Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 82678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82678 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“He wants you on the earliest flight. He booked the ticket already,” Luca continued as if his brother and Gianna weren’t still bickering.
“Did he say why?” I asked.
“He said something about social responsibilities. Apparently there are a few parties he wants you to attend, but he wasn’t very forthcoming with information.”
My eyes darted to Romero again, but then I focused on Luca. “Did he say how long I had to stay in Chicago?”
Luca narrowed his eyes. “No. Chicago is your home, so I had no right to ask.”
“Lily is of age, she could simply refuse to return,” Gianna said matter-of-factly. Matteo had his arm wrapped around her shoulder. As usual their fighting hadn’t lasted very long. They’d probably soon go to their room to make up.
“Then I’d drag her into that plane if necessary. If her father wants her to come home, she’ll go. I won’t risk a conflict over something as ridiculous as this.”
I bit my lip. “It’s okay. I’ll go. I’ll survive a few parties, and I’m excited about seeing Fabi again. I missed him. I’ll plead Father to let me return to New York as soon as possible.”
I didn’t talk for the rest of dinner and was glad when I could finally get up. It was ridiculous of me to be so nervous about going home; because despite everything Chicago was still supposed to be my home. I headed out toward the terrace and wrapped my arms around myself, feeling inexplicably cold even though it was still warm.
The door slid open behind me again and Aria walked up beside me, giving me an understanding smile. “I’ll call Father and ask him to send you back for another visit soon. It’s not like he needs you in Chicago. You’ll be back before you know it.”
“You’re probably glad I’ll be gone because that means I can’t see Romero for a while,” I snapped. I felt instantly bad for lashing out at my sister. Closing my eyes, I said, “Sorry.”
Aria touched my shoulder lightly. “Don’t worry. And I really don’t want you to leave, please believe me.”
I nodded. “I’ve gotten used to life here. I’ve been happy. I don’t even remember the last time I was happy in Chicago.”
“This is only a temporary thing. You’ll be back here in no time, and while you’re in Chicago I’ll talk to Luca about Romero. Maybe when you’re back we’ve made a plan on how to convince Father to accept Romero as your husband.”
Hope flared up in me. I looked at my sister. “You’re right. I should see it as a short vacation. Maybe soon I’ll be able to call New York my home for good.”
We didn’t say anything after that, only stood beside each other and watched the boisterous ocean. What I really wanted to do was talk to Romero, be in his arms and convince myself that this thing between us was meant to last, but it was way too early to retire to bed and we couldn’t risk anything with everyone still awake.
When the breeze picked up, Aria and I returned into the living room. Romero caught my eyes from across the room. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him tonight, to feel his body sliding against mine. I’d never needed him more.
***
Earlier than usual I crept out of my room and headed for Romero’s. I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. He didn’t look surprised when I slipped in.
He was sitting on the edge of his bed, arms braced on his knees. He pushed to his feet when I closed the door. For a while we only stared at each other until the pressure in my chest threatened to crush my ribcage. Why was I being so emotional about this? Romero crossed the room and gripped me by the hips, then he turned us around and led me backwards toward the bed until my calves bumped against it and we both fell back on the mattress.
Our hands roamed each other’s bodies almost frantically, undressing and caressing. Who knew when we’d get the chance to feel each other again? It could be weeks. Too long. We needed to make the best of our last night together.
Tonight I wanted to be in control. I pushed Romero onto his back and he didn’t resist. I straddled his hips and lowered myself onto his erection, feeling it slide into me all the way. I closed my eyes for a moment, releasing a low breath at the familiar feeling of fullness. Romero gripped my hips and started pushing upwards, driving himself deeply into me. I leaned forward onto my forearms so my face was above his and my hair surrounded us like a curtain, our own personal sanctuary from the outside world. “I’m going to miss you,” I whispered as I rocked back and forth. “I’m going to miss this, everything.”
“You won’t be gone long,” he growled.
He sounded absolutely sure. I kissed him, moving even faster until we both came at the same time, but we weren’t sated yet. We made love two more times that night as if we could stamp the sensations of our togetherness into our mind that way.
“I don’t want to leave,” I murmured afterwards as I lay in Romero’s arms. “I want to fall asleep in your arms.”
Romero reached for his alarm clock. “Then don’t. We’ll get up early so you can sneak back to your room without anyone noticing.”
I smiled, and rested my cheek against his chest. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep with the sound of Romero’s heartbeat like music in my ear.
***
The alarm woke us before sunrise and I quickly gathered my clothes in the dark room. Before I left, Romero pulled me against his chest and kissed me fiercely, then I slipped out and rushed back to my room. I caught a couple of hours of sleep before I really got up and prepared everything for my drive to the airport.
The hardest part about leaving was that I couldn’t hug or kiss Romero when we said goodbye in the airport waiting hall. With a last glance, I walked away, trying to ignore the insistent worry that I wouldn’t return.