Page 5 of Unforgettable Billionaire (The Hardcore Novels: Special Editions #3)

I tilt my head and look at Aurei. "But you said Marco can even make broccoli taste good."

"He can."

When I look back at Marco, he says. "Then I told him. 'You will eat all or no dessert.'" He wags his finger at me, demonstrating the emphasis he gave the little Aurei. "No Chocolate Soufflé for you until every bite is gone."

"Ah!" I giggle.

Aurei chuckles. "Marco's specialty dish is Chocolate Soufflé."

"And it is to die for?"

"Yes. It is."

"Now, dear, what would you like Marco to cook for you?" He waves his hand across the kitchen.

Aurei cocks his head and turns his face to mine. He whispers his warning. "Choose wisely."

My eyes twinkle at him. "I already have."

Aurei kisses my nose.

Marco continues. "You may have whatever your heart desires."

"I already have that too," I say loud enough for Marco to hear as I stare into those gorgeous green eyes that make me feel alive.

Aurei's lips part in a sweet, beautiful flash of brilliance before they pucker up and lay on mine. When he withdraws, he turns his twinkling eyes to Marco and tells him. "She'll have my usual."

Marco's beaming grin lights up the room. "Ah. Like minds are a good thing, but like pallets are even better."

I giggle again at him as he gives his staff the order and turns to the stove.

I watch the synchronized dance play out in front of me.

I had no idea cooking was an art form. Before long, omelets of steak, green onions, and cherry tomatoes, sprinkled heavily with cheese and covered with some delicious smelling gravy, are placed on two plates.

Then he adds some slices of bacon and a piece of toast and tops it with a corkscrew slice of orange.

Placing them before us, he wags his finger.

"You will eat all or no Chocolate Soufflé for you. "

I giggle. "Challenge accepted." I put my napkin in my lap, take my fork and begin to make his eyes dance with delight.

"She eats good for a little one, no?"

"I forgot to mention she is a dancer."

Marco grins. "Ah! She will burn many calories for you, my friend." Then he goes back to doing what he was doing when we walked in, giving his assistant the final ok on the menu for the party. It sounds like he is feeding a small Army.

Aurei listens, then asks him. "How many will be attending?"

"The list stands now at 200."

My jaw drops, and I cut my eyes at Aurei. "Damn! You do have a big family!"

Everyone laughs then Marco explains. "The Celebration has been open for the media and their guests." He beams at me. "Perhaps to show off his new girl." He nods at Aurei and winks.

"Perhaps." Aurei slips his hand down between my legs, and his pinky finger tickles my crotch, wiping the look of panic off my face and making me grin. His smile is full of 'us' as he leans in for a peck. His soft and firm kiss warms my heart.

Marco begins to sing as he turns back to the kitchen staff. He leans over them, giving them directions with hand gestures, or patting them on the back. His rich voice fills the kitchen with "I Have But One Heart" by Dean Martin.

What a sweet song choice to sing. If he sees the love between us, the others will too. Stop worrying and own our truth!

The words describe giving your heart to that one lifelong love, and I feel a little better about my predicament.

As I listen to the comforting lyrics delivered by his rich baritone, I relax and realize I'm starving.

I eat every bite, cleaning my plate. When I push it away, I see Aurei's eyes crinkle.

"You were hungry."

"And I love Chocolate Soufflé," I tell him as I place my napkin on top.

Marco comes over to examine our plates.

"Ah! Eccellente, Bella Signorina." He winks at me and beams at Aurei. "She does indeed have a dancer's appetite."

"I cleaned my plate. May I have your Chocolate Soufflé?" I ask innocently.

"Sì. It is the best your mouth will ever taste." He boasts without bragging.

"I've eaten some pretty tasty Chocolate Soufflé in Vegas," I say with a hint of skepticism, teasing him.

Aurei's eyes flare with concern when he recognizes the mischievous twinkle in my eye.

He huffs, a tad offended. "It will be better!"

I smile at him. "I tell you what, Marco. If it's as good as you two say it is, I will offer an apology by dancing for you." I pat the bar top.

Boom! Aurei's eyes flash thunder at me.

"Eccellente!" Marco beams. "I will clear the bar for your dance."

Aurei rises quickly and takes my arm, leading me outside under a porch with chairs and tables. When the door closes behind us, he locks his green gaze on me. "What exactly are you planning?"

"I thought I would get on the bar and give him some Coyote Ugly."

"No."

I laugh. "Relax, Aurei! I will tone it down for him."

Aurei's stare doesn't waver. "You are NOT dancing on the bar for Marco."

I put my hands on my hips. "I'm dancing on the bar, and I'm doing my Coyote Ugly dance. He will love it!"

"No Coyote Ugly on the bar."

I swat him. "Mr. Moore, I'm not only a dancer. I'm an entertainer."

"Siri?" He warns me.

"Aurei?" I stand up to him. "I'm dancing on the bar. I'm dancing my Coyote Ugly dance. Deal with it!"

I stomp off the porch and stand with my arms folded under my squished tits. He walks up to stand next to me.

"I am an entertainer," I state firmly.

"I know that."

"Do you? Do you truly understand that? I don't think so because if you did, you wouldn't be giving me a hard time right now."

"I don't have a choice, do I?"

"No. You don't. I'm dancing on that bar for Marco, and I'm dancing my Coyote Ugly routine because he will absolutely love it!

" I look at him without wavering. "To be honest with you, I'm almost insulted we are having this conversation.

I dance because I love it, but I entertain because they love it. "

He puts his arm around me and hugs me into him. "And you're all about those happy faces."

I sigh and put my arm around him, too, "Exactly."

"Come on. Let me show you the stables."