Page 55 of Caruso
Her laughter warms my frozen heart, and now I know where Matteo is coming from. This is different. Taylor possesses an innocence we are unaccustomedto. An openness, honesty with no manufactured qualities. She doesn’t seek wealth or fine living and appreciates every small gesture, a loving look, a helping hand and a smile is the greatest gift we could give her. She is understated perfection standing beside me in basic clothes with the most beautiful smile, and is worth far more than any woman dripping wealth and privilege because Taylor is real. She is from the streets just like us and appreciates everything life gifts her aside from the hardship.
We carry on walking until we reach the doors leading outside, and as we step into a space that mirrors the interior, she turns her face to the sun and breathes deeply. Once again, we are standing by a huge lake where fountains dance. Flowers are everywhere, with the sound of the ocean crashing around us from the hidden speakers.
“I love this place.” She calls out as the spray from the fountain hits her and she is so adorable I can’t resist and scooping her into my arms, I kiss her long and deeply, my hand wrapping around the back of her head, holding her possessively in my arms. She jumps up and wraps her legs around my waist, holding onto me as she kisses me back with passion, animation and desperation. She wants me as much as I want her, and that is a powerful drug. We liberated Taylor from the demons of her past, and it’s my one wish we can hold on to her.
She isn’t our prisoner; she is free, and she knows that, so it’s up to us to make her want to continue to stay.
We finally prise ourselves apart, and as we move off, my hand is firmlyclamped on hers.
“Where are we going?”
“Hell.”
The fact we just passed Hell’s Kitchen makes her giggle, and as we head down the strip, I wonder what she will make of the rather seedy-looking basement we are heading for.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Taylor
Ihave never felt so free. Giddy even. It’s as if I’ve been wearing a ball and chain all my life and the Caruso brothers set me free.
The moment I set fire to my past, it’s as if I were a phoenix rising from the ashes.
I have three guardians now, and I’m aware of what is expected of me.
They all want me. Matteo told me as much as he emphasized it’s my choice. It’s up to me if I want to stay, want to share myself with any of them, let alone all three.
I am not their prisoner; I am their equal, and that has given me a freedom I never expected.
The past week has made me deliriously happy. Matteo has fast become everything to me, but the two brothers are still there. Watching, waiting, throwing down a challenge with gestures rather than words.
They haven’t pressured me, probably because most of the time Matteo has guarded me like a lion, keeping meclose to his side, fending off their advances with an angry glare.
I’ve loved every minute of his protection because it has given me time to breathe, and I’ve now come to the conclusion that I want to spread my wings.
I am more confident about that, and being out here with Giorgio is the beginning of exploring my new life.
He leads me to a dark alley off the main strip. Around the back of his competitor and down an iron staircase.
“What is this place?”
He squeezes my hand even tighter.
“A member’s club. One not many gain access to.”
“What sort of club?”
“The kind you should never seek membership of.”
He is guarded, keeping the information close to his chest, which worries me. It sounds dangerous, and yet a thrill passes through me as I anticipate experiencing that with him.
He pushes through a beaten-up old door, and a man is sitting behind it. He stands as we approach and nods respectfully.
“Mr. Caruso.”
Giorgio pulls me beside him.
“She’s with me; nobody must approach her.”
