Page 131 of Say It Isn't So

He moved harder, faster, and I was blinded with pleasure as he rocked his hips and fucked me with such wild abandon. I felt like I’d been hit by a wrecking ball in every way imaginable. And the otherwise monochromatic kitchen became clouded in a rainbow as illusive smoke bombs exploded around me.

Chapter Forty-One

Bianca

The past tendays were a whirlwind. Knox and I were back in New York after being in Milan and Paris for his job. I, of course, also made it worthwhile, making progress on my new brand as planned. We met up with Perla, Frankie, Allie and Dom while overseas. And Dom, the pain in the butt he was, had reminded us that in a few days we’d be in the Hamptons for our annual Fourth of July trip, so if I wanted to bring Knox, we’d better talk to Angelo.

Now, I had planned on only doing that when hell froze over, but Knox thought Dom had a point.I hate it when Dom is right.Anyway, I gave in and called Martin to get Angelo’s schedule. Tonight he was having dinner by himself at this Italian restaurant on Long Island. Let’s just say he would be having unexpected company, because Knox and I were crashing that dinner.

I stopped walking when we were just outside of the restaurant. Knox was following my lead, but kept his hand firmly on my backside. “If you don’t want to do this, we can go back home. Just say the word.”

I crossed my arms, my jean jacket puckering in the front. “No, I need to do this.” I rolled my lips and looked up at him, our eyes connecting. “Right?”

He chuckled, rubbing concentric circles on my lower back. The gentle touch calmed my nerves—slightly. More than anything I just loved having his hands on me. “I think it’s a good idea for you. But I’ll support you in whatever you decide to do.”

That was all I needed to hear. Don’t get me wrong, I knew it anyway, but hearing it made my heart melt. “My partner in crime,” I murmured, turning to face him completely.

His eyes went wide. “I don’t know about crime. . . .”

I clicked the top of my tongue on the roof of my mouth. “What if I need a body buried discreetly?”

“Then I will get a shovel and start digging, but I’d prefer to do less criminal things with you.”

“Could’ve fooled me with the things you’ve already done to me, Knox Rhodes.”

He grinned. “Well, if that’s criminal, then I’m prepared to do the time.”

I got up on my tiptoes because even in my sky-high heels (as Knox liked to call them), I was still much shorter than him.

Knowing what I was looking for, he bent down and obliged, kissing me. “Come on,” he pushed, lightly swatting my behind. “As much as I’d love to stand out here all night, we should probably decide whether we’re going inside or leaving.”

I closed my eyes and noticeably shuddered. “We’re going inside,” I decided.

“That’s my girl.”

That’s my girl.His words gave me the courage I needed to walk into the restaurant and ask to be shown Angelo Morelli’s table.

My hands hung at my sides, and while I looked the picture of calm, cool, and collected, they were shaking just the same.

Knox must’ve noticed because he laced his fingers through mine and clasped on tight, lifting them to his lips and kissing my hand. “Don’t worry so much.”

“I’ll try not to.” As we continued walking, Angelo came into sight and my heart pounded in my chest.Hey, I said I’d try. I never said I’d succeed.

It was easy to remain cold and distant when I didn’t see him every day. I could call him Angelo and refuse to speak to him. I could pretend his opinion didn’t matter and I didn’t need his approval to lead a happy life.

Maybe it was because I was raised to look to my parents for guidance; maybe it was because I was stupid, foolish, or naïve, but whatever the case, I wanted my dad in my corner. I wanted my dad back.

Knox was even more in tune with my emotions than I thought, because he leaned down and whispered in my ear, “It’s okay.”

His reassuring words acted as a cozy blanket for me in times like this. I didn’t think I’d ever take it—him—for granted.

You want my advice? Find yourself a man like Knox. Even if there are a thousand obstacles in your way, go for it. Push them aside one by one and go for it! You only get this one life to live, so live it to the fullest.

When we approached the table, Dad looked up almost immediately. He was wearing a dark gray suit, white shirt, and stoic expression as his eyes met mine and then Knox’s.

I wanted to call him Angelo, to be as frigid as ice, thinking that would help soften any blow that could come my way for bringing Knox here, for holding hands with him as we confronted him together. But I couldn’t. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I gave him a shaky smile and greeted, “Dad.”

He must have recognized the olive branch I was trying to extend because he took it, standing up and walking to me. Knox dropped his hold on my hand as Dad went in for a hug. “Hi, baby girl,” he said, holding onto me tight.

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