Stone's Revenge, page 17
Literally asked for it. She’s begging for me to continue right now. She clenches again, and my cock all but moves on its own.
My head tells me to pull out. To stop what we’ve started. She’ll be sore after how rough I crashed into her.
But I don’t.
Because I’m an asshole and I’m pissed as hell for being deceived.
I pull out and wrap my hand around the back of her neck, pushing her to the railing. I kick out her legs so they’re far enough apart to accommodate me, but not so far that she’ll fall over. I place my palm on her back between her shoulder blades, forcing her to bend at her hips, then ram into her from behind.
She gasps. She moans. She doesn’t tell me to stop.
Sweat beads above my lip. I can feel it dripping down my chest. I take in Gia’s back, my gaze roaming down her spine and landing on her ass. Fuck, she has a nice ass.
I keep one palm on her back and the other reaches around to squeeze her tit. I don’t need to get her off. She’s had her orgasm. This is about me. I squeeze her nipple as my hips rock into her, my balls slapping against her ass.
Fuck. I don’t want to come. Not yet. She feels so fucking good. I lower my mouth to her back and lick a path up her spine. When I reach her neck, I whisper in her ear.
“Is this what you wanted, Gia? Is this what you imagined your first time being like?” I’m a dick. I don’t care. “Does it hurt?”
She moans. From pain? From ecstasy? I don’t know and I don’t care. I can’t care. I bite her earlobe then ram into her one final time as my cock releases itself. As soon as I’m done, I pull out and step away.
I reach for my pants and yank them up, the condom still on, and shove my dick in my pants as I zip up.
“You were a fucking virgin. I don’t fuck virgins,” I spit before storming inside and slamming the door behind me.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
I drop to the stone patio and cry. Naked, alone, and sore in so many places. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m twenty-six. Plenty old to have sex. Too old to still be a virgin. It’s not like I’ve been waiting for the perfect man, or even until I’m married.
Ironic that I’m now married, yet Stone is far from the perfect man. Yes, I should have told him I am—was—a virgin, but I don’t understand why it matters. The man has had sex with hundreds of women. Surely, some have been virgins.
I pull my bent knees to my chest and wrap my arms around my legs, lowering my forehead and letting out so many tears.
Tears of regret. Tears of pain. It hurt a little when he first entered, but not as much as I had expected. I’m sore but it also felt so good when he moved inside of me. His words, though. Stone is right. He’s an asshole. He warned me before taking me.
I should hate him for the way he treated me, for leaving me like this, but I don’t. Does this make me a sadist? It isn’t the pain I enjoyed. It’s Stone.
Even angry, I didn’t fear him. There are so many layers he keeps hidden. I don’t believe he’s as awful as he pretends to be. It’s all a cover to deal with the shitty life he’s been dealt. Granted, I’ve had a shitty life as well, but I don’t go around treating people the way he does.
Determined not to let tonight ruin me, I use the railing to help me stand. My legs are tired, sore, and shaking. My thighs are sticky. He wore a condom so I’m pretty sure the mess is my own. I’ve masturbated with my fingers plenty of times but have never been as wet as I was with Stone. And I’ve never had orgasms like the ones he’s given me.
I find my shorts and pull them on, followed by my shirt. I hang my head as I make my way back to my room. I drop my clothes in the corner of my bathroom and take a long, hot shower. When I’ve washed the smell and evidence of Stone down the drain, I wrap myself in a robe and crawl into bed.
I don’t want to sleep in the satin pajama sets from Italy and I’m too tired to go through my Target bags for a pair of sweatpants and a shirt. I sleep in the robe and with a towel around my wet hair.
The dreams come, and they all star Stone.
I don’t see him for three days. I’m okay with that. I don’t know how to act around him anymore. Besides, I’m having a wonderful time with Mama. We walk in the morning, go to lunch in town—Marco always on watch—and play card games in the early evening.
For the most part, she remembers how to play a few basic games. She forgets the rules from time to time, but we are comfortable with each other. I’ve heard the same stories a dozen times, and she asks me the same questions over and over again, but I don’t care. She’s healthy and happy. That’s all I ever want for her.
Carla serves us dinner on the patio, the Finger Lakes as our backdrop. Stone and his men haven’t joined us for a meal since the night on the veranda, and mama hasn’t asked about him. For this, I’m grateful.
I sense someone behind me and turn. I don’t know if I’m relieved or sad to see Marco and not Stone. He’s been hiding away somewhere.
“Miss Gia, I’m sorry for interrupting your dinner.”
“Are you here to plant the roses?” Mama asks. It’s not the first time and won’t be the last, I’m sure.
“No, ma’am. I’m here for Gia.”
“Oh, you’re too late. She’s already spoken for.”
I raise my eyebrow. “Marco is our friend who looks over the property and drives us around.”
“I haven’t seen your boyfriend in a while. Are you two having a row?”
“I don’t have a boyfriend, mama.”
“I’m sure you do. Rockford? Stonewall? Stone. Yes, his name is Stone, yes?”
“Stone is my boss, not my boyfriend.” Which is the absolute truth.
“Oh, you can’t hide the way you light up when he enters a room. And I’ve seen how he watches you. You may be trying to hide your office romance from Marco, but your mother knows these things.” She taps her temple.
“Well, if I was trying to hide it from Marco, you’ve just spilled the beans.” I glance over at him, and I’ll be damned, he has a grin on his face.
“It’s no secret, cara.” She pats my hand. “Come join us for dinner, Marco.”
“Thank you, ma’am, but I’ve come to inform Gia that we need to leave in an hour.”
“Leave?” I cross my hands over my chest. I don’t want to leave my mother. Ever.
“Yes. In an hour. Be ready.” He leaves before I can ask any questions.
“Your Stone has better manners than Marco. You picked a nice one.”
“I’ve had a wonderful visit with you. I’m so sorry to leave already.”
“Oh, nonsense. You’re a grown woman. You can’t be by your mother’s side forever. I have lots of work to tend to around here, and I’m sure your work and your Stone miss you.”
I’m quiet during the rest of our meal while she chatters about the same stories I’ve already heard. All too soon, our visit is over. I leave the few clothing items I brought from Italy and pack all my Target finds.
After a long, teary hug, I say goodbye to my mother and slide into the waiting town car. When I climb the stairs to the jet, I expect to find Stone, Lucca, and Tio aboard.
“Where are they?” I ask when the attendant closes the door behind Marco.
“They flew back a few days ago.”
“They did?”
“Middle of the night.”
No wonder I haven’t heard or seen him again. Stone must have ordered the jet ready as soon as he zipped up after taking my virginity.
Coward.
I try to sleep on the plane but I’m too wired. Too confused. Too hurt by his actions. I don’t know what hurts more, the words he said after we had sex or him leaving me behind without any warning.
I must have grown tired enough to sleep. I blink open my eyes and find Marco standing over me.
“We’re here.”
“Gazo?”
“Yes.”
So much for delaying the reunion. Unless... “Is Stone here?”
“Yes.”
Merda. I don’t know why I’m suddenly insecure. I didn’t do anything wrong. I won’t hang my head in shame. I won’t back away like a coward. I’ll face him head on. Maybe I won’t bring up the sex, but I won’t hide for the next two years either.
The ride from the small airstrip to Stone’s is shorter than I remember. Or maybe it’s shorter than I hope. I mentally hype myself up to face him again. When Marco stops in the circle drive and opens my door, I put on an overly cheerful smile.
“Thanks, bud. And thanks for bringing my mother and I shopping. You’re a good sport.” I pat his shoulder and march through the front door as if I own the place.
I mean, I am the Mrs. Not that I have any rights to the Parlatore property. I don’t want any. I want my freedom. That’s all I care about.
Tio greets me in the entryway. “Miss Gia. Stone wants to see you in his office.”
So much for getting over jetlag. I have no idea what time it is. Early morning? Dawn? The sun has barely risen. I tap his shoulder as I had Marco’s. “Thanks, Tio. Sorry you drew the short straw and had to return with him.” I nod toward Stone’s closed office door.
While his face remains stoic, I can see the chuckle in his chest.
I knock and open the door, not waiting for Stone’s permission. He sits behind his giant desk. The monstrosity must be an antique. Probably passed down for generations. It fits the stone castle. The hard, dark lines in Stone’s face.
The drapes are drawn. Not that it matters with it being dark outside. A lone lamp near his desk casts a meager light through the room. Other than that, it’s dark and eerie.
“You’ve got an Interview with the Vampire vibe going on here.” I plop myself in the seat across his desk, doing my best to pretend there’s nothing awkward between us, and possibly laying on the humor a little too thick.
“Excuse me?” He doesn’t move his head, his gaze the only thing lifting from its stance in front of his computer.
“Forget to pay the electric bill or something?” I wave my hand through the air, pointing at the dark lamps.
“If you’re afraid of...the dark, feel free to turn them on.”
“I’m not afraid of anything.” I lie, straightening my shoulders.
This time he does move, closing his laptop and sitting back in his big leather desk chair. “I’m meeting Lorenzo at noon.”
I opened my mouth to give a snarky reply, but no words come out. This is fine. I expected this. Stone has to take care of whatever business he thinks will give him revenge.
“Have fun.” I cross my legs and lean back as well, pretending the mention of my father’s name has no effect on me.
“You’re coming with me.”
I shoot out of my seat. “No!”
“We’re expected to attend a business lunch.”
“I don’t give a shit what Lorenzo expects. He doesn’t own me. He can’t make me do anything. He has no hold over me.” I jab the air with my finger.
“You’re correct. He doesn’t.” That beautiful, sculpted face of stone stares at me. His eyes, dark and piercing.
The unspoken words hang in the air.
But I do.
I tremble and fall back into the chair. “I can’t do it, Stone. I can’t be in the same room with him.”
“You don’t need to say a word. In fact, you’re not to speak.”
“Fuck you,” I pipe up, energy rushing through me again. “I’m not a woman who will be controlled by anyone. You don’t get to tell me what to say, how to act, how to feel...”
We both know this is about so much more than Lorenzo, but right now, he’s my biggest concern. Our sex issues will have to be dealt with later.
“You own thirty percent of the shares in Parisi Wines. I own twenty-one percent.”
I furrow my brow in confusion. I really don’t care about my heritage. Then it dawns on me. “Together, we have control over Parisi Wines.”
Stone nods once.
“Why do you care so much about his vineyard? You have your own. It may not be as big, but judging by the private jet, my mother’s accommodations, and the cash you keep stuffed in your pants, you do quite well.”
It’s hard to tell with the lighting, but I swear his eyes darken. Shit. I shouldn’t have mentioned anything stuffed in his pants.
“I have my reasons. We’re to look like a united front. You’re my wife. What’s yours is mine.”
“And what’s yours is mine.”
“Not according to our prenuptial agreement.”
“Does Lorenzo have access to it?”
“No.”
“Then what’s yours is mine.”
Stone leans to his side and rubs his hand across his jaw. It’s the first movement he’s made. The first sign of anything, really. Good. I’m glad I got to him.
“You’re not to mention your whereabouts for the past eight years.”
“Do you think I’m an idiot? I’m not going to tell him anything. You better not tell him my mother is alive. She’s dead, for all he knows.”
Stone tilts his head to the side, not accustomed to being told what to do. His glare says it all. I don’t fear him anymore. I trust he’ll keep Mama safe. I trust he won’t hurt me, sans the scene on the veranda. We’ll be addressing that. Soon. First, however, Lorenzo.
It doesn’t matter if I refuse, if I try to run or hide, or lock myself in my bathroom. Stone will force me to go. I have two choices. Fight the inevitable or prepare myself for battle.
“I have jet lag and am going to need a nap before lunch. What time should I be ready?” I stand, ending our meeting. If he has more to say, he can tell me later. I need processing time.
Alone.
“Eleven.”
“Does that give us enough time–”
“He can wait.”
I imagine Stone is a man who prides himself on punctuality. Being late will give him the upper hand. Show Lorenzo who’s in charge. I have to trust Stone knows what he’s doing.
“I’ll be ready,” I say with fake bravado.
I ask Maria to make me a mimosa with my brunch. The fruit salad, oatmeal, and champagne are settling heavy in my stomach. I’m not ready for this. I had no idea our marriage deal meant I’d have to actually see Lorenzo again.
As tempted as I am to wear one of my comfortable outfits from Target, I end up selecting a black business suit from my closet. I coil my hair into a simple twist and apply a light layer of makeup. Mostly to cover up the bags under my eyes. The Dolce and Gabbana heels give me an extra few inches and the appearance of confidence.
Marco is at the front door waiting for me. I wonder if Stone and I are going to take separate cars. I haven’t seen him since I left his office this morning. I hear footsteps from the direction of Stone’s office before he appears in the entryway. It’s a large space, but Stone makes it seem small.
He’s not a huge man. Marco, Tio, and Lucca are bigger than he is. It’s the sense of power, how he holds himself, that makes it obvious who is in charge when he enters a room. Only I don’t cower to him.
Anymore.
He wears a suit almost every day. I’ve seen him without a shirt on. Hell, he’s seen me naked. The black suit and black shirt he wears are similar to all the others, but today he seems...more.
More what? I don’t know. The devil is in him, that’s for sure. It shouldn’t be so...sexy. Hell, I clench my thighs and wave my hand through the air. “Ready?”
Stone crosses the space in two long strides and grabs my left hand. “Where’s your ring?”
I haven’t worn it since the wedding. I didn’t even bring it to New York. I didn’t know at the time where we were going, but it isn’t something I wanted to travel with.
“Upstairs.”
“Get it.”
I raise my brow. I’ve made it clear how I feel about being treated like a dog. I fold my arms across my chest and kick out my hip.
Stone’s gaze doesn’t leave mine. “Marco. Get it.”
“He’s not a dog either,” I say loud enough for Marco to hear me.
Stone grips my arm and hauls me to the limo. He opens the door and practically shoves me in. A moment later, Marco returns with my ring and hands it to Stone.
He holds it out for me, which I ignore, turning away from him to look out the window. He reaches across me, picks up my left hand and roughly places it in my palm.
“Put. It. On.”
“You know, no one is going to believe I willingly married you if you keep talking to me that way.”
“Don’t give me a reason to talk to you this way and I won’t.”
“So this is my fault?” I hear the driver side door open and close, then we start moving. “You want me to act a part, yet you’re not doing your part.”
“You’re making it very hard to pretend right now.”
“Ditto, hubby.”
Stone rubs his chin again. The only time he shows any emotion is when I rile him up. This meeting with Lorenzo has been eating at him. As I study his face, I see traces of purple under his eyes. He hasn’t been sleeping either.
I highly doubt he’s been tossing and turning because of what happened between us. This meeting with Lorenzo has been his life’s mission. The reason he went to such drastic measures to find and kidnap me. The reason we had to marry. I’m not so naïve that I believe he wants the vineyard. There are secrets and evil on that property that he wants a part of.
If Mama’s speculations are true, Lorenzo and Antonio are deep in the sex trafficking trade. She had asked Lorenzo if he was using our property to hold and exploit the girls. That earned her a beating that nearly killed her. I was aware they were involved in some capacity, but I still couldn’t believe young, innocent girls were being held on our property under our noses.
I’ve been in denial that Stone would want anything to do with the corruption. He is easily offended when I accuse him of such. Even if he’s not into young girls himself and only the business side of it, he’s still the devil incarnate, and he’s using me to get to the girls. My heart races and I shudder.
I need to know before we face Lorenzo. “Are you aware of Lorenzo’s illegal activities?”
“Yes,” he says without hesitation.
