Baby V (Chianti Kisses #1) (19 page)

His hand is now moving in a circular motion, palm pressing deep as he rotates feelings of ecstasy around a deep sensitive spot beneath the cotton. My breath quickens again as the intense feelings of arousal return.

“
I asked, do you
?
” He repeats himself. I manage to answer no in a short exhale between panting.

His sexy taunting continues. I can feel the dampness under his massaging as he cups my chin with his other hand and pulls it down tenderly so that my eyes can no longer avoid his.

“
Tell me what you know. Did they teach you anything about a man in that convent of yours
?
”

Oh my god! Is he really asking me to detail this for him? What am I supposed to tell him? How sister Mary Catherine warned us against the evil charms that men possess? Oh, but these charms feel so damn good.

“
Hmmm
?”
Dom stops his han
d’
s motion abruptly.

“
Um..
.
” I decide to answer as the movement returns. Ahhh. I ca
n’
t concentrate on a silly thing like speech at a time like this.
 “
Well... I, er. One of the sisters who led discussions..
.
”

He is bringing me to the brink of death,
I’
m sure. How can I survive much more?

“
Umm... discussions on family relationships..
.
”

Do
m’
s fingers are now exploring on their own, separate from the palm that controls them. They are playing with the edge of the cotton, tugging, teasing at the material to explore what it is protecting. His eyes continue to wait for me to finish verbalizing my thoughts.

“
She told us that men are capable of seducing a girl who..
.
”

His fingers are now under the cotton, trailing against the damp skin quivering beneath them. He spreads the delicate folds revealing my center, continuing to stroke back and forth, his thumb applying gentle pressure to the swollen area growing under it. I moan again, louder, squirming from the intense pleasure he is giving me.

“
Keep going... seducing a girl who...
?
” He continues his stare, compelling me to finish. This is turning him on! I just know it! Watching me and listening to me as he drives me crazy.

I do as he asks, and continue
.
“
Seducing a girl who lets her guard down, but that we should only let it down for our husband..
.
” I moan again as his touch intensifies and grows faster. His fingers now slip over me in the wet path they have created. One long drenched finger slides further then the rest and deep into me with one fluid motion. I whelp out at this new delicious intrusion into my body. His hand stills as he looks down at me, recovering from my shock.

“
Keep going baby, tell me
.”
He coaxes.

My mind is blank. Where was I? I do
n’
t remember. I just remember the incredible feelings he is giving me
. “
We should let our husband have our greatest gift. He would be the only person to... oh my God.... Dom..
.
”

My body begins to shake and I feel like
I’
m a overfilled dam about to burst from the built up pressure within. His movement is increasing and I lose the control
I’
ve been fighting so hard to hold on to.

Dom begins to kiss me deeply as my body strains under the pressure.
 “
The only person to what, baby
?
”

I’
m loosing it, feeling as if
I’
m drifting in and out of consciousness.

“
He would be the only one to treasure it and nurture it..
.
” I cry out in one final spasm as Dom kisses my arched neck. My legs convulse lightly and my flesh is throbbing under his deadly hand. Tha
t’
s the second time I have been brought to the brink of death, both times by this man. I do
n’
t think
I’
ll ever get used to this. This last time it was different, though. More intense, more sensual.

I lay still for what seems like an eternity, Dom trailing gentle kisses along my jaw, my forehead, my lips. I sink back into the sofa holding tight onto Dom, returned back to earth from my brief foray into heaven. My eyes begin to close, unable to hold themselves open under their heavy weight. I ca
n’
t tell the difference between the words in my subconscious and the words being spoken.

Dom whispers into my ear,
 “
I think sh
e’
s right, V. No one will ever treasure you and nurture you like I will
.
” I can barely register the words as I recover from my euphoria.
 “
Come one,
I’
ll put you to bed. I
t’
s late and you have work to do tomorrow, remember
?
”

Dom nearly carries me up the iron staircase as I helplessly try to move myself. We pass through his bedroom and straight into mine. By the light of the moon pouring through the oversized windows, he unzips my dress and helps me step out of it, left in nothing but my underthings.

Fumbling through my top drawer, he whips out his freshly laundered grey Yankees t-shirt and slips it over my outstretched arms. He holds out his hand to me.

“
Panties
?
”

I eye him quizzically.
 “
Hmmm
?
”

“I’
m not going to let you sleep in drenched panties, V. Hand them over, Or
I’
ll have to take them off of you myself
.
”
 
He winks.

I sit on the edge of the bed and shimmy out of my guilty undergarments, tossing them over to the side. Pulling back my covers, I slide in hoping he will join me between the warm fluffy blankets. He covers me instead, tucking the sides around. Sensing that he is about to leave, I grab out for him, catching his shirt.

“
Do
n’
t go, please. Stay with me. I do
n’
t want to be alone
.
”
 
I never want to be alone again.

Dom kicks off his shoes and settles next to me, laying above the bed covering, holding me close against him.
 “I’
ll stay until you fall asleep
.
”

I sigh into his chest and let the calmness weave its way into me.

~*~

Sometime in the very early hours of morning, I wake in search of him. The room is empty. I softly step over to doorway left open between our rooms and see him sprawled out over his pillows, sleeping soundly. Walking back to bed I notice the space occupied by my panties is now empty.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Monday flies by with little more than a blip on the radar.
I’
ve slept late, gone for a swim and enjoyed a long bubble bath. True to Do
m’
s word, Ellen emailed me about thirty intern applications and resumes which have monopolized my afternoon.

Dom was up and out of the house early, leaving a scribbled little love note on my dresser behind him. Through a few texts back and forth during the day, we finalized some plans to meet at Albert
i’
s for dinner tonight.

I’
d called the restaurant early to give them the date for Cecil
y’
s shower and confirm availability. Mario, the owner and old friend of both Dom and my family, insisted that I come to dinner tonight to make menu selections for the event. Do
m’
s always been crazy about the place, so it was a no-brainer to invite him.

He sends a driver to collect me from the house a little before seven. Albert
i’
s is one of the nicer restaurants in Little Italy, so I make sure to dress the part. A black cocktail dress seems perfect, so I top off the look with plenty of accessories and meet the driver at the front door. Momma catches me as I try to make my escape to the clandestine meeting.

“
V! You gorgeous! This for just a tasting
?
” She waves over my attire.

I can feel my cheeks flush. I do
n’
t know why
I’
m so nervous.
I’
ve eaten more meals than could be counted with Dom, yet tonight
I’
m on pins and needles. I had hoped to make a clean getaway, without anything or anyone adding to my already tense nerves.

The driver extends a large bouquet of red roses out to me, and I see Momma move to intercept them through my peripheral. 

“
These are beautiful, V
.
” She takes possession of the flowers, taking care to inhale their rich fragrant aroma before handing them over to me.
 “
Very nice
.
”

I trip over my own words, trying to explain the roses.
 “
Thanks Momma... the
y’
re just a little inside joke. You know Dom, always a comedian
.
”

What the hell is wrong with him! Why would he send flowers so openly? He should know better. Our family is
n’
t stupid, if he keeps doing careless things like this, each and every one of them will know wha
t’
s going on with us before the week is over.

Momma smiles reassuringly to me
.
“
Have wonderful time, make sure to thank Dom for roses.
I’
ll keep them and put them in water for you
.
”

She takes the bouquet from my grasp and carries them off to the kitchen without so much as another word. I know
I’
ll have to deal with this later, but by then all three women of the house will have formed their own suspicions. Damn, Dom!

The driver helps me into the back of the black shiny limo.

“
There is some champagne on ice, and some sparkling water Miss Lombardi. Please help yourself. My name is Richard and do not hesitate to use the intercom if there is anything you need during our drive
.
”

Thanking him, I take my seat and settle in. Richard has us on our way in mere seconds and I reach for a glass from the bar area. The champagne is tempting, but I opt for the sparkling water instead.
I’
m going to need a clear head to make sure I set some ground rules with Dom. I use my time and roughly plan a few key speaking points. First off, no more gifts or deliveries that can raise eyes. If this, whatever this is, between us is still going strong by the time I move out this fall, he is more than welcome to send deliveries to my apartment. I would
n’
t be worried about Stephanie witnessing any generous displays, but until then, everything needs to be on the down-low.

We get close as the car swings around the last corner. Little Italy has changed somewhat over the years, but is still familiar enough to feel nostalgic to me. Every Friday night, both Do
m’
s and my dad would meet all of us at Albert
i’
s straight from work, for a big family dinner. Once my dad had passed, we would still make the trip in every once and a while to have dinner with Do
m’
s dad, Enzo, and their family.

It took a while, close to a year, until we were able to make that step but it was an important one. Traditions are important. It was a way to honor our dad and keep our attachments to the DiBenedett
o’
s strong.

The car pulls to a slow stop directly in front of the red canvas awning at Alberti's. The warm brick exterior and large curtained windows with gold lettering on them remains the same. Established in 1962, the business has become a cultural landmark. Family owned and operated, there is
n’
t one person from this neighborhood that cannot say they do
n’
t personally know Mario and his family. I get a tinge of excitement at the thought of seeing them all again. The large brass door handle is pulled and opened for me as Richard the driver bids me a good night.

The dim lights, the flickering candles strategically placed about, and the delicious smells greeting me as I enter the inner-sanctum of the restaurant are reminiscent of my younger years. Almost every major family milestone is in someway connected with this place.

As evident in pictures and stories, each of my siblings and I, as well as Dom and Theresa had our Christenings celebrated here. Confirmations, engagements, birthdays, anniversaries... they all involved Albert
i’
s in some way, and Cecil
y’
s baby shower is the next in a long line of traditional celebrations to be hosted here.

A young, high-school aged pretty girl stands behind the mounted podium. I wait my turn to address her, as the couple who entered before me are awaiting their table.

“
Hi,
I’
m Vincenza Lombardi.
I’
m here to meet Mario for a menu sampling
.
”

The young gir
l’
s eyes light up.
 “
V? Is it really you? I
t’
s me, Ariana
!
”

I reach out to her as she moves herself around the podium to embrace.
 “
Little Ariana? How can this be? Yo
u’
re not nearly old enough to be out this late on a school night
!
”

The petite girl laughs in my arms., smothered by my hug.
 “
Tell that to grandpa! He thinks I should earn the money for my first car. I have to work here a few days a week after school
.
”

Ariana is one of the newest generation of Albert
i’
s. I used to babysit her when she was a kid. I pull myself away to look at her. Sh
e’
s still a kid in my mind, but in my eyes, sh
e’
s a gorgeous young woman. I ca
n’
t believe how sh
e’
s grown. I pinch her nose like I used to when she was a toddler. And she bashfully giggles.

“
Grandpa told me yo
u’
d be coming by. Do
m’
s already waiting for you
.
”
 
She takes me by the hand and walks with me deeper into the dining room. Leaning close, she whispers excitedly.
 “
H
e’
s got a surprise for you
.
”

I close my eyes in frustration, depending on Arian
a’
s guidance to steer me clear of anything in our way. I ca
n’
t believe h
e’
s involved the Alberti's in this too! They're  practically family and close enough to all of us that
I’
m sure the
y’
ll help spread the gossip just as much as Momma will.

I open my eyes just in time to see us walk through the remainder of the main dining hall and into the bar area where I see Dom propped up against the antique woodwork with a half empty glass in his hand, with Mario on the other side letting his boisterous infectious laughter out for the diners to marvel at.

Do
m’
s suit jacket is draped around the back of his bar stool, his dress sleeves rolled up exposing his bronzed skin. His tie hangs loose around his neck as he is clearly unwinding after a long da
y’
s work. Ariana squeezes my arm and smiles excitedly before heading back to her station, leaving me to make the rest of trip alone.

Mario spots me first as I make my approach. He beams to me while throwing his bar rag over his shoulder and reaching over to pat Dom on the upper arm while nodding over to me. Time slows as Dom finishes his most recent laugh and moves to turn in the direction Mari
o’
s just nodded in... my direction.

The wide smile on his lips begin to show itself as his head slowly turns, his gleaming teeth shining in the bar light. His eyes are dancing as they move across the room before settling on me as I make my approach. His eyes lock onto mine, calling me to him, and I mindlessly move forward step after step until I reach close enough where my wound nerves settle themselves in the comfort his presence offers them.

Dom reaches out to me, pulling me close, slipping his arm around me and landing his lips onto mine, offering the nearby spectators a lesson in public displays of affection.

“
Hey babe. Glad yo
u’
re finally here.
I’
m starved
,
”
 
Dom greets me.

Mario pours a glass of white wine and graciously offers it to me.
 “
Vincenza! So glad yo
u’
re home! Your boy her
e’
s been filling me in on your new job! Congratulations
!
”

I smile tightly at my Da
d’
s old friend. H
e’
s been given quite a lot of information tonight, has
n’
t he, both verbal
and
  visual. I reach my arm around
 “
my bo
y
”
 
and use my fingers to grab a pinch of his flesh and squeeze.

“
Thanks Mario. W
e’
ll see how it works out
.
”

Dom laughs out at my half-hearted attempt to inflict retribution on him. He moves his palm and takes hold of my pinching hand, releasing its hold on his side.

“
Come on, V.
I’
m dying for some eggplant
,
”
 
he leads me away from the bar and Mario, as I wave behind us to the well-meaning restauranteur.

Dom pulls me closer to him, slipping his hand from my grip to behind my back, settling on the hollow right above the cleft, bordering on inappropriate. He guides me through a pair of doors into the private dining area that I am looking to secure for Cecil
y’
s party.

Holding his arms out, he reaches past me and pushes the swing door outward, moving the obstacle from our path as we move through. The room is dark, my eyes begin to make the adjustment but the process is slow. Shapes begin the transition into outlined objects, and sounds amplify themselves in my ears as my remaining senses are on hyper drive to compensate for my lack of sight.

Dom's pressing form molds itself into my body from behind.
 “
Hit it Mario
.
”

Instantaneously, the lights raise themselves to a dim wattage cascading their soft glow before my eyes. I blink hard several times to convince myself that what I see is real, and not some fleeting daydream seizing the opportunity to manifest itself into my moment of blindness.

Christmas-type lights are strung across the overhead beams and draped around the columns. Red and white rose petals are spread in a thin layer over the marble dance floor centered in the room. A small round table with crisp linens is offset, surrounded by the flower parts. Two chairs are set to face opposite each other.

I feel Dom's hand move from from my lower back and lazily up the back seam of my dress to play with the fine hairs on my neck. His lips are next to play with the patch of exposed skin.
 “
You like it
?
”