L'amore: The Luminara Series (23 page)

“This smells divine. I’m so hungry. Did you prepare it, or did Rose?” I quiz while lifting off the plate covers.

“I did it while you were sleeping, but Rose baked some bread and cinnamon buns for us before going out.”

My heels are clicking together with excitement. I love sweet pastries, especially when they’re hot. I spread some apricot jam on the toasted bread. The first mouthful just feels like heaven, another sense I have awakened this morning—taste.

I drink a glass of orange juice in one go to quench my thirst. Lucca pours me another glass as I delve into a small bowl of fresh fruit and yogurt, then I enjoy Lucca’s omelettes with mushroom, cheese, ham, and chives, and his homemade tomato, basil, and oregano sausages with fresh tomato, onion, and balsamic chutney on the side.

Delicious.

I even manage a sticky cinnamon bun with my coffee afterwards. I feel fit to explode but very satisfied. Lucca reads his newspaper, but occasionally glances towards me, shaking his head in amusement when I dip my finger in the apricot jam and lick it off.

“Enjoy that?”

“Yes, it was wonderful, thank you.”

“I have something for you.” He grins. He walks over to his jacket that’s hanging over the suede sofa and lifts something small from his pocket, clutching it in his palm looking very entertained with himself.

“Lucca, you have already given me far too much and it’s making me restless. I don’t want people thinking we’re together because I’m after you for your generosity, and the breakfast was more than a big enough treat. I’m very grateful you look after me and are such a great chef,” I assure him.

“I do not give a flying fuck what other people think. I am spoiling you for the rest of our lives, and I love how appreciative you are about everyday little things. One of the many reasons why I love you.” He walks around the back of my chair.

I’m expecting him to dangle some form of expensive bling around my neck, but instead he places something cold and sharp in my hand and kisses my head. Opening my palm, there are two key fobs placed in the centre. Staring while knitting my brow, I’m a little confused.

“What’s this?” I ask.

“Your new transport.”

“Lucca, have you bought me a car? When? And why are there two key fobs?” I ask sternly.

“Yes. If you are going all fiery on me, hurry up about it so I can take you over that sofa,” he chuckles, rubbing his thumb along the bottom of his lip.

“You’re an ass. Are you just trying to get a reaction out of me so you can have your wicked way?” I retort, staring at the fobs in one palm with my other hand on my hip.

Raising his brow roguishly, he leans over and presses a button on the key fobs. Beeping, squealing, and irritating car alarm sirens go off.

Sound … my last sense this morning and shit, if it isn’t annoying.

“Jesus, what’s going on?” I moan, screwing my face with the impetuous noise.

“You should go outside and sort that noise out, baby. Your vehicles will attract attention.”

I throw my napkin at him and pace to the French doors. Throwing them open, I walk onto the balcony and see two magnificent cars in front of the house. I squeal with delight like a child at Christmas, hopping side to side with excitement. Running towards him, I give him the biggest, most appreciative kiss I can, then run out the suite, down the stairs, and throw the front door open.

Oh my goodness.

There is a sleek, sexy, sports car and a smart looking sporty 4x4.

What the hell?

True to his word, he has actually bought me two exquisite cars.

I place my hands on both fobs to quiet the alarm sounds. Walking around the first car, I run my fingers along the pretty, sleek, sparkly sheen from the body—a deep blue colour. It’s sophisticated, elegant, yet sporty. The hood is down, and I can smell the newness of the leather.

Lucca joins me, wearing just his lounge pants, as I stare in complete awe, not knowing what to do with myself. Not that I’m one for flashy or material things but wow … this is exciting and they are so impressive.

“It is an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. I like Aston Martins and I thought you would like this model,” Lucca explains.

“Wow. Oh, wow, oh, wow. I don’t know what to say.” I throw my hand over my mouth completely awe-inspired.

Holy shit.

“Well, stop gawking and get in. Tell me what you think.”

Happy to oblige, I open the door and jump in. I throw my head back on the peacock blue leather headrest and close my eyes. My grandpa would be impressed by this car. I run my fingers over the wheel, absorbing the sophistication of the interior. There are so many buttons and gadgets.

Lucca opens the passenger door and slides in.

“Do you like it?” he asks. “It is your gift of the day.”

My eyes pool with happy, delighted tears. “I love it, but I can’t believe you got me an Aston Martin. This car is truly amazing. I don’t know what to say other than thank you. And
you are my gift of the day.
Every day.”

“Do you like the colour I chose? I thought of the blue orchid.”

I think of his eyes.

“Yes, it’s beautiful. I would have picked this myself.” Nibbling on my bottom, I broaden my smile, appreciating the custom designed colour.

I throw my arms around his neck. Then, completely out of character for me, I twist and throw myself on his lap, straddling him. I’m so overwhelmed, I just want to hold him and shower him with gratitude.

I kiss him as his hands slide into my silk robe. I press my naked body against his, and he clenches my ass.

“Fuck, if this is the appreciation I get, I need to do this more often. I want to take you right now, right here.”

“What about Rose and Peter?” I consider.

“Relax, they are in the village. Then they are going away for the weekend since we are having the family over.”

I dive my tongue deep into his mouth and ask for it, so of course, I get it.

In the front seat of my new car. With the hood down. In broad daylight.

Car sex. My new favourite.

Leaning against his chest, I’m soaked in perspiration. Spent, happy, and content. His arms are still wrapped around me inside the silk robe; his lounge pants are dropped to his ankles. We press foreheads and caress each other.

“That was fucking amazing. We definitely need to do this more often,” he says before biting my bottom lip.

“Mmmm hmmm,” I mutter in my sated trance. “This is an amazing surprise.”

“So was this. I love it when you unexpectedly jump me. That was hot as hell.” He traces his thumb around the curve of my breast.

“And I thought you were a romantic.” I smirk back.

“I am romantic, ravenous, raw, and randy as fuck. Lucky for you.” He winks then darts his tongue out to slide along my bottom lip.

“You’re an ass and full of yourself.” I’m trying so hard not to giggle, watching him waggle his eyebrows.

“Lex, you are dying to laugh and you know that I am right.”

“You missed the part about being cocky, persistent, obnoxious, confident, bossy, temperamental, and possessive.” I laugh, jabbing at his chest.

“It is good to see you smile again,” he sighs wholeheartedly, dismissing the character I’ve just gave him.

Cocky.

Persistent.

Obnoxious.

Confident.

Bossy.

Temperamental.

Possessive.

“Of course, there are lots of compliments I can give you too,” I add for safe measure.

“Oh, pray tell.” He moves some long, stray curls away from my face.

“Nope, your ego is big enough. Can I look at the other car now?” As I twist and slide back on the driver’s seat, he playfully smacks my ass.

The second car is a black BMW X5 SUV. Lucca explains he traded his Land Rover in as he wanted a newer, durable four-wheel drive for visiting the construction sites, and I can use it for Doris, so it was a sensible decision.

This car is also luxurious, but it’s a formidable family car with seven seats. It will be practical for Lucca’s large family should they travel with him. After the interior tour, he takes my hand, guiding me around the front of both vehicles.

I gasp when I see the registration plates. The Aston Martin plate reads CAR US07 and the BMW reads LEX1.

OH. MY. GOD!

I have my own name on a plate, this is very surreal.

Understanding the significance of LEX1, I am baffled looking at the Aston Martin because Lucca already has CAR USO4.

Why would he need another?

“Lucca, the plates are amazing, but I don’t understand why you have your surname again.”

“It is your car, baby, and as you agreed to be my wife, you will have my name very soon. I spoke to the family, and as a gift I am giving you 07, the next Caruso plate. I wanted to keep it for our wedding, but since the cars were ready, I thought I would just use them. So you will have to marry me now.” He exhales on his last words, awaiting my reaction.

He’s nervous. He also asked me again last night with the orchid petals. It’s as if he thinks I’m going to change my mind.

“Lucca, it’s too generous, too much, but of course I’m marrying you. I just said that I’d like to wait awhile before we rush into it, but that doesn’t mean I’m not marrying you. I told you, you are mine.
In every way
.” He trails his thumb over my bottom lip. “Are you sure that your family is okay with this? I don’t have your name yet, and we haven’t been together long.”

“Yes, they are fine. Kate has a private registration that her father got her years ago, so she will not change it, and Sarah is not into flashy things. She cringes when she has to use Armando’s car. Anna already has 06.”

“Maybe the number should be kept for your nieces and nephews.”

“No, you are going to be the next Caruso, so it is yours, lucky seven. I want you to have it. I am serious. I want you as my wife, Lexi.”

I think this is his way of manipulating me into a speedy marriage. “Nice try. I love the cars, and the plates, but I’m happy to wait a little bit longer before jumping into the registry office.” I turn on my bare heels and walk back inside.

I can hear him chuckle behind me. Damn, he’s infuriating sometimes.

Episodes

I dress in a designer black chiffon blouse and slim fitting capri trousers—an outfit Lucca bought me that I wore on holiday and brought back with me. I tidy up the breakfast dishes and kitchen since Lucca’s housekeepers are not back in until Monday and Rose is away for the weekend. I quite like doing normal things, and it’s nice having the house all to ourselves because I imagine it’s going to be chaotic with the family later on.

I’m conscious of my time, so I fluff up the cushions on the sofas and arrange the flowers we brought down from the suite. Separating them into vases, I place them in the hallway, lounge, and dining room.

I have a doctor’s appointment. Then I need to check on Mr. Carlin, meet Lucy for lunch, and make some calls. I call Hazel and ask her to come and pick me up to take me to the doctors as I don’t want to disturb Lucca while he’s working and I’m still not cleared for driving. I give her the new code for the gates after our unexpected visitor the other night. She parks her silver Renault Clio beside mine, and I hear her squawking outside. I walk out to meet her, and she shakes her head, eyeing me up.

“Aye, aye, Captain. Reporting for duty.” She salutes. “How’s my little cub today? Wow, you brush up well, Roo, even in plain clothes you still look like a million dollars. So tell me, are you feeling better? Did you two talk? And is the love boat calm or is it still rocking?”

“Thanks … and I’m good. I feel so much better. We talked and worked it out eventually, and I’ve caught up on some sleep. He knows how I feel and I’m glad I got it off my chest.” I smile and twirl the button on the sleeve of my blouse.

“Well that’s a relief. I’m so glad you worked it out.” She cuddles me, admires the front of the house, then focuses on the garden. Are these your new cars, Roo? Bloody hell, you’ll have your own helicopter next. How exciting is this? Right, let’s have the tour of the castle. I’m so excited.”

“I like your jeans. Do you think I should change?” I ask her. She’s wearing tight, indigo denim jeans with a pink vest top and pink lipstick. I feel overdressed now for a trip to the doctor’s.

“No, you look lovely,” she replies, sashaying past me.

Doris and Lucca walk into the hall. She has really settled in and seems to be like Lucca’s shadow. She even lies on the floor at the bottom of his desk in the study when he’s working. He’s in his sexy jeans and a tight, grey knit V-neck top. I smile because his top is actually the same colour as Doris coat.

He kisses Hazel on both cheeks and lets Doris rampage out onto the front lawn. I hear Hazel apologise for slapping him, but he says he deserved it and she agrees. I expect there to be some hostility between them, but it’s not too bad. I think that Hazel has made herself clear and Lucca respects her for taking such good care of me … an understanding of sorts.