GREED, page 27
“I’m having trouble controlling myself around you.” I kissed the corner of her mouth, my tongue quickly licking up the sticky sauce, but it was Minny that turned her head to capture my lips. My hand slid around to the back of her neck and deepened the connection. I sucked in that lush bottom lip, tasting her mouth. She moaned and surprised me again as she nipped at my lip. My little bird had a hidden sex kitten inside her just waiting to be lured out.
“I want to get you naked right now,” I whispered, breaking the kiss. I could hear her pulse thumping over the sound of the plane engines. Each thump was in time to the throbbing in my pants. “Are you wet for me, little bird?”
A smile spread across my face as she wiggled in her seat, confirming what she hadn’t said aloud. “Do you want me to fuck you?”
She placed a hand on my chest, she didn’t push me away, but it felt like she was. I stared at her hand and then up to her cerulean blue eyes. “I do, but not now, not here. It’s too soon.”
“Patience has never been my strong suit, little bird. I have a tendency to take what I want.”
She swallowed audibly, and the sour scent of fear emanated off her skin. The fear was too much to be from just my words, and I inspected her face. Her bottom lip trembled along with the rest of her body, and once more, I forced myself to stop before invading her mind. It would be so much easier if I did. I could coax her to do what I wanted, pull out all her deep dark secrets and desires, but I wanted her to share because it was her choice.
However, my greater concern at the moment was who had caused this fear. If it were James, the little taste that imbecilic ass had gotten from me, of who I was, would pale in comparison to what I would do when we returned.
“Who hurt you?”
She looked away from my eyes to stare out the window. I rubbed my thumb against her cheek, and her eyelashes fluttered, her pulse slowing, but she still didn’t speak. “Tell me who it was, Minny.”
“How do you know anything happened to me,” she asked quietly. “It could be simply too fast.”
“I just know. Now tell me, who was it?” The anger was already overpowering the erotic images that had been plaguing my mind.
“What are you going to do,” she asked like she already feared I’d do unspeakable things. Unfortunately, she was right.
“I just need to know. Tell me what happened, Minny. I won’t take silence as an answer.” I could already taste death on my tongue, the darkness swirling around like a good brandy. The demon in me craved more. It craved the death of those who dared to hurt this beautiful soul.
“Can we not talk about it right this moment? I will tell you, but I want to enjoy these few days away and…” she shrugged. “It’s not something I like to think about, and I don’t want it to ruin this.”
I sat back in my chair and contemplated her words. I wouldn’t forget if that’s what she hoped, and if I had to, I’d search her memories to find out who it was, and when I did…
“Okay, fine, let’s enjoy the food before it’s cold.” Minny sagged as her body relaxed into the seat.
I managed to keep the conversation light, and when she yawned and nodded off, I stood grabbing a blanket. Lifting the armrest between the seats, I sat beside her and covered her with the material. She turned, mumbling something incoherent in her sleep, but cuddled into my side. It was my turn to sit frozen. I hadn’t cuddled with anyone since before my fall. Even the bouts of sex that Skye and I had shared as fuck-friends, she knew to leave immediately after. I had no time or interest in cuddling. I had work that needed to be done, and sleep and sex were brief, timely distractions.
As the seconds ticked on, I found her body curled into my own, the heat she was generating and radiated through our clothes, to be something I didn’t mind. I’d never admit it out loud, but I actually enjoyed having her close and laid my arm around her shoulder. She pressed closer, the top of her head settling into the crook of my neck, as her hand laid over my heart.
Giving the top of her head a kiss, I closed my eyes. I didn’t know what it was about her, but I wanted this lowly little human for as long as she’d have my dark, pathetic soul.
“Wake up, little bird. We’re here.” Soft kisses that made her squirm were tracing lines across her cheek and neck. “And the sleeping beauty awakes,” Riker whispered in her ear before giving her cheek another soft kiss.
She rubbed her eyes and stared into Riker’s smirking face. She could get used to waking up to that look. “Did I sleep the entire way?”
“You did, which is perfect since you will be well-rested for dinner and whatever the night has in store.” She smiled wide and placed her hand in his as he helped her to stand. She paused as they reached the bottom of the stairs, and she stared at yet another sports car. “Don’t worry, it is a short drive, and then we will have to walk or be in a boat for the rest of our time here.”
“That’s good, or lunch wasn’t going to stay down.” She laughed as he mocked a hurt expression.
“Shilo keeps telling me I’m a terrible driver, but I thought he was just being a fussy old ang…man.”
She knew what he was going to say. Her secret wasn’t the only one that was being kept between them. It was the second reason she’d been able to convince herself that not saying anything about what she knew was fine. It wasn’t like he was jumping up and yelling who and what he was.
“I don’t know who Shilo is, but I already like him,” she teased.
Riker laughed, flooring the fancy Ferrari into action, the car leaping with eager abandon out of the private airport. She stared in wonder at the landscape. Even in the dark, the little bit she could make out excited her. Now that she was here, she felt like she was a kid on the edge of her seat at an amusement park.
Riker was true to his word because they were crossing a bridge toward Venice less than twenty minutes later. She stared out the window taking in the lights of the boats on the Adriatic Sea. She could barely contain her excitement as they stepped out of the vehicle.
“We’ll be taking a boat to the restaurant, and then we’ll come back tomorrow for the gondola tour.”
“We’re not staying here?”
“No, I have a villa in Padova. We’ll go there for the night. It’s not far,” he said as he helped her down to the area where all the boats were docked. She couldn’t get over how busy it was, the area was brimming with activity, and it was easy to tell that most of the people were not locals because of the cameras in their hands. No one took that many photos when they lived there.
“Signora, signore.” The man at the boat said. She stared down at the long narrow boat and then around at the dark water. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting, but this seemed like a dangerous idea.
“Francesco here has been manning a motoscafi for the past thirty years. He is the best driver I’ve ever had. We will be fine Minny,” Riker said as he stepped in the boat, but she hesitated. She may be sick yet. She took Riker’s hand and stepped into the black boat.
“What is a motoscafi?” She asked as they got settled.
“It means water taxi. Are you comfortable?” Riker wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her to sit between his legs on the little seat. She had to admit as Francesco pushed the boat away from the dock that she did feel safe and was extremely comfortable in his arms. She nodded and looked up at him. His eyes glittered in the darkness, the blanket of stars above not able to compete with them.
He laid a chaste kiss on her lips that felt like it meant so much more than the simple gesture. She snuggled into the warmth of his muscled chest and stared in awe at the buildings they passed. It was one thing to see these amazing structures on television or on the computer, but to see them in person was breathtaking. It took no time at all, and she was disappointed as the surprisingly smooth ride glided up to their location.
“Aspettero qui. Buonanotte.” Francesco said as Riker helped her out of the boat.
“Grazie,” Riker answered. His accent was exactly the same as the man that lived here, and she had to wonder just how many languages he knew.
Her heels clicked along the sidewalk, all too aware of the stares Riker was getting from women and men alike. He had a commanding aura. You couldn’t help but stare. She wondered how much of that was him and how much of it was the fact he was more than human. Did humans all instinctively know when they came across the immortals? Is that why she’d been drawn to Penny?
His hand was warm as it sat on the lower part of her back, and she could admit to herself that having him touch her like this made her feel special. They stopped outside a weathered dark door, the sounds and smells from inside already assaulting her senses and making her stomach growl.
“Signore, che meravigliosa sorpresa!” The man inside the door said, a massive infectious smile on his face. The glasses he wore only accentuated his brown eyes that could light up any room with joy.
“It’s good to see you too, Giuseppe. I trust the business is doing well?” Riker responded, holding out his hand for the man to shake. She didn’t know Riker well, but the little she did, she knew that he didn’t spend any extra time with those in which he didn’t see the value. To honor someone with the shake of his hand meant he thought highly of this man.
“Couldn’t be better. I’ve saved your table as requested, but you did not tell me that you were bringing such a ravishing beauty with you.” Giuseppe turned his eyes to her. “Signora, it is a pleasure.” Giuseppe held out his hand, and as she put her hand in his, he leaned in to place a chaste kiss on each cheek. “You are quite the lucky man. One day maybe you will tell me your secret.” His thick eyebrows wiggled comically at Riker.
“I do not believe Maria would like it if I shared that particular secret.” Riker looked down at her as Giuseppe laughed. “Maria is his wife of thirty years,” Riker explained.
“Almost thirty-two my friend, and I fear she will beat me to death with a rolling pin one of these nights, and I will certainly deserve it. Better not let her hear you speaking to me of beautiful women. It will only seal my fate sooner. Come let me show you to your table.”
The place was right out of a magazine, picturesque and authentic in every way possible. And it was packed and filled with laughter and smiles from all around. She stared at the dishes, her mouth watering. Giuseppe stopped in front of a booth, and she couldn’t help thinking of the last time they shared a booth together. She slipped out of the long light coat and handed it to Riker to hang up before sliding into the seat.
As soon as Riker was beside her, she jumped as his hand gripped her thigh. She looked over at him, and he looked at her out of the corner of his eye, a smirk on his lips.
She picked up the menu, stared at her choices, and tried to ignore the sensation of his thumb as it rubbed circles on the outer part of her thigh or the fact that his action was slowly pulling her dress up her leg. She bit her lip as heat spread all over her body, suddenly wishing she had a fan. She glanced around the room, and no one seemed to notice her unease.
“You don’t give up easily,” she whispered.
“Never.”
Giuseppe was back before she could think of a good comeback.
“Have you decided?” He asked cheerily.
She had no idea what she’d like. Most of the items on the menu were foreign to her. “Why don’t you bring me what you’re famous for? I can’t decide. It all looks amazing.”
“I like you, Signora. You are wise.” Giuseppe smiled and gave her a wink. “The usual for you, Signore?”
“Yes, and we’ll also have one of each appetizer and dessert.”
“I now remember why I love you. Always my best customer.” Giuseppe walked away, and her breath caught as Riker’s hand slid an inch higher.
He turned toward her, his hand never stopping its gentle and intoxicating swirl. “Tell me about yourself, Minny.”
She couldn’t stop the nagging fear that he was going to find her boring once he got to know her. James had always told her as much, and it was his patented reason for cheating on her. But, there was no point in making things up. Riker would see through it anyhow.
“I grew up on a small farm in Maryland. It was the best. I loved that spot. I sold it recently. It just didn’t seem right to hang onto it now that no one was living there, and I needed the money for my mom’s nursing home expenses. She has to have twenty-four-hour care, and it’s part of the reason I stay at the call center in New York rather than going home. It pays a lot more. Anyway, my childhood was normal until my dad passed away. After that, a lot changed, and it took a lot of effort for me to find joy in my life again when my mother ended up ill as well. I liked to write and read to lose myself and of course, spending time with nature made me feel a little normal again. Kids don’t really want to hang around the girl that spends all her time sitting in a hospital, you know?”
Riker stared at her, his expression unwavering, and it unsettled her more than if he’d asked a million more questions. Feeling compelled to continue talking, she cleared her throat of the frog that felt lodged.
“I like simple things. I read a lot. I love my dog and taking him for walks. I like to listen to music, sunsets, and the smell of rain on a hot summer day.” She smiled a little. “I really love baseball, my dad was a huge fan, and I try to see the Yankees on his birthday every year. I dated the same guy most of my life and only recently told him to take a hike. I love my job, and one day I hope to have a family, and I sound really pathetic right now, I know.” She looked away from his intense stare and grabbed her wine glass to take a healthy gulp.
“I don’t think you’re pathetic, you confuse me some, but you could never be pathetic.” He tucked a loose strand from her updo behind her ear. “So, you and your dad were close?”
“Yes, we were. What about you?”
Riker snorted. “I would describe my father-son relationship as tenuous and abysmal at best.”
“I’m sorry.” She reached out mimicked him, and she rubbed her thumb against his jaw, earning her a smile.
“I have a confession to make,” he said, and she froze, wine glass halfway to her mouth. “I was at your family farm.”
“What? When? Why? I don’t understand,” she stuttered.
Riker held his tongue as the servers placed six different dishes on the table for appetizers, but she couldn’t focus on food until he answered the question.
“You intrigued me, Minetta, right from the first moment you fell at my feet.” He lifted an eyebrow as her cheeks flushed. The memory all too clear. “I wanted to find you, and you’d left town. I have many resources and tracked you to your family home, but you were already gone when I arrived. Unfortunately, shortly after that, you found me in a very compromising position at the office.”
“That was a very tasteful way of saying sleeping with the neighborhood.”
Riker laughed, his hand moving from her leg for the first time, and oddly she felt naked without his touch. “Yes, let’s say I am not always the best person.”
“So, is that what I am, another number? I pulled the little paper tab from the dispenser and will end up another conquest in the endless line of those that can’t get enough,” she said, dramatically and batted her eyes at him as she made fun.
“Quite the contrary, I can’t seem to get you naked. I must be losing my touch,” he teased back, placing a number of the delicious-looking items on a plate.
“It is most certainly an image that one cannot forget easily.” She looked down at the food he’d given her, but his finger lifted her chin to meet his stare.
“I want to try a different approach with you, Minetta. I will not lie to you. I may not last long with this whole relationship idea because I haven’t been in one in a very long time, but I’d like to try. If you are willing to try with me, of course?”
“If we are playing the honest game, you worry me, making me tentative to say yes. I have had enough heartbreaks in my life. I don’t need another.” She looked away from his eyes, unable to hold the intense stare. “Let’s just see how these couple days go, and I will let you know.” She looked up and almost laughed. His mouth was hanging open like she’d just given him the biggest shock of his life. “Are you okay?”
He sat up straight, a slow smile spreading across his face. “You should know. I love a challenge.”
“And you should know, you can’t buy my affections.” She returned his smile before digging into the most wonderful meal she’d ever tasted.
As I anticipated, the meal was a success, I was certain that Minetta had enjoyed herself, but she was so genuinely nice and happy it actually made it harder to tell. She had Giuseppe wrapped around her finger by the end of the meal, and he came out from the kitchen once the doors were closed and enjoyed a dessert and coffee with us.
Her enjoyment was infectious, and I found myself smiling and laughing with her as she talked dramatically about the meal, the sites, and the countryside as we made our way toward my villa. Things I never noticed, she pointed out with exuberance.
I pulled the Ferrari up to the gate of the outer wall surrounding the property, placing my finger on the little reader, and the gates slowly opened outward. I’d made sure all the lights lining the driveway up to the four-story villa were lit.
A gasp had me looking at Minny, and her eyes were as big as saucers, her hands covering her mouth. I had to admit this was one of my favorite places to escape. I’d been an ass telling her this place bored me. The tall white pillars and staircase that led to the grand golden-colored doors reminded me of another time in my life.
“This is yours? Like the whole thing, not just a room,” she asked, and the look on her face made me shift in my seat.
“Yes, do you like it?”
“Riker, it’s stunning, but what do you do with all this space,” Minny asked as I pulled the Ferrari under the carport area and parked. I wasn’t sure how to answer the question.
