Текст книги "RIVALS: Part One "

Автор книги: Ella Adams

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8

After the party I made my way home. I walked into the palazzo in a daze. I still held the red flower in my hand as I daydreamed about the mysterious stranger. There was no chance I would ever see him again, or know who he was.

“Where did you get that?” Sofia asked. She interrupted my thoughts and it took me a few seconds to realize she was asking about the flower.

“Oh, this? A man gave it to me at the party. I don’t know who he was.”

Sofia smiled a bright smile and giggled. “It is a mark.”

“A mark?” I asked.

“Yes, you pin it to your dress tonight. So that the man can try to find you again.”

“Really?” The very idea thrilled me.

“Yes.”

“Your dress that you wear tonight. Pin it here.” Sofia motioned to the area of my chest that I should pin the flower. It was adorable to see her so involved in the romance of it all. I laughed and agreed to do it. Even if it was silly, it was still fun.

After that, I retired to my room and did a few hours of work. I refined the catering menu after having sampled the chef’s specialties as well as worked on furniture deliveries and more.

A few hours passed and I did all I could do for the day. I checked my itinerary and was excited to see that I would be going to the Carnivale opening night ball.

I picked a soft mint green ball gown for the evening with the same white-laced mask I used earlier in the day. If my mysterious stranger was looking for me tonight, it would be helpful to wear the same mask. I loved the game of hiding my identity with subtle hints. I took a long hot bath and had a light snack of breads and cheese that Sofia brought to my room.

Later she helped me into my corset and ball gown that was heavy with drapes of fabric. I decided to leave my long hair down in thick curls and placed a large rectangular emerald pendant around my neck. The bodice of the dress was a slightly darker shade of green and it laced up the back. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like a different person. Like a mysterious princess. Sofia put on the finishing touch by pinning the single red bud onto the dress.

I laughed at the absurdity of it, although, it was fun in the sense of it just being a silly game. I was feeling giddy off the notion of perhaps seeing the mysterious man again when my phone rang. It was Max, Clay’s assistant calling to tell me that Clay was indeed coming to Venice. That was it. The phone call was short and he said he didn’t have any details yet. I didn’t know what this meant. Would he be staying here in the house? Would the girlfriend be with him? It was too much to think about. I rushed downstairs. I needed a drink.

I sat in the courtyard of the palazzo with my nervous thoughts and a jug of wine. I was beyond anxious to the point of shaking. It was a feeling that the wine soon numbed for me, and I chose not to let it ruin my night. Ernetto was waiting for me in the gondola. I did not realize how tipsy I had become until I tried to get into the gondola. I didn’t care.

I arrived and walked into a vast ballroom with gorgeous crystal chandeliers that twinkled in the dim light. Everything was white. The walls hung with shimmering white fabrics. White linens covered the tables and all the furniture was white. There were all kinds of white flowers in white vases and even all the food and drink served were white. It was beautiful. I had to hand it to the event organizer. I made a note to remind myself to meet them when I was not so inebriated.

A loud tapping interrupted the low murmur of conversations. Everyone’s attention went to the balcony that overlooked the ballroom floor. There tapping on a violin the way someone would tap on a wine glass before a speech, was a man dressed in a white wig and an all white traditional costume.

Once everyone was quite he said something in Italian. By the movement of the crowd I think he said it was time for the first dance. Everywhere people took to the ballroom floor. The man started playing a waltz.

It was so beautiful I was almost in tears of joy. I made my way to the side of the ballroom and stood there, but not for long. A tall man in full costume and mask grabbed my hand and whisked me away to the dance floor. I did not protest.

This was what the rest of my night was like. Dancing the night away with one stranger after another. I drank delicious wines and ate decadent foods and then danced more and more. I was in absolute heaven.

After a few hours I needed to rest. I found a small niche with a plush chaise lounge and white fabrics flowing from the walls giving it a bit of privacy.

Suddenly there was a man sitting next to me. His earthy scent was intoxicating and yet familiar. I looked at him waiting for him to say something. He was sitting so close that it was obvious he was here to talk or to ask me to dance.

His mask was white lion and his dark curls were pulled into a loose ribbon at the back of his head. Messy tendrils fell over his face and mask giving him a very sexy look, even though I couldn’t see his face. His tight costume let me know that he was strong and fit.

“Bella.” He said as he pointed to the lapel of his coat. Pinned to it was a small red rose bud. Then he pointed to mine and said, “I am glad you wore it. The flower of amore.”

I gasped. It was my mysterious admirer from the garden party.

He had found me.

9

“I went to every gathering tonight looking for you. And here you are. My bella.” His Italian accent was thick but not too heavy. I understood every word.

I looked through the eye slits of his mask and recognised the same piercing green eyes I saw earlier in the day. Excitement and lust rushed through my body. Who was my Italian mystery man? What did he look like without the mask? He obviously knew I was American because he was talking to me in English.

He stood up from the chaise and bowed in front of me, extending his hand.

“May I have this dance, bella?”

I placed my hand in his. He swiftly moved me around the dance floor. I felt light as air. We didn’t talk. We only locked eyes as we danced. After two dances he led me to the side of the room. He bowed in front of me. I didn’t want him to go. I needed to know who he was. He pulled a white card out of the inside pocket of his coat and handed it to me.

“Please join me for dinner tomorrow. Eight o’clock.” He kissed the top of my hand and disappeared into the crowd.

I looked down at the card. There was only an address in gold ink.

I looked up to see if I could get another glimpse of the mysterious stranger, but he was gone. I smiled and knew that I certainly would be going to dinner.

Venice was turning out to be even more amazing than I could imagine.

I placed the card in my bag, and made my way to the refreshments. I needed something to cool me down.

I was drinking a glass of water when across the room a figure stood motionless. It was tall man dressed in all black. His mask covered his entire face. He wore a white wig that was tied in a low ponytail with a ribbon.

His black cape concealed most of his body. This was not at all unusual, but it was the way he stood motionless that seemed like he was staring directly at me. Though I couldn’t really tell for sure. It was just a feeling.

Then suddenly, as though he knew I was thinking about him, he crossed the room in a direct line. He was coming straight for me.

I couldn’t look away. The way he was gliding toward me filled me with anticipation. Now he stood inches in front of me. His chest heaved up and down as though he was controlling some kind of emotion, or had just run a few laps. I nodded my head in a faint bow;. something I had learned in the last two days. He nodded back. Then his hands went right to my chest and ripped the red rose off my dress. I gasped in shock.

Then he held up a small white rose bud in his hands. He pinned it to my dress where the red rose had been, then simply nodded and walked away.

I was dumbfounded. Though the way things had been going in Venice so far, it was not that shocking.

Things were not like the normal outside world. This was completely different, where people acted strangely and did unusual things.

The next morning I woke up with a hangover and an appetite. I ate breakfast in bed. I didn’t have much work to do for the day, so I allowed myself to stay in bed as long as possible.

Slowly I started to piece together all the events that happened last night though it seemed like blurry memories, a product of too much wine.

I jumped out of bed as soon as I remembered the card my Italian mystery man gave me with an invitation for dinner. I pulled it out of my purse and was very happy that I did not lose it. Going to dinner with a stranger whose face I had not seen was not something I would normally do, but this was Venice and it was Carnivale, so I would do it.

Then I remembered the other stranger. I would almost think that I had imagined that if not for the white rose still pinned to my dress. I unpinned it and placed it in a small glass of water. What a strange and aggressive exchange. Maybe the guy was just drunk too.

I stayed in my room for most of the day and did a few hours of work from my bed. I took a nap and ate a light lunch, then I headed out the door in a day gown and no mask. I was going on a Casanova walking tour. I was really excited to hear about the legend and the man.

Our guide was very theatrical in his delivery and I was caught up the stories and excitement. The groups of people on the tour were also dressed in costume and everyone was in good spirits. As we walked around I had the distinct feeling that I was being watched. I found myself looking over my shoulder constantly.

Then I saw him.

It was a man whose build matched that of the mysterious man from last night with the white rose. He stood on a bridge overlooking a canal while I stood below on the street. He seemed to be staring directly at me. Again he wore a mask, cape, and white wig so I could not tell. However, I could see a small white flower pinned to his cape. I was not wearing mine. I had completely forgotten about it. He turned and walked out of sight. I wanted to go after him and confront him.

But that would take all the fun out of it.

After the tour I went back to the palazzo. As soon as I walked in Sofia was waiting with a bundle of white roses.

“These just came for you, Eva.”

I knew who they were from immediately. The stranger from last night and possibly earlier today, but how did he know where I was staying? Did he know who I was?

“Thank you Sofia.”

“I will put them in water. Yes?”

“Yes, grazie.”

I was baffled by the number of admirers I suddenly had. Were all women at Carnivale going through the same thing? Was giving out roses the same as giving out Valentine cards and hearts on Valentine’s Day? Was I just one of many getting roses?

I needed to remind myself to look for the flowers on women’s dresses next time I was at a ball.

For now I only needed to concentrate on my blind date tonight with the red rose stranger.

10

When five o’clock came around it was time to start getting dressed for my mystery dinner date. I took a long hot bath and lounged around taking my time getting dressed.

At half past seven I was ready. I wore a light pale pink day gown that was not too fancy with a pink half porcelain mask to match. I left my hair down and wore delicate pink satin heels and a hooded cloak. I was really getting used to dressing like this.

I gave Ernetto the address card and he gave me a strange look.

“What? What is it? You do know where that is?”

“Yes, everyone knows where that is. It is the palazzo of the Count de Prepolli.”

“Count?”

“Yes, from a very old Venetian family. They own half of the city.”

A count? This was just getting better and better. I laughed at the drama that my life had become. However, I couldn't deny that I was enjoying every second.

We arrived at the waterside staircase where there were stewards waiting. They helped me out of the gondola and in through the gates of a large garden wall. I walked into a massive courtyard, lit with hundreds of red candles. There was an elegant dinner setting for two on a large table and a string quartet playing softly in the background.

“Bella! I am happy you came. I was not sure you would,” my Italian suitor said upon seeing me.

The man, supposedly a real-life Count, wore a mask that looked like it was made of pure gold. It covered half of his face and ended just above his full lips. He wore a fitted white long sleeved shirt and tight black trousers with knee high boots. His hair was loose and unruly.

He looked magnificent, like a swashbuckling hero from times past.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“Please sit.” he said. “I am Luca.”

The palazzo surrounding the courtyard was enormous and must have taken up at least a block along the water. I was overwhelmed by the size of the place. There were many servants milling about seeing to our every need.

Luca was very flattering with many compliments even though he could not see my face. I longed to see what he looked like too, but feeling intrigued by not knowing was also very exciting and sexy.

A little like foreplay.

We talked and ate a four-course meal. Luca never mentioned once that he was a count or talked about money at all. It was something that I already admired about him. He was witty and he made me laugh often. His manners were perfect and he asked if I needed anything on a regular basis.

After dessert we had more and more wine. That and his insistent flirtation, was starting to go to my head.

“Why me? Why did you give me a rose at the garden party?” I finally asked. “Or did you give a rose to many girls?”

“No, just to you. I saw you walk into the garden that day and you looked lost. With a certain innocence to you, and I like that.”

“I see,” I laughed, wondering where he’d got that impression. Innocent? Not so much.

“This is your first Carnivale?”

“Yes.”

“Si, it shows. I love the excitement people that have not done this before experience. It reminds me that it is truly magic.”

His accent was hypnotizing and I was well and truly falling under the spell.

“Yes, it is.”

“Also your beauty. You are radiant, like a light. That is why I gave you the red rose.”

Then Luca stood up and snapped his fingers. All of the servants disappeared except for the musicians. He reached fro my hand to help me to my feet. “Dance with me bella?”

We danced in the courtyard surrounded by the hundreds of red candles. Luca’s hand wrapped around my waist tightly and I could feel the strength of his arms as he led me around the dance floor. I melted against his chest. Then he stopped dancing and looked at me. I could only see his green eyes and his full lips. He reached up and took off my mask.

He let out a sigh and whispered, “bella.”

I reached up and slowly took his mask off. The act was surprising sensual. A part of me wanted to leave it on, but since he’d unmasked me it was now his turn.

It felt a little like removing underwear, exposing ourselves to each other, and the very thought was making me aroused.

He was every bit as beautiful as I thought him to be. Dark lashes framed his piercing green eyes, and thick dark eyebrows were set against his tanned skin. His full lips were soft, but his jaw was squared and strong. His dark Mediterranean locks fell over his eyes just then and he instinctively pushed them away.

He was gorgeous and so so sexy. It was like every pore oozed Italian sensuality.

Then he leaned in and kissed me lightly. I sighed as I let myself go limp in his arms.

His kisses soon became more passionate and harder and I felt weak and almost slipped down to the floor. Luca put his arms on my waist and held me up. None of my reaction was unusual to him of course, but it was to me.

I moaned in delight.

He picked me up like a rag doll in his arms as though I weighed nothing. I started to protest, but nothing came out.

“I…”

Just then a flash of memory crossed my mind. Clay. I was suddenly angry with him and now I wanted to be with this man. The count.

I deserved a romantic night with an Italian billionaire in the most romantic city in the world.

I let Luca carry me inside his large palace, determinedly pushing all thoughts of Clay Roth out of my mind.

11

HE laid me down on A plush sofa and trailed kisses down my cheek. His tongue brushed over my chin down to my neck and over my cleavage. I heard him moan hungrily and it turned me on even more.

He laid his body weight on top of me between my thighs. He was very heavy as his weight came down on me. And he was hard, every hard.

His rigid cock rubbed against me through his pants and I felt more aroused than I had ever been in my life. My body felt alive and tingled with his every touch.

I placed my hand on his back. It was solid and strong and I could feel his muscles move as I slipped my hand down further and further. I reached forward and found his cock, gasping at its magnificent size. I caressed the tip gently through his pants and he moaned, almost growled under my touch. His lips never left my neck and I longed for him to tear my dress off and suck on my nipples. I wanted him. I wanted him badly.

“I want to taste you,” he whispered in a breathy voice near my ear.

I wanted him to taste me too. I wanted him to lick my hot wet center that begged for his tongue. I moaned and wiggled under him as he kissed and licked me. Then he rolled me over on my stomach and made quick work of the laced up dress. He took it and the corset off me with such skill it was obvious that this wasn’t his first time dealing with such a barrier. Then with one swift movement he tore off my panties and I lay there in nothing but my thigh high stockings. This Italian billionaire had seduced me.

I was completely his.

I couldn’t take anymore. He was driving me crazy me with his slow caresses and kisses, but I needed more. I rolled over on top of him and placed rough kisses on his neck and down his chest. He peeled off his shirt and I ripped open the top button of his trousers and pushed my tongue to his waistline and licked along it. I unzipped his pants and yanked on the waistline, then gasped at the sheer size of him. He was long and thick and his cock laid vertical on his stomach went well past his belly button.

He grabbed me by the hips and straddled me on top of him, impaling me in one fast move. My weight seemed like it was nothing as he picked me up, like I was as light as a feather. I placed my hands on his chest to steady myself as I moved on top of him, his hard thickness so far inside me immediately sending me to ecstasy.

“Oh God, that feels so good,” I whispered as I wriggled like crazy, trying to get him further inside me. I was on the verge of climax and he wasn’t even all the way in yet.

My body quickly slid further down, taking more of him in as I rode him like crazy. He filled me completely and it felt amazing, like I was fucking some kind of demi god.

I locked eyes with him and he said some beautiful things in Italian that I did not understand but sent me even further into ecstasy. It was by far the most enormous cock and incredible sensation I had felt in my entire life and I wanted it to go on forever.

As I rode faster, grinding hard on him, I cried out. Luca grabbed onto my hips and pulled me up and down ever faster and in shorter movements. It was almost too much to handle. He moaned loudly with throaty guttural sounds, matching my wild abandon.

It was wild and animalistic and I wanted him to stay inside me forever. I’d never felt so primitive and listening to him moan turned me on more, satisfied that I had that affect on him.

His hands dug into my hips deeper and deeper as I moved up and down on him faster now, slamming myself into him. My breasts bounced up and down with every movement and I felt wanton.

Luca moved his hands from my hips to my breasts and then held them softly letting them jiggle in his hands. It was all so sensual and unashamedly horny that I couldn’t hold back anymore and I yelled out in orgasm.

With that he too groaned so loud it startled me, as he came too. I collapsed onto his chest to catch my breath. He was still hard inside me. I had never had a sexual encounter like this before, so raw and primitive. It was confusing, disturbing, and incredible.

And I wanted to do it again and again.