Much later, Jada settled into a spare bedroom and wondered for the millionth time why she just didn’t go find a hotel. Why had she stayed when she told Renzo what she came to say? He couldn’t make her stay in California, nor could he force her to let him into her baby’s life.
She started a bath, and while the water ran into the oversize tub, she added bubble bath. The gentle scent of lavender permeated the air, easing some of the stress from the flight here and her interaction with Renzo and his uncle. After stripping her clothes off, she tested the heat of the water and then slipped into the luxurious depths. A sigh escaped her, and she settled with her head resting on the back of the tub.
If she were honest with herself, she would admit she’d stayed for the same reason she came in the first place. Six weeks had not been enough time with Renzo—not nearly enough.
“You left without a word.”
She squeaked in alarm and sat up, then hunched beneath the surface to hide her bare breasts. “What are you doing in here, Renzo?”
He glanced around. “My house.”
Jada rolled her eyes. “In my bathroom. It’s mine as long as I’m assigned to it.”
He shifted with languid movements from the doorway and shut the door behind him. From the first moment she met him, he’d done that—moved without sound, graceful like a jungle cat and stealthy like one too. He’d show up from nowhere and turn her emotional balance all awry. How could a man have such power?
“You left that last day without a word,” he repeated.
Jada lowered her gaze to the bubbles, hoping they wouldn’t dissipate, putting her naked body on display. Bad enough was the fact that she was on fire with him so close and nothing more than warm liquid a barrier between them. “We agreed from the beginning that my trip was only a few weeks, and you…you said you were local.”
“I never said such a thing.” He sat on the side of the tub, oblivious to his slacks growing damp. “I said my family owns a house in Venice.”
“Let me guess, a mansion? One of several locations, I bet.” The snarky attitude didn’t appear to be lost on him.
“Yes.” His gaze dropped from her face to the beginning swell of her breasts. Jada fought between scrunching lower and holding her position. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing how he affected her.
“I didn’t know you were rich, let alone owned one of the biggest wineries in existence—here and in Italy. I…you’re a billionaire, aren’t you?”
“I am.”
She swore. “That’s all the more reason I made the right decision.”
He frowned. “I don’t usually get that reaction from women.”
“From what your uncle said, I don’t doubt it, but let me make something real clear, Renzo Mariani. I don’t want you or your money.”
His eyes narrowed, and a curious expression came over his handsome features. When he slid closer, her mouth went dry. He skimmed fingers over the surface of the water, separating the bubbles. She imagined he could see a lot more than she wanted him to, and he might as well caress her with his light touch.
“That’s funny,” Renzo began, “because I know when a woman burns for me, cara mia, and you are on fire.”
“Whether I am or I’m not is irrelevant,” she snapped.
Renzo grinned. “I beg to differ.”
He bent down without warning and kissed her for the second time. Jada mentally demanded she push him away and turn her head, but instead, she arched her back and opened her mouth in invitation. Their tongues touched, and heat scorched her from head to toe. Her nipples pebbled into stiff peaks and grazed his chest. The dampness of her skin ruined his shirt, but Renzo didn’t appear to care. He dipped a hand beneath the surface of the water to thread between her legs. A cry of pleasure wrenched from her throat when the tips of his fingers teased her clit. Still, Renzo took the kiss deeper, forcing her head back and devouring her mouth. She gave it up in a heartbeat, desperate for more. Her decision to end their affair when she did had been made to keep control, but one touch from this man made it plain who held all the power.
When he raised his head at last, she lowered hers to keep him from seeing the raw lust that must light her eyes. She felt him stand and heard the rustle of clothing. Her heart hammered in her throat when he stepped over the edge of the tub, naked, to sit in front of her. She could yell, pretend outrage, and demand he leave, but the reality was she already knew what she wanted. Beneath the bubbles, he would be erect and hard. His cock was thick, and he’d stretched her so good in Venice. The day she checked out of her hotel early and flew back home, her pussy had craved to be filled with him a million more times.
Jada caught her bottom lip between her teeth and busied herself squeezing gel into her sponge, but Renzo leaned over and took the pink ball from her hands. He worked the gel into foam and then ran the sponge over her bare breasts. He didn’t even have to touch her nipples to drive up her desire. Just the act of washing her with tender movements and gentle care was enough.
He dipped his hand beneath the water and found his way between her legs. He stroked the ball across her pussy, and she had to clamp her teeth together to keep from crying out in pleasure.
“Come here,” he commanded and tossed the ball aside.
She widened her eyes. “You haven’t washed my back yet.”
“You and I both know I’m not interested in washing you right now. I want to get you dirty from head to toe. Now, come here.”
Jada shivered. She rolled forward to her knees, and Renzo reached out to help her. He grasped her hips and lifted her with strength that made her head spin. When he brought her down on his lap, facing him, she gripped his shoulders and sucked in a breath. His cock pressed into her belly. She felt his shaft extended, thick and erect. The tool twitched under her, and in response her pussy throbbed.