“I understand you, Lance. I know how that feels. I guess we just can’t ignore each other; we’re too deep in this to think we can stay apart. It was naïve to think so.” I feel at ease in his arms, like he can keep me safe from whatever.

“Then we should do what we want to do, to hell with the consequences.”

I laugh, taking my face from his neck. I proceed to kiss his lips. “Not so fast, tiger. We’ll take things one step at a time. It’ll be better to avoid the consequences if possible.”

“Although that’s what makes things more exciting. Okay, we’ll go a bit slowly.” He clinks his glass with mine and places it to my lips. I take a sip, and he kisses me, slow and gentle. “This is the best this wine has ever tasted.”

“I’m not sure, we should try that again.” I rub his chest, wanting more of him.

“Gladly.”

It’s late when we arrive in our hotel room. We can get separate rooms now if we want, but I don’t want that. After a warm shower, I’m retiring to bed with Lance already ensconced, reading something on his iPad.

When my phone rings, I wonder who could be calling me this late. To my disappointment, it’s my stepfather, Paul. I answer the call.

“What’s the matter?” It still makes my skin crawl to talk to him, but I have to because of Mom.

“Chasmin, you must help us. We’ll lose the house soon if we don’t settle the mortgage. I know you can help us. Your mom is really worried now. You’re with that rich guy, right? Ask him to help; he won’t ignore you.” He sounds desperate and that only makes me sad.

I glance at Lance in bed, wondering how to ask him for help without it looking like I’m using him for money. “I’ll try my best. Greet Mom for me.” I end the call, setting down my phone.What will Lance think of me when I ask for such help?I get in bed, facing away from him. I’ll only ask him for help if it’s the last resort.

Chapter 8

LANCE

Chasminclingstomein bed. The sun has risen, and it’s bright in the room. However, I feel content being in bed with her. I feel no pressure to be up and about; I’d rather be here hugging and caressing her smooth skin; it is enough for me. She’s deep in sleep, yet she murmurs something, creasing her forehead in thought. I wonder what she’s thinking about.

“Good morning, baby,” she says, kissing my chest. I pull her up, kissing my cheek.

“It’s a perfect morning waking up with you in my arms.” She giggles, but I see a trace of helplessness in her gaze. She rolls off me, sitting up in bed.

“What are your plans for today?”

“Well, we’re in Italy and I haven’t really seen much of the city. So, I want us to go around the city before we leave. Work can wait until we’re back.” Getting out of bed, I stretch, fully aware her eyes are on me since I’m only in my briefs.

“Fantastic, I’ve been meaning to see the city.” She kneels on the bed, hugging me from the back. I enjoy the sensation of her body pressed into my back. By clearing the air between us about our relationship, she is taking more of an initiative in the romance.

“We shouldn’t waste much time. We have a lot to do today. Come.” I turn in her embrace, carrying her. She wraps her legs and arms around me to keep her balance. Her long dark hair falls around my face, framing it. She tucks her hair away, kissing my forehead down to my lips.

I head to the bathroom. I set her down on the granite countertop with its elegant chrome fixtures. The air is filled with a soothing lavender and mint scent. I help her take off her clothes slowly, while kissing her neck, shoulders, and chest. Her whimpers and moans push me to do more. She gets off the countertop to take my briefs off. Her soft cool touch on my member sends a jolt of pleasure up my spine. I turn her, pressing my length into her full round ass. I am caressing her belly, kissing her neck. She gasps, calling my name.

She screams softly as I lift her, taking her to the tub. We both get in, and she sits between my thighs. The tub quickly fills with water and scented form. I take the liberty to squeeze her breasts, rubbing her nipples gently. Her body is a work of art that I can’t get enough of.

After a while, we leave the tub, getting into the shower to clean up. We wrap ourselves with warm fluffy towels, getting out of the bathroom. While still kissing and with smiles on our faces, Chasmin and I get dressed. She wears a shimmering red dress with a low back. Her body brings out its charm. Coupled with her soft natural angelic makeup, she is a stunner.

“I’ll have to stay by your side each day to keep men away from you like flies. You’re amazing, baby.” I stand behind her as I admire her from the mirror.

Her cheeks redden. “If this is too much I should change.”

“No. Never fear looking your best as my woman, you deserve all the best. Just like me, I’m the best and that’s a fact.”

“If that’s the case, I have nothing to fear with my knight protecting me. Let’s go out like the royalty that we are.”

“I’m very much obliged.” We leave the room and the hotel to my car.

We reach our first stop in the tour: Le Pergola restaurant, a four-star Michelin eatery with a refined atmosphere on the ninth floor of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel. It enjoys a panoramic view of the city. We enter the restaurant, and they take us to our reserved table. The large, open windows let in cool air. They afford a stunning view of the Vatican and the Mediterranean Sea. It catches Chasmin’s attention.

We order their finest wine, Brunello di Montalcino, and the Chef’s special. Our table is filled with an assortment of dishes that keeps us occupied for a while. I take the time to feed Chasmin while we talk, laugh, and flirt. I’m happy seeing her have an amazing time.