I nodded. “It’s lovely, thank you.” His beautiful smile lit up his face, causing me to momentarily forget why I was here. “This doesn’t change things though. I don’t want someone coming in and ruining my business.”
He looked serious. “That is not my intention.”
“I have never once had The Castle empty of clients. Ever. This will cripple me.”
Luca looked stern. “I’ll make sure that never happens.”
I regarded him for a moment. “How can you say that?”
“Truth be told, I wanted to get to know you more. I knew that would never happen with you running the place. I bet you’ve never taken a day off in your life, have you?”
I sighed, thinking how much he seemed to know about me. It was true. I had been putting all of my efforts into this business from day one. I had always put my castle and my girls before myself. It was just who I was.
“When I’m at work, I’m in control. I can make decisions and be the one responsible if it all goes tits-up.”
Luca placed his fork down on his plate. “That’s quite right, but, like me, you have people who will take control of certain situations for you. Be there if you need to take a break from it all.”
I sucked up a strand of spaghetti and noticed Luca’s eyes widening a little. “I’m just not that kind of person.”
“You work hard, and people who work hard need to be rewarded.”
I shook my head. “I don’t see how barging your way in here, taking over The Castle, cancelling all my appointments, and holding me hostage is helping me.”
Then, it was Luca’s turn to shake his head. “Clara, Clara, Clara. Tranquillo. I am not your enemy here. Far from it. I just want to get to know you better.”
With a huff, I carried on eating my Carbonara. Soon, the combination of the food, the wine, and Luca’s commanding presence was at the forefront of my mind. Everything in front of me was so delicious that it had all my senses screaming at me to gorge. Just gorge, woman!
“Amore mio, you look at me like that one more time, and I may never finish my meal.”
Placing my fork down in a challenge, I raised my eyebrow. “Why don’t you then?”
Luca sighed. “Because you’re not ready yet.”
I couldn’t believe him. “What?”
“Your desire to get out of this room is much stronger than your desire for me. As soon as the balance is tipped in my favour, then I will give you what you want.”
A sarcastic laugh left my lips. “I really can’t believe you. You’re like a force of nature.”
“Thank you.” He raised his eyebrow and smiled. It made me giggle a little.
“I didn’t mean it as a compliment.”
Luca leaned back a little with a smug look on his face. “However you meant it, it was duly noted and appreciated.”
“Even when you’re talking about bedding me, you say it like it’s a business transaction.”
Luca studied me with those beautiful caramel-coloured eyes of his. “I take everything I do in life very seriously. But what I think and feel about you has nothing to do with business at all. You’re not a transaction or a game. I want you. Plain and simple.”
I couldn’t believe the gall of this man. “You say this isn’t a game, but then you force me up into my tower and dictate that I stay here until I drop my knickers for you. Oh, and not only that, but I have to want to drop my knickers for you in order for you to take me. You really are—”
“I know, I know,” he said, interrupting me. “A piece of work.”
Grabbing my hand, he began stroking it seductively with his finger. It was only a small gesture, but it had the fires starting nonetheless. I was becoming putty in his hands and fast.
“So this is your tower?” he said, gesturing to the room.
“Yes,” I sighed. “I thought it was an apt name considering it was at the very top of my castle.
“I like it.” He paused a moment and looked deep into my eyes. “I like you.” He kissed my hand tenderly, and a little groan escaped my lips. How quickly he had made me lose my senses.
“I want to take care of you. Your body screams at me to possess it and ravish it. Your eyes make me want to climb in and bury myself deep within you.”
I could feel my leg begin tapping underneath the table. I hated that he was taking control and dominating me in a sense, but I also wanted to plunge my tongue down his throat. I think—in fact—I would like to kill Michel myself. “I am not yours, Mr. Belatoni.”
Luca finished eating his mouthful before speaking. “You are what I say you are. You’re not mine in body yet, but you soon will be. Once I have it, I’m never letting anyone else near it again.”