Chapter Four

 

Her wobbly retreat to the nearest washroom was a blur. Not because of tears, but because of the poisonous mix of rage and humiliation. How could she possibly think she could fit in this world? That she wanted to be a part of a society where people were so vicious and cruel to anyone they thought beneath them.

Elodie locked herself in a bathroom that was nearly half the size of her entire apartment and gripped the marble sink to keep herself steady.

She’d embarrassed herself and by extension Caesario and Ana. What could she do now, but leave? It was clear the people in this world wouldn’t accept her. No more than she could make herself fit in.

She ran her hands over the satin of her dress and scowled at herself in the mirror.

Idiot.

She could dress herself up in the world’s finest couture and wear enough diamonds to sparkle like a star, but under it all was still a girl who grew up in a tiny village, ill-equipped to deal with women like Clarice.

“Breathe.”

Elodie’s knees nearly gave out at Caesario’s voice.

She pulled herself together enough to glare at him in the mirror. “I locked the door for a reason.”

He pushed the door closed behind him with a click. “I needed to make sure you’re okay.”

Ignoring her protests, Caesario spun her around then lifted his hands to cup her cheeks gently, turning her so he could get a look at the darkening bruise. He growled. “I shouldn’t have let her go so easily.”

“And what? Make an even bigger scene?”

There was a whisper of his lips over the bruise before he leaned in to murmur. “Haven’t you learned yet? I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks.”

“But I don’t … I’m not…” His touch was messing with her equilibrium. Caesario didn’t seem to give a damn and was even using it to his advantage. “I don’t belong…”

“You are perfect. And you belong with me. Here. Wherever. Always.” He nuzzled her neck before dragging his lips over the delicate skin to capture her mouth and stop any further protest.

Heart clattering in her chest at his words, Elodie gave herself up to the kiss, letting Caesario claim her mouth as she gripped him tighter. Needing everything. Wanting to give him everything. She nipped his bottom lip, earning her a growl as he started tugging aside clothing as if he couldn’t stand another moment being unable to touch her.

Caesario tunneled a hand past the folds of her dress to slip between her thighs. The soaked scrap of lace there proved to be no challenge for his clever fingers. Finding her so wet pleased him if the appreciative groan from him was anything to go by.

Not that she had a chance to dissect what she’d heard.

His stroke was light, teasing, just enough to drive her slowly crazy. “You’ve been driving me mad all night, Elodie.” He inhaled the scent of her arousal as it permeated the air and smiled. “I take it you’ve felt the same way. I bet you’ve been slick and aching for hours. Wanting me. Needing what only I can give you.”

She had. From the moment she’d locked gazes with him, Elodie had been fighting the attraction. Not because she didn’t want to feel it, but because they were in the middle of a party. A consideration that was growing less and less of a concern as he slipped his fingers over her pussy.

In a silent plea for more, she arched into his touch, seeking more friction.

“Impatient, are we?” He chuckled. And though his touch remained light there was a determined glint in his eyes. The tightening of his jaw and the slight tremble in his fingers were the only things betraying just how tightly he had to hold onto his control to keep up the sensual torture.

“Does it make you happy to know that I’ve been slowly losing control just looking at your pouty lips as you spoke?” His gaze drifted down her chest. “Speaking of pouty, what about your nipples? They’ve begging me to touch them, to taste them, through the satin.” He pinched one now, sending bolt of heat straight to her clit.” Caesario lowered his head to nuzzle the delicate skin just under her ear. “And the scent of you. There is nothing like it. Nothing as tempting or as intoxicating.” Elodie nearly screamed with frustration when he lifted the hand he had been using to tease her folds so she could see his glistening fingers. “Except maybe this.” Holding her gaze he took a lungful of the scent before darting a tongue out to taste. His hum of appreciation rumbled through her. “So sweet. Taste yourself. Find out for yourself how delicious you are.”

As if in a trance, Elodie did as she was told and tasted herself on his fingers. He did the same so their tongues touched and blended the flavors with his own. Her head reeling, she clamored for more, but his hand was gone. The disappointed whimper from her was soon replaced with moans as he kissed her now, devouring her as if she was the only thing in the world that would sustain him. His hand had delved back between her legs and was moving with purpose.

He parted her folds and pushed in two strong fingers to crook against a spot inside her that left her weak in the knees and keening into his mouth. With the added brush of his thumb against her clit, Elodie couldn’t fight it any longer.

Pleasure ignited like a bomb in her lower belly. Shockwaves of delight assailed her as she bucked against his hand. He continued to draw out the sensations until Elodie was sure she was going to pass out.

Or come again.

His pulled away abruptly. Caesario lifted his head to stare at her as if she was something ethereal and was afraid would disappear.

As his gaze swept over her dazed, lethargic, post-orgasm body, he swore viciously in Italian as his control snapped. Caesario went to work, tearing at his own clothes, his need to be inside her overwhelming him at last. Elodie was only too happy to help, eager to feel him deep within her.

It was only due to a soft knock on the door that they stopped from stripping each other bare giving into the urge right then and there.

He swore again, under his breath this time as he struggled to rein himself in. “I can’t believe that I almost took you here, in the bathroom. With people just outside the door.” Caesario raked his unsteady hands through his short hair leaving it wild and untamed. Like the look he was giving her.

Elodie did her best to straighten her clothing, but there was little hope of leaving the room with her dignity intact. There was no way anyone looking at them wouldn’t know what they’d been doing.

Not that Caesario seemed to care. He took one look at her and fire leapt between them. He muttered something again as he swept her up in his arms and stalked past whoever had knocked on the door.

Elodie caught the shocked feminine gasp and shoved at Caesario’s shoulders, but he wouldn’t loosen his hold of her. “Caesario!”

He continued his trek, giving her a look that told her just how close to the edge he was. “Either we go upstairs or we go back to the bathroom—hell, I’m willing to find a dark corner somewhere—but I’m having you. Now.”

Knowing he wanted her just as much as she wanted him, Elodie couldn’t find the will to argue. Instead, she buried her face in his neck, hiding from what were sure to be knowing glances as he carried her up the stairs.

In a flash, there was a click of a door closing, the softness of a bed against her back. Then his hands were pushing aside satin as they traveled up her legs, his intent very clear. Where Caesario’s hands met resistance, he tugged and tore, with single-minded determination, until she was bare under his gaze.

“Bellissima.” Caesario didn’t take his eyes off her as he pulled his own clothing off, tossing them away with the same careless disregard he’d done with hers.

He wasn’t the only one who couldn’t stop staring. Caesario was a beautiful man. In a suit, he cut an awesome figure. Naked, he was magnificent. He could have been the inspiration behind classical sculptures of the male figure. Perfection was the only way to describe him. Elodie bit her bottom lip as she let her eyes wander over his body. Solidly built, he wasn’t muscular in a bulky way, but there was no denying his masculinity. Especially the long, thick erection holding her attention.

He gripped it in his hand and pumped it slowly, a mesmerizing stroke up and down the length of him. “Like what you see?”

How could she not? Huge and veined, it was glistening at the tip as if excited by the sight of her. She licked her lips in barely conscious mimicry of what she wanted to do to it. The scent of him, slightly musky and wholly tantalizing, teased Elodie, making her mouth water. She wanted a taste.

“Wanting to feel it in your hands?” His eyes darkened as he asked, “Inside you?”

Absolutely. And getting quite impatient to. Elodie writhed on the bed, seeking sensation from wherever she could get it as she stared up at him.

Instead of giving into her silent demands, Caesario knelt over the edge of the bed. Gently holding one foot, he grazed the arch of it with his tongue, earning a squeal from Elodie.

He lifted his gaze to her as his hands had started to rove up her legs. “I intend to touch, taste, and make every part of you mine tonight, Elodie. If it’s not what you want, tell me now.”

She chuckled, at least as much as her tight throat would allow. She was so wound up her entire being was coiled tight. “I don’t think I’d be flat on my back and naked if I didn’t want this here and now.”

The smirk he gave her was slightly strained as if he was struggling for control as she was. And yet, he didn’t pounce as she’d hoped he would.

Apparently, Caesario was determined to make her mind melt and her body squirm. Tugging her by her ankles, he dragged her to the edge of the bed. The perfect height to meet her pussy with his mouth.

She barely got the chance to register his breath and the scrape of his chin against the delicate skin of her thigh before he settled the wet heat of his mouth on her.

The shock of sensation had her body reacting instinctively, arching under him, seeking for more, and at the same time, trying to get away from the sensual onslaught. Caesario pulled her back to spread her thighs wider for him as he laved her folds with long strokes of his tongue. He murmured appreciatively as he plunged deeper, as if he was unable to get enough of her taste.

The random flicks to and sucking of her clit amped up her pleasure, keeping her in a constant state of dizzy desire. But his control kept her from going over. As if it was his own pleasure depended on it. He knew exactly how to push her toward orgasm but also when to pull back until Elodie was mindless with lust.

She needed release. Now. Before she lost her mind.

Easing a hand down her over sensitized skin, she insinuated it between him and her clit. Elodie barely managed to circle the little bundle of nerves once before he pulled her hand away with a growl.

When she tried it again, he lifted his head to pin her with his dark gaze. “Do that again and see what happens.” Threat uttered, he lowered his head again to taste her.

Elodie gripped his hair in an attempt to direct him where she needed him most. What choice did she have when he continued to drive her mad but refused to give her relief?

He lifted his head, his heavy-lidded eyes meeting hers in challenge. “Are you trying to tell me something?”

“You’re driving me crazy.” The whine in her voice would have irritated her at any other time, but right now she was desperate for him—for anything—to end her torment. “I need you.”

The lazy smile he gave her only served to infuriate her more. Instead of pulling him closer, Elodie sought to push Caesario away. She’d had enough of game playing for one night. But pushing at his shoulders proved to be fruitless, and her display of anger only amused him more.

He slid over her, pinning her down with ease. “Calmati, my little wildcat.”

The glare she gave him made him chuckle again, incensing her. When she would have shoved him again, Caesario entered her roughly, fitting their bodies together with one sure thrust.

There was no time to get used to his size before the pleasure overtook her. The friction and stretch combined with the sensation of him bucking so deep and hard inside her sent her careening over the edge. Head thrown back, Elodie opened herself up to the bliss and convulsed around him as pleasure swamped her.

“Beautiful. Perfection.” Caesario claimed her lips, taking the last few gasps of pleasure into himself. He thrust slowly, almost experimentally. The rhythm was unhurried yet fierce. His groan of appreciation rumbled through her. “You feel incredible coming apart around me.”

And he felt amazing inside her.

He kissed her again, exploring her body with his hands, his thrusts strong and deep but deliberate as if they had all the time in the world to enjoy each other. Each caress, each murmured word, each kiss, added to the fire already threatening to incinerate her again. Elodie opened herself up to it completely as she arched under him, offering everything of herself. What was it about Caesario that made her throw caution to the wind? Even now, in a stranger’s bed, with a building full of people, his aunt included, just downstairs, Elodie was more than willing to let him do whatever he wanted to her.

Writhing against him, Elodie sought to get closer, wanting every inch of their sweat slicked bodies to be in contact. Caesario was only too happy to comply.

But it seemed even a man as godlike as he was only human. The slow, languid pace quickened, until she was being dragged into his savage thrusts. Even the pain from him driving so deep heightened her pleasure to a fever pitch.

“Look at me, cara.”

She obeyed the whisper without a second thought to watch as Caesario sat back on his knees; he in turn was studying her with lust-darkened eyes as he plunged into her. If she thought him beautiful before, seeing his body move so erotically, his face rigid in the moments before he came, was a revelation. His eyes grew darker still as he unerringly found and circled her clit with his thumb as if he knew just how close she was to the edge. It took him seconds to have her crying out another orgasm. As her body gripped him tight, he exploded. Caesario groaned as he slid over her again, thrusting through the pleasure. Filling her.

Elodie had no idea how long they lay there entwined, their spent bodies cooling. Nor did she really care. All that mattered was drifting on the dreamy cloud she was on just a little longer. Her sleepy gaze was drawn to the room. Now that she wasn’t in a lust-filled haze she was able to appreciate the work that had gone into the décor and design. The palette was predominately white with soft greys that glowed in the moonlight. And the bed they were in was like a massive cloud swathed in high thread-count sheets.

Elodie closed her eyes and let herself enjoy the bliss a while longer.

Caesario’s voice seemed like it was coming from miles away. “I suppose you want to get back to the party.”

She opened one eye to find him on his side next to her, his hair wild but his eyes soft. She closed hers again. “Not particularly.” In fact, she could quite happily hide in there for the foreseeable future.

There was a chuckle from him as she felt the tip of his finger circle her nipple. Her body responded immediately, tightening, begging for more of his touch.

“Not concerned about your reputation?”

She sighed as the calm evaporated. Elodie lifted herself up on one elbow to look at him. “It was in tatters the moment I let your aunt talk me into coming tonight.”

“I don’t think it’s quite as dire as you think.”

“No? You don’t think it was a bit mercenary of us both? She offered to be my patron if I came and, of course, I said yes. Even if it wasn’t because of her offer I would have come. But she wouldn’t know that, would she? Then to spend the night all but letting you grope me in front of everyone, that scene with redheaded bitch, then running up here with you … I doubt I can ever show my face in society ever again!”

It was his turn to sigh. The touch of his finger on her chin opened her eyes and lifted her head so she met him face to face. “To hell with everyone else.”

“Easy for you to say. No one would ever dare say a disparaging remark about you.”

“Nor would I care if they did. You shouldn’t either.”

She sniffed, her eyes filling suddenly. “I’m not built the same way.”

“Cara.” He kissed her so gently it only made her want to cry more. “What does it matter what other people think?”

“In my industry? Everything. One wrong word from the right person about my designs or the fabric or even the color of a specific outfit could turn people off and send potential clients to a competitor. I’m sure that redheaded cow is making sure of that right now!”

He pressed his fingers to her lips. “Hush now. Listen.”

She shook her head, dislodging his attempt to silence her. “We have to get out of here before the owner finds us in their bedroom.” Because the sumptuousness of the room could only be reserved for the owner of the house. She kicked off the tangle of bedclothes from her legs to slide from the bed, but a pair of strong arms prevented her from moving.

“Tesoro. Stop. Breathe.”

How could she when everything was unraveling all because of her lust for the man holding her? How could she be so stupid? “We—I—have to get out of here before someone comes in.”

His hold stayed firm. “No one will disturb us, cara mia.”

“You don’t know that.”

Caesario didn’t budge. “Did my dear zia not tell you what this party was for, Elodie?”

Had she? Elodie didn’t recall her giving a reason for a party. But did the rich need an excuse? She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“It’s a house warming.”

“Oh my God.” Could things be any worse? “Are you telling me we just did—it—in your aunt’s bed?”

Caesario groaned, this time with barely concealed irritation, when he had to keep her from leaving the bed yet again. “That’s not what I’m saying at all.” He rolled her under him and pinned her with his bigger body. “Look at me. I want you to see the truth when I say it.”

Elodie ceased her struggles and stared up into the dark depths of his eyes.

“Good.” He shifted positions. Not letting her up but easing back a little and straddling her thighs. “Ana decided to throw me a house warming party. I had no idea about it until this afternoon. It came as quite a shock since I’d only signed the papers late last week. I was hoping for something a little quieter. More intimate.” He sighed. “The duchessa, obviously, had other plans.”

It certainly looked like it. “I’m so confused. This is your place? But then why did she come for me? What do I have to do with all of this?”

His smile grew. “I think, cara, I might have tipped her off to us when I mentioned your boutique to her a few months ago.”

Her stomach dropped. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m hardly the type of man who goes around looking at women’s dress shops, am I?” The smile on his face grew sheepish. “You’re never far from my mind, cara. The day I mentioned your shop was no different. I’m sure my dear zia knew something was up, and when I mentioned knowing of a boutique when she was bemoaning not having anything fresh in her wardrobe … well, that was probably more than enough for her to figure things out.” He grazed her lips with his. “I never should have let you talk me into keeping our relationship a secret.”

“You know very well why I wanted to keep us quiet.” Because she didn’t think she’d be able to fit in with his crowd. Elodie’s thoughts went to the creep at the bar and the redhead. “And I was right, wasn’t I?”

“You were very wrong, tesoro.”

She tugged the sheet tight as if to armor herself from the memories. “You have got to be kidding me. I was a target all night.”

He shook his adorably mussed head. “You know what I saw? An accomplished woman who was able to speak to everyone on every level. One who was warm and funny and happy and a true joy to be around. You lit up the room. Everyone was drawn to you.”

Elodie rejected the notion. She’d tried, but felt on the outside the entire time, the exception being when she was with Caesario. “I felt like I was on exhibit. Especially before you arrived. Your aunt made it her job to introduce me to everyone.”

“And why do you think that was?”

“Why your aunt decided to show me off? No idea.”

His smile softened. “It never occurred to you that she might approve of us and wanted everyone to know the fact?”

It hadn’t, actually. Her heart bobbed in her chest. “You really think so?”

“I know so.” He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “Didn’t you say yourself that she’s a bit imperious? I’m just glad she didn’t make an announcement herself.”

Just like that, her heart sank again. “Why not?” Because he wasn’t looking for permanence? Or perhaps he was but she wasn’t The One.

He reached for the bedside table, flicked on the lamp and opened the drawer. “Because I want to be the one to announce our relationship to the world.” For a moment he just held her gaze. Looking deep into his eyes, she could see the love there. Blood drummed in her ears when he brought his hand in front of her face and opened it to reveal a deep blue velvet ring box. “Open it.”

With trembling fingers, she snapped it open to reveal the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. Clearly an antique, the art deco design was bold. A large baguette diamond sat at the center. Smaller stones of the same cut flanked the edges and were set off by square cut sapphires at the corners. All held together with gleaming platinum, the effect was spectacular. Glittery with inner fire. Elodie couldn’t find the words to describe how beautiful it was or the immensity of the feelings ricocheting through her.

“It reminded me of you.” Caesario’s expression was uncharacteristically unsure but hopeful. “So, what do you say? Should we give my aunt a thrill and turn this house warming into an engagement party?”

Everything inside her was clamoring for her to accept. To grab him and never let him go. “I … I…”

“Say yes.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It’s very simple, Elodie. We’ve been together over a year, and I can’t think of any one I’m as compatible with. I know you can’t either. We both want this.”

True as that might be, Elodie had one question. “Why didn’t you tell me about Clarice and what she was doing?”

Caesario shook his head. “To be honest, I barely noticed her presence. I assumed that she was with someone else and just happened to be invited to the same events. I had no idea she was still carrying a torch, let alone attacking women she saw as a rival.” He grazed the bruise on her cheek with his thumb, his eyes glittering with anger as he remembered what Clarice had done before they softened again when he gazed into her eyes. “I never gave her any encouragement, I swear to you. After the one horrid date we’d had long before I’d met you, I never looked at her again, let alone sought her out. The only person I want with me, anywhere, is you.”

It was all true. She could see it in his eyes, hear the truth ringing in his words.

Caesario took her hands and peered into her eyes. “I love you. Probably since the moment I met you. You’re the only one who has ever made me feel this way. The only one I’ll ever say those words to. Make me the happiest man in the world and in turn I will make sure you never know another moment of sadness.”

Her breath caught. “I love you, too. I have for a long time. Yes. Of course, I’ll marry you.”

With a triumphant whoop, he slid the ring onto her finger before kissing her deeply. “Thank you, cara mia.” Caesario started to climb off the bed. “Now to tell the world.”

She couldn’t help the impish little smile that crept over her lips as she slid her leg between his and held him tight. As wonderful as it was that he was so excited to share their news with everyone—and of course she wanted to as well—Elodie wanted a more private celebration first.

“Rio…” Stretching so the sheet covering her breasts slipped downward, Elodie batted her lashes at him.

He swore roughly in Italian not only at her use of her nickname for him, but her baiting him with her breasts. Smirking, he pushed her back onto the bed. “You play dirty, my love. But you’re right, the world can wait.”

 

The End

 

 

Find more books from author Kait Gamble:

 

www.evernightpublishing.com/kait-gamble