Cherished: Love in London Series 2 (5 page)

T
hey walked silently
through the gardens and the air suddenly felt thick around them as Amber felt the butterflies in her stomach take flight. She needed to break the mounting tension.

“So…the party went really well tonight….” Trailing off, she could see her room within view.

“Si. I think Mamma had a lovely evening.” He stopped as they came to her door, slowly dropping her hand. She felt her heartbeat speed up as every fibre in her being screamed for him to touch her. “Thank you for joining me this weekend, Amber. I hope you enjoyed yourself.” He spoke softly, but his voice was husky with emotion. He gave her a small smile and was just about to turn and walk away. Before she could rationalise any further, she called out for him.

“Nico!”

He stopped and slowly turned around. His gaze had darkened as he swept his eyes over her. Her heart continued to pound, and she briefly wondered if he could hear it too. The air stilled around them as he walked closer to her. Amber held her breath.

“Carino. Tell me what you want.” He was inches away from her face, but he didn’t touch her.

Amber, reached behind her and slowly released the door so that it swung open. Taking a deep breath, she squeezed her eyes shut as she felt heat flood her face. Snapping her eyes open, her bright eyes were direct.

“Nico….please, kiss me.” She instinctively licked her lips. Her eyes were flashing with desire, like a fire on the verge of erupting in uncontrollable flames.

Nico backed her into the room and kicked the door shut behind him. He caged her in against the back of the door, his hands on either side of her shoulders. Amber’s breathing increased, and she felt her chest heave in anticipation. Nico leaned in and she closed her eyes, waiting for his lips to touch hers, but instead he bypassed them and moved to her ear. Trailing light kisses on her ear and neck, Amber felt a shiver go through her body.

“Do you want me?” he whispered seductively against her ear. "Sei così sexy..." Amber leaned her head back against the door, further exposing her neck as he took the opportunity to trail kisses from her ear down to her collarbone. He kissed her lightly and Amber yearned for more, a moan escaping her lips. All thoughts of confusion were gone.

Right now, all she could think was how much she wanted Nico. She didn’t care about the consequences anymore. This was just for one night, and after all, she was playing the part of his girlfriend. She made a decision to act on the pleasure he was giving her and then, after tonight, she knew she wouldn’t see him again.

Nico proceeded to kiss his way back up her neck before whispering in the other ear. “I’m enjoying your responses, carino, but I need to hear you say it. Do. You. Want. Me?” He nibbled on her earlobe with each word spoken.

“Yes, Nico. Dammit, I want you.”

That was all the reassurance he needed for he plunged his tongue into her mouth, kissing her with a raw passion that curled her toes. He ran his hands along her back and then lower down, his touch leaving a blazing trail behind. Without breaking the kiss, he walked her towards the bed and when she felt the back of her knees hit the mattress, Nico pulled away reluctantly and gently pulled her dress up and over her head, tossing it to the side.

He sucked in a deep breath, as his blazing green eyes swept across her body.

“Fuck,” he whispered, as he lightly ran his hand down her side. “"Ti desidero."

Amber stood in front of him in her clear-backed, strapless, black bra and matching g-string. She was still wearing her heels. He pressed his lips against hers and kissed her gently. “I’m going to love you all night long, Amber.”

With a feather like touch, Nico carefully pulled out the pins from her hair until her long hair was flowing over her shoulders. He ran his hands softly through the waves and Amber closed her eyes, revelling in his touch. She smiled when he quickly unbuttoned his shirt and stepped out of his trousers. A delightful shiver of wanting ran through her as her heart thumped erratically. Licking her, lips she took in his firm abs and chest, with its light sprinkling of dark hair. Even though she had seen him naked once before, she couldn’t help but stare and appreciate his perfect physique.

“You are so beautiful, carino.” Smiling, he moved his fingertip along the edge of her lace bra and cupped her breast. She fit perfectly in his hand and when he rubbed his thumb against the fabric, her nipple hardened and she dropped her head back and moaned.

Reaching behind her back, Nico unclasped her bra in three fast movements, dropping it to the ground. She heard a groan coming from the back of his throat as he leaned down and began sucking and pulling on her right nipple. Amber’s hands quickly moved to his head, and she ran her fingers through his hair, tugging when he turned his attention to her left breast. He gave her a quick bite, eliciting a soft cry and then licked it before sinking to his knees and trailing his tongue down her toned stomach. Amber let out a guttural sound as Nico grabbed her bottom on the way down.

He could see through the lace of the g-string to the bare soft skin. Pulling them down he just stared at her, his eyes molten with desire.

Nico touched her inner thigh and her body was immediately covered in goose-bumps. Lifting her leg, he put it over his shoulder.

“I’ve been dreaming about doing this again….your taste has stayed with me ever since our night together.” Amber sucked in a breath, her skin flooded with heat as he buried his face between her legs. Pushing his tongue inside her wet folds, he moaned as he teased her, dipping his tongue in and out of the drenched heat. “Bellissima,” he growled against her.

“Oh….my….God….” Amber panted as his tongue continued to explore her, “feels….so….good.”

Gently he pushed her lips apart and dipped two fingers in as she arched her back. “So damn tight.”

“Nico….I can’t….please, I need to come.”

Nico smiled and began massaging her insides with deep, powerful strokes as he kissed along her inner thigh.

She felt her voice cracking as she begged, “Please. I need more.”

She felt Nico brush his tongue against her swollen clit and she jumped as she let out another moan of pleasure. Her hips involuntarily rocked against his lips as he began to suck on her clit, continuing to massage her with his fingers. Amber dug her nails into his shoulders as her body shuddered and pulsed against his mouth, her walls clamping down on his fingers.

“Oh. God. Yes!” She screamed out his name as she fell apart. Her mouth hung open in pleasure as she desperately attempted to breathe and calm her beating heart.

Amber felt her body beginning to collapse and within a second, Nico rose from the floor and lifted her up so she wrapped her long legs around his waist. She felt his hardness pushed up against her stomach and let out an appreciative moan.

He gently released her as he placed her on the bed, his eyes wild with desire. He guided her hands downwards so she could feel how ready he was for her. Nico let loose his rock-hard dick and Amber gently touched it with both hands, causing him to groan.

“Oh my God,” she whispered. “I almost forgot how huge you are.”

Nico chuckled and shook his head as he reached for his wallet and pulled out a condom. He tore open the wrapper and rolled it down his length within seconds.

Lowering himself on top of her, he kissed her passionately, gently touching her sensitive folds, causing her to whimper.

He dragged his tip over her, teasing her until she called out for more and then without pausing a fraction longer, he thrust deep into her.

“Arrrgh….” she cried out in a combination of pain and pleasure as her inexperienced body welcomed him inside. She’d had one lover before Nico and that was only twice. She took in a breath as she let her body acclimatise to him.

“You feel so good.” Nico groaned in pleasure and grabbed her behind her knees, pushing her legs back as he pumped in and out fast and with such force she was inched up the bed. Amber felt him deep within her and as his hips slammed against her, he kissed her with raw passion.

He pulled back and Amber felt her body, building up again. Her legs started to shake, and she clenched around him, calling out his name as she screamed and bucked, meeting him thrust for thrust. Not long behind, Nico found his own release and threw his head back in pleasure. He continued to thrust, massaging the orgasm out of her, before freeing her legs. Collapsed onto the bed, he pulled Amber’s spent body next to his, each holding on tightly as both tried to gain control over their rapid breathing. Nico kissed her bare shoulders and tangled his hands through her long hair.

“That was incredible….” Amber trailed off, still breathing irregularly.

“You okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?” He flipped over so he could see her eyes.

“No, no. Not at all.” She smiled shyly at his concern. “I never thought….I mean, I didn’t think this would happen again.”

A flash of pain crossed his features. “Do you regret this?”

“What? No! No, Nico not at all.” She ran her hands lightly over his chest.

“Good…” He kissed her, speaking in between as he ran his hands over her toned stomach. “Because this is only round one, carino. We have all night long.”

T
he hot water
poured over Amber’s body and relaxed her overworked, sore muscles. She moved slightly and smiled. She was sore, but it was a good sore. She marvelled at Nico’s stamina. He was an amazing and selfless lover, taking care of her all night long, worshipping her body and making her feel like a goddess. He pleasured her into giving her as many orgasms as he could. It was a night she would never forget.

She had fallen hard for Nico and although she dared to believe their tender moments did indeed mean something, she quickly shut down those thoughts. She promised herself that it would be the last time they would be together, so bittersweet as it was, she would tuck away last night into her heart and then throw away the key. She grew up surrounded with broken promises of love and never would she put her heart on the line like her mother did – time and time again.

Unexpectedly, her eyes filled with tears at the thought of never being in Nico’s arms again. Allowing herself to grieve for a few minutes, she wiped away her tears and shut off the water. She had no intention of giving her heart away. Especially, to a player like Nico Moretti.

Towelling herself dry, she quickly packed up her cosmetics and started getting her clothes in order for the return journey home. Nico had left her room a short while ago, mentioning a few things he had to take care of, following the party and she appreciated the space, which gave her the opportunity to clear her mind.

After getting ready, she walked up to the main house to find Mia as they had arranged to have breakfast together before she left. Finding her alone on the terrace with a cup of coffee and a newspaper, Amber smiled as she slid into her chair.

“Buongiorno!”

Mia eyed her curiously. She continued to stare.

“What, Mia? What’s the matter?”

“Amber, bella. Your face is glowing. But I don’t want the gruesome details.” She shook her head, throwing her hands up to her ears. “I can see it loud and clear.”

Amber stopped laughing at her comical display. “I don’t know what you mean.” She reached for a cup and began serving herself some tea.

“Dio Mio, Amber. It’s so obvious. Three words. You’re in love.”

A
mber nearly choked
on her tea. Coughing, she placed her cup back on the saucer.

“Mia! What are you talking about? That’s nonsense.”

Mia sat back in her chair, grinning. Shaking her head, she laughed at Amber’s obvious discomfort and patted her hand lightly. “Don’t worry, Amber, your secret is safe with me.” She winked and resumed drinking her coffee.

Amber was stunned. How on earth did she look like a woman in love? Surely she looked like a woman in misery. Mia must be messing with her. She decided to change the subject.

“So. Gino, huh?”

Mia’s smile faded and eyes clouded over. “Yes, Gino.” She sighed. I’m surprised he came last night. I didn’t think he would.”

“Did you get a chance to talk to him? Didn’t he say he wanted some time with you?”

Mia gently bit her lower lip while she stared into her coffee. Then she looked up, still frowning. “No, we didn’t get a chance to talk. It was so busy, I was pulled in every direction, that I just didn’t get a moment. And then when I thought it was quietening down, I looked for him but he was gone.”

“Like as in back to London?”

Mia shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. I have no idea — I’m not sure if he is here for a few days or if he just literally came for the party and is on his way back to London.”

“Oh hon, how frustrating. When are you back in London? Perhaps you will have a chance to catch up with him next week or something?”

“Si, I guess. I’m staying here for a few more days to discuss my new samples.” She flashed Amber a dazzling smile. “Thanks to you modelling my latest design, I already have a stack of pre-orders.”

“That’s great, Mia! But you’re dresses are beautiful so I’m truly not surprised. I’m sure this collection will be a huge hit.”

The girls chatted for a little while longer and Amber was grateful that Mia tactfully did not bring Nico back into the conversation. Just thinking about him and the things they did together last night, had her stomach tingling and caused a deep heat to spread through her. Shaking her errant thoughts, she forced herself to concentrate on what Mia was saying.

A
fter a drawn out goodbye
, Amber and Mia both knew that in each other, they had inherited a friend for life. They made plans to catch up in London as soon as Mia was back and Amber couldn’t wait to introduce her to her friends.

Following her goodbye with Annalisa and Gianmarco She went back to her room to gather her things. She smiled as she thought of them, extracting a promise from her to return as soon as possible. Guilt flooded through Amber at deceiving this wonderful couple, but she simply bit her lip and nodded. Unexpected tears pricked her eyes as Annalisa warmly embraced her. She’d missed out on a mother for so many years and besides Sally, Beth’s mother, Annalisa was the only other mother figure who had accepted her so readily.

She quietly closed her room door and was just about to turn around when she felt the hairs stand up on the back of her neck. She breathed in his expensive cologne, which carried through the slight breeze. Her felt her breathing grow shallow. Plastering a smile, she turned around to face him.

Once again her breath was caught in her throat at the sight of him, but his brown aviators concealed his eyes.

“Nico,” she breathed, her voice sounding husky even to herself. “I was just getting ready to leave.”

“Stay.” His smooth voice was a command.

“What?” She laughed nervously. “Don’t be silly, I have to get back home.”

“I don’t want you to go. Stay.”

Amber felt her throat tighten up. This was exactly what she was afraid of. She could and would not get involved as much as her heart was telling her otherwise. He pulled off his sunglasses and his molten stare burned through her, waiting for her response. Then and there she made up her mind. Taking a deep breath, she looked over his shoulder at the trees, unable to look him in the eye for fear he would see the truth.

“Nico. I’m sorry. Last night was wonderful, but that’s all it was. Nothing more.” She flicked her eyes back to his and noticed the momentary shock on his face before he quickly recovered. Before he could say anything, she took his warm hand, opened it and placed a folded cheque in the centre.

“What’s this?” She flinched at his cold and hardened tone.

“It’s a cheque for the money you deposited in my account. I couldn’t reverse it.”

He sighed. “Why?”

She felt her heart break as she saw the hurt displayed across his features even though he tried his best to keep his face impassive. Her voice broke. “Nico….after last night, it’s not right I keep your money. I had a wonderful weekend. Thank you.”

“So that’s it, Amber? We fuck and that’s it?” She flinched at his anger. Shaking her head, she went to move past him.

“I never said I’d give anything more, Nico. I’m sorry. Now, I must go or I’ll miss my flight.” She slipped on her sunglasses, biting her lip as her eyes filled with tears.

He didn’t say a word. Reaching down, he took her bag out of her hand and she silently followed him as they made their way to the waiting car.

When he next spoke, his tone was cool and efficient. “I’m not back for at least another week to ten days. I’ll make sure the agency gives you the spare keys to my flat so you can continue your work. Feel free to stay over if it gets late.”

She nodded in understanding as she faced him. Her heart ached as she resisted the urge to reach out and kiss him, to savour being in his arms again. She desperately wanted to trust him. However, she was a realist and knew that scenario only belonged in fairy-tales. Or for other people, like Beth. Her ending would be heartache. She tried her best to harden her heart as she slipped into the back of the car. Giving him a weak smile, the car pulled away as Nico stood there watching her go. As soon as she was out of sight, the tears that were threatening earlier now openly spilled down her cheeks.

L
ater that evening
, Amber was back home in her flat, feeling completely miserable. As if on cue, her phone started ringing. She smiled when she looked at the caller display.

“Hi Beth!”

“Ambs, you’re back! How was it?”

Hearing her warm voice on the other end made Amber choke up. Tears filled her eyes. “It was…perfect.”

“Oh honey, what’s wrong? In fact, hold on a sec.”

Amber dried her eyes as she waited a couple of minutes until Beth was back on the line.

“Sorry, just had to check something with Theo. Look, I’m on my way. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Oh Beth, please, you don’t have to do that. Honestly, I’m okay…” Truth was, she needed her best friend more than anything.

“Nonsense! Get the wine ready. See you soon.”

Amber smiled as she hung up the call. She could always rely on Beth — their whole lives they had each other’s back, always there for each other.

True to her word, within a half hour, Beth had arrived at her door. Amber hugged her friend fiercely, not realising how much she needed her until now. She pulled apart and took in Beth’s appearance. Her long blonde hair was tied up in a messy bun and her make-up was very light, giving her the appearance of someone much younger than she was. Wearing yoga pants and a tight black top, she looked effortlessly stunning as usual.

Amber grabbed the bottle of white wine she had in the fridge, along with two glasses and they sat on the sofa, facing each other. Amber pulled her long legs up and tucked them under her, taking a sip from her glass.

“Okay, that’s enough. Put the glass down and spill.”

“God, you’re so bossy lately.” Amber grinned, placing her glass down.

A blush crept across Beth’s face and she chewed her lip thoughtfully. “Yes, you’re right. I’m sorry, hon, I think it’s the Theo effect.” She laughed as Amber raised her eyebrow in question. Beth shrugged and waved her hand. “I have to be quite strong around him as he treats me like cotton wool. I keep telling him I’m a big girl.” She looked exasperated, but Amber knew just how in love they were with each other. Theo was extremely protective of her. “Enough about me.” She took Amber’s hand. “Tell me what happened, Ambs. I’ve never heard or seen you so upset – especially over a guy.”

Amber told her everything. From their night together just over couple of weeks back to everything that happened over the weekend. Beth listened carefully, without interrupting her. When Amber finished speaking, she considered her carefully.

“Amber, do you think you may have properly fallen for him? Because I think you have, hon. I see love written all over your face when you speak of Nico.” She smiled softly at Amber, sensitive to the fact that this wasn’t what she wanted to hear.

“Why does everyone keep saying that? First, Mia, then you…?” She trailed off, throwing her arms up into the air as she reached for her glass.

“Amber, listen to me okay? I’ve known you practically all our lives, right?”

Amber nodded in agreement as Beth continued.

“Sweetie, I know you had a shitty life growing up with your dad and the numerous affairs your mum put up with.” Beth’s eyes filled with tears at the memories of a young Amber too scared to stay at home and witness the constant fights between her parents. “But, have you ever thought that maybe you’ve somehow closed yourself off to love?”

Amber sniffed as her eyes welled up. “I won’t be a doormat like mum,” she whispered.

“You’re not anything like your mum, Amber! Look at you. You’re beautiful, you are strong, you have an amazing career….how could anyone ever walk over you?”

“Nico Moretti could,” she burst out.

Beth exhaled softly. “Amber, how do you know if you won’t even give him a chance?”

Amber’s tears ran down her cheeks. “Because he’s a womaniser, B,” she cried out. “Because I see him with a different girl every week. How could he possibly stay committed to me?” She shook her head, roughly wiping away her tears. “I’d just be living my mum’s life. And I won’t do that.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes whilst each processed their thoughts. Beth stood up and went to dial for a take-away whilst they talked about other lighter subjects for a few minutes. When the food arrived, they sat at the table and Amber was reminded of how Nico had sat there in the same seat a week ago. How much had changed in the space of a week. Her heart actually felt like it was hurting.

Lost in her thoughts, Beth spoke. “You know, I understand just how you feel about the womanizing part.” She looked away, glancing into the distance. “Remember how I cried on your shoulder the same way? I worked for Theo so I actually had the pleasure of planning his dates.”

She scrunched her nose, grimacing at the memory. “I was also hesitant like you, Amber. Could I really trust him? As you know, it took us a little while to get there, but I can tell you now, that I worried for nothing. And I really think it will be the same for you and Nico. Give it a bit of time. If it’s meant to be, he’ll fight for you.” She looked earnestly at Amber. “But you have got to learn to trust too, hon. Not all men are like your father. Neither of our men were or are married with a kid at home, playing away.”

Amber nodded silently as Beth continued. “If he fights for you, like I think he will, then at least give him a chance. Don’t penalise him for something he hasn’t even done.”