26
Mia
Sebastiano”s kiss leaves a lingering warmth on my lips, flooding my cheeks with a rosy hue as I sit rooted on the kitchen counter. This evening felt intimate, almost like a date, although that wasn”t my original intention. All I wanted was to do something nice for Sebastiano, surprise him with dinner after working all night, and perhaps enjoy the gardens.
Now, I”m sitting alone with an ache in my core that only Sebastiano seems satiate, remembering Nico”s words from earlier today, ”Don”t expect anything from him. You”ll just end up disappointed,” I replay. His voice was barely there, as if he didn”t want me to hear it. When I asked him about it, he brushed it off, saying it was nothing. We were in the middle of the market, and I didn’t want to make it into a big deal, so I let it go. But I wonder if my actions were misinterpreted.
The tingling sensation on my lips, lingering from his kiss, triggers a surge of excitement within me. Despite the swirling confusion, I find myself eagerly grasping every interaction we have. Whether it”s sharing meals or recent gym encounters, I cling to these moments before he inevitably disappears at night.
There”s something about him that has awakened a newfound curiosity within me, a desire to unravel the layers of mystery surrounding my husband. It all started with our unexpected heart-to-heart in the bathroom a few weeks ago. Since then, I”ve sensed a shift in our relationship, a subtle change that leaves me craving more.
Initially, Sebastiano projects a cold and distant demeanor, almost as if it were his armor against the world. Perhaps that”s the nature of being a don, although I can”t say for certain. It”s almost amusing how our most significant conversations seem to occur in the bathroom. Despite the lightheartedness of that observation, I”m beginning to like the changes in our dynamic.
Feeling a bit flustered, I quickly hop off the counter and head upstairs, the warmth of the moment still lingering on my skin. In the bathroom, I waste no time stripping off my wet panties and stepping into the shower. The cool water provides a welcome relief against my heated body, and I stand beneath it, trying to calm my racing thoughts and the jittery beating of my heart.
Sebastiano has no idea of the whirlwind of emotions he stirs inside me, and honestly, I”m not sure I fully understand them myself. After the refreshing shower soothes my skin, I step out and wrap myself in a fluffy towel, enjoying its softness. I change into a pair of shorts and a matching camisole and climb into bed. Pulling the covers around me, I hope that a good night”s rest will help calm the emotions dancing inside of me.
The morning light fills the room, casting a soft glow as I sit up, stretch, and yawn.
Feeling refreshed, I quickly get out of bed and head to the bathroom to prepare for the day. Splashing water on my face awakens my senses before I dress in a light blue sundress that flows gently at the knee with each step.
When I reach the bottom of the stairs, the delicious smells coming from the kitchen greet me while Marie bustles about, setting up for breakfast.
The clinking of dishes draws my attention to her heading toward the terrace. Following her, I”m delightfully surprised to see the double doors wide open, inviting in the gentle breeze and sunlight.
The sight of the table set up on the terrace overlooking the garden puts a smile on my face. And there, at the head of the table, sits Sebastiano, looking as handsome as ever and drinking his morning coffee.
But my trance is quickly interrupted when Sebastiano suddenly springs up from his chair, nearly colliding with me in his fury. I almost topple over, but in a split second, he reaches out to catch me before I stumble on my butt. Thick, muscular arms wrap around me, smothering me in warmth. Our proximity sends a shiver down my spine, leaving tingles that electrify my skin with the slightest touch. The air seems to thicken, making it difficult to draw in a breath.
Lost in his scent, I find myself immersed in its blend of woodsy amber undertones and subtle hints of expensive cologne that seem to linger long after he”s left the room. Sebastiano”s aura leaves me breathless every time he”s this close, and my senses are in overdrive. In his arms, with his addictive scent surrounding me, I find myself craving more of him. More of what? I’m not exactly sure. But more.
With a curious expression, I study the handsome man before me, still caught in his protective grip.
Sebastiano breaks the silence. “A bee,” he mutters, his voice tense as he moves me gently out of harm”s way and toward the door.
I can”t help but giggle at the sight of him reacting to such a small creature. ”Who would”ve thought such a big guy like yourself would be afraid of a tiny little bee?”
”I”m allergic,” he confesses, his voice slightly strained, ”If I get stung, I’ll swell five times my size.” His tone is a little more serious, but the image of him running from the bee still has me smiling up at him. “Don”t worry, big guy, I’ll protect you from the bees,” I offer, trying to make light of the situation as he releases me from his grip. Sebastiano retakes his seat once the coast is clear from all flying insects.
”I’m pretty sure I’m the one that does the protecting around here, but it’s cute for you to offer, piccola ballerina,” he replies with a cocky smirk on his face as I take the chair to his left.
Sebastiano asks what I have planned for today, and I excitedly mention that I”m meeting Cameron for lunch while he’s in bed sleeping the day away.
I can hardly contain my excitement to finally get to see Cameron when I notice Sebastiano”s expression shift slightly. It”s almost as if my words hurt him, but I didn”t intend to upset him. I just think he would be more productive if he didn”t stay out all night and sleep all day.
“Who”s Cameron?” he asks curtly.
”He”s my best friend, my only friend, really,” I respond.
Sebastiano”s eyebrows furrow as he processes my answer. ”Guys aren”t normally friends with girls just to go to lunch with them,” he remarks skeptically, taking another sip of his coffee.
”Maybe, but when you”re one of the girls, you do,” I retort.
It takes a moment for my words to register with Sebastiano, but he seems to understand that Cameron poses no threat. Besides, it’s not like Sebastiano wants me, so why would he care if someone else does? I mean, I know he wants my body, but that’s about it.
Sure, we share a kiss and a few other moments, but if he genuinely wants me, he”ll make it known. While things shift between us, and I enjoy where we are, I can”t shake the feeling that something is missing, as if there could be more between us. But maybe that”s just wishful thinking on my part or me being naive and inexperienced. He”s clear about our arrangement, and he won”t hesitate to let me go once he”s in charge. It”s a bitter pill I”ll swallow.
”Yusuf and Daren will be with you,” Sebastiano says, more as a statement than a question. But I don”t argue; I”m used to always having someone watching over me.
Strangely, it”s comforting to know I”m not alone, even if my husband pays them to watch over me, just like Liam and Julio were paid by my dad to keep an eye on me.
”I was thinking of taking him to Marcos. Cameron is a sucker for good Italian food, and I wouldn’t mind trying more from their menu. Can I bring you something back?” I offer.
”Surprise me,” is all he gets out as Enzo and another man, whom I”ve seen before but can”t recall his name, walk towards us, diverting Sebastiano’s attention before they head to his office.
It has to be important if they”re coming here this early. Typically, this is the time Sebastiano is going to bed.
It”s a while later, and I”m trying to be as quiet as possible as I get ready in the ensuite while Sebastiano sleeps. He”s been up here since shortly after his meeting this morning. Normally, I wouldn”t put much effort into my appearance to see Cameron, but I haven”t seen him in a while, so I want to make a bit of an effort. Besides, I know he”d have a lot to say if I showed up in my usual minimal state.
I apply a touch of blush and mascara to enhance my features before adding some gloss to my lips. Then, I add some waves to my hair to give it more body before I head to the restaurant where we”re meeting.
Outside, Yusuf and Daren are already waiting in the car, their expressions stern as usual. I slip into the backseat, feeling the cool leather against my skin and catching a whiff of Yusuf”s cologne. The ride to the restaurant passes quickly, with the sound of traffic blending into the background.
When we arrive at Marcos, I”m the first to step out, greeted by the warm breeze and the bustling energy of the restaurant. With Cameron”s reservation in mind, I inform the hostess of his name and follow her to our table. As the waiter comes over, I quickly order drinks, expecting Cameron to show up any minute. But as time passes and he”s still nowhere in sight, a sense of unease creeps in. He”s never late like this. I start to wonder what could be holding him up. Maybe the rideshare hit some traffic or had a problem. Trying to calm my nerves, I cling to that possibility, but deep down, I can”t shake off the worry.
Almost fifteen minutes pass, and Cameron still hasn”t shown up. It”s not like him to be late or bail on plans, so I decide to give him a call, feeling uneasy.
The first call goes straight to voicemail, sending a shiver down my spine. After a couple more tries, he finally picks up, but his voice sounds strange, not like his usual self.
”Hey, where are you?” I blurt out before he has a chance to speak.
”That”s today?” he responds, surprisingly.
”Are you serious? We”ve been talking about meeting since yesterday. You know it”s today,” I retort.
”I know, and I”m sorry, but I won”t be able to make it. Rain Check?” he asks, sounding genuinely sorry.
”Are you okay, Cam?” It isn”t like him to just bail on plans.
”Perfectly, just caught up in something. I”ll make it up to you, I promise,” he assures.
”You better make it up to me. And when you do, I want details on whatever you”re caught in.” I playfully demand. He chuckles before ending the call. Well, this was a bust. I guess I”ll order something to go and head back to the mansion.
“Not two days in a row?” comes a familiar voice.
Looking up, I see Nico standing near the table where I’m seated. I smile at him.
This is an odd surprise.
”Are you here alone?” he asks.
”I am. I had plans with a friend, but they fell through. I was just about to order takeout and head home,” I explain. ”What brings you here?” I ask.
”Since our conversation about Marcos yesterday, I”ve been craving the Puttanescahere, so here I am. But if you’re flying solo, please join me,” he suggests.
”I appreciate the offer, but I wouldn”t want to intrude on your lunch. I”ll just grab my food to go,” I insist.
”Nonsense, it’s my treat. Join me, please,” he insists, with a friendly smile.
His eyes hold a different kind of eeriness, but I”m not one to probe. While I hadn”t planned on joining Nico for lunch, he”s one of the few who sees me beyond just being Mrs. Morelli. So, reluctantly, I agree, not wanting to be rude to one of the few people I can speak to. With a hesitant nod, I motion for him to take a seat beside me.
He settles into the seat with a smug smile as the waiter appears. Nico makes a few suggestions of what to try. But in the end, I decide on the Panzanella Salad. As the waiter walks away, I make a mental note to ask if they have any Torta Caprese when he returns.
I would love to surprise Sebastiano with a slice. And, out of curiosity, I wonder if my version can stand up to theirs.
From the corner of my eye, I catch the waiter returning with our food, offering a welcome distraction from the slightly awkward vibe with Nico. Despite his friendly chatter, there”s a strange tension hanging in the air that I can”t shake off, making it hard to eat. The food is delicious, but my appetite seems to have vanished.
After pushing my food around on the plate for a while, I decide to box up the rest to take home and order their clam linguine for Sebastiano and two slices of Torta Caprese, one for each of us.
When the additional orders are placed beside me, I reach for the check to settle the bill and head out. However, true to his gentlemanly ways, Nico insists on paying, earning me a disapproving glance from Daren. That look gives me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my belly throughout the car ride home. And when I walk in the front door, I come face to face with the beast himself.