Chapter 14

Emiliana

I was beyond pissed off. No matter how much I had wanted to kiss Giovanni, in that moment he had built up my hopes so high only to let them crash around me. I wasn’t sure if it was a game to him or maybe he was losing control of his resolve or sight of his job. Whatever it was, his silence only added further to the embarrassment. I hadn’t wanted to talk to him after that, I couldn’t even look at him. 

As I stepped down from the stage, I could feel his mossy green eyes burning into me. It only forced me to ignore him even more and so when I saw Luciano standing so handsomely welcoming behind him, I saw my opportunity. 

“Emiliana,” his lips widened at me - it was a smile that reached his cheeks fully and showed off his perfect mouth. 

“Luciano,” I beamed back at him as I spoke his name. He leaned forward, resting his hand gently on my back, just above my backside. “Do you want to get a drink?” I asked, batting my eyelashes softly at him. 

“I thought you’d never ask.” He chuckled lightly. 

We stepped onto the terrace that situated itself on the roof of the Beekman hotel. Rattan furniture decorated the open patio area and heaters were placed at each table, the area was relaxing and I was thankful that me and Luciano were the only ones there - apart from my custodian lingering by the bar at the far end of the roof. 

Luciano was leaning back on his cushions, one arm draped over the back of the chair while his other hand cradled a whisky glass. His crisp white shirt crinkled at the seams, telling me he was harbouring some defined muscles. His leg was crossed over, resting his ankle on top of his knee and I could tell he was enjoying the conversation as much as I was. His olive complexion glowed under the heaters, making him almost heaven sent. 

The breeze whistled past us as we discussed our hobbies and family. It was enthralling to hear that Luciano’s relatives came from a village not far from where my father was brought up in Italy. We spoke about our grandparents, unfortunately only his Nona was still alive and my heart broke at the thought of having to say goodbye to my own. “I’m sorry to hear about your Nono.” I comforted him, resting my hand on top of his. 

“It was a long time ago.” He added. While I didn’t know him that well, I could tell he was putting on a brave face. I took a sip of my cocktail, letting the gin hit the back of my throat and ripple through my chest.  The warmth stung but I welcomed the heated sensation that it brought to my limbs. 

“So what’s with your date?” Luciano piped up, his head nodded in Giovanni’s direction. I refused to follow his gaze but I knew he wasn't too far away. He never was. 

The question reared its ugly head and I didn’t want to have to deal with the situation right now. 

“He’s just my driver.” I half lied, hoping the answer would suffice. 

“A driver who is pretty intent on keeping you close.” Luciano insinuated with a smirk. “I can see the way he looks at you.”

“There’s nothing going on if that’s what you’re asking.” I interjected. While my words spoke the truth, they were laced with guilt and disappointment. I shook the thought from my head, it wouldn’t be appropriate to be involved with Giovanni anyway. I just needed to focus on something else; someone else. 

“That’s good to know.” Luciano moved his body closer to mine, raising a hand to cup my cheeks. “I would hate to steal you away from anyone.” His oceanic eyes searched mine, observing my features and committing them to memory. 

“You won’t be stealing me from anybody.” I confirmed his hidden agenda. 

He closed the distance slowly, his warm hand still cupped my face and brought me closer to him. The fluttering feeling in my stomach had turned into somersaults as he pressed his lips against mine. Soft cushions of flesh puckered and relaxed, massaging my lips seductively. I snaked my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Luciano tasted of mint mixed with whisky, the smokey taste lingered on his tongue as he traced mine with it and I wanted more. His wet mouth was working wonders expertly and I squeezed my legs together as he deepened our kiss. Our breathing increased as we began to run out of oxygen. It was like we had forgotten our basic instinct to breathe during our intense make out session but I didn’t care. 

I didn’t even stop to think about the conflict of interest, nor the fact that Giovanni was probably watching with increasing agitation. I wanted to continue to taste Luciano, his flirtatious words and confident aura had me melting into the palm of his hands. 

Before the kiss could go any further, Luciano pulled himself away, ending with a soft peck on my lips. 

“Emiliana?” He whispered my name and I enjoyed the way it sounded coming from his mouth. 

“Yes?” I hung from every word he said, he had me hooked and I would willingly do whatever he asked if it meant I could taste him again. 

“As much as I would love - and I mean LOVE to continue kissing you. It’s getting late.” Luciano glanced down at his watch, it was almost midnight. I pulled away, disappointed that he didn’t enjoy the kiss as much as I. “Would it be too forward of me to ask you out on a date?” He asked. He must have sensed my trepidation and he cupped my face once more as he gazed into my eyes. 

“I would love to.” I replied coolly. I didn’t want to sound too eager but inside, I was jumping for joy. 

“Are you free next weekend?” He asked, clutching my hand in his. I nodded silently, unable to remove the smile from my face. Luciano leaned in close, his lips almost touching mine. I found myself magnetised, I closed the distance between us, allowing his lips to brush over mine. “Until next weekend.” He pulled away from me, his oceanic orbs still locked on me. “Let’s get you home.”

Luciano guided me up from the cosy cushions I was sitting on and we walked hand in hand towards Giovanni. He was perched on his stool facing the bar, despite his position I knew he would have been watching my every move. 

“Giovanni.” I spoke his name sweetly, “I’m ready to go home.” He stepped off the stool elegantly, his long legs touched ground instantly and he gestured for me to lead the way. Luciano hooked my arm through his as we made our way to the car. 

He opened the door while Giovanni stood behind him, clearly annoyed by his chivalry. 

“I’ll see you next week.” Luciano brought my hand to his lips and kissed my skin softly.

“See you next week.” My eyelashes fluttered back at him and I couldn’t escape the large smile plastered on my face. I stepped into the vehicle and in moments we were peeling away from the curb, Luciano waving me off in the distance.

I smiled out of the window, reliving the evening with Luciano. His bright grin was forever etched in my mind. Not once did he ever make me feel uncomfortable or uneasy - nor had he interrupted me. He was constantly listening, hanging onto my every word with intrigue.

By the time we had pulled up to my building, the effects of the alcohol were kicking in and I was ready for bed. My door opened momentarily, Giovanni’s strong hand was held out for me to take. I stepped out onto the concrete, his warm hand gently holding mine. I let go hastily, the sparks that had worked their way up my arm were a guilty reminder of what had happened earlier. I picked up the hem of my dress and marched into my building.

“Goodnight, Giovanni.” I called over my shoulder.