This Day: A Novel

PROLOGUE

The yacht moored in the port of Fiumicino. My lady’s body double was still on deck. The woman’s task was simple—she was supposed to stick around.

Get Laura in a car and send her my way, I said as soon as Domenico picked up the phone. He was in Rome.

Thank God, he sighed. She was starting to get on my nerves. I heard him closing a door. She’s been asking about you.

Don’t come with her, I said, ignoring his words.

We’ll meet in Venice. Get some rest.

You won’t even ask what she said? Domenico wasn’t about to let it go. I could hear the amusement in his voice.

Am I supposed to? I asked sternly, though deep inside I was dying to learn what they’d been talking about.

She misses you. My stomach knotted. At least, that’s what I think.

Make sure she’s on her way.

I hung up and looked out to the sea.

That woman was making me panic. Again. The feeling was too alien to figure out its root. I couldn’t keep it in check.

I dismissed the girl who was supposed to stand in for Laura, ordering her to keep close by. There was no telling if I’d need her again. If Matos’s information was accurate, after having his hands shot through, Flavio returned to the island. So far all was quiet. As if the Nostro debacle hadn’t happened. The fragmentary intel I was getting was not enough, so I sent my men to scrounge up more data. They confirmed Matos’s version.

During lunch, I had a conference call with people from the US. I wanted to make sure they’d be there at the Venice film festival. What I needed was to meet them eye to eye. There were firearms to buy if I was to continue my dealings in the Middle East, and that required my presence.

Don Torricelli? It was Fabio, sticking his head in through the door. I raised a hand before hanging up. Miss Biel is on board.

Let’s take off, then, I said, getting to my feet.

I took the stairs to the top deck and glanced about. There she was. My woman, dressed like a teenager. My fists clenched. So did my jaw. Revealing shorts and a skimpy blouse were no clothes for a Sicilian mob boss’s girlfriend.

What the hell are you wearing this time? You look like… I stopped, noticing the half-empty bottle of champagne.

She spun around and slammed into me, bouncing off my torso and falling to the couch. Drunk again, I thought.

I look however I want. It’s none of your business, she spluttered, waving an arm. The clumsy gesture elicited a smile from me. You left me without a word, and you keep treating me like a doll you play with whenever you feel like it. She shot out her hand and aimed a finger at me, simultaneously trying to get up again. Well, the doll’s playing solo today.

She lurched forward, stumbled, and lost a shoe.

Laura! I said with a laugh, unable to keep the mirth away anymore. Goddamn it, Laura! My laughter quickly turned into a growl as I saw her veering dangerously close to the deck of the yacht. I launched myself after her with a shout.

Stop!

Either she couldn’t hear me, or she chose not to listen. Suddenly, she slipped. The bottle fell from her hand and a moment later, Laura bumped into the railing and tumbled down into the sea.

Oh, fuck no… I started running. I kicked my shoes off and threw myself after her, diving into the water. We were lucky the Titan was at its lowest speed, and Laura fell to the starboard instead of back where the engines were. A moment later, she was in my arms.

Fortunately, Fabio saw the entire thing and immediately stopped the boat. He threw me a lifeline and yanked us both back to the yacht. Laura wasn’t breathing.

Frantically, I started giving her CPR. All the pressing and breathing into her mouth wasn’t doing any good.

Breathe, goddamn you!

I was losing her. I kept pressing her chest harder and breathing the air into her lungs faster and faster.

Breathe! I called out in English, irrationally thinking that maybe she’d do as I asked if she heard a language she understood. Suddenly, she gasped for air and threw up.

I stroked her cheek, staring into her half-conscious eyes as they tried to focus on my face. I took Laura in my arms, picked her up, and headed toward our cabin.

Should I call a doctor? Fabio asked.

Yes, send a helicopter.

I had to take Laura below deck and make sure she was all right. I put her down on the bed, keeping my eyes fixed on her face, searching for something that would tell me she was okay.

What happened? she whispered.

I nearly fainted. My head throbbed, and my heart was pounding like crazy. I knelt by the bed, trying to calm my nerves down.

You fell from the deck. Thank God we weren’t going faster and that you fell to the side of the boat. Still, you nearly drowned. Goddamn it, Laura, I feel like killing you myself now. At the same time, I’m so happy you’re alive.

I dropped my head, clenching my jaw. That overwhelming headache was making it impossible to think clearly.

Laura’s delicate fingers touched my cheek, lifting my face so I had to look her in the eyes.

You saved me?

You were lucky I was close. I don’t even want to think what would have happened otherwise. Why are you being so stubborn? Why don’t you listen to me? The fear I experienced as I said this was something completely new to me. I had never felt this way before about anyone.

I’d like to take a shower now, she said.

I nearly burst out laughing then. She had nearly died, and the only thing she could think of was the salt water on her skin. I couldn’t believe it. I was drained and didn’t feel like fighting. The only thing that counted was her being close by, so I could smother her with kisses and protect her from the entire world. I couldn’t conceive what would have happened if the boat had been sailing at a higher speed…

Automatically, I offered to wash her, and she didn’t protest, so I went to the bathroom to turn the tap on, before walking back to the room to help her undress. I was focused and wasn’t really thinking about what I was about to see. It was only after a longer while that I realized there she was, naked, lying on the bed. With a jolt of surprise I learned that it wasn’t making me feel like I had thought it would. The only thing that counted was that she was alive.

I picked up Laura, and went to the shower. The water was hot. As Laura’s back rested against my chest, I pressed my face into her hair. I was angry, scared… and more than a little grateful. There was no need to talk, and I definitely didn’t want to fight now. I just basked in her presence. Unaware of my thoughts, she put her cheek against my skin. Laura had no idea that everything that had happened over the last few days, happened because of her. And meanwhile, it dawned on me that everything was about to change now. Business would grow difficult because my enemies had already learned about my weak spot—the petite woman I was holding now. I wasn’t ready and nothing could make me ready for what the future had in store.

Slowly, silently, I washed her body. I didn’t get an erection, which seemed to surprise her. I didn’t even try to touch her in any way that she might have interpreted as erotic.

Then I dried her with a towel and laid her on the bed, planting a delicate kiss on her forehead. Before my lips parted with her skin, Laura was already asleep. I checked her pulse, suddenly afraid she had fallen unconscious again. Luckily, it was steady. For a while, I just stood there, watching her. Then I heard the sound of a helicopter approaching. For an instant, I was puzzled, but then remembered we were still relatively close to the shoreline.

Having read Laura’s medical files, the doctor said her life wasn’t in any immediate danger. I thanked him and returned to my cabin.

The night was warm and quiet. And quiet was what I needed the most right now. I snorted a line and helped myself to a glass of my favorite liquor before stepping into a steaming-hot Jacuzzi. Then, I sent away all staff, ordering them to stay out of sight, and relaxed, delighting in my solitude. I didn’t think about anything in particular. Anything apart from the calm around me and, at least seemingly, inside me. A couple of minutes must have passed before I saw something in the darkness. It was Laura, standing still in her white bathrobe, glancing around the deck. That was pleasing. If she was awake, she must be feeling better.

Sleep well? I asked. The sound of my voice made her startle. I can see you’re feeling better. Care to join me?

She took a moment to think, keeping her eyes fixed on me. It didn’t look like she was trying to decide what to do. She knew the bathrobe would slip and hit the floor.

Naked, she sat across from me. I drank in the view, taking a sip of my cocktail. For a while, I said nothing, just staring at her beautiful—if a bit tired—face. Her hair was in disarray, and her lips were slightly swollen. Suddenly, she moved, surprising me. She sat on my knees and wrapped her arms around me. My prick reacted instantaneously.

As her teeth bit into my lower lip, I lost it. She started moving, rubbing her clit against me, pressing against my skin. I had no idea where this was going, but I wasn’t in the mood for her games. Not today. Not after I had nearly lost her.

Her tongue slid into my mouth, and on instinct, I grabbed her ass, squeezing tight.

I’ve missed you, she whispered.

That short utterance staggered me. My whole body went rigid. I had no idea why I was reacting this way. I pulled away to look at her face. She was serious. I couldn’t let her sense my weakness. I wasn’t ready to open up to her yet, especially about the fact that I didn’t know what was happening to me.

Is that how you display your longing? Because if this is your way of saying thank you for saving your life, baby girl, I can’t accept it. I won’t do it with you until you’re absolutely sure you want it.

I wanted her to pull away. I needed the feeling of discomfort to vanish. She sent me a look full of reproach, but the feeling inside me didn’t dissipate. It was only getting stronger. What the fuck is happening? I thought, as she jumped out of the Jacuzzi and ran across the deck, grabbing the bathrobe on her way.

The hell are you doing, you fuckwit? I growled at myself, getting up. You’re getting what you wanted from the start, and you push her away? I kept muttering in my mother tongue, following Laura’s wet tracks.

My heart was pounding, because deep down I knew what would happen when I found her. I noticed her slipping into my cabin and smiled. This was no accident. I went inside and saw her standing with her back turned to me, trying to find the light switch. Suddenly, the lights went on and I saw her spin around, startled. I slammed the door, paralyzing her with the loud bang. She knew it was me. I killed the light and approached her, untying her bathrobe with one swift pull, letting it slip to the floor. I waited patiently. I needed to be sure of what I was doing, even though for the first time in my life, I had no idea. I started to kiss her, and she kissed me back. Passionately.

I took her in my arms, and carried her to bed. She lay in front of me, the pale light of the lamp illuminating her perfect body. I was waiting for a sign.

And then, there it was: she lifted her arms, crossing them behind her head, and smiled at me, as if inviting me to get inside her.

If we do it now, I won’t be able to stop. You know that, right? If we cross this line, I’ll fuck you whether you like it or not.

So fuck me.

She sat up, her big eyes pinning me in place.

You’re mine now, and I’ll keep you forever, I growled in Italian, looming a few inches above her.

Her eyes darkened. Lust was about to rip this lithe body apart. Her hands clasped my buttocks, and she pulled me closer.

I smiled. She couldn’t wait to taste me.

Put your hands on my head. And punish me.

Her words took my breath away. The woman who was supposed to become the mother of my children was acting like a whore. I couldn’t believe she wanted to give herself to me like that. I was gleeful, but at the same time I felt fear. It was terrifying just how perfect she was.

Are you asking me to treat you like a whore? Is this what you want?

Yes, don Massimo.

Her quiet words and her submissiveness woke the demon in me. I felt all the muscles in my body tense. I was calm, though. In control. When she asked me to just be myself, all the unnecessary emotions just went away. Slowly but surely I pushed myself into her mouth and came nearly at the same instant as her eyes found mine. I felt my cock pressing against the wall of her throat, but I went even deeper, feeling that pressure I loved so much. I was ecstatic. And as Laura dealt with the entire length of my prick, I felt proud of her. My hips started thrusting slightly, just to see how much she’d take. She was incredible. She took it all.

If at any point you stop enjoying it, tell me. Just make sure I know you’re not teasing me, I said.

There was no resistance on her part. She was giving herself to me entirely.

Same goes for you, she replied, pulling away for a second.

As her lips closed around my cock again, she picked up the pace. I knew she was playing with me and enjoying it. She was lascivious, trying to prove something to me. I fucked her throat, and she wanted more. The thought brought me to the very edge of ecstasy. I did my best to slow her down, but to no avail.

The orgasm crashed like a wave all over me. I didn’t want it. Not now, not so fast. I pushed her away, heaving and trying to stem the tide of cum. Laura smiled triumphantly. That was it. I slammed her into the bed and rolled her to her belly. I couldn’t watch. Not during our first time. I didn’t want to come again so quickly, and I knew that was what was going to happen if I saw the rapture on her face.

I slipped two fingers inside her and realized with satisfaction that she was dripping wet. Laura moaned and writhed beneath me, and I went out of my mind again. I grabbed my cock and slowly slid it into her tight snatch. She was hot, wet, and all mine. I could feel each inch of her sex-starved pussy. I pushed myself all the way in and clung to her, freezing in place. I wanted to savor the moment. I pulled out and then pushed myself inside again, harder. My Lady moaned louder, growing impatient. She wanted me to fuck her. She needed to feel it hard and fast. My hips stroked and started pounding. I fucked her as hard as I was able, and still she wanted more. She screamed, only to lose her breath an instant later. I slowed down to lift her hips, intending to see my trophy in all its glory. As her back arched, I saw the dark hole and couldn’t help myself. I licked my thumb and started trailing it around her back entrance.

Don Massimo? she moaned, suddenly afraid, but didn’t move an inch away.

I laughed.

Don’t be afraid, baby girl. We’re going to get there, but not tonight.

She didn’t resist, and I felt glad she couldn’t see the wide grin on my face. My Lady liked anal. She really was perfect.

I took a deep breath and grabbed her hips, shoving my cock deep inside her cunt. And then again, and again. I fucked her hard and without mercy. Leaning down, I started to fondle her clit, and after a moment I felt her clamp around my dick. She pushed her face into the pillow, screaming something I didn’t understand, and I charged in even harder, feeling her climax. I couldn’t stand not seeing her face after all. I needed to see her orgasm. I wanted to see the relief in her eyes. I turned her over and clung to her, wrapping my arms around her body, fucking her like a whore again. Then I felt her spasm rhythmically. Her eyes glazed over. Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She climaxed for a long while, nearly crushing my dick with her pussy. Suddenly, her body went limp, and she fell onto the mattress. I slowed down, allowing my hips to keep gently stroking. I reached for her wrists. She was exhausted. I pinned her arms above her head. She was going to resist what I was going to do now.

Come on my belly. I want to see it, she rasped, half-conscious.

No, I replied with a smile and started to fuck her again.

I exploded.

I could feel the waves of cum flood into her.

This was the perfect day to conceive a baby. It was as if the whole universe wanted her to get pregnant. She fought me, trying to push me away, but was too weak to overcome my strength. A while later I collapsed on her, sweaty and hot.

Massimo, what the hell are you doing? she cried. You know I don’t use pills!

She kept trying to free herself from my clutches, and I couldn’t hide my satisfaction.

You’re right—you can’t trust those pills. But you have a contraceptive implant. See? I aimed a finger at her arm.

The tracker I had ordered implanted inside her was very similar in size to the contraceptive implant like the one Anna had. That’s why I knew she’d fall for it.

When you were asleep that first night, I ordered it implanted. I didn’t want to risk anything. It’ll work for three years, but you can remove it after the first one. I couldn’t stop smiling at the thought that my son might start growing inside her after that night.

Will you get off me? she sputtered angrily.

I chose to ignore her.

Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do it for a while yet. It would be hard to fuck you from a distance. I flicked a strand of hair from her forehead.

"When I saw your face for the first time, I didn’t desire you. I was terrified by that vision. With time, when your portraits were all around my house, I began to notice the details of your soul.

You have no idea how perfectly they reflect the real you. You and I are so alike, Laura.

If I was even able to love, this was the moment I fell in love with the woman lying beneath me on the bed. I looked at her, feeling something changing inside me.

That first night I stayed beside you and watched you until morning. I could feel your scent, the heat of your body. You were alive. Real. And you were right there, next to me. Later that day, I couldn’t leave you. I felt an irrational fear that you wouldn’t be there when I returned.

I had no idea why I was saying all that, but I just felt the need for her to know everything about me. There was fear in my voice.

On the one hand I wanted her to fear me, but on the other, I needed her to know the truth.

CHAPTER

one

It grew quiet, and I closed my eyes, realizing what I’d just said. It was another one of those times my mind only wanted to think something, but mistakenly ordered my mouth to voice the thought.

Say that again, he said calmly, raising my chin.

I looked at him and felt my eyes welling with tears.

I’m pregnant, Massimo. We’re going to have a baby.

The Man in Black fixed me with a wide-eyed stare before collapsing to the ground and kneeling before me. He lifted my shirt and planted a soft kiss on my belly, muttering something in Italian. I had no idea what was happening, but as I took his face in my hands, I felt tears running down his cheeks. That strong, imperious, dangerous man was kneeling before me and crying. I couldn’t stop myself and felt tears streaking down my face, too. We froze for a long while, allowing ourselves to take in the new circumstances.

The Man in Black rose from his knees and kissed me passionately on the lips.

I’ll buy you a tank, he said. And if that’s not enough, I’ll dig a bunker myself. I promise you I’ll protect the two of you, even if I’ll have to pay with my own life.

He said you two, I thought, and broke down again.

Hey, baby girl, it’s all right. I wiped away the tears with the hem of my sleeve.

Those are tears of joy, I said, making my way to the bathroom. I’ll just be a minute.

When I returned, Massimo was sitting on the bed with nothing but his boxers on. Then he got up and crossed the distance between us to plant a kiss on my forehead.

I’ll take a shower. Don’t go anywhere.

I lay down, snuggling against the pillow and analyzing what had happened. I hadn’t been aware the Man in Black was even capable of crying, least of all out of joy. A few minutes later, the door to the bathroom opened and he appeared in the doorway, naked and dripping with water. Slowly, he made his way to the bed, allowing me to drink in the sight of him before lying down next to me.

When did you find out? he asked.

On Monday, when I got my blood tested.

Why didn’t you tell me before?

I didn’t want to tell you before your trip. Besides, I needed to come to terms with it myself.

Does Olga know?

Yes. And your brother, too.

Massimo frowned and rolled to his back.

Why didn’t you tell me Domenico and you were family? I asked.

He took a moment to think, biting on his lip.

I wanted you to have a friend. Someone close, who you’d trust. If you knew he was my brother, you would have acted differently. Domenico knows how valuable you are to me. I wouldn’t have anyone else taking care of you when I was gone.

It made sense, I thought. I wasn’t mad and didn’t hold anything against him.

So… are we calling off the wedding? I asked, looking him in the eyes.

Massimo rolled to his side and stuck to me with the entire length of his body.

You’re joking, right? The child needs to have a full family. And a family is three people. Remember? He started to kiss me. Gently. What did the doctor say? Did you ask him if we can…

I laughed and slid my tongue into his mouth. He moaned and crushed my lips in a passionate kiss.

Yeah… I’ll take it as a yes, he rasped, pulling away from me. I’ll be gentle. I promise.

He reached out to the nightstand and turned off the TV, plunging the room into complete darkness. His hand shot out and snatched the sheets from me, tossing them to the ground, before it slid beneath my blouse and pulled it off. Massimo’s hands explored my body, gently touching my face before trailing down and clamping onto my breasts and squeezing. His head followed his hands, as he pinched my nipple between his teeth and sucked. A strange feeling overcame me—a kind of pure ecstasy that I’d never felt before when someone did that. Massimo didn’t rush it. He took his time, savoring the different areas of my body. His lips flew from one nipple to the other, only to venture back to my face, kissing me passionately on the mouth. I could feel his cock swelling slowly as it rubbed against me with each motion of his body. A while later I started growing impatient. Horny and starved of his attentions, I took over the initiative. I wanted to have him. Right now. I lifted myself a fraction, but the Man in Black predicted my movement and pinned my shoulders to the bed.

Come to me, I whispered, squirming beneath him.

I felt, rather than saw, his triumphant smirk. He knew how much I wanted him.

I’m only just beginning, baby girl.

Massimo’s lips trailed slowly down my skin, starting with the neck, passing my breasts and my tummy to finally end up where they should have been from the very beginning. He kissed and licked me through the thin lace of my thong, teasing my throbbing clit, before slowly pulling the underwear down my legs and tossing it aside.

I spread my legs, knowing what was coming. My hips started to undulate in the silk sheets, delicately and steadily. I felt his breath between my legs, and a wave of lust crashed over me. Massimo slowly slid his tongue inside me and moaned.

You’re so wet, Laura… he breathed. I don’t know if it’s the pregnancy or if you’ve just missed me.

Shut up, Massimo, I replied, pressing his head against my wet snatch. Make me come.

My commanding tone brought out the animal in him. He clasped his hands on my thighs and pulled me rapidly down the bed, pushing a pillow under my back and kneeling on the cover he had thrown off the bed earlier. My breathing quickened. I knew whatever he was about to do, he wouldn’t take much time doing it.

The Man in Black slid two fingers inside me while his thumb trailed soft circles around my clitoris. My muscles tensed, and I let out a loud moan. That’s when he turned his palm around and his thumb gave way to his tongue.

Help me out a bit, baby girl.

I knew what he was asking for. With one hand I spread my pussy, giving him better access to the most sensitive spots. As his tongue started to rhythmically flick against my clit, I knew I wasn’t going to last long. His fingers picked up the pace inside me, and their pressure became harder. I couldn’t keep the orgasm at bay anymore. It had been looming over me like a great cloud since Massimo had first touched me. I came with a long, piercing scream, before collapsing on the pillow.

I’ll have another go, he whispered, keeping his lips clamped around my clit. I’ve neglected you lately, babe.

I thought he was joking but I was wrong. His fingers began to move faster, and the thumb that had been playing with my clitoris earlier now moved to my back entrance. My buttocks tensed involuntarily. Oh no, he wasn’t joking at all.

Relax, my love.

I did as he told me. I was in for more ecstasy. When his finger finally slipped delicately inside, I could already feel another orgasm coming. Massimo knew perfectly how to make my body react the way he wanted it to. His fingers pistoned into both my holes, his tongue and lips pushing against my sweet spot. Another wave of orgasm washed over me, and then one more. When I reached the point at which the ecstasy was physically painful, I clawed at his neck. I was out of breath. I collapsed on the pillow, breathing heavily.

The Man in Black turned me over, yanking me up the bed and lifting my legs so that my knees nearly touched my shoulders. He knelt with his cock fully erect.

If it hurts, just say so, he breathed, pushing himself inside me before I could react.

His thick, bulging prick slid deeper into me, pushing its way forward. As he reached the end, Massimo’s hips stopped, as if waiting for me to say something.

Fuck me, don Massimo, I said, my arms wrapping around his neck.

I didn’t have to say it twice. His body burst into motion, pumping like a machine gun. He fucked me fast and hard—just the way we both liked it.

After a while, the Man in Black stopped, put his hands around me, and rolled me over before sliding his dick back in and going back to his wild ride.

I could feel him getting close, but he couldn’t decide how and when he wanted to come.

Another instant later, he slid out and rolled me back to my initial position. His hand groped around the nightstand. He found the remote and turned the lights on, bathing the bedroom in a delicate light. With his knees, he spread my thighs and slowly slid back into my wet pussy, his gaze never leaving my face. He leaned over and lowered himself, clinging to me, his lips hovering just a few inches above mine. I could see his eyes glazing over, as a powerful shiver of ecstasy shook the Man in Black. His hips pumped even harder, slamming into me, and his back ran with sweat. Massimo orgasmed for a long time, but his eyes never wavered. I had never seen anything as sexy in my entire life.

I don’t want to pull it out, he said, rasping.

I laughed and ran my fingers through his hair.

You’re crushing our daughter.

Massimo closed me in a viselike grip and rolled us both over. Now I was on top. With one hand, he picked up the bedcover, pulling it over my back.

A girl? he asked, stroking my hair.

I’d like it to be a girl, but knowing my luck, it’ll be a boy. And I’ll never stop worrying if he follows in your steps.

The Man in Black laughed out loud and nestled his head in the crook of my neck.

He’ll do whatever he likes. I’ll make sure to get him everything he’d ever dream of.

We’ll have to talk this over one day, but let’s leave it for now.

Massimo said nothing for a while, only tightening his embrace. Finally, he ordered, Go to sleep now.

I’m not sure how long I slept. When I opened my eyes, the first thing I did was grab my phone.

Goddamn it! It was noon. Who sleeps this late? I turned my head, searching for the Man in Black, but the space beside me on the bed was empty. Why wasn’t I surprised… For a while, I stayed in bed, slowly shaking off the sleep, before I got up and went to the bathroom. If Massimo was back, I needed to look my best. Better than I had for the last couple of days. But, of course, without actually revealing that I had done anything to make myself up. I wanted him to believe I woke up this pretty. I accented my eyes and brushed my newly cut hair. Then I rummaged through the wardrobe and found a pair of denim shorts, a bright sweater leaving one shoulder bare, and a pair of beige Emus. As long as I could show off my body, and it was still warm outside, I would dress however I liked.

I met Domenico in the corridor.

Oh, hi! Have you seen Olga?

She woke up a moment ago. I just ordered breakfast. Or lunch, more like.

And Massimo?

He left early in the morning, but he should be back any time now. How are you feeling?

I leaned against a door frame and smiled playfully.

Oh, just perfect… wonderful. Domenico raised his hand and waved me off.

Yadda-yadda. My brother was just as bubbly. I’m asking if anything hurts. I’ve booked you another visit to the cardiologist. And a gynecologist. You should be at the clinic by three.

Thanks, Domenico, I said, leaving him on my way to the garden.

The day was warm, and the sun shone through the cloud cover. Olga was sitting by the table, reading a newspaper. Passing her by, I planted a kiss on the top of her head before taking a seat in an armchair.

What’s up, bitch? she greeted me, sending me a glance through her shades. What’s with the smug face? They give you the same pills I had? I totally blacked out. Only just got up. Think that doc has more of those?

I got something way better, I replied, raising my brows with a meaningful smirk.

Olga took her sunglasses off and put the paper down, staring at something behind me.

All right, tits up! Massimo’s back. I turned in my chair and saw the Man in Black appearing through the door, making his way toward us. I felt hot all of a sudden. He wore gray pants and a graphite sweater with the collar of a white shirt sticking out from underneath. He had one hand in his pocket, while the other held a cell phone to his ear. He was breathtaking. Godly. And most important—mine.

Olga watched Massimo closely as he stopped near the edge of the garden, talking over the phone and staring out to the sea.

I bet he fucks like a god, she mused, shaking her head.

I raised a cup of tea to my lips, keeping my eyes on