Chapter 17
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ANASTASIA
I ignore Calista’s obvious staring as we make the bed. My eyes continue to burn from the late hour and the sound of laughter carries itself upstairs. Another glorious reminder at how easily Enzo can charm people.
“I think dad might actually like him.” She says, handing me the edge of the duvet cover. “I like him too.” She adds. “I mean sure, it’s weird seeing you engaged to a man I’ve never even heard you mention but he seems...your type.”
“I don’t have a type.” I retort, shoving the duvet inside of the comforter.
She snorts. “Tall, dark and a little mysterious…but you’ve never been serious with anyone. Now suddenly you’re getting married, which is as serious as it gets.” My jaw ticks at the uneven fitting of the duvet and she frowns. “Why do you need two duvets again?”
“Oh my god Calista—” Frustration adds to the never-ending exhaustion of being me. I force myself to inhale, attempting to suppress all the pent up emotion inside of me. “He gets cold at night, plus he’s a bed hogger.”
I don’t even know if that’s true or not. Even at Ravenswood, we could never share a bed overnight in fear of getting caught. “Okay but the extra pillows—”
“For his sciatica to keep his leg elevated.”
“It just looks like you’re setting up a bed on the floor.” I sigh, trying to avoid her heavy stare.
She knows . Of course she fucking knows — she always does.
Lying to Calista never does me any good and if there’s anyone I trust to keep this a secret it’s her.
Throwing the spare pillows on the bed, I perch my ass on the edge, waiting until she does the same. “You can’t tell anyone. I mean it, this is life or death for me.”
Without my career I might as well be dead.
“Okay?” I meet those big brown eyes and squeeze her hand .
“I really do know Enzo, but we’re not dating. This engagement, the marriage, it's all to protect the thing we love most. Our reputations, our livelihood. He needs me and I need him to secure my position before the board decides to throw me out.”
“You mean you’re not even dating? It is all just a business transaction?” I hate the way she says it.
Like I’m sacrificing this huge thing to protect what she deems as unworthy. To Calista, our family’s criminal dealings are what condemn us.
“I would never have gotten married for love, Calista. You know that so I’m not exactly missing out on anything. I still get the flashy wedding, the marital disputes and the kid.”
“The kid?” My heart drops at the look on her face. “You’re seriously bringing an innocent life into this twisted deal?”
She can’t even look at me but I can’t stop looking at her.
When was the last time I saw her truly angry?
I nod slowly, already regretting telling her. “We need an heir to secure the deal eventually and he wants a kid. It was written into the clause.”
“Holy fuck this is so…Anastasia please think about what you’re doing right now. Marrying a guy you’ve been dating for fi ve months is tolerable, but this? It’s sick! You’re selling your freedom and your life just for money.”
“Not money! It’s my reputation. Our family’s legacy. Hundreds of years worth of pain and blood and sacrifice and if I have to marry someone to save it all, I would in a heartbeat.”
She doesn’t understand. She never could.
The tears running down her cheeks create another fissure in my heart. “I know you can fall in love, Stasia. I’ve seen it before.”
Calista was the only family member that I spilled all the dirty secrets of my schoolgirl romance to. Part of me wants to reach out to her now, divulge the entire truth but that could only push her over the edge and my little sister doesn’t need to be burdened with the true knowledge of this twisted deal.
“And I was scorched alive for believing it was real. I don’t need love, I just need my job. If you love me then—”
She scoffs, rising from the bed and hastily wiping her tears. “If you loved me, then you’d stop. If you loved yourself then you’d realize what a mistake this is. You know, you used to be the sane one in this family. I thought you knew the limits but now…you’re selling your soul to someone just so that the invisible crown on your head stays there.”
I watch as she storms towards the door but my tongue burns with the need to lash out. To hurt her. “At least I have a fucking career to sacrifice for. You don’t understand because you don't have the passion to be great.”
Regret floods through me instantly but the words are there between us. Lingering and infecting with no way back. I watch silent tears trail down her cheeks. “Find another maid of honor.” Then she slams the door, leaving me alone with my demons.
***
The door clicks open and the soft pad of leather shoes follow. “Are you okay?” His voice is deep and warming but I can barely muster the strength to pull myself up.
All I feel is a hollowness inside of me.
“Your sister said that you weren’t feeling well, before shooting me the worst look of the night and running out of here. What happened between you two?” I don’t reply but I can feel the bed dip as he sits beside me. “Do you want me to leave?”
“My mother would never let you leave.”
And I don’t want you to go.
I need someone.
Anyone .
He laughs softly, stroking the scruff on his jaw. “I think I could sneak out.”
“The CCTV in this place would catch you jumping the gate which isn’t exactly the best impression to leave your future-in-laws. She wants to test us.”
“Test?” His accent comes out thicker when he drinks, reminding me of the boy I once thought I knew.
“They want to see how we act as a couple. That’s why my mom put us in the guest room on her floor and not in my old room. I’m assuming she’ll do random checks during the night so you should probably sleep in the bed.” He stares at the pillows and comforter I threw on the chaise in the corner of the room. “I thought it would be easier for you on the couch but…it’s best not to risk it.”
I avert my gaze away from his heavy stare, almost flinching as he squeezes my hand “Anastasia, what happened?”
My lips press thinly wanting to ignore him out of spite, but the heavy emotion is weighing down on me, begging for a release. “I’ve never fought with Calista before. Not really, I mean we’ve had petty arguments but nothing like that…she knows we’re not really dating and though she doesn’t know the whole truth, it was enough to make her angry at me. Disappointed even.”
Which somehow feels so much worse .
“She’s your sister and you said yourself that you’ve had arguments before, it’ll blow over in a week and feel like nothing.” I’m almost scared to look him in the eyes, fearing I’ll find the emotion I hate most — pity. “Hey look at me,” His finger tips my chin towards him. “As for your parents, I might have an idea to convince them we’re a couple for good.”
“And what’s that?” His face screws up, glancing at the wall behind us that separates this room from my parents. Realization suddenly dawns upon me and I shove him away. “I’m not fucking you so my parents can listen.”
“I never said that.” He bites back, sighing as he runs a hand through his dark hair. “We can just pretend.”
“Pretend?” Is he serious?
“We make sounds, slam on the wall a few times and they believe we can’t keep our hands off each other.”
Weirdly it doesn’t sound like the worst idea in the world.
Pushing up onto my knees, I grip the headboard. Through the wall, I can hear the indistinct chatter of my parents, their voices carrying through.
God, I won’t be able to look them in the eye tomorrow. Then again, it’s not like I haven’t heard them fucking before.
Raising my palm, I pound on the wall, and let out a moan. I almost wince at myself, the sound coming out strained and harsh. Enzo barely manages to cover his laughter, letting it morph into a groan as I glare at him. He shoves the headboard back against the wall, spilling my name from his lips.
A smile almost reaches my eyes, moaning again before slamming the wall a few times. “More, please Enzo.” I accentuate my voice three pitches high, fighting a smile as he begins to rock the bed.
“Yes, oh yes fuck,” He moans, meeting my gaze as my name rips from his chest.
Even though it’s fake, heat pools in my stomach from the thought of drawing such carnal desire from him.
Moaning a few more times, eventually I sigh and give up. “It doesn’t sound real.” My parents would never buy this crap. They’ve always promoted sex positivity to us as gross as it is, but they’d know this is fake in a heartbeat.
He drops his head, sinking back onto the bed. “No, it doesn’t.”
My gaze falls to his belt, one of the loops undone so it hangs low on his waist and suddenly an idea sparks in my mind.
A stupid one but I need this night to go well. I need them to believe I have a hot fiancé I can’t keep away from..
Climbing off the bed, I reach for my hair tie and pull my straight locks into a tight ponytail. There’s no way I’m going to risk staining my jumpsuit so I tug on the zipper, letting it fall and leaving me in a lace thong and matching bra.
Normally I wouldn’t be so bold but it’s nothing he hasn’t seen before.
“What are you doing?” A smirk tugs on my lips as his gaze refuses to leave my body.
Men are too predictable.
Slowly, I crawl up the bed towards him and settle between his spread legs. I take off his shoes, a little annoyed he didn’t think to kick them off before and inch my manicured nails towards his belt.
“There’s no way I’m letting my parents hear me orgasm through a wall, but hearing you on the other hand…”
Surprise flickers in those gold-flecked eyes. “So you’re willing to let your parents hear you choke on my cock?”
“I’m willing to let them know that I like you enough not to bite it off. Now, shut up and enjoy it because I’m never touching your cock with my lips again.”
He lifts his hips as I drag his pants and boxers down, an irritating smirk playing on his lips. “I love it when you think you’re in control.” Scoffing lightly, I reach for his shirt and begin to undo the buttons, ignoring his amusement as I struggle to undo the last one .
“Why don’t you just rip it, tesoro?”
“Shut up.” Irritation sparks inside of my chest as I yank it open.
My throat dries out as I look over his muscular chest. I didn’t really get to see much of him in the limo but now…I run my fingers over his rippled abs and up across his wide chest that’s covered in a smatter of thick hair.
He looks a man. Not the skinny boy I once fell for.
Swallowing hard, I push memories of the past back where they belong and grab his hard cock at the base. There’s a strange sense of hesitation as I continue to stare at it.
You see, I’ve never been very skilled at giving blowjobs. Enzo seemed to enjoy them but then again everything that came out of his mouth was a lie.
I attempted it with a one night stand a few years ago but he mocked me as I fumbled with it, awing at me like I was little girl that had never seen a dick before. I bit him after that — blaming my poor skills and never attempted it since.
Enzo seems to sense my hesitation, guiding my head towards his cock. It stands erect, swelling as I grasp it in my hand. The fat head is already leaking and slowly, I flick my tongue out to taste the liquid that melts on my tongue.
It tastes like him .
All masculine with a tangy musk that makes desire more.
Soft grunts expel from his mouth as he tips his head back and closes his eyes. I lean in again, this time taking the fat head in my mouth. I play around with different pressures but he seems to like it hard and then soothed.
The subtle groans vibrate through my ears like praise of a job well done.
Smiling to myself, I take more of him in my mouth, massaging his balls with my hand. He arches his hips up, slipping deeper into his mouth. I’m almost surprised at how relaxed I feel, taking all of his thick length and holding at the base. “Mi amore, you’re making me feel so good.”
This is real — the pleasure I’m supplying him and the way he watches me with complete attention like I’m the only thing in existence.
Pulling back, a long stretch of spit follows, dripping its way down my chin and chest. I should feel disgusting, itching for a shower, but if anything it turns me on, knowing I’m only ever this dirty for him.
“More,” Desperation leeches off me like a scent.
Enzo fists my ponytail in his grasp and I’m dragged closer to him. “What do you want more of mi amore? ”
“You.” I want to become the best and I know he’s the only one that can teach me how.
Leaning forward, I moan as he pinches my chin between his fingers, feeling the pressure in my pussy.
“You want me to choke you? Shove my cock so far down your throat until you pass out? Pump your stomach full of me? Is that what you want?” I nod, wetness pooling between my thighs at the thought. His grip only tightens. “Words baby?”
“Yes,” I let rip cry, uncaring of who hears us.
My eyes flutter shut as I feel his nose graze my cheek. “Have you brought any toys in that overnight bag of yours?”
I never go anywhere without my bullet vibrator and with a clearer mind, I’d probably interrogate him on how he knows I carry it with me but right now I just follow his lead.
Diving towards my bag, I rip open the zipper and dig my hands in until I find the silicone toy. He’s standing by the wall now, cock jutting out with those amber eyes burning into me. I’m about to climb to my feet when he shakes his head, lips pulling up tight.
“Crawl.”
That one word strikes a nerve so deep within me that I don’t even know the promise of a good orgasm can overcome. He stands there like a god, unwavering in his order and watches me like he knows this is my kryptonite.
Like he’s expecting me to give in.
I match his gaze, pressing my palms against the soft carpet as I move towards him. My ass sways with the movement, the vibrator so tight in my hand that it stings until I finally reach him.
“Good girl.” His hand settles on my head, the other gripping his hard shaft as he feeds it into my mouth.
My tongue swirls around, delighting in the guttural sounds from his throat. I bob my head back and forth, enjoying the sensual massage he delivers and for a second I think this is easy.
Then he tightens his grip, tipping my head back so his cock slips in deeper. I gag, gripping onto his thigh as my vision starts to blur. Both of his palms grab my head, holding it in place as he begins to fuck my mouth.
“Such a good girl. You want to feel this good too?” I nod frantically, choking as he reaches the back of my throat. “Rub the toy over your clit, tesoro.”
I switch it on, the faint buzz coming alive but dulling as I slip it beneath my thong. The vibration spreads along my pussy, centering on my small sensitive bud. My moans come out strained and gargled around his cock, realizing that my parents won’t hear my cries of pleasure — only his .
His hips begin to move violently, each thrust adding to the pleasure building inside of me. “Slip it inside of you, rub that clit.” My mind falls obedient to his commands, chasing that high as the orgasm begins to reach to its crest. “Tell me when you’re about to cum, mi amore .”
I nod frantically, my eyes squeezing shut as liquid begins to pool inside of them. “Your mouth feels so good taking my cock.” He drags it out until only the tip remains, allowing spit to fall off the shaft and coat my breasts.
My mind strays from reality, wondering what it’d feel like to have his cock between them. The dirty image spurs the insane pleasure building between my thighs and I pull the toy out, dragging it up against my clit.
The sensation rocks me, pulling me to the peak of my climax and then suddenly his hand is gripping my hair again, forcing my head up. Reaching down, he uses his thumb to smear my lipstick all over my face.
“Beautiful,” He murmurs and the compliment soothes me like the sensation of sunlight bathing my skin. “Is that tight pussy cumming for me, my love?”
Somehow the English doesn’t sound as right as the Italian but my mind is too warped by hedonistic thoughts to correct him .
I reply by taking his cock into my mouth again, gagging on the couple of inches I manage to take alone. His large palm cups the back of my head, pushing until my nose is flush against his pelvis.
The air in my throat is trapped, urging the desire to fight him.
Yet…there’s something about being completely defenseless before him that makes me stay. Enjoying the rush of adrenaline as my orgasm pushes me over the edge, his cock swallowing my loud moans as they catapult out of me
Surprisingly, I delight in the taste of the thick ropes of cum that spurt down my throat. A deafening roar rips from his chest, bouncing off the walls unlike mine and he keeps me there for another few seconds, letting me ride the last waves of pleasure as my body grinds against the vibrator.
When he finally pulls back, I gasp heavily, sucking in all the rich air I can. Enzo pulls me up, my body falling limp against him and the sticky toy clatters onto the floor — already forgotten.
We fall back onto the bed together, his arm circling my waist, uncaring of the mess of spit and cum smeared down my chin and chest .
I don’t fight him as he brushes a kiss against my forehead, letting myself indulge in his touch. “I think they’ll definitely believe us now.”
My gaze drifts to the wall behind the headboard.
Fuck . I won’t be able to look them in the eye again.
Then I glance up at Enzo, noticing his eyes already closed as soft snores slip from his mouth. My own body begins to fall victim to exhaustion and I sink back into his hold, telling myself that it’s just one night.
It’s just for show. It doesn’t mean anything
And yet it’s the best goddamn sleep I’ve had all week.