Chapter 30

ROBIN

Feeling his hands caressing her under her nightgown, she moaned when he went between her legs and stroked her; she felt the dampness pooling, and her inner core started throbbing.

“Luca,” she said through breathy pants.

“Tell me what you want, my little bird,” he said, his breathing becoming heavy and his cock hard as a rock. Last night’s shower was not enough to stop his raging desire for her.

“I want you.” She opened her eyes and put her hands behind his head, pulling him down, her lips seeking his. Being this far along in her pregnancy did not cease her longing for Luca. If anything, it heightened it.

He hovered over her, holding himself up, hands on the bed so as not to hurt her or the baby.

“I wanted you last night, but you were asleep. I did not want to wake you. But now that you are awake, I will take what I want.”

His kiss deepened as he entered her with care; holding back, he made love to her with gentleness, taking care not to hurt her.

Afterward, he held her, stroking her belly. “If you’re not up to it, we can skip that party tonight. I don’t want you getting overtired.”

“I want to go. I have not been anywhere in ages. Besides, you spent a lot of money on a dress that will fit over this big stomach of mine.” She laughed and ran her hand over the belly that had grown much bigger in the last month.

LUCA

Luca took a long swallow of his drink when she walked into the room carrying her shoes; she looked stunning.

She had on a black dress with a V-neckline that reached her knees. To him, she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

He loved that she wore her hair down and wore the jewelry he had bought her. “You look amazing,” he said, running his finger along her jawline. “But why do you look so sad?”

“I’m huge and can’t put my own shoes on,” she sniffed.

He held in his laughter, knowing if he didn’t, she would become angry.

Her mood swings lately were getting a bit hard to handle, but he knew it was part of her being pregnant, so he bit his tongue and tried his best to keep her happy.

“Oh, baby, you are far from huge.” Taking her hand, he led her over to the sofa. He made her sit and put her shoes on for her.

ROBIN

Things were going well at the party being held by Harry Jordon, a wealthy billionaire from America who owned a home here in Rome.

As Robin was wandering around admiring all the artwork hanging on the wall, a painting caught her eye. Going closer, she gasped. It was the same painting that was in Luca’s castle, the one in the tower that she liked.

Turning, she went in search of Luca and found him chatting with some men and tapped him lightly on the shoulder.

He turned and smiled. “Hey, baby, what’s up?”

“Can I see you alone for a minute?”

Excusing himself, he let her take his hand and led him to another room. They were alone, so he swung her around and wrapped his arms around her, his mouth caressing her neck.

“I think it would be better to find somewhere more private. Someone might walk in.”

“No, you horny freak, that’s not why I brought you in here.”

“Then why?” He pouted when she pushed him away.

“The painting that was in your room upstairs is hanging on Mr. Jordon’s wall. Over there.” She pointed to one of the many that were hanging.

Luca walked over and saw the one she had pointed at. “This can’t be the one.”

“It is,” she cried out.

“How can you be sure?” he asked, looking from her to the painting. “Perhaps there are more than one of the same.”

She shook her head. “The one I found back at the castle had a scratch at the bottom left-hand corner. This one also has the same. Luca, this is your painting.”

“But how would Mr. Jordon get it?” Luca rubbed his chin. He knew Robin well enough to know she was telling the truth.

“You could ask him about it.”

“Okay, let’s go find him.” Taking her arm, they went in search of Jordon.

They didn’t have far to look, as he was in the next room. Getting him alone, Luca asked if they could have a word in the other room.

Jordon looked appalled when he thought they were accusing him of stealing.

“I assure you, Luca, I bought it at an auction in America. I paid three hundred thousand American dollars for it, and if you think you can take it, you have another thing coming.”

His face was red, and his hands curled up into fists.

Robin was sure a fight was about to break out, so stepping in between the two men, she gave Mr. Jordon a sincere smile.

“My husband has no intention of taking back the painting, but it was taken from his home without his consent, and we only want to know by whom.”

“My wife is right, sir. I will not press charges or mention your name. I don’t care about the painting or the money.

“But things have gone missing, and we need to know who is stealing from me. All I want is the name of the auction house.”

Mr. Jordon scratched his chin, eyeing Luca. “You won’t mention me?”

“No, sir, I will keep you out of it,” Luca assured him.

He looked down at Robin. “Why don’t you go mingle while your husband and I go to my office? I promise I won’t keep him long.”

After getting a kiss from Luca, she went and joined the rest of the party.

LUCA

Twenty minutes later, Luca returned. Seeing her dancing with another man, he felt that jealousy creeping up and forced himself to stay calm.

It wouldn’t be good for her or the baby if he made a scene, and he knew he had to tone his jealousy down.

Instead of flipping out, he walked over to them and tapped the man on the shoulder. “Mind if I cut in? This is our song.”

“ ‘Our song!’ Who are you trying to fool? We don’t have a song, you were just jealous. Really, Luca, you’ve got to get over it.”

A wave of dizziness hit her, and she swayed, but Luca caught her.

“Robin, what’s wrong?” he asked. His hold on her tightened, and there was great concern in his voice.

“I feel a little dizzy. Maybe I should sit down.” She let him lead her back over to the sofa, and when she sat, he asked one of the waiters to bring her some water.

Kneeling in front of her, he took her hand and kissed it. “I knew this was a mistake bringing you here tonight. You should be home in bed resting, and that’s where I’m taking you.”

“Maybe that would be for the best. I’m sorry to spoil your evening, Luca.”

“You’re not spoiling anything, little bird. You and the babies are what’s important. Wait here while I go tell Mr. Jordon we’re leaving.” Standing, he promised to be right back.

On the drive home, she asked if he got the information that he needed from Mr. Jordon.

“Yes, and tomorrow I’ll make some calls. I know a guy who can find out where the auction house got the painting. We’ll know soon who sold it to them and we’ll have our thief.”

He glanced over at her. “Let’s not tell the others about this, not till we know who’s been stealing from me.”

“I won’t say a word; you can trust me.”

Resting his hand on her upper leg, he gave it a loving squeeze. “I know I can. You are the only one I trust.”

He continued to keep his hand on her leg as he drove; he liked the feel of her, especially when she placed her hand on top of his.

Walking up the stairs, he could tell she was exhausted, so he lifted her up in his arms even though she protested, saying she was too heavy to be carried.

“I’ve lifted weights heavier than you, so I think I can manage a few stairs.”

Luca was a man who liked getting his own way, so he was delighted when she gave up and put her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder.

God, how it stroked his ego when she gave in and let him take charge; it made him feel more of a man. She didn’t even put up an argument when he undressed her, slipping the nightgown over her head.

ROBIN

The next morning, Robin woke to find Luca had already left the bed and was probably making those calls or maybe working out in the gym.

Getting dressed, she thought she would go take another look at the babies’ room; it was finished and waiting for the twins to arrive.

Approaching the door, she saw it was ajar. Peeking her head in, she was shocked to see Grazia.

She watched as Grazia placed a pink blanket and a pink teddy bear in one crib, then she placed the blue one in the other crib.

Robin thought this was a sweet gesture on her part, but she also knew Grazia wouldn’t want her to know what she did.

So backing up quietly, she walked away and went downstairs to get some breakfast. Grazia acted mean and as if she didn’t care about the babies, but deep down, she must; why else would she do it?

Now that she was eight months pregnant, they decided it was better to stop having sex; by now, she was feeling less sexy and tired most of the time.

At first, she was worried that Luca would be upset about not being able to have sex, but he was actually good about it.

She did what she could to help him relieve some of his sexual tension, and he also took many cold showers. He also gave her pleasure without actually having sex.

***

Grazia was away at a spa retreat and due home in a day or two. Filippo had been going out a lot and today Luca had to go into town for a business meeting.

A letter arrived for Filippo. It looked important, so Robin thought she would drop it off in his room and give it to him. She knocked on his door but got no answer, but it was part-way open.

“Filippo, are you in here?” she shouted out as she opened the door further. Calling out again and getting no answer, she found it strange that he would leave the door open.

Since she was there, she figured she’d leave the letter on his desk. Walking over, she set it down.

One of the drawers in his desk was not closed all the way, and something red caught her eye. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t resist the temptation to sneak a peek; something about it seemed familiar.

A gasp escaped her lips, and she covered her mouth with her hand when she saw what it was.