Page 12 of Forbidden (Wicked Billionaires #1)

STORM

I am still focused on my library duties, my new graphic designs, and clients, but I am loving the sense of change.

The workouts are no major. I am just swimming, and doing daily yoga, really.

Being a nerd is starting to pay off for me, and being a natural curious reclusive type, too. I find that I can do three ninety-minute hobby blocks a day.

Like working out, and Italian, or yoga while listening to pilot lectures.

After, I do dance, fencing classes, or diving.

Then, back at the penthouse, I usually study flying.

I’m spending more money on me, than expected, but the only thing that is really expensive is the flying lessons. The scuba diving at the pool complex is oddly not too costly, and I’m meeting plenty of new people.

I’m also feeling more confident about myself, for once.

As Lorenzo travels for work, I get more time for my hobby’s, too.

I miss him, but I am getting less turned on around the apartment, and less distracted. Especially when he walks around in gym gear, or a perfectly tailored navy suit.

Lorenzo and I talk about progress every few days, and even if he seems to think I’m going overboard, when I’m in, I’m all in.

I am going to crush it, and I am going to claim my man. Men!

As I go to climb out of the bath and dry off for the scheduled Zoom with Lorenzo, I have trouble moving. I decide I’ll just lay in the bath, and why the heck not?

I set up the French styled wooden tray for the towels across the bath top, and near my knees, I reach over and set my phone’s camera up.

My breasts are covered with enough foam, and my wet hair looks workable on camera. I try to look a little hotter, then I check the time and hit Zoom.

Seconds later Lorenzo’s face pops up. “Storm.”

Lorenzo is taking his black tie off, and he realizes I’m in the bath. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Don’t be weird,” I huff. “It’s not sexy, you old grump.”

“Hmmm.”

“What does that mean?” I ask. “You know I’m not sexy, so what’s the issue?”

There is no answer, as he pours himself a whiskey. I watch him closely, and I recognize his usual hotel in Paris.

“You know, I think you’re sexually challenged,” I say. “And you can’t handle a real woman.”

Lorenzo laughs, and he shakes his head. I join in, and it’s fun.

I love it when we’re stupid, and it’s just us in the world.

“You really are a crazy nerd.”

“And proud,” I beam.

Lorenzo sighs, and he lays back on his large double bed in his business shirt. “There is no going back. You do know you can’t unlearn things?” I nod and look at him. “Just don’t go too far, okay?”

We share a moment, and it’s nice to see him. We say nothing for a few seconds, and it’s perfect. The silence comfortable.

“And don’t bite your lip, it’s kind of a giveaway,” he suddenly says, all grumpy.

“I’m not!”

“You are.”

I stop doing it, but I act stupid. “Anyway, what is it a giveaway for?” Lorenzo doesn’t answer. “For what?” I ask demandingly.

Lorenzo rubs his neck. “Look, for sex. It’s a giveaway women do when they are… turned on.”

“Woah,” I say blushing. “Really?”

“Really, and yes. Control yourself.”

I laugh, and it’s fun. “Or what? I get spanked?” I ask playfully and hoping.

“Careful,” Lorenzo growls, as if wanting to end the call.

“No wait, I want to talk. It’s nice to see you.”

Lorenzo is slow in responding then he says low, “You too.”

“I miss you, you should come back,” I say before realizing it sounds childish. Lorenzo doesn’t answer, but I notice him sigh.

“So, how are things. Give me an update?”

“Okay, so the flying, and math for it, it’s harder than I expected.

The diving not bad, and it’s enjoyable. The dive tanks are hard on my shoulders but workable under the water.

The Italian, so-so, and with you being Italian, we can practice more.

The fencing and salsa, I seem to have the most flow with. ”

“Any war wounds?”

“Not really, just shoulders. Oh, and sore fingers from fencing.”

“Well, you’re doing great, and congrats.”

“Thanks,” I say. “When are you coming home?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Make it Friday, so we can have our regular Friday night.”

Lorenzo stands and rolls his neck. He walks onto a balcony, and the Eiffel Tower is visible. It looks like a stunning evening.

“Look, are you okay?”

Lorenzo nods, and sighs. “Just tense, and I have a movie shooting that’s hard to put in the can.”

“Yeah, well it’s probably sexual. You’re a complicated man, and you have… ”

“Goodbye!” Lorenzo says, and suddenly he is gone.

I laugh, flip my phone camera down, and I lean back.

As I notice my nipples pebbling, I feel my clit starting to throb. Closing my eyes, I wonder why I’m so turned on. I roll one of my nipples, and my fingers brush against my clit.

As I squirm, I close my eyes, and I swipe a finger up my wet folds.

I think of Lorenzo, and I think of him behind me. Then I think of him yanking me back on to his big cock as he slides into me .

Over the next two weeks, Lorenzo works between movie shoots in Miami, Dallas, and Spain, and we talk every few days on Zoom. We also both have dates. I don’t like that part.

The good thing is, we find no magic.

After, we talk about the ups and downs of trying to find someone special. Our busy careers, bad schedules, and the not always helpful, crazy world.

After a good day at work, and yoga, I walk to the kitchen island, while checking my phone.

I see a message from Madison, and she tells me she misses me. I reply, and tell her I miss her too. And South Carolina, with its stunning countryside and nature.

In saying that, I am enjoying NYC.

I tell Madison I’m deep into new hobbies, but I give little away. I also tell her dating is complex.

My cell chimes again and I look down.

At least you’re dating!

I sigh. If only she knew. My cell chimes again.

And no sign of Billy?

Sighing I mumble, “no thank fuck.” I type no, and I ask Madison if she has seen or heard anything about him.

My cell chimes fast.

No, and word is he’s skipped the state.

I think about that, then gasp and check the time.

It’s time to Zoom, and Lorenzo is now on a shoot in Spain.

As I pull a drink from the fridge, I check my tight black yoga pants, and my butt. I’m doing okay, my butt is getting toned.

I sit the phone on the kitchen island, and hit Zoom, Lorenzo’s gorgeous face pops up. I see he’s in some stylish Spanish hotel bed, and arched windows are in the distance.

“Hey.”

“Hi,” I say.

Lorenzo tells me about the movie set he’s on, and I remember the script. It’s about a woman on the run from some Mafia guy.

As the conversation pauses, I remember. “Oh, and check out my waist, now. I’ve been doing far more lengths swimming, and also more juices. What do you think?” Lorenzo sits up in bed, and he rubs his dark eyes. I see his lower stomach, and gulp. “Do you really sleep naked?” I ask.

“Yes, why?”

“Don’t you get turned on, or feel sexy?” He does not answer. “Loren?” Lorenzo growls and its low. “And what if you’re alone?” I ask.

“That’s none of your business,” he says tightening up. As I laugh, I spin the phone around my new waist and butt. I’m proud, and I look better than I ever have.

“Good, you look good,” Lorenzo says, waking up, and now sounding husky.

“Well, I hope better than good. I was good two weeks ago.”

I look at the fresh flowers in the kitchen, “Oh, one of your past vixens sent flowers.”

Lorenzo sighs, “Just throw them out.”

“Why?” I gasp.

“They’ll remind me of her.”

“But they’re nice,” I say, eyeing the huge bunch. “And you should be able to deal with it.”

“Thanks for the lecture! Oh, one thing to remember.”

“What’s that?” I ask leaning in, and getting serious.

“Remember who the student is, and who the teacher is.”

“Sorry,” I say respectfully, and acting as if I am. I’m not.

“That’s alright.”

“Does that mean there will be punishment?” I ask. “Maybe some spanking?”

Lorenzo pauses, and he looks at me. “Do not push me.”

He is hot, and the crisp white hotel sheet covers only half of his stomach. Besides that, I know my hot roommate is naked. I gulp, and I like it when he goes husky. When his eyes go dark, and he commands me.

“You have the flowers,” he commands.

“Really?” I ask.

“Just put them in your room.”

“Okay,” I say happily.

There is silence, before I speak. “You do know, you should be able to control your mind.”

“Right, coming from you,” Lorenzo says fast. “The girl who thinks prince charming is out there.”

“Hey, screw you, maybe he is,” I say. “And maybe he’ll want to kiss me and command me.”

Lorenzo inhales, slow, and he looks at me.

“What?” I ask confused,

“Nothing,” he says, coldly.

It’s nice to see him again, too nice. “I miss you, it’s good to talk.”

Lorenzo nods, and leans back. “It is.”

“You should come home soon.” Lorenzo looks at me, as if unsure what to say. “What?” I ask.

Lorenzo shakes his head, sighs, and he tells me he has to go.

“Okay,” I say and touch the screen with two fingers. Lorenzo does the same, it’s now our thing. Now, as friends.

As I lean against the kitchen island I sigh and close my eyes. I think of him and his two fingers, and my clit starts to throb. I need Lorenzo as a friend.

But I need him, with benefits.

Wicked benefits .