Page 74 of Attraction (Mobsters + Billionaires 3)
“Aren’t you a billionaire? Aren’t you used to snapping your fingers and going wherever you want?”
His smile is shy. “I’ve never had someone willing to whisk me away, I guess.”
* * *
We landin Milano in the middle of the night. My main security guy, Darnell, joined us on the flight, and he drives us through the Italian mountains to my friend’s winery by Lake Como.
I love the area, but I am glad we manage to avoid the places where all the fancy movie stars stay.
My buddy, Giacomo, is waiting up for us at the main house, a gorgeous villa that sits right on the water. We greet each other with a rousing hug and kiss on each cheek, though Gio is significantly gentler with Ford, offering him a kiss on the back of his hand.
He’s a charmer, that one.
Gio ushers us inside with an apology. “I haven’t had a chance to go to the market, so all I have are buttered noodles and wine.”
“Gio, it’s the middle of the night. We weren’t expecting anything. This sounds wonderful.”
We all pile into his big kitchen, and Gio’s eyes light up when Darnell steps in to join us. I’ve been with Darnell for a long time and am somewhat accustomed to his imposing stature. The man practically fills a doorway and has a severe look that most people shy away from.
“And who is this?” Gio asks, rubbing his neck as he smiles at Darnell’s grumpy expression.
“Gio, this is my security guy, Darnell. Darnell, Gio.”
“Bello, bello,” Gio says, rubbing the larger man’s flat stomach, smiling appreciatively when he feels the no doubt ripped abs. “I hope you brought your appetite.”
Darnell’s severe expression breaks, and he smiles, dimpling at Gio’s flirtations. “I am a growing boy.”
Ford and I exchange glances and bite back smiles. I’d forgotten that Gio is very much a lover of all people. I’m not aware of Darnell’s proclivities, but having spent a few hours naked with Gio many moons ago, I believe he’ll find a way to make himself irresistible.
Gio ushers us onto the balcony, and we finally pause from the whirlwind travel. We inhale the crisp air and the gorgeous Italian night skies over the lake while Gio heats everything up.
He joins us, carrying a rustic bowl full of pasta, a tray full of accoutrements, and, most importantly, wine.
“Gio, this place is…bellissimo, as always.”
He grins as he gestures for us to sit down, then goes around, heaping homemade buttered noodles in our bowls, sprinkling freshly grated parmesan to top it off. I’m pretty sure he hipped Darnell’s shoulder as he added extra noodles to his plate.
Meanwhile, Ford falls on the pasta like it’s his last meal, and Gio claps in delight at his sturdy appetite.
Darnell, officially off duty until we fly back, enjoys the pasta but practically makes love to his glass of wine. “This is the best wine I’ve ever tasted.”
Shaking his head, Gio apologizes. “It’s my standard table wine. I didn’t have time to grab the reserve.”
“If this is your table wine, your reserve might kill me,” Darnell says, smiling broadly at my old friend. “This is one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.”
Ford leans over to whisper in my ear. “Wait. Is Darnell flirting with Gio?”
I raise my glass to my lips to hide my smile. “I think so.”
Gio, ignoring us, continues the flirtation, “Still, I must find some way to make it up to you. You’re staying here with me at the house, no?”
Darnell sneaks a look at me, and I nod. “Looks like it.”
“Buona. We’ll pack these two off to their love nest, and you and I will get into some trouble in my cellar.”
Ford’s ears turn pink under the string of lights illuminating the space, and I, perhaps a bit tipsy from the wine and lack of sleep, pull him onto my lap.
“Shit, is this okay?” I ask, rubbing my hand up and down his thigh.
