Page 21 of Forbidden (Wicked Billionaires #1)
LORENZO
As the sun sets across the vineyards, we land in Napa Valley. Even if I’m not excited about a party, it will be good to see Ryan, Dante, and Ryan’s brothers, Troy and Chris.
Ryan invited us to stay on the estate, and he knows I’m bringing Storm.
I said we would need two rooms, and he laughed. “Well, this will be good,” he mocked.
We land an hour before guests arrive for the party, and we shower, in our private suites, in the gorgeous old home. As I dress in one of my black tuxes, Anastasia helps Storm.
As soon as I introduced them, on arrival, they clicked. That relaxed me, there is nothing worse than an awkward weekend away.
As Anastasia helps Storm find something to wear, Ryan and I catch up. I ask him where his young bride Caroline is, and he explains in Europe on another movie.
As we stand outside, and with a grand view of the estate and vineyards, I relax. We are surrounded by a stunning rose garden with statues, and the sun is setting. Tennis courts are in the distance, and there is a small area for golf.
The view is stunning, and we can see miles and miles of vines. Horses graze on hills in the distance, and the sun is kissing the horizon.
As guests arrive, I catch Anastasia and Storm walking through the grass, backlit by the sun.
I do a double take, and I cannot believe my eyes.
Storm looks spectacular, and she is wearing an chic long white satin gown. As she gets closer, she blushes, and I gulp.
She is exquisite, but she looks embarrassed, and shy. As she reaches my side, she looks up, nervous. “Do I, you know, look okay?”
“You look amazing,” I say, before I can control my mouth. I take, and kiss her hand, before she blushes even more.
Her eyes have been done smoky in style, and she is drop dead gorgeous.
As Ryan introduces Anastasia to people nearby, Storm bumps shoulders with me. “Just don’t leave me alone. I don’t know anyone.”
I look down, and before I realize it, I say, “I won’t leave you Storm.”
Our eyes meet, and it’s as if we are sharing pure loaded energy without planning it. I’ve never felt like this with anyone, ever.
It’s disturbing, intoxicating and electric.
As well-dressed people arrive in exotic cars, limousines, and sleek choppers, they congregate, and drink in the gardens. A tent has been set up, with spectacular food.
Troy, Chris and I talk, and I introduce them to Storm. They then head off to help act as hosts.
Storm and I recognize several stars and directors, from LA, but I avoid them. I’ve personally disliked talking business at parties in the past. It often leads to gossip, and it’s just not my thing.
I never mix business and pleasure.
As Storm and I circulate with champagnes, we taste the appetizers that are handed to us on silver platters.
As people talk, laugh, and drink poolside under the stars, an old-fashioned Hollywood band plays. The atmosphere is light and calming. As Storm and I walk between a large group of people, we get separated.
Storm finally finds my hand, and she holds on tight. It’s cute, and she really does seem shy and sweet.
She is adorable, and it’s a wild contrast to her looking like some heiress in the spectacular satin gown, and Anastasia’s diamonds.
We walk, talk, and stay together, as we circulate, and enjoy the evening.
Storm’s energy is light, and pure, unlike the various women, who have tried to hook me into marriage in the past.
Most gold diggers are overconfident, they pout and strut. Storm still has no clue she is drop dead gorgeous, and she is as adorable as they come. I’m not confused with the new feelings I have for her.
I’m messed up.
That reminds me, and I lean back to her, our cheeks touching. “You are wearing panties now, aren’t you?” Storm raises a brow, and I shake my head, and sigh. She is not. “You’re lucky I can’t throw you over my knee, here and now.”
As we walk on, with fresh champagnes, I hear her say ever so quietly… “tease.”
Before I can throw her a look, Anastasia runs over excited. She tells Storm she has to see the most perfect kitchen, and before I know it, she is whisked away.
As Ryan, Troy and Chris’ mother, Grace arrives at my side, she smiles and looks up at me. The retired Hollywood actress is beyond elegant, and I have always had a soft spot for her. As I watch Storm walk away, Grace watches me, and she leans in close.
“I like her,” she says, as I get distracted.
“Who?” I ask, trying to act like I don’t know.
“Your friend.”
“Ahhh, well, she’s just a roommate.” Grace gives me a look, and I don’t like it. “What?” I ask.
“Oh, you are in big trouble.”
“Phah,” I grunt. “You’re watching way too many rom-coms.”
Grace leans in and speaks low. “Dear, I’ve known you since you were twenty, when you started to do low budget movie deals with my boys. That was a decade ago, I’ve seen you with dozens of women.”
I watch her closely, and I don’t like where this is going.
“Lorenzo, you are a nice boy, and I only say this, because you’re almost like a son. I suspect you have, or had a certain… appetite.”
She raises a brow. How the hell does she know?
“As an actress, I had to study people. I indirectly, had to make a career of it. That young woman appears sweet, unaware. I suspect she’s very unlike the others. Just be careful with her.”
Grace watches me closely, and I can tell she is reading me. I gulp, and I realize I’m in more trouble than I thought.
No! There is no way in hell I’m falling for her.
I do not fall, ever!
I shake my head and return to the now. Grace smiles up at me, and she pats my jacket. “Just be gentle with her.”
I nod and inhale. I’m in big trouble, and my planned, perfect, and controlled world is going down. And taking me with it.
Over the next two hours, I catch up with various, directors and stars we have done movies with. It’s surprisingly productive time, and it is good to relax. In saying that, we do not discuss deals.
I’m unsure where Storm is, and I trust Anastasia has her safely in tow. Finally, my good friend Dante arrives, and we catch up.
He has just flown up from LA, and we are close. Dante is like a brother, and we are both self-made.
We talk about his fashion businesses, and after, we talk movies and entertainment. Then, we discuss women, dating and we both share our misadventures.
As Dante and I talk about a deal we are considering doing, my eyes sweep the guests looking for Storm. Just after I start to get worried, I see Anastasia and Storm walking through the sea of people.
“We’re going to have to be careful,” Ryan says, walking over, and giving Dante a look.
“Why?” Dante asks sipping his whiskey.
“It looks like Forever Bachelor is going to lose his shit.”
“What?” I ask, more of a growl.
I pull my eyes from Storm, as she walks poolside, with her playful innocent smile. Her and Anastasia, both look stunning, but Storm is pure, panty-less, and mine .
I find Ryan and Dante staring at me, and I don’t like it. “You guys are full of shit!”
“Are we?” Dante asks, crossing his arms and now evaluating me.
“Are we, what?” Storm asks reaching us.
She shifts in her extremely high heels on the lawn, and she reaches for my arm for balance. I help her without thinking, and our hands find each other.
I notice more eyes on us, as Storm regains her balance. I then realize, we’re still holding hands.
“You too?” Anastasia asks Ryan, with a brow.
“What?” Storm and I ask, at exactly the same time.
“So cute!” Anastasia says smiling.
“What?” Storm asks, confused.
I rub a temple as I realize, I want to become invisible fast. Our hands unclasp, and I am not this guy. I do not hold hands, and I do not do large groups.
I am more private, and more reclusive than any of my private reclusive friends here.
Storm’s eyes go big, and she gets it. She clears her throat, and shakes her head. “Oh no, we’re just friends.”
“Right!” they all say. Every darned one of them.
“No, seriously,” I say, using my deep serious voice. “Friends.”
Anastasia takes her cousin Ryan’s champagne, and she has a sip. As she leans on his arm, she observes at Storm, and me. I shake my head, and Storm and I share a nervous look
“You two,” Anastasia says, pointing at us, “are so falling.”
Storm and I give each other another nervous look, and I look away and drink. I want to be sick, but instead, I knock back my glass.
I am spiraling out of control. And I am fucked.