hair between his fingers, he said a sentence in Italian and then translated it in English. “You have the most beautiful hair.”
Certain this shouldn't have been a part of our lesson, I was about to ask him not to touch me, but—right when I started talking—Mr. de Lucci's eyes widened, and he quickly distanced himself.
“Ah...Signore Damiani,” he greeted anxiously.
I lifted my gaze and beheld Alessandro strolling into the room with a wide, charming smile that didn't touch his eyes. He said something soft in Italian I couldn't quite understand. All I could gather was that he spoke about me because he said those words again...mia moglie. Mr. de Lucci reddened and smiled nervously, replying to Alessandro in a small awkward voice. Then, he got up swiftly and turned toward me, suddenly avoiding my eyes.
“We'll wrap up early today,” he mumbled, and reached for his jacket that hung over his chair. “I have something urgent to finish up.”
He was in such a rush that he left his books on the table. Just as I got up as well, Alessandro used a remote control on the wall and dimmed the lights almost to the point of being extinguished. My brows knit together, and I forced my breathing to remain even. Then, he approached me.
“What did he say?” I asked in confusion. “Why did he have to leave?”
Alessandro shrugged. “He remembered he had an emergency.”
“How strange...” I said quietly.
Alessandro laughed softly and came closer. “Indeed. So tell me, tesoro...how are your Italian lessons going?”
He leaned over my head and fumbled with the locks of my hair, lowering his lips to kiss the hollow of my neck. A rush of electricity erupted through my skin, and it was hard to think.
“They...they are coming along well,” I mumbled as he continued lowering his lips down my neck.
“And what did you learn today?”
“Parts...” I let out a hot breath. “Body parts.”
Alessandro leaned above me again, and something ignited in his eyes. “How about a little test?”
“A...a test?” I gulped, intimidated by the fire that burned in his gaze.
“Si,” he murmured in my ear. “Simple rules. You just have to name a word of my choosing. If you get it wrong, I will remove a piece of your clothing.”
I stared with pleading uncertainty, but his expression confirmed his mind had already been made up and there was nothing I could do but submit to his will. One way or another, he would win and get his way...just like always.
“And if I get it right?” I asked in a whisper, making peace with the fact it wasn’t going to happen.
He smiled devilishly. “Then I strip.”
“So I lose either way?” I breathed. I bit my tongue, realizing I had spoken out of line, but Alessandro didn't seem agitated. Instead, he smiled. The tension in my body immediately relaxed in relief.
“It doesn’t matter, tesoro, for as long as I win.” He lowered his lips on my forehead and planted a soft kiss on my skin. “Well?”
I realized he wanted me to name the word in Italian for the part he had just kissed. I had to think for a moment, but then I remembered. “Fronte.”
He grinned widely because I had guessed the word, but he didn't take off any of his clothes. Instead, he went on to kiss my nose and then my ear. I had offered the right translation, but still he remained fully clothed. It gave me comfort that he perhaps only meant to full around, then let me be. He kissed the edge of my eye next, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember.
“Olivia...” he murmured against my skin.
“I...I can't remember,” I admitted in a whisper.
He smirked as if pleased I’d made a mistake, and slowly trailed his fingers down my stomach before gripping the hem of my shirt.
“But you—” I protested, and Alessandro silenced me with a small kiss.
“Shh...don't worry, tesoro,” he whispered, as he pulled the fabric up my body. “I intend to get rid of all my clothes.”
I swallowed, my eyes widening as I lifted my arms and allowed him to remove my shirt. I didn't enjoy this game. It made me blush, and I was tempted to cover myself.
He kissed my chin and neck next, and praised me for naming the words in Italian in an instant. But then, his lips froze on my shoulder and when I failed to name it, he took off my bra. Deep satisfaction burned in his black eyes when they returned to mine. I