Page 49 of XOXO

“Damn, how did you manage to make me a drink so fast?” I grabbed the straw while taking a long drink.

It tasted mostly fruity and I downed the drink quickly.

“Whoa, slow down,” he said, taking the empty drink from me.

“I was thirsty,” I grinned, as he sat down next to me.

“Sip, not chug,” he tsked.

I shrugged, getting comfortable, looking up at all the beautiful stars.

“Damn, this is perfect,” I sighed. “I would kill for a view like this every day.”

“Just move to Lake Como,” he said, like it was an easy feat.

“God, I wish I could,” I said, getting more comfortable, looking over at him.

He was still looking up, holding his glass on his chest. I realized he had taken off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. There was no sign of a scowl on his handsome face, making him look younger. I liked this version of Matteo.

“You could find a remote job, find a cute home here and live out your dreams,” he said, like it was the easiest thing to achieve. “Living with wishes is not a way to live. You want a change? Will it into being.”

“You make it sound simple,” I said, rolling onto my side to look at him.

“It can be if you want it to be,” he said, looking over at me. “What’s holding you back? What do you have to lose?”

I opened my mouth with a witty retort, but nothing came out because he was right. I had nothing holding me back. My parents were furious with me, no man was holding me back. The only people who I would truly miss were my brother and his family.

“Nothing,” I whispered. “My family is upset with me right now. I’d miss my brother and his family, but nothing is calling me back to Texas.”

He nodded, like he was absorbing what I was saying.

“Did they cut you off? What happened?” He finished his drink, turning towards me, leaving his head in his hand.

Should I tell him? After this I would never see him again, right? At least I didn’t think I would but then it did seem like fate kept making us run into each other.

“I ran away from a marriage they arranged for me,” I said, exhaling harshly. “My father wanted me to marry his business partner’s son. We used to be childhood friends, so when they suggested the union, I thought, why not? I loved him before I left town and he was someone familiar. It would also make my parents proud and sadly I craved their approval. Except Lorenzo wasn’t who I thought he was anymore. He was cruel and as time went by, I couldn’t do it anymore. I left the day we were supposed to get married with my wedding dress and tennis shoes.”

Matteo looked at me with a neutral expression. My anxiety spiked after I had said too much, but once I started I couldn’t stop.

“Sorry, I⁠—”

“They arranged a marriage for you. For what? He was already his partner and it's like, what, you needed to seal the deal?” he said, getting angry. “Who uses their daughter like that? And if marrying a complete douchebag is the only way to earn their approval, fuck them, Vi. You’re worth more than what you can give to your parents.”

Something loosened in my chest. It was something I needed to hear, but didn’t know I needed it. My eyes teared up.

“Shit, I didn’t mean to insult your parents,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean⁠—”

I hadn’t thought it through and maybe it was stupid, but hearing him defending me was hot as hell. I leaned forward, capturing his lips in a kiss. When we were at the festival, we didn’t kiss once and I had wondered more than once, what his kisses would feel like.

Matteo took over the kiss, stroking my lips with his tongue for entry. He kissed me with an unhurried stroke from his tongue, exploring my mouth like we had all night. My fear of rejection turned into hot pleasure that simmered in my stomach as he pulled me closer to him.

I straddled his lap, pushing my hands through his hair, feeling like I couldn’t get close enough. He threaded a hand through my hair and with the other grabbed my breast, massaging it. My hips rolled against his hard cock, groaning as he thrust up to me.

“Matteo,” I whined.

“What do you want, Bella?” he asked, kissing my jaw.

“More, I need you,” I groaned as he sucked below my ear.