“Let’s make lunch today.” He says. “You’re better at cooking than you think.”
I shake my head at him. “Then I think I need to learn some Italian. I feel so rude not speaking any when your Grandmother is around.”
“I’ll drag Gunner along too. Despite what he says, he knows enough to pass.” Roman says, then turns my chin back to him. “For now, we can have a little lesson. You should call Grandma ‘nonna’”
“Nonna,” I repeat obediently. “But she isn’t my grandma.”
“Doesn’t matter. She treats it like a title – one she’s earned with pride.” He smiles. “It’ll make her smile.”
He teaches me a few other words, simple ones. I repeat them one at a time; then he motions for me to use them. I trip over a sentence he taught me even though I think it’s simple, and I know I could say it as a kid in English.
“Questo … es.”
He chuckles. “Not Spanish, Bambina.”
Roman’s nose brushes mine. “Questo va molto bene.”
I shiver at the contact, at the way his breath strokes over my lips, how carefully his big hand holds the back of my neck. He’s a distraction from himself. I swallow. “Questo va molte bien.”
Another shake of his head. “molto bene.”
“Molto bene.” I say it slowly, tasting it, trying to memorize how my tongue moves when I say it. “Questo va molto bene.”
“I agree.” He leans forward and kisses me hungrily. His tongue teases mine, then claims me, hungry and demanding. Roman pulls me close; my legs draped over his as he devours my mouth. As I lean in against him, he draws away. “Questo va molto bene.”
I feel my cheeks heat and bite my lip. Then I notice a scar on his shoulder. I push his shirt to the side, see it tracks even longer and undo a button to try and find the end. How have I not noticed this one? It’s huge!
Roman catches my hand. “Behave, Bambina.”
“It’s so big.”
He groans, and I feel something else against my thigh. I feel my face heat but stroke across his scar. “All of you have bad scars.”
Roman nods. “War leaves its marks.”
I kiss across the scar slowly. This one must have been really bad since I can see where the stitches were. I press another kiss and another until Roman groans and shifts me, so I’m on his lap. He pants and presses his forehead to mine.
“That is not behaving.”
“I’m being sweet. I thought that was allowed.” I tease.
He traces my lip with his thumb. “If our medics had your bedside manner, everyone would have been fighting to stay in the medic tent.”
Giggling, I kiss him softly. “I’m not that nice, contrary to popular belief.”
“Mm. If you want something, all you have to do is tell me. No matter what it is, Sophia.” He kisses me back. “I’m able to give a lot, and if I can’t, you have three other men that are happy to provide.”
“And what if I want to provide for you?” I rub over his chest. “Are you able to give me the satisfaction of control?”
“I’ll work on it.” He chuckles, then kisses me slowly. “Stop tempting me in a purely good childhood place, Bambina, or I’ll have to punish you.”
“Oh, I’m the tempting one?” I poke his chest. “I don’t think so. I was sitting over there so innocently and now look where I am.”
He chuckles and stands, holding me in place as he does. He presses me against a pillar. “Well, there is one thing I’ve always wanted to do here.”
“Enlighten me.”
His hands slide across my thighs, and I shiver. My arms wind around his neck, and I accept the kiss to my mouth, his tongue diving deep, stroking until I know I’m wet and panting. I clutch his hair and rub my body against him.
I’m so tuned to these men, to what they want, to how they are with me, but I keep wanting more. I want his mouth, and I want his stories, his secrets. I want everything Roman doesn’t share with others.
I pant softly as he kisses me across my throat. “Roman.”
“Bambina. Hai un sapore cosí buono.” He purrs.
I lick the Italian off his tongue. “Yes to whatever that is.”
He chuckles and lets me slide down his body until I find my feet. “Don’t agree to everything I say. You’ll end up in trouble.”
“Trouble? With you? Impossible.” I laugh and give him a little wink.
Roman pulls me back against him and wraps his arms around my front, kissing my neck. Something about the gesture is so boyish, innocent, sweet that I feel my heart hammer harder in my chest. I swallow and shake my head. He makes me feel so happy that this all seems too good right now.
“Let’s head back before Nonna finishes lunch.” He whispers.
“I’ll just pour her wine and have you translate all the secrets of cooking.” I pat his stomach as he walks me back to the villa. “That way, I can make sure you’re satisfied when we get home.”
“You keep satisfying me in all these ways, and you’re not going to be able to get rid of me.” He warns.
I bite my lip and tighten my hold on his hand. Why on earth would I want to get rid of him or any of the guys? What we have is so good, and this trip proves it. They’re finally opening up to me, finally giving me more of themselves.
I don’t want to say it though. We’re still in a gray area, and I’m worried I’ll say something wrong and tip the beautiful balance we have in place. Roman bumps my hip. “No witty response?”
“I don’t want to get rid of you. If my dad wasn’t waiting back at home, I’d ask to stay here with you all for another month. I like this, Roman. I like being with you.” I whisper.
Roman pauses outside the villa and looks over my face. He shakes his head. “I wish I was as open as you are.”
“You can learn.” I shove him lightly. “Just like I can learn Italian. Just tell me what you’re thinking. Right now.”
“That you’re something special, Bambina. And that I’m ninety percent sure my grandmother is going to try to start planning our wedding as we cook with her.”
I feel myself go red and shake my head. “Poor you, since I won’t understand a word of it.”
“I don’t mind letting her paint the picture.” He kisses my cheek, and I see a smile pulling at his lips.
Maybe I’m not ready for open and talkative Roman. He might just run away with my heart.