AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I get her settled into the car, and it’s not long before we’re pulling up the long, winding road to the Prestian estate. We get waved through by the security guards to the impressive property surrounding Chase and Katarina’s home, and she’s quiet while taking it all in.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Alexis says, gazing out over the miles of vineyards that overlook the coast as far as the eye can see from this direction.
“Wait until you see it from the balcony. It gets even better,” I say.
“Wow! I don’t even know how that’s possible. What time is the meeting?”
I shake my head. “Sorry, Lex. Unfortunately, it’s one of those things we can’t talk about, security and all, but I’ll text you when I’m on my way back. It’s hard to say how long it will take.”
She’s quiet, and a quick glance in her direction as we pull up to the curved entrance shows her eyes widen with what I can only assume is surprise. “Sheldon, these people are like seriously rich. I mean, I knew their place in the States was swank, but this is seriously over the top, like old world mafia money.”
I take her hand and trail a finger on her palm to draw her attention to me. “They’re the same people you’ve already met. They are incredibly laid back and decent people. Just be yourself, Lex. The team already has all the stuff you asked Nick to purchase laid out and ready for you. I’ll walk you to your room, and then let Chase and Katarina know you’re here while you freshen up. Okay?”
She contemplates for a few moments. I can tell she’s still nervous by the pulse on the side of her neck and the fact that she’s clutching her purse so hard her fingers have turned a light pink, but Alexis gives me a slight smile anyway and nods.
I walk around the car to open the door for her, placing my hand on the small of her back to guide her through the large entrance and to the elevator that will take us to our suites. She doesn’t say a word, just processes the floor-to-ceiling opulence that surrounds us, and when we get in the elevator, she caresses a section of the wall. “Wow. It’s solid marble.”
“It’s a natural resource and plentiful in Italy,” I say, leading her down the hall to the end of the house and the adjoining guest suites. The sea-scented breeze is blowing in from the open windows, and it rustles the pale-yellow curtains and the canopy cover that drapes the four-poster bed. Lexie walks toward the French doors, opening one side to step out.
I follow her onto the balcony that extends along the backside of both of our suites and take in the beauty in front of me.
“Sheldon, it’s unbelievable,” Alexis says, looking out over the expansive curvature of the Amalfi Coast and the community we saw from the road traveling in.
She breathes in deeply, and I can almost feel the anxiety ebb from her body as she lets the scenery around her sink in.
I stand next to her and push the blonde curls that have fallen over her eyes from her face. “I’m glad you like it. Your clothes have already been brought up and are in the closet, and you’ll find toiletries in the bathroom. Settle in, and I’ll be back for you shortly,” I say, removing my hand from her skin and taking leave before the temptation to seize another kiss is more than I can bear.
I find Chase and Katarina already in the lower-level spa where I’ve had all the items Alexis asked for laid out in preparation. Chase and I haven’t told Katarina that Alexis is here, and when I tell her, she’s ecstatic. Katarina is always friendly to anyone that we have come to take care of her, but there seemed to be a genuine connection between her and Alexis. I bring her and Chase up to speed on a few last-minute changes for the meeting, and then head to the security room to check in with intel for the night’s plans before returning to Alexis.
When she opens the door of her suite, it’s impossible as fuck to drag my eyes from her beauty. I should probably be ashamed of my unabashed gazing, but I’m not in the least, and the fact that her eyes dilate and her cheeks blush with heat turns me right the hell on.
Alexis spins slowly, giving me a view of her long, narrow waist, cinched in a tight pair of dark blue jeans that cradle her incredible heart-shaped ass like a glove. I turn her to face me and pull her close. “You look amazing, but for later tonight, don’t forget to lose the panties,” I say, taking her hand and escorting her down the hall to the elevator.
The door has barely closed before she tilts her head and takes me in with her eyes like she does. “You don’t know if I’m wearing them or not. I don’t have any panty lines or anything!” she sasses.
“I can tell, but if you prefer, we could take a few moments so that I can prove my point,” I say, not divulging my guess, instead keeping my eyes focused on the skintight jeans that would be terribly uncomfortable without panties of some sort.
She narrows her eyes at me.
I give her a smirk as we get off the elevator and head into the spa, because even playful sass with Alexis gets my motor going.
The door is open, and it’s clear that Katarina has been waiting for us. She scrambles out of her chair to give Alexis a big hug. “I can’t believe you came halfway across the world to do my fricking hair!”
“Sheldon had me at getting to see you again, but then he goes and throws in a trip to Italy. Umm, sold and sold,” Alexis says, laughing.
“Here, sit and get comfy. When we get done, you will be a force to be reckoned with,” Alexis says, twirling Katarina’s hair and positioning her over the sink as she adjusts the water. “I can’t believe Sheldon was able to have everything I needed delivered so fast,” Alexis says to her as Chase and I move to talk on the other side of the room.
“We have the entire perimeter covered and have mics already placed, but we need Katarina to have a signal in case things get too hot for her,” I tell Chase.
“I was thinking the same thing. I’ll discuss it with her and let you know what it will be.”
“Good.” I bring him up to speed on the intel reports and plans for the evening while the ladies talk and laugh among themselves.
“Sounds like you and the team have everything covered. Let me know if you need any assistance. And, Sheldon? I appreciate the detail that you put into every plan to ensure Katarina’s safety. It’s what allows me to sleep at night.”
“You’re more than welcome, Chase, and thank you,” I say as he heads over to where Katarina is sitting.
I watch from the doorway. The ladies are finishing up, and Chase leans down and whispers something in Katarina’s ear that turns her cheeks a gentle shade of pink. Alexis starts to pack up her stuff, and I go to help. Katarina tells me not to take Alexis too far away because she may need her lipstick touched up.
