Christian

The private jet landed in Florence. Taylor retrieved the Jaguar waiting for us at the airport and placed all our bags inside. It was late in the evening of the following day. The time difference made us lose an entire twenty-four hours.

Ana had slept for most of the plane ride. She was a nervous flyer and preferred to sleep to make the time pass quicker.

I worked from my laptop and took care of an endless list of emails.

When we got into the car, Taylor drove us to our villa in Tuscany. The second we were settled in the backseat and were on the road, Ana turned to me. “Can we call your mother?”

“It’s five in the morning.” I wasn’t waking up my parents just to check on the kids. It could wait a few hours.

“She asked us to call her when we landed.”

“I’ll wait a few hours. She won’t know the difference.” I rested my hands on my thighs and looked out the window. As we pulled away from Florence and entered the countryside, the lights from the city faded away. When I looked at the sky, I could see the sea of stars. A mixture of yellow and white, they twinkled from the sky.

Ana dropped the argument and looked out her window. “I wish it was light out.”

“You’ll see a lot while we’re here.”

“And eat a lot—I hope.”

She was never a big eater, so I was grateful her attitude had been stirred by the possibility of fine Tuscan cuisine. “We will.”

Taylor drove west until we reached the small town just a few miles from the coast. We drove over the gravel driveway until we reached the entryway to the villa. All the lights were out because I hadn’t visited in over a year. But it would be spotless because the staff still took care of it. I instructed them to stock the kitchen with groceries so we wouldn’t have to worry about our meals.

Ana stared up at the house once we parked. “Wow…you own this place?”

She would never understand we were a single entity. My money and my assets were also hers. But she continued to keep her infuriating checking account with a few thousand bucks in it. She paid for her things with it and never used the platinum credit card I gave her.

It was annoying as fuck.

“We own this place.”

Ana turned her quiet eyes on me. “When did you buy it?”

“About five years ago.”

“I didn’t know you had a soft spot for Italy.”

“I usually have residences in places I frequent.” I got out of the car and watched Taylor grab our things. I grabbed the keys and unlocked the front door then turned on all the lights. It was sterile like I expected it to be, and constructed like the other villas in the small town. The house was ancient, hundreds of years old. But I loved the history.

Ana walked inside with her arms across her chest. She examined the room, looking at the entryway and the open kitchen. An old dining table sat near the window. White lace covered the drapes, and the original paintings that were in the house when I purchased it were still on the walls.

I watched her expression and took pride in her awestruck gaze. Ever since the first time I looked at her, I wanted to take care of her. I wanted to give her quality things and make her life privileged and easy. My wealth had no limit, and I could give her anything she wished. But there was a problem.

She didn’t want anything.

So I had to give her things without her knowing about it. “Do you like it?”

“Do I like it?” she asked in surprise. “It’s beautiful. I feel like…I’m back in time.”

Taylor walked in and carried our bags to the bedroom upstairs. The place wasn’t as large as most of my estates. I bought it because of the rich history. The hardwood floor was the same as it was when I bought it. The granite counter tops hinted at fine age. And the wine in the rack was several hundreds years old.

It was a gem.

Taylor came to my side, being quiet as ever. “Anything else, sir?”

“No, thank you.” My eyes were glued to Ana.

“I’ll be in the guest house next door.” Taylor walked out and locked the door behind him.

Ana and I were finally alone, and it was nice to be unencumbered by our children. I loved both of them and protected them just as fiercely as I did Ana, but I liked it when it was just the two of us—and not just because I got to spank her. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I love the smell. I can’t explain it.” She looked at the furniture in the living room. Everything was new but mimicked the style of the original couches and tables. “How old is it?”

“It was built in 1870. There’ve been some renovations since, but it’s very close to its original state.”

“Amazing.”

I almost smiled at her enthusiasm.

“What are we doing tomorrow?”

“Seeing my contact.”

“Where is he?”

“He lives at his estate just over the hillside. He owns a winery.”

“So he’s our neighbor?”

Not exactly. “We’re fifteen miles apart.”

“And what do you need to see him for?”

“Business.” I wouldn’t bore her with the details. Even my own employees were bored sometimes. All she needed to know was she was taken care of and would never have to worry about anything for as long as she lived. I would give her the world if she asked for it. Just a snap of her fingers, and I would hand it over on a silver platter.

“Then we should get some sleep. I slept all day on the plane, but I’m still tired.”

“I agree.” I hadn’t gotten any sleep on the plane. When my life was in the hands of someone else, I was constantly tense. The pilot was well educated and had decades of work experience, but I had serious control issues.

I needed to control everything.

She came to my side and threaded her arm through mine. She leaned in close to me, like she might kiss me on the neck. “How about we take a shower before bed?” Hesitance burned in her voice like she wasn’t sure if I would take the bait.

“I’d love to save water.”

***

Ana joined me for breakfast an hour after I cooked everything. I was always awake by seven no matter what time zone it was. I could never sleep in. A nightmare usually woke me even if my alarm didn’t.

“Morning.” She walked in wearing my shirt and sweatpants. She grabbed the mug of tea I made for her and took a sip.

“Morning.” I read the paper at the counter, a local paper in English.

She took a piece of toast and nibbled on it quietly. That was probably all she would eat—much to my annoyance. “Did you call your mother?”

“Yes. She sends her love.”

“And the kids?”

“I spoke to Teddy. He asked if I knew where his green car was.” I smiled at the memory. “Long story short, he doesn’t miss us.”

She chuckled. “He loves his grandparents—especially his Uncle Elliot.”

“Of course he does,” I said as I read the paper. “He’s a circus freak.”

           

“A circus freak?” she asked with a laugh.

“He’s a childish mess. No wonder the kids can relate to him so well.”

           

She sipped her tea with a smile on her face. “When do you think you’ll be done today?”

“When I’ll be done?” I set the paper down and looked at her. “You’re coming with me.”

“To your business meeting?” She didn’t hide her surprise.

“Where I go, you go. And he has a beautiful place in the midst of the vineyards. If you want to experience Italian culture, this is where we should go.”

“And he’s okay with that?”

“Of course. He wants to meet the woman I’ve settled down with.” When I first told him I got married, he didn’t believe me. He thought it was some strange joke that he couldn’t understand.

But it was the truth.

“Be ready in an hour.”

***

When we pulled up to the estate, Ana gasped quietly to herself. Like the villa we owned, the estate was the definition of Italian culture. Made of tan cobblestones with ivy along the walls, it shined with refinery.

The valet took the car, and we approached the large entryway. Large rustic doors greeted us, and they opened once we stepped on the threshold. I recognized the friendly face.

“Lars. It’s been too long.” I extended my hand.

           

He smiled before he shook my hand. “Far too long. We’re so pleased to have you in Master Barsetti’s home.” The older man greeted me with the same friendly smile. “I’m Lars, the butler. It’s a pleasure to meet you Ms…?”

“Mrs. Grey,” I answered for Ana. The impulse gripped me by the throat even though Lars was a well-behaved member of the staff. He wouldn’t even look at Ana wrong—unless he wanted to die.

“Of course.” He shook her hand before he released it. “Mr. Barsetti is waiting for you on the terrace.”

“Lead the way.” I grabbed Ana’s hand and held it in mine as we followed Lars to the other side of the house and to the terrace near the pool. The patio looked over the vineyards and to the nearby hills. Just on the other side was our villa.

Crow Barsetti sat at the table in jeans and a black t-shirt. His dark brown hair was cut short, and the muscles of his physique were noticeable. He was in pristine physical shape, always prepared for the unexpected—just as I was.

I was a man innately attracted to women, submissive women, but I wasn’t oblivious to his charms. Crow Barsetti was handsome, wealthy, and witty. We shared the same interests—and not just wine and business.

But also things that happened in the playroom.

When Crow heard our approach, he rose to his feet. He stood at my same height and had mocha colored eyes. There was a coldness in his look, like he could break your neck instantly. But he had a hint of warmth, like he would embrace you like a brother. “Mr. Grey. Glad you could make it.” Like always, he extended his hand.

           

I shook it. “Mr. Barsetti. Thank you for the invitation.”

He smiled slightly, only allowing it to reach the corners of his mouth. “Call me Crow.”

“Call me Christian.” We’d known each other long enough to abandon the formalities.

His eyes immediately moved to Ana, and he examined her with obvious detail. He picked up on the subtleties she tried to hide. She was uneasy, nervous. She was malleable, just like clay that could be molded into whatever you wanted. His eyes took in her brunette hair and fair skin. Everything happened in a heartbeat, but I knew what kind of thoughts entered his brain.

And he better shut them down now.

“So she is real.” He extended his hand to her. “The infamous Mrs. Grey. When he told he was married, I wasn’t sure if he was being truthful.”

Her breathing hitched and her cheeks flushed. She averted her eyes before she looked at him again, nervous and uncomfortable. “It’s nice to meet you…” She looked at the ground as she shook his hand.

           

She thought he was handsome. I could see it in her face.

I didn’t appreciate that.

“Call me, Ana,” she said. “And you have a lovely home.”

No, I don’t think so. “It’s Mrs. Grey. Call her nothing else.”

Crow knew me long enough to understand what I was really saying. “She’s off limits. No sharing. Got it.” He pulled out the chair for her, that cocky smile still on his lips. “Lars is about to serve lunch. I hope you’re both hungry.”

***

Lars took Ana on a tour of the grounds while we retired into Crow's study to talk. The fire roared in the hearth and the scotch was served on ice. Paintings hung on his walls, but I’d never seen anything like them. The object of the pictures were constructed with buttons and lace. They were strange—but beautiful.

Crow had distinctive taste and the house echoed that class. Everything was of fine Italian craftsmanship. We both had an appreciation for the more refined things in life. It wasn’t about the wealth or the power.

It was about the statement.

He took a long drink of his scotch before meeting my gaze. “The shipment leaves in three days’ time.”

“Good. Then we’re on schedule.”

“I’ve talked with the emperor of the border, and they said they’ll allow the ship through—because of the situation.”

I drank the cool scotch and felt it burn down my throat. I watched the flames dance and crunched the numbers in my head. Delivering food to the world’s poor was smart business—despite what Ana thought.

“I’ve got my weapons on board. They’ll fall into the right hands. The sooner they gain control of the government, the more stable the Middle East will be.”

“Good.” Crow and I weren’t all business, but it was equally important to both of us.

I knew what Crow was going to say next before he said it. “You really took a wife. I can’t believe it. She must be something special.” He clanked his glass against mine with a slight smirk on his face.

“She is.”

“I don’t know if I could ever give up my lifestyle. My playroom is locked at all times, but never unused.” He stirred the ice cubes in his glass before he took a drink.

“Who’s your submissive at the moment?” Despite the intimate conversation, I didn’t make eye contact. Looking someone in the eye was the best way to intimidate them. But Crow wasn’t easily intimidated—nor was I.

“No one. My most recent one left for The States. She’s there on business. It was about time the arrangement ended anyway.” He finished his glass and poured another. “She was getting…attached.”

Been there, done that.

“Was Ana your submissive?”

“Yes. No.”

He chuckled. “Interesting response.”

           

“I wanted her to be my submissive the moment I looked at her. She walked into my office for an interview with her university’s newspaper. After some dancing around, I got her to sign the paperwork. But I did a lot of things with her that I shouldn’t have.” If I hadn’t known Crow for so many years and shared the same interests, I wouldn’t be talking about this with him. He was just as dark as I was. In fact, darker and more intense. If I was a monster, then he was the devil.

“Such as?”

“Vanilla.”

Crow rested his long fingertips around the glass, the condensation starting to form. “I’ve never gone that far.”

“I slept with her.”

“In the same bed?”

           

My only response was a nod.

“Then she must have really worn you down.”

I smiled at the memory. “Actually, all of that happened on our first night together.”

Crow chuckled darkly, swirling his glass at the same time. “Damn.”

“The longer we were together, she wanted more. Dinner, a night out at the movies, romance...”

“Romance.” He shook his head. “I don’t do romance.”

I didn’t either—once upon a time.

“But she was a good submissive?”

“She satisfied me.” She didn’t yearn for it like the others did. There were a lot of hard limits she refused to compromise on. It took her some time to accept the pain as pleasure. But she did trust me—right from the beginning. “And I realized I actually loved her.”

When I said that word, Crow finally turned his dark eyes on me. They were deep and rich like the mahogany wood of his furniture with a hint of gold like the scotch. He rested his fingertips along his chin, taking the conversation to a new level. “Love.” He said the word like it was a curse. The derision and annoyance permeated the air. It was artificial but it still affected him. “Now that’s something I will never understand.”

           

I didn’t think I would understand it either. “When I couldn’t live without her, I knew.” Maybe those two feelings weren’t the same thing for everyone. But they were to me.

“My mom always used to say when I found the right woman I would become the right man. I didn’t believe her then, and I don’t believe her now. But if the infamous Mr. Grey has succumbed, then maybe none of us are safe.”

“It’s not so bad.” I’ve never struggled with monogamy. But I’ve struggled with obsession. Ana is the only woman who earned my infatuation. Something about the way she bit her lip and looked at me with innocence took me to a new level of passion. My craving for her was never subdued. In fact, it only grew in size. With the births of our two children, my adoration and protectiveness reached an all-time high.

“I’m happy for you. But I’d never be happy with that fate.” He finished his glass then left it on the table between us. “Every person I give a damn about dies.” He looked into the fire, his thoughts in a different place and a different time.

“How's Cane?” His brother and I had done business together before. His actions were dictated by his emotions. Crow was the rational one. He had solutions to problems before he even needed them. He absorbed his surroundings like a sponge but never gave his own thoughts away. He was exactly like me—the opposite side of the same coin.

“Being a shithead, like always.”

           

A chuckle escaped my throat unexpectedly. My mouth burned with the action. The only person who could make me smile was Ana. Crow and Elliot were the only people in the world who had the same ability—but dwarfed.

“He’s been taking care of his end of the business—when the women don’t get in the way.”

“Shares the same proclivities?”

“Not really. But he struggles to keep it in his pants when we’re in the middle of something important. That shithead always thinks with his dick. Me, only sometimes.”

After I finished my scotch, I set the empty glass on the counter. I’d had enough. I never drank too much because it reminded me of the Crack Whore. She was too busy smoking and drinking to care about me. I would never do the same to Ana and my children.

I didn’t mention Teddy and Phoebe. I didn’t speak of them to anyone associated with business. I didn’t speak of Ana either, but I could introduce her to Crow. But my children were a different matter altogether. I thought I was protective of Ana.

I was a million times worse with them.

He closed the decanter of scotch then turned his glass upside down. “Is there anything you need before the shipment is off?”

           

“Just a report.”

“Like always, you will have it, Mr. Grey.”

“And you will always deliver it, Mr. Barsetti.”

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