A smile touched his lips, and his expression became tenderly indulgent. “It hit me so hard that I had no idea what on earth was happening.”

“Who is she?”

“The buyer from Romano’s.”

Aurora was not surprised. She had noticed the changes in her son ever since the woman had come to town and had wondered about it.

“What are you going to do about it?”

His eyebrows lifted. “Does this mean…”

“I had a heart attack. I work out, eat healthy and keep myself in pretty good shape. I even have a personal trainer (who I am thinking of firing) and it still happened to me.

Before now I was not thinking about holding a grandchild in my arms. I am thinking of it now, constantly. All I require is that she love you for you and not for what you can offer her.” She held out a hand and he took it.

“Life is short and unpredictable, darling, and you deserve to spend that time with a woman who is in love with you and one you are in love with.”

“She might not be in love with me.” He admitted wryly. “I made her an offer for her to become my mistress.”

“I see.” Aurora burst out laughing, feeling lighter than she had felt in years. It was a first for her, this candid conversation with her only child and it felt wonderful.

“I thought that was the only offer I could make her.”

“And what did she say to that?”

“She turned me down.” His dark eyes twinkled in memory. “She was quite infeasible in her refusal. I tried to persuade her, offered to put her up in one of our apartments and shower her with gifts.” He shook his head.

“I knew from the beginning that she was special.” His expression turned luminous with love and had her staring at him in wonder. “She might be carrying my child.”

“All the more reason for you to be with her.”

His dark eyes smoldered at that. “I will as soon as I am certain you are going to be well. And there is the function coming up in November.”

“I can deal with…”

“No.” He shook his head firmly. “I will not allow you to jeopardize your health. You are going to give yourself time to get better and I am firm on that.”

Her expression turned gentle. “I am proud of you.”

Valentino’s heart thudded inside his chest at her poignant words. “Thank you.”

*****

“Come on in.” Monique looked up at the knock on the door and gestured for the younger woman to come in. “I am so sorry I was not here when you arrived.

That trip to Paris so sudden, extended longer than I expected, and Leonardo is still there sorting through--please sit. I have read the reports and seen the window displays and I have to tell you girl, I am so impressed that I had to send pics to Leonardo as well.

We are definitely ready for the Thanksgiving holiday and the winter season. Now enough about the job, tell me everything. I know you mentioned the ruins and I am so happy you were able to see so many things.”

Kimani lowered herself into the chair slowly. It had been a week since she had been back and was still not sleeping very well at nights. “You heard about Aurora Calderone of course.”

Monique nodded. “I was not able to swing by and visit her because of the time frame, but Leonardo will be doing so. He and Valentino are more than associates, they belong to the same club. You met him of course.”

“Yes.” She had to steel herself to avoid the woman’s eyes and not reveal anything.

“And?”

“Pardon?” She gave Monique a startled look.

“What did you think of him?”

“We met briefly, and he seems nice.”

Monique let out a soft laugh. “I am almost certain that adjective has never been used to describe him. The man is hot, and charming, and a notorious flirt, or he was.”

“Were you…” Kimani shook her head. “I should not…”

“I have a feeling I know what you are going to ask, and the answer is no. As hot as that delicious man is, my Leonardo is enough for me and in case you have not noticed, my husband is pretty hot too.”

“Oh, I have noticed…” She shook her head with a rueful laugh as Monique’s eyes twinkled. “In an objective kind of way.”

“Oh please, girl.” She waved a dismissive hand. “I have gotten used to women drooling over him, but I have learned over the years not to pay that any attention. He has eyes only for me.”

Kimani leaned forward, her hands clasped in front of her. “How long did it take you to realize that you were in love with him?”

Monique pressed the intercom on her desk. “Laura, honey, give me half an hour, will you? Thanks.” Releasing the button, she turned towards Kimani. “This is going to take some time.” Steepling her fingers, she stared at Kimani. Something told Monique that she was not telling her everything.

Her response to the meeting with Valentino was too pat, as if she had rehearsed the answer, and she had noticed that the younger woman seemed somewhat subdued and unlike her usual vivacious self. “It was a disaster at first. I was in a café or restaurant ordering a meal and making a mess of the language.

I was a language teacher but could not get a hang of the Italian language, and then this completely hot and darkly handsome man came to my rescue.” She shook her head ruefully. “I was so naïve and clueless that I had no idea who he was, not even when he made love to me.”

“Was it then you discovered that you were in love with him?”

She nodded. “I think so. The man was good, and I told myself that I would not say no to a little holiday romance, and he was the perfect candidate.

But I never dreamed he was THE Leonardo Romano until I came back to the states,” she added ruefully, “and then all hell broke loose. There was a scandal of spectacular proportions because we were caught in an intimate embrace. Leonardo was forced to marry me and did not like it one bit.”

“But he fell in love with you.”

Monique nodded. “We had this amazing connection which could not be denied, and I guess we went on from there.” She gave Kimani a speculative look. “I am here if you want to unburden darling.”

Kimani swallowed the lump inside her throat. “Not just yet, but I will let you know. A man like Leonardo, how does he remain faithful?”

Monique smiled at that. “Love, darling. He is truly in love with me and even before he discovered he was, he could not be with anyone else because of the connection we have. It does make a difference.”

*****

The shrill ringing of the phone had him rolling over, his eyes popping open just as he reached for the phone. A frown touched his brow as he looked at the time and realized that it was almost 2 a.m., and he had just arrived home from a function only two hours ago. What on earth?

“Hello?”

“Valentino?” The voice was whispery soft and unrecognizable

“Who is this?”

“I am surprised you do not recognize my voice. After being with me for more than six months you have put me out of your mind.”

“Nadia?” He was wide awake and very irritated. “What are you doing calling me at this time of the night?”

“I fell in love with you.” She whispered. “I know you told me that you were not making any promises, but I fell in love with you. How could I help myself when you are so beautiful, and you made me feel so good in bed?

When you made love to me it was so amazing that I could not do without you, and then you told me it was over. I cannot live without you.” Something in her voice had him sitting up against the pillows.

“Nadia are you unwell?”

“I took some pills…”

“Mio Dio!” He scrambled off the bed and stumbled towards his robe. “What the hell were you thinking? Please stay awake. I am going to call an ambulance.”

“Goodbye my beautiful Valentino.” She hung up and he swore viciously as he ran into the closet to find some clothing. He tried calling her back, but she did not pick up and he felt the fear filling his chest. If she died and the press--no, he shook his head. His first priority was Nadia and trying to save her.

He called an ambulance and finished dressing. He could not allow his mother to find out about this, and if any of the servants knew, so would she. “Manache!” Swearing ripely beneath his breath, he grabbed his keys and then decided it was more prudent to have Mattia drive him.

The man was discreet and had been with the family for years. Besides, he would need his hands to make some phone calls. Placing the call, he made his way downstairs quickly and quietly.

*****

“How bad?”

“They had to pump her stomach and she is still unconscious.”

Valentino had been hoping that the situation would have been contained enough so that his mother would not be involved, but the police had been called and now the press had gotten wind of the situation. Valentino had spent the entire morning at the hospital waiting for word.

“Our PR team?”

“Already apprised.” Valentino lowered himself into the chair and rubbed his hands over his thighs wearily. “I am sorry, Mama.”

“You did not pour those pills down her throat.”

“But I am the reason she took them in the first place. I never wanted anything like this to happen. I was careless with her feelings.”

“Perhaps. But that is beside the point. Is she going to be all right?”

“The doctors are hopeful. As soon as she wakes up they will put her on psych watch.”

“And perhaps it is best not to have any further association with her.”
“How can I just ignore her?”

“By allowing the lawyers to handle things. You gave her an apartment.”

“Yes.” He bit his lip. “I was foolish and was not thinking.”

“I know what part of you was doing the thinking.”

“Mama…”

She held up a hand. “Now is not the time, I know. But we are going to have to do some damage control.”

“I specifically told her that there could never be marriage and she agreed.”

“She is a woman, and you are a very desirable man. She would have said anything at the time, hoping to change your mind along the way. Go and get some sleep.”

“I apologize.” He said bitterly. “The company…”

“Will survive this as well.”

He rose to his feet a little unsteadily. “I will snatch a few hours and then I am going to the office to catch up…”

“It’s Sunday, darling, and you need to get some rest. Go.”

With a nod, he left and walked from the room. She waited until he had closed the doors before reaching for her phone. “Giuseppe, darling, I need you here pronto.”

*****

Kimani stared at the test in dismay. Her hopes of hearing from him had been dashed during the third week of her arrival back home. And her fears were confirmed.

She was pregnant, or at least the test said she was. She would go to the doctor’s sometime during the next week to confirm, but she already knew the answer. She had been feeling off since a week ago, her stomach feeling queasy and her breasts very sensitive.

She sat on the edge of the bathtub heavily, her body shrouded in despair. She was pregnant from a man who obviously did not want her. A man who had just wanted a fling. All of his talk about becoming his mistress had been just that, talk, and now she was carrying his child.

She was not going to cry, she told herself firmly. She was an adult and an independent one. Lots of women were single parents and they made it work. But the only difference was that she was pregnant from a multi-billionaire.

She was carrying his heir and there was no way she could keep that from him. She was going to have to let him know and because of how famous and rich he was, she was going to lose her baby.

How the hell did she find herself in this conundrum? And what was she going to tell her grandmother and Monique? A groan escaped her at the thought of what the staff were going to say, especially Melissa, who was still so resentful of her promotion and the fact that she had gotten the chance to go to Naples.

Monique was going to be so disappointed in her – the woman had basically gone through something similar, but that was beside the point. She had acted irresponsibly and now there were consequences.

“Kimani?”

She jumped up at the sound of her grandmother’s voice and quickly wrapped the evidence into a roll of tissue before dumping it into the trash can.

“Kimani?”

“I am here.” Taking a deep breath, she went to splash some cold water on her face and dabbed it with a towel before leaving the room.

“What’s up Grams?”

“I do not feel so hot.”

“What’s wrong?” Immediately her worries were shelved as she hurried over to guide her towards the bed.

“I think my blood pressure is flaring up. I feel kind of faint and dizzy.” She pressed a hand to her generous chest. “Will you drive me to the hospital?”

Kimani pressed a hand to her forehead and felt the warmth of her skin. “And you are running a temperature. Let me get dressed quickly and I will take you.”

“I know we planned on going to the play…”

“It’s fine. Your health comes first. Give me a few minutes.”

“Are you okay, honey? You look a little down.”

“I am fine, Grams, just worried about you.” She dragged on a pair of denims and grabbed a thick, black sweater. Her hair was all over the place and she really did not have the time or energy to make sense of it now. Getting a baseball cap from the shelf, she put it on and went to get her jacket.

“Lets’ go Grams.”

*****

Valentino sat on the edge of the bed, his mind racing. He had been foolish and reckless, and if Nadia did not survive he would never forgive himself. He had left her because he had met Kimani – the thought of the woman who had turned his life upside down made him weak with longing.

He had not called her. After the conversation with his mother, he had decided to surprise her with a visit and a proposal of marriage, but that was going to have to wait a little while longer.

Chapter 14

"Signora!" Nadia struggled up against the pillows as Aurora swept into the room, a cloud of Calderone Essence, the latest perfume from their line, floating in with her.

"Give us the room." She ordered the nurse who was checking Nadia's vitals, and without the slightest hesitation, the woman obeyed. The Calderone's practically owned the hospital, so what they wanted was always paramount.

"I must look a mess." Nadia remarked foolishly as she tugged at her robe.

"That is inconsequential. I am not some lover you have to pretty up for." Aurora sank down into the chair gracefully and crossed her legs.

She had made certain her son was busy so that he would not try and stop her, and even if he had attempted to, she would not have allowed it. She had seen his unhappiness and was going to put an end to it.

"Why are you here?" There was a note of resentment in Nadia's voice as if she suspected the woman was not here out of the goodness of her heart.

"I think we both know the answer to that." Aurora's dark eyes flickered over the woman's face. "You took those pills and called my son, which meant that you had no intention of ending your life.

From what I understand, people who truly wish to commit suicide do so quietly by leaving a note, not by placing phone calls in the middle of the act. There was no note, correct?"

"I did not think…”

"That is precisely what you did not do my dear. You did not think. Now you have embroiled not only my son, but the entire House of Calderone into this awful scandal, and we are both going to come up with a way to undo the damage."

"He broke my heart." She whispered.

Aurora gave her a surprised look. "You were his mistress and he provided generously for you.

He gave you a rather expensive apartment, jewelry, money in your bank account, and from what I understand, you are set for life. He owed you nothing and he gave you a lot. My son is generous to a fault. Surely you did not expect marriage?"

"Because I am not good enough." She said bitterly.

"And you have proven so with your selfish and foolish act. Did he declare his love for you?"

"No."

"Did he at any time during the relationship gave you the impression that it would turn into something permanent?"

Nadia stared at her for a moment before looking away. She had not really wanted to kill herself; she had taken those pills to get his attention and thought the guilt would force him to come back to her. The doctors had told her that he had been there, had been the one to take her to the hospital, and she had felt hope flare inside her chest.

"No." She murmured quietly.

Aurora's expression softened a little. "Men can be so dense at times."

Nadia gave her a suspicious look that had Aurora shaking her head. "I understand that my son broke things off with you in an abrupt manner, but my dear, that is beside the point.

You knew it would end eventually. You should have done the smart and logical thing and moved on. Now we are going to come up with an explanation as to your foolish act."

"I almost died!"

"We both know that was not your intention." The hard mask had slipped back onto Aurora's face. “I am willing to add to the amount of money my son has gifted you with and you will make a statement to the press clearing him from this mess."

"And if I refuse?" She asked belligerently.

"Then you get to feel the full force of my wrath and believe me when I tell you that is not something you would want to experience."

Aurora's lips thinned as she stared at her. "If you very wisely accept my offer, I will have our lawyers contact you with the details and there will be papers to sign. You will not contact my son again, and if you happen to break the very binding agreement, I will destroy you. Is that at all clear?"

Nadia stared at the powerful woman in defeat and knew she was going to accept the offer. One did not go up against someone like Aurora Calderone and win--it just did not happen.

"Yes."

"Good. Now, here is what you are going to say to the press."

*****

Valentino stared at the TV screen in shocked surprise as Nadia made the statement.

"I am simply saying that taking the pills had nothing to do with Signor Calderone. I was going through depression, and the doctors will attest to the fact that I have a history of that condition, something I have been experiencing for a long time, even before I met the Signor.

He and his family have been kind enough to absorb the cost of my hospital bills and I am very grateful for their kindness."

He turned to look at the woman who was reclining on the sofa in his office. She had stopped by to check on things and was going back home to get some rest.

"Mama, you did this."

"The last part of her statement was all hers. Very clever indeed." Aurora said mildly as she sipped her coffee.

She had of course arranged the press conference and had the lawyers meet with the woman in one of the hospital's private rooms to iron out the details of the agreement. That had been yesterday and now it was all over and done with.

"How? When?"

"Yesterday." She gave him a faint smile. "The problem with you is that your heart is too soft."

"Forgive me for caring that she almost took her own life."

Aurora waved a dismissive hand. "She wanted to get your attention and certainly managed to do so. If she was really planning on taking her life, she would not have called you. She wanted you to feel guilty enough to take her back."

"I would not have done so." Valentino muttered as he leaned back in the chair.

"She was hoping you would." She sipped her coffee and eyed him over the rim of the cup. "On another matter, the jet is fueled up and you will be leaving for America first thing in the morning."

"Is there some business deal…”

"It is more of a personal one for you. You will be spending a week, or enough time to convince that young lady to come back here with you."

He went rigid with shock as he stared at her. "Scuzi?" He could not believe he had heard her correctly.

"You are going to get the love of your life, Valentino, and bring her back here. I expect the two of you to be married by December if that is at all possible, certainly in time for any grandchild of mine to be born in wedlock."

"You are, how do you say? Not pulling my leg?"

"Would I do that?" A smile hovered along her lips. "I have asked one of the maids to pack some things for you, and while you are there you might as well do some business with Romano's.

They are going to be losing their head buyer and we should certainly compensate them for it. I am quite certain both Leonardo and Monique will understand."

"Mama, I do not know what to say." He said hoarsely.

"Say you will convince that young woman that she should understand your plight and take you back."

"I certainly will. Thank you, Mama."

"You are most welcome."

*****

He was going to meet with strong resistance from her, that much he knew, and on the long international flight he was trying to think of arguments to counteract what she would come up with.

He was now free to marry her, everything that had stood in the way of him making her completely his own had been resolved, and he could scarcely believe it.

She would ream him for not contacting her for the past five weeks, but he was certain she had seen the news and was aware of his troubles, first with his mother and then that distasteful event with Nadia.

He grimaced as he realized that that last bit would not sit well with her. But he would explain to her that it was not his fault…or was it? he wondered. Shaking his head, he dismissed the troubling thought.

He was not going to take no for an answer, and he was certainly not going to leave without her. His mother would handle things in a diminished capacity--he would be in touch with the House while he was away and make the necessary decisions.

He was aware that he would not be able to avoid the press, but no matter, he did not care as long as he was with her. The thought of holding her in his arms was making him agitated and aroused, and he shifted on the comfortable seat and tried to get rid of the image of her naked body in his arms.

She had told him that she lived with her grandmother. He would introduce himself to the lady who was going to be his family and insist on her spending time with him in his hotel suite. He wanted to be alone with her and that was not negotiable.

He had no idea how he had spent so long a time without her, but he was certainly going to make up for the lapse. And he had brought gifts: a matching emerald necklace and earrings to go with the exquisite pearl and emerald engagement ring.

He would make love to her, break down her resistance and make love to her and then propose.

What if she said no? He frowned as he thought of that. Surely she was in love with him as well? He was her first and intended to be her last, her only. He could not believe she had been with anyone else. Surely not! She was his and would always be his.

*****

She had just gone into the bathroom to throw up her breakfast when her phone rang and she realized it was Monique. The thought of not answering entered her mind, but an innate sense of duty made her disregard that.

She had been trying to keep her condition from everyone, including her nosy co-workers and grandmother, but it was becoming more and more difficult to do so.

The more advanced the pregnancy got, the sicker she was, and the anti-nausea pills did not seem to be doing a very good job. She was sick and suddenly tired all the time, and the mood swings were horribly unpredictable.

She had started snapping off people's heads at work and that would not do at all. Punching the green icon, she forced a cheerful note into her voice and responded. "Hi Monique, I was just…”

"Would you come to my office immediately, please?"

Her heart skittered at that. Somehow, she had found out about the affair with Valentino and was going to fire her.

"Is something wrong?"

"I will let you know as soon as you are here." The woman told her quietly.

"I will be right there." She hung up the phone and stared at herself in the mirror. She did not look the worse for wear and she could not be fired without a logical reason.

Yes, she had slept with Valentino Calderone, but that was her own damned business. She could not be fired for that. She would sue! Shaking her head, she gathered her thoughts as she realized that Monique was not like that and would not fire her for such a thing.

Firming her lips, she dabbed at her face with the towel and left the room.

*****

Monique wished her husband was there and had not gone to that business meeting. He was friends with Valentino and would certainly know how to handle this situation. The man had been prowling the length of her office since he arrived and was causing quite a furor in the office.

That did not surprise her in the least. What had surprised her was his explanation. He was in love with Kimani and was here to take her back with him.

He would not leave until she had agreed to come back home to live with him. There was a determined look stamped on that handsome face that she knew quite well. Her husband would often have that look on his face, the stamp of authority that says clearly that saying no to the request was not an option.

She almost sighed in relief at the knock on the door. She half rose to her feet and called “Come in."

"Monique I…” Kimani's voice trailed off as she saw the man standing next to the window. For a minute she thought she was imagining things.

Surely it could not be…surely Valentino Calderone was not standing in Monique's office looking so achingly handsome that she wanted to rush into his arms and never leave. But common sense and pride prevailed. "Signor Calderone." She murmured coolly.

"I have agreed to vacate my office to give the two of you privacy." Monique murmured, looking from one to another, a smile playing around her lips.

"That's not necessary. Whatever you have to say to me, can be said in front of my boss." Kimani told him with a lift of her chin. "And before you start making offers like me becoming your mistress…"

"I do not want you to become my mistress." He spoke up for the first time since she came into the office, and the sound of his deep accented voice caused her knees to buckle.

"Oh." She took a deep breath and turned to Monique. "I guess I have to tell you…"

"Nothing to tell. Valentino already filled me on the salient points."

Kimani's eyes flared at that. "How dare you talk about me behind my back. What did he tell you?" She demanded, forgetting that the woman held her future in her hands.

"I told her that I am in love with you."

"We had an affair when I was in Naples and he…" Suddenly his softly spoken words registered to her feverish mind and she turned to look at him in shock. "What did you say?"

"That I am in love with you." He was making his way towards her, and both of them had forgotten that Monique was still there. They did not notice she had quietly stepped out and closed the doors behind her.

"I am helplessly, irrevocably, and inexplicably in love with you." He had stopped in front of her, and one hand lifted to tilt her face up, his expression gentle. "I have come to take you back home with me."

Her dark brown eyes flashed and the hypnosis that had wrapped around her at his words snapped. "You have a nerve! I have not heard from you for almost two months…"

"There were extenuating circumstances…"

"Your mother's heart attack and visit to the hospital is good enough, but your mistress trying to end her life…"

"I agree that is something I will have to explain to you. I have missed you sorely, Amore."

"Please don't call me that." She whispered and realized that she was already weakening. His familiar expensive scent, the sight of his magnificent body clad in black, the lock of hair falling onto his forehead, and the beloved face she had never thought to see again was more than she could bear. And his declaration of love—

“I am not leaving my home and my work.”

“My life is in Naples, and I will not allow my wife to be in a separate location."

"What?" She blinked at him. "Did you say wife?"

He nodded, a smile touching his lips. "I would like you to marry me, Tesoro."

"You are engaged." She pointed out foolishly.

"Not anymore. I am free in every way to marry you."

"Your mother…"

"Gave us her blessings and would like us to get married in December, which leaves us a few weeks to make the necessary plans…"

"You want to marry me?" She whispered.

"I brought the engagement ring with me. We might have to get it resized…"

"You just assumed I would want to marry you?" Her dark eyes flashed dangerously.

A frown touched his brow. "You do not want me perhaps? I am in love with you and…" Suddenly, he stepped back and got down on one knee.

"What are you doing?"

"I am proposing to you properly." Taking her hand in his, he looked up at her. "Kimani, will you do me the extreme honor of being my wife?"

For a moment she could not respond, her heart was bursting to overflow, and her body felt weak. He was here on his knee; this magnificent and powerful man was on one knee and proposing to her.

"Kimani?"

"Where is the ring?"

He frowned at that. "I was not certain of your reaction, so I left it inside my hotel room. I intended to abduct you if necessary and keep you in the room until you said yes."

She bit back a smile and tried to look stern. "Is that so?"

He nodded soberly. "I told Mama that I will not be coming back until I persuade you to come back with me."

"My grandmother…"

"Will, of course, come back with us. I understand she is your only relative, and you would not want to be separated from her."

"You certainly have everything worked out."

"And I am afraid I am getting carpet burns from being in this position for so long."

"It has only been a few minutes. If you love me…"

"I love you so much that I am bursting from it. Will you put me out of my acute misery and say yes?"

"Will I have to worry about you with other women?"

"Never," he swore. "I promise that you will always be the only woman for me. I have not been able to touch anyone since you ran way."

"I did not run…"

"Kimani, I would appreciate your response."

"Fine. I will marry you and it is only because I love you too."

"Not the most romantic response to a rather heartfelt proposal, but good enough." He got to his feet gracefully and pulled her into his arms. "Now we should go back to my suite and celebrate…"

"In case you have not noticed, this is my place of work, and it is the middle of the morning. When did you arrive?"

"Late last night and I got a few hours of sleep before I decided to come and see you." His hands caressed her cheeks, his expression tender. "You will come to me after you are finished here? I would like to make love to you. I have been dreaming of doing so ever since you left."

"You have to meet my grandmother…"

"I will meet you here after you are through with work, and we will go to your house. But I am not leaving to go to my hotel without you." There was a determined expression on his face that warned her he was going to have his own way. "I intend to make love to you tonight until the morning dawns."

"I have work tomorrow…" She began weakly.

"I am quite certain Monique can excuse you for the day. Neither of us will be getting any sleep tonight, of that I can assure you."

"Valentino…"

"I do so love it when you say my name. And one other thing…"

"What is it?"

"This," His head swooped down, and he took her lips in a searing kiss that burned a path straight to the core of her and had her clinging to him.

He poured the last six weeks of not seeing her into the kiss, his hands roaming down her back and up again to tangle into her hair, his mouth moving over hers with a passion that was unmistakable. She clung to him, her fingers biting into his shoulders and neck, her body swaying towards his.

He ended the kiss reluctantly, his breathing shallow, his body tensed with extreme need. "Come back to the hotel with me." He whispered hoarsely. Reaching down, he brought her body closer to his, making her feel his erection. "See how much I need you?"

"I have work—oh please, stop looking at me like that! I have some things to finish up and I refuse to leave Monique in the lurch. You already said that I will be leaving."

"In a week."

"Three weeks, or a month, and I never said I was going anywhere."

"Two weeks." He told her stubbornly. "It will give you time to sort out everything and give your notice to Monique. I am not waiting any longer."

Her dark brown eyes flashed at him. "Is this your way of trying to control my life? Because I am telling you right now that will not work."

"It is my way of telling you that I cannot live without you. That I have been doing so since you were gone, and I am not sleeping. It is my way of telling you that I love you so much that I can feel it in every vein, every pore, and every fiber of my being. It is my way of saying that life without you means absolutely nothing."

She stared at him and had to blink away the tears. The man did have a way with words!

"Two weeks is more than enough time." She whispered huskily, one hand reaching up to touch his strong jaw. "How I have been miserable without you."

He muttered something in rapid Italian and took her lips with his again, his tongue plundering hers.

"I suppose we should allow Monique to get her office back." He murmured huskily.

"I suppose we should."

"Can you get off early?"

She nodded and treated herself to yet another searing kiss.

Chapter 15

"I love my job." Monique watched in abject amusement as Kimani took up the role Valentino had left off by pacing the length of her office.

He had finally left to go back to his hotel and the House of Calderone was abuzz with the news of his visit, and somehow it had been leaked that he had been there to see Kimani. Her husband was not back yet, but Monique had called to tell him what was happening.

“He expects me to up and leave my country, my work, and you, of course." She gestured to the woman behind the desk. “And his mother…" She shook her head. "He said she gave us her blessings, but what if she does not accept me? I am not from their society and, oh!" She clapped her hands over her mouth.

"I cannot even speak the language. I had a dictionary with me and I made a mess of the pronunciation. He is going to regret marrying me. I am going to have to talk some sense into him and make him realize that this is a horrible idea."

"He is in love with you." Monique pointed out quietly. She had told her assistant to give her a few minutes to try and sort through this so-called crisis with Kimani.

"He said that, and I believe him and, oh, how I love him." Her eyes flew to Monique.

"You are not reprimanding me for sleeping with him."

"How can I, when I did something similar?"

"Mine is even worse. I let the company down."

"Nonsense." Monique gave her a smile. "I am so happy for you."

"You gave me the promotion and I am simply going to up and leave you."

"To marry the man you love. I am all for it. We are going to become sisters. He belongs to the same club as my husband, and the wives…" She shook her head.

"We are all over the world, but we have this bond that is so special and wonderful. From the very moment you stepped foot here, I knew you were going to accomplish much."

"I wanted to accomplish much in terms of my career." She muttered as she plopped down on one of the comfortable chairs. "Not by marrying some hot multi-billionaire who is practically royalty and--Oh my goodness!" Her hands went to the top of her head this time.

"What now?"

"My past."

"What about it?"

"It's not pretty. I never told you this, but my mother was horrible and probably was responsible for leading my dad to an early grave, and her second husband tried to rape me.

He threw me out and Grams took me in. We were living in a dump until I started working and we bought that house--the press is going to have a field day with all of that. I can see the headlines now, only I will not be able to read it because it will be in Italian." She spread her hands as if really looking at the headlines.

“Former playboy and heir to the multi-billion-dollar House of Calderone set to marry little Ms. Nobody from America, a mere buyer at Romano's. The entire world is in a state of shock."

"That's a pretty wordy headline." Monique murmured mildly, trying to hide the smile.

"Monique, I am serious."

"I am certain you are, and I am pretty certain they are going to print the story here as well and you will be able to read it."

Kimani sent her a baleful look, completely forgetting that the woman was still her boss. "You are not helping."

"And you are panicking for everyone." Monique pointed out. "You two are in love with each other and it is going to work out." She paused as she picked up the paperweight her husband had gifted her a few months ago and rolled it between her palm. "When are you going to tell him about the baby?"

"What?" Kimani stared at the woman in shock. "What did you say?"

"You have done a pretty good job at hiding it, darling, but I have noticed the signs. The spittle you are always trying to swallow and the nauseous look on your face when I had that curried chicken from the Caribbean restaurant the other day. I thought you were going to puke all over my very expensive carpet."

"I would never have done that." Kimani looked at her dazedly. "Why didn't you say something to me?"

"I was waiting for you to broach the subject. He is going to be ecstatic."

"Will he be?"

"How can you ask that? Of course he will."

"I did not tell him because when you called me, I was in the bathroom puking my guts out and I did not expect to ever see him again, and another thing was that I would never want him to marry me just for the sake of the baby."

"Now you know that's not the reason for him to be here."

"It might just be. What if he figured out that I might be pregnant?" She worried.

"I am pretty certain that is not the case. He already told you that he is in love with you. He told me so too."

"He did, didn't he." Suddenly a wide smile bloomed on her face. "And he went on one knee and proposed." She jumped to her feet. "Oh Monique! My life is about to change, and I don't know if I am ready."

"You will get there." Monique assured her. "Now, is this crisis over?"

Kimani nodded, her dark brown eyes twinkling. "You are such a good employer; I am almost reluctant to leave. I told Valentino that I will have to give you two weeks’ notice."

"That's not necessary, and I believe there is a wedding to plan."

"He wants us to get married in December."

"Which is a few weeks away. The planning needs to start now. My only regret is that we will not be the ones to design your wedding dress."

"Why not? Oh, of course. You can design the reception dress."

"I will talk to Aurora about that. Now, get back to work and then get out of here to that man of yours."

*****

"Relax, Tesoro." He sent her an amused look as he came forward to take her hand. He had followed behind her and pulled into the driveway of the humble place she had called home for so long. To her, it had always been a safe haven and a rather nice place, but Valentino was used to elegance and luxury.

Her place must look like a hut to him. He had notified his PR team and they had made a statement, but he had had to do some heavy maneuvering in order for the reporters not to follow him.

But very soon it would be all over, and they were going to know why he was in the States, and when that happened, she and her grandmother were going to be fodder for their stories. "I am certain she will love me." Bringing their joined hands to his mouth, he kissed the back of hers. "Did you tell her we would be here?"

"Yes." She took a deep breath and stared up at the latticed roof with the solar panels she had gotten only last year to help with the electric bill.

It had a nice backyard with a very nice deck where they would do the grilling during the warm months, and both she and Grams had planted a vegetable garden. The large oak trees in the yard were dropping russet leaves all around, and the grass looked parched.

"Tesoro, what is the problem?"

"This is where I live."

"I figured that out since we drove into the driveway." He stared at her curiously.

"It's not fancy."

"It's rather nice."

"You are not used to something so simple."

"I am not. It's pretty quaint and the leaves make a rather nice backdrop for the grass and the blue sky."

"You are making fun of me."

"I would never do so. You are worrying for nothing."

"You are going to realize that I do not belong to your society and then be unhappy."

He stifled a sigh and turned her to face him. "I will do no such thing. I love you."

"You love me now."

"I will love you until I draw my last breath."

He had a way of saying things to her that stole her own breath, and she had to swallow the lump inside her throat. "We are simple people.."

"There is nothing simple about you, Amore." He gave her a quizzical look. "Are you trying to get out of marrying me?"

"I am trying to give you an out."

"I do not need one." He cupped her face and forced her to look at him. The air was frigid, and the wind was blowing the leaves off the trees, but they did not notice any of it. "I…"

"Are you two going to stand out there until you turn into icicles?" The voice from the doorway demanded.

"Your nonna will not have a very good impression of the man who is practically making love to you out in the driveway." He said teasingly as he took her hand and led her up the porch steps. He had brought a gift, a bottle of very expensive wine and a painting that did not cost much, not by his standards anyway.

"Come on in, it is freezing." She stood aside to allow them to enter and waited for the introduction.

"Grams, this is Valentino Calderone."

"I have been reading up on you, young man." She peered at him curiously and shook her greying head. "You look more handsome than your photos."

"I am already in love with you." He told her with a chuckle as he bent forward and kissed her on both cheeks. "I am looking forward to becoming your family."

Gladys beamed at him and reaching out a hand, touched his jaw briefly. "As long as you are good to my granddaughter, you are pretty okay in my book."

"I love her endlessly." He turned Kimani to face him, his expression tender. "She came into my life and turned it into a fiery ball of uncertainty, and I am not the same man. I would like to officially ask for her hand in marriage in front of you."

"You will be taking away my only family."

"He wants you to come with us." Kimani rushed in to say.

"Let's have this discussion over hot chocolate and my delicious pecan pie." She said, ushering them into the cozy kitchen.

"Maybe we should use the dining room." Kimani hesitated inside the doorway.

"Why?"

"Your granddaughter seems to think that I would not be comfortable sitting around the kitchen counter." Valentino sent her a mild look.

"And will you be?" Gladys asked him bluntly.

"It is a nice counter, and the stools appear to be comfortable and I will be seated next to the love of my life. I am very certain I will be well."

Gladys smiled at him in delight. “I love this young man of yours, honey. He is the real deal. Now, no more of this nonsense. Sit while I serve you and we can talk about the wedding. What's this I hear about getting married in December?" She bustled around pouring the steaming cups of hot beverage and handed it to them.

"Valentino is not prepared to wait." She said dryly as she blew on the liquid.

"Grazie." He gave Gladys a charming smile as he accepted his slice of pie. "It is just that I would like to start our lives together and I am not prepared to wait." He turned to face her.

"You would not have to lift a finger. There is a team of planners waiting to get started. I have found you, Mi Amore, something I never thought would ever happen to me, and I do not want to wait."

He looked at Gladys, who was eyeing them in delight. "We would like you to come with us to Naples and live. You are going to love it there and most of all, the love of my life, the woman who has changed me for the better, the future mother of my children."

"The future is already here." Kimani told him softly, her body trembling. She loved him so much that it was impossible to put it into words, and she could not see her life without him.

She had intended to tell him the news later tonight in his hotel room, but it somehow came out. A smile touched her lips as he stared at her with an incomprehensible frown. "I am six weeks pregnant, darling."

They both heard the gasp from her grandmother but neither of them paid that any attention. The food in front of them was forgotten as he turned the stool carefully around so that she was facing him.

"You are carrying our bebe. "He whispered hoarsely, one hand going to her cheek and the other settling onto her stomach. He muttered something in Italian before getting to his feet and pulling her up with him. "Were you ever going to tell me?" He demanded, even while he was bending his head to kiss her.

"Yes." She whispered, her hands going around his neck. "I just did not want to trap you into marriage."

"I should scold you."

"But you won't."

"I cannot find the energy to do so. Not while you are with child. "He stared at her anxiously. "Are you well? Is everything alright? Have you been to the doctors?"

"Apart from the nausea, I am fine. When Monique called me this morning, I was emptying my stomach inside the bowl."

"Have you eaten since then? Perhaps we should…"

"Kiss me. Shut up and kiss me."

He belatedly recalled that her grandmother was in the room, but on looking around he realized that the good woman had had the presence of mind to give them some privacy. She was going to be a great addition to the family, he thought tenderly, before he swooped down and kissed the woman who was his in every way possible!

*****

"Are you going to be doing that for the rest of the night?" She murmured as he continued kissing her stomach slowly, his fingers massaging the skin.

"Possibly." He did not lift his head but continued to take little bites out of her skin. They had barely managed to finish eating the pie and drinking the hot chocolate before rushing out of the house and heading to the hotel room.

Reporters had been camped out in the lobby, and even though his PR team had given them a statement, that was not enough for them. His men had stopped them from following as Valentino hustled her towards the elevator that would take them to the penthouse suite.

"My seed watered your womb and has borne fruit. It is exciting is it not?"

"Not from where I am standing or sitting. Your seed makes me sick every blessed morning. I have become intimately acquainted with the toilet bowl."

He lifted his head just then, a frown touching his brow. "We should get you the best care. Perhaps we should leave in the morning. Your grandmother can follow at a later date. There are excellent doctors…"

"There are excellent doctors here as well and you did promise me two weeks." She pointed out.

"That was before I knew of your condition. Mama will insist on us leaving at once."

"Am I going to have both of you dictating to me? "She demanded. "And I am still yet to see the ring."

"How remiss of me." He scrambled off the bed and went to get the boxes he had in the pocket of his suitcase and brought them back.

"Stay right there." She told him when he was almost at the edge of the bed.

"Whatever for?"

"Just stay there. I want to feast my eyes on your gorgeous body."

He humored her, going still as her eyes roamed over his body, from his face down to his chest where the furrows of dark hair narrowed as her gaze touched his flat stomach. Her hands clenched into fists when she looked at the surging thickness of his penis and she felt the shivers running all over her body.

"Kimani?"

"Why do you love me?" She asked him huskily, her eyes swimming with tears.

He moved then, coming to sit against her hips. "How could I not?" He asked her gently as he popped open the box to reveal the exquisite engagement ring. "Give me your hand, Amore." She did, and he slid the ring on. It was a perfect fit and it looked beautiful on her.

"There is a matching necklace and earrings. If you do not want to wear them for the wedding, there are tons of family heirlooms that will of course go to you. I also have grandaunts who are dying to meet you. They are twins." He smiled slightly. "We might be having twins, Cuore Mio."

"Now you tell me." She grumbled as she stared at the ring.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it. Are you going to make love to me? It's been too long."

"I am afraid to hurt you and our bebe."

"You will not and if you do not make love to me right now, I am walking out of this hotel room."

"You are naked." He pointed out as he put away the rest of the boxes and climbed on top of her.

"My clothes are right there on the chair."

"I would never allow you to leave." He kissed the sides of her lips. "You are officially mine now." He murmured something in Italian as he kissed her cheek and went to the hollow of her throat. "I am your first and will certainly be your last." He was at her breast now, hovering above her nipple.

"Yes. You—Oh, Valentino!" Her body arched as he slid into her slowly.

"I love when you call my name. My cock stands immediately to attention." He started moving, his lips closing over her sensitive nipple. He felt when she stiffened, and a cry escaped her lips. Dragging his mouth away he gave her an anxious look. "Am I hurting you?"

"No." She brought his head down again. "It's very sensitive, the pregnancy. Oh, please don't stop!"

He took her nipple again, this time rolling his tongue over the tight bud. His body surged into hers and her hips lifted to meet his thrusts, her fingers digging into his shoulders as her body arched towards his.

Her moans echoed around the room, and it was not long before she was cresting against him, the climax slamming into her body with the force of a sledgehammer and leaving her completely breathless and dazed.

"I love you." She whispered helplessly, her hands roaming over his back. "I love you so much, Valentino, my sweet darling. I had no idea—oh, how I love you!"

Letting go of the nipple, he took her lips in a kiss that strangled her breath and sent flutters into the pit of her stomach.

Her words had been his undoing. At her place, before she had told him of the pregnancy, he had wanted to come here and take his time to romance her properly. It had been too long since he had been with her, and he wanted to spend time worshiping her body.

But as soon as she told him of the pregnancy, those good intentions had all but disappeared and her words just now were making it quite difficult for him. He tried to slow down, but it was impossible.

His body drove into hers and he wondered vaguely if he was hurting her. This was the woman who was made for him, was his completely, and he could never look at another woman for the rest of his life.

His hands gripped her hair as he steadied her head for the plundering of her lips. He increased the pace and felt her stiffening again, marveling that he had such power over her body. But it was the same way for him: she had absolute power over his body, and he did not mind that it consumed him.

They came together, their bodies reaching for each other, soaring together. They were both crying out, and it became so much that he had to end the kiss so that he could bury his face into her neck, her name on his lips like a prayer as he flooded her with his seed, his large body shuddering.

Chapter 16

The excitement of uprooting her life and that of her grandmother was a lot. The past two weeks flew by in a whirl, and the stories in the papers were fueled by the couple been seeing together in public.

Valentino took the opportunity to go to the club and catch up with friends he had not seen for years, but he was never far from Kimani's side.

He was impatient to get their lives started and had left his elegant hotel suite to stay at her home on her grandmother's insistence. And he had the opportunity of being treated like an ordinary person with the realization that he loved it.

He was assigned an extra room to use for his day-to-day business: sending emails, catching up on correspondences, and coordinating with the various departments while he waited for Kimani to get home. Not to mention being fed and checked on constantly by Gladys Nicholson.

He had grown to adore the elderly lady in the two weeks he spent in the country, and she became like a surrogate grandmother to him. She had at first demurred at them sleeping together in Kimani's room but had relented when he firmly told her that he had no intention of sleeping away from her.

"I respect that this is your home, but if it is a bother to you, we could always go back to the hotel. I cannot be without her, and I am hoping that you will understand."

And she had. She loved seeing him around her granddaughter and was assured that he loved her to pieces and was going to take care of her.

He would greet her at the door with a long and lingering kiss that had stopped being a source of embarrassment to her and would take her into the living room where he would massage her feet.

Now the two weeks were up, and Gladys had decided that she would keep the house and lease it out to a friend of hers. "I might decide I want to come back here in my very old age." She had commented.

Kimani had bid a tearful goodbye to the people at Romano's, all except Monique and Leonardo, who would be present at the wedding. She had been liaising with the wedding planners and the design team at the House of Calderone, and her wedding dress was almost ready.

She had also been in touch with Aurora, who had welcomed her to the family. The wedding was set for a week following their arrival and she was finding it completely nerve wracking.

"There is nothing to worry about." He reassured her, placing his arm around her shoulders as they made their way to Naples in the private jet. Her grandmother was snoring gently in her seat, having feasted on the delicacies that had been provided for them during the flight.

"I keep telling myself that." She snuggled into him, inhaling his scent. She was going to be starting her new life with this man she had met a few months ago. It seemed surreal that a trip to a foreign country had accomplished what had never happened to her before and with such a man at that!

His immense wealth and power frightened her, but the overwhelming love she had for him evened it out dramatically. "I have to work."

"Not just yet." He tilted her chin up to look at her. "You will be getting married next week, and then we are going on our honeymoon. And you are pregnant."

"How long will we be on our honeymoon?"

"Possibly two weeks or three."

"And then you expect me to do what? Sit and twiddle my thumbs? I am not used to not working, Valentino."

The sound of his name on her lips had the expected result and he felt his body tightening. Her grandmother was present with them, but there was a bedroom where he could drive himself into her, and he was going to use it quite soon.

"When the time comes, we will find a place for you in the company."

"As head buyer?"

He gave her a quizzical look. "We already have someone in the position."

"Am I going to be hired because I happen to be your wife?" She demanded.

"I would prefer that you do not work at all." He admitted. "Your life is going to be full…"

"Your mother works." She pointed out.

"You will be raising our children."

"And you have more than enough money to hire a hundred nannies."

"Why would we want to hire a hundred nannies for one child?"

She gave him a frustrated look. "I was exaggerating, and you know that. The point is I am not sitting at home doing nothing."

"You will have the household to run."

"Who has been running it?"

"Mama, but she will hand it over to you."

"I know nothing about running a household of that size. I don't even speak Italian."

"You will have to learn. I will hire a tutor."

"I have to work."

"You do not have to work."

"Valentino…"

He ended the discussion the only way he knew how, by taking her lips with his. Her grandmother was sleeping, and the flight attendants were around the back, and he did not care. His tongue darted into her mouth and his hands drifted up her cashmere skirt to touch her lace covered sex.

Removing the edge of her panties, he sank his fingers into her wet warmth.

Kimani was lost as usual, her body moving towards his fingers eagerly, her own fingers grabbing his neck and shoulders. She came quietly, his mouth swallowing her frenzied cries as she crested.

Removing his fingers from her, he put them into his mouth, and with sizzling eyes, met hers as he sucked her essence from them. Kimani buried her face into his neck, her body still trembling as she clung to him.

For the duration of the journey, she did not say anything, and it was a few minutes before he realized that she was fast asleep.

A grim smile touched his lips as he shifted slightly to ease the rigidity of his cock rubbing against the material of his faded denims. He was going to have to wait to make love to her.

*****

Despite her misgivings and nerves, she settled in well at the manor. Aurora had welcomed them with open arms and made them feel pretty much at home.

Gladys Nicholson had been sufficiently awed at the beauty of the country and the Calderones’ home and had immediately assigned herself to be part of the household staff. Aurora had told her firmly that she was not required to work, but Gladys had been equally firm in insisting that she had to do something.

The wedding had approached swiftly, and before they realized it, the day was upon them. The guests had started arriving, and both Monique and Leonardo had been invited to stay with them.

Kimani had asked her to be her attendant and Monique had said yes. She had not had the opportunity to see the dress until the day before the wedding, and her first sight of it had her staring in amazement.

It was made of the finest gossamer silk and lace, appearing almost transparent. The bodice was tight fitting as was the entire waist and skirt, until it flared out at the ankles. And it was the color of the finest champagne.

Aurora, who was inside the room along with her grandmother and Monique, gave a nod of approval. "My dear, you look stunning."

"I agree." Monique had brought her own wedding gift along with her: dozens of flimsy and lacy pieces of lingerie for the wedding night and the honeymoon, and a reception dress. There was going to be a wedding shower tonight at the House of Calderone for her to get the know the people there as well.

"Oh, my sweet girl." Gladys came forward with outstretched arms, tears evident in her dark brown eyes. "Your papa would have been so proud of you."

"Thank you, Grams. I…" They all turned at a knock on the door.

"Is it safe for me to come in?"

"No!" All three women called out. "You cannot see me, darling," Kimani added. "I am wearing my wedding dress."

"That is an old wives' tale." He retorted.

"Whatever, you are not coming in here."

"I have been ordered to take you to tea with the aunts."

Kimani had met the charming women on her second day in Naples and had been delighted by them. They had immediately accepted her into the family and spoke to her constantly.

Aurora shook her head wryly. "Those two women are going to be the death of you."

"I happen to like them." She gave her future mother-in-law a smile. "They are not all bad."

"Kimani?"

"I am coming out. Just do not come in."

"I am giving you five minutes.” He warned.

"Your son is going to be the death of me." She told Aurora mildly as she hurried to take off the dress.

*****

The magnificent Catholic church was packed to capacity with people from all over the world who had come to see for themselves this grand affair and the fact that Valentino Calderone was marrying a 'nobody'. A mere buyer from a rival brand and a black woman who was rather curvy.

This man who was used to svelte women, women of his own society, was marrying a woman who had just come up from

America to do business with the House of Calderone. What was even more intriguing was the fact that his mother, who had never approved of anyone, seemed to adore the girl. It was uncanny indeed!

The wedding was quick, and a lot of money had gone into the planning of it. The church, with its ancient and beautiful stained-glass windows, had been decorated in the House of Calderone's colors--red, green and white--with streamers, cupids, balloons, and sculptures all around the interior.

A red carpet had been spread in the middle of the aisle, and before the bride made her appearance, ushers looking rather sharp in their black and white were handing out souvenirs courtesy of the bride and groom. Gaily wrapped packages of glass cupids with their names stamped onto the base of the object.

A stringed orchestra was playing, keeping the guests entertained, but all eyes were on the groom, who was wearing expertly cut dark blue trousers and a blue and white striped jacket with a pale pink shirt. He was handsome, and looked tensed, as he kept looking at the doorway for his bride.

Leonardo Romano was his best man and was dressed completely in black, the starkness relieved by a snowy white inside shirt. Both men were striking in appearance and had the unmarried women sighing in longing.

The music changed, and Valentino straightened and took a deep breath as his eyes strained at the arched doorway. She came in on the arm of her grandmother.

The woman who had changed his life was like a vision from heaven, and as she made her way towards him, he found that he could not breathe; the breath had been strangled inside his throat and his skin felt hot and then cold.

She was coming towards him to bind her life irrevocably to his and he felt as if he was dreaming, what a vision in loveliness!

Her thick dark curls were ruthlessly tamed and brushed back into an intricate style at the nape of her neck, highlighting her cheekbones and the lovely neck he so loved to kiss.

The earrings and necklace he had gifted her with were perfect foils for the champagne-colored dress, and he vaguely heard the gasps coming from the guests as they stared at her.

He left his position and came forward to take her hands in his, nodding and smiling at her grandmother before gazing at her.

"You take my breath away." He admitted softly.

"And I cannot believe you are going to be my husband."

"Shall we hasten to get that out of the way?" He suggested.

"I think we should. I want to get to the honeymoon part." She told him with an impish smile.

His dark eyes simmered. "My sentiments precisely. Let's get this over with."

*****

"Signora Calderone."

"That's you, darling." An amused smile touched his lips as he looked at her.

"What?"

He gestured to the couple who had approached them to wish them well.

"I am not used to the name yet."

He was delighted at the look of acute embarrassment on her exquisite face. The reception was being held in the same showroom where, more than a couple of months ago, he had wandered out looking for her and had found her on her way from the ladies' room.

Streamers of balloons, crepe paper, champagne fountains, and a live band playing on the dais made for a festive ambiance. The cake had been cut and their first dance as husband and wife dispensed with.

Now he was itching to be alone with his bride. There had been an awkward moment when Sophia Rossi had come forward to offer her congratulations, but the woman had been all gracious smiles and polite courtesy.

"Lovely ceremony." Alfredo Esposito murmured with a low bow and a charming smile. "Welcome to our lovely country."

"Thank you." She smiled back, her hand firmly tucked into that of her husband.

"I think Leonardo is coming to claim his dance." Valentino bent his mouth to her ear, his breath stirring her skin.

"It's weird calling him Leonardo."

"That's his name." Her husband told her in amusement.

"And he was my boss."

"Hi. Signor Romano, I mean Leonardo."

"Leonardo is appropriate of course." He bent a smile at her and cocked his brow at her husband. "May I?"

"As long as you bring her back, and soon. We are about to take our leave."

"Anxious to get the honeymoon started?"

"Precisely." Turning her around, Valentino took her lips and kissed her tenderly. "See you soon, Amore Mio." He whispered.

“I never thought it would happen to him.” Leonardo murmured as he took her onto the dance floor. She had met Prince Francesco and his lovely princess as well as a few other royalties, and she was sufficiently overwhelmed.

"It happened to you." She had no idea how she could be so bold as to talk to him like this, but the words were out of her mouth before she even realized it. "I am sorry."

"Don't spoil it now." One thick brow arched, and a smile touched his lips, reminding her so much of her husband. "And yes, it happened to me." His head lifted as he sought his own wife out, his smile gentling considerably as he took in the slender woman in the stunning green and gold gown.

As if she had sensed his gaze, she turned to look at him with a wave and an intimate smile. "It's a wonderful feeling to find the one person who makes your world spin." He looked at her and to her surprise, touched his lips to her forehead. "Sorella."

Her eyes moistened at that as she realized that it meant 'sister'.

*****

"Signor Calderone! How does it feel to be the face of the Bella Pregnante?" A persistent reporter asked as soon as they stepped out of the vehicle that had transported them to the opera house where they were the guest of honor of the famous Italian opera singer, Mia. Kimani was seven months pregnant, and the transition from her regular life in the States to one where she was the wife of a very powerful and wealthy man was taking its time.

Their three weeklong honeymoon had been magical, with her husband determined to show her the whole of Europe, or most of it.

They had been to Paris, Rome, Venice, Spain, and Greece, where he had persuaded her to swim naked--something that she would never forget--nor the intense lovemaking that always followed the return to their hotel, or villa, or apartment building.

He was not inhibited in the least and had made love to her on the beach of Corfu (after making certain there were not reporters lurking around). They had their fights and arguments, passionate ones, loud enough to be heard by the members of staff both at the office and at home, but the makeup sex was always explosive.

She had finally persuaded him to find a place for her at the House of Calderone, and she was working closely with the models and buyers to detect fashion trends because she had a good eye where that was concerned.

She traveled with her husband, who refused to travel without her, and when she was as sick as a dog due to the pregnancy, he was there with her.

She and Aurora got along famously, and she had been instrumental in bridging the gap between the twin aunts and Aurora and got them talking. Now they visited the house and both she and Aurora went to visit with them every now and then.

The House of Calderone had come up with a magazine geared towards soon-to-be mothers by showcasing very chic outfits for the pregnant woman, and Kimani had been chosen to be the face of the line, wearing the various outfits that had been designed specifically for her.

"Looks like they made a mistake." She called out in Italian. "I feel like an elephant."

"You look like a gazelle." Her husband murmured against her ear, his dark eyes twinkling.

"And you are a bad liar." She told him as they made their way into the vast opera house with the usher quickly guiding the way to their boxes. "My ankles are swollen."

He immediately became solicitous, his expression one of concern. "We should have refused the invitation and stayed home."

"And offend Mia?" She scoffed as she settled into her seat. "Besides, I have come to love the opera."

He sat next to her and turned to examine her face anxiously. He never dreamed that he could love someone as much as he loved the woman seated next to him. And to his surprise, the adoration had not faded, only intensified.

He watched her grow in her pregnancy, was there for her when she rushed to the bathroom first thing in the morning and was vastly relieved when the nausea had faded after the first trimester.

"Stop it.” She ordered.

"Stop what?"

"Hovering. I am fine."

"It is, of course, my job to hover." Lifting her chin, he peered closely into her expertly made-up face and felt a jolt to his cock at how exquisite she was.

Pregnancy had given her a glow and when he had discovered they were having a son, he had been over the moon. They had decided to name him Vincenzo Kenneth after both their fathers. "We should go home."

"You are just saying that because you want to get me into bed."

He gave her a wicked smile in acknowledgement. "Is it that obvious?"

"You are very obvious when it comes to that part of it, and we made love just before we came."

"Is there a limit to the times I get to enjoy my wife?" He demanded.

"Be quiet. The show is about to start."

"We are completely isolated here, and you are wearing a dress."

"So?"

"I get to do this." Before she could react, he lifted the arm of the chair and reached beneath her dress, sliding his hand along her thigh to touch her sex.

"Valentino…"

"Have I told you how I love the sound of my name coming from you?" He had found the core of her and was stroking slowly.

"We can't…"

"I will be quick, just concentrate on the show." His fingers had glided into her, and the sound of Mia's rich soprano was ignored as the sensations rocked her body. He was thrusting into her slowly at first and then picking up the pace.

With a quick look around to make certain they were not observed, she unzipped his trousers and took out his rigid erection.

He grunted in satisfaction as she toyed with him, spreading her finger over the tip of him. He had taught her to go down on him and it was now his favorite position. She came, her body bucking towards his fingers as she buried her face into his neck.

*****

Their son was born on July tenth after a rather easy birth, much to the father's delight, and weighed in at seven pounds, eight ounces; an adorable bundle of joy with straight dark curls and liquid brown eyes that looked very much like his mother's.

And he was beautiful. The grandmother and great-grandmother made that declaration and, of course, his great aunts concurred.

Valentino could not take his eyes off his son and was so emotional that he had to take a moment alone with his wife.

"Come here, darling." She murmured, opening her arms to him. He approached the bed and slid in gratefully, immediately enfolding her into his arms.

"You must be tired."

"A little."

"I am grateful."

"I know you are." She whispered into his chest.

"I adore you and I think diamonds and a new car."

"And a cashmere jacket and matching boots."

"Five hundred pairs not enough?"

"Never." She lifted her head to look at him. "I adore you, my darling."

"I know." He kissed her passionately, a smile hovering on his lips.

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A sexy BWAM, marriage romance by Constance Michael of BWWM Club.

When Cassie finds out her boyfriend is cheating on her, she feels like she has nothing else to lose…

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Billionaire Kane Kaji is tired of his parents pressuring him to get married.

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A sexy over 40’s romance by Katie Dowe of BWWM Club.

The moment multi-billionaire real estate mogul Asher met African American beauty Lydia, he realized that he fell in love with a woman who belonged to another man—his cousin!

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Lydia is ready to move on after the death of her husband, and she finds comfort with being around Asher.

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A sexy BBW, forbidden marriage romance by Constance Michael of BWWM Club.

Cynthia is a law school graduate who escapes to a seaside town to mend a broken heart…

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Frank Williams is set to inherit his father's billion-dollar business, and while in town he meets the beautiful Cynthia and immediately falls hard for her!

And after a whirlwind romance, Frank surprises Cynthia by proposing to her!

It all seems like a fairy tale come true, until the two lovebirds return home to tell their parents!

When an old family feud threatens their relationship, what will the couple do?

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Also available: Blind Date With A Billionaire by Alanna Richardson:

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A sexy online dating romance by Alanna Richardson of BWWM Club.

Jada Cole was never one to believe in fairy tales…

After growing up in a broken family and then reeling over the loss of a job she worked hard for, she takes her losses and starts over working as a scriptwriter.

And soon she finds herself believing in more than she had ever known!

Actor Alan White is used to women falling in love with him left and right…

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Jada has fallen for the actor, but due to past events she doesn’t want her heart broken again…

Will Jada overcome her fears and finally believe in a happily ever after?

Or will she continue to push Alan away?

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Suitable for over 18s only due to smoking hot sex scenes!

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Valentino

Her life is about to change forever…

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

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