The Italian

Half an hour later, the car pulls into Oliviana.

“We are home,” Enrico says with a soft smile.

I wait in my seat as Maso comes around and opens my door. I get out and look around me. Two other cars have pulled up behind ours. They were obviously following us home. Enrico begins to chat with one of the men in the car behind us, and I watch him converse with them. He chuckles at something someone says, and they all break into chatter.

Totally at ease.

This is his normal. This is his safety net. He turns and notices me standing on the spot, and he comes over to take my hand.

“Come, Olivia.”

He leads me into the house and shuts the door behind us. He puts his arm around me and pulls me close, kissing my temple carefully before we turn and walk through to the kitchen. Antonia is cooking dinner.

She turns to us with a big smile. “Ciao, signorina Olivia.”

“Ciao.” I smile. I’ve been practicing what to say to her. “Grazie per aver cucinato la cena.” Translation: thank you for cooking dinner.

Enrico’s eyes glow with tenderness as he watches us.

“Ha un profumo straodinario,” he says. Translation: it smells amazing.

Her mouth falls open and she claps her hands together. “Signorina Olivia, così bella in italiano.” Translation: Miss Olivia, so beautiful in Italian.

I smile bashfully. “Grazie.”

Enrico goes to the fridge and takes out a bottle of wine. He collects two crystal glasses, too, and I watch as he pours us both one.

“Let’s go sit on the terrace,” he says, handing me my glass.

We walk outside and take a seat at the table. He lights the candles in the center.

His eyes watch me as he takes a sip. “You’re very quiet.”

I’m feeling overly emotional—like I might burst into tears at any moment.

I sip my wine.

His eyes stay glued to me. “What is it?”

I shrug, feeling stupid. I knew all this about him. Nothing new has come to light tonight, but for the first time, I’m unsettled. I’m feeling a new emotion.

I’m frightened.

I stare down at the table. “I wish you were just a delivery man.”

His eyes hold mine.

“I wish you and I had a chance to be normal.”

A frown crosses his brow. “You wouldn’t love me if I were normal, Olivia.”

“You’re wrong.” I smile as my eyes well with tears. I sip my wine, disgusted with my dramatics. “Ignore me,” I sigh. “I’m hormonal or something.”

“I’ll talk to the staff. They’ll be more discrete.”

I nod.

He leans over and takes my hand across the table. “Tell me about your plan—the one where you show me something.”

I shrug. “Doesn’t matter now.”

“Why not?”

“Because I would be beside myself with worry about you the entire time.”

He exhales and turns his gaze to the lake.

“How did your father and grandfather die, Enrico?” I ask.

“Car accident.”

“What caused their car accident?”

“They were run off the road.”

My heart constricts as I watch him, so detached and cold.

“Is that why you have so much security?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Are you in danger?”

He clenches his jaw but stays silent. I can see his answer as clear as day in his eyes.

That means yes.

My eyes well with tears again. Damn these hormones. Why am I such a crybaby today?

“What did you want to show me, Olivia?”

“I wanted to take you to a little one-bedroom apartment with no fancy furnishings, no staff, and nobody around. I wanted to show you that our love was enough. That that’s all we need.”

His eyes search mine. “I already know that, my love,” he whispers sadly.

“You scare me.”

He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze.

“I know how our story ends, Rici,” I whisper.

“How?”

“You’re either going to be arrested and put in jail… or you will be killed.”

Our eyes are locked.

“Either way, we don’t get a happy ending… do we?”

He drops his head, saddened by my epiphany. “I’m not going anywhere, Olivia. This is who I am, though, and you need to get your head around that. I’ve tried to protect you as much as I can from my working life at Ferrara.”

“I know,” I mutter.

“I just need you to love me—to not ask questions. Let me handle business, and you handle our relationship. Keep me in check when I’m working too much.” He smiles softly. “Keep the two things separate. When I come home, I just want to be happy with my family and forget everything else.”

“How can I keep it separate when we do nothing else?”

He frowns. “What do you mean?”

“We have no friends outside of Ferrara. Your staff are everywhere I look. I just want a normal Saturday night date with friends and to…” I shrug. God, I don’t even know what I want. “I just want you to be a boring old delivery man and for us to live completely alone.”

He chuckles. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I frown.

“Let’s go and stay in Milan at my apartment for a few days. It’s a lot more private there. I’ll speak to the staff about being more discreet for when we come back home to Lake Como. You have to remember, I have never had a partner. They aren’t used to keeping my woman happy.”

I smile over at him. “Thank you.”

“But I don’t want you worrying yourself sick over me.”

“I can’t help it.”

“You need to stop, Olivia. If you begin to think negatively about my line of work, you will drive yourself insane. I am a Ferrara. I can’t change it. I wouldn’t even if I could. This is your life now, and you need to adjust.”

I nod as his words sink in. “I know.”

His eyes hold mine and he gives me a slow, sexy smile.

Butterflies dance in my stomach at the intensity of his gaze, it could start a fire. “What?”

“You are completely delusional if you think anything could drag me away from you.”

I smile softly.

He shrugs casually. “It’s just not happening.”

“You know, for a big, tough guy, you say some pretty romantic things, Mr. Ferrara.”

He pats his lap, and I go to him. “Do you feel better now?” he asks as he slides his hands around to my behind.

“Yes.”

“Do you still wish I was a delivery man?”

I giggle as I get a vision of him driving a delivery truck. “Actually, I do.”

My back arches, and I wake to the feeling of my toes tingling.

His strong, thick tongue sweeps through my sex, and my legs open wider instinctively.

Fuck. A Rici Ferrara wake up call.

I put my hand on the top of his head and look down at him. His eyes are closed as he licks me up. He lifts my legs over his shoulders.

“Good morning, Rici,” I whisper.

He smiles against me. “Hmm,” he hums. “It is a good morning.”

He pulls back and, with his eyes locked on mine, his pale pink tongue licks me slow and deep.

My insides clench. He is so fucking hot, I can’t deal.

He loves this. He loves my taste. He loves the act. He loves to give me pleasure.

And, dear God, does he ever.

With his eyes locked on mine, he begins to flick his tongue in a way only he knows how, and I lose my mind. His big red lips are glistening with my arousal.

I’ve never seen a more gorgeous man.

My man.

He begins to really eat me as I writhe beneath him. He goes up onto his knees, puts his hand down to his cock, and he begins to stroke it.

I can see the pre-ejaculate beading. His strokes get harder, as does his tongue, and I can’t hold it.

I love this about him, I love that he has to touch himself when he touches me.

It’s the ultimate turn on.

“Get up here,” I whisper.

He smiles into me, and I grab a handful of his hair to drag him up to me. He brings my legs with him, still over his shoulders.

He slides in deep, and we both moan as we fall still.

Hearts are banging hard in our chests against each other. Our eyes are locked. He’s so broad that he stretches me to the max, every damn time.

The burn is so fucking good.

“Oh, bella,” he whispers by my ear. “You fuck me so well, baby.”

I smile as he slowly slides out.

“I can feel every muscle inside this beautiful cunt.” He pushes back in hard, and I convulse with a deep shudder. As soon as he starts talking dirty, it’s all over.

His lips take mine aggressively, and I can taste my arousal.

“Fuck me,” he growls. “Fuck me hard.”

Oh God.

Nobody fucks like Rici Ferrara.

Nobody.

I bounce into the gym just past seven.

“Good morning.” I smile at the receptionist as I walk past.

“Hello,” she says as she winds the vacuum cord up. “Nice day, isn’t it?”

“Gorgeous!” I call as I get onto the treadmill and crank it up.

To be honest, I hadn’t even noticed the weather. Every day is a good day to me lately. Mr. Ferrara is an expert at putting a smile on my face. I’ve never felt so adored in all my life.

I walk briskly as I try to warm up.

“Good morning.” I look over to see the girl I met when I was in here last time.

“Oh, hi.” I smile.

She frowns at me. “I’m sorry. What was your name again? I’m terrible with names.”

I laugh. “I’m crap, too. I’m Olivia. What’s yours?”

“Jennifer.”

“Hi, Jennifer.” I smile. I like this girl. It’s nice having an Aussie around.

She climbs onto the walker beside me and starts it up. “Bring on the cardio.” She huffs as she turns it up. “I swear, I’ve put on five kilos since I moved here. I’m eating pasta with every meal, topped off with wine and cocktails. I’m going to be a fat cow.”

“Me, too,” I chuckle.

She walks briskly, her high ponytail bouncing behind her. “We went to this restaurant last night and it was incredible. Dominion. Have you been there?”

“No.” I frown. “Good?”

“They have this soft-shell chili crab. It’s to die for, and worth every fucking calorie.” She puts her hand over her heart and closes her eyes.

I laugh at her dramatics. “I’ll have to try it.”

“You seriously do.”

We walk in silence for a few minutes. “What are you doing today?” I puff.

“Looking for a job,” she says. “I had a week off and the plan was to wait until I found something that I really love, but I’m getting homesick.” She pants as she walks briskly. “I figure I need to keep busy.”

“Yeah, I get that. The time difference does my head in. Every time I want to chat, my parents are in bed.”

“Right?” she huffs.

“So, your boyfriend’s family are here in Milan?” I ask.

She shakes her head. “No, he’s from Naples. He moved here for a new job. Started three days after I arrived so he doesn’t know anyone, either. We’re like complete losers with no friends.”

“We’ll have to have to go out for dinner sometime—the four of us. Oh, and my best friend is here from Australia, too. I’ll introduce you to her. She’s lovely. Mad as all hell, but so much fun. I tried to get her to come this morning but she’s starting a new job today.”

“Where did she look for her job? Is there a website or something? I have no idea where to even start.”

“I’ll ask her and text you. Remind me to get your number before I leave.” I’m so unfit, I can hardly talk while I walk.

“That would be great. I think when I find a good base of friends, I’ll be fine. What’s your boyfriend like?”

Oh jeez, what do I say to that. “Quiet and bossy.” I smile. “He likes to get his own way.”

She laughs. “Don’t they all?”

“I guess.”

“How did you meet him?”

“We met in Rome two years ago. Things didn’t turn out, so I went home to Australia. I moved back here for a job just recently and we ran into each other.”

Jennifer smiles as she listens. “Sounds romantic, and it’s obviously serious?”

“Yeah, it is. It turned serious really quick, actually. We fell in love last time we met, and then as soon as we reconnected and we got over a few teething problems, it was all systems go.”

“It was obviously meant to be.”

“I think so.” I smile. “I moved in with him nearly immediately.” I walk up the incline on the treadmill. I don’t know why I put this thing on such a steep setting.

“Yeah, well I’m not sure about this living with him thing yet. Maybe we’re about to have teething problems, too. As in, me knocking his out.”

We both laugh. She’s funny.

“Okay, my warmup is done,” she says. “I have to do arms today. Thanks for that. Just ask your friend if she used a job agency or what way she thinks I should go.”

“Okay.” I smile. “I’ll come get your number before I go so I can text you later.”

“That’d be great, thank you so much.”

I watch her walk over to the weights area. A guy says something to her, and she laughs out loud. She’s so typically Australian—relaxed and carefree.

I like her. I’m going to make an effort to get to know her better. It would be nice to have another friend here. I’ll have to remember to call Nat for her later.

I turn up the speed on my treadmill and start to run.

Hot body, here I come.

It’s 1:00 p.m. when Giorgio comes swanning into my office with two cups of coffee in hand.

“Hello, my darling. I came for our afternoon tea.” He holds up a brown paper bag and gives it a shake.

I look up from my computer and smile. “Is that cake?”

Please let it be cake. I’m tired of eating healthy already. It’s been eight whole hours and I’m feeling weak.

He passes my coffee and hands me the bag over. “Almond biscotti.”

“Thank you.”

He sits on my desk and sips his coffee. “This place is so dull today. I miss the Roma office.”

“What’s it like? The Roma office. Did you see Seraphina?”

“Yes, Seraphina and I had cocktails last week.” He smiles wistfully. “She’s divine.”

“She really is,” I sigh. “I wish she’d stayed in Milan. We really clicked.”

I smile, remembering that heart attack she gave me.

“What?”

“You know, when I met her and she told me that she had a fiancé from Roma, I was sure it was Enrico. I was having a heart attack over it.”

He chuckles. “What a coincidence that would have been.” He watches me for a moment and narrows his eyes. “She is not good enough for Enrico Ferrara.”

“She’s beautiful. Are you high?” I scoff.

“She’s not as beautiful as you.” He smiles wistfully. “You have an inner quality. There is something very special about you, Olivia. You were sent from the gods for him. I could feel it from the moment we met.”

“Do you mind?” a deep voice says from the doorway.

We turn to see Enrico standing at the door. He raises a brow. “Hands off, Giorgio.”

I smile and stand. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

Enrico walks in and kisses my cheek. “Hello, bella,” he says softly as his hand falls to my waist.

Giorgio leaps up from the desk. “My darling Enrico.” He kisses both his cheeks, and Enrico smiles.

“You’re visiting me at work?” I ask. “This is lovely.”

“Just delivering a package.” He places a little black box with a gold ribbon tied around it onto my desk.

I smile as my eyes hold his.

He gives me a sexy wink.

Enrico turns to Giorgio. “Last night, Olivia told me she wishes I was a delivery driver.”

Giorgio face falls as he looks at me, and then he claps his hands and bursts out laughing.

“Can you imagine that?” Rico says, clearly amused as his sexy eyes hold mine.

“You? A delivery driver?” Giorgio scoffs. “Now I’ve heard it all.”

“Don’t laugh, you two,” I huff as I fall back into my office chair. “I actually do wish you were a normal, podgy old guy with a boring job.”

Enrico laughs heartily, it’s deep and loud and permeates through the room. “What is podgy? It does not sound in the least bit appealing.”

I try to think of an apt description. “Sort of fat and pig like.”

They laugh again, thinking this is the funniest thing that they have ever heard. It’s annoying that the thought of him being fat and pig like is so amusing to these two. I hate that he’s so damn gorgeous. I want what’s on the inside. I couldn’t care less about his fancy packaging, and I’m not even joking. I really do wish he was a podgy delivery driver because then we could have a normal life.

My phone rings.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I say to them before answering. “Hello.”

Enrico

I watch Olivia answer the phone. She begins to write in her diary, and a smile crosses my face.

“Oh, Rico,” Giorgio whispers. “Look at you.” He grabs me by the elbows and inspects my face. “Happiness suits you, my friend.”

I glance back at Olivia still on the phone. I find it hard to look anywhere else. “What are you doing this afternoon?” I whisper to Giorgio.

Giorgio frowns. “Why?”

“I want to go shopping. Olivia needs a new wardrobe and I could use your help.”

Giorgio clasps his hands together. “She does. I’ll cross myself off for the afternoon.”

“Meet me in the foyer in ten minutes?”

Giorgio winks and blows Olivia a kiss. She gives him a wave, and he disappears out the door.

“Goodbye,” she says, ending her call.

Her eyes find me again. I close her office door and take her in my arms.

“Rico,” she whispers. “I’m at work.”

“I know.” My lips drop to her neck. “But, as the delivery driver, I didn’t get a signature yet.” I take her lips in mine, my tongue slowly sliding through her mouth. I feel my arousal begin to flutter.

She pulls back from my kiss. “Rico, not now.”

I smile and give her behind a hard squeeze. “It has come to my attention that delivery drivers are seriously underpaid and underfucked. Where is my motivation to deliver more packages?”

She giggles. “Well, one would hope that you don’t expect sex for every parcel you deliver. What kind of delivery man are you? Go home, I’ll see you tonight.”

With one last kiss, I turn toward the door.

“Rici.” I turn back and stare into her eyes. “Ti amo.” She smiles.

My heart somersaults, and I move to take her back in my arms. “Let’s go home now,” I breathe.

“No, I’m working.”

“Resign, you don’t have to work here.” I kiss her again.

“You are an awfully distracting delivery driver.”

I stare down at my beautiful girl, she brings me a happiness that I never knew was possible.

I kiss her one more time. “Until tonight, my love.”

I walk down the corridor toward the elevators and my phone rings. It’s Sergio. He’s in Sicily.

“Hey,” I answer.

“We’ve got a problem.”

I roll my eyes. I don’t need this shit today. “What is it?”

“Lombardi has been going around town stating that he owns Sicily and Roma now—that he has run Ferrara out. He’s boasting that we have retracted with our tails between our legs. People are beginning to stop and take notice of him. His cocaine is top quality.”

I exhale heavily. “We know that’s not true, don’t we?”

“My intel tells me that he’s coming to Milan.”

“Why?”

“He wants our brothels. He’s coming to scope them out.”

“I won’t let that happen.”

“We need to take back the blow, Enrico.”

“No.” I feel my anger rise. We have been arguing about drugs for months.

“We need the cocaine market. We cannot pick and choose what we own. We either own everything, or we have nothing. You know that it’s only matter of time before he becomes so powerful that nothing will stand in his way. He has five hundred men on his team now, and that number is growing every day. If he gets even more power, if he takes the reigns, we know what happens next.”

I clench my jaw.

“What happened last time when someone became power hungry, Enrico? What happened when they tried to take the crown?”

I close my eyes.

My father was killed in cold blood.

“I’m not a drug dealer, Sergio. I will never be a lowlife fucking drug dealer,” I whisper angrily.

“Ferrara has fought for thirty fucking years to hold our territory, and now you are going to just let them waltz in and take it without a fight?” he growls.

“We are smarter than that.”

“You are not being smart. You need to fucking level up, Enrico. Our girls are living in fear of him coming into our brothels. We have all but handed him our cocaine racket. What’s next? The gambling? Then what? Then what’s he going to fucking take?”

I clench my jaw as I stare at the wall. “Barr him.”

“What?”

“He and his staff are not to step foot in our brothels or gaming lounges again.”

“He’ll go crazy. His favorite girl is one of our high-end units. He won’t not see her without a fight. You’ll start an all-out war.”

“Then we go to war.”

I sit in the parking bay outside Olivia’s office.

It’s after 6:00 p.m. now, and she’s finished work for the day. I watch for the moment she sees me. Her eyes light up before she makes her way to the car.

“Hi.” She beams as she bounces in. “You finished work already?” She leans over and kisses me.

“I took the afternoon off.” I pull out into the traffic.

“Oh.” A frown mars her face. “What did you do?”

“Picked up a few things, delivered a few parcels.”

“Well, I hope I’m the only parcel recipient.” She smirks.

I take her hand. “One and only.” I kiss her fingertips.

Her eyes hold mine, and she gets this dreamy smile on her face—the one that makes me want to be a better man.

We drive in comfortable silence for a while as I navigate through the traffic. Olivia eventually begins to chatter and talk about her day. She tells me about her new shoes giving her blisters, and a man at work who annoys her. A movie she wants to watch on Netflix tonight, also. Basically, anything that pops into her head. I smile as I listen to her. She’s so disarmingly normal.

“Have you been back to the apartment yet today?” she asks.

“Yes.” I pull into the underground parking lot. The two security cars pull in behind us. I park the car and take Olivia’s hand. We make our way into to the elevator. “Feels like ages since we came here.”

“Hmm,” I mutter, distracted. “Did you like your present?” I ask, noticing that she hasn’t mentioned it.

“Oh, I love it. I just didn’t open it yet.”

“How do you know that you love it then?”

“Because you gave it to me. Besides, you know material gifts aren’t really my thing.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“Material things aren’t the type of present I want from you.”

Great. Now this night may not go the way I had planned. “What does that mean?”

“Nothing, sorry. I sound ungrateful. I’ll open my gift as soon as we get to the apartment.” She leans up onto her toes and kisses me. “Thank you. You’re very thoughtful.”

The elevator doors open, and I put my hand into my suit pockets and pause as I wait for her to step forward. Her eyes fly around in wonder. “Enrico!” she gasps. “What in the world…?”

I wince as I look around. Maybe I went a little too far.

There are bags and bags of designer clothes all around. Shoes boxes are stacked in two lots of ten. There’s Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik’s, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, plus a few racks with evening dresses lined up. Six huge bunches of red roses sit in large crystal vases, and there’s a sliver tray of chocolate covered strawberries beside a bottle of the best champagne money can buy.

Her eyes come to mine. “What did you do?” Her tone is clipped.

I shrug casually, trying to play it down. “I took the liberty of buying you a few things.”

She frowns as she looks around. “This isn’t a few things. This is an entire shop.”

“You had nothing.”

“I don’t need all this,” she scoffs. “And, I didn’t have nothing. I had you. That’s all I need.” She gives a disgusted shake of her head and walks up the stairs.

“You’re welcome!” I call as I survey the fruits of my shopping expedition.

“Yeah, thanks!” she calls out.

“Are you going to come and open them?”

“No, it’s okay. You do it.” She’s upstairs now. “These things are your jam, not mine.”

“You know, you could at least be a little excited,” I call.

“Cook me dinner. That will excite me. You know… like a normal boyfriend.”

I frown. What? “I don’t cook, and I don’t do fucking normal.”

“Ha, funny that. I don’t speak Italian but I’m learning because I know you like it.”

I roll my eyes. Here we go. Smartass.

I hear the shower turn on, and I give the Louboutin box a subtle kick with my toe.

“Well, that fucking backfired, didn’t it?” I mutter under my breath. “Cook her dinner. What next?”

It’s just past 10:00 p.m. and I’m lying on the sofa behind Olivia. She’s in her pyjamas, watching a movie on Netflix. She’s makeup free, relaxed, and happy. Her blonde hair is splayed across my arm. The sound of her laughter makes me smile. I have no idea what she’s watching—some Jennifer Aniston movie.

While she watches the movie, I’m watching her.

Her smile is like a drug to me. Her soft soul has carved its way under my skin, and her body… God… it’s an addiction I have to feed.

I’ve never felt like this—never had any idea that I could be so intoxicated by a single person.

I’m drunk on the feeling she gives me. My heart is literally in her hands.

She told me tonight that she doesn’t need anything money can buy, and for the first time in my life, I actually understood it.

Being here with her is the ultimate prize.

I tighten my arms around her and pull her close. She laughs out loud again.

“This is the most hilarious show ever,” she tells me.

I smile into her hair. “I know, bella,” I lie. “I know.”

Olivia

We drive up the huge driveway through the rolling green hills and I look around in awe. Just when I think that I’ve become accustomed to Enrico’s money, he brings me here to this next level mansion, his mother’s house.

“She knows we’re coming, right?” I ask nervously.

His eyes flick over as he concentrates on the road. “Of course, she does.”

I glance behind us to see the cavalcade of cars trailing us up the majestic road that pretends to be a driveway.

“What did she say when you said you were bringing me here?” I ask.

He frowns at my stupid question and he holds his hand up as it rests on top of the steering wheel. “Good, see you then.”

“Oh right.” I nod. “She knows I’m Australian, right?”

“Yes.”

I get a vision of her hurling abuse in Italian and chasing me away from her beloved boy with a rolling pin. “Because I just want to know what her reaction will be to me.”

“Olivia.” Enrico puts his hand on my thigh. “Stop worrying.”

I nod as I peer out the window at all the white horses in the paddocks. I turn to him suddenly panicked. “She won’t want to go horse riding, will she?” My face falls in horror. “Because I don’t know how to ride horses, Enrico. It’s just going to awkward and she’ll hate me forever.”

He breaks into a deep chuckle and squeezes my thigh. “You ride very well.”

“This isn’t funny,” I snap.

“Olivia.” He looks over at me. “My mother just wants to see me happy.”

My worried eyes hold his.

“And I am.” He smiles broadly. “Stupidly happy.”

I nod, mollified for the moment. “Okay.” We pull up to the house and my heart begins to pump hard.

Please let her like me. Please let her like me.

I don’t know much about Italy, and I don’t know much about mother-in-law’s. But I do know that Italian mothers are supposed to be crazy possessive over their children. Especially their sons.

I look down at myself and smooth my dress. “Are you sure I look alright?” I whisper. “Maybe I should have worn pants?”

He rolls his eyes and gets out of the car and I sit nervously as he comes around and opens my door. The property is huge and fancy, even the gates back at the road were gilded gold. There is security everywhere and this is next level fucking terrifying.

“I’m so nervous,” I tell him.

“Really?” he says with a sexy wink as he helps me out of the car. “I would never have guessed.”

“What if she doesn’t like me?” I whisper as he takes my hand in his.

“She will, but it won’t matter if she doesn’t.” He kisses me softly. “Because I like you.”

“I thought you loved me.” I frown.

“That, too.” He smirks.

It’s Saturday morning and we are at his mother’s house. He’s brought me here to meet them. His grandmother is away this weekend. I know he’s been strategically waiting for a chance to introduce me to them when she’s not here.

Hand in hand we walk up the front steps and as I hold my breath, he opens the door.

A beautiful woman comes into view. I remember her from the ball before Enrico and I got back together. She has long dark hair that’s perfectly styled. She’s wearing a black fitted dress with high heels. Not exactly what I would call Saturday loungewear.

She looks like some exotic Italian movie star, so glamourous and beautiful. Knowing her history, I was expecting a mousy woman of some sort, but this woman is a knockout.

“Hello, my son,” she says, her voice is soft, hushed and her accent is beautiful.

She kisses Enrico on both cheeks.

Enrico’s eyes come to me and he smiles proudly. “Mamma, please meet my Olivia and Olivia, may I present my mother, Bianca Ferrara.”

She smiles and holds out her hand. “Hello, Olivia. It’s lovely to meet you.”

“Hello.” I smile as I shake her hand, nerves tumble in my stomach, I feel like I’m about to swallow my tongue. “So, lovely to meet you, too.”

Enrico turns to the girl who has just appeared beside his mother. “And this is my pride and joy, Francesca.” He presents a young girl, his only sister. She’s young, beautiful in a crème tracksuit, she has long thick dark hair and the most unusual colored eyes I’ve ever seen. She looks like a fashion model.

Bianca holds her arm out in a welcoming gesture. “Please, do come in.” She turns and walks down the hall as if it’s a catwalk and I widen my eyes at Enrico. He smiles playfully and squeezes my hand. I’m glad he thinks this is so amusing, I’m beyond terrified.

We walk through the grand palace and out into the back area, the house is as big as Enrico’s but it has more antiques in it. It feels more formal and less house like. “Just out to the terrace.” She smiles as she gestures outside.

Enrico leads me through and past a beautiful white kitchen and out through concertina doors to a mosaic terrace that overlooks a huge pool. The house sits high and rolling green hills can be seen for miles, my mouth falls open in awe. “Oh my gosh, this is beautiful out here,” I gasp.

Bianca smiles as she looks around. “It is.” She takes a seat at the table and Enrico pulls out a chair for me. “We take it for granted sometimes.”

A young woman appears from the house wearing a traditional white maids uniform. “Marcella, puoi portarmi un caffé, per favore?” Translation: Marcella, can you bring some coffee and tea please?

The young woman’s eyes flick to Enrico and she nods her head nervously in a greeting. “Buongiorno, signor Ferrara.” Translation: hello Mr. Ferrara.

Enrico gives her a slow smile as he leans back on his chair. “Ciao, Marcella! È bello vederti.” Translation: Hello Marcella, it’s good to see you.

Marcella blushes and tips her head bashfully, she can’t hide her excitement that he addressed her, she rushes inside.

Ha…so his mother’s staff think he’s a bit of alright, do they? I look at him sitting there, legs wide and back straight, all confident and gorgeous…can’t say I blame them to be honest.

My eyes float over to my flirty boyfriend and I raise an eyebrow.

He smirks with a wink in reply.

“Enrico behave, stop encouraging her,” Bianca scolds.

He holds up his hands. “I said hello.”

I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from smiling at his mother’s comment.

Bianca turns her attention to me. “How are you liking Italy, Olivia?”

“It’s beautiful.” I smile nervously.

“Yes. It is.” Her eyes hold mine for a moment. “Andrea tells me that you two met a few years ago.”

“Yes.” Oh shit, his brother has been talking about me.

“And how did you end up back here?” she asks.

“I brought her here,” Enrico replies sharply.

My eyes flick to him in surprise, I didn’t expect him to tell anyone that.

Bianca raises an eyebrow. “Really?”

Enrico’s eyes hold hers and I get the feeling he doesn’t like her tone. “Yes mamma…. really.”

Marcella returns with a tray of coffee. She puts them down on the table with a shaking hand as we all watch on. Poor girl, I feel sorry for her.

Enrico must too, because he sits up and helps her put things onto the table. “Grazie Marcello.” He smiles kindly.

She nods and disappears again as Enrico pours everyone a cup of coffee. He passes them to us.

“Where are you living?” Bianca asks.

“With me,” Enrico says as he sips his coffee. “We have moved into my lake Como house.”

Bianca’s face falls as she looks between us, a frown crosses her brow.

“Yes, mamma,” Enrico says flatly. “That’s right.”

What does yes, mamma mean? Did I miss part of the conversation? I look between them in confusion.

Bianca drops her head and clasps her hands on her lap. “I see.” Her back is ramrod straight and I don’t know why, but I get the feeling she isn’t happy about something.

“Olivia will be converting to Catholic this week,” Enrico says. “I have everything lined up with Father Delpini already.”

Huh?

This is news.

He seems to be putting out some kind of fire with her, one that I don’t even know about.

I think back to the conditions he laid out for us to get back together and I vaguely remember something about being Catholic.

I begin to perspire.

“Francesca, portala dentro,” Translation: take her inside. Enrico says with his eyes locked on his mother’s. I get the feeling that if I wasn’t here it would be all guns blazing.

“Do you want to come and see my bedroom Olivia?” Francesca asks softly.

I look over at her in surprise, I forgot she was even here. “Yes.” Anything to get me out of here. “That would be lovely.”

She stands, holds her hand out for me and I take it gratefully.

She leads me into the house with my heart pumping fast. Once through the doors I peer through the window to see the two of them still glaring at each other.

“Oh no,” I whisper. “What’s going on?” I ask Francesca.

“It’s okay.” Francesca smiles. “Mamma is about to freak out and Enrico didn’t want you to see.”

“What about?” I stammer with wide eyes.

“You.” She takes my hand and leads me through the house.

“Me?” I gasp. “Did I do something wrong?”

“She’ll be okay,” she says as we start walking up the stairs.

“But what did I do?”

“It’s not you.”

“Then what?”

“Enrico.”

“Oh.” I exhale feeling a little mollified. I don’t care if she hates him, just not me.

We walk down the luxurious corridor and she takes me into her room. It’s cream and pinks with a chandelier and fireplace. It’s huge. “Wow.” I smile as I look around in wonder. “This is beautiful.”

“Thanks.” She hunches her shoulders as if excited. “We just had it redone.”

There is artwork on the walls and the carpet is lush underfoot. The color pallet is so unusual but somehow it all works perfectly. The king bed is white and four posted with a white netting. “Did you pick the furnishings?”

She nods. “Everything.”

“Wow.” It really is incredible, in fact, the most beautiful room I have seen since I’ve been in Italy. “You have impeccable taste.”

“I’m hoping to major in interior design.” She shrugs bashfully. “That’s if I get in.”

“Incredible?” I smile. “Wow, this is amazing.” Finally, a Ferrara who wants to be something other than the mob. “Do you think you would be able to help me with the interior of the Lake Como house?”

Her eyes widen. “Really?”

“Yes, it’s so stuffy and boring.” I shrug, embarrassed that I just said that out loud. “Not that I’m ungrateful or anything.”

“I would love to. I could come over tomorrow if that suits,” she asks hopefully.

“That would be fantastic.”

Francesca smiles and I feel hope bloom in my chest, I don’t have a sister. It will be so great getting to know her.

“Do you want to see the rest of the house?”

“Sure.” For half an hour Francesca shows me through her home and I’m utterly impressed. This place is something else. Grand like the Lake Como house but in a stuffier way.

It feels more like a museum than a house.

“Olivia,” Enrico’s deep voice calls from downstairs. “Are you ready, my love?”

I frown to Francesca. “Are we going already?”

She shrugs as if puzzled. “Maybe.”

We walk down the stairs to find Bianca and Enrico standing at the bottom in the foyer.

Enrico holds his hand out for me. “Come, we have to go.”

“Oh.” I smile as my eyes flick to Bianca. “It was lovely meeting you.”

“Likewise,” she replies politely.

“Francesca is going to come to visit us tomorrow if that’s okay?” I ask.

“Of course, it’s okay.” Enrico smiles to his sister seemingly happy that we have made arrangements to see each other.

“I will send a car in the morning to pick you up.”

“Okay.”

He takes my hand. “Goodbye, mother.” He kisses her on both cheeks and I shake her hand and we walk out and he opens my door.

He gets in and without a word we drive down the driveway. “Well?” I ask.

He smiles and puts his hand on my thigh. “She loves you.” He turns his attention back to the road.

God…something tells me that’s a lie.

Francesca

“Can I get you anything?” Olivia asks as we stand in the kitchen. “Drink? Dinner will be a couple of hours away.”

I twist my fingers in front of me nervously as I stand in the kitchen. “No, thank you, I’m fine.”

Enrico smiles lovingly over at me and rubs my arm. “Thank you for coming and spending some time with us, Chesca. It means a lot.”

I’ve been here at Lake Como all day. Olivia and I were supposed to be looking at their house, but we’ve mostly been chatting. Enrico took us out for lunch and we laid by the pool. I really want to get to know Olivia, it’s important that I make an effort with her. I don’t want to be cut out of his life and I know that once he sets his mind on someone, she will be it for him.

“Thanks for inviting me.” I smile awkwardly.

“Spend as much time here as you want, Chesca.” He smiles.

I watch him then lean down and kiss Olivia lovingly on the cheek as she cooks. I’ve never seen him like this before, he’s different with her. Softer, like he is with me.

I’m nervous and I have to steel myself to make conversation. “Rico said you work for Valentino.”

“Yes.” She smiles broadly.

“What do you do there?” I ask.

Rico smiles, proud that I’m making such an effort. He knows how shy I am and how big of a deal this is for me.

“I’m a textiles consultant,” she tells me.

I stare at her, wondering what that means.

“Basically, I couldn’t get a position as a designer, so they gave me this job.” She shrugs. “I do love it, though. Fashion design is my ultimate goal eventually.”

“Oh.” I smile. “I see.”

“What year are you in at school?”

“Year Eleven.”

“So, you’re eighteen?” she asks.

“Seventeen.”

“You seem much older—so pretty.”

I really like her.

Rico smiles, happy that we’re both making the effort to get to know each other.

The doorbell sounds. “Who’s that?” Olivia asks.

“I’ll get it,” Rico says before he disappears. We hear him talking in the distance, and then he appears again with two people.

“Francesca and Olivia, this is Angelina and Giuliano.” Rico frowns as he looks between us. “They are friends of Lorenzo.”

Olivia’s eyes widen. “Hello.” She smiles, as if excited, and she shakes their hands. “Can I get you both a drink? Welcome, welcome.”

I smile awkwardly as I twist my fingers in front of me.

Angelina is a blonde woman, pretty and middle aged. Giuliano, the boy, is around my age. His eyes come to me and I feel a flutter in my stomach.

He has dark hair, huge brown eyes, and olive skin. He’s tall, lean, and he has big red lips.

Oh……

He frowns as his eyes hold mine.

My heart begins to beat faster—so fast, that I have to concentrate on breathing.

The adults talk for ten minutes and I sit nervously to the side. I can feel him staring at me. Every now and then I glance over, he doesn’t look away but gives me a soft smile instead.

I can hear my heartbeat in my ears.

Oh…he makes me nervous.

“Francesca, why don’t you show Giuliano around the property? I need to talk some business with his mother,” Enrico says.

Giuliano stands immediately. “That would be nice.”

Oh my God.

I force a smile and nod. “Okay.” I gesture to the backyard. “This way.” I walk out and he falls in line beside me. We walk in silence for ten minutes through the garden. I’m too nervous to speak. The air between us is electric.

“Hello,” he eventually whispers.

His voice is deep and raspy. It does things to me.

“Hi.”

“And to think that I didn’t want to come today,” he says.

I frown. “Why do you say that?”

“You are so beautiful,” he whispers.

My heart completely stops as we stare at each other.

Not as beautiful as you.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” he asks as we walk around to the side door.

I shake my head. “No.” I want to ask him if he has a girlfriend, but I can’t push the words past my lips.

“Do you live here?” he asks.

“No. I live in Milan.” We begin to go up the service steps at the back of the building. “I’ll show you upstairs.”

The close proximity of his body next to mine sends goosebumps up my arms.

“Enrico is your brother?” he asks.

“Yes,” I reply as we get to the top of the stairs.

“Where is the guest room?”

My heart begins to thump hard in my chest and I nervously point down the hall. “This way.” We walk down the hallway, and I show him the first guest room.

He looks around it and smiles. “Nice.”

“How many rooms are there on this floor?”

“Oh, um.” I frown. “I have no idea.”

He goes out into the corridor and counts the rooms. “Is this the bathroom in here?” he asks.

I’m so damn nervous that I can hardly speak. “Yes.”

“Show me.”

We walk in and gesture around the room with my hand. “This is it.”

“It’s lovely,” he whispers, his eyes drop to my lips.

The air leaves my lungs and he turns and closes the door behind us.

His eyes hold mine and my chest rises and falls as I fight the urge to run.

He steps toward me and picks up my hand. “I’m so sorry, but you are too beautiful. I have to kiss you.”

My eyes widen in horror.

“I-I’ve never kissed anyone before,” I stammer.

He smiles as he tucks a piece of hair behind my ear. “I’m a good teacher.”

Oh my God…is this happening?

He leans in slowly, and his lips softly brush mine. My eyes close at the contact. His tongue gently sweeps through my lips and he smiles against me. It’s a sweet kiss—one that’s gentle and tender.

The air leaves my lungs.

“It’s nice to meet you, Francesca.” His hand slides down and takes mine in his. Our foreheads touch, and this feels special.

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Giuliano.”