Giorgio (Members From Money Season 2, #136)

Chapter 9

Her meal was brought upstairs to her, a sumptuous array of pasta and finger food. Layered Italian crescent ring, vegetable pizza, Minestrone soup and desserts so rich, she knew she would gain a few pounds more.

She ate halfheartedly, not doing full justice to the effort made by the caterers. Lucia had been brimming with excitement as she reported the happenings in the ballroom.

But Juliana had seen the sweep of headlights from her window, the valets hired to park the vehicles. She had even caught glimpses of the guests, women wearing stunning gowns and men looking dapper and wearing masks.

From up here, she could not hear the music playing or hear the laughter and clink of utensils. He had not been to see her for two whole days. Oh, he had called to check on her and had told her some flimsy excuses about being busy and in and out. She had dined alone both nights, feeling depression taking hold of her.

She needed him, which was dangerous. He was not hers to need. But she missed the conversations, the light repartee, the intimacy, the easy way they could relate to each other.

And she was jealous. She was here torturing herself, wondering who his date was. He had invited her out of pity, that was it. She was here because of something he did, and he had been polite and courteous. He had also undressed her, putting on her nightgown. Obviously, seeing her naked had not had any effect on him.

Why should it? She thought despondently. He was accustomed to seeing exceptionally beautiful women and she was far from being one.

Her brother had tried to persuade her to come home, and she had fed him the usual story. The doctors did not want her leaving just yet.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” He demanded.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know Jules. Is something going on between you and Russo?”

She had laughed at that. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Be careful of him.”

“We are friends.”

He had been the one to laugh. “I seriously doubt he can be friends with a female below the age of ninety.”

“I can take care of myself.”

“Can you?”

Now standing here in the middle of the room, she was wondering the same thing.

*****

He was bored. This was his scene or usually it was. The room was packed with their guests and the live band that had been hired was doing a very good job. He circled the room, smiling charmingly and listening to the various conversations.

He had even danced with a few of the women he had been intimate with, some had even hinted that they should retire to his suite and have a private party. He had declined, without giving an explanation.

It had been two days since he had seen her, and it was killing him. He missed her. Missed their conversations.

She had called and he had been polite and distant. He knew he had hurt her with his cool tone, but he wanted distance.

The night he had undressed her, he had come perilously close to taking advantage. Images of her naked body were still etched on his mind and no amount of alcohol or cold shower were able to dislodge it. He wanted her so much; he was aching from it.

So, he stayed away. But in doing so, he was punishing himself. He should suggest she leave – board a plane and go home. But even the thought of that was making him panicky.

“Hi.” His reverie was interrupted by a husky female voice.

“Hi.” He had been avoiding Sofia and knew she was one of the invitees. His father had stopped hounding him about marrying her, which was a relief. “How are you?”

“Very well, thank you.”

She had always been a very polite young woman and a beautiful one. Her blonde hair was caught at the nape of her neck in an elegant chignon and her ivory skin was flawless. The dress, an emerald green, made her hazel eyes sparkle.

“Would you like a glass of champagne?” He had no idea what to say to her, he never did.

“Thank you.”

He snagged a glass and handed it to her. “Uhm – how is the project coming along?”

She was heavy into charitable work and her latest was helping to restore a museum in the downtown area. He applauded her effort and the fact that she was doing something.

“We are onto stage two.”

“Stage two?” People eddied around them, giving them curious looks.

“Getting rid of the debris from the areas that were torn down. You should come and see what we are doing.”

“I just might.”

She eyed him for a few seconds as she sipped her drink. “I know you are not interested.”

“Pardon?”

She shrugged slender shoulders, a faint blush stealing over her face.

“In me. You are not interested in having a relationship with me.”

“Sofia…”

She shook her head. “We are not suited.”

He was surprised at her bluntness. “That’s true.”

She nodded again. “You intimidate me.”

He wasn’t surprised to hear that. He had noticed that she was usually tongue-tied whenever they happened to be in the same space.

“I don’t mean to.”

“I know.” She smiled at him shyly. “You look like this is the last place you want to be.”

He was once again taken by surprise.

“I must admit that I am a little bored.”

“So am I. I will be leaving soon.”

“I hope we can remain friends.”

“I hope so too.” Putting her champagne glass down, she walked away and with that, he made a decision.

*****

She was not in bed. And his footsteps muffled his entrance, so he was inside the room before she saw him. One minute her back was turned to him and the next she was facing him, wearing a pair of thin silk shorts and figure-hugging t-shirt, both of which the silk robe had covered until now.

They stood there staring at each other for what seemed ages before she gestured to his well-cut black suit and a mask dangling from one ear. “Who are you supposed to be?”

“Julius Caeser, can’t you tell?” His easy grin had her going warm. She was just thinking about him, had been thinking about him for the entire day and here he was, looking so handsome, it hurts the eyes.

“Is the party over?”

“Far from it.”

“Aren’t you the host?”

“Papa is mostly.” His gaze flickered to the unfinished meal; the maid had not had time to remove. “You barely ate. Is something wrong?”

“No. Yes.” She sent him an accusing look. “Have I done something to offend you?”

“No. Why?”

“You haven’t been to see me in two days.”

He avoided her flashing dark brown eyes. “I have been busy.”

“I see. Like you said, I am just a guest and one that has been foisted on you…”

“Don’t!” His sharp tone had her recoiling slightly. “You know why I am avoiding you.”

“I don’t!”

“You do.” He passed a hand at the back of his neck. “The more time we spend with each other, is the harder it is to…”

“To what?” She whispered huskily when he stopped.

“I should go.”

“Please don’t.” Her plea halted him and had him turning back around.

“Juliana…”

“Please. I have missed you.”

He wheeled around and was at the door when she spoke again. “Giorgio, please.”

Her sultry voice, the yearning that matched his, held him captive. Leaning his head against the solid wood, he closed his eyes and tried and itemize why this was not a good idea. And nothing he came up with, stood a chance against the intense lust raging throughout his body. Taking a shattered breath, he engaged the lock and turned around.

She was standing exactly in the same place, her large eyes watching him. The distance between them seemed insurmountable – an ocean apart, instead of several feet. He took off his tailored jacket first, dropping it without regards to its expense.

Then came his shoes and then his tie and the mask. She watched in silence as he wrestled with the pearl buttons of his pristine white shirt, dragging the tails out of his trousers.

The white undershirt was next, giving her an unrestricted view of the most magnificent body she had ever seen in real life. He was tanned all over, dense dark hairs covering a muscled chest. His stomach was washboard flat, the hairs disappearing beneath the waistband of his trousers.

Her fingers curled into her palms as he eased the zipper down and took it off. His white boxer was tented at the front, indicating his desire.

Her eyes flew to his face, a gasp escaping her. She was not certain she would be able to accommodate him.

“I won’t hurt you.” He rasped as if reading her thoughts. “That’s the last thing I would ever do.” He approached her slowly as if giving her an out. “I was in that ballroom, with hundreds of beautiful women, the cream of society and the only thing I found myself doing was think about you.” He muttered something in Italian that escaped her.

“This is a mistake, but I swear, that I cannot hold out much longer.” He took off her robe and belatedly realized she was standing and had been since he came into the room.

Bending, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. In the morning, there would be recriminations and agonizing regret. But for now, he had to have her. Or he was going to go insane.

“Your leg…”

“I’ll be fine.” Her hands feathered lightly over his chest, feeling the tensing of the muscles. “You are so beautiful, like that painting I saw in one of the books. Michelangelo’s David.” She lifted her head to look at him. Lifting a hand, she touched his clean-shaven jaw, a scruff already forming.

“I suffered when you stayed away.” Tears gathered at the back of her eyes. “I told myself that you were with someone. And I wanted to die.”

“Juliana- “A groan escaped him. “We can’t…”

“I know I have to leave and go back home,” even the thought of it paralyzed her. “But until then, I want to be with you.” She traced the outline of his bottom lip and felt a sharp jolt of desire when he nibbled on the pad of her finger.

A party was going on downstairs and no doubt he would be missed, but right now, he did not care. He was where he wanted to be. His hands framed her small face, fingers trembling. He had wanted to do this from the time he saw her lying in that hospital bed. Ducking his head, he rubbed his lips against hers.

Her hands came around his neck, fingers sliding through the thickness of his hair. It was soft, gloriously soft, just as she suspected. Her slender body arched hungrily, the yearning starting from the core of her and traveling upwards, until she was bursting with need. Her lips parted eagerly, but he wasn’t ready to deepen the kiss.

He explored her full bottom lip slowly, his body aching, his sex stretching until he felt as if he was going to embarrass himself. But he was determined to take his time with her. He wanted it to last all night and possibly the morning.

He nibbled, her breath driving him to the brink of madness. The tip of her tongue touched his lip, and he captured it, just the tip, sucking it into his mouth, until she was writhing against him.

Her fingers made restless grooves in the flesh of his back and shoulders. Ignoring her need to deepen the kiss, he kept it light, tormenting her with his thorough exploration of her lips.

When she felt as if she couldn’t bear it anymore, he plunged his tongue inside her mouth, the kiss taking on a wildness that was all consuming.

He settled into the groove of her thighs, his sex nudging at the core of her as he drank from the sweetness of her mouth. It was more than he imagined and a hell of a lot better than he had ever experienced. He was starving for her.

He, who had experienced sex at a very young age, felt as if this was his first time. His body was raging, heart pounding out of tune. Her breasts – Sweet Cristo! The nipples were branding his chest. Ending the kiss, he pressed open mouth kisses at her neck, her throat, going down to what he was hungering for.

He rubbed his lips over the tight bud and sent fire darting through her body. His tongue licked the tight bud, swirling around it until it hardened even more.

“Giorgio.” Her voice was breathless, her fingers clutching at his hair. He finally took the bud into his mouth, sucking on the flesh before pulling it into his mouth and suckling hungrily. A cry escaped her, body arching towards him as sensations shimmered and swept her up until she felt as if she was on the edge of a cliff, poised to free fall.

Nothing had ever felt this good and even though she didn’t have all her faculties, she knew instinctually that this was the most beautiful thing she had ever experienced.

By the time he had transferred to the other nipple, she was mindless with a passion so intense, she was swept away by the force of it.

“I need you,” she gasped. “Giorgio, oh God, please. I cannot…”

His mind was a fog, his body weightless and his mind a complete blank. Rising over her, he shucked his underwear and dragged off hers. Poised on top of her, he positioned himself so that he would not aggravate her leg.

Bending her right knee, he teased her opening with the tip of his penis that was already pooling with pre come liquid. When he sank into her tightness, he had to use every ounce of control not to flood her with his seed. He had never lost control before, but he was dangerously close to doing so now.

She was tight and gloriously wet, the walls of her vagina hugging him until he felt as if he was slowly coming apart at the seams.

He chanted something in Italian, his body covering hers. He tried to slow things down, but the control between them had snapped. With a tortured groan, he drove into her, taking her lips savagely as her slender body crested, the climax rushing through her until she was digging her fingers into his flesh.

His long lean body shuddered, and he realized that he couldn’t hold back anymore. It had to be now. With his mouth ravaging hers, he poured everything, watering the mouth of her womb. He came and came until he was weak, his heart slamming against his ribs.

He was finally able to move after a few minutes. But he only shifted enough to settle next to her, because he did not want to jostle her leg that was still healing. His hands were firmly and possessively around her waist as he kept her joined to him.

Her cheeks were damp with tears he had felt when his mouth was buried on hers. He kissed them tenderly. Her hands were curled on his chest, fingers tangled in the dense chest hairs. His mouth drifted from her cheek to the seams of her lips.

She stirred against him, drawing up her right leg until he was sinking deeper into her. It took only that to make him hard again. With a stifled groan, he moved inside her slowly, undulating his hips, cupping her bottom against his crotch.

The sex was slow and easy, his lips were exploring her sweet mouth leisurely. Not so easy was the heat they were generating. Her fingers clutched at his biceps, then traveled to his neck where she clung to his hair. She mirrored his movements, and he swallowed the small gasps deep inside his throat.

He did not want to tire her out, but he couldn’t get enough of her. She gripped him like a tight, wet fist, pulling him in deeper until he was lost inside her.

Her climax exploded, her body arching. He held her closer, his own orgasm very close. He eased out a little, but not for long. With a fevered groan, he plunged into her one last time and flooded her with his seed.

They clung to each other, their lips locked in a kiss that took on a wildness that was spiraling out of control. She was trembling in the aftermath, her body hot and feverish. She almost blurted out words of love, but managed to keep it locked inside her heart.

He finally ended the scorching kiss, one hand curving around her neck as he pushed her face into his chest, holding her protectively.

“Sleep.” He whispered gruffly.

With a sigh of capitulation and exhaustion, she drifted off. But he was still wide awake, still intimately joined to her. He was astounded at the lack of control he had exhibited. Nothing this profound had ever happened to him before, and he was puzzled and disturbed by it.

He cared about her deeply, that much was true. It had been that way since the beginning. Making love to her tonight had been a fait accompli. He had put off the inevitable by staying away from her.

But tonight, had proven that it had been a hopeless endeavor. He had paid lip service to the guests, while all the time, his mind had been on her. He had made his escape and told himself that he was just checking on her.

But he had come for this. He had come into her room to assuage his awful hunger for her. And now that he had, he wanted more. He would never get enough of her. But he was so conflicted.

She had lost her memory because of him. Making love to her tonight was a mistake, one that he was going to be making as long as she was here. He had complicated things.

She would leave at the end of it all and where would that leave them? He was Italian and she was American. He would never live anywhere else, and it was ridiculous to think that they could have a long-distance relationship. It would never work.

You could always ask her to stay. The voice taunted him, but he ignored it. He was not going to worry about it now. Another thing was worrying him. He had never made love without using the necessary protection before.

He was Giorgio Russo, and it had been drummed into his head enough times that he should be extremely careful. He couldn’t afford an unwanted pregnancy. But tonight, being careful had never entered his mind. The only thing he could think about was getting inside her.

Tilting his head down, he gazed at the woman buried on his chest, a tender smile touching his lips. Her glossy curls were highlighted by the light of the moon streaming through the drapes. Her small hand was spread out on his chest. He shifted a little and she murmured in her sleep, moving closer to him.

Bending his head, he kissed her forehead, closing his eyes as he absorbed her scent. In a few minutes he succumbed to sleep, his arms wrapped securely around her waist.

*****

Alfredo hesitated at the doors that led to the guest suite, a frown touching his brow. He had been left to entertain the guests and had been as mystified as to his son’s whereabouts as the people inquiring about him. But he had asked one of the maids and she had told him that ‘Signor Giorgio’ was seen going upstairs.

He knew his son had done exactly what he had warned him against. He had seen the undercurrents between him and Juliana and knew that it would come to a head.

With a heavy sigh, he stepped back and made his way to his own suite. For the first time, his son had left the party before it ended. What was apparent to him was Giorgio’s strange behavior ever since the accident.

He was not averse to having Juliana as a daughter in law, far from it, but he knew nothing about the young woman.

Which needed to be addressed. His son was now involved with her and whether it was permanent or not, he had to find out if there were any skeletons in her closet. Once the press gets hold of the relationship, they would be digging into her life. He would not want any surprises.