"Want to tell me who that man was that dropped you off?!"

My ears ready to shatter, hastily looking around for any by standers. "Please Speak louder, no one was around the first time." I hoped she bought my sarcasm.

"Oops sorry."

"I can't stay mad at you though."

"But seriously who was he?"

With the mention of He my mind begins to occupy with images of his brown marbled eyes and smile. "He is our new neighbor." I shrugged.

She furrows her brows "You two already getting that comfortable?"

"Well no, I mean my car was stuck in a hole this morning and he just kind of got me a ride."

"How did you get a hole in your driveway girl, what did you do?" She giggles removing her robe.

Ready to answer her question when I eyed the black lingerie, the lacy set that covered her breast with the matching under wear clung around her curves, Bringing out her Cinnamon complexion.

What was I going to say again?

"Girl you are Hot!" Like paparazzi I am flocking her, eyeing her 4c curls down to her firm legs.

"The real treasure is you! Let's see the sneak peak of the new design." She tries unveiling the robe when I stepped back.

"You might go blind."

"Have you seen my ex boyfriend? I think I was diagnosed earlier"

We laugh loudly before I pulled her back to end hallways, "Take a look" The robe is undone and I can see the shimmering gold diamonds on her face.

The new set of lingerie and I am the first to own a pair; golden pendant Tassel with a matching thong, a diamond necklace. Against my brown skin I walked embodying the sun.

I snap my fingers pulling Annalisa out of her star struck moment. "There is not a dick big enough for that size." I giggle.

"This is just ... Omg, Destiny it is immaculate, it's Omg. I can't even fathom words."

"There you are!"

We jump to the harsh tone of Matthew, "Zip that up both of you. Hurry up they are waiting."

Hastily the show begins, each girl positioning for the shoot, Annalisa at the center, in sync the women remove their robes, posing for the new line. Flashes of camera with directors shouting instructions and poses. The time came, it was my turn at the center, me and only me. Removing my hair cap, 4A afro curls bounce freely positioning its length at my chin. Diamonds earrings sparkle it's radiance as everyone gathers around for the moment.

"Look at the Camera Destiny" Matthew raises a signal in the air, counting down from three. The whole room silence and photographers close in.

"3 ... 2 .... -"

My fingers at the hem of the robe, not giving too much, ready the hand to drop.

"1!"

The robe falls on cue, a choir of Oh's and awww's before they erupted in applause, whistling and cheering while I pose and pose over and over again for the flashing camera. The number displayed on the computer flies with views and pre orders already until sold out completely.

"Done!"

My alter ego breaks an I return with smiles and giggles.

"Good job Destiny!"

"Beautiful"

The designer running up to me enveloping me in a hug. Strands of her hair tickled my nose while we embraced one another.

"Gather around everyone! Gather, gather." Martin, the executive shouted.

Annalisa slaps my ass getting close.

"Alright remember ladies and gentlemen next week is the ultimate fashion show, the numbers today as always sky rockets and I already have emails from top brands. For the upcoming show is kind of bad news, We won't be here in the stadium this time, we will be in ..."

The suspension was enough to kill us.

"Venice, Italy!"

My heart thumps, it seems only I remained on the ground while the figures around me jumped in the air. Italy, a dream country I have always wanted to travel to and now granted the chance, all expenses paid with our own plane a moment I wondered back in the day how would I react? and yet now fast foreword, it has a new effect on me.

Those warm brown marbles for eyes and that beautiful smile, how close we were and his charms.

God-dammit.

***

"Girl what's wrong? We finally made it to Italy you seem out of it?" Annalisa voice made way to my daydream.

Blinking profusely I meet her worried gaze across from me. "I - I'm alright it's just I was lost in thought."

"About what?" she sighs, "I thought you'd be more enthusiastic than this"

Something was off about her tone, "Hey, love what's wrong?" Scooting into the table.

"It's just we have had this dream since we were kids and now here we are, we can afford our homes, cars and all expenses paid trips doing what we love but it's like I'm celebrating it all by myself." She huffs sipping her tea.

"I - well."

"It's alright I know you have things going on but it would have been nice to celebrate such an achievement with my best friend. But I had to pull you away to dress you and bring you here but I was talking to myself the whole time."

Realizing my surroundings, my favorite bakery restaurant in Miami. A chocolate croissant in front of me with a French hot chocolate thick and creamy the way I love it. Oh my and yet I was zoned out the entire time.

"Lisa I am so sorry, I am really am excited for the trip genuinely I don't know what came over me. I was just .... Just"

Should I tell her? Tell my best friend my mind occupied with another man? She would slap me silly and tell me I am crazy, rightfully so. But it doesn't hurt to look.

"It's ok I know you are upset about the failed burglary situation with Ryan."

"Hmm?"

"Last night? With Ryan? The fantasy you wanted that was ruined?"

"Oh, Oh, OH! right yes. I just had this perfect moment and it just well it didn't work."

"What happened anyway?"

A bullet dodged ... for now.

"He did everything perfectly, even the whole stalker and blending in with the dark and stuff, pinning me down roughly, even stayed in character when I accidentally kneed his dick."

She choked, "What!"

"Yes," I laughed. "He groaned for a moment but got up and chased me, pinning my head down to the bed and started spanking me."

"Omgg, so what happened?"

"He thought I was begging him to stop when I was really getting into it."

"Oh, No!"

"Yes."

"Cheers to him trying."

"Cheers to that."

***

Arriving to my pavement I immediately questioned the whereabouts of my car, "Thank you" I pay the Uber driver getting down.

Engine roars fading in the background and Another reality hit me in the gut looking up at my dark Windows, I gave him my keys. Transfixed by the heavenly man I couldn't just think to give him only my car key but instead the entire set, including my house key. His touch against my fingers were still evident, Calloused and firm but gentle.

I swallow walking on the sidewalk heading to his home. Intrigued by outside decor, large trucks and Ferraris, but the windows were surprisingly darker than normal, were they tinted? I must be living next door to Vampires. My hand tremble knocking, I wanted to punch myself for the jitters.

Silence, must be busy?

I'm ready to knock again when the door clicks open, an expensive cologne instantly fly through my nasal passage way before looking up at Alessandro in the flesh. White dress shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbow, forearms decorated with deep green veins. Dark curly hair fall beside his cheeks with a fresh aftershave.

Hubba hubba.

Hazel marbles look down at mine before amusingly leaning an elbow to rest it against the wall of the entrance.

"Buonasera" He says. My knees almost buckled by the sound of his voice, the thick Italian accent wasn't helping.

"Hey - I mean Good evening. I uh I'm here for my -"

I can't fathom my words, lost into the deep stare of his eyes. Intently he kept eye contact, smirking to my failure at basic human comprehension. "Good Evening Mr. Alessandro." I smile, "Thank you again for the ride this morning, but I did leave my key."

Raising a thick brow in question, "Keys?"

"Yes, uh, my keys. For my car?"

"Scusa"

I wanted to scream, a look of terror plastered on my face and he erupted in laughter, jawline more defined with those pearly whites, deep, booming and genuine, laughing so hard his arm moved from the door to soothing his abdomen from the ache. I couldn't even hear the birds chirping anymore at this point, all my sound fixed on him.

"Si, Mrs. Campbell, your car is alright. It is in the backyard with new tires."

"You got me." I huff, "May I go get it?"

Nodding his head slightly before stepping away from the door opening it wider for me enter.

"Oh, alright." My heart pounds forcing a weak smile, I feel his eyes on me the whole steps, raking me up slowly with his eyes; my front and back.

The home was of an antique; polished cherry, warm beige walls with white outlines. My eyes feasted on the decor moving from one set to another, new designed kitchen, polished glass chinas with sparkling cutlery on the inside, every cabinet labeled with the cursive handwriting.

"Your home is very beautiful." I couldn't move my eyes away, a balance of warm and dark adding on a mystery vibe.

"Grazie." I hear behind me, tone concentrated and low.

Looking back at him, Alessandro stood with his back leaning against the door, with his hands in his pockets, dark eyes raking my body with a half smirk. Between him and the design of the home I thought I could have been fooled but the labeled handwriting gave it away.

"Your girlfriend really put this place together" I huff nodding my head in approval.

Breathily he chuckled, "Girlfriend?"

Shit, "I'm sorry, your wife -"

His chuckle now turned to a roaring laugh, Fucking hell, what did I say now?

"No, no wife no girlfriend. I did this" he spoke softly glancing around his home in achievement. "Me and my cousins"

Feigning hurt I cock my head raising my brows, "What? I can't believe someone like you would be single" I tease smiling.

"Someone like me?" He questioned darkly stepping forward to me. The closer he got the more my legs wobbled.

Breathing in his cologne, "Yes, you're very handsome." I confess. "And well mannered, there are many women that are probably on the market for you."

He smiles, "Maybe" he shrugged. "But let's just say only one caught my eyes." His smile faltered, eyes staring into mine distantly.

The sound of my heartbeat roaring into my canal pulls me down to earth, clearing my throat. "Uh, the car?" I still managed to rasp.

"Si, please sit. I'll get the key, but first a drink?"

Tempting, but I don't trust alcohol anywhere near my system in his presence. "Maybe some other time I really should be going"

"Per favore, one drink"

The man literally gave me a ride, one drink won't hurt. "Alright, yes please."

"Eccellente" he chuckles signaling for me to follow him. I count doors while we walked Down a bright hall, portraits of Michelangelo and Vincent Van Gogh. Two of some of the most famous artists out there, I'm no expert but having these are expensive to get a hold of.

"A man of culture" I speak in the silence.

He paused, turning back at me curiously. "Scusa?"

"These paintings. They are one of a kind." I smile, olive skin turning red glancing at the portraits.

"Ah, in Italy my brother is a painter" he chuckled.

"Wow, and he lets you keep these? They're amazing, so similar to the real thing."

With his hands in his pockets, a nervous gleam shimmering in his eyes, "Thank you, I will tell him he has a big fan when I go visit"

"Maybe I could tell him myself" I tease.

"How so?"

I'm ready to respond when the sound of angry chatter erupts from the room downstairs. My chest turning cold at the threatening baritone of men, argumentative as they curse in Italian followed by shattering glasses.

Involuntarily I pause.

Reassuringly Alessandro looks up to me from the bottom of the stairs, "Don't worry" he whispers. "It is only my father and his workers. Wait here."

I debate frantically whether or not to listen watching Alessandro disappear at the end of the stairs, his baritone voice demanding more authority than the others. Awkwardly I await as they argue loudly in their native tongue until they are finally settled.

"Are you ok?" He popped his head back up to me for reassurance.

"Yes, is everything alright?"

"Si" he nodded, sensing my hesitation he extended a large hand to mine, a black band around his middle finger. My soft hands met his calloused ones, a soft steady grip keeping my nervous legs in balance.

A man cave with a full bar, portraits of stuffed animals on the wall with a large mounted tv. A few men scattered across the room until they all stood together in my presence, I smile At the few Familiar Faces before being led to the black couch across the bar.

Alessandro orders something in his language, their red blushed faces softens, smiling at me before excusing themselves to head up the stairs.

Looking over at him curiously as he prepares a couple of glasses of brown and pink liquid. "What'd you say?"

"To fetch your car" he winks and I wanted to sink further into the couch.

"Thank you again."

"Please Don't thank me, we are neighbors." He says rounding from the bar over to me.

"But still you did me a big favor."

"You would do the same for me right?" Beside me he plopped giving me my glass. "Cheers?"

"Cheers"

Together we drink, my taste igniting to the bubbly strawberry liqueur gliding down my tongue. "Mmm"

The rim of the glass between his lips while chuckles with his teeth clenched, "Pink Whitney"

"Huh?"

"Pink Whitney, a favorite amongst women."

"Hmmm, you did a research this is delicious."

With a couple of sips, both are glasses almost half empty sitting on the glass table before us. Alessandro's back against the couch, long brown curls draping his face, muscled body firm with his legs parted.

Both of us sitting in the silence letting the alcohol take effect in our streams, Swallowing the sweet and sour taste on my tongue, side eyeing his long hard physique. Even with my professional attire, I still had nothing but a thong and strapless bra underneath.

"What did you mean when you said you'd see my brother?" He spoke clearing out the silence.

"Hmm?" We're six feet from each other, Hazel orbs looking at me from his hooded eyes.

"You said you'd want to meet my brother,do you plan on visiting Italy?"

"Yes, pretty soon actually."

Fully turning his head to me, raising a brow. "Veramente?"

Maybe it was the alcohol, "Huh?"

"Ah, I mean really?" He corrected.

"Yes" I chuckled. "My agency is taking us to the fashion show in Venice."

Intrigued by my word's he adjusted an angle towards me, "Venice is beautiful, I am from Naples. You will love it, we're very open to beautiful women."

My stomach tingles working The alcohol faster through my streams, dazedly I giggle. "I have heard of Italian men being heart breakers."

Leaning his head back "Oh yes?"

"Yes."

My breath caught in my throat watching him glide closer to me, my head wobbles slightly losing my coordinates, fuck I'm such a light head.

"What else have you heard about Italians?"

"Well ... that you are." It was less intimidating when he wasn't so close, now I can see him in HD, clean shaven face free of any blemishes, defined hazel orbs with thick cut brows. Even beside me on the couch I still had to look up at him.

He cuts my train of thought getting into my line of vision, "Bambolina?"

"Yes? I'm sorry I was just thinking."

"About what?" Letting that question linger as a distraction while scooting into me.

Lost by his scent "I'm sorry what was the question again?"

"What else have you heard about Italians?"

His face is so close to mine, "Uh, well that you are romantics and charming."

"Have I charmed you?" He whispered leaning into me closely.

Thick lips so inviting, I watch him come in closer to me glancing between my lips and eye. My Brain trying to multitask between thinking and doing, "I Uh"

"Talk to me Bambolina, tell me have I charmed you?" The scent of whiskey on his breath and the cologne on his neck I close my eyes traveling into my fantasies.

"No."

Unamused by the answer he fully faced me, lips hovering over mine. "How about now?"

My mind a frenzy, the thin line of self control snaps and are lips crash into each others. Intense heart of passion as our tongues rolled and wrestle, he swallows my last breath of oxygen and I pull away to catch a few, with the little break he turned his attention to my neck, licking and biting every sensitive spots.

Holding my back and neck with his large hands while still assaulting my neck with his tongue. Moans of ecstasy escapes my throat melting into The sweet feeling. The friction of his dress shirt rubbing against my nipples, he turns to my ear next for a teasing.

Whispering words of romance in Italian in my ear, voice deep and gruff. I hear and feel his want, the heat of his body burning mine. Propping a knee on the couch he lays me on my back, spreading my legs where he felt the damp spot in between my legs.

A dark hunger clouding around him and I whimper, large body laying on mine, reusing that tongue of his to find my most sensitive areas. Brain jogged, lead by hormones I feel up his back, muscled and toned digging my hair into his scalp where he preceded to groan deeply rumbling my body.

Arching and stretching my body, wiggling underneath him, guiding his hands and tongue to where my body cried the most for attention, peeking up to him again, his head disappeared on the side of my neck, leaving my to watch my hands dig into the scalp fisting the silky strands of his hair until something shimmers on my left hand.

My heart on fire summoning a great strength pushing Alessandro off my body.

"What's wrong?" He questioned confusingly. Lips swollen and glossed from seconds prior.

"Oh my gosh," My chest ready to crash from the excessive breaths. "I need to go. Where are my keys."

Frantically I gather my self, legs still wobbly, brain still on clouds.
My arm was gently tugged. "Bambolina?"

"Stop it Alessandro, fuck this was a bad idea."

"Not when you wanted me too" he exclaimed, eyes hardening.

I furrowed my brows "I just met you, you can't be serious and I your my husband's protege or whatever." Fucking hell I have a fucking husband.

Somehow he managed to get a hold of both my arms bringing me in closer, "Tell me that what just happened, you didn't want it too."

I swallowed the emotion, burying the lust, "I have a husband"

"That's not what I asked you." He deadpanned.

"Let me go."

"Say it, and I will"

"But will you if I say it?"

"No."

"Then what's the point?"

"Because I'll want you closer than ever."

"This is ridiculous, so even if I tel you anything you won't let me go?"

He locks his eyes on me, and I look away, "Look at me." He commands.

"We just met Alessandro. This is just you being horny," I struggled from his grip.

"You think this is the first time I have met you?" He chuckled.

"What?"

"No, not even close. No, we have met before but from the beginning I wanted to make you mine." I feel his heart racing, voice deepening with a growl.

I couldn't deny the dangerous proximity that turned me on, I am in a strangers home, possibly dangerous and now here he is saying he refuses to let me go and that I am his, Thanks a lot dark Romance.

All the new information rendered me silent, we have met? "I'm sorry, I don't remember I really don't." A look of sadness in his eyes, he opened his mouth ready to speak when the door above opened. The older gentleman from before coming down with a jingle in his hands before he analyzed the scene.

"Oh my Keys, thank you" I chuckled. With the extra eye on the room he reluctantly released my arms, shrinking from the weight of his gaze behind my back.