*Two days later* In the study on the second floor of the palazzo, decorated in bland colors of white, gray, and navy blue, and arranged tactically to meet the taste of any man. The curtains drawn closed, and without the natural source of light created an illusion of detachment from the outside world. Behind the desk in his office, Leonardo stared at the document in his hands for a long time before he threw it aside and sighed heavily. Ever since he made Paige climax in the garden, the strangest thing has been happening to him. He has been constantly replaying the events in his head. Of how she moaned and arched her back, the feel of her skin under his hand, and when he was not thinking about that he was thinking about the way her eyes sparkled whenever she looked at him, the gentle way she tucked her hair behind her ear whenever she was nervous or embarrassed about something. And then — her lips. On one or two occasions Leo had caught himself

“What’s the meaning of this Leonardo? Why do you have that… that woman in your arms?" Carlo pointed in annoyance.  Flavia covered her mouth with her hand and gushed out a horrified, "Oh my goodness.” Brown eyes blazing, jaw clenched hard, Leonardo released Lolita's arm he had been gripping tight and gave her a little push away from him. She stumbled forward. Catching herself at the last minute Lolita turned and noticed his parents and to Leo’s horror the woman who had grown pale at the thought of the security men seeing her in her bikini, parted her hair behind her ear, and released a drunken inspired smile. "Leonardo, you didn't tell me your parents were here I have been wanting to meet them." Her voice went high pitched at the last sentence. Giggling, she walked towards his parents. Leo could sense a disaster in the air. He moved fast to stop her, but on realizing there was no way he could stop her before she reached his parents. He sto

Suddenly Leo didn't feel like defending himself again. To hell with the company. To hell with all of them. When had he ever won against Rosa? She was always one step ahead of him. Maybe he doesn't deserve the company, Paige, any of it. His sudden withdrawal brought about a moment of reflection and both Carlo and Flavia began to have doubts in his favor. And in that silence, a gentle voice spoke out.  "I believe him." Leo looked up, it was Paige. "You believe him in what? Try to be a little more clear *bambina-child*." Carlo quipped. "I believe him when he said Lolita threw herself on him." "How so, my dear. Is there something you know?" Flavia asked. Paige nodded her head. "Back in California, women were always after Leonardo because of his money and status, and they did do anything to get what they want. On one occasion one had even stripped herself naked because she wanted me to find her like that so I will break up with my Leo.

The walk back from the pool to their shared room was a difficult one for Paige. It took all of her self-control not to run into Leo’s arms and cry as much as she would want to. Not minding he was the one who had set her heart ablaze. For the past few days, Paige had felt she and Leo have finally gotten to a good place. That if Leo didn’t have feelings for her by now, he should at least like her, or like having her around. For Christ's sake, the man had kissed her so tenderly two nights ago and brought her to climax. Putting her pleasure before his. It had to mean something. And for the first time since they met, she finally let down that shield she carried like a trophy and told him everything about her ex-boyfriend. How she met him, and how she fell in love with him, not knowing he wanted her only for her body. And the harsh words he did tell her when he dumped her. Of which Leo had kissed her on the forehead and then pulled her into h

"How nice of you to join us, Leonardo."  Leonardo raised his head and frowned at his cousin.  "I thought you are done with pools today, especially after what happened. Perhaps you are here for another round?" Holding his breath, Leonardo stole a glance at Paige, who was frowning at Alberto in confusion. Leo released his breath. Obviously she did not understand the implications in Alberto's words. If Alberto was irritated, he was here. So was he. He was also irritated, not to mention jealous when he found out Paige was going swimming with him. In nothing but that piece of cloth, she called a bikini.  He didn't know the deal with Alberto. If he was just curious about Paige or if he liked her. Whatever the case, he didn't want to allow any opportunity for anything to develop between the two of them. He was jealous of anyone who so much as smiled at her for more than a few minutes. It would be alright to say he wanted the gi