Chapter XII

His lips were all I could focus on. First they were moving against mine and just moments later travelling down my jaw to reach neck. I let out a quiet moan as I felt his way too sharp teeth making contact with my skin.
“Fuck.” I’ve heard Salvatore’s voice and felt his hot breath caressing my skin. I wasn’t sure anymore how we ended in such a position, Salvatore on top of me, his lips on me and fingers lingering soft touches on my naked thigh. It was barely 11 in the morning and I didn’t expect to meet him in the bedroom once I walked out of bathroom as he left earlier in the morning – but apparently he came back since he forgot his phone. Next thing I knew soft goodbye kiss ended on bed with me clenching my robe together for dear life as Salvatore was doing the nicest things to me.
It wasn’t like I was this much unaware when it went to sex thing. I was virgin, yes, and kissed only Dylan and Salvatore but there were this two or three books hidden behind the others and nights when I let my hands wander down my body. But it was nothing to compare to this kisses alone.
Even though we never talked about it, I felt as if Salvatore knew that I wasn’t quiet there yet. Or perhaps it was the same for him. In the end I wasn’t…no. I pushed this thought away, determined to not let Astrid ruin a single moment.
“You are so beautiful.” He whispered before moving back to kiss my lips, hands moving even further under my robe but I didn’t stop him. His touch was so pleasant, so calming and, oh, so welcomed. I barely could think about anything, just feeling.
“Salvatore!” Alessandro’s muted call made my stiff. I forgot that he was at the penthouse.
“I’m going to kill him.” Salvatore muttered moving away what made me gasp in protest. He smirked standing up from bed and fixing his black shirt. By the look he gave me I knew I could blush if only I wasn’t already as red as an tomato.
“You are so cute.” He smirked before coming to the doors as I collected myself and got off bed, wrapping robe tighter around my body, skin tingling, lips swollen and heart beating faster.
“What do you want?” He shouted to Alessandro, not going further then into hallway. It was rather funny because by shouting to each other from two different floors they seemed so childish.
“Your mother is here!”
I gasped, eyes widening. I wasn’t expecting Eleanor here. We were supposed to meet for lunch but haven’t set a date yet.
Salvatore came back to the room, tight smile on his lips.
“I need to go now, I hope you won’t be mad if I leave you with my mother but I have meeting.” He said once he was close to me, hands resting in my hips.
“Of course I won’t.” I said with a gentle smile, tiptoeing to place soft kiss on his cheek. “Be safe and call me when you have a chance.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed my forehead before moving away to pick up his suit jacket that he folded over the bed’s frame earlier. “I’ll see you in the evening. And we are so talking about this.” He motioned towards the bed, playful smile on his lips.
Soon enough Salvatore was gone and I quickly got dressed into simple pleaded dress and knitted sweater on top of it and braided my hair messily. I walked downstairs were Eleanor and Alessandro already sat on the couch, chatting.
“Hey, hello. I’m sorry I kept you waiting.” I said with a shy smile, image of what I just did with her son lingering in the back of my head. I felt a bit ashamed but she couldn’t possibly know.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. I came unannounced so I don’t expect you to be ready. But I was not far from here and decided that I would get you out for lunch and some shopping, maybe?”
“Of course.” I nodded seeing Alessandro rolling his eyes in annoyance over another shopping adventure.
“Actually, Bianca is with me. But she stayed in the car.” Eleanor said as we were heading towards the elevator. I tried not to show how tensed her remark made me. Truth be told I haven’t talked with Bianca since the ‘accident’ and I still didn’t apologize. I was terrible friend and sister-in-law.
“That’s nice.” I said with – unfortunately – fake smile.
We were chatting all way down and once we were in the underground parking I understood that by thinking Salvatore was overprotective I was wrong. So very wrong.
Two black Audi SUVs with tinted windows were waiting for us and I was already certain they would bring much more attention then I was willing to have. Comparing to Riccardo and Ataleo, Salvatore was a blessing as I only had Alessandro and driver – on occasions. We sat in the second car, Alessandro in the back with unknown man that I figured to be one of Eleanor’s bodyguards. As I’ve learned Bianca was in the other car what for now I took with relief. I still got a chance to figure out some apology.
My only concern was what to tell her. I’m sorry I run away but I had to know if my husband is fucking your cousin?
Absentmindedly I was responding to Eleanor questions, trying to engage into her conversation but it was hard as I couldn’t stop thinking about Bianca. Eventually we stopped at the open-air mall and got outside the cars. It wasn’t the best choice as even though it was sunny, it was freezing cold and it was my least favourite thing.
“Hello!” Bianca exclaimed with that usual smile just as she saw me. It was a bit of a surprise as I thought she might be actually mad at me - but all my worries were gone once she embraced me in a tight hug. “It’s so nice to have you out again. I need to show you so many things that I saw for you and thought you would look gorgeous in and we need to find dresses for that ball.”
I frowned slightly at her words. We were already on our way between various designers shops that I would rather avoid.
“What ball?”
“Oh, right, you don’t know.” Bianca shook her head, laughing more at herself. She had this crazy quality that was forgetting to share the details.
“Every year we have Masquerade ball.” Eleanor said linking her arm with mine. “For the whole family, associates, just everyone we know. Usually it’s on New Year’s Day but because we were gone this year, we decided to move it to Ricardo’s birthday. It’s next Saturday and I’m pretty sure I told Salvatore about it.”
“He must’ve forget to tell me.” I said and she just smiled knowingly while Bianca started talking about all the dresses she wanted to try on.
Once we got to the first shop and Bianca welcomed shop assistant as if she knew her for ages, I felt somehow relaxed. But then I remembered what kind of store it was and how many zeros prices on tags had.
“We are having a little family event and we are in need of dresses…” I got a bit cut away from Bianca’s mumbling and instead I’ve started looking around the store. It was very elegant and minimal, everything I would expect. We had been in such a place once before but very shortly as back then Bianca had to only pick up some heels she had ordered earlier.
It was truly so movie-like later on as Bianca was roaming through the store in search of shoes as shop assistant brought her dress after another to chose from. Finally there was a part where she was trying them all on, oblivious at mine and Eleanor’s opinion. Meanwhile me and my mother-in-law sat on the red chairs, sipping on that champagne – that I just pretended to drink – as she already had a dress and I wasn’t entirely in mood for search. Meanwhile Alessandro along two other men stood in the front of the door, waiting for us and probably scaring off all the potential costumers.
“Christine, I have THE perfect dress for you!” She announced with bright smile. I let out a small sight but seeing how happy she was I couldn’t just say no. I got up from my place and let her lead me into the changing room. Seeing the dress that was hung there I had to agree with her. It was very pretty. It was made out satin in gentle, pink colour, bodice was rather tighter fit with thin straps and bottom was in mermaid-style. With a bit of hesitation I undressed and just then as I took it from the rack I noted that it was rather back less. Not in this screaming way but there was really big “V-neck”. It would never be my choice but regardless I put it on.
I wanted to just tell Bianca that was completely right as the dress was so…perfect. Even though it was showing off more then I wanted to show I couldn’t feel otherwise but pretty in it. Even my naked back didn’t make me that much uncomfortable.
With a small smile of excitement I got out of the dressing room, receiving a little squeak from Bianca right away and huge smile from Eleanor.
“I knew you would look gorgeous in it.”
“Thank you. It’s very pretty.”
“It is. And you totally need shoes that match.” She announced and already was on her way to search for them.
Eventually – to my relief – we were done shopping and got to check out. One little heart attack later, while I was paying with Salvatore’s platinum card that he had left me for such a occasions, I put on my coat and waited until Bianca was finished with her check out as she got a bit carried away with all the dresses and shoes. Eleanor has left to restaurant few feet away, saying something about being starved because of how long Bianca took.
“I’m not sure about the silver one. I have similar.” My friend sight making me like her a tiny bit less as she was making this choice for almost ten minutes now.
“I know! You should take it, Christine. You’d look stunning.” She said with bright smile, showing me off a piece of fabric. I saw it earlier on her and thought it ridiculous. It was short, fabric that meant to be covering back gathered in soft wave, showing off whole back and reaching all the way to just an inch or two about curve of butt and same went for the front as neckline was showing more then my ‘too much’ was. And it had tiniest straps that were crossed in the back. And fabric was almost see-through. Especially while standing in the source of light. I would never wear such a thing although before I had a chance to protest Bianca spoke up:
“It’s my gift for you. Sweetheart, be that nice and get me her but in smaller size.”
Just a moment later Casey, as I’ve learned shop assistance’s name was, was gone to change dresses.
“Bianca, it’s too much. You don’t have to…”
“Yes, I had to. You deserve something nice that isn’t knitted or knee length.” She smirked making my eyes roll but there was smile on my lips.
“Are you making fun of my clothes?”
“Yes.”
I wanted to jump in happiness once we stepped outside the store, despite the heavy heart over the fact of how much I’ve spent and idea of Salvatore’s dress when he saw the dress that Bianca picked up for me. Truth be told I wasn’t sure if he would ever get a chance to see it as my plan was to hide it and forget it. I knew I would never wear it – not even dare to try it on, not to mention I would never show myself in to anyone, not even my husband. And I also had feeling that he would burn it if I threated to wear it outside.
“I wanted to apologize to you, for how I acted…” I said finally as we made our way towards restaurant that Eleanor have chosen. Bianca’s driver was nice enough to pick up our bags and take them to car just moments earlier.
“You don’t have to, Christine. Salvatore told me everything and don’t worry. He is my older brother, I know how annoying he can be sometimes and that there is no way you wouldn’t get mad at him or argue but be this nice and don’t scare me like this. If you argue again, we can talk and find ways to play him a bit. Although I feel you there, I did worse things to Ataleo. That one time when we were on our honeymoon in Italy and he was constantly on his phone, I’ve decided to teach him a lesson and went shopping. Without Paulo – my bodyguard – or anyone’s knowledge. You should have seen his face.” She said with a bit of pride in her smile.
“Thank you. For understanding.”
“There is no need to thank me, sis. You will thank me when Salvatore sees you in that dress.” She winked and I didn’t got a chance to respond as we approached Eleanor.
“Finally.” She smirked shaking her head slightly as we sat down.
“Oh, come on mum. Didn’t you see all this dresses?” Bianca sighted with almost disapproval as she started looking through the menu. We placed our order and soon enough I had my fries and bean burger.
“Did Astrid call you, sweetie?” Eleanor asked her daughter making my body stiff and uncomfortable chill run down my spine. She was the last person I wanted to talk about. Or ever think about.
“She did actually. But we talked shortly and she promised to call back but it was days ago so I don’t know much. And that’s such a shame, she still didn’t tell me why she left to Sicily.”
Wait.
“Astrid went to Sicily?” I frowned slightly, trying to not act too suspicious.
“Your husband have real issues, you know? He is forgetting to tell you the most important things.” Bianca rolled her eyes and I would chuckle if it wasn’t for a fact how simple mention of that blonde bitch was influencing me.
“Bianca meant that, indeed, she left. In the beginning of last week. It was surprise because one morning she just packed and left like that, saying that she needed vocation. Although it isn’t that odd. She pulled such a thing twice before, although she would always tell us why.”
Oh, I perfectly knew why. But wasn’t quiet sure if they wanted to know.
“What a shame.” I said with fake sorrow before biting into my burger. Fortunately they didn’t carry on with Astrid’s subject and simply started talking about upcoming ball.
“I can’t wait for you to see it, Christine. Mum is always going so crazy with them but honestly it’s a day that I wait for the most. I am honestly more excited then for Christmas morning. This year main thing is lust. Or seduction. Something like that.”
It didn’t exactly sounded the best at first. Somehow I had some nasty image in my head that was bonded to lust. But then Eleanor started explaining that it wasn’t anything that Bianca was describing. The main purpose was to create this beautiful, intimate feeling, dripping from everything from music to décor. And that made me curious.
It was the nicest day I had in a long while now. Just as I parted with Bianca and my mother-in-law I knew we had to repeat it. At least lunch since I had enough shopping for the next year or two. When we got back to the penthouse, with Alessandro that was nice enough to carry my bags although it was unnecessary as I told him, I was anticipating Salvatore’s return.
It was still early and I knew he wouldn’t be back for next few hours so I put myself in typical burst of cleaning and cooking. Eventually, as everything was spotless and dinner was in the oven, I decided it was finally a moment to start looking for a college. After putting colourful paper bags into the wardrobe I crept to Salvatore’s office so I could use the laptop that was there. His office was even nicer then the rest of the house, all dark and cosy with many, many books on the shelf that was taking up whole wall. Unlike our bedroom and living area, there was no glass wall – there was no windows at all.
I sat in the big, brown chair, Salvatore’s smell slightly lingering around me, I opened the white laptop. His desk was tidy and beside a notebook, quill pen, lamp, laptop and half gone cigar there was nothing else. I started going through the various options available in New York, saving the better ones although so far I couldn’t find anything that would interest me enough.
“Christine.” Soft caress on my cheek made me open my eyes to see Salvatore standing in front of me. My back, legs and neck was sore from the uncomfortable position I had fallen asleep in. It was dark in the room expect for the tiffany lamp and laptop’s screen was dark. I must have fallen asleep mid my little crisis over not being able to find school that I might actually like. I went as far as lightening cigar – that wasn’t the tastiest thing in the world but somehow calmed me a bit since it was how Salvatore smelled at times.
“Hi.” I murmured quietly, stretching my body.
“I thought we had enough rooms so you wouldn’t sleep in my office chair.” He said with a gentle smirk as he leaned against the edge of the desk. I stood up from my spot and moved closer to him just to wrap my arms around him, letting him do the same.
“I was searching colleges. And then I got a bit sad that I couldn’t find the right one so I smoke your cigar and I actually might have cried myself a bit to sleep.”
“Don’t worry, angel. We will find something.” He said before placing a soft kiss on top of my forehead. “By the way, I think Alessandro already took care of our dinner before I told him to get out.”
“One of this days I’m going to kick his ass. I’ll go see what is left of my lasagne.” To that Salvatore answered me with a genuine laugh that made my heart swell.
“Oh, I think he would deserve a bit of kicking. Anyway, I thought we might watch some movie after dinner? Or go for a walk?”
“Movie sounds good. Or better some TV show. I had enough of walk for a day. I’ve been to city with Bianca and your mother, of which Alessandro probably informed you just as we left, and I picked the dress for that little Masquerade ball that you forgot to mention.”
“Right. I knew I might have miss something.” He smirked making my eyes roll. “I will go take a shower now.”
“Okay.” Is said without any intentions of letting him go what made him chuckle. Finally, once I had enough hugs for now, I let him go. While Salvatore went upstairs I went to the kitchen to make a salad and reheat the lasagne which had it’s one third missing thanks to Alessandro.
“Christine!” Salvatore’s voice surprised me especially when it seemed somehow angry. I frowned and went towards the stairs down which he was already walking. His hair were messy, still wet from shower and he had his jeans undid and my favourite Henley shirt hugging his body, silver piece of clothing in his arms. “Please, tell me it’s not the dress you’ve chosen for my mother’s ball.” He raised his eyebrows holding up the dress for its straps. I rolled my eyes taking clothing from him.
“It isn’t. Bianca got me this. Even though I told her I would never wear it. And by the way – would it be this bad if it was the dress I’ve chosen?” I squinted at him.
“It’s practically transparent and it rather strikes me as a lingerie than dress that my wife can go out to people.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not planning on wearing it. Ever.” I muttered going back to the kitchen, dropping dress on the dining table on my way there. He made me angry with the way he acted. I knew for myself well enough that it wasn’t the dress that I would ever wear and he didn’t need to be the one to forbit me. That moment I felt like a rebellious teenager and wanted to wear that scrap of fabric to just piss him off.
“Are you mad at me?” He came to me after few moments, buttoning up his shirt and I just shrugged, not wanting to continue this conversation. This evening was supposed to be nice.
“Come on, Christine. I just wouldn’t want people to see you in that. That dress is ridiculous and I can admit, I might have overreact a bit but you’re my wife and I wouldn’t want others see what’s mine so exposed.”
“What’s yours?” I snapped dropping the knife on the counter. “I’m not a object that you can have. I’m your wife.”
“Fuck.” He sighed closing his eyes for a brief moment as if to collect his mind. “That didn’t sound right.”
“Oh, really? I lost my appetite so enjoy your evening. Alone.” I muttered before passing him by and almost running to the bedroom, grabbing the stupid dress on my way – with all the intentions to tear it apart soon. He went after me but he wasn’t fast enough to react so I got a chance to lock myself in the room. For few moments he tried to get inside, apologizing and pleading to let him in but I was silent, trying my best not to cry.
Here it was, the most stupid fight I ever had. I had this feeling that Salvatore didn’t in fact mean what he said and I could understand why he got mad about the dress but I couldn’t not feel hurt. He reminded me of my father so much that moment. I thought that we were finally on the good path and instead I felt like a useless girl that I’ve been whole my life. Like I was nothing more then pretty face that he would show off in front of others and do as he was pleased with it. That was something Antonio was putting into my head my whole life and that’s how he treated my mother. And it was something I hated the most and never wanted from my own husband. What I also knew was that I couldn’t let it ruin everything that we had put together. Despite my hurt feelings I had to talk with him but decided to put it away for at least a moment.
I put on the classical music and went to the bathroom to take a long, hot shower. In the end I spend good hour in there and once I walked out with my hair already blow-dried and body smelling gently of apricot due to my lotion, I’ve heard piano playing. I turned off the music, instead sinking into the melancholy of Salvatore’s play in which I recognized my favourite Phantom song.
I’ve decided that after all it wouldn’t be the worst idea to try on the dress that was root of our argue. I slide down my robe and with hesitation I put on the silver fabric that was cool and felt so nice against my bare skin. When I walked towards the floor length mirror that stood in the wardrobe I knew right away I wouldn’t wear it out even in act of revenge on Salvatore. Somehow, it was even more skimp on my body then I imagined it would be. My cleavage was uncovered more than I wanted it to and once I took a better look at my back I let out a small gasp as my back was almost fully naked and dress was threating to show off a bit too much of my butt. To that I felt as if it could just slide down off my body leaving me all nude.
Wrapping arms around my shoulders I made my way towards the doors and then tiptoed to the source of the music. I felt my cheeks grow hot, thinking of what I was wearing. We had a serious conversation to make and yet I went to him in the skimpiest piece of clothing I owned, with nothing underneath.
Once his eyes moved to meet me, he pressed wrong key making piano let out an unpleasant squeak. Salvatore let out a short gasp, eyes running up and down my body, making me even more embarrassed.
“I would never wear it outside.” I sight moving closer to him. Instead of sitting next to him as I would usually do, I leaned against the piano.
“I’m sorry, Christine. For everything that I’ve said. I just got upset because I imagined how men would look at you if you wore that and I just got jealous. But it doesn’t justify me. I should have never said any of this. You are my wife, nothing less, and I hate that I made you feel as if you were something so meaningless to me.”
“Apology accepted. But you have to know how much it hurt me. Growing up, my father kept telling me that I would be a wife what for him meant cleaning, cooking, bearing children and doing whatever her husband pleases. As if some property. I thought it would be the same way with you, just as he told me but it wasn’t. And it hurt to hear this words from you.”
He looked at me with the sorrow in his blue eyes that made my heart warm up. He stood up and slowly moved towards me, his arms opened and I gladly hugged him, resting my head against his chest.
“You are not my property. We are partners, even though I tend to be a bit protective. But it’s just because I want you to be safe. Both from people’s eyes and harm they could bring.”
“I know.” I sighed looking up at him. I moved to my toes to leave a soft kiss on his lips. “And you aren’t half bad. I mean, your mum have two bodyguards and so does Bianca. And they are so…stiff and boring. I would suffocate with someone like them. I’m actually happy that I have Alessandro. He is my friend. A bit annoying, but friend.”
“I want everything that’s the best for you, Christine.” He smiled sadly before planting a kiss on my forehead. “Tomorrow morning we will start looking for a school for you, how about it?”
“I would appreciate that.”
There was no further conversation as my lips found his to kiss him gently. Just a moment later a soft, gentle kiss grew so passionate that it reminded my of this morning. Salvatore’s hands moved up my naked arms to cup my face, making my body shiver with such a simple touch. After a long moment he pulled away just few inches away, looking into my eyes while his thumb caressed my cheek. My body felt on fire, heart was beating fast and my breath was uneven. It was crazy what he could do to me with just a kiss.
“You are so beautiful. And dress is very pretty. But I would kill a man that would dare to spare a glance at you, Christine. And I’m certain many would.”
I looked away a bit shied, blush appearing on my face. Salvatore moved fingers to my chin and he lifted it to have better access to my lips before he started kissing me again. This time it was even more heated then before, rest of the unsureness gone. I wrapped my arms around his neck, letting his hands roam the naked skin of my back. Before I even knew it, Salvatore lifted my body and sat me on top of the piano. I let out a surprised gasp but couldn’t be bothered because of his perfect lips and tongue dancing with mine. His hands moved imperceptibly down my sides and hips and slipped under my dress, making their way up. My skin burned and I couldn’t help but rub my thighs together because of the tingles that happened there.
“Hmm.” Salvatore muttered, his lips moving to my neck. “No underwear? Well, well, Christine. You certainly didn’t strike me as a type.” He smirked gently and if it wasn’t for the bliss I was in, I would get embarrassed. “Tell me whenever you want me to stop.” He whispered into my skin.
Salvatore parted my legs and his hand moved up my thigh, towards my dripping heat. Just as his fingers made contact with my lower lips, I let out a quiet moan, involuntarily closing my legs but his lean body that stood in between, stopped me. His lips were performing the most pleasurable attack on my neck as his fingers started working its magic against my sensitive bundle of nerves.
“Salvatore.” An gasp escaped my lips when he slipped one finger inside my warmth, thumb never leaving my clit. I moved my hands to his back, with all the intentions to dig my nails in his clothed skin as he started moving his finger in and out and I barely noticed the way his hand moved my own rapidly up, to dip into his hair instead. Salvatore moved away ever so slightly, his lips no longer on me but fingers still doing their thing, making me squirm, not able to form a sentence even if I tried to. His lean fingers slipped one of the straps of my dress down, uncovering my breasts and part of belly. He looked at me with those blue eyes and instead of embarrassment that I thought would be there, I felt beautiful and…adored.
“You are truly an angel.” He whispered, making pleasant shiver run down my spine before he kissed me deeply.
I felt as if time stopped and all I could do was feeling. Nothing else. There was just Salvatore, his closeness and warmth and unbelievable pleasure that he was bringing me. I felt knot in my stomach tightening, whole body tensed and just moments later I came, moaning his name quietly as if it was a mantra, as he kept gently caressing my warmth, pleasure only increasing.
It took me good few moments to come back down from my peak. I leaned against his firm body, breathing heavily, eyes closed. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced and it brought me joy that Salvatore was the one to share it with me. I wanted to tell him that but my lips refused to open as a slumber consumed me.