From Humble Beginnings (Joe Steel) Read online

  Deciding to stop teasing, I murmur, “It’s wonderful to see you. I’ll tell you tomorrow why I’m concerned about your being here. And it’s for no nefarious reason; simply that I want you to be safe.”

  “Can’t you tell me now?”

  “No. I don’t want to spoil the rest of the day.” Shaking my head, my fists clench about the steering wheel as my anger with Ali and the whole situation with the mafia slips through my earlier content. “It’s as irritating as shit and my day is going to be nothing but a pleasure now you’re here.”

  “It is?” she asks, slightly wary.

  “Yeah. It is. I’m going to play truant. Cass hasn’t been pulling her weight, since she’s been here and I’ve taken on the lion’s share of her work as well as handling my own. She can cope for today.” I turn to her slightly and smile. I know exactly where her thoughts are heading and try to ease her somewhat. I won’t lie and say that I don’t want to go straight to the villa and to my room. But I won’t push her. She’s not like the other women I’ve known; I have to treat her carefully and that isn’t as unattractive a prospect as I’d once imagined it as being. “Do you want to go for something to eat? Or do you want to go to the villa?”

  “The villa,” she whispers and there’s a thread of discomfort bleeding through the words.

  “Hey, what’s wrong?” I ask, concerned to see her head bowed again and her eyes staring down at her lap. I reach for her hands and squeeze, relieved when she squeezes back.

  “I need to tell you something.”

  “Go ahead; I’m all ears.”

  “It’s difficult, because it’s not only embarrassing but I don’t want it to change today.”

  Pondering her words, I murmur, “Okay. What about today don’t you want to change?”

  She clears her throat. “Tonight.”

  “Ah. Understood.” And relieved as hell! “Why should it? If you want to be with me and I want to be with you, then what’s the problem?”

  “I’m a virgin.”

  While that was the last thing I expected her to say, I merely nod. “I’m glad you told me. I wouldn’t want to hurt you later on.” I’d had an inkling of her inexperience, when she revealed her distaste at her sister’s once promiscuous ways. At the same time, I thought it too much to hope for. What teenager makes it out adolescence without losing her hymen?

  Juliet, apparently.

  The confirmation makes me want to rub my hands together in glee, but I don’t. My calm reaction seems to have gone some way to soothe her and I’d rather not alter that.

  “You’re not freaked out?”

  Do I lie or tell the truth? Maybe I should be disturbed; but I’m not. That weird possessive streak coursing through me where this woman is concerned is pulsing with triumph.

  And how the hell am I supposed to explain that to a modern, twenty-first century woman?

  God help me!

  “No. I’m not. I like the idea actually.”

  Understatement of the year.

  “You do?”

  “Juliet, forgive me if I’m making an assumption, but what do you want from me? You’ve just admitted that you’re a virgin and inferred that tonight; you no longer want to be. And then, back in London, when I stayed over at yours, you implied that you wouldn’t go further than a kiss or a cuddle without some kind of commitment. Why the change of heart?”

  “You don’t want to know.”

  Sighing impatiently, I shoot a glare at her before reverting my attention to the road ahead. “Of course I do. Why would I ask if I didn’t want to know?”

  “I don’t want to lose you.” She grimaces. “Christ that sounds pathetic, but I can’t help it. It’s not like I’ve ever really had you, either; but we started to get close and then you had to leave to come here. Ever since then, you’ve been different on the phone. Distant and I don’t like it. I like the closeness that was growing between us. I want it back.”

  “The only reason for the distance between us is just that. The miles separating us. If I’ve been off on the phone, I haven’t meant to be. In all honesty, I’m swamped. Like I said, Cass is under the weather and I’m having to do her job as well as my own. It means that I’ve just got enough time to crash out on a night and sleep. Especially with the other shit going down on this end.”

  “What other shit?”

  “Like I said earlier, I’ll tell you tomorrow. It’s nasty and I don’t want you to be touched by it. That’s why I didn’t want you to visit. It’s dangerous and the last thing I want is for you to be in any danger. You’re not alone, Juliet; if you don’t want to lose me then that feeling is reciprocated entirely by me.” Resting my elbow on the armrest, I settle into my seat and take comfort in the need to drive and stare ahead.

  I feel as discomforted as Juliet. I’ve never been one for discussing feelings or talking about relationships. But there’s never been a more perfect time or place. We’re together, alone and we’ll be that way for the remainder of the journey.

  “If I’m honest, when we have spoken, I’ve been frustrated.”

  “Frustrated? Why?”

  “Why? Christ, Juliet, why do you think? I want you and up until now, you’ve been putting up roadblocks. On top of that, wanting you but not being able to have you isn’t fun. Especially when I’ve no real ties to you and you’ve no ties to me. For all I know, you’ve been flirting up a storm back home.”

  “As if I would, Joe!”

  Her umbrage has my lips twitching; but I control them and refrain from smiling. I don’t fancy being slapped for my troubles.

  “Well, admit it, that’s what you’ve been concerned about too. Wondering whether or not I’ve been flirting with some of the locals; or maybe even getting up to more!”

  She fidgets and that in itself is my answer. Pressing her back into the seat, her voice is sullen as she asks, “And have you?”

  “No. I haven’t.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “And I’m glad that you haven’t been trying it on with anyone else.”

  She snorts. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”

  “To my mind, it’s the best conversation we’ve had together. At least we can clarify this thing we have between us. I’m tired of it floating overhead. I want rules and parameters.”

  “I can’t believe you’re talking like this. Dad has always talked about you as though you’re this Lothario. And I’ve seen you in action. At the staff parties. I’ve seen you flirting with the PAs. Why me, Joe?”

  “You might be as pure as the driven snow, Juliet. But I’m not. I come with a past and I come with baggage of my own. I won’t apologize for it and I won’t make excuses. I am who I am. And I can’t tell you why you. I don’t know myself. And don’t get huffy,” I chide, when she sucks in an irritated breath. “I’m not good with explaining this kind of thing. All I know is that I want you more than I’ve wanted any other woman in my life. And I don’t just want you in bed. I want you in my life. I guess the only question that matters is if you want me in yours. Because, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, if we get back to the villa and I sleep with you, we’re exclusive. I won’t have you fucking around on me, do you understand?”

  As soon as that stipulation pops out, I regret it, but at the same time, it’s my way of asking for a commitment.

  Sighing at my idiocy and lack of a silver tongue, I wait out for her explosion of fury, but it doesn’t come.

  Carefully, I turn to look at her and sigh with relief at her huge smile, which is an answer without words.

  “Only you could ask me to commit to you like that. Christ, Joe. Where’s your Casanova reputation now?”

  “In ashes. Casanovas the world over will be rolling in their graves at losing one of their rank,” I tease, feeling light-hearted now the heavy shit is out of the way.

  Christ, I hate conversations like that.

  The remainder of the journey was filled with levity. We spoke of London, of mutual acquaintances, of her
father. We didn’t brush upon the story I’m supposed to pass on to her of her father’s past, just as I didn’t mention the mafia invasion in the new factory. They’re for tomorrow, or the day after. Today is for us and it really felt that way.

  I’ve always taken great pleasure in teasing Juliet and today’s no exception. Only I’m not doing it to rile her, simply to amuse her. I don’t dare consider how far I’ve fallen, when counting my delight in her happiness. I just push it to the back of my mind for perusal at a later date.

  Thankfully, by the time we arrive home, Brigida is nowhere to be seen and Marco isn’t polluting the environment with his presence. Juliet gawks at the gaudy furnishings and her reaction is priceless. I try not to drag her around the house, knowing that months of sexual frustration are on the brink of being relieved. Instead, I walk her through the rooms, gradually working our way to the top floor where we reach the bedrooms.

  I show her to a spare room and she stares at the bed and then at me, raising a brow in question.

  Shrugging, I try to remember why I’m being gallant and choke out, “I don’t want you to feel pressured.”

  “I don’t.” Her head tilts to the side as she studies me. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? With it being my first time?”

  “I’m more than okay. But this is your choice, Juliet. I don’t want you to think I’ve coerced you into anything. You’ve made the decision to remain chaste for a reason and I’ll respect that decision.”

  “I made the decision, Joe, because I didn’t want to be used by men like Bo was. In fairness, she used them back, but I didn’t like it. I wanted to wait for the right guy.” She shrugged. “You’re it.”

  Taking that for the admission it is, I reach out a hand and wait for her to accept it, and then guide her towards my room. Unlike the rest of the house, this room is relatively free from tack. The bed is large and comfortable but not my own. I wish I was back in London and I could savour every inch of Juliet in my own bed, but that wasn’t to be.

  Juliet’s ready and I’ve been more than ready for months.

  Christ, my balls passed the blue phase six weeks ago.

  She steps into the room and looks around. Walking around the bed towards the small Juliet balcony that overlooks the river. For a moment, she studies the view and then turns, her hands coming up to unbutton the fastenings on her shirt. Slowly, one by one, she opens her blouse and reveals creamy olive skin and a lace pink bra.

  In tandem, I do the same. Cloning my actions to hers. Taking it slow, going at her pace so as not to make her nervous.

  With the window open, the scent of blossom perfumes the room and the explosion of flowers is only augmented by the sultry heat. It’s a smell that I’ll forever associate with today and I know that the sensory memory will follow me to the grave.

  But now isn’t the time for such thoughts. Now is for living.

  “Did I ever tell you how hot you look in a suit?”

  Her words have a grin splitting my face in two. “No. You didn’t.”

  “Oh well, no time like the present,” she says cheerfully, her hands unfastening the fly of her shorts and letting the pale lilac linen slip to the ground.

  Walking towards me in nothing more than a pair of high cut knickers and a bra that should be illegal, my hands work at my belt and I pull the leather strap free from the loops as she approaches. Her own hands take over as she unfastens the fly and unzips me, placing her fingers at the waistband and tugging down so that we’re both dressed in our underwear.

  She bites her lips as her eyes rake over my body, her gaze focused on my cock. I reach for her hand and press it against my erection. “I won’t hurt you.”

  “I know.” She swallows the gesture nervous as her glance is caught by my own. “I’ve waited a long time for this, Joe.”

  “So have I, Juliet.”

  With her hand in mine, her eyes captured by mine, I walk her over to the bed.

  Even though I’m pumped with adrenaline and lust, I’m careful with her. I know what a gift I’ve been handed here and as unschooled as I am in chivalry, I promise myself that I’ll make this an experience she’ll never forget; one that will score me on to her memory banks no matter what happens. Later, I can sate my own lust on her. This time, it’s for her and I’ll revel in every moment of it.

  I urge her into sitting down on the side of the bed and press her down on to the mattress so that she’s lying flat out. I sit beside her, my hand beside her head so I can lean close to her. Her features are taut with tension and I lean down and start pressing kisses to her face. The gentle flutter of her breath against my skin has me gritting my teeth a little, but I force myself to be calm and continue to press soft kisses along the curve of her cheekbone, along the length of her throat, to the two covered-crowns of her breasts. I continue down, let my lips trace her belly, brush over the lace of her panties and down her thighs and calves. As I return, I pluck my fingers into the waistband of her panties and urge them down her legs and over her feet. Her bra suffers the same fate, releasing her breasts to my hungry gaze.

  Dampness moistens her skin and her excitement and nerves has me more strung out than I would be mid-coitus with another woman. I continue with my gentle touch, letting my fingers and mouth and lips explore her. My lips tease puckered nipples, the tips of my fingers discover the moistness of her sex and I swallow her moans as she rides my hand, my fingers brushing against the epicentre of her most intimate erogenous zone.

  Only when she’s slick with arousal, do I retreat and move into a standing position. Hooking my hands in my briefs, I bare myself to her gaze and quickly return to her side. My lips continue their gentle exploration; seeking the answers to questions I’ve long since had about this woman. Only when her nervousness at the sight of me fully naked abates, do I spread her legs and sink between them.

  Her breath hitches in her chest and I take a moment to rub my cock along the full length of her sex. The juices of her arousal lubricate my path and I continue to tease, to incite, knowing it will ease my passage and make this, her first time, more enjoyable. At this moment in time, that’s all that counts.

  She isn’t alone now; my breathing is fast and edgy, uneven. Perspiration has beads of fluid trailing over my flesh, down my back, slickening the glide of our flesh against the others. That scent of flowers fills my nose, forever blended with the perfume of Juliet’s arousal.

  As our lips meet again, this time Juliet’s nerves bleeding away with her excitement, as she begins to fight back; her own teeth nipping and seeking more, seeking release. Feeling the shift in her mood, feeling the fraughtness of her hips as they pulse against mine, seeking a closer contact, I do as bade and slip inside.

  And as I do, I come home.

  Chapter Ten

  “Oh, Christ.”

  Not the nicest thing to say after a rather pleasant morning and an even better night, but what better curse to mutter when Clordina has just walked into the café that Juliet and I happen to be using?

  Clordina, the over-enthusiastic translator, who met Cass and myself at the airport.

  Clordina, the woman, who has repeatedly phoned me, trying to offer her services and who I’ve repeatedly fended off.

  And not only that, but she’s dressed to kill. Pencil skirt, split at the side, plastered to every curve; a wide leather belt cupping her hips and displaying their slim narrowness as well as a shirt that is tucked in at the waist and has a neckline shooting down to her bellybutton.

  Maybe the latter is an exaggeration, but it sure looks like it. God Almighty, she’s dressed like a high class prostitute but then, I think she is. Her sashay is decidedly seductive and while it’s not impossible for her to choose this café when Juliet and I just happen to be sitting in it… considering the town’s size, it’s a slight coincidence.

  As is the fact that I’m her target and she’s heading towards me with the speed of a Mach 5 missile!

  “What’s wrong?” Juliet asks, turning around to figure out
what I’m gawking at over her shoulder.

  Hoping to diffuse the situation before it can explode in my face; I wonder how a perfectly decent morning could turn so sour and so bloody quickly.

  I’m really starting to hate Italy.

  “Now, bear in mind, I haven’t had time to breathe over these last few weeks; never mind start anything with anyone. Also, please remember, I switched translators. Monica is the company lawyer and translator over here. Not a woman called Clordina.”

  She’s looking at me like I’ve grown two heads, but I ignore the look and steel myself for whatever Clordina is about to throw at me. Because at the moment, that’s bound to be far worse. Or should I say, the fallout will be far worse!

  Like a singular elephant stampeding in a straight line through the chaotic rows and columns of tables and chairs in the small square we’re frequenting, she makes her charge. Eventually arriving at our table, completely ignoring Juliet to pour herself over me.

  Literally.

  It’s like having tar poured over you. She clings and she won’t frigging stop.

  “Joe!” she cries and bends down directly in front of me to do one of two things. Firstly, to display her rather ample cleavage and to give me a direct shot of what is admittedly, nubile loveliness. Secondly, to dose me with air kisses. Although, these can’t be called air kisses because there is no air between us. Her lips squelch against my cheeks and I know I’ll have two red marks from her lipstick covering my cheeks.

  Could this be anymore farcical?

  “Hello, Clordina,” I mutter as coolly as I’m able. I make no move to stand in greeting. Even though it feels very rude and completely against the chivalrous laws Bernard taught me when I was promoted into the executive league and off the factory floor, I remain in my seat, relaxed and with Juliet’s hand in my own. With the other, I use my napkin to rub at the wax coating my cheeks.

  At Clordina’s behaviour, Juliet tried to pull her hand from mine but I retained the grip. I relax it now somewhat but squeeze to apologize for the earlier tightness of my clasp. I don’t have to look at her to know she’s radiating tension; something that was undoubtedly Clordina’s intention.