Page 30 of Vincenzo's Promise
Usually the only thing that mattered when I spent time with a woman was whether I was fulfilled by the end of our time together, either sexually or through conversation. Rarely had I been able to achieve both. Most were either good in one area or the other, but with Isabella, she stimulated my mind, my thoughts. We had in-depth conversations about life, science, and politics during our dinner. She made me laugh and had me questioning different areas of my life. And I was certain, by the way she’d straddled my lap on the way to the airport and moved her generous hips, she’d have no trouble riding my dick. She was a remarkable woman.
We made our way to our master suite for the next six days.
“What’s that smile for?” she asked.
“Just thinking.”
“You care to elaborate, Mr. De Maio?” she asked, a trace of laughter in her voice. “You’ve had this look on your face since we left the beach.”
“Have I? I hadn’t noticed.”
“You don’t have to tell me. It’s fine.” She stopped at the entrance of the master suite and turned to me. “But whatever has that smile on your face, I hope it remains in your thoughts. I love it when you smile.”
She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed me gently before pulling away and opening the door to the bedroom.
As she walked into the room, my feet remained rooted firmly in place. Isabella had changed so much of my outlook on life, it was astonishing.
I hoped she remains in my life as well.
“Would you like to have a glass of wine or champagne and get into the hot tub before we call it a night?” she asked, her question bringing me out of my thoughts. “I’m so wired, I’m sure I’ll toss and turn all night if I try to lay down right now.”
“That would be wonderful, and remember, I still have a surprise for you.” I walked into the bedroom and into the walk-in closet while she rummaged through the clothing I’d had delivered before we arrived.
Cyrus had informed me his daughter was as frugal as they came, rarely lavishing herself with clothing, shoes, or jewelry like most women I knew. He had said the only thing she splurged on was purses. Other than that her time was spent at the hospital, and her money was put towards a charity she’d founded in her mother’s name to help kids from her mother’s old neighborhood go to college. It was endearing she wanted to give back to her mother’s community.
She groaned when I mentioned her surprise.
She’d made it clear she hated them, but I was sure once she saw what I’d planned for her on the back patio, all her complaints would disappear.
“Meet me by the pool when you’re ready.” I turned and headed to the pool, where I planned to surprise Bella with her engagement ring.
Although this marriage had started out as one of convenience, I still wanted her to experience the joy every future bride had, from the romantic setting and great music to the perfect engagement ring.
Angelo had outdone himself. The transformed back patio was spectacular. I hadn’t told him exactly what I wanted, only throwing out a few ideas, but if I had, this would be it.
The infinity pool glowed a deep cerulean, the edge surrounded in lit candles. The wooden deck had been stained a deep reddish-brown color, was also lit with torches, and flower petals were scattered sparsely over the entire space.
I walked over to the single fabric-covered table and poured the champagne sitting on ice into two flutes. I then picked up the black velvet box from the center of the table and waited for the feeling of dread to land in the pit of my stomach. Amazingly, it never came. Only the flutters of anticipation at her reaction assaulted me.
“This feels right.” I slipped the box into my pocket. “She feels right.”
I stared out at the moonlit ocean, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves sliding onto the sandy beach less than a hundred yards away from our home. A gentle breeze moved through the palm trees. The smell of the ocean and the earthy scents of the foliage surrounding the beachfront home wafted through the air, along with the light sounds of Nina Simone.
I inhaled deeply, letting the sounds and smells blanket me in peace.
“If I could stay in this place with Bella forever, it would make life so much easier,” I said, imagining what our life would be like if I wasn’t the Boss of the De Maio clan and she wasn’t the daughter of a rival organization. “Life would be absolutely perfect.”
I wonder if this is how Cyrus felt?
Her gasp brought me from my thoughts.
I turned and couldn’t help but smile at the surprise and tears glistening in her eyes. I walked to her, kissed her cheek, and then handed her a flute of champagne.
“This is so beautiful, Zo. You didn’t have to do this.”
“I know I didn’t have to, Bella. I wanted to. You deserve this.”
I escorted her to the table and pulled out her chair.
