Giorgio (Members From Money Season 2, #136)

Chapter 8

She was standing in the middle of the room as if awaiting his arrival and his first glimpse of her took his breath away.

“What do you think?” She opened the sheer skirt of her dress away from her hips to give him the full effect. His eyes wandered over, starting with the thick glossy curls that gleamed in the overhead light.

Her ebony complexion was flawless, and she was wearing eyeshadow, something elusive, making her eyes appear even larger. Her lips were glossy, the same shade as her dress.

Long shimmery earrings were at her lobes and the dress was low cut enough to show off her collarbone and a hint of breasts. He quickly lifted his eyes to her face again to avoid the rush of desire he felt coming on.

“Giorgio?”

He had no idea he was just standing there, gawking at her.

“I think that dress deserves to be shown off.” He had to clear his throat, but even so, his voice was still hoarse.

“I will take that as a compliment,” she told him with a smile.

How had he never noticed how white her teeth were and the fullness of her bottom lip? Mentally shaking himself from his disturbing reverie, he walked into the room and held out an arm.

“The food is already here.”

“You are not wearing shoes.” He observed, leading the way towards the glass doors that were already open.

“I would have had to wear one foot and decided what the hell! I never realized how tall you were. How tall are you?”

He grinned down at her, dark eyes twinkling. “Tall enough.”

“Oh, come on.”

He led her over to the table spread with white tablecloth and made sure she was seated comfortably before pulling out his chair.

“Six feet two inches.”

“Hmm.” Propping her chin on one hand, she gazed at him. “I bet you played many sports.”

“Most of them.”

“What are the most popular sports in Italy?”

Lifting the silver covers, he sniffed appreciatively before responding. “Football, we are big about the game. Then there is basketball, volleyball, motor sports, tennis, rugby, and skiing, among others.”

“How many do you play?” She was enjoying the date and was hoping it would never end. It never occurred to her that she was slowly falling in love with him and even if she did, she was determined not to examine it too closely.

“Most.” He said briefly, handing her a plate of succulent looking pizza. “Tell me what you think?”

Tearing off a slice, she took a small bite, her eyes widening as she chewed and savored.

“Okay, I don’t remember what pizza tastes like in my country, but I am pretty sure it is nothing like this.” She peered at the deep dish with several slices. “I am afraid this is only for me.

You are going to have to call the kitchen and ask them to send up some more for you.” She pulled the bowl towards her and hugged it possessively, causing him to laugh.

“No need for that. I much prefer the risotto anyway.”

“Everything looks so good and the view!” She turned her head to stare out at the floodlights turning everything silver.

He poured the wine and handed her a glass, content to simply watch her. She had unfolded her napkin and spread it over her lap, but she ignored the utensils and was eating with her fingers. He loved that she was so unselfconscious around him. And he did not have to pretend with her.

“Tell me about growing up here.”

Picking up his wineglass, he studied her beautiful face before looking over to where the water from the stream was picking up the light from the moon.

“We have horses,” he murmured.

“So, I was told. I have no idea if I can ride.”

“As soon as the cast is off, we will find out.” He promised. “I love the outdoors. We also have tennis and a basketball court. I would invite friends over during spring and summer and we would avail ourselves of the pool and the courts.

Mother loved throwing parties in the gardens,” his eyes flickered over the flowers blooming everywhere. “She also loved the outdoors.” A smile touched his sensuous lips and sent heat shimmering inside her tummy. “She would insist on having tea inside the gazebo and dragged me along with her.”

“You miss her.”

He nodded. “She was beautiful and full of life and laughter.” He was about to say – ‘like you’ but stopped just in time. “She was the life of every party and was a whiz at entertaining. Papa would call at the last minute to tell her that he had some guests from out of town and she would have no problem putting something together.”

“You look like her.”

“So, I am told.”

“She was an exceptionally beautiful woman.”

“Inside and out.” He pointed to her pizza. “It’s getting cold.”

“Oh.” She laughed softly. “It is your fault for making everything sound so interesting. What about friends?”

He dug into his meal. “What about them?”

“I am sure you were the most popular person in high school and college.”

“I don’t know about that, but yes, I was popular. My name is Russo, so naturally, people gravitated towards me.”

Her tapered brows lifted as she bit into her pizza. “Just your name? Not your face?”

“That too.” He grinned at her. “I don’t know if I can call them friends. We hung out together, I would have people over and a few times I would be invited over and be allowed to stay the night, but they mostly would come here.”

“Were your parents afraid you would be kidnapped?” She asked curiously.

“I guess that was part of it.”

“Aren’t you afraid of that happening even now?”

He shrugged elegantly. “I never think about it.” His eyes drifted to her lips. “You have something…,” leaning forward, he used his napkin to dab at the sides of her mouth, his touch lingering. For a few seconds, they both went still, eyes connecting, breaths backing up as the tension mounted.

He was the first to move, snatching his hand away as if he had been near an open blaze. For the next few minutes, there was silence around the table.

“Dessert?”

“What?”

He pointed to the Tiramisù in the bowl.

“Oh. Yes, of course.”

They ate the rest of the meal in silence, only breaking it when he poured the coffee.

“I spoke to Julian today.”

“What did he have to say?” He asked sardonically. “More dire warnings?”

“Something like that.” She smiled at him whimsically. “He wants me to come home.”

He felt a sickening jolt at the thought of her leaving. “And what did you say to that?”

“I told him what the doctor said about my moving.”

“Let me guess, he wants to charge over here and carry you out bodily.”

She leveled a direct gaze at him, her smile widening.

“What?”

“You two really rub each other the wrong way, don’t you?”

“He hates me,” Giorgio muttered.

“And it doesn’t help that you act like a complete jerk whenever he speaks to you.”

“So, it’s my fault?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I think he makes you feel defensive. You are both trying to protect me and end up being at odds because of it. I should feel flattered, but each time the two of you have a conversation, I find myself holding my breath.”

“That bad, huh?” He asked wryly.

“Oh yes. So, I think the best thing for me to do is to be the mediator.”

“You are so good at it.” He told her teasingly.

“I have had to be,”

She was relieved that the tension was no longer surrounding them, and they were back to being easy with each other.

“Cold?” He asked when she shivered suddenly.

“A little.”

“Let me get you a jacket.” Pushing away from the table, he went into the room, leaving her to stare at the place he had abandoned. He was so attentive to even her smallest needs and she was beginning to rely on him catering to her.

“Here, let me…” Moving to her side, he helped her on with the jacket before returning to his chair.

“Better?”

“Much. Thanks.”

They lapsed into silence again as they resumed eating.

Pressing a concealed button, he summoned a maid to clear the table. Waiting until the table was cleared and the maid had left, he pulled out her chair and helped her to her feet.

“I want to show you something.”

“Where?”

“You’ll see.” Taking her hand, he looped it through his arm. “We’ll take the elevator.” He looked at her quizzically. “Unless you want to be carried.”

“I think I will manage.”

“Afraid I am going to let you fall?”

“That never happened the two times you carried me, so no.” She snuggled against him as they made their way out and along the passageway where an elevator was hidden inside the wall. Pressing the button, he stepped into the car, making sure she was fully in before closing the doors.

“No elevator music?”

“No. It’s bloody annoying.”

“The quiet is… Oh, we are here.”

“You were saying something about the quiet?”

“It’s unnerving.”

“Only, you made up for the silence by engaging in a conversation about elevator music.”

“Why Signor Russo, are you implying that I was annoying?”

“Was I implying?”

Before she could retort, he pushed open a door in front of them and called for lights. Glittering chandeliers hanging from a high arched ceiling flooded the vast room and had her gazing around in awed silence.

The room was easily the size of a football field, with padded sofas at strategic corners. Floor to ceiling windows gave it even more space.

A raised dais was in one corner and in another, a massive fireplace, comfortable armchairs, and several others were scattered around. There was also a grand piano with a piano bench in front of it. Flowers were everywhere, perfuming the room with a light floral aroma.

“What is this place?”

“The grand drawing room, where we do most of the entertaining.” He led her over to one of the sofas and helped her to sit.

“Are there always flowers in the room?”

“Only when we are planning an event.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Is there going to be a party?”

He nodded, coming to sit next to her.

“Mother started this masquerade ball when she was alive, and it soon became a tradition.”

“When?”

“Saturday.”

“I guess I will stay out of the way.”

“You are invited,” he told her softly.

Her eyes flew to him, and she shook her head.

“Oh no! I couldn’t possibly…”

“It is a masquerade ball Juliana and you are a guest in our home. It would look strange if you were not in attendance.”

She had been hoping that he would say something like he needed her there, but that was wishing for the impossible. As he rightly put it, she was a guest in his home, and he was inviting her out of charity.

“I would rather not.”

“May I ask why?” He sensed her distress and was wondering why she was upset.

“I have a cast on my leg in case you have forgotten. And I don’t need you feeling sorry for me.”

His eyebrows lifted at her injured tone. “Is that what you think?”

“Why else would you be inviting me to a ball where people I don’t know will be here?” She cried. “Just look at this room! It’s massive and I am sure there are going to be several hundred of your closest friends here. What do you expect me to do? Just sit and be uncomfortable? No thank you.”

He started to take her hand, when she jerked away, ignoring that, he clasped it between his. “It was never my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. And you are right, I wasn’t thinking.” He murmured. “I just didn’t want you to be all by yourself while there is a party going on.”

She was slightly mollified. “I wouldn’t know anyone at the party, and I would certainly feel conspicuous with the cast on.”

He nodded. Her fingers were entwined in his and he could feel the warmth of her skin. What was more, it felt right holding her hand like this.

“I don’t… I was never much of a party girl.” She was saying.

“Is that so?”

She nodded. She loved the feel of his fingers against hers and was hoping he would not relinquish her hand.

“I can just imagine this place decorated for a party. Do you hire people to do that sort of thing?”

“Yes. We own an interior design company as well as a few restaurants who will be combining their efforts to make things happen. It’s not just a masquerade ball, but it is geared to making money for various homeless shelters and children’s homes.”

“That’s commendable.”

“Mother was always dabbling in several different charities. She sat on the Board of several foundations.”

“She genuinely cared.”

“She did. During the winter, she would collect meals and rope in her friends to go the homeless shelters to hand them out.”

She tilted her head to look at him. “Is that still being done?”

He realized that he was ashamed to tell her he had no idea. In the past, it had been amusing to see his mother pack up baskets of food to take with her. He had taken his wealth and the fact that he lacked nothing entirely for granted.

“I don’t know.” He finally admitted, searching her face to see if she was disappointed in him.

“We could find out.”

“I suppose we could.” He heard himself agreeing. “Some of her friends are still alive.”

“Good.” She looked around the room, her eyes landing on the piano. “Is that just for show?”

“No. She played as well. Papa tried to give it away several times but couldn’t bear to part with it.”

“He loved her very much.”

“He did.” He realized he was still holding her hand and did not want to let go. It felt like the most natural thing in the world.

“Tired?” He asked when she stifled a yawn.

“A little.”

“You should have said something,” he chided.

“I was enjoying myself.”

“By just sitting here? You are a strange one.”

“I am starting to believe I am. I am picturing this room filled with people. The women wearing expensive gowns in jewel colors and dazzling stones at their throats and lobes. Drinking champagne and a live band playing on the stage”

Her expression turned dreamy as she unconsciously rested her head on his shoulder. He went still at that and could hardly breathe. “I think it’s going to be a great party.” She stifled a yawn again.

“Let’s get you to bed.” He said briskly. Picking her up in his arms, he strode out of the room with her snuggled against him.

“I think I drank too much wine.”

“You only had two glasses.” He reminded her.

“One too many.” Closing her eyes, she inhaled his expensive cologne and snuggled closer.

“Thanks.”

“What for?”

“For tonight. I had so much fun.”

“So did I,” he replied gruffly.

Holding her with one arm wrapped around her slender body, he removed the coverlet and placed her on top of the mound of pillows and just sat there staring at her. She was fast asleep, her lashes making shadows on her cheeks.

And he had a definite problem. He could either leave her as she was, in the fancy dress or remove it and put the nightgown on that had no doubt been left at the foot of the bed by one of the maids.

He sat there debating the problem for a full five minutes, before deciding to get it over and done with. Taking a deep breath, he turned her slightly away from him to get to the hidden zipper. Pulling it down slowly, he felt his breath caught inside his throat as he noticed bare flesh, indicating that she had not bothered with a bra.

Turning her back around, he eased the dress off her and pulled it over her hips and then her legs, carefully averting his gaze from the cream lace of her panties.

Tossing the dress at the foot of the bed, he picked up the nightgown and was about to pull it over her head when her small pert breasts caught his attention.

Desire flooded his body with the force of a tidal wave and had him panting. For a few minutes, he was paralyzed, the scrap of material clenched in his fist. Saliva pooled inside his mouth and the urge to just bend his head and take a nipple between his teeth was so strong that he actually started to do so, before catching himself.

Swearing ripely in Italian, he put the nightgown over her head and dragged the covers over her, before stumbling to his feet.

His raging erection was making things extremely uncomfortable for him. He stood there for a few more minutes, torturing himself before turning on his heels and making his way out. He did not stop until he was in his bedroom.

As soon as he entered, he started stripping down to bare skin. His flesh was feverishly hot, his body pulsing with an awareness that made him dizzy.

This was new to him. In the past, if he wanted a woman, it was returned. There would be the removal of their clothing, and the act would be consummated.

Now he was faced with a situation that had him suffering from a thirst that was not quenched. He wanted her. It was that simple. But he could not touch her.

“Cristo!” he swore ripely as he made his way into the bathroom. A cold shower would have to do. Combined with several glasses of scotch, it might help to take the edge off his hunger. This was getting ridiculous now, he thought angrily.

He was going to have to do his bloody best to stay away from her. He was torturing himself for no reason at all. Dragging his fingers through his hair, he hit the button and stepped under the nozzle.

*****

She was pathetically glad that he had dropped by after the function. When he called to ask if she was available, she had readily said yes. Even though he was the one paying all the expenses, he never took it for granted that he could just drop by. He always called first.

Alfredo found comfort in her arms. She was selfless in her lovemaking. He knew she was in love with him, but he could never return her feelings. His heart had died with Maria. He cared for Viola and there was a certain passion in their lovemaking, but the love of his life had gone before him, and he couldn’t love another.

But he could talk to her, and she was undemanding. She was also very discreet.

“How is the young lady?” She was cradled in his arms, and this was exactly where she wanted to be. She did not dare ask him if he was spending the night but had been happy when he confided in her what had taken place with Giorgio.

“Coming along nicely.” His hand caressed the small of her back absently. Giorgio had told him that he was having dinner with her on the balcony. “I think he is getting attached.”

“You did say she lost her memory?”

“She has. I don’t see a favorable outcome.”

“It might turn out that they end up together.” She wanted to say she was hoping for a happy ending with him, but wisely kept her mouth shut. She had a feeling that the reason he was with her for the extended period was because she never demanded anything more than he could give.

“Giorgio is not the faithful type,” he said gruffly. “He is my son, but he is entitled and spoilt.”

“You also said he is changing,” she reminded him. Her fingers made forays through his chest hairs, and she could feel the quickening of his heart.

“It would seem that way.” He commented thoughtfully. “He no longer parties and has not been out of the country since the incident. He is also showing up at the office and making his contribution.”

“Which is a good thing.”

“Hmm.” A frown touched his brow. “I happen to like the young lady. She is very likable.”

“But you are worried that your son is going to break her heart.” She surmised.

“Yes.” He sighed deeply. “I have seen them together and I realize where it is going. I have warned him to stay away from her, but I have a feeling that is not going to happen.”