Page 104 of Longing for Liberty
“Welcome to Tuscany,” he said.
I let out a breathy sound and said, “Thank you! It’s so beautiful!”
He let go of me to speak with the guard, and that’s when I noticed another man who appeared to be a guard step out of the car Amos had been in. Oh, crap. He hadn’t mentioned he’d have a guard for himself, though it made sense.
Great. Another obstacle.
“—staying at the Villa of Roses. Here’s the card in case of an emergency. We’ll meet back here in five days. I have a burner phone.” Amos pulled another piece of paper from his back pocket. “Here’s the number, plus the information for your hotel. Keep a close eye on him. He’s not to speak to anyone.” Amos glanced at Jeremy for the first time. Jeremy’s jaw rocked side to side before he dropped his gaze.
“Will do, boss.” The guard pocketed the business card and paper.
My pulse felt like a rocket ready to launch as I chanced one last glance at Jeremy, and our eyes locked for the pulse of one heartbeat.
Be careful.
Please, get away safely.
Be strong.
Be smart.
I love you.
They climbed into a car, and I tried not to shake as Amos opened the back door to his car for me, and I climbed in. His guard drove us. It took all of my willpower not to push Amos away as he began a heavy petting session, kissing me deeply right where the guard could see us in the rearview mirror. His hand started to slip up my skirt, and I put a gentle hand over it, glancing toward the driver.
“Are you being shy?” he whispered in my ear.
“I’m not used to other people being nearby,” I whispered back.
He took my face in his hand, and to my surprise, he eased off, smiling at me and twining his fingers with mine. A deep sigh eased out of me as I allowed myself to lean into him and stare out of the windows.
“Oh, wow,” I said.
His thumb ran over the top of my hand. I couldn’t believe the first time I experienced Italy was with Amos. It was all wrong. But I would make it right. Somewhere nearby were my mother and my babies, along with Jeremy’s family. How far, I wondered? When my eyes started to water, I cleared my throat and swallowed hard.
“You okay?” Amos asked.
“Yes,” I responded. “It’s a dream come true to be here.”
Just a little while longer, I told myself.
We wound our way upward through twisty roads and hills of grapevines to the most gorgeous little cottage overlooking a winery valley. In a different situation, I could have stood outside and stared at it for hours.
The guard carried our stuff inside, and Amos came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“Is he staying here with us?” I asked, a hint of disappointment in my voice.
“That was the plan,” he said. “Does it bother you?”
I turned and draped my wrists over his shoulders. “I was hoping for some privacy.”
He half-grinned. “He’s staying in the guest house.” Amos inclined his head to an even smaller cottage around the corner but within shouting distance. Too close, but I could work with that.
“I need to tell you something,” I said, getting serious. “I’m still in a little…” I glanced away. “Pain. Just a little. One more day and some rest from the jetlag, and I’ll be one hundred percent. I just want it to be perfect for you.”
Disappointment flashed across his face. After all, he was accustomed to getting sex from me whenever and wherever he wanted it. But what I’d told him was true, and I had no problem playing off his guilt.
He nodded, resigned. “Tonight, we rest. Tomorrow…” He bent his head and took my mouth in a deep kiss that felt too wet. Finally, he pulled back. “I had the finest wines and charcuterie delivered already. Cheeses that you won’t believe. Preserves and baguettes.”
