Leah's Seduction: 2 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) (6 page)

Chapter 11

Leah woke up the next morning to a quiet hotel room. She was exhausted from the night before, but in a good way. Her first thoughts were of Gianni, and she reached out for him. But the bed was empty.

She didn’t know what time it was. The heavy drapes were drawn and it was dark, although she knew it had to be later in the morning. Until well past midnight, Leah had been in Gianni’s arms, with him caring for her after a scene that had pushed her beyond anything she had done before.

Rolling onto her back, Leah stretched out, feeling a bit sore. It was a good feeling, and reminded her of what she’d shared with the man she craved. And she did crave him more each time she was with him. Where it would lead, she wasn’t sure.

She bent her knees and put one arm over her forehead, still trying to wake up. The evening she’d experienced was both amazing and unsettling. It had been everything she had needed for so long. But then, pretending it would happen and having the real thing were not the same.

Some of the things Gianni asked of her were shocking at first, but then she realized she’d played them out in her imagination before. Not exactly how he did it, and certainly not everything. But enough of it.

She had known for a while that she needed a man to take control, to command her sexually and possess her. There would have been no way to voice that. But Gianni seemed to know without any explaining.

There were times when inhibition threatened to take over, but he gave her the confidence to try. So far it had been good for them both. Or so she thought. There was no way to know if she gave Gianni what he wanted, so he wouldn’t feel the need to seek it elsewhere.

The sexual experiences were new to Leah. For so long, she had dreamed of experiences she had not had. And imagined scenes that had not happened. Now they were beginning to, and self-doubt crept into her consciousness.

Was she different from other women? Or did they all feel and imagine what she did? Leah couldn’t help feeling she lived on the fringes of propriety. But then, nobody would really know. She still looked like she had before, and still lived the same life.

Except when she was alone with Gianni. Then everything was different. Better. It was what she wanted. He had told her that her feelings were natural, but Leah wasn’t sure she believed him. And when he had spanked her, the deep emotion she felt had shaken her.

The fact that she wanted it so badly, and enjoyed it so thoroughly, crumbled her from the inside. It made her worry that she was getting into something that she couldn’t handle. She didn’t understand herself well enough, and wouldn’t be able to cope.

But Gianni was there. He reassured her, and seemed confident of what they were doing. Plus, there was no way to turn away from him. What they did together was exactly what she wanted more of. Where it would end didn’t matter as much as it should have.

She soaked up every experience Gianni could give her. Like a bloom that had been too long in the shade, Leah opened up and came to life with the light he provided. It wasn’t a choice. She couldn’t walk away, even knowing the risk.

One day, she might be alone again. But at least she would have the memories, and know that she’d had what she needed. If only for a little while. Whether she could be content with that, Leah wasn’t sure. But to resist the sexual pleasures when Gianni offered them wasn’t possible.

Pulling back the sheet, Leah slid from the bed and went to the bathroom. Seeing her reflection in the mirror, she could tell she looked different. Her skin tone and the gleam in her eyes were signs that she was coming to life. Of her blossoming under Gianni’s touch.

Once she was presentable, Leah found a fluffy hotel robe and put it on. She opened the bedroom door and looked out. There at the dining table, Gianni sat, drinking coffee and typing on his laptop. She took a moment to gaze at him.

Sensing her presence, Gianni turned. His eyes were soft, and Leah was glad, because she didn’t have to be ashamed of anything they’d done together. His look reassured her. “Good morning, baby.”

He turned and opened his arms. Leah went to him and sat on his lap. Gianni was fully clothed, and it occurred to her that she only had the blue dress to put on. He hugged her tightly, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I thought you should sleep,” he said.

“I did, but I missed you.”

Gianni put his hand in her hair and pulled her down for a kiss. “I’m here.”

Leah was glad the dream hadn’t ended yet.

He ran his thumb over her lips. “How are you this morning, beautiful?”

“A little stiff, and sore.” She smiled. “It feels good, though. It reminds me of you.”

Gianni kissed her again, deeper and longer. “You need time to relax and recover.” He brushed a few strands of hair away from her cheek. “Would you like some coffee?”

She nodded, and slid off his lap to get a cup. Next to the silver pot was a tray of food. Leah took a hardboiled egg and some fresh fruit.

Gianni glanced at her plate, and nodded in approval. “I have plans for us today.”

She chomped on a sliver of watermelon. “You do?”

Gianni frowned. “You don’t have other commitments, do you?”

“You are my only commitment. Where are we going?”

“I thought we could go to the Tribeca Film Festival. Would you like that?”

Leah poured her coffee and took a sip. “Of course. But I don’t have anything to wear. You’ll have to take me home first.”

He shook his head. “No need. I had the concierge bring some things up. Take a look and see if they are okay.”

There was a big bag on the table with the hotel logo. Leah put down her cup, and reached inside the bag. She lifted out a dark blue pencil skirt, and a cream-colored top with a sweater to match. There was more. Navy pumps to go with it, plus a satin bra and underwear.

“How do you know my size?”

“I’ve had you in my arms enough.” Gianni grinned. “Actually, I took your blue dress down there, and the clerk figured it out from there.”

“This is all very expensive.”

“I wanted to get them for you. It will make me happy to see you in them.”

Leah knew that her choice of wardrobe was often lacking. But she tried not to take his gift as an insult. “Okay, let me shower first, then I’ll try them on.” She headed toward the luxurious bathroom, which was as big as the bedroom, carrying her food and coffee.

The clothes fit perfectly. Leah loved the feel of the material, and the cut of the skirt, because of how it hung on over her hips. Gianni kept working while she got dressed, although she tried to tempt him to shower with her. With the water running, she had opened the bedroom door to entice him with a glimpse of her naked body.

His blue eyes were intense, but Gianni didn’t yield. “You need a little time.” That was his response. Then he added, “But I have no restraint around you, baby.” He grinned. “Better lock the door when you get in there.”

When she was ready to go, Leah stepped out of the bedroom, and saw Gianni on the phone. He spoke in a low voice, and she couldn’t tell what the conversation was about. Probably work. When he saw her, he quickly ended the call and stood up.

Wrapping his arms around her, Gianni said, “You look lovely.” He raked his lips across her cheek and kissed under her jaw. “We better go, before I change my mind, and decide to spend the day in this room.”

By the time they left, it was already past noon. Leah had slept later than she had thought. In the hall, the bodyguard waited, and she assumed Gianni had notified him of their expected departure. He greeted them, and led them to the limo in the parking structure.

Once inside, Leah buckled her seatbelt. “Do you need protection all the time?”

Gianni shrugged. “It’s smart to have it. If it’s not needed, then that’s a good thing. It’s my theory that the guard’s visibility is often enough to deter an attacker.”

She thought about that—Gianni being attacked. Being wealthy did have a downside, one she hadn’t considered before. It made the man she cared about a target for those who coveted what he had. Or had other grievances.

He put his arm around her. “But don’t worry about that. I don’t.”

There was plenty of time before the film, so Gianni had the driver take them to a café for lunch. The fruit breakfast hadn’t filled her up, and Leah ordered something more substantial. She ate the hearty chicken stew, while Gianni made quick work of his hamburger.

They looked like a normal couple, except that Gianni was swoon-worthy in his gold sweater and trim slacks. The clothes hugged his body just right, and Leah wasn’t the only woman who noticed. She ignored the envious glances.

The other thing was the bodyguard, who stayed in the background, although he followed them everywhere. The way he talked into his earpiece, Leah had the impression an entire team might appear if called. But Gianni paid no attention, and she could tell he was used to the protection.

After eating, he took her for a walk through Duane Park, and Leah stopped to look at all the flowers blooming in yellow, white, and lavender. She breathed in the fresh air and enjoyed the outdoor space, so different from every day she spent in the crowded city.

They even had time to visit a few of the upscale shops and galleries. One painting of an ocean scene caught her eye, and Gianni offered to purchase it for her. Leah refused, knowing she had no wall space in her tiny apartment. And realized he couldn’t have known, since he had not been to her place.

When they arrived at the theater, the bodyguard met with an usher, and they were shown into the film room. Except for the guard who followed them in, it was empty. Gianni chose seats, and Leah sat beside him.

“Where is everyone else? Are we that early?”

Gianni squeezed her hand. “It’s a private showing.”

“Just for us?”

He nodded. “I reserved the private screening room.”

Leah didn’t know what to say. In her experience, going to the movies meant sitting in crowded theaters eating popcorn and drinking Coke. Only celebrities did
screenings
. And attending one had not been on her to-do list. Mostly because she didn’t think the opportunity would arise.

She kissed Gianni’s hand. “You really are wealthy.”

He grabbed a handful of her long hair, and tickled her neck with it. “That’s what it took for you to notice? I have to work on my skills for impressing a lady.”

Leah laughed. “I wouldn’t worry about your
skills
. I was impressed long before this.”

The festival included a number of films, and to see them all would take days. But Gianni had arranged for two showings, with popcorn and soda served during the movies. In between they took a break to stretch their legs. And after the short intermission, they got lost in the second film.

It had been a long time since Leah had been to a double feature. All through the movies, Gianni held her hand or had his arm around her. It was romantic, even if he didn’t think so. As they staggered out of the darkness, back to the real world, it struck Leah how he had not voiced his affection.

Theirs was a sexual relationship. Leah knew that. But the way he behaved implied more. He bought her clothes and took her to films. Wanted to buy her an expensive painting. How could it be possible that he didn’t feel anything more than the physical?

Leah wasn’t about to ask. It might make the magic disappear before her eyes. But Gianni kept his distance emotionally, and she was acutely aware of it. He did connect on the physical level, and treated her well. She had no right to complain, or ask for more, even though she wanted it.

Chapter 12

After the films, Gianni slipped a jacket over his sweater, and directed the driver to take them to Bouley’s. The restaurant served cuisine that was French decadence at its best. He had found the food unforgettable, and the service superior.

And that evening, they were not disappointed. They’d shared the lobster cooked in Côtes du Rhône red wine sauce, and, feeling adventurous, Gianni paired it with a red wine instead of the usual Chardonnay. The sommelier recommended a Volnay, a full-bodied burgundy, which proved to be a good choice.

Yet despite the gourmet food and elegant setting, Leah had seemed distracted. When he had inquired, she claimed to be fine, but Gianni knew better. He didn’t press. They lingered for a vanilla crème brûlée and an espresso, extending their time together.

Then he had the driver take her back to her apartment. Gianni had walked her to the door and kissed her good night. She clung to him a moment too long, and he thought she might say something. But she didn’t. Leah just slipped inside and closed the door.

On the way home, Gianni worried over her behavior. Leah had seemed fine until just before dinner, but he couldn’t think of anything that had happened. Reflecting on her mood, he hoped she wasn’t becoming attached.

He’d made it clear from the start that he wasn’t looking for love. And she’d agreed. Surely she hadn’t changed her mind. Maybe it was a reaction to the second film:
Lola Versus
. The indie production was a romantic comedy. Leah had enjoyed it. However, seeing a romantic film together may have been a bad choice.

In any case, Gianni had his own issues. He hadn’t wanted to drop her at her apartment, but would have preferred to have her in his bed again. Throughout the films, in the dark theater, he had been obsessed with the urge to feel Leah’s bare thigh under her skirt.

He wanted to do much more than watch movies, even though he had abstained. She needed some recovery time, whether or not she thought so. There had to be some limit, but he was having a difficult time finding it.

Leah was willing for him to lead her into more intense sexual scenes. And her passion for it ignited a fire within him. It was important to take things at the right pace, especially for her. Yet Gianni’s restraint was slipping away with each encounter.

He vowed not to read the journal that night. It would only take him where he didn’t want to go, and stir feelings he couldn’t satisfy. But the condo seemed quieter than usual. Gianni was used to being alone. He preferred it.

But sitting in front of the window, looking out at the night, his resolve melted away. The journal reminded him of Leah, even though he had no certainty that the confessed fantasies were hers. After that first time, enacting a scene from the pages of the book, Gianni had been more careful.

He could test her inclinations without playing out the private longings line by line. And he had been doing that. At every turn, he was sure Leah was the woman he sought. But then he wasn’t. The writer of the diary seemed much savvier about sex, and verged toward kinkier desires.

Yet how would he know? Gianni hadn’t tried those things, so far. Was he being too cautious? And if so, why was that? He wasn’t sure, and that annoyed him. Dominating a woman, and making her pleasure his focus, was not something new.

He should know what he was doing. Leah was counting on him. Frustrated, he went to his desk and retrieved the journal. He poured a shot of whiskey and put it on the table by the chair. Then he gazed out the window, with the leather book on his lap, questioning his judgment.

Despite his misgivings, he opened the journal, and began to read:

In my imaginings, my lover ties me up. The ropes bind my wrists behind my back, and I’m on my stomach. Then he bends my knees, and wraps the rope around my ankles before securing them to my wrists.

Thus bound, with my wrists and ankles behind me, I am at his mercy. Gently, he slips a pillow under my collarbone, cushioning my neck. But I know when he fucks me it will not be soft or slow.

Unable to move, I cannot resist. I trust him, don’t I? I have to trust him. I have no choice. He is my master, and I want to submit. I crave it with my whole being, and when he slaps my bare ass, I tingle with anticipation.

Gianni tossed the book to the table and unzipped his pants. Lowering his briefs, he released his thick cock, wanting Leah. Unable to stop thinking of her. He couldn’t read any more. He needed the real thing.

The scorching scene described was one he was familiar with. But he hadn’t enacted it with Leah. He’d been remiss. He knew she wanted it, and he’d failed. The woman he had held in his arms just the night before would have let him bind her. And fuck her.

Soon he would. Very soon. As he grasped his cock with his fist, he thought of Leah. He was possessed. Gianni thought of Leah watching him, touching him, and sucking him. And as his cum spurted up his chest and soaked his shirt, he yelled out her name.

*****

Leah had gotten too involved with a man who had a wall around his heart. She had to toughen up. It was sex, okay. No big deal.

Except it was.

In the morning, a desperate feeling of being alone gripped her. She tried to push it aside. It was Sunday, and time to get things ready for work the next day. Leah moved through her tasks in slow motion.

The one thing she looked forward to that day was meeting Kyra for Pilates. It was something, a friend to talk to. But it wasn’t Gianni. He wouldn’t call. Leah was pretty certain of that. He had spent a lot of time with her the last couple of days.

Gianni had to keep some distance.

After lunch, Leah called her mother, and they chatted about family stuff. It was a relief each time she spoke to her, knowing the cancer was in remission. Things could change, but worrying wouldn’t help. She promised to visit when she could, but didn’t know when that would be. Before hanging up, she told her mother how much she loved her. It was important for her to know, and important for Leah to say.

Pilates was invigorating, and for a bit, Leah forgot about the struggles of her heart. Kyra was between boyfriends, and her spirits were high. The fashion show had gone off well for her, and she’d had another job offer as a result.

At coffee after their workout, Kyra told her some of the details. “It’s a good thing. It’s another showroom. I’m going to be modeling there over the next few weeks.”

“I’m happy for you,” Leah said.

“Me too.” Kyra tasted her coffee drink. “I’m trying to help my sister with college. You know my parents can’t afford it. She’s got some loans too, but there are other expenses. So the extra work will help.”

“You’re a good sister.”

“I try to be. We are a close family. It’s important to me to help when I can.”

Leah scooped some of the foam of her cappuccino with a plastic spoon and ate it. “The foam is the best part,” she said. “It’s kind of like whipped cream the way they do it here. Really thick.”

Kyra took the velvet tie from her ponytail, re-twisted her long hair, and replaced the tie. Some tendrils still hung loose. “So, how was the party? I took off with some friends before it really got started.”

“Good.” Leah tried to keep her voice steady, despite the emotions roiling inside her. “We didn’t stay too long. Just had some food.”

Kyra stared at her. “And?”

Leah smiled. “No secrets from you, huh?”

“No way.”

“Gianni reserved a room in the hotel, and we spent the night there. Then yesterday we went to the film festival and saw a couple of films.”

Kyra widened her eyes. “I think you skipped over the best part.”

Leah lifted her cup. “Uh, yeah. You don’t want to hear that. I’d be too embarrassed to tell you.”

“I take it he’s hot.”

“Definitely hot,” Leah said.
If she only knew
.

Leah’s phone vibrated. It was Gianni. She held up a finger, then stood up. “Let me take this.”

Outside, she answered. “Gianni.”

“Hello, Leah.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to call.”

“I hadn’t planned to. I know you have things to do to get ready for the week.”

Leah didn’t care about any of it, and he knew it.

“It’s okay. I was just having coffee with Kyra.”

“I have something to tell you.”

Leah’s heart skipped a beat.

“I’m leaving for Amsterdam.”

Her heart fell. “When?”

“In ten days.”

“Oh.”

“I want you to come with me.”

In a split second, Leah’s spirits soared from the basement to the rooftop.
Amsterdam
.
With Giann
i. Then reality crashed in. “I can’t. You know I can’t just take off work.”

Silence. Of course, it was different for Gianni. He called the shots, and could go anywhere he damn well pleased. But her circumstances were different. She couldn’t afford to lose her job, and she hadn’t accrued vacation time yet.

“Well, think it over. I’ll be gone for a couple of weeks. It’s Fashion Week. My staff could cover it, but I have other business there, so I’ve decided to go.”

Leah felt the tears building. She would not cry. Definitely not. “Okay. I’ll see. But it doesn’t look good.”

“You should know that if you go, you can fly with me in the jet,” he said. “Even Vadim will see the economy in that. You would be attending the shows without transportation costs.”

That wasn’t such a good idea. Vadim didn’t know the relationship with Gianni was so personal. Leah preferred it that way. “Well, I think it will take more than that.”

“Okay, baby. I’ve got a busy schedule for a couple of days, but I’ll call you midweek. If I can hold out that long.”

His words softened the blow of hearing that he’d be gone. For weeks.

She returned to the table and plopped down.

“Gianni?”

“You could tell.”

“The look on your face.”

“Yeah, it’s hard to hide that look.”

“Is there a problem?”

Leah put her hands under her chin. “You could say so. Gianni is leaving for Amsterdam and he has the idea that I can go with him. But I don’t see how.”

“Good point. Vadim is not the most gracious of bosses.” Kyra finished her coffee and put down the cup. “But what always works for me is
leverage
.”

“Leverage?”

“Right. Like, say it’s important for me to be in a particular show.” Kyra waved her hand as she spoke. “I look for a way they
need
me. It could be a special look I have, or talent. Something they want that I have.”

“I can see what you mean. But my job is a bit different.”

Kyra shrugged. “Still, it’s possible. You just need the right angle.”

“Nothing comes to mind.”

“Well, think about it.” Kyra stood. “I’ve got to run. Love ya,” she said, hugging Leah before dashing off.

Leah finished her coffee and pondered what angle she might have with Vadim. But she couldn’t think of any. As bad as it would be not to see Gianni for two weeks, there was something that could be worse. The possibility existed that he might get involved with another woman while he was gone.

There were tons of sexy women in Amsterdam, the same as everywhere. There was no reason for Gianni to abstain while away on a trip. She had no hold over him. It crushed her to think of it. Leah had to find a way to go with him. That’s all there was to it.