Page 69 of Secret Seduction

“I’ll show you an old man.”

“Not here,” Lorenzo groans. “It’s bad enough I’ve walked in on you two several times. My home is my safe place. Now …” He takes my hand and guides me over to the long table that’s situated across the living room—the furniture having magically disappeared. “It’s time to celebrate your birthday.”

Everyone has a seat, and I look around at the elegant birthday decor hanging on the walls. It’s black and gold, and it looks more like a lavish party than my birthday dinner. But I love it.

On the table are beautiful bouquets of white and black anemones—the same flower he bought me when he took me out on our date—along with gold taper candles emitting a soft glow.

“I can’t believe you did all this,” I murmur, stunned by Lorenzo’s generosity.

The spa day was more than enough. But this … everyone coming together to celebrate me has me choking up with emotion.

“Hey, don’t cry,” Lorenzo says, reaching out and wiping a tear from my cheek that I didn’t realize had fallen.

“I’ve never had a party before,” I whisper. “And this … it’s just beautiful, and after what I did to you …” I shake my head. “I don’t deserve this or you.”

I sniffle back a sob, and Lorenzo grips my chin, turning me to look at him.

“That’s where you’re wrong. You deserve this and so much more, and I’m going to spend every day for the rest of our lives showing you that.”

I want to argue, remind him that our time is limited, but several waiters come out, delivering us waters and handing us drink menus, and I decide to enjoy tonight instead of ruining it.

As we drink and eat the delicious five-course meal that Lorenzo had catered, I can’t help but feel like Cinderella—at midnight, I’ll turn back into the broke college student. But for right now, I revel in the conversation, laughter, and happiness that I feel.

23

Vanessa

“Where’s Leo?” I ask as I take a bite of my cake that was brought out while everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to me.

“He’s at Dani’s with her nanny for the night,” Lorenzo says. “I knew if he was here, you’d want to check on him, and tonight is about you enjoying yourself.”

My heart melts at his thoughtfulness, but he’s wrong about one thing.

“Spending time with Leo is enjoyable,” I correct him. “But I appreciate the gesture.” I lean in and kiss the corner of his mouth. “And tonight, when everyone’s gone, I’ll properly thank you.”

I waggle my brows suggestively, and he groans.

“All right, night’s over,” he announces, standing. “The birthday girl is tired.”

“What?” I cough out a laugh.

“In other words, Russo is about to get some birthday sex,” Matteo says.

“I’m pretty sure birthday sex is on your birthday,” Dani notes.

“Nah, remember last week, on your birthday?” Matteo grins like a Cheshire cat. “I definitely got birthday sex.”

“And on that note …” Dominick stands. “It’s been real.” He helps his wife up and gives Lorenzo a hug. Then he turns to me. “Happy birthday, Vanessa.”

“Thank you.”

After saying good night to everyone, I go to start cleaning up when Lorenzo stops me.

“A cleaning team will be here in the morning. It’s still your birthday, and I have one more present for you.”

“I mean, I’m pretty sure that’s a gift for both of us,” I say, reaching over and palming his cock.

“Funny, but I wasn’t referring to that.”