Thanks to these ridiculous shoes, I am able to lean my head on the front of his shoulders. “Thank you, I do appreciate the gesture, but no.” I remove my hand and place the card in the back pocket of his jeans, keeping my hand there a little longer than necessary and groping his amazing butt cheek.
“We are not arguing about this here. Take the card back,” he demands, shocked I’ve refused it.
“No.” I slip my hand out his pocket, stand back, and press my lips together, knitting my brow.
“Why?” I can see his jaw twitch. He’s trying to keep his cool, but I know he’s getting irritated. The more I refuse him, the more frustrated he’ll get, so I try and sound convincing with control in my tone to make him see reason.
“Because I just want
you
. I don’t need anything else.” Crossing my arms over my chest I watch him sigh and shake his head. Why does he not believe me? I’ve always told him
I just need him.
“Is this because of what your mother said?” Grabbing his bottom lip with his middle finger and thumb, he pinches and pulls it then rubs his jaw. I’d say he is beyond frustrated now and here is not the place for me to talk about it and get him worked up.
Yes
.
I don’t respond. I look down instead.
“Doc, please take the card.” His steps towards me, sighing in exasperation.
“No, I don’t want it.” I’m not backing down. I raise my voice and mimic his loud sighing so he knows I’m angry.
“For fuck’s sake, you are driving me crazy. Stop arguing with me and take the goddamn card, or I will pick you up in a fireman’s lift and walk with you into every fucking shop in Glasgow and make sure you use it.” His posture has become tense, and he sounds deadly serious. His eyes narrow on me and his jaw twitches.
Shit.
He runs his fingers through his hair.
I unfold my arms, hand now on my hip, and step back evaluating the seriousness of his threat. “You wouldn’t dare.”
He exhales in exasperation again, a flicker of certainty in his eyes. “One last chance,” he warns.
The football team boys are all witnessing this. “Lexi, you might want to reconsider that,” Armando adds. He has left his table and is playing with the kids on the floor space behind us.
I ignore him. “I’ll be back shortly. Go and talk to the boys and keep your eye on the kids.” I turn on my heels and walk towards our table to retrieve my handbag. Savio has just ended a phone call and watches me approach, looking flushed with anger. I only make it a few steps before I squeal as my body is swiftly lifted off the floor. I’m hanging over Lucca’s shoulder leaving everyone chuckling at Lucca’s exhibition.
“Put me down.”
“No.”
“Lucca Caruso, put me down right now!” I yell and try to wiggle. His grip only holds me tighter. My cheeks are red and my long, brown, glossy locks are hanging down past his butt. His hand is splayed across my ass in my tight figure-hugging dress in an attempt to preserve my modesty.
Oh dear Lord. Beam me up because I’m mortified.
“I think we will go to that boutique in the corner since we need to get new lingerie. I keep tearing all the others off you,” he says loud enough so everyone hears.
Bastard!
The entire table of boys have overhead and will love to relish in the details.
I smack his back. “Lucca!” I scold him. “Cameron, tell him to put me down!”
“Sorry, Lex. I’m actually finding this rather amusing.”
Bastard!
“Lucca, drop me right now,” I bark, then I ruffle a sigh as I know he’s not going to when he starts walking with me. “
Will you accept?”
“Yes, just let me down,” I moan.
Folded, crumbled, but definitely not melted.
Not under these circumstances.
Slowly, he slides me down his body in a tight embrace. I rub against every toned ripple of his eight pack abdominal muscles then his hard bulge. Oh God, it’s turned him on.
Bloody horny asinine arse.
My hair is all over the place, so now I actually do look like his cavewoman. Sniggering, he moves it away from my face. I’m breathing frantically and very hot. He kisses me in apology, but I press my lips firmly closed, not returning the gesture because I am so pissed off.
“Will you accept the card?”
“Yes, but that was uncalled for,” I snap, jabbing my finger in his chest.
“Please, be reasonable. It was just a bit of fun, and you will be my wife soon enough, so I want to share everything with you. It is important for me to take care of you.” He places his arms around my neck and pulls me in closer to him so our foreheads touch.
“Lucca, you embarrassed me, and everyone is staring at us.”
“Fuck them, let them stare. I just need you to do this for me. You really are stubborn, Miss Robertson, but I fucking love it,” He says, grinning with his wicked smile.
I sigh, rolling my eyes. “Give me the card before I faint, and if you don’t see me again … I’ve run away,” I jest in surrender.
His eyes burn me. He’s not amused. “Do not say shit like that. It is not funny. You promised not to run again.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it literally,” I mutter, lowering my head, but he lifts it up gently. I said it without thinking.
“No, do not dare apologise. I over reacted. I am sorry. Kiss me, dolcezza.”
His hot breath on my lips has me rattling at the knees and elicits a flutter deep in my stomach. He moves his hands up, grabs the back of my head, entangling my wavy, long mass in his hands, and I close my eyes, kissing him indulgently without consideration for anything else round about me.
Tongues circling.
Clashing.
Caressing.
“I am looking forward to ravishing every inch of this glorious, sexy body tonight.”
And now I’m melted.
Into him.
For him.
Liquid love.
I’m damp between my legs, sensitive and twitching to have him on me, in me, and around me, but I need to compose myself and wait before I drag him into the restrooms and allow him to do just that right now. God! He does it to me every time.
“You have a lot of making up to do for embarrassing me. I will expect complete attention all night long.” I run my fingers through his curly jet-black hair. I’m not asking, I’m telling.
“Fuck. Oh, I plan on doing nothing else. Do you still love me?” He smirks, running his tongue along his bottom lip. Every time he does that he looks vulnerable but ever so sexy.
“Yes, I love you. Can I go now?” I grumble because I’m exasperated with this little performance.
“Yes, keep your phone on and remember your pin is stored in it.” He places the card back in my hand and walks me to the edge of the tables to get my bag. Everyone claps and cheers.
Ugh.
“And that, boys, is my sister.” Cameron directs to the table. “I’m glad you made up because I’d get her moaning shit later if you hadn’t,” Cameron jests towards Lucca.
Fuck!
File F for fireman’s lift. Fireman’s lifts are so goddamn humiliating.
I blush, fluttering my lashes and forcing a smile towards our local celebrity boys who are mesmerised by my antics. Lucca smacks my ass playfully before sending me on my way.
Roberta pulls at my dress. “Aunty Lexi, were you naughty? Why was Uncle Lucca lifting you?” Her big, blue, innocent eyes are staring up at me. Everyone chuckles at her question.
“Yes, she was naughty, Roberta,” Lucca answers for me.
I’m rolling my eyes but certainly not entertaining that comment. “Princess, I’m going off to find your mummy. I’ll be back soon. You have fun and pick a nice teddy bear out.” I bend down and kiss her forehead.
Lucca watches me, smiling fondly, but I’m also aware of Jackson devouring me with his eyes. I choose to ignore that look.
File.
Ignore.
Denial.
The order of my life.
I have no intention of spending Lucca’s cash on myself, but I do have some gifts I’d like to purchase, so my first stop is the Swiss pen shop within the indoor centre. I don’t want Lucca to see where I’m going so I take the elevator and walk around the first floor. I bought him a sleek ballpoint pen in Tuscany, so I opt for a fountain pen this time—more of a keepsake rather than an everyday use pen.
I don’t have time to get this one engraved, so I have the Diamond Le Grande fountain pen wrapped, knowing he loves anything with diamonds. When I slot the card in the chip and pin machine, I feel sweaty and nervous, as if I’m doing something wrong. I feel guilty using his cash instead of mine, but this is for him so I can just about justify this.
I’m going to marry Lucca, and I know he will appreciate my gift and will not think twice about the money. My stomach backflips in case it’s the wrong pin or it doesn’t work, but then I know enough to realise Lucca’s bank account is financially secure.
When the helpful attendant smiles and tears off the receipt, I relax my shoulders and breathe. Feeling relieved, I call Hazel and find they are in Buchanan Galleries—a large, indoor shopping centre ten minutes up Buchanan Street. I tell her I’m going to House of Fraser department store and I won’t be long.
I know exactly what I am going to purchase.
I walk straight past the cosmetic counters. Although, I kick myself as this is my own guilty pleasure. I adore make up and skin products, and I could go absolutely mad in here buying pretty powders and glosses and sweet smelling creams, all of which I don’t need right now. It’s not about me today.
My mum thinks my desire for them is because when I was younger and trapped, we only had running water from an outdoor hose and that was it. No soap or toothpaste or general toiletries. I remember my mum on her monthly cycle using a rolled up face cloth to absorb her blood, then she would rinse it outside in a bucket. I’m lucky that my cycle didn't start until we escaped.
I feel self-conscious about the scars on my back. It’s all in my mind, but without cosmetics I feel stripped bare and it makes me think of being naked, scarred and …
ugly
.
They’ve always made me feel ugly, and using cosmetics, even if it’s just the hint of a little blush on my cheeks, makes me feel less bare and exposed.
I continue my wandering until I reach the lingerie department. The efficient attendant approaches me and asks if I need assistance. Of course, I’m mortified. I politely refuse and peruse the rails of designer underwear on my own. Again, this gift will be for Lucca, and I plan to wear it when he gets home next week. The thought of it sparks my intense, raging desire for him. I find what I’m looking for, and it’s wrapped and bagged.
I meander towards Buchanan Galleries slower than normal due to my high heels’ height, just enjoying the day.
Once I reach the Buchanan Galleries shopping centre, Hazel texts to say they are all shopped out and in Starbucks having coffee. I tell her I will join them shortly and venture towards John Lewis department store to purchase a few more small gifts for all the people in my life now. I have no hesitation over spending Lucca’s money on his family. The thought makes me smirk to myself as I repeatedly hand over the shiny little card.
I have gifts for my mum and grandparents from Tuscany, but I’m feeling horrible after my fight with my mum and would like to purchase her something special. I know exactly what I’m going to get her—something that has changed my whole life, and something I should have done earlier when my therapist Casey recommended it. Something that Lucca introduced to me for which I will be entirely grateful because it has been so special to me.
A journal.
My last stop before meeting the girls for coffee is the kitchen and housewares shop. I’ve found the perfect third gift for Lucca. Just as I pay for an ice-cream maker, my phone chirps.
“What are you buying for the kitchen? Rose would have taken care of that. You should be buying yourself something nice.” I turn around looking for him and don’t see him anywhere.
“How did you know I’m in here?”
“We saw you go in. We are next door stuffing teddy bears. You want one?”
I chuckle. “Lucca, I think I’m a bit old for teddy bears.”
He laughs. “Okay, come and get us when you are done.” The thought occurs to me that I’ve never actually owned a teddy bear or cuddle toy ever in my life.
I walk in and see the kids having a ball picking outfits for their new teddy bears. Lucca pays and the kids all hang off his legs thanking him, showing lots of appreciation.
Once inside the coffee shop, I dump my bags and turn to talk with my handsome fiancé while Hazel orders an espresso for Lucca and a skinny latte for me.
“Good time?”
“Yes, it was productive,” I reply.
“Did you get something nice?”
I picture the lingerie, which is giving me sexy chills thinking about it and how nice it will be for both of us.
“Yes, I bought gifts actually and something very nice for you.”
He holds my hips and kisses my nose. “You are so thoughtful, and I love that you are, but if you are not going to treat yourself I will need to continue to spoil you anyway I can.”
I hope he means in the bedroom.
“You can spoil me tonight,” I whisper, stroking the end of my hair across my lips.
He mutters with a low groan and adjusts his jeans. “You have me twitching for you. You need to stop seducing me in public or we will not last until tonight, and I will need to take you into the restroom.”
After the fireman’s lift, I’ve no doubt in my mind he would as well.
I grin, knowing I’m being a tease, blithely running my teeth across my bottom lip. Lucca sharply hisses through clenched teeth, and I need to pull away before things become very heated.
I pass the bag containing a dress for Antonia over to Sarah who’s feeding her some soup in a highchair.
“Lexi, that is so thoughtful. Thank you so much. You’re very kind and it’s beautiful. Look, Antonia, at your pretty new dress,” Sarah says, holding the dress up to show Armando, keeping it away from the soup.
“Mummy, wook what we got!” Emilio holds his bear up to Kate.
“You are very lucky. I hope you all said thank you.”
“Skip, what did you get?” I ask.