Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92071 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 460(@200wpm)___ 368(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
I opened it and inside was a phone that when turned on seemed to already have been set up. I checked the contacts and found there were two names. Dante’s name and Giotto’s who I recognized as one of his men. I sent Dante a message and a few seconds later he sent back a response.
Him: I’ll send someone to get you.
Me: No need. I’ll find my way there.
Him: Okay. Come to the basement.
Me: Cool.
His house was beautiful. A perfect blend of texture and luxury. From the paintings on the walls to the unique accents and furniture pieces it felt like a top designer’s dream home. It all fit together perfectly and like a magazine show home.
I followed his instructions and started to head down until I was back in the huge foyer. It was tall with windows that spanned the entire height of three floors. Hanging from the ceiling, was a glistening chandelier with green crystals. I was staring at its rare and stunning beauty when I heard movement behind me.
I turned around to find his housekeeper, Marie. She was advanced in age, but still elegant with kind eyes. She added to the feeling of warmth and safety my mind was beginning to attach to this house.
“Miss Leone,” she said, “Mr. Moretti has asked me to escort you to the pool.”
“That would be great, thank you,” I said and went with her.
The gym was huge. I could see Dante in a corner lying on a bench and lifting weights. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He seemed so strong and beautiful. He set the weights down and stood. The raw strength and virility in every part of his body were incontestable, and once again it turned me on.
When I reached him, he stood and towered over me. Suddenly, he reached out and brushed my hair over my shoulder. I froze and so did he. I realized, he too had been taken aback by his own gesture. He had probably done it unconsciously.
Needing a distraction, I looked around the space. “This place is huge.”
“Yeah. Ready for your swim?”
“No, finish your workout. I’ll run for a little bit,” I said, spotting a treadmill nearby.
“You don’t have the right shoes.”
I kicked off my sandals and stood barefoot on the treadmill. “It’s fine. I won’t run.”
I pointed at the large screen TV against the wall. “Can we put it on a news channel?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. There’s nothing they’re saying that you’re not already aware of.”
I considered his advice and decided to take it.
I kept walking, going slow at first, and then slowly increasing my pace. Surreptitiously, I watched him as he continued lifting weights until he came over to the treadmill beside me. I smiled awkwardly at him. He began at a normal pace like me, but quickly increased his speed until he was running fast.
It was soothing to have him by my side. When he got off and headed to the showers next to the pool, I actually missed him. When I heard him dive into the water I got off the treadmill. I turned and headed to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water and watched as he swam from one end to the other. His strokes were calm but powerful as he cut swiftly through the water.
I decided to join him. I took my shorts and baggy T-shirt off and I got in carefully using the steps.
The water was at a wonderful temperature and I immediately relaxed. I remained in the corner, kicking my legs underneath the water. I held my breath and went under, appreciative at how out of sight and safe I felt. My lungs soon began to hurt, but I didn’t pay attention to it, wanting to remain underwater for as long as possible.
A few more seconds passed, and I started to come up but before I could, my arm was gripped and I was pulled up with immense force. As the water sluiced off my face I was startled to see Dante’s scowling at me.
“What the fuck are you doing?” he yelled, his face pale with worry and fear.
I stared at him unsure of why he was so furious with me until it occurred to me that seeing me stay underwater for longer than was necessary had made him think I was drowning.
“Oh,” I said. “I’m fine. I wasn’t in any danger. It just … it felt good down there.”
It was an honest comment not meant to be dark in any way, but of course, he didn’t take it that way.
“Are you suicidal?” he asked incredulously.
“No,” I mumbled.
He moved me with his body and I didn’t realize he was caging me in until my back hit the side of the pool and I couldn't move. The air around us became charged. My breathing lost its pattern and became harsher.