Defense

  “You’re welcome. Have a good night.” He tenderly smiled.

  “You too.”

  I waited for his lips to brush against mine. Even a trace of a kiss on my cheek would have been acceptable. But he didn’t. He turned around and headed towards the elevators with his hands tucked in his pockets. The fire that engulfed me down below was a constant flame that erupted each time he was near me. He wanted me. I could see it in his eyes and I felt it in the way he would touch the small of my back with his hand. The same hand that gently caressed my cheek. Thoughts of what those hands could do to other areas of my body invaded my mind.

  Upon opening the door, Olivia jumped up from the couch.

  “I need to talk to you,” she spoke with an urgency in her voice.

  “Okay.” She followed me to my bedroom and shut the door.

  “Julia called me earlier.”

  “WHAT?!” I threw my purse on the bed and looked at her.

  “I didn’t want to interrupt your date with Luca, so that’s why I waited until you got home to tell you.”

  I swallowed the hard lump that rose in my throat as I sat down on the bed and clutched the comforter with my fingers.

  “How did she get your number?”

  “How does one get anybody’s phone number nowadays?” She took a seat next to me.

  “What did she want?”

  “She asked if I had heard from you. I told her no, of course. And then I asked her why she was asking.”

  “And?” I looked over at her.

  “She just said you took off and they haven’t been able to get in contact with you and the family is worried. She said she knew it was a long shot, but she had to call anyway. She also said they knew you flew to New Jersey, so maybe you’d be coming to see me.”

  “Great.” I got up from the bed and paced the room. “So they are searching for me.”

  “Ari, do you blame them? They love you and they’re worried sick.”

  I whipped my head around and pointed my finger at her.

  “No. If they loved me, they would have told me and not pretended to be something they weren’t. They fucked with my life, Olivia. And if I hadn’t stumbled in on that conversation, they never would have told me, and that’s just fucked up!” I shouted with tears in my eyes.

  “I know it is, sweetie.” She got up from the bed and wrapped her arms around me. “But they’re still your family, your blood, and they’re worried about you. Imagine being in their shoes.”

  “I would never be in their shoes.” I broke our embrace. “I never would have done what they did.”

  “How did furniture shopping go?” she asked to calm me down.

  “Luca took me to a really expensive store, which was way out of my budget. After I get my keys on Sunday, I’m going to the clearance outlet. It’s all I can afford right now.”

  “Look on the bright side. After you pass the bar and start working as a lawyer for the firm, you’ll be raking in the dough.” She smiled. “Do me a favor?”

  “What?”

  “Just call your family so they can hear that you’re okay. Maybe if they hear your voice, they’ll accept the fact that you’re not coming back. I’m heading to bed. I’ll see you in the morning.” She gently smiled as she patted my shoulder.

  After changing into my nightshirt and climbing into bed, I picked up my phone from the nightstand and pulled up Luca’s number. I knew it was late, but I just needed to hear his voice.

  “Ariana, is everything okay?” he answered.

  “Yeah,” I spoke in a soft voice. “I just wanted to thank you again for everything you’ve done for me.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Okay. I just wanted to tell you that. Good night, Luca.”

  There was a moment of silence on the other end.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked again.

  “Is anybody ever really okay? But I’m fine.”

  “Good night, Ariana.”

  “Night.”

  After ending the call, I sank down into my covers and took in a deep breath. I would call my family after I settled into my new place.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Luca

  Placing my phone on the nightstand, I lay back on my pillow and thought about Ariana. Something was wrong. I could tell by the sadness that resided in her voice. It bothered me more than I understood why.

  The next day, I drove to Nyack for my weekly visit with my grandfather. We usually met on either Saturday or Sunday, depending on what was going on. Since I was spending time with Ariana tomorrow, I set up our visit for today.

  “Hello, Didi.” I smiled as I stepped through the door.

  “Hello, Luca. Your grandfather is out on the patio.”

  “Thank you.”

  I made my way to the patio and found my grandfather sitting in his wheelchair at the patio table, reading the newspaper.

  “Luca, my boy.” He smiled as I approached him.

  “Hello, Grandfather.”

  “Go pour yourself a scotch and have a seat. It’s a beautiful day out. Wouldn’t you say?”

  “Yes. It’s a great day. Refill?” I asked as I picked up his glass.

  He gave me a smile and a small nod. Setting our drinks down on the table, I took the seat across from him.

  “I got a call the other day from David Hildenberg.”

  “Figured you would.” I smirked as I sipped my scotch.

  “Who is she, Luca?”

  “Her name is Ariana Williams and she’s very intelligent.”

  “Is she hot?” His brow arched.

  “Yes. As a matter of fact, she’s a very beautiful woman.”

  “And you think she’ll be a great asset to the firm or yourself?”

  A sly smile crossed my lips as I stared at my grandfather. He knew me too well.

  “To the firm. She graduated top of her class from Harvard Law. She was captain of the Harvard Mock Trial Team and her LSAT score was 180.”

  “Impressive.”

  “She found some evidence on a murder case I’m working on that proves reasonable doubt. When no one else could, she did. She’s good.”

  “Sounds to me like she’s the perfect woman. I want to meet her.”

  “Okay. I’ll bring her by some time.” I set down my drink.

  “You like her. I see it in your eyes,” he spoke.

  “She’s a nice woman. What isn’t to like?”

  “No, Luca, I mean you really like her. I’ve never seen this expression before when you talk about a woman.”

  “Grandfather—”

  “Don’t, son. Don’t try to pull one over on me. You’re thirty years old and you run your own law firm. It’s time to find someone, settle down, and share your life.”

  “You know I can’t do that,” I spoke as I got up from the table and looked out to the river.

  “You’re nothing like him, Luca. You never were and you never will be.”

  “I still have his blood flowing through my veins.”

  “You would do anything to protect the people you love. He only hurt them.”

  “I’m starving. Are we eating in or going out?” I smiled as I turned and looked at him.

  “Didi has prepared a wonderful meal. Let’s go inside.”

  We ate dinner, talked about law and business, had a couple of drinks, and then it was time to head home.

  “Drive safe, son.”

  “I will, Grandfather.” I leaned down and gave him a hug.

  ****

  Ariana

  I woke up and jumped out of bed, showered, got dressed, and made sure everything I had was packed and ready to go to my new apartment. As I poured myself a cup of coffee, my phone dinged and a smile crossed my face when I saw I had a text message from Luca.

  “What time shall I pick you up?”

  “I’m meeting Will at his office at noon.”

  “Then I’ll be by at 11:30. Sound good?”

  “Sounds great. See you then.”
r />   “Who are you texting?” Olivia asked as she walked into the kitchen.

  “Luca. He’ll be here at eleven thirty.”

  She stood there glaring at me.

  “What?” I asked.

  “Have you slept with him yet?”

  “No. Of course not.”

  “But you want to.” She smirked.

  “Maybe.” I bit down on my bottom lip.

  “Be careful, Ari. You have to work with him.”

  “I know.”

  “No, sweetie, you don’t. I’ve already mentioned this before. Luca is a player and I don’t want to see you get played. You don’t deserve that. He uses women.”

  “I’m a big girl, Mom, who can make big girl decisions. Plus, maybe I’m tired of playing it safe. Maybe I want to take a walk on the wild side. What if I played him?” I arched my brow. “Use him for my own satisfaction.”

  She cocked her head and narrowed her eye. “I don’t think you have that in you.”

  “I guess you’ll have to wait and find out.” I smiled.

  It was eleven thirty on the dot when I heard a knock on the door, only to find a handsome and sexy Mr. Luca Russo standing on the other side.

  “Are you ready?” he asked with a smile.

  “I am. My suitcases are in my room.”

  “I’ll send Carl up and he’ll take them to your apartment.”

  “Who’s Carl?” I smiled.

  “The man downstairs who is going to take your suitcases to your apartment.”

  “Okay then. Let’s go.”

  “Aren’t Olivia and Harry here?” he asked.

  “No. They had to get to a birthday party. We said goodbye earlier.”

  After signing the rental agreement, Will handed me the keys to my apartment. I clutched them in my hand and smiled as I looked at Luca.

  “Congratulations,” he said.

  “Thank you. I’m excited to see it again.”

  “Then let’s go.” He held out his arm.

  I stood outside my apartment and took in a deep breath as I slid the key into the lock. Opening the door, I stepped inside and immediately froze when I saw my space filled with furniture.

  “There has to be some mistake.” I looked at Luca. “Am I in the wrong apartment?”

  I turned and looked at the number on the door.

  “You’re in the right apartment, Ariana.”

  I swallowed hard as I began to ask him the question that I already knew the answer to.

  “Did you do this?”

  “I did.” He smiled. “Do you like it?”

  “Luca, why?” I asked with exasperation.

  “Do you like it, Ariana?”

  “Yes, of course I do.”

  I walked around, looking at the furniture I mentioned I liked the other night at the store. The same furniture that was out of my budget.

  “I can’t afford this. I told you that,” I spoke in a panicked voice.

  “I know and I didn’t want you to worry about it.”

  “How can I not worry about it?” I threw my hands in the air. “Luca, you’ve—”

  “I’ve what?” He walked over and clasped my shoulders.

  “You shouldn’t have done this. I can’t accept it.”

  “You can and you will. I’ve bought you everything you liked. You have a bar exam to worry about, Ariana. Not whether you can afford the furniture you like.”

  “It’s too much.” I slowly shook my head.

  “It’s only furniture and I’m afraid you’re stuck with it because there’s no way I’m having it all moved out.”

  A moment of silence took over. It was apparent that this conversation was a losing battle. What he had done was beyond words, and now, I was indebted to him.

  “Thank you.” I looked down.

  He placed his finger under my chin and lifted my head so our eyes met.

  “You’re welcome.” He smiled. “Wait until you see your bedroom.”

  He took hold of my hand and led me to my room that consisted of a full-size bed (the only size that would fit if I wanted to have any walking space), one nightstand, a dresser, a TV that hung on the wall, and a full-length mirror.

  I smiled as I stood in the doorway.

  “It’s the set I loved. Right down to the comforter set.”

  He sat down on the bed and stared at me for a few moments. His eyes raked over me from head to toe. He wanted payment for what he’d done for me and I was more than ready to give it to him.

  “Come here.” He held out his arms.

  I slowly walked over to him and climbed on his lap, locking my legs behind him and my arms around his neck. His scent was a subtle mixture of sage and woods. A scent that heightened my awareness of him every time he was near me. My body was on fire and the ache for him was greater than ever.

  We stared into each other’s eyes as I could feel the hardness of his cock pressing against my ass. It turned me on and I was ready to conquer Mr. Luca Russo. He brought his hand up to my forehead and his fingers slid down a few strands of my hair. Our stare was broken when his eyes diverted to my lips. If he didn’t kiss me by the time I silently counted to five, I would smash my mouth into his. But I didn’t have to. It only took to the count of three when his lips brushed against mine. Soft and gentle. Careful, but skillful at the same time.

  His hand wrapped around the nape of my neck as he pulled me closer and his tongue met mine, tangling like two souls who were destined to meet. A soft moan escaped me as I couldn’t get enough of his lips on mine. He broke the kiss and lifted my shirt over my head and stared at my breasts that were perfectly cupped in the black lace bra I wore. I patiently waited for his lips to touch mine once again, but instead, they roamed down my neck and to each breast, teasing my skin with the tip of his tongue and erupting the flames that resided down below.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Luca

  The cleavage that stood before me was pure perfection, a fantasy of what was yet to be revealed. My tongue slid up to her shoulder as her bra strap fell from its place. Sometimes, seeing a woman like this was sexier than seeing her completely naked. I had my reverie as to what she looked like unclothed and I couldn’t wait to see if I was correct.

  I reached around, unhooked her bra, and slowly removed it, revealing her perfect C cup breasts. Beautiful breasts. Full, round, perky, and one hundred percent natural. Her nipples were a fragile pink of hardened peaks that completed the package. I took them between my fingers first before drawing them into my mouth, giving each one equal attention. Her hands raked through my hair as she began to grind on my hard cock.

  “Slow down, baby, and stand up,” I spoke.

  She stood in front of me in nothing but a pair of black shorts. I could only imagine what she was hiding underneath them.

  ****

  Ariana

  I could barely control myself. Usually, I would be a little self-conscious before having sex with a guy. But with Luca, I didn’t. It felt natural and special. He wasn’t one of those men who wanted to hurry and rip off my clothes, shove his cock deep inside, and come within a few pumps. He was taking his time and getting acquainted with my body before we went any further. He sat on the edge of the bed and slowly unbuttoned his white short-sleeve cotton shirt. Sliding it off his shoulders, I gasped at what greeted me. A strong muscular chest and a six pack that I couldn’t wait to explore.

  “Take down your shorts for me,” he spoke in a low and sexy voice.

  Bringing my hands to my waist, I unbuttoned my shorts and slid them down my hips, revealing the black lace v-string I was wearing. I watched his reaction as he let out a soft gasp and then placed his hands on my hips.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he pulled me closer and his mouth pressed against my belly. “God, I want you so bad.”

  “I want you too.”

  His fingers gripped the sides of my panties as he slowly took them down.

  ****

  Luca

  She was now
completely naked and stood before me, her perfectly shaven pussy staring me in the face.

  “When was the last time you had sex?” I asked as my finger slid down her abdomen until it reached her clit.

  “A year ago,” she replied anxiously.

  The corners of my mouth curved up into a small smile as I sat there and looked at the luscious wet folds that hadn’t been touched by a man in a year. Placing my hands on her taut round ass, I pulled her closer and slid my tongue around her, circling her clit and feeling it swell against my lips. She tasted sweet, like candy. I stopped and stood up, smashing my mouth into hers.

  “Lie down on the bed and spread your legs.”

  ****

  Ariana

  My body was in overdrive with excitement. I lay down on the bed like he asked while he took down his pants, revealing his hard cock, which didn’t take me by surprise. I had visions of what it would look like in my head from time to time and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Long and thick. Proud and strong. Freshly shaven, which I found to be an incredible turn on.

  He took hold of my legs and ran his tongue up my inner thigh, teasing me with small strokes before making his way to my opening. His mouth slowly began to devour me, causing me to let out sounds I didn’t even know existed inside me. I felt his finger dip inside as his tongue circled my clit, causing a buildup of sensations that sent my body into a raging orgasm. An orgasm so strong that it made my toes curls.

  Luca lifted his head with a grin splayed across his face.

  “It makes me happy that you enjoyed that so much.”

  He hovered over me, his hands planted firmly on each side while he dipped his head and gently kissed my lips. I reached my hand down and brushed the tips of my fingers along his hard cock. He instantly grabbed my hand and pulled it away.

  “There will be plenty of time for you to satisfy my cock with your hand and mouth, but not now because I need to be inside that sweet tasting, warm, and beautiful pussy. I don’t suppose you’re on birth control since you weren’t having sex.”

  Our eyes were locked on each other’s as he spoke to me. I knew what he was asking.