Chapter 22

ELEONORA

Eleonora’s phone rang. She got off her sofa and picked it up; she knew who was calling because of the caller ID.

“It’s about damn time you called. I’m going crazy sitting here by myself. I don’t know if I can wait for your plan to work. I say we get rid of the girl now—make it look like an accident.”

She listened to the person on the other end before slamming the phone down.

Waiting to see if Robin got pregnant was going to be unbearable when all they had to do was kill her.

It would be easy and so much quicker, and Luca would be beside himself with grief. She would be able to seduce him, or so she thought. ~But, no, the fool wants to go to Plan B.~

~I’ll give the little bitch a month to get knocked up, and if she’s not by then, I’ll take matters into my own hands.~

Grabbing her purse and jacket, she headed out to the nearest bar. She had run out of alcohol and was in dire need of a drink.

ROBIN

“I’m taking you to the ballet tonight. Did you bring something suitable to wear?” he asked, watching her get dressed.

“No, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it. We’ll go shopping for a nice dress. Now, remove your clothes, or would you like me to do it?”

She saw that glint in his eyes, but she was hungry, and he was going to take her out for breakfast. “Not now, Luca.”

“Yes, now,” he said and grabbed her when she tried to run. She squealed when he caught her.

Lowering her to the floor, he ran his hand under her dress and pulled down her panties. Pulling his own pants down, he took her right there on the floor.

It was what you’d call a quickie—partially dressed, he rode her till she called out his name through breathy pants.

With their lust satisfied, he stood up and helped her up, heading to the bathroom to clean up.

“God, Luca, you are always so horny,” she said, going over to the dresser to pull out a fresh pair of panties; he had ripped the ones she had on when he removed them in his haste to have her.

Straightening his tie, he gave her a wicked smile as he looked her over. “I once told you I require a lot of sex, and besides, if you weren’t so damn beautiful, I wouldn’t desire you as often.”

“You keep destroying my panties. I’ll soon run out of them.”

“Good, I would prefer it if you didn’t wear any. It would be so much easier to take you whenever and wherever we are.”

She gave him a dirty look, and he hugged her from behind. “I will buy you more. Are you ready to go?” he asked and kissed the back of her neck.

***

After they’d eaten a hearty breakfast, he took her to a ladies’ clothing store, the finest in Rome. She saw the dress she wanted as soon as they entered the store.

It was a long silver one and had sparkles throughout the material; with a V-neckline and long sleeves, it was very sleek and hugged her curves. The perfect dress for a night at the ballet.

When she came out wearing it, Luca stood; his smile told her he approved.

“Do you like it?” she asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yes, you look stunning.” He walked over, took her face in his hands, and kissed her with passion, his desire rising.

He slowly walked her backward into the changing room, their lips still locked, and he shut the door behind them.

When he turned her around, he pulled the zipper down and slid the sleeves down past her shoulders. His lips went to her neck and moved down, his manhood hard, pressing against her.

“Luca, stop, not here,” she cried out.

“Yes, here,” he moaned against her neck.

A knock at the door made him growl, and he stopped what he was doing. “What do you want?” he snapped through the closed door.

“Um, madam, are you in there?” a nervous clerk asked when she heard a male voice coming from the private changing room.

Embarrassed and angry, she gave Luca a light shove back. “Yes, I’ll be right out. My husband was just helping me with the zipper.”

She looked at him. “Please go out now. I have never been this embarrassed in my whole life.” She opened the door and motioned for him to leave, wanting to wipe that smile off his face.

After changing, she ignored him, still mad, and waited while he paid for the dress and gave them the name of the hotel where they could send it.

“You are angry with me—why?”

Shaking her head, she glared at him. “Why do you think? Sex is the only thing on your mind. That was not the place for it.”

“I will not apologize for wanting you or where. Now let me take you to one of the most famous museums in Rome.”

Taking her hand, they started walking till they found the place he was talking about.

Seeing all the wonders it had to offer, she soon forgot about the incident at the store and chattered excitedly, asking him questions about everything she saw.

He showed her some of the old churches that were in ruins but still standing. Stopping to dine at a nearby café, she had by now forgiven him and was enjoying the sights.

Arriving back at the hotel, they only had enough time to shower and change for the ballet.

But when he saw her in the dress she’d picked out, wearing the diamond necklace and earrings he bought her, he wished they had time to indulge in the pleasure of lovemaking.

Going over, he took her in his arms, his mouth going to her neck. He spoke, his voice ragged. “Let’s skip the ballet. I’d rather take you to bed.”

As much as she loved it when he kissed her neck, she pushed him away. “We just did it in the shower, and I’m looking forward to going.”

She laughed when she saw him pouting; he looked so adorable.

“Okay, my little bird, but the moment we get back, I will have you.”

She put her arms around his neck and leaned in close, knowing the effect it would have on him, but a part of her liked teasing him.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Kissing him, she felt how excited he was and knew if she didn’t stop now, they wouldn’t make it to the ballet.

***

“Are you comfortable?” he asked once they were seated up on the balcony, and he put his arm around her shoulder.

Her face shone with excitement; she was excited about being there. “Oh yes, these seats are so soft, and I love that you got us seats up here. But why are we alone? There’s room for at least eight more people.”

“I booked all these seats.”

“Why?” she asked, curious as to the reason.

“Because I wanted to be alone with you.” He placed his hand on her thigh, moving up under her dress and got a swat for it and an angry look.

“Luca, don’t you dare, not here, or I swear I’ll never talk to you again. Also, you can forget about having sex with me for a very long time.”

He laughed. “Okay, okay, I was just kidding. Just so you know, if I want you, I could have you, right here, and no one would know.”

He sat back to enjoy the show, and he kept his hand on her leg, knowing she was not pleased.

During intermission, they got up to stretch their legs and went out into the lounge for a drink before the second act was to start.

Robin was drinking juice while he had a shot of scotch when a woman walked up to them.

“Is that you, Luca?” she said, leaning in and kissing his cheek, leaving her hand on his chest.

“Sandra, how are you?”

“I’m fine, darling, but I have missed you terribly,” she said, running her hand up his chest.

Luca removed her hand and pulled Robin close, keeping his arm around her waist. “Sandra, meet my wife, Robin.”

Robin disliked this woman right off the bat. She was medium height, with brown hair and large breasts, and she was beautiful.

From the way the woman was looking at Luca, it was clear they had a history together.

That old green-eyed monster of jealousy came to life, and Robin held out her hand to shake Sandra’s, who winced from the grip she applied. “Nice to meet you. Luca has never mentioned you.”

Pulling her hand away, she stared at her, hate showing in her brown eyes. “I’m surprised he hasn’t. We were together for four years.”

“Okay, ladies, this isn’t the time or place.” He turned to Robin. “The ballet is about to start. We best get back to our seats. Sandra, good to see you. Take care of yourself, goodbye.”

“It was wonderful seeing you again. I’m back in town, give me a call. You know where to find me.”

As she walked away, Robin’s hand curled into a fist, and she lunged at Sandra, but Luca grabbed her around the waist, preventing her from jumping the woman.

“Robin, stop. Conduct yourself like a lady,” he snapped at her.

Breaking free, she whirled around to face him. “You were with that bitch for four years, and you never told me.”

“Why would I? It was a long time ago and before I met you. Let’s get back to our seats.”

“You go. I’m going back to our hotel.” She started walking away.

“How are you going to get there?” he barked.

“I’ll take a cab.”

“With what? You have no money.”

Sighing, she stopped, her shoulders hunched over in defeat. “Will you take me? I really don’t feel like going back in there.”

Putting his finger between his collar and neck, she could see his anger. “I paid a lot of money to reserve those seats, and now you want to leave.”

“You can stay if you want, just give me the cab fare, and I’ll go myself.”

“Like fuck you will. A woman alone this late at night—anything can happen, I’ll take you.” He grabbed her arm and walked her out.

***

Back at the hotel, he slammed the door, making her jump, and she watched as he removed his tie and jacket; he undid some of the buttons on his shirt.

She knew he was angry, but so was she. Leaving him to stew, she went and changed for bed. He was sitting, drinking a double scotch and had a scowl on his face.

“You want to explain your behavior tonight?” he hissed, standing up, towering over her.

She backed away. His eyes were dark and dangerous looking, and it scared her. “You had a relationship with that woman. She must have meant something more to you than a one-night stand.”

“She meant nothing to me. It was just sex and someone to take to functions, that’s all. We drifted apart, she served her purpose, and it was time to move on.”

“That just makes it worse,” she snapped.

“How?” he said, moving closer to her.

“You used her. What’s to say that once you think I’ve served my purpose, you won’t get rid of me?

“I can’t live like this, not knowing when you’ll get tired of me and move on to someone else. I want a divorce, and I’ll disappear from your life.”

“A divorce,” he screamed. “You think I’ll divorce you? No way, lady. You are my wife, and no one will ever have you except me.” He grabbed her roughly, his fingers digging into her flesh.

“Let go of me, you bastard.”

Raising her foot, she used the heel of her shoe and rammed it onto his foot. She ran to the bedroom and locked the door.

She curled up on the bed, hugging her knees to her chest, listening to him swearing as he banged on the door, yelling at her to open it.

Needless to say, she had never seen him or anyone this mad before, and for the first time, she was scared to death of what he would do to her once that door was open.

“Robin, unlock this fucking door now or I swear to God I’ll break it down.”

She was shaking like a leaf, too afraid to move or answer him.

Moments later, she heard a loud bang, and the door came crashing in. There he stood, breathing heavily, his face red and eyes blazing with fury.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His tie was undone, and he looked a mess.

She huddled further back on the bed when he rushed toward her.