Getting to his car—a sleek black Jeep—I opted for the backseat. We drove to Bella-Anima, a suburb known for a wide variety of gelato. When I celebrated my tenth birthday, Papa brought me here. He'd been financially stable then. Alessio parked in front of the ice-cream parlours: Sapore Dolce. "Here we are. Rina?"I snapped my gaze from the window. "We've arrived. Come on. Let's go in." My gaze left him and went to the parlor. Mindlessly, I shook my head. "No, I…we can't be seen together." I had to take the necessary precautions. Once bitten twice shy. "I'll stay here."His eyes, brown like honey, bored into me. Feeling exposed, I looked down to my laps. "Okay. What's your favorite flavor?"I shrugged. "Anything is fine.""Be right back." I breathed a sigh when he left, at the same time wondering why I'd held my breath. This wasn't Piccolo Maestro, was he? I bit my lip and looked out to the window. A bead of tear rested on my lower lid. My lips parted slightly.That image. I cou
VINCENZOShe knew I was handicapped and it was the reason why she'd pulled me out in the middle of a game and had me stand as a loafer while she got her nails done. "Si, Paula. Yes, I know. The media is messing up these days," she said to the phone and looked down at her toes. "I have to tell you this. I'm not happy you didn't make it. Had so much in store for you." Pause. "Oh, please, two years is such a long time." My very audible sigh affected Madre in no way. She carried on with her conversation as though I wasn't here. Battling with impatience, I leaned against the wall—my hands in my pockets—and stared straight off."If you say so. Alright, then. Ciao." She clicked the phone off and sighed with longing in her eyes. "Funny woman."I expected her to tell me the reason for the summoning, but she still didn't acknowledge me. Instead, she stared down at her toes, telling the pedicurist what she needed."You called me," I spoke up.She shot up a finger. This time around, I couldn'
I remained in the car while the driver went to direct the…visitors here. Madre. I had no words for her. None at all.A particular chatter entered my ears. That of a girl on the phone and a guy—but mainly the girl as she wouldn't give her lips a break. A flick to the right showed a blonde dressed in a sweater and miniskirt. There was a guy walking beside her, about two inches shorter. Was that…The driver who hurried behind them with their luggage confirmed my suspicion. Good Lord.I set my emotions aside and came down the car. As soon as her eyes met mine, she gasped."Talk to you later. I just saw him." She killed the line.I shoved my hands into my pockets, bracing for what was to come. My attention was drawn to her laps. Not gonna lie, she'd got shapely legs. But then, I couldn't help but wonder if Madre really knew her? If so, then wow. Wow because I never expected the old-fashioned woman to approve of this dressing. The guy next to her couldn't for the love of anything good, lo
Rina I reached the guest room and knocked. "Come in." I pushed the door and got in. Signore Amato was standing. "You sent for me.""Yes. I really want to apologize earlier. I'm sorry I was clumsy. I should have looked before opening the door." He spoke with the same foreign accent as the girl. "It's okay, sir. I wasn't hurt.""Oh, thank the moon goddess." I didn't get any other response from him. So, I looked up—and there he was staring at that part of me I had begun to hate. My ugly, ugly, very disgusting chest. Yes, just as Piccolo Maestro called it. I shut my eyes and took a while to gather myself together. I didn't want to believe I'd gotten another creep to worry about. "Sir, is there anything I can help you with?" With still no reply from him, I snapped my eyes open. This time, a tight furrow ran across my brow. "Sir, what can I help you with?" It was quite a job keeping a calm tone. "Hm?" He looked at me as though I'd said the unthinkable. "You requested my presence,
VincenzoMadre had done it again. She had played another wild card by asking me to take Liliana on a tour. Begrudgingly, I did so, and just as I'd expected, the blondie never kept shut. We made our way into the garden. Liliana chuckled at one of her childhood experiences as we came upon the bridge. We stopped to look at the stream underneath."Wow. The pack house is such a wonder, but I have to ask. Why so many trees? I mean, look at all the land allotted for greenery. Wait, is the Alpha a fiend?" I leaned against the bridge. "Well, you can go ask him, you know." I hadn't intended to give her a warm smile. Or maybe, she was the one that misinterpreted it. She hid her cheeks under her feathery hair and looked away. I took a while to appreciate her prettiness. Liliana had a clear fair skin, and in this airy evening, it glowed. Her hair was cut in layers, and delicately laid on her shoulders. I'd had the opportunity to look into her eyes. They shined like emeralds. The exact color
VincenzoBarging into her room, I slammed Liliana on the wall. Desire multiplied in such a manner I couldn't think straight. My clutch went to her boobs, and she wailed like the whore she was, denying me the chance to relish their softness. "You know what I've been telling you, Liliana." I couldn't kick her out. Not only because I got to cum, but also, she was Madre's guest. "I don't like it when you moan.""I…oh shit." Her grip on my shoulder tightened. "I can't. I can't hold it in."Squeezing on more, I whispered into her ears, "You can and you will. Keep your mouth shut and I promise you a nice hot fuck.""Okay," she hissed and gripped my shoulder. I undid her buttons and yanked the bluse of her shoulder. In a sleek fashion, I removed her bra and met her nipple with my tongue. She attempted moaning, but caught herself and instead, released pleasure by holding onto my shoulder. I licked, then sucked and returned to grabbing. My modus operandi. Having had my fill, I pulled down
"So, tell me. What's one culture shock you've had since you got to Italy?" Madre asked."Uhm…I'll start with the very first one. Too little ice in drinks," Liliana said."Hmm?""Yes, I mean, oh my God. In the US, we are given a truck pile of ice with just a drop of drink. I can't understand."Madre's throaty laugh irritated me. It was funny that someone who'd set strict rules about table etiquette was the same person breaking it. "I've been to the US once, and I must say, I didn't have such experience.""It depends on where you were, Luna. In local shops, you are fed with ice." "You must be glad to be back home." Madre rose her glass to her lips. "Sure thing, Luna." Liliana placed her hand on mine. "Sure thing."I didn't face her nor did I give her a smile. I was done pretending. So done. "Alpha Moreno?" she piped again. Could this girl not give her mouth some time off? "Yes.""I was talking to Vince the other day, expressing how wowed I am with the trees here. The garden is en
RINA"Calm down, bambina."I turned from the closet. "No, Mama. No. Don't tell me to calm down. Who gave her the right to spill that drink on you?"My anger was lethal. I was in flames. How dare she? How dare she insult Mammà?"It's fine, really. It's my fault. I shouldn't have—""What? What are you talking about?""Rina…" Mama rubbed her forehead. "Keep your voice down, please."Tears brewed in my eyes; I turned the other way, huffing. Mammà drew close and placed her hand on my shoulder. "It's okay. You should be used to these things.""How?" I choked in my sob. "How can you say that? Why…why are some people ass—"Mama covered my lips. "Hey." She frowned. "The walls have ears. Stop this."That was what she would always say. Stop this. Ignore them. Endure. I couldn't deal anymore. Couldn't put up with the hostility life had been throwing at us. The hurt overwhelmed me. I collapsed on her. "I feel useless.""No.""I feel dumb, Mama.""Rina.""I couldn't stand up for you. I stood li