Page 26 of Bite Marks

Maria’s words bounced around her head. Her mom sounded so bitter and angry. Did Vanessa want to be that way herself? “Mom. I have this handled.” Vanessa could figure it out. It could just be sex, or it could be something more. “I have to get back to work. I love you.”

As Vanessa cradled the phone back into its place, she began to think that Nunzio could be someone fun, or he could be someone permanent. Either way, she would make that choice on her own. She decided to pretend that they weren’t just faking their relationship. Instead, she let the thought sit with her that Nunzio was the right man for her and he was her boyfriend. Just for the day.

As the thought of being with Nunzio blossomed in her mind, a smile bloomed over her lips, and happiness rose throughout her entire body. She settled into it and thought that Nunzio Sarducci could be her boyfriend … and for the moment … she thought that everything might be okay.

THIRTEEN

NUNZIO

Nunzio splashed cold water on his face. After last night, he was still in a haze. The time he spent between Vanessa's silken thighs lingered on his mind. He could still feel her slight weight beneath his palms as he entered her.

He picked up his straight razor, applying a thick layer of cream to his cheeks and jaw. He effortlessly guided the blade across his skin in slow even strokes.

His dick began to swell at the thought of taking her again. He had always known there was something special about Vanessa. Her obvious beauty was what first caught his attention. Like it did for every hot-blooded male in the area, but it was her ice that kept him watching.

Vanessa wore her reputation like armor. Collecting the pride of hopeful suitors. Each poor sap would approach her, and she would politely, or in most cases not so politely, tell them to fuck off. Weaker males caved and moved on in search of more willing women to focus their attention on.

But not him.

Something about her coldness called to him, leading his wolf in an alien dance. Her ire teased him in a way that sparked new life inside him. She was a futile dream, driven by lust and intrigue. Yet, he could never truly bring himself to pursue her, settling instead for the teasing moments of their brief meetings.

Nunzio washed off the remnants of shaving cream and headed to his closet. He was taking Vanessa out on a casual date inside the neighborhood. She was hesitant at first when he suggested it. So he reminded her how close their community was. Noting that if they were only seen together at formal events, no one would believe they were dating.

She agreed, understanding the truth behind his words. He knew she would, which gave him the excuse he needed to spend more time with her. He was going to show what this could be if they lifted the veil.

He thought about the twist of faith that led them into this perfect ruse. At first, she was simply the best option. Her family was well-known and respected. She was intelligent and, most importantly, desired by others. She was the kind of woman he wanted the Don to see him courting.

Then he really saw her for the first time. She let her guard down the night of their first date, and he caught a glimpse of the splendor inside. Like a gem, her true beauty lay beneath the layers of stone she used to keep people from getting close.

Once he saw the reflection of her soul's facets shining a light in his direction, he never wanted her to look away.

For as long as he could remember, his only desire was to rise through the ranks and become respected like all of the greats before him. Now, the vision he had for his future splintered and shifted. Leaving holes where there once existed a concrete map.

Now, he knew nothing. It was an uncomfortable feeling for a man who prided himself on always being ten steps ahead. Now, he could barely figure out where his feet would land next.

He wanted her. She wanted the Monet.

Though he was sure that Vanessa was attracted to him, he knew she still had her guard up. This relationship was transactional. He happened to be the lucky guy to have the object she desired. If it had been another man who had the painting, he was sure she would have said yes to him as well.

His temple began to pound. The thought of any other man near her sent his wolf into a foul mood. Vanessa was his. Whether the relationship was fake or not didn’t matter. Her actions betrayed her. Her smiles and laughs were real. The way she looked at him when she thought he wasn’t noticing was real.

Her body betrayed her.

Now he would just have to convince her that there was much more for them beyond their temporary deal. Nunzio thought of how to proceed. It was important to make Vanessa feel like she was in control. Still, he needed to make sure she wouldn't put up the walls she liked to hide behind. An idea sparked, and he thanked God for his quick wit.

Nunzio would play her game. But in return, she would participate in one of his. He would plant his seed, nurturing the bond she felt between them until she could no longer hide behind the safety of her lie. He would show her how good life with him could be.

She was comfortable with everything except the actual title as far as he was concerned. Nunzio wracked his brain, trying to understand how you could give so much of yourself without giving anything at all. When he was in her presence, he was unarmed, lost in the current of her mind, but when they were apart, he realized how little he still knew of her. Now Vanessa was going to understand what it meant to be a kept woman.

During the next few weeks, Nunzio set a new tone for their relationship. He wanted to know everything about her, from the way she preferred her food to her deepest worries. Determined to become ingrained in her, Nunzio had begun to drop by the art gallery every morning.

He would arrive at nine o’clock on the dot and bring her a coffee and breakfast. Then they would eat together before he went to work. In the evening, she would find him outside, standing in front of the Roma, waiting for her. Some nights, he would plan romantic dinners. On other nights, they would walk around the city and figure it out as they went along.

At first, Vanessa was skeptical and standoffish. She questioned his actions, arguing that spending this much time together wasn't part of the deal. However, he kept coming, day after day, refusing to give her anything less than his best. Despite her protests, he noticed the way her eyes lit up when he walked in in the mornings.

Today when he entered the shop, heading to their usual spot in her office, he noticed an ice pack on the table. She tried to make it seem like a nuisance, but he noticed the worry in her eyes. Little by little, she started to soften. Every gesture of care she returned was logged into his mind. Nunzio began to forget about their arrangement. All that mattered was seeing Vanessa happy and being the man that provided that happiness.

The Don had seen and heard enough of his relationship with Vanessa to give him the stamp of approval on his movements. It felt like he was finally starting to find his place within the Moretti family as well as in his own life.

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