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“Oddio (oh my God),” she murmurs softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears that pull at my heartstrings.
“It looks worse than it feels, Greta,” I reassure her, flashing a smile to put her mind at ease. She's well aware of the source of my bruises, and she's been very vocal about what she'd do to Carlos if given the chance.
“The way that man has treated you all your life is a sin and he should be punished!”
“It’s not so bad now that I’m able to fight back. I’ve put him on the ground a few times,” I chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood which brings a smile to her face.
“Good for you, Nico,” she encourages. “I pray for the day when you and Liliana can escape this life and pursue your own dreams,” she adds, her words sinking in. If only she knew, that’s exactly our plan. The small box in my breast pocket presses into my chest as I give Greta another hug before she excuses herself to inform Lili that I’m here. As I turn away from the stairs, a surge of anxiety hits me. What if she says no when I propose? The possibility hadn't crossed my mind until now and I’m not sure how I would respond to her rejection. The sound of my name breaks through the anxious thoughts, pulling me back to the present.
I turn to find my Lili at the top of the stairs. Words fail me as I gaze up at her. Her strapless hot pink dress accentuates every curve, stopping just above her knees. She's breathtaking as she descends, and I briefly close my eyes, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Her perfume wafts around me, intoxicating my senses as I meet her at the landing, gently tilting her face towards mine for a kiss. Her eyebrows draw together as she takes in the bruising on my face but I don’t allow it to deter me. The desire to taste her is overwhelming, and despite knowing I should have at least spoken to her first, I can’t resist. It'll take immense self-control not to rush through dinner just to savor more than her lips. I deepen the kiss, telling her without words how much I’ve missed her over the last two months. Molding her body to mine, her warmth envelopes me as we explore each other’s mouths.
Just as my hands roam to her waist, the sound of someone clearing their throat abruptly pulls us apart and the spell is broken. Taking Lili by the hand, we pivot to find Lili’s parents standing near the entrance to the sitting room, her mother’s face tinged with a rosy hue, smiles warmly. Paolo’s face has a very different look, one that speaks of his disapproval but it doesn’t faze me. While I hold him in high regard, the days of me backing down from any man are gone, especially when it concerns my Lili.
“Don Rinaldi, always a pleasure. Mrs. Rinaldi, you look stunning as ever,” I offer, stepping forward to shake Paolo’s hand. His grip is firm, his gaze intense, but I stand tall, unnerved.
“Likewise, Domenico,” he responds, his words tinged with insincerity. Had it not been for Lili's presence, I’m certain Don Rinaldi would voice his reservations about his daughter's relationship with a Beneventi. Though I’ve yet to have a private conversation with Paolo, once I marry Lili, my loyalty will shift to his family. I would be under his protection and there’s nothing Carlo can do about that. Until then, I’ll remain committed to my word. Traditionally, I should ask him for his daughter’s hand in marriage, however, our history of rivalry makes that impossible. He would deny my request and forbid me to see Lili. It’s slightly unorthodox but if Lili says yes, he can’t stop us from getting married.
“That’s quite a bruise you have, Domenico. Should I be concerned about entrusting my daughter's safety to you?” he probes.
“Must we delve into this now, Padre?” Liliana interjects, her irritation evident as she tightens her grip on my hand. Before Paolo can respond, I reply,
“Just a minor misunderstanding that got out of hand. I would lay down my life for Lili, so there’s no cause for worry, Don Rinaldi. Now if you’ll excuse us, we must be on our way.”
Extending my hand, Paolo reluctantly accepts, his grip is a bit firmer this time, hinting at consequences should anything happen to his daughter. It’s admirable how much he loves his children but Liliana will soon be my wife, under my protection and the sooner he learns that the better. Turning to Mrs. Rinaldi, I press a kiss to the back of her hand and bid them both a good night. Greta approaches with Lili’s overnight bag, putting me in a better mood. As I make my way to the door, Greta leans in, whispering,
“Nico, she needs this break. Ensure she enjoys herself.”
“I promise this will be a weekend she’ll never forget,” I assure her, discreetly tapping my breast pocket. Greta’s eyes widen and I quickly put my finger to my lips to shush her, sharing a chuckle. With a nod, she retreats, her smile radiant, leaving Lili a few moments with her parents as I retrieve the bag.
Standing by the door, I observe Don Rinaldi holding both his wife and daughter in a wide embrace. They mean the world to him, stirring a twinge of jealousy within me for the bond I never shared with my own father. As much as I want to leave this life, I have to say that Lili’s father has been exceptional as a leader. The way he leads his family is something to be admired. Lili of course hates his constant hands-on approach but I’ve often seen hints of his demeanor in my girl. If she were to assume her father’s position, I would gladly submit to her leadership. Had Carlo shown me even a fraction of the love I’m witnessing, my life may have taken a different course. He would’ve earned not only my allegiance but also my loyalty.
It was never meant to be and I’m okay with that. My family was thrust upon me by my birth mother without knowledge of his abusive nature and his fists served as a reminder of my place in his family. A pang of longing hits me unexpectedly, the weight of what might have been settling heavily in my chest. In all of my twenty-five years, I’ve never yearned for my father’s love, yet now, it feels like a missing piece.
Closing my eyes, I dispel the ghosts of my fractured childhood. Despite the pain, I find solace in the realization that without this life, I would never have crossed paths with Lili. That alone is my saving grace. Opening the door, my self-loathing dissipates as I behold my future walking toward me, a true reflection of the man I’m becoming. Her love sustains me through the trials of my life and as long as she’ll have me, I’ll provide Lili with a life we can both cherish and be proud of.
5
Liliana
Struggling to contain my excitement any longer, I bid my parents goodnight one last time before stepping out the door. Linking my arm with Nico’s, he escorts me to the waiting limo. As we settle inside, the driver begins the journey out of the compound, and Nico turns to me.
“Are you hungry?” He asks as I shift closer, seeking his touch. While hunger gnaws at me, I’m craving something else now that we’re alone. Nuzzling into his side without answering his question, I start kissing his cheek, trailing down to his neck. His cologne, a blend of earth and crisp mountain air, ignites my senses as I straddle his lap and grind against his hardening cock. Activating the privacy control, his hands grip my ass as the window seals shut.
“I’ve missed you so much, Nico,” I whisper, capturing his lips in an urgent kiss.
“I’ve missed you too, baby,” he replies between kisses, stirring a primal urge within me. The kiss is tender yet carnal fueling the desire pooling between my legs.
“As much as I want you, right now, we can’t,” he says, dampening my fantasy of riding him in the moving car. Disheartened, I start to move back to my seat, but his words halt me.
“I didn’t say we couldn’t have some fun,” he suggests, motioning for me to recline a little. Pulling my dress up, he exposes more of my skin and I gasp as the cool air hits me, hardening my nipples. My breath quickens as he slides my panties to the side and slips first one and then a second finger inside my pussy.
“Fuck, you’re already so wet for me, sweetness,” he murmurs softly, his invasion sending shivers down my spine. Nico was my first and only lover. He respected my need to take things at a slow pace, allowing our intimacy to unfold naturally. When I turned nineteen, I decided it was time to take our relationship further. Being away at college made me realize how deeply I loved him and craved his presence. He’s undoubtedly the one for me and I hope he feels the same.
I whimper softly as I ride his fingers, needing the imminent release that inches closer with each stroke.
“That’s it, sweetness, come for me,” he commands and I fall over the edge, shuddering as pleasure courses through me. Biting down on my lip to stifle my moans, my inner walls tighten around his fingers as his thumb draws slow circles over my clit, prolonging my ecstasy. Once again we’re interrupted, this time by the driver announcing our arrival at the restaurant, ruining the moment. We laugh as I sit back in my seat, adjusting my dress. Checking my makeup in my compact, I apply a touch of lip gloss. With my hair still in place, I’m ready for my weekend with Nico. It’s truly the best birthday gift ever.
6
