I say … attached to their owners.” He curls his lips on one side and winks at Lucca.
Oh my goodness, I’m mortified. I think he’s referring to … bedroom time.
Fuck!
File M for mortified. Mortified, he’s thinking of our sex life.
Inappropriate.
Lucca takes my hand and walks me into the house with Cameron following behind me. Peter stays outside with Doris, giving her some commands and trying to train her by the looks of it. I stop walking when my foot enters the grand hallway’s black and cream, high-polished tiled flooring and slowly lift my head, taking in the magnificent interior.
Cameron strolls by me and dumps boxes on the floor near the front doors. Swallowing hard, I open my eyes wide and drink it in—the fine details, artistry, and expensive accented décor. I have the same feeling as when I stepped into the luxury suite in Florence. It’s so grand.
Blinking a few times, my eyes are drawn towards the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above me. I’m mesmerised by the colours reflecting against the diamond-like pendants and droplets spinning over the room, fanning a jewelled palette of colours.
“Cameron, fix a drink. You are welcome to stay for dinner. I am just going to give Lexi the tour.”
“Cheers, mate, but I’m going to head back. I’ve got football training,” Cameron replies. Secretly I was hoping he would stay, just to make sure I settle in okay. Not that he can do anything about my lack of resilience, but it’s comforting knowing he’s there.
I’m lost in the amazing artwork and ornate pieces sculpted across the walls and stop listening to their conversation as I stare, transfixed on the opulent, busy furnishings around me.
“Lexi, snap out it. Did you not hear me?”
Startled, I turn to him. “Sorry, Cameron. I, um … anyway, what were you saying?”
I notice Lucca is no longer holding my hand. He’s not even in the hallway. “Where’s Lucca?” I ask. Have I been daydreaming that long?
“He went to find Rose. I’m heading off. Will you be okay? I’ll stay if you want me to.” He runs his thumb over his eyebrow and sighs then carefully forms a half-hearted smile.
“Yes, of course I’m okay. I’m just processing this. It’s a big change, but I’ll be fine. It’s not fair for you to cancel your plans, you don’t need to stay. Cameron … can you keep your phone charged? In case I need to reach you?” I ask nervously.
“Of course, but you’re perfectly safe. I vetted this place out when we collected the boxes, and Lucca has a great security system and it’s very private. There are cameras all around the property, and Lucca will take great care of you. Are you getting cold feet already?” He pulls me to his chest and chuckles.
I wrap my arm around his waist, lean my chin on his shoulder, and sigh. Lifting my gaze, I notice Lucca leaning on the substantial artistic banister which curls and weaves in a spiral formation.
He frowns as he pinches his forehead with his middle finger and thumb. He’s concerned, possibly offended.
Shit.
Cameron kisses my forehead before Lucca walks him outside to say goodbye, then punches in the code to open the gates for him. I wave half-heartedly to him but choose to walk over and sit on the bottom oval-shaped step of the staircase, hugging my knees to my chest.
Closing my eyes, I breathe as if I’m filling my lungs with courage and strength to embrace this new reality. Lucca returns and sits beside me on the step, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. We don’t say anything for a few minutes in an awkward silence.
“You never answered Cameron when he asked if you were having cold feet. Will you talk to me about this please?” he asks with agitation as he runs his hands through his hair.
He drops his head, and his wavy, dark hair flops down over his eyes. He’s upset with me because I haven’t been honest, and he’s given me ample opportunity to tell him how I feel about this move.
“I’m
Oh my goodness, I’m mortified. I think he’s referring to … bedroom time.
Fuck!
File M for mortified. Mortified, he’s thinking of our sex life.
Inappropriate.
Lucca takes my hand and walks me into the house with Cameron following behind me. Peter stays outside with Doris, giving her some commands and trying to train her by the looks of it. I stop walking when my foot enters the grand hallway’s black and cream, high-polished tiled flooring and slowly lift my head, taking in the magnificent interior.
Cameron strolls by me and dumps boxes on the floor near the front doors. Swallowing hard, I open my eyes wide and drink it in—the fine details, artistry, and expensive accented décor. I have the same feeling as when I stepped into the luxury suite in Florence. It’s so grand.
Blinking a few times, my eyes are drawn towards the enormous crystal chandelier hanging above me. I’m mesmerised by the colours reflecting against the diamond-like pendants and droplets spinning over the room, fanning a jewelled palette of colours.
“Cameron, fix a drink. You are welcome to stay for dinner. I am just going to give Lexi the tour.”
“Cheers, mate, but I’m going to head back. I’ve got football training,” Cameron replies. Secretly I was hoping he would stay, just to make sure I settle in okay. Not that he can do anything about my lack of resilience, but it’s comforting knowing he’s there.
I’m lost in the amazing artwork and ornate pieces sculpted across the walls and stop listening to their conversation as I stare, transfixed on the opulent, busy furnishings around me.
“Lexi, snap out it. Did you not hear me?”
Startled, I turn to him. “Sorry, Cameron. I, um … anyway, what were you saying?”
I notice Lucca is no longer holding my hand. He’s not even in the hallway. “Where’s Lucca?” I ask. Have I been daydreaming that long?
“He went to find Rose. I’m heading off. Will you be okay? I’ll stay if you want me to.” He runs his thumb over his eyebrow and sighs then carefully forms a half-hearted smile.
“Yes, of course I’m okay. I’m just processing this. It’s a big change, but I’ll be fine. It’s not fair for you to cancel your plans, you don’t need to stay. Cameron … can you keep your phone charged? In case I need to reach you?” I ask nervously.
“Of course, but you’re perfectly safe. I vetted this place out when we collected the boxes, and Lucca has a great security system and it’s very private. There are cameras all around the property, and Lucca will take great care of you. Are you getting cold feet already?” He pulls me to his chest and chuckles.
I wrap my arm around his waist, lean my chin on his shoulder, and sigh. Lifting my gaze, I notice Lucca leaning on the substantial artistic banister which curls and weaves in a spiral formation.
He frowns as he pinches his forehead with his middle finger and thumb. He’s concerned, possibly offended.
Shit.
Cameron kisses my forehead before Lucca walks him outside to say goodbye, then punches in the code to open the gates for him. I wave half-heartedly to him but choose to walk over and sit on the bottom oval-shaped step of the staircase, hugging my knees to my chest.
Closing my eyes, I breathe as if I’m filling my lungs with courage and strength to embrace this new reality. Lucca returns and sits beside me on the step, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. We don’t say anything for a few minutes in an awkward silence.
“You never answered Cameron when he asked if you were having cold feet. Will you talk to me about this please?” he asks with agitation as he runs his hands through his hair.
He drops his head, and his wavy, dark hair flops down over his eyes. He’s upset with me because I haven’t been honest, and he’s given me ample opportunity to tell him how I feel about this move.
“I’m