Chapter 5: Boat Ride to Destiny II

"Le cose che fate a me (the things you do to me)" he said under his breath as she broke the kiss they shared.

Pushing at his chest she turned her head trying to escape his arms. John lowered his face to her chest where her breasts pushed up from the front bodice of her strapless dress and began to apply delicate kisses on her soft skin "Don't pull away…" he moaned her fragrance enslaving him.

"I can't…." she said in response shaking the feelings that had her loosing her head. Lifting his face to hers he loosened his hold on her. "Why are you fighting me?" he asked confused.

She stumbled back glad to be free "I just think your moving fast and I shouldn't encourage you that's all." She said catching her breath, smoothing over her hair that was tussled from his fingers in it. The hem of her poodle shirt folded and unfolded as it swayed around he knees.

John studied her closely. He watched as she nervously wrung her hands doing what he assumed was her way of regaining control. She looked so fearful of the passion they shared in that last embrace, he knew that it was because she didn't understand it. How could she have belonged to another man and he never tapped into the fire he saw so clearly burning beneath her skin.

"Venuto (come)…" he said extending his hand to her.

"What?" she asked looking at his hand.

"Come with me" he said walking over and taking her hand in his. Leading her out of the cockpit they walked down the narrow hall to the stairs that led to the lower deck. She followed him down without complaint. He took her around the cabin they dined in toward the back of the yacht. She passed another man whom she figured was armed. He nodded at John and then looked her directly in the eye giving her a seductive smile.

In that moment she understood the difference from the men in Italy compared to the ones she knew in the states. The way they looked a woman directly in the eyes confidently reaffirmed a girl's sense of femininity. She never felt more desired as she did in this country under the watchful gaze of the most intriguingly complicated men she'd ever met.

Seeing him step up to a dark wooden door that was the Master Stateroom, she shook her head smiling "This your way of relaxing me? Taking me to your bedroom?" she asked folding her arms refusing to enter.

John leaned in the frame "Just to talk bella, Very well couldn't finish our adventure at sea in the cockpit and I'm sure you aren't ready to go up stateside. No?"

"If I go in there it's not to bed you"

John raised his hands innocently, smiling slyly "Of course not…"

She studied his face a moment longer, it was his blue eyes and unassuming charm that had her in trouble since she saw him in Alcatraz. Sighing she walked inside keeping her arms folded. If she thought the outside of this extravagant vessel was the most magnificent example of his fortune she soon realized she'd jumped to the wrong conclusion.

The Master Stateroom was bigger than any cabin she'd seen on the boat. The carpet was a deep midnight blue and the paneling was a light golden teak wood with dark blue trimming. The square shaped bed that extended out of the wall to the back of the cabin was covered in a dark blue quilted pillowed comforter.

The headboard was made of khaki brown, blue, and white pillows of all shapes. To her left was a full bar and to her right was a royal blue sofa that extended the side of the cabin. The portholes had tiny blue curtain covers and behind her was a 40 inch plasma TV mounted on the wall.

She spun around looking at him. "What can I say this is gorgeous…"
John closed the door and looked at her "Its okay…"
"Do you come here often?"
"Just had this room done, actually it's my first time seeing it too. I'm rarely in Milan this long to enjoy it." He said going to the bar.

Evangeline went to the cushioned sofa seat scooping her dress up under before taking a seat. Tossing her long hair over her shoulders she watched him uncorking a bottle of wine.

"Isn't it a bit early for wine?"

John looked over his shoulder at her "You're in Italy bella, it's never to early for vino"

She smiled at him reclining back in the soft cushioned seat "Why aren't you married John?"

Pouring the wine he shrugged "Never took the time to seal the deal."

"A strange way to put it. Seal the deal." She said frowning.

Picking up her glass he walked over passing her the glass of red wine. "This is from my vigna (vineyard) in Florence" he said proud of it.

"Vino straight from Tuscany….this is a treat" she said smiling accepting it.
He came and sat next to her watching as she took a sip. Touching the loose strands that rested on her bare shoulder he moved them gently to her back. "I love your skin" he said softly.

She looked over at him lowering her glass "My skin?"

"Reminds me of honey" he said looking her in the eye his voice heavy with desire. She blushed "Haven't been in contact with many black women have you?"

John laughed "Have you been to Sicily? Many Sicilians sport dark tans as well. Your skin is beautiful not because you are a donna di colore (woman of color). It's beautiful because its part of your essence it radiates with your beauty and talent. Bewitching all that come in contact with you."

She stared at him. "Wow….its either this wine, the lull of this boat, or your poetic deep way of speaking, but you are good." She said standing up putting space between them.

John with his arm resting on the back of the sofa held his wine glass and watched her pace. She rolled the wineglass between her hands as she collected herself and he felt sorry for her. "You are so strong bella, do you ever allow yourself any weakness?"

She stopped "My granny told me that weakness is a luxury of the spoiled and foolish hearted. To be strong guarantees survival."

"What are you surviving?"
"Failure, I don't know! Just surviving…" she said drinking the wine nervously.

"Have you ever been in love?" he asked

She looked over at him and her chest burned "Yes of course I have"

"How did that fair for you?"

"Not well at all" she said going over to the wine. Pouring herself another glass he saw that her anxiety was increasing. Rising he walked over to her as she lifted the glass to her lips to drink. Putting his hand over hers he stopped her. "Relax" he said putting the glass down on the bar.

Evangeline's heart was racing and she began to breathe in and out deeply. He was confusing her. "John, this can go lead anywhere, I mean you have to know that nothing can come of this…"

He put a finger to her lip silencing her "I don't want to take anything from you bella. Nothing that you don't want to give me."

Taking her hand he walked over to a wooden panel on the wall, pulling back the tiny door to reveal a keypad. Punching in codes she saw the halogen ceiling that illuminated the room brightly, dim turning into a candlelit atmosphere. She looked back at him as he punched in another group of numbers causing the sounds of a saxophone to blow out of hidden speakers, accompanied by the erotic ripple of piano keys.

He turned to her leading her toward the middle of the floor in his arms causing her skirt to sway side to side as she put her left arm around his neck. Sliding his arm around her waist he moved his hips directing hers to a rhythm that allowed him to feel all of her. She stared in his eyes as she ran her hands up his arm to his massive muscled shoulders then clasping them behind his neck.

"This can go nowhere…." She said softly more to herself than him.
"Its already gone further than you imagined" he said smiling
"We're different…"
"And yet this feels right doesn't it."
"I'm not ready"
"You're overdue.."

She looked away from him as he turned her in his arms keeping up their slow dance. "It's okay to give in sometimes. It's the natural thing between a man and a woman. I'm sorry that you have let to learn that." he said rubbing her back.

Closing her eyes she laid her head against his chest and felt comforted, holding tightly to him. He was right it felt right and she wanted more. She wanted him.

John felt how soft she was in his arms and his chest swelled with an awakening of feelings he'd never carried for a woman.

She wasn't the only one scared of the power that their attraction held over them. His world required that he remain alone. He vowed never to bring a woman into his life and cause her the suffering that his mother underwent from loving Don Tomosito Battaglia.

But from the moment he saw her walking down that runway vibrant full of life he wanted to know more. The moment he first spoke with her he desired her more. Now he wanted to keep her close. He needed something of his own, someone that loved John McBain and cared little for Battaglia.

He may have found it with her and true to his nature he wouldn't be denied it. Her fears or his world wouldn't keep him from a love of his own. Swaying with her in his arms he smiled slowly. "Amore…(love)" he whispered in the cabin words that were foreign to him, slowly he closed his eyes and allowed himself the guilty pleasure of feeling again, while continuing their dance.

Skye walked through the Master Stateroom admiring the masculine beauty that surrounded her in the burgundy and white decorated cabin. Lorenzo closed the door watching her.

She turned to see him staring and knew what he wanted. Stepping out of her heels, reaching behind her back she clasped the zipper of her sundress lowering it she caused the spaghetti straps to loosen and fall from her shoulders. Taking her hand to the front of her dress she held it close not to reveal herself completely to soon.

Lorenzo rose from the door and walked over to her. Taking her hand he removed it so her dress loosened then fell to her hips. He titled his head looking down at the porcelain beauty of her skin admiring her round perky breasts. Raising his eyes he looked into hers. "Do you know how beautiful you are?" he asked softly.

Her eyes watering she shook her head as her old insecurities resurfaced.

Lorenzo cupped her face in his hands bringing it to his and kissed her softly. Her long red waterfall curls flowed backward and she head tilted further to welcome the kiss. Soon the sweetness intensified and she enjoyed the warm sweet taste of his tongue in her mouth as his hand left her face going to her back rubbing it softly, pulling her into his chest.

Pressing her breasts against his chest she slipped her arms around his waist continuing the kiss holding onto her new chance for love. Lorenzo lifted her in his powerful arms carrying her to the bed. Laying her down he broke the kiss, pulling the rest of her dress from her hips.

Standing over her he looked at her body as she lay staring up at him expectantly with her hair fanned out across her pillow. Working loose the buttons of his shirt he removed it slowly revealing his chest.

Skye looked up at his butterscotch tanned skin with the platinum chain that rested on his neck matching the expensive watch on his wrist, admiring his beauty. She scooted back on the soft satin sheets of the bed thinking that she was going to be able to do this. That she wouldn't make a big deal out of what was to transpire.

They were simply two people pleasing each other. Saying the words in her head, she realized how much she didn't believe them. He had been given passage into her heart and now he meant everything to her. Lorenzo climbed on the bed kissing her thigh then coming up on top of her. He looked down in her face and he saw a hint of fear and it stopped him.

"Che cosa è errato (what's wrong)?"

"Non desidero essere danneggiato( I don't want to be hurt)" she said softly

Moving over to the side of her he looked at her sadly "I wouldn't hurt you Skye…"
"What happens next Lorenzo? I'm almost thirty and I've had the passionate interludes followed by the empty promises of men that I've entrusted with my heart. If I give into you what happens to me next?"

He touched her face tenderly "I'm not those other men bella, you are safe with me and so is your heart. Where we go next is up to you. Siete tutti che importino (you are all that matters)" he said softly kissing her.

She reached for his face kissing him back and he rolled over on top of her. She let her fingers go through his silky curls as he kissed her face and neck. His hand went to her thong pulling it slowly from around her hips. Her eyes closed sighing from his touch lifting her hips as he pulled the delicate lace fabric down her legs.

Feeling him lower himself down her chest soon her breast was in his mouth and he twirled her nipple around with his tongue while massaging her between her legs. Slowly he slipped his finger in her gauging how ready she was to receive him.

Skye arched her back and cried out as he kissed and licked her abdomen traveling down to her center. Feeling his face bury between her thighs she gripped the sheets panting under the passionate way he made love to her with his tongue.

Once she was spent he came back up on her and before she could collect herself pushed his way inside. She dug her nails into his muscular back as he worked his hips in circular motions pushing his way deeper.

He made love to her slow kissing her loving all the way through, taking away what was left of her resistance. All she could do was blend into him and give into the fire that blazed from within them both, as the porthole windows that lined the cabin fogged over from their heat.

John lifted her chin from his chest and looked down into her face "Will you let me in…"

Evangeline lowered her long lashes looking down from his eyes. "I can't go on like this…I want to know passion"

He smiled at her and made her look up to face him again "It's okay, it's hard to let go and let someone in….really let someone in. I've mastered the art of keeping people at bay, but here and now I want more. I want you" he said pressing his forehead against hers dropping his hand and clasping both on her hips he rotated them into his.

Her light green skirt twirled as she rocked her hips side to side. Putting her arms up and around his neck she kept her forehead pressed against his letting the music direct their erotic dance. Feeling his fingers on the zipper at the back of her dress her stomach tighten as it slowly slid down.

Raising her head she initiated a kiss with him and he smiled at her accepting him. Kissing her sweetly he felt her push her tongue into his mouth as her fingers went up into his hair and massaged the back of his head, holding it close to hers.

John moved his hand inside of the opening to the back of her dress, touching her skin confirming that it was indeed as soft as cream, just as he imagined when he saw part of her this morning.

Evangeline felt her dress loosening around her waist as he pushed it further open from the back and it began to slip away from her. She'd never given into a man this soon and even in her wildest dreams if she considered it, she never wanted to give in to any man so completely.

Stopping her dress before it slipped completely from her body she pulled it to her chest and stepped out of his arms. John looked at her in the dimly lit room, he saw her studying his face and he didn't see the resistance he saw earlier. She wore the same look of passionate need that he wore as he ached to see her body.

As if she read his mind she let her hand go and the soft material floated free to the ground. He smiled at her and extended his hand to her. She wore a black half bra with matching black lace bikini cut panties.

Going to him she stepped out of her dress in her heels accepting his hand as he pulled her back to his chest continuing their dance. Turing her around dancing with her he walked her backwards to the bed. Kissing the inside of her neck, he fingered the three clasp enclosure to her bra prepared to remove it.

Evangeline moaned under his light kisses and kept going backward while running her hand over the soft material of his shirt. Opening her eyes she felt him pushing her back to the bed and she knew in that moment there was no turning back.

Expertly he pulled her half bra from her coming down on the bed with her. She scooted back against the multitude of pillows behind her and John remained at the foot of the bed watching her.

He still wore his clothes and she looked at him expectantly waiting for him to do what he'd been laying the ground work for since she arrived at Lake Cuomo. "Something wrong?" she asked meekly.

He stared at her chest and tiny waistline. Her left knee slightly raised gave him a full view of the curves and beauty of her thigh, along with the expanse of her hips. "I need to look at you" he said reaching for her foot still wrapped in her green strappy sandal.

Undoing the fasten around her ankle he slowly removed it from her foot. She watched him as he did the same thing for the other foot tossing her shoes from the bed. Raising her leg to his face he kissed her ankle where the tiny buckle of the strap left an indented impression. His kisses then went up her leg as her calf muscle tightened from her pointing her big toe in response to his touch.

Evangeline began to breathe slow deep breaths trying to steady her accelerating heartbeat. He lowered her leg rising from the bed and she watched as his pulled his long white shirt above his head.

Her eyes landed on the tattoos on his chest and arms and she marveled at how different his body was Kevin. His deep tan seemed to darken in the dimly lit room. His breast muscles rounded and perfectly bulged forward as her eyes traveled down to his rippled washboard tight abdomen. Looking at his hands one adorned with a platinum watch that was probably worth more than her grandmother's home in West Virginia, he unbuckled his pants.

She lifted her eyes to his that never left her face during her inspection of him. The intensity in his blue stare let her know what would transpire between them now would forever change them both and she welcomed it.

His khaki colored pants fell from his hip revealing the black boy shorts her wore underneath, which tighten around his muscled thighs. He smiled slightly at her as he came on the bed.

Pulling her by the ankle he dragged her to the middle of the bed then came up on top of her. Bracing himself on his elbows on either side of her he hovered above her face.

She smiled up at him and he smiled down at her before lowering his face to hers and kissing her. Rolling her panties from her hips he kissed the inside of her neck then collarbone.

Pulling them free he parted her knees grinding his stiffened rod through his underwear into her warm center. "Beautiful…" he said softly easing downward and kissing her shoulder then gazing at her breast. Burying his face in them he enjoyed the warm cushion they provided.

His tongue circled its way to her nipples and he toyed with it in ways that elicited the response from her he wanted. Evangeline wanted the slow tease to subside because the warmth of his breath on her skin as mouth closed over her breast caused her shiver with delight. Gripping the sheets she bit down on her bottom lip refusing to reveal how much more she enjoyed the ways he explored her.

He inspected each breast thoroughly and she was wet with a fiery need to feel him inside of her. Reaching under him she tried to put her hand on his tool and bring it closer but he swatted her hand away refusing to let her go. She moaned with frustration as his face went between her legs and he sucked on her clitoris with as much fever as the kisses he gave her. She squeezed her thighs in response to the orgasm he pulled from her.

Releasing her she tried to crawl away from him as she struggled for air while her body was racked with passionate vibrations from his loving demands. Unwilling to let her go he pulled her back to him with a strong hand as he worked his boxers off with the other.

Putting her left leg over his shoulder he pushed her thigh back into her chest as he positioned himself and slid his way into her. Her eyelids half open and heavy from emotional exhaustion she cried out softly from his entrance. She was actually going through with it. Taking another man into her heart, a man that she knew deep inside she could never really have.

Pulling half way out and then pushing all the way in he closed his eyes from the warmth he felt. He struggled to stay in control as he felt his body stiffen with a desperate need to posses her.

Lowering her leg he kept with his passionate thrusts kissing and loving her in all the ways he could think of. Evangeline forgetting who and where she was released her inhibitions and gave him back what he demanded of her.

Rolling to his back she sat up placing one hand flat against his lower abdomen and putting the other one behind her gripping his leg. She arched her back sliding down on him again. He held her hips and she threw her head back bouncing in his lap.

John cried out trying to control the intensity of her passion but found himself weakening each time she rose and fell on his manhood. Sweating, turning his head from side to side he moaned for mercy.

"Il bambino di attesa rallenta prego (wait baby please slow down)" he said panting.

She lifted her head not understanding what he said. Placing both her hands against his chest she rocked back and forth her hair hanging down over her face as she felt another orgasm coming on. Feeling his chest muscle tighten and his nails dig into her hips he threw his hips upward releasing what he fought so desperately hard to hold on to.

Evangeline let go of hers as well and her body shook as she came with him. Falling over on to his chest exhausted she found herself speechless. There was no way to recover after what they shared and she couldn't comprehend what was unleashed in her within his arms.

Skye lay on Lorenzo's chest running her hand over his smooth skin exhausted from the different ways he took her during the multiple love sessions they had through the early afternoon.

Lorenzo ran his fingers through her head staring up at the ceiling. He found some solace in her arms, but the problem with the Calderone's gnawed at him. If John ever discovered what he did with Giuseppe years ago he'd kill him. He had to find away to squash the latest feud and gain John's ear. He had to be part of that sit down in two weeks.

Skye looked up at him and smiled "Penny for you thoughts?"
"You can have them for free since they are all about you" he said kissing her forehead.
"I want to stay in here like this forever" she said snuggling under his arm and he pulled her closer.

"Sorry, not forever dolcezza (sweetness) but definitely for the rest of the day. I'm not done with you yet."

Skye giggled at the threat slipping her hand under the sheets to massage and awaken his manhood. Lorenzo eyes fluttered shut from her touch. Kissing his chest she rested her chin on it and looked up at him. "What is with you and John? Are you really part of the mafia?" she joked.

Lorenzo eyes popped open and looked at her angrily "Don't ask questions you don't understand!" he snapped

Frowning she let go of him and rose on her elbow. "Did I say something wrong?"
Lorenzo saw the hurt look on her face and softened "I'm sorry…" he said touched her face. "I know you're not stupid bella, and I know you suspect that I and my cousin dabble in things that….how do you say? Things that are unsavory. You must understand that you are never to question me about my business. You are never to insert yourself in that part of my life…"

Skye sat all the way up frowning "I was joking, but you're scaring me. Are you telling me that this thing I can't speak of is just a permanent part of your life?"

"It's the package deal" he said looking her in the eye.
"What about me and the package you can have with me."
"I can have them both"
"Not if you shut me out from your life"

Lorenzo sat up "Wait what are we talking about here? What is it you expect from me?"
Skye looked away "I just thought…."
"Listen to me, he said pulling her hand. I didn't mean to upset you and I want to know you in all the ways possible. But let's take it one day at a time. Don't question me about my affairs, that's all I'm saying. They would really bore you to death anyway. Trust me."

She moved back over to him and he pulled her to his chest as he sat up against his headboard. "Are we okay?" he asked
"Perfect" she said willing to let go her questions and settle for whatever he gave her, as long as he gave her himself.

John turned to look at Evangeline lying next to him. She had drifted to sleep soon after their love session. Rolling to his side he propped his head in his hand on bended elbow staring down at her.

Her hair was smoothed away from her face revealing her delicate features. Slowly he ran his finger across her chin then to her bottom lip. It parted from his contact slightly and he turned her face to his. She remained sleep and the soft low sounds of her snore were cute to him.

"Dove venite da?(where did you come from). And why am I the lucky one to have you?" he said softly.

Evangeline opened her eyes to the sound of his voice and looked up into his eyes. "Hey.." she said softly.

"I should have let you sleep." He said sorry that woke her.

"Its okay…what time is it?" she asked looking around the dark cabin

John looked at his watch "A little after 3.."

Evangeline frowned "Oh god we need to get back. Skye must be wondering where I am…" she said trying to sit up. He pushed her back down "Relax, we'll head back soon."

She smiled at him "If I had a dollar for every time you've said relax to me since we've met I would never have to work another day in my life" she said smiling

He kissed her nose "I suspect you are well on your way to early retirement now."

Evangeline touched his scruffy jaw. "Are you? What is it that you do exactly?"

He kissed her lips softly and she kissed him back. Suddenly it occurred to her how he never directly answered to personal of questions. She asked him earlier why he never married and he side stepped it, and now he avoided her question in regards to his business. Stopping the kiss she pushed him back.

"I'd like to know, what is that you do?"
"What do you think I do?"
"Don't do that.."
"What?"
"Answer a question with a question. I get that you aren't a drug dealer but are you really some sort of mafia king or something?"

John rolled off her "Or something…" he mumbled.

Evangeline turned to her side "You were going to be a doctor, why didn't you finish that dream?"

"It was just a dream and dreams aren't meant to be finished." He said dryly.

"That's not true, I dreamt all my life to…."

"To what? Be a painter? Yet you design rags for spoiled pampered shallow people to showcase their presumed importance!" he snapped

Evangeline flinched and looked at him confused "That was uncalled for! How dare you!" she said angrily turning to get out of bed. He reached gripping her arm forcefully pulling her back to him. "I'm sorry.."

"Let go!" she shouted trying to push him away.

John overpowered her pinning her to the bed "I'm sorry!" he said in her face.

She stopped struggling underneath him and looked at him hurt "Don't talk to me like that!" she said angrily.

He sighed "Listen, I over reacted lets not make a big deal out of it."

"Is that how you respond when you're asked a question you don't like?"

"No, no…I was wrong. Let's start over. Listen to me, I shouldn't have insulted you like that for that I'm sorry, but you have to understand we cannot discuss my business. It's not something that will have any impact on us"

Evangeline stared at him "You're right, because there is no us. Now will you please let me go so I can get dressed I'd like to go back to the villa"

"Evangeline…"
"NOW!" she snapped refusing to be swayed.

John released her falling over to his back blowing out a frustrated breath as she rose from the bed pulling the sheet around her. She looked around for her underwear.

"So what you run away because we disagree?" he said looking at her angrily.

"I very well can't run on a boat!"
"It's not a boat…" he mumbled
"Excuse me?" she said hearing his snide comment.

John put his hand to his forehead "I gave up medicine to take on my fathers business because it was expected of me. His business is a lot of things and most of them are illegal."

Evangeline stood at the foot of the bed holding the blanket tightly. "That sounds complicated…"

Sitting up and leaning over on his left elbow he smiled sadly "Its extremely complicated bella, my existence is rooted in complications. You appearing from nowhere making me want more makes it even more complicated. I'm sorry I hurt your feelings" he said sincerely.

Evangeline smiled and crawled back on bed over to him. She tossed her hair over her left shoulder and kissed him. "I won't push you John, but if you want anything of substance with me I won't be willing to settle for half of you."

He looked up at her and smiled "I figured that's how it works" he said pulling her down to kiss her. He was grateful that she was in his arms again. Yet another emotion crept into his gut, one that he wasn't used to. FEAR He was afraid for the first time of loosing someone, someone important to him. Her….