Chapter Two: Crepacuore

"Hey Nate!" Emily squealed, excitedly, walking into her building, and heading up the stairs. She hadn't bothered to look back.

There was a pause before he responded. "Hey, babe." Nathan responded, voice sounding a bit strange, higher-pitched than normal. "Are ya home?"

Reaching the top of the stairs, she located her apartment, placing the key in the lock, and entering, throwing her purse on the counter, before locking the door, and heading into her room, flipping on the light. "Actually, I just walked in. Why, what's up?" Emily headed into the bathroom, grabbing a makeup wipe, removing the art from her skin.

"I just wanted to make sure you weren't staying out with that fruit too long." His words slurred.

Emily's shoulders dropped, and she let out a sigh. "Stefano is my friend. I don't want you talking badly about him." She thought that maybe, Nathaniel had missed her. However, it turned out that the phone call was nothing more than a drunken fit, making sure that she was where he wanted her.

"Sure, sure… He's not there, is he? I don't want you having guys over." Nathan had never acted so controlling before. It had to be the alcohol. His intention's were warped. "No, of course he isn't here. It's late."

Nathan cackled. "Awww, princess has a bedtime? What a loooser."

Her hand clenched. "Shut up! Don't call me when you're drunk, ever again!"

"Whoooa, damn, babe, I'll talk to you when you aren't being a major bitch." The call went silent, Nathan had hung up on her, without saying goodbye, or that he loved her.

She grew angry, turning and throwing her phone at her bed. The device bounced off, hitting the floor. Emily continued wiping the makeup off, taking her hair down and brushing it out, and finally, brushing her teeth, before she headed into her bedroom. She kicked her boots off, pulling open a drawer, and taking out a set of pajamas, quickly changing.

A few minutes passed, and she picked her phone off the floor, seeing that she now had a crack in the screen. An irritated grumbled followed.

Before bed, Emily decided to grab a snack, she'd eaten a couple hours earlier, but, it had only been a small pastry, while they waited for the rain to calm, at the cafe. Peanut butter and celery was her choice. It was quick, easy, and healthy.

While eating, Emily browsed through some media, mainly photos of animals, pictures of nature and the occasional horror and macabre. It was a darker side of her, a side that Stefano had brought out. He'd always been somewhat interested in darker arts. In their teens, they'd seen countless horror movies together, and he always found a way to frighten her. The love for creepy and gory things stuck.

A few minutes past, and she received a text from Stefano, reminding her to eat something before bed, since she'd skipped breakfast. This brought a bit of cheer back. At least someone was thinking of her.

Emily then headed to bed, plugging her phone in to charge, and pulling the covers over her. It didn't take long for her body to shut down, and for the dreams to surface.

She was sitting at a table, on an ocean terrace, breeze blowing lightly, enough to keep her cool as the sun shone down upon her. Seemingly, she was alone, just enjoying the view, until a hand tapped her shoulder, causing her to turn around, seeing Stefano, dressed in a black suit, and white dress shirt, his hair slicked back in it's usual fashion. He was presenting a rose, thorns carefully removed. Gladly she took the flower, followed by him bending down, placing a kiss on her cheek.

The scene changed, she now lay on a bed, nearly naked, aside from a dress shirt, she'd wrapped up in. The room was lit by candles, showing that windows lined the room, from floor to ceiling. In the center, was a set of french doors, leading to a deck, that overlooked the beach. A rather satisfied feeling grew inside Emily. She'd been treated a little rough, but, touched perfectly.

The clack of footsteps approached, from the doorway on the right. "Ah, you're awake.." Emily rolled over, seeing the man who'd satisfied her, her best friend. A smile played on her face. "You slept for quite a while, I must've performed well. As always." Stefano was rather prideful, it didn't matter what he did, he self-proclaimed himself as the best.

Grabbing her waist, he pulled her to the side of the bed, descending to his knees. A heat fluttered through her body, she bit her lip in anticipation. "You want it, don't you?" She nodded, squirming in his grip, her breathing already picking up. "Yes, please…." His hand rubbed her inner thigh, tracing patterns. "Beg." He demanded, sexually running his tongue across his lips, to tease her. Emily whined. "Stefano…." His tongue connected, sending a shiver through her body, having not been prepared.

This motion also caused her to jolt up in bed, eyes wide open. It was her room. Stefano wasn't anywhere around, but, her need for him lingered. She was wet, having been excited in her dream. But, she didn't have the same fulfilled feeling her sleeping counterpart did. Rather, she felt empty. Unfulfilled.

She reached over, unplugging her phone, and checking the time. Twenty minutes before her alarm would go off. May as well get up now. She swung a leg over the side of the bed, when a thought occurred to her. Maybe not. She was left unsatisfied, may as well use the extra time to please herself.

Her hands slowly reached down, her left rubbing her clitoris, her right, tracing her slit, before pressing it in. But, one wasn't enough, soon another finger joined, thankfully, she remembered to keep these two nails nice and trimmed, so she wouldn't scratch herself whenever she got into it. Her wetness only increased, coated her fingers as she searched desperately for her sweet spot. Moaning.

Every time Emily moaned and grunted, she tried to keep herself quiet, afraid that someone would hear her. She knew no one would, but, she was in a relationship, thinking about her photographer. If she were to commit these sins, she'd do so as quietly as possible, only she'd know her own lust. It's not like she was the only one who thought of different people. Everyone did. So then, why did thinking of Stefano make her feel so bad, and also so good?

Her rhythm increased, moving faster, as she changed the patterns she rubbed into her clit. Her waist bucked to the motion, and a louder moan slipped out. Her mind was lost in her fantasy, she wasn't touching herself, it was Stefano. His fingers were the ones sunk deep inside of her, as he whispered in her ear, telling her how warm she was, how wet she was getting.

"Dirty girl…" She heard his voice echo in his mind and she agreed. Emily was dirty, wanting a man that wasn't hers. She was very dirty, thinking about how roughly she wanted him to take her. Maybe he'd tie her up, maybe he'd blindfold her? Maybe both? She'd like that. Not knowing what he'd do, not being able to stop him, or squirm out of his grip, only feeling his soft skin against hers.

Emily moaned his name, surprising herself. She'd been thinking about him for a while, but, this was the first time his name came out. She liked it, and repeated it, feeling her insides convulse around her fingers, as she reached her spot, frantically playing with it. Her back arched, feeling everything spread through her body. The heat fluttering through, and finally a release, imagining that Stefano came himself, threads of his orgasm coating her insides. If only she could.

She lay there a minute, catching her breath, her mind in turmoil over what she'd just done. Moaning his name? More than once? What was he to her? How did she feel about him?

Grabbing her phone, she shut off the alarm, it was only two minutes away now. Emily sat up, her bed sheets would need to be changed. The explosion had been quite large, a pool bigger than normal. Though it was agitating her, she didn't regret it. Of course she still didn't have that full feeling, but, her insides felt good. She placed her hand on her stomach, imagining how it would feel for Stephano to release inside her. The model had never allowed anyone to cum inside her, whenever they reached an orgasm, she forced them to pull out, it didn't matter that they were wearing a condom, and that she was on birth control, there was no way she'd risk her career. But, if she and Stefano slept together, there was no doubt in her mind that she'd let him inside raw.

So, why wasn't she dating him? Maybe out of fear that her lust would get the better of her, and she'd end up with child? Emily never had a desire to become a mother.

As she sat there thinking, her phone rang. Stefano was calling, which was weird, he always texted. Of course, she answered without hesitation. "Good morning!"

"Oh, thank God.." His voice sounded panicked, which in turn, made her warmth fade, and brought forth a panic of her own. "Are you alright? What happened?"

There was an audible sigh through the speaker. "I-I guess I must've had a nightmare. I thought something happened.."

So, here she was having wet dreams about him, and he was having nightmares about her. Now, she didn't feel too great about what she'd done. "Well, I'm okay, and you'll see it for yourself in just a little while."

Emily could hear a soft gasp on the other side of the phone. "Can I pick you up today? I don't want to wait to see you."

"Of course, I can hear how worried you are. Just, don't drive like a maniac, alright?" She'd feel especially horrible if something happened to him because of his anxiety.

"I heard your voice, that is suitable for now. However, don't be surprised if I'm early."

Now, she'd need to rush, not wanting either of them to be tempted. If she were half naked when he arrived, she didn't trust herself not to drop her clothes in front of him. "I don't mind. I'll see you when you get here."

His tone calmed a little. "Alright, I-" He stopped himself. "I'll see you soon." Stefano hung up the phone.

Emily quickly headed into the bathroom, showering, brushing her teeth and hair, everything she needed to do. It was probably one of the quickest showers she'd ever taken and she'd gotten dressed just as fast.

Once out in the living room, she looked at her phone, opening her messages to Nathaniel, and slowly typing the words, "I think we should see different people." However, her plan was halted, upon receiving a text from Nathan. Which was strange, considering he was never up this early. "Hey babe, sorry about last night. I was really drunk, and I really miss you. I guess, I was jealous. You always talk about him. I know he's been your friend for years, but, I'm insecure." Emily sighed, erasing her text. "Don't worry about it. I'd probably react the same way."

She and Stefano weren't meant to be together, their relationship was purely business. It would be better for both of them if it stayed that way.

"Maybe we could meet up later? Do you think he'd let you go early?"

There was a knock at her door. Most likely it was Stefano, he did say he'd be early. Quickly she replied to Nathan. "I'll see if he will, but, give me a few to ask. He had a dream about the war last night, and he's really upset about it."

"K."

Emily looked through her viewer, she saw that it was in fact him. He looked tired, his eyes were dark, and his hair was a mess, sleep had not been kind to him. He looked fine the previous day, but, he had seemed rather nervous. What had happened while he was away?

She unlocked the door, welcoming him to her apartment. But, he barely gave her time to open the door, before his arms wrapped around her, squeezing her. Emily could tell he was worried, placing his arms over her shoulder rather than around her waist as he usually did.

They were quiet, holding each other, leaning into one another's embrace. She helped ease his worries. And the smell of his cologne lingered around her. It was an oriental scent, the defining fragrance's being almond and cinnamon.

"Oh, it is you, Stefano. Don't worry me like that!" An elderly woman's voice rang out, snapping the two of them out of their daydreams.

An older woman, with white-blonde hair, dressed in a sweater and jeans stood in the doorway, clutching a cane. "I thought you were an intruder."

Stefano turned around, faking a smile. "Sorry Ms. Ruthmere."

"There's no worry. I know little Emily has been worried about you, while you were away. She doesn't stop talking about you, you know." She gave him a toothy grin.

Emily's face turned a little red.

Evelyn Ruthmere, was both Emily's neighbor, and her landlord. She'd also known Emily for quite some time, having babysat her at a young age. Whenever she moved in, they hadn't seen each other for 14 years, but the two were glad to see each other again.

Whenever Emily first introduced her to Stefano, she'd been delighted, asking in private if he was her boyfriend. Disappointed when she'd said no. "But, he's such a fine young man, you'd be quite lucky to marry someone like him, and you'd be marrying into money, no less." Had been her response.

Stefano's smile was a bit more real when he glanced at Emily. "Oh? Well, my apologies on worrying you, Miss Lewis." He teased, nudging her.

Evelyn laughed, turning, headed back towards her room. "Well, I'll leave you kids to it! Nice to see you again, Stefano." She'd closed the door on her way out.

Whirling around, Stefano tucked a lock of hair behind Emily's ear. "Were you that worried, mia dolce?" Her cheeks burned even hotter. Being in such a close proximity to him, in her own home. Any scenario was possible.

"Of course!" She exclaimed, embarrassed, taking a step away. "The stories you've told me… I always worry that something like that will happen to you. I mean, you're in a war zone for months at a time. I don't know what I'd do if you didn't come back.." A lump began to form in her throat.

Stefano wrapped her in his arms again. "It'll be alright. Besides, I'm here, with you, right now. Why don't we make the most of it? I'll take you out to breakfast."

Emily agreed. The two left, getting into his car, which was a bit messy, he had to clear a few things off her set. A heavier jacket, a bag, and random magazines. Emily recognized the top issue as one she'd been featured in, though it was Veronica's work.

Today, Stefano had taken her somewhere different for breakfast, a place called The Golden Egg. He said he'd eaten there once, when being interviewed by an editor. The place was clearly pricey. White napkins, with gold trimming, the table cloth had a plastic protector over it, the seats were a bit uncomfortable, perfect for Stefano's tastes.

He seemed to like the cuisine of the place, while it was a little too expensive for Emily's taste. Still, she pretended everything was to her liking. Though, she did feel bad that he'd spent so much, just for a simple meal.

Afterwards, they returned to his studio, where they'd prepare to take the last remaining shots of the photo set they began working on last winter, nearly a year ago.

But, before that, Stefano strolled over to his vanity, preparing to re-apply Emily's makeup, once again. The next time they met up, he'd be able to design a new look for her, which he was quite ecstatic about. Emily's opinion was a bit different. Usually, he'd end up spending hours trying to figure out which colors he wanted to focus on, and that meant applying, and removing and again, applying makeup, over and over until he was satisfied. And Stefano never accepted anything less than perfection.

While waiting for Emily to change into her ragged attire, Stefano, himself applied some concealer, hiding the dark shadows under his eyes. He didn't like showing weakness. She'd already noticed, but, there was no reason for her to look at a constant reminder. Forgetting would be best.

Emily wasn't the type to let things go. She'd returned from the facilities, watching him hide his ailment. Concern filled her, whatever he'd seen in his dream had shaken him, and the fear which showed in his voice, on his face, was so out of character. He's a prideful man, and didn't like showing negative emotions. Well, aside from rage. He did have a bit of an anger problem.

Walking up behind him, she slipped her arms around Stefano's waist, pressing her cheek to his back. The sudden embrace caught him off guard, but, was not unwelcome.

His heart was pained, their relationship meant so much more to him. Emily thought of him as nothing more than a friend, at least, that was what she let on, and yet, she always persisted in being so close to him. Pressing herself to him, whenever they hugged, allowing him to be so intimate towards her, helping with her costumes, her makeup, her hair. She told her her darkest secrets, her fears and dreams, and she listened to his own. As much as he loved any attention from her, it hurt.

Stefano rested his hands on the desk, forcing a smile, before asking, "Is something wrong, mia dolce?"

Emily's own heart was flickering, confused on how she truly felt about him. The truth was, she loved him. More than he could ever realize. Whenever he was deployed, her mind was never at rest. She thought only of him, yet, never pledged her love to him. The poor girl was afraid of confessing, and losing him. So, her feelings were pushed aside, as her subconscious hoped to keep her from experiencing such torment.

"I'm just worried about you. You've been having a lot of nightmares lately, haven't you?" That question was taboo. She'd broken their unspoken rule. Don't ask him about the war, if he wanted to speak, he'd speak. Although, he didn't feel too bothered by it. Emily wasn't trying to be nosey, there was genuine concern in her tone. She was a sweetheart, and she wanted to help. He recognized this.

Stefano's next move was a little bold. Whenever she released him, he turned, placing his hands on either side of her face, kissing her forehead, before bringing her a little closer. His actions were merely an act of appreciation. As much as he'd love to put more meaning behind it.

"I have." She didn't expect to hear a confession from him. "Usually it's just repetitious, things I've already seen. Those nightmares can be hard to handle, but, easier than seeing you in danger.. What I dreamt of last night puts any other nightmare I've had to shame. I lost you. You were right in front of me and I-" It had only been a dream, yet, his voice was heavy with shame. Guilt weighing on his shoulders. "I wasn't able to save you."

At some point, her arms looped around him, again. "Are you able to tell me what happened? It might help."

"Not now…" His voice soft, frail.
Shifting his stance, Emily was sure he'd wiped tears from his eyes.

Emily respected his decision not to talk about it, allowing him to regain his composure. Which took a little while. But, after a visit to the facilities, he brushed it off. She played along with his facade. Stefano was a master eccedentesiast.

They began their photo shoot, three more poses. The shots were a little sexual, with the theme being lust. A woman suffering with Stockholm syndrome, waiting for her captor to please her. He'd appropriately named the series "Ache", referencing the woman's yearning and the danger of the situation.

There were seven photos in total, the first was Emily behind the chair, excitedly peering over, her legs squeezed together, the one in the background slightly lifted. Another, had her legs stretched out, one hand resting on her thigh, the material overlapping, with her head thrown back, as if she'd just finished a fantasy with her captor. These were Stefano's favorites.

Emily remained sitting in the chair, as Stefano made sure the photos were to his liking. He sat at the vanity, scrolling through them, when, his vision met her own, and he smiled, standing, and grabbing his camera, walking over to her.

"Get on your knees." There was demand in his tone.

Well, that was certainly attractive. Emily wished her response could've been, "Yes, sir!" Instead, she just stared at him bewildered. A light red surfaced on his cheeks. "I have an idea." He clarified.

She wondered what her response would've been if he'd actually been that direct, instead of just wanting to pose her for another photo? Emily did as asked, descending to her knees in front of him. Stefano stepped away, gazing down at her. She was absolutely perfect for this scene.

Kneeling down, Stefano took the tie from her hair, allowing her hair to fall, taking a brush and smoothing her locks out, before roughing them up for the aesthetic. "Partially swing your legs to the right." She complied, side-sitting was probably the easiest pose he'd after asked for. Despite the strain on her knees. He positioned her hands, next to her. One left open, pressing against the wooden floor for balance, the other desperately clenching the fabric. "Good. Now, look up at me, show me distress, mixed with excitement." He mused, placing his hand on her chin, using his thumb to smear her lipstick. The sultry tone she adored, made a reappearance. "Hold that position, darling." Stefano made a couple last minute adjustments to his camera, her eyes wandered, trying to find something to keep her mind off of the uncomfortable position, to focus on her emotions.

With the scene they were shooting, her gaze settled on his waist, which was now showing the outline of an erection. Warmth shot to her cheeks, and she no longer had to worry about manipulating her emotions, her curiosity was real.

Stefano noticed this, but, thought it was just an improvement in her acting. He half-groaned, speaking his next sentence. "You're so good."

She let out a chuckled, biting her lip, the second he snapped the photo, creating an extravagant, masterpiece. "This will be the photograph they flock to. It is perfect."

He offered his hand, helping her up. The two locked gazes, his hand wrapping around her waist to steady her. Sitting in such a position put her legs to sleep. Both their heartbeats had increased, as the couple only had one thing on their minds, they wanted to feed into their lust. Emily inched towards him, only to have him look away. "You can change now, I've got all I need."

Emily agreed, and quickly scurried off, leaving Stefano alone in the studio, mentally beating himself up. "Hmmm, why didn't I make a move?" He thought aloud, running his hand across his bulge. 'Did she notice? She seemed really into the scene..' he questioned himself, silently this time. 'She really is quite the tease.'

Meanwhile, Emily was hesitating, staring into the mirror, her eyes focused on the smudge mark on her lips, drawing attention to what she was about to do. It was such an enticing display. Demanding her on her knees, seeing his erection, the sexual growl, he'd let out, the double entendre in his tone, Stefano was a very desirable man. And she'd nearly acted on it.

She'd been asking herself the same questions, as he. 'Why didn't he make a move?'
'Did he notice that I noticed? That it excited me?' She breathed heavily, looking down. It was for the best that he hadn't allowed her to kiss him.

Again, the two went for a walk through the town. The air between them was better, hormones calmed down. She finally decided to tell him about needing to be home early, and while he wasn't very excited, he agreed to drop her off.

They decided to stop at the small cafe they found yesterday, to give their cuisine a try. This time, Emily insisted she pay for herself, instead of allowing him to pay for each other their meals. He managed to snap a couple more photos of her, one near the water, with a bridge in the background, and another on the stone steps in the park, a butterfly had landed on her hand, just in time for the photo.

Time passed by far too quickly, and it was time for him to take her home. Nathan texted her, telling her that he'd be waiting at her apartment, and Stefano had noticed the text, insisting that he meet him. He came up with a lie, stating that he needed to meet her boyfriend, so that Nathan wouldn't have to worry about what kind of man she was hanging around.

The real reason? He wanted to know what kind of person she deemed worthy over himself. Stefano carried his pride in many ways.

They pulled up to her apartment and he helped her out of the car, heading inside and up the stairs, where a 25 year-old man stood. He had short, brown hair, Van Dyke styled facial hair, muscles and a tattoo sleeve on each arm.

Stefano already didn't like him. He was just a photocopy of the guys she dated when they were in high school. Nothing but a brute.

Nathaniel smiled, seeing her, glaring instantly at Stefano, who walked beside her.

"Steven, right?" His voice was gruff.

"Stefano." The two corrected in unison. Nathan and Emily exchanged a glance. "I thought you two should meet. At least once." She lied, Stefano didn't object.

There was tension in the air, as the two men silently sized each other up. Each believing they'd have the upper hand, if a fight were to break out between them.

Finally, Nathaniel broke the silence. "Photography, huh? That suits someone like you."

Stefano wasn't insulted, he laughed it off. It was the perfect job for him, he could envision something, and create it, and he could capture true beauty when he saw it. A greased up, steroid infused man could never understand something like that. "And, what is it that you do?" he challenged, with a catty tone.

"Mechanic."

A smirk played on Stefano's lips. "What, at a Wal-Mart?" He returned the beration, actually striking a nerve. Nathan had lost his original position and had recently taken a job at the Wal-Mart tire and lube section. Not that Stefano would have known.

But, if he wanted to play dirty, Nathan could hurl some insults as well. Emily recognized the look in his eyes. He liked to start arguments. "Nathan…" She called out. Both of the men silenced her, Stefano wanted to hear what Nathan could come up with.

"Your job must be easy, hiding behind soldiers, taking photos, while they die to protect your ass. And you have the nerve to call that art?"

This had managed to upset Stefano. He wasn't being protected. His life was on the line, just as much as anyone else and he'd been wounded. Albeit no permanent damage, yet. But, one particular memory of his, he had a very close call, and hadn't told Emily about it, knowing that she'd worry. The soldier next to him was killed, a bullet through the skull. He'd been lucky, and the soldier received backup, another soldier signaling for him to run to his trench. Stefano had taken shrapnel, in his left shoulder and arm, and all he were scars. He was one of the lucky ones.

"Well, I'd certainly love to see you on the field, however, you'd only serve as cannon fodder." With that, Stefano turned, walking back down the stairs.

Emily was staring daggers at Nathan. He'd gone too far. "Do you always have to be such an ass? Stay here." She growled, before heading down the stairs, following after him.

"Stefano!" She called out, grabbing his shoulder, he shrugged her off, giving her quite the grim look. "I was tied to a chair, blindfolded, listening to the cries of a woman as she was tortured When my blindfold was removed, I saw you, tied to a chair, across from me, beaten, bloody and bruised. They left the room, and I did everything in my power to break out of my restraints, only to have one of the men return, shooting you in the head, just within arms reach of me. But, they didn't stop at that. "

Emily wasn't sure how to react. She didn't know what to say to comfort him. And she struggled for words. "Stefano,... I-I-"

"Do you truly believe that absolute deficiente would protect you? That you could rely on such a repulsive orifice for anything?"

"You need to calm down."

Stefano clenched his fists, frowning. "Addio, Emily." He left once again, this time, she allowed him to walk away. There was nothing more she could do.

"Well, you certainly could've handled that better." The voice belonged to Ms. Ruthmere.

Emily sighed, facing the onlooker, folding her arms across her chest.

"I know."

To be continued…..

Authors Notes:

Stefano's dictionary!

With the ending of this chapter, I decided to put a small dictionary at the ending, explaining what some word's Stefano has said, mean.

Let's start with "Addio". This holds meaning to the story.
This word is full of drama. Whenever you say this phrase, it's means you are pretty sure you won't be seeing them again.
Normally around Emily, Stefano would say something similar to "Alla Prossima" (Till next we meet), or just a simple Ciao!
But, he's pretty pissed, right now.

Mia dolce, as explained in Chap. 1, means, 'My sweet'.

Deficiente, is the same as deficient, meaning that he is not quality and is lacking in performance.

Burlone, means tease. But, not a playful tease, in more of a pranking way.

Feccia, translates to dregs, which is 'the worst part of something'. You can tell Stefano does not like Charles.

Crepacuore, as seen in the title means 'heartbreak'.

Eccedentesiast isn't Italian, but, I'll list it anyway. It's someone who fakes smiles.

Double entendre is another term I used, meaning that Stefano is showing that he's posing her only for business, but, really, he also had a perverted agenda.