Valentino takes the documents from me, reading quickly.
He looks up at me, gray eyes assessing. “Where did you learn to read filings like this? This is solid work. Most analysts would have missed it.”
I hold his gaze, even though standing this close to him makes my heart race. “From the man who taught me to spot his own tricks.”
He knows I mean Dante. My father’s playbook.
Valentino nods once. “This changes the evaluation. I’ll flag it.”
Back at the cottage during a scheduled break, Nico drags Valentino into building an elaborate racetrack using blocks, cushions, and some safe outdoor toys provided by the estate.
I take the opportunity to slip away, retreating to the bathroom attached to my bedroom. I lock the door.
The large soaking tub calls to me.
I fill it with hot water and a generous amount of the lavender bath salts provided by the estate.
Steam rises as I undress, my body still wound tight from the day’s constant nearness to Valentino. I ache everywhere.
My clit feels engorged and sensitive, throbbing with unmet need sparked on the terrace last night and intensified through every public performance today.
The heat envelops me as I sink into the water, but it does nothing to ease the pressure between my thighs. I lean back against the tub and close my eyes.
My hand slides down my stomach, over my wet skin, until my fingers find my swollen clit. The first gentle rub pulls a soft gasp from my lips.
I imagine what would have happened if I had dragged Valentino down to me on the terrace instead of pushing him away. If I had kissed him hard, tongues tangling, hands desperate tearing through clothes.
In my head he lifts me against the wall. His strong hands grip my thighs, spreading them wide. He would push my skirt up and tear my panties aside, fingers finding me already dripping.
I circle my clit faster, toes curling against the smooth porcelain. I picture him freeing his thick cock and thrustinginto me in one powerful stroke. I’d cry out from the feel of him stretching me full.
And then he’d angle his hips that magical way he did five years again and fuck me so deep and relentless while murmuring filthy praise against my neck.
My other hand moves to my breasts. I pinch and roll my nipples, imagining his mouth on them instead. Sucking hard. Biting just enough to make me whimper.
My hips rock in the water, creating small waves as I rub my clit with increasing pressure. The picture in my head intensifies.
I see myself on my knees for him, taking him deep into my mouth, looking up at those intense gray eyes while he fists my hair and fucks my throat.
Then bent over the terrace railing, his body covering mine as he pounds into me from behind, one hand between my legs rubbing my clit until I come screaming his name.
Pleasure builds fast and sharp. I bite my lower lip hard to keep from crying out. My fingers move quicker, slipping over my slick folds and back to the aching bundle of nerves. My nipples peak tight under my touch.
The orgasm crashes over me suddenly.
My back arches, thighs trembling as waves of release pulse through me. I pant softly, riding it out, my body shuddering in the cooling water.
For a few moments I float in the afterglow, breathing heavy. But the satisfaction fades too quickly. The ache returns, deeper now. Emptier.
My body craves more than my own fingers can give. It craves him. His weight. His strength. His cock filling me completely. I need Valentino.
The realization terrifies me even as fresh heat blooms low in my belly.
Chapter Fourteen
VALENTINO
The cottage settles into quiet as night deepens over the Hudson Valley estate.