3. Gabriella

3

GAbrIELLA

T he disappointed look that crosses Enzo’s face is almost comical. His shoulders droop slightly and a muscle flexes in his jaw. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s interested in more than just business. Well, I am, too, but he doesn’t need to know that right away. And, he certainly doesn’t need to know that I’m sitting here contemplating having a one-night stand with him. I’ve always believed that it’s important for a woman to hold her cards close in order to have the upper hand. But, I’m about to break my own rules.

“It’s not the only reason I asked you out for drinks,” I admit, and he perks up. “But, first things first. Don’t let this go to your head, but I know how successful and talented you are when it comes to making wise investments. I’d like to ask your personal opinion on a matter.”

“What matter?” he asks as the server delivers our drinks.

I take a sip of my espresso martini and he takes a drink of his whiskey. We watch each other over the rims of our glasses, like two opponents about to face off. Maybe I should be more careful about what information I give him. Deciding to keep the name of the company a secret, I set my glass down and consider my next words carefully.

“There’s a particular company I’m considering acquiring. The CEO is retiring and business isn’t great, which means I can buy the company on the cheap.”

He nods, listening closely. “Go on.”

“Well, if I can incorporate my ideas, I believe I can turn things around. It could be a sound investment and a great addition to my holding company.”

“What’s giving you doubts?”

I launch into everything, sharing the company’s history, track record, basically everything except the company’s name. I share financials and statistics. I share my ideas about how I can flip the script and turn losses into profits. But, most of all, I share the biggest thing holding me back—fear that I’ll fail and the humiliation that will accompany that failure.

“This would be my first real acquisition on my own with no guidance,” I confide, finishing up my second martini. “Up until now, I’ve just been managing what my father did with help from my Uncle Sal.”

I’m much more talkative after a couple of drinks and Enzo is so easy to talk to. He listens closely and makes me feel important…worthy of his undivided attention. And I really like that.

“That’s a lot of pressure,” he agrees, “especially with your family watching and ready to be critical of your every move.” He raises a hand, calling the server over.

I’m not sure I can handle another martini on an empty stomach, so I’m glad to hear him order food.

“I figured we should soak up some of the alcohol,” he says, and I laugh.

“Probably a good idea.” I’m completely at ease and loosened up. The conversation flows effortlessly and I was right about asking Enzo for his opinion because the man has a brilliant business mind. It’s like I’m sitting in a master class as he shares some of his tips and tricks. And I soak up every last drop of his wisdom, mentally taking notes.

For the next two hours, we talk about work, but we also flirt outrageously. He scooted his chair around the small table and now we’re sitting side by side. Every so often, he touches my hand or arm and an electrical zing shoots through me.

“So, what’s your final opinion on my potential acquisition?” I ask, leaning back in my chair and studying the sharp line of his chiseled jaw. It was clean-shaven earlier, but now I can see the dark five o’clock shadow growing in and it’s got me squeezing my thighs together. The man is too damn sexy for his own good. Thoughts of his stubbled jaw scraping along my inner thigh has my panties soaked.

“After everything you told me, I’d say it sounds like a very good deal and sound investment.” He eyes me closely. “I’d go for it.”

I send him a sly smile. “Maybe I will.”

For a long moment, we just stare at each other and I can feel my heart thrumming in my ears. Then Enzo’s attention drops to my lips. Before I can register what’s happening, he leans in, places a large hand on my leg, and kisses me. It’s exactly like I imagined it would be. Enzo is the kind of man who doesn’t play games and knows what he wants—and right now, he clearly wants to kiss the shit out of me.

Sighing into his mouth, he doesn’t hesitate and takes the opportunity to slide his tongue between my lips. It moves against mine, exploring my mouth and sending tingles down my spine. Oh, my God, can this man kiss.

Since we’re in public, he breaks it off sooner than I would’ve liked. A shaky breath escapes from between my lips and I know I’m going home with him tonight. All he has to do is crook his finger at me.

“If you’re not busy, you should come back to my place for dessert. I have some homemade cannoli. If you’re interested…”

Oh, hell yeah, I’m interested. But not in cannoli.

“Let’s go.” I grab my purse and reach inside to pull out my wallet when he narrows his eyes at me.

“Don’t you dare, Bri,” he says, plucking out his credit card. Of course, it’s a black Amex.

“But I invited you,” I insist. “I should pay.”

“How about you pay me back in some other way,” he suggests, voice low and husky.

As the server grabs his card, I feel my heart accelerate in anticipation of what’s to come. “Got any suggestions?” I ask, voice far too breathy.

“How about we start with another kiss?”

I lick my lips. “Okay, but outside,” I murmur. The server can’t come back fast enough and as soon as Enzo signs, we both pop up and practically bolt out of the restaurant. I hand the valet my ticket and while he retrieves the car, Enzo lays his hands on either side of my face, tilts my head back and kisses me deeply.

Oh, God. My knees threaten to give out and we kiss and kiss until I hear the roar of my Hellcat’s engine as it pulls up alongside us.

“To be continued,” he murmurs seductively and my clit pulses in answer. “Can I drive?”

At this point, Enzo Rossi can do whatever he wants. I feel like putty in his hands and when I nod, he exchanges a tip for the key fob with the valet. Enzo opens the passenger door and I slide inside, unbuttoning my jacket and struggling to pull in a full breath of air. I’m ready to jump him, so I hope he doesn’t live too far away.

Enzo pushes the seat back to accommodate his ridiculously long legs then adjusts the mirror. He looks right at home behind the wheel of my baby and he grins as he revs the powerful engine. “Better buckle up, Ms. Bianche,” he says, echoing my earlier statement to him.

Once I do, he cranks the wheel, hits the gas and we zoom away.

“Where do you live?” I ask, leaning back in the comfy seat. I’ve never been a passenger in my own car before.

“Hudson Yards.”

“Oh, by the pier.”

“It’s a refurbished warehouse loft.”

“Nice.” I can only imagine how cool his place must be. The man has money to burn and I’m curious to see what his home looks like. Although if he’s like me, he probably spends more time at the office than there.

Traffic isn’t too bad and we reach his place in pretty good time. After he parks in the underground garage, I realize his Jaguar is there. “We left your car over at the warehouse where we had our meeting earlier today.”

“Yes. But I texted my assistant and he went over and picked it up and brought it back here.”

He. That little detail doesn’t escape my notice and I like the fact that Enzo has a male assistant. Even though it’s none of my concern, it makes me respect him even more. It also cements the fact that Enzo works when he goes to the office. He’s not there trying to hook up with some much younger woman who works for him.

“Ahh, well that was nice of him.”

Enzo reaches for my hand and tugs me toward the elevator. “C’mon, Bri, cannoli awaits.”

I can’t deny the little thrill that pulses through me and I hurry to keep pace with his long strides. Even though I’m not looking for a relationship, Enzo has me very curious and wondering all sorts of wicked things. Once we’re inside the cab, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me again. I can’t help but melt against him and get my first feel of how our bodies mold together. Absolutely perfectly. It also doesn’t escape my notice that he’s hard as hell and, if I have to guess, extremely well-endowed.

Yeah, I’m spending the night with him. My decision is definitely made. But, just one night, no strings. We can share some pleasure together and then when the morning comes, I’m gone. I can’t afford to get tied up with a man right now, especially one as slick as Enzo Rossi.

When the elevator doors glide open, Enzo lifts his head, gives me a devilish grin then guides me down to his door. After unlocking it, he pulls me inside and I look around his place. It’s amazing. Absolutely huge with vaulted ceilings and a large loft. I love how it’s all open concept and I wander around, admiring the design, setup and his decorating skills. Or, his ability to hire a good decorator which is probably more accurate.

“C’mon,” he says, tugging me toward the kitchen.

It’s straight ahead and encompasses an entire corner of the apartment. “This place is incredible,” I murmur, sitting down on a stool at the granite-topped island.

“I like it,” he says, opening the stainless steel fridge and pulling out some tupperware. “When I’m here, anyway.”

“I’m guessing you’re a lot like me and spend most of your time at the office or traveling to meetings.”

“Yep. Only too true.” He opens the tupperware and offers me a fork. “It doesn’t get much better than homemade cannoli.”

I sink a fork into it and take a bite. “It’s delicious. Did you make it yourself?”

“Sure did. My mom taught all her kids. Said if we’re Sicilian then we should know how to make cannoli.”

“Your mother sounds like a very intelligent woman.” I take another bite and moan, snagging Enzo’s attention. His dark brown eyes focus on my mouth and he drops his fork, reaches out and spins my stool around to face him. He’s still standing and his hands drop to my knees, slowly pushing my skirt up which allows him to step between my legs. I swallow the cannoli and he cups my face, leans down and kisses me.

I grip the lapels of his suit jacket, hands fisting in the expensive material, my anticipation and excitement building as I kiss him back. Our mouths meld, tongues explore, and my pussy begins to throb. It’s been a while since I’ve been with a man. Years. They’ve just never been able to satisfy me, but I have a feeling Enzo will know exactly how to touch me, how to make me surrender. If his skills in the bedroom are even half as good as his skills in the boardroom then I’m going to get the orgasm of a lifetime tonight.

Tearing my mouth free, gasping for air, I shrug out of my jacket, letting it fall to the floor. Enzo does the same and I grab his tie, yanking him against me for another kiss. It’s passionate and wet and desire flares between us. His hands grip my waist then one slides up my side, rounding over my breast and squeezing.

A moan tears from my throat and I arch, offering him more. His face lowers, licking and sucking my neck, as he reaches for my other breast. He pauses kissing my throat and whispers, “You’re right. They’re fucking fantastic.”

“Told you,” I murmur, lost in sensation as he unbuttons my shirt and slides a hand into my bra. His fingers tease my nipple and I think I’m going to lose my mind. No one has ever had the power to get my motor revving like this, and I’m ready to move this party to the bedroom. I need to feel Enzo’s naked body pressed against mine. I want to know what it feels like when he thrusts deep inside me. I’m pretty damn sure it’s going to be epic.

Yanking his shirt out of his waistband, I slide my hands beneath the fabric, letting my fingers explore the deep grooves of his warm abs. God, talk about abs of steel. He feels so good and I’m dying for more.

Pulling back, I blink, trying to get my bearings, and swallow hard. Desire and need are making me dizzy. “Where’s your bedroom?”

His lips twitch. “Are you in a hurry?”

I slide my hand over the front of his trousers and squeeze his hard length. “Tell me you’re not, Mr. Rossi.”

He groans. “You’re used to doing things your way, aren’t you?”

I squeeze his cock again in answer.

“Well, so am I,” he rasps, pulling back and out of my reach. “Take your clothes off.”

My heart thunders as I slide off the stool. I don’t normally do what people tell me to do—at least not right away because I have a mind of my own. And a bit of a rebellious streak. But I’m feeling naughty yet, at the same time, I have the urge to obey him. After unbuttoning the last couple of buttons on my shirt, I let it slide off. Then I slowly shimmy out of my skirt and stand before Enzo in only a blush pink satin bra and matching panties. His gaze dips, taking in every inch of my body, then lazily travels back up.

“Take it all off, Bri,” he orders, voice husky. “Except the heels. Leave those on.”

While he watches, I unsnap my bra and let it slide down my arms. His heated gaze soaks up my nakedness and I can see how much the front of his pants are tented. I’m about to slide my panties off when he steps forward.

“Wait, let me.”

I hold my breath as his fingers hook the elastic edges and he slowly lowers them. Then he grabs my waist and lifts me up, sitting my ass on the cool island countertop. Shoving the stools out of the way, he pushes my legs apart, dark eyes focusing on my most intimate area. I can’t move, can’t draw in a breath, as his hands slide up my thighs, forcing them further apart. When his fingers reach my center, they lightly trace down my seam and I drop my head back, on the verge of exploding. I’m not even sure how that’s possible. He’s barely touched me.

“You feel so good,” he murmurs and slides a finger inside me. “So goddamn beautiful.”

A second finger joins the first and he’s moving them in and out, studying my face. My mouth drops open and my hips arch up, offering him better access. His thumb swirls over my clit, lightly caressing then pressing harder. All the while, he pays close attention to my reactions, gauging what I respond to and then playing me like a fiddle.

His fingers scissor, stretching me, and I drop back on my elbows.

“You’re so tight…so fucking wet.”

I’m breathing hard, rubbing shamelessly against his hand, and my world tilts slightly. He’s touching me like no one ever has before. My past sexual encounters have been quick and unsatisfactory. But Enzo is taking the time to understand my body and I bite my lip, watching him.

“I’m going to make you come, Bri,” he promises, pulling his fingers out and licking them clean. “On my mouth, though. Because I need to taste more of you.”

Oh, my God. My pussy is throbbing, aching for him, and I can barely form a coherent sentence. Enzo grabs my legs, drags me to the edge, and lifts them over his shoulders. I let out a surprised squeak, my heels hitting his back. Then he gives me a wicked grin before burying his face between my legs.

Holy Mary, Mother of God. I mentally repeat it over and over, sometimes in English, sometimes in Italian, as Enzo licks me into a frenzy. His tongue feels strange down there because I’ve never had anyone go down on me before. Maybe it’s a power thing and I don’t like not feeling in control, so that’s why I never let a man do it before. Whatever the reason, now I’m not sure what to do, so I slide a hand through his thick hair and pull it so hard, it must hurt him. But, he doesn’t let up and the moment he sucks my clit between his lips and suctions onto it, I cry out and dig my heels into his back.

Waves of pleasure crash though me. Intense and sublime. I feel all the tension I’ve been carrying around crumble and melt away as my hips rock against his face and I make a soft, humming sound in the back of my throat. The orgasm washes over me as I stare up at the high ceiling, squeezing my thighs against his head. He’s still softly licking and sucking, bringing me down slowly from an epic climax. One like I’ve never experienced before. Hell, I never knew sex could be like this and, technically, we haven’t even done it yet.

As that thought rolls through my muddled brain, I look up and realize Enzo is getting undressed. And, Jesus H. Christ, he has the most amazing body I’ve ever seen. My gaze lowers to the huge cock standing straight up and my mouth waters. I need it inside me. Now.

I reach out, wrapping my greedy fingers around him, running my hand up and down his length. His head drops back and I marvel at how he grows even more. I can feel him pulsing, so hot and big, and I squeeze him hard. Releasing his cock, I slide off the counter and hop up. Enzo catches me and I wrap my legs around his waist.

“Fuck me, Enzo,” I hiss, and grind against him.

His mouth slams against mine and we kiss hard. It all feels so desperate, so needy. He starts walking toward a small staircase and nearly stumbles, but his hold on me only tightens more. I laugh, kissing the side of his neck, grinding against him.

“You’re going to kill us both if you keep doing that,” he warns. “Christ, Bri, let me get up the stairs before?—”

I rub my soaked pussy against the thick head of his straining cock and he momentarily freezes.

“Ah, shit, let me get a condom. Hold on…”

I want to scream in frustration when he lifts me up and away, setting my heels down on the floor. But I know he’s right. Protection, Bri. Don’t be a dumbass. You have no idea where his dick has been or how many women it’s been in.

Just because I’m clean and practically a virgin doesn’t mean he is, too. In fact, I’m sure he’s a man whore. How could he not be? He’s too smooth, too good-looking. And, tonight, he’s all mine.

“Hurry up,” I hiss and drop down on his large bed. “Before I change my mind.”

Ha! Like that would ever happen.