Giorgio (Members From Money Season 2, #136)

Chapter 11

He stayed at the club late, deliberately. Taking the coward’s way out was not his style, but after what happened between them last night and this morning, he had no idea what to say to her and he had been stupid and careless.

So, he stayed until he felt it was time for him to come home. She would be asleep by now… He was about to walk past her doors when something stopped him.

Standing in front of the paneled wood, he pressed a hand against it and closed his eyes. He should just continue onto his suite and leave well enough alone.

He had already compromised their relationship by sleeping with her. It would be prudent for him to make it a one-time thing. But something was nagging at him.

Pushing the doors open, he stepped through the compact sitting room and pushed the doors of the bedroom open. He came to an abrupt stop just inside the doorway. The bedside lamp was on, and she was not asleep.

As a matter of fact, she was hunched up against the pillows, holding one to her chest. Her shoulders were shaking, and her face was buried in the cotton pillowcase.

A frisson of alarm shimmered through his body as he stared at the forlorn form. He had no idea how he reached the side of the bed, but within seconds, he was there. Toeing off his shoes, he eased in next to her and without a word, lifted her slender frame, pillow and all and cradled her against his chest.

Leaning into him, she started sobbing in earnest, her fingers clutching his sweater.

He waited her out, his hands soothing her back, a concerned frown on his brow.

Murmuring words in his language, he kissed the top of her head and then her forehead as he comforted her.

“You are going to make yourself ill.” He tilted her chin up, his heart breaking at the tears staining her cheeks and clinging to her long lashes. “What’s wrong?”

“My memory, it came back.” There was a tiny catch in her voice.

“Why is that not a cause for celebration?” He wiped the tears with the pads of his thumbs and shied away from the significance of her revelation.

“My dad died.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I lost my dad.”

He kissed her forehead gently. “I am so sorry Juliana. You were very close.”

“Yes.” She gulped. “Oh Giorgio, I miss him so much.” The tears came again, and he pressed her face against his chest, allowing her to grieve. It was disconcerting that he felt this yearning to be with her. It had nothing to do with sex, he just felt that she needed him.

“Enough now, Amore Mio.” He whispered, completely unaware that he had called her his love. Tilting her chin up, he kissed the tears on one cheek and then the next, his touch gentle and soothing.

Murmuring his name, Juliana traced the outline of his strong jaw, her body shivering when he kissed the seams of her mouth.

“I hate to see you hurting.” He told her thickly. Using the tip of his tongue, he traced the outline of her full bottom lip. “I never want to see you crying. I cannot stand it. My heart breaks at the thought of you hurting.”

He was completely unaware or oblivious to the fact that he was baring his soul to this woman who had shown up in his life unexpectedly.

“Giorgio.” She breathed his name, her pain dissipating, replaced by a surge of emotion so strong and intense, she could hardly stand it. While she had been wallowing in her acute misery, he had been the one she wanted to hold her.

She had called his name repeatedly as she cried for the loss of her dad. And it was as if she had transmitted to him how much she needed him.

His tongue dipped into her mouth, starting an evocative foray into the honeyed sweetness. When she tried to deepen the kiss, he held back. His hands caressed her back and shoulders restlessly, fingers bracketing her ribcage.

He could feel the swell of her breasts through the thin material of her top, the nipples already raised and awaiting his mouth.

A groan escaped him, the desire he had tried so hard to keep secret, unravelling. He was helpless against something so strong and powerful. He had stayed away because he wanted to analyze and question what was happening between them.

But he had been unable to stay away.

Placing his hands under her armpits, he lowered her against the pillows, his mouth still clinging to hers as if unwilling to break contact. Somehow, he managed to pull at his sweater, briefly ending the kiss to pull it over his head and tossed it aside.

Then he was kissing her again, this time with more fervor, his tongue exploring her mouth with a hunger that was undeniable.

Tugging her top up, he pulled her arms out of the sleeves and left her mouth long enough to tug it over her head.

Sizzling dark eyes roamed over her face, his heart spiking at the vulnerable look, the dark eyes bright with tears, the lashes spiked, and her mouth swollen and inviting. His eyes drifted to her chest, where her nipples were pebble hard.

Cupping the warm giving flesh, he reshaped them, thumbs grazing the tight buds until she was squirming restlessly.

“Amore Mio Bellissima…” He whispered thickly. Her heart quickened as love and joy blossomed inside her heart. Bending his head, he captured a tight bud between his teeth, his tongue creating havoc. Her body arched, fingers tugging at his thick dark hair as he laved the flesh, until he was suckling it hungrily.

One hand drifted between her thighs, and he nudged them apart to cup her sex. She had showered and just donned the t-shirt and a scrap of lace that did little to cover the flesh.

The flimsy material seemed to disintegrate beneath his feverish touch. Moving the sides of the panties, he sought the hot flesh, touching the mound, before slipping a finger to find the wetness there.

His beard tickled her flesh, sending shockwaves throughout her body. When he moved down to her flat stomach, she was quivering, her right leg bent at the knee. He was careful to keep away from the broken leg.

Lifting her right leg, he kissed the inside of her thigh, nibbling at the flesh. His mouth replaced his fingers, sending delicious tingles all the way to her heart. Cupping her bottom, he lifted her upwards, his mouth nuzzling the fine hairs covering her sex.

Juliana gripped the sheets, her body already erupting. She no longer felt the weight of grief pressing her down. She only felt him. He surrounded her, invaded every inch of her body, and consumed her.

A cry escaped her when he toyed with the swollen and very sensitive mound. He nuzzled, inhaling her musky scent. Using the tip of his tongue, he entered her slowly, until he was capturing the moisture. Working his way deeper, he plunged into her, holding her still while he slowly made love to her with his mouth.

Her climax was explosive. It started as a slow roll inside her tummy before expanding into something so powerful it lifted her off the bed. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and she felt as if her heart was bursting inside her chest.

Putting her down gently, he finished undressing both of them, before pulling her against him and entering her slowly. His hands cupped her face, fingers tracing her tapered brows, his expression one of wonder. “I couldn’t stay away.” He whispered against her mouth.

“I missed you.” She whispered back, her fingers exploring his chest. “I tortured myself thinking you were with someone else.”

“Never.” His lips brushed hers lightly as he slowly undulated his hips, thrusting into her without haste. “My sweet Juliana.”

Her name in his slightly accented voice sent tremors vibrating throughout her body and had her clinging to him.

“Giorgio.”

He covered her mouth, capturing her sighs. His fingers made grooves in her flesh. Lifting her right leg, he drove deeper, wanting to mold himself to her. He couldn’t get enough of her. Wanting her was driving him insane. He wanted more.

She came, her cries swallowed deep inside his throat. He couldn’t hold back his own mind gripping climax and followed right behind her, his seed pouring into her, his long, lean body shuddering, heart pounding like a jack hammer.

Always conscious of hurting her, he repositioned her so that her injured leg was out of the way. But he held her tight against him, his skin coated with a sheen of sweat, his mouth still clinging to hers.

For what seemed like ages, he ended the kiss and buried his face in the side of her neck. She combed her fingers through his damp hair, her eyes clouded with tears. What she felt for him was not just physical but had transcended that to become a spiritual thing. He had touched her soul.

Lifting his head, his dark eyes studied her face. “I should let you get some sleep.” His voice was hoarse with emotions.

“I don’t feel sleepy.” Her fingers tugged at his facial hair. “Why the beard?”

He grinned, white teeth a sharp contrast to the inky blackness of his beard. “I tried it out in college and decided that it suited, so I kept it. What do you think?”

“I think it makes you look like a sexy bandit.” She continued to comb her fingers through it. “I bet all the women are enamored by it.”

“Possibly.” His tone was offhand. “I never asked.” Capturing her exploring fingers, he pressed it to his lips. “Can you talk about your father?”

She nodded. She had been in the throes of despair before, but now she felt the calm invading her soul.

“He taught me how to fish.”

His thick brows lifted. “How good are you?”

“Lousy.” She told him with a laugh. “He used live bait, and I got squeamish every time I had to hook the line.”

“Afraid of worms?” He was nibbling at soft fleshy part of her fingers and sending heat to the core of her.

“Oh yes. He would reel his catch in and release it after. I asked him why and he told me they deserved to live another day.” Her expression became sober. “He was a great dad, but he died a little more each day he had to live without mom.”

“How did she die?”

“Heart attack. She was in the garden weeding when she just keeled over and died, just like that.”

He made a sympathetic sound. “How old were you?”

“Fifteen.” She shook her head sadly. “They were madly in love, you see. I always admired how they were around each other. They were always touching and every Friday, they would find a babysitter and go out on dates.

It was never anywhere too expensive, dinner at a nearby restaurant, dancing at the local club, things like that. When she died, my dad was never the same. He never neglected us of course, but part of him was missing.” Her dark brown eyes were eloquent as she stared at him and made him acutely conscious of her.

He knew what she wanted from him, but was not certain he could give it to her. They were from two different worlds and now that she got her memory back, she would be going home, where she belonged.

They could pretend that this was going to last, but their days were numbered. He had no idea how much time they had left, but he had resolved to spend as much time with her as possible.

He had been wrestling with that decision, but getting her memory back had cinched it for him. Dispelling the gloom that had started to come over them, he titled her face up. “If you are not going to sleep, I suggest an alternate plan.” He whispered.

“I am all for it.”

*****

She dreaded telling her brother about the return of her memory. The doctor had come by to examine her and declared that as soon as the cast was removed, she would be fully recovered. “It’s remarkable how the human body works,” he said with a smile.

Alfredo had expressed his delight and sent his son a pointed look that was studiously ignored.

Giorgio was no longer hiding the fact that they were together and had suggested that his suite of rooms was more accommodating. The first time she stepped foot into the lavishly decorated suite, she had been struck dumb by the opulence.

It had also sent her into a fit of depression she had managed to hide from him. They were poles apart and every day it was became more apparent.

She waited two days to tell her brother the good news, which now felt like a death sentence.

“That’s wonderful news! I am going to see what flights are available…”

“I take my cast off sometime next week.”

“Specifically, when?”

“I don’t know yet, ” she replied evasively.

“For someone who is getting their life back, you sound awfully despondent. I wonder why.”

“Of course I am happy.” She said defensively.

“When did this happy moment happened?”

She hesitated, wondering if she should tell him the truth, but her innate sense of honesty prevailed and had her revealing the truth.

The silence that followed her revelation had her fidgeting. She was in the library as usual. Breakfast had been in the informal dining room with Giorgio and his dad. He had left for some appointments and promised to be back early to take her for a drive. “You have still yet to see some of the sights.”

“What the hell are you doing Jules?” Her brother’s growl pierced her bubble.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She passed a hand over the hardcover of the History of Rome she was reading. She was also abreast with her Italian lessons because she wanted to surprise him.

“You know damn well what I mean? Are you setting up house with him? Is that what this is all about? Do you honestly think he is going to propose? Out of the countless women he has been with, he has chosen you. Are you that delusional? Has the accident robbed you of your senses?”

Every word he spoke wounded her deeply. Each night spent with him only drew her deeper, until she was so in love with him, she could not breathe when he was near.

And she had to admit that she had been praying that a miracle would occur, and he would discover that he loved her too. Their lovemaking was fiery, intense, that it left them shaken every single time.

Last night she had surprised him by using her mouth to bring him pleasure. She knew it wasn’t a first for him, but his reaction had been electrifying, his beautiful body wracked by shudders He had begged her to stop, Switching from English to Italian while in the throes of passion.’

He had clung to her after, his face buried in the side of her neck.

“Stop shouting at me.”

“Jules.” His voice lowered. “Think about it. He is never going to offer you marriage. I don’t want to see you hurt. You have been through so much already. I cannot bear for you to go through anything as heartrending as a broken heart and this is where it is going.”

“People change.” She whispered.

“Darling, please come home. Before it is too late.”

“It already is.” She told him hoarsely. “I keep thinking that the accident happened for a reason. We were supposed to meet. He was supposed to be driving at that precise moment I was riding my bike. It did not just happen. It was fate…”

“Are you listening to yourself?” Julian shouted. “I cannot believe this. What the hell is he telling you? Don’t you see he is just using you? You are available and conveniently in the same house. He does not have to expend any effort to have a woman in his bed.”

“Go to hell.”

“Jules…”

She hung up and sat there staring at the book in her hand. The tears were threatening. Her brother’s words were hammering painfully in her head. Her throat felt thick with fear and despair was looming.

She had not told him she was in love with him, but he knew. And no matter how much or how far the passion took them, he never said anything to her about the future. He would spend time worshipping her body, laboring over her until she was begging for release.

She knew he was affected as well, there was no doubting that. But how involved was he? He hadn’t said anything about her leaving. In a couple of days, the cast would be off her foot, and she was free to go home. But she was not looking forward to it. Each time she thought about it, she would feel the panic fluttering inside her chest.

She had wonderful visions of them getting married and having children. A boy who would look like him and a girl who looked like both of them.

He never discussed anything of substance with her and she had noticed that he asked about her life, while hardly revealing anything about his. Whenever he left the Palazzo, she found herself wondering who he was with, but she couldn’t ask him.

He made the news, and she would scour the internet looking for evidences that he was with someone else. But nothing so far. She would breathe a sigh of relief and wonder what on earth she was doing.

She jumped slightly when the door was pushed open, and Alfredo came striding in. She had little time to compose herself and knew that he probably saw evidence of the tears in her eyes.

“I am sorry, do you want to use the room?” She was surprised to see him home at this time of the day.

“No.” He stood in the middle of the room and looked around. “This was my wife’s favorite place.”

“Giorgio told me.”

Turning his head, he gazed at her thoughtfully. “I had a meeting a few blocks away and decided to come and see how you were doing.”

“I am fine.” She smiled, pleased that he took the time to check on her. “Getting better each day. I just want to say thanks for how you welcomed me into your home. I have practically taken up residence in this lovely room. Giorgio said you didn’t mind.”

He came further inside and sat in front of her.

“My wife spoiled our son rotten. She wanted more children, but almost lost her life-giving birth to Giorgio.”

“I never knew that.”

Alfredo smiled. “My son doesn’t like to talk about it.”

“He loved her.”

Alfredo nodded, his eyes on her face. “Edouardo informed me that you were given a clean bill of health.”

Her heart plummeted. “He has.”

“We will make the jet available for when you are ready to leave.”

Looking away from him, she stared at the book on her lap. His message was clear. He didn’t think she was good enough for his son. It crushed her so much, she wanted to die.

“He will hurt you piccolo,” he continued softly. “I warned him not to get involved, but he didn’t listen. You have done wonders in his life and brought joy and laughter to this household. You are kind and sweet and remind me of my darling wife.”

His lips quirked slightly. She knew all the household staff names and took an interest in what was going with them.” His expression sobered. “He is making arrangements to leave for an extended period.”

“What?” She did not believe him. He had to be lying. It was a low-down trick to get rid of her because he did not approve of her. “No, he wouldn’t…”

“Our yacht will be taking a cruise along the coastline and my son is going to be on the trip.” Sliding forward, he took her hands. “I am sure he cares deeply for you, but Giorgio had always been afraid of commitment.

When he lost his mother, he fragmented. He believed that giving one’s heart is too much of an imposition, the pain of losing someone is too great. He will be giving you some money, to do whatever you want. Open up your own publishing company- “

“No.” She shook her head, her anguish so acute, she felt as if she was being cut in half. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I keep hoping that things were different.” He smiled sadly. “You would have been great for him. You make him steady, and I have seen the way he looks at you.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I would never lie to you.”