The Brambilla's, The Beginning

It took her some time to fall asleep, knowing that he was only a few feet from her. Her raging hormones were telling her brain to go over and jump his bones. But her conscience was telling her not to, which is the one she chose to listen to. When she woke up she got out of bed and went to the living room. Leone was not there, the blanket was folded neatly over the pillow. She figured he must have gotten up early and gone home. Going into the bathroom she turned on the shower and removing her nightgown stepped in. Her ankle was still a little tender but she was able to move around with little effort.

Once she was finished she wrapped a towel around her and went into the kitchen, wishing she had remembered to buy coffee the other day. Just then she jumped and let out a scream when her apartment door swung open. Her eyes grew wide as saucers when she saw Leone, carrying two coffees and a bag. When she realized her towel was about to fall off her she grabbed the top to hold it up.

"Leone, you scared the crap out of me. I thought you had left."

He thought his cock was going to burst out of his pants when he saw her in a towel that barely covered her body. His eyes moved up and down, taking in every inch of her partially nude body. Her hair was still wet, droplets of water trickled down her neck onto the top of her breasts. He cleared his throat and turned his back to her so that she couldn't see how turned on he was. Oh, how he wanted to place his lips on her and lick the droplets of water from her body.

"I went to get us some coffee and bagels, I also picked up some coffee for your machine. I didn't mean to scare you. How is your ankle?" he asked, slowly turning around to face her now that his manhood had settled down a little.

"It's much better, thanks. I'm just going to go and put some clothes on."

"You don't have to bother on my account," he said with a sexy grin on his face.

Her face turned beet red as she turned and practically ran back to her bedroom. Grabbing a pair of jeans and a top she went back to the bathroom to change. It would have been too easy for him to sneak a peek if she dressed in the bedroom since it didn't have a door, only a curtain that was still open. Her heart was racing like crazy when she saw the way he was checking out her body. There was lust in his eyes and his tongue darted out of his mouth just enough to swipe over his bottom lip. She caught a glimpse of the bulge inside his pants and knew he was blessed with more than most men had. Splashing cold water over her face and telling herself to get those thoughts out of her head she went back out, fully dressed.

He was sitting at the kitchen table when she walked in. "I was beginning to think you were never coming back."

"I'm sorry it took so long."

"I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of pouring your coffee into one of your mugs. Come, drink it before it gets cold and while your bagel is still warm."

She was hungry so she sat down and grabbed one of the bagels and took a bite before taking a sip of her coffee. "This was very thoughtful of you but how did you get back into my apartment?"

"I took your key," he replied, pushing it across the table towards her.

"I just want to thank you again for helping me but I'm sure that you want to get going."

"I'm in no hurry, but I should leave as I do have things to do this afternoon. I really don't like the thoughts of you walking home alone at night. It's too dangerous and you should ask your boss to give you just the day shift."

"I can't do that, it wouldn't be fair to the other girls if I got strictly days. We all have to take our turns with the different shifts. I guess I could always get Tony to walk me home when I work the night shift."

He felt a surge of jealousy when he heard her mention another man's name. "Tony, and who is this Tony? Is he your boyfriend?"

She let out a little giggle. "Oh God no. Tony is the dishwasher and he works nights. He lives in the apartment building not far from me and I'm sure he wouldn't mind walking me home."

"No, I think it's better you either get on the day shift or you find another job where you don't have to work nights."

She dropped the bagel and glared angrily at him, raising her voice in anger. "Just who the hell do you think you are telling me what to do? I think it's time you leave."

This girl has a temper, he said to himself. The funny thing is it kind of turned him on but he also knew he had overstepped. "You're right and I am sorry. It's just that what if he were to try to seduce you?"

"Tony is a 40-year-old man, and trust me, he is not interested in me that way."

"How can you be so sure? Any man in their right mind would be attracted to you."

"For one thing, Tony is gay and is in a serious relationship. But to be honest it is none of your business and you have no right ordering me to do anything."

"I apologize, and on that note, I should be on my way," he said, getting up he started walking towards the door with her following behind him. "So Saturday night, I will pick you up around seven."

"What?"

"You said last night that you would have dinner with me."

"Oh, I did, didn't I? But what if I'm working that night?" She wasn't, but she just wanted to hear what he would say.

"Then ask for it off."

"It turns out I'm not working Saturday so I guess I'll see you then."

"I will take you somewhere nice, somewhere that doesn't sell hot dogs and onion rings," he said with a smile on his face when they reach the door.

"Oh wait, let me pay you for the can of coffee you brought."

"No need to pay me, at least this way next time I'm here I will be able to have coffee. Not that I didn't enjoy the tea last night but it's really not my thing."

Just before he stepped out the door she thought he was going to kiss her. But instead, he reached his hand up and stroked the side of her cheek with the back of his fingers. When their eyes locked her heart started beating faster. She could drown in those eyes of his and quickly looked away.

"I will be looking forward to Saturday, goodbye my sweet Eleonora," he said before walking away. He desperately wanted to kiss her but did not want to rush things.

The following day which was Friday and she was working the afternoon shift Kelly asked her why she looked so happy.

"I have a date Saturday night."

"Anyone, we know?"

"Yes, Leone Brambilla."

"The man that's been coming in here to see you lately?"

She saw the look of worry on Kelly's face and wondered what was wrong. "Yes, is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure, it's just something I've heard about him."

"What have you heard?"

"It may be nothing but a rumour, but maybe you shouldn't go out with him."

"Tell me why I shouldn't?"

"I've heard that he is Mafia and a very dangerous man. You don't want to get involved with someone like that. They can be very rough with the women they go out with."

"Not Leone, he's not like that, he's very kind and is a gentleman."

"Aren't they all in the beginning?"

"You don't have to worry about me Kelly, I can take care of myself."

"Just be careful okay?"

"I will, but I know you have nothing to worry about. He's just a very wealthy businessman, and I know he would never hurt me."

After her shift was over she went home, made herself a cup of tea and sat down on the couch. She had to wonder if Kelly was right about Leone. It wasn't like she knew anything about him and could it be possible that he was Mafia? Wanting to get her mind off of the subject she took out her easel from the one closet and placed her canvas on it and started painting. She always loved drawing and painting ever since she was a little girl. It was a way to escape the reality of life.

The next day as she was looking through her closet to figure out what to wear she let out a sigh. She just knew that he was going to take her somewhere very fancy and she really didn't have anything decent to wear. She did have a couple of nice dresses but would they be good enough. Then she pulled out a little black dress, one that could be used for any occasion. So she figured she would wear that with a pair of stud earrings. They were just cheap ones that you could buy at any local store.

After deciding what she was going to wear she went to the beauty salon and splurged on getting her hair and nails done. She was excited about her date and wanted to look her best for him. It was the first time she had been out with a man in months. Later that day she got ready and checked herself in the mirror. When the doorbell rang she looked at her watch, she wasn't expecting him for another hour but was glad that she was ready.

Taking one last look at herself in the floor-length mirror she walked over to the door, expecting to see Leone. But it wasn't him, it was a delivery man holding a package.

"I have a parcel here for a Miss. Bianco."

"That's me, but I didn't order anything."

"Just sign here please," he said and handed her a clipboard.

After signing it she closed the door and took it over to the kitchen table. For the life of her, she couldn't figure out what it was or who had sent it to her. She slowly and carefully opened it, she folded back the tissue wrapping and gasped when she saw a beautiful dress inside. Taking it out she marveled at the beauty of it. It was absolutely stunning and she could tell that it was very expensive. Then she noticed a note, picking it up she started reading it.

I'm looking forward to tonight and as I was driving past a shop I noticed this dress in the window and I thought it would look fantastic on you. I hope you will accept this gift from me and will wear it tonight. If you do not like it you can return it for another. But whatever you wear tonight I know you will look beautiful, as you always do. Until tonight, Leone.

She couldn't believe that he had done this and her first thought was to return it to him. But looking at the dress she fell in love with it. Never had she ever worn anything like it. So of course she removed the dress she had on and put on the one that he had sent her. She wasn't sure if she should be mad at him or not, like was he suggesting that she wouldn't have anything nice to wear to a fancy restaurant or was he just being nice?

Looking at herself in the mirror she felt like a million dollars and had to admit that she looked good in it. It fit her perfectly and she wondered how in the world did he know her size. She went back over to the box and took out the matching shoes that came with the dress. They too were the right size. There was no way she could be mad at him, but she would also let him know that he was not to be buying her any more expensive gifts like this.

It was just a few minutes after seven when she heard the knock at the door and knew it was him. Being a little bit nervous she took a deep breath before opening the door. He was standing there in a dark suit, the smile on his face melted her heart and she was glad she had said yes to going out with him. It didn't matter to her whether or not he was Mafia, she could tell he was a good man, and it didn't hurt that he was drop-dead gorgeous.