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Chapter 11
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Entangle Me Chapter 12
BOOK TWO: AMALFI COASTPushing the heavy mahogany door open, I walk into the room breathless. Not because I'm sweating underneath my black Capri pants and t-shirt, not because the bus ride stopped half a mile shorter than expected, and not because Gabe and I had to walk up several flights of stairs with our heavy luggage in tow. No, I'm breathless because of this view in front of me. White walls from floor to ceiling. Blue embroidered carpet. Crystal blue skies outside the large white windows.?I set the suitcase at the door and drop my black leather handbag on top of it to explore the room: the classic lined wallpaper, the antique circle dining table, the pure white starched sheets. I've been transported to interior design paradise. I'm. In. Italy. I have to pinch myself that I'm really here, on the Amalfi Coast. More specifically, I'm staying in the Grand Hotel Villa Galleria, one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Southern Italy. It looks more like a 14th century castle th
Entangle Me Chapter 13
I lean into the circular gilded mirror, taking inventory at my reflection. After the afternoon pool lounge session with Gabe, I now have a nice light tan and I like the colouring on me. Two thick coats of mascara have been applied, a bit of blush has been dabbed on, my hair is as straight as it can be but in this humidity I doubt it will last long before it frizzes.The only solution is to tie it up in a casual half pony-tail that makes it look even more full and voluminous. My long black dress feels snug and comfortable, and I've just painted my toenails dark green to go with my brown sandals. Happy with my efforts, I grab my purse and head out of my hotel room, eager to catch up with my old friend.The hotel lobby is uniquely Mediterranean. From the yellow terracotta tiles to the high ceiling fans, there is so much light and openness here that it feels more like an opulent villa rather than a hotel. I scan the room, searching for a familiar face amongst the sea of relaxed tourists. A
Entangle Me Chapter 14
I'm in bed with a man. He doesn't have a face, just a perfectly sculpted physique. Lying on top of me, my arms are pinioned above my head as his muscular arms hold me down. His adept hands explore my naked body, roaming up and down. Caressing my waist, tracing my stomach, flicking across my erect nipples. A moan leaves me as those magical fingers go down, all the way down.?His hips pinned to mine, he leans in to capture my mouth, his tongue skillfully working my own. Then his fingers find their way to the apex of my bare thighs and I arch my back, keen for him to touch me, conquer me. Without hesitation he drives a finger right now, hitting my sweet spot with a sharp slap, and godoh godit's glorious, I'm going to come, I'm going to come. And then I look up and I see whiskey coloured eyes.Abruptly I wake up, sitting up from the bed, gasping for breath, covered in sweat. Did I justhave a wet dream? And did Ihave it about a certain someone? I'm completely confounded. What the hell just
Entangle Me Chapter 15
I'm short of breath, god I wish I was more fit. "Lacey. Ciao!" His gaze is steadfast, full of confidence.What the hell is he doing here looking all dreamy and dishevelled-in-a-sexy-way in his relaxed roll up top, jeans and loafers? And why am I makeup free, squinting back at him, soaked in sweat?"Matteo!" I say way too enthusiastically, taking a deep breath. His eyes are burning with humour as he hands me the yoga mat and I take it with clammy hands. I can see he's holding a large sketch book, and a pencil is lodged behind his left ear. "What are you up to today?" I point at the notebook."I am drawing, thethe il panorama. How do you say, scenery?" He gestures towards the marble busts standing on the edge of the black railings, which overlooks an endless blue sky. It really looks out into the never ending sky. He's artistic too? Wow "So, you're an artist as well?" A faint smile appears on his lips and he casts his eyes to the ground, embarrassed by my remark. "No, just
Entangle Me Chapter 16
"What's the word on the delivery truck? Are they able to come an hour earlier?" I ask Gabe, my eyes flicking through the checklist on my clipboard.Gabe glances down at his phone, checking his email. "Yep, they can do that, but they will charge us.""Fine. But they?definitely?know where the bakery is, right?" I frown, failing to sound calm."Yes, the guy was saying how his mum buys from there all the time. He knows where to go.""But they know how to get here, right? To the hotel." Gabe stares at me. "Hun, I love it when you treat me like I'm on death row and all, but it's under control."I pop the last of my vanilla infused chocolate in my mouth, instantly feeling better. "Sorry, it's not you. I don't want to screw this up. I can't." I'd rather ask the annoying questions now, rather than have it all blow up in my face on the day. I'm being pedantic, but I have to be.The wedding is still another three days away but I'm treating it like it's happening in two. Some of the gues
Entangle Me Chapter 17
Peering down my watch for the fifth time, I tap my feet out of impatience and nervousness, my silver clutch hanging by my hips. 7:58pmMy nerves are almost obstructing me from enjoying the beauty that is this spot. The sunset is piercing, a fiery red orb of light slowly sinking beneath the horizon, dyeing the sky a light first pink. Where is he? Maybe he meant another spot? Surely not. Maybe he's changed his mind and doesn't want to meet anymore. I've checked my phone a few times, nothing. God I hope I didn't waste my time getting all dressed up, otherwise I will feel like a fool. I toiled over countless outfit options before settling on my black maxi dress and chunky knit cardigan. Casual? Sexy? Cute? I hoped to look all three, and with my hair cascading past my shoulders I thought I looked good. I've worn a bit more makeup than usual but I don't want to take any chances I'm getting drawn for god's sake. I look at my watch again, then I become aware of someone looking at me. T
Entangle Me Chapter 18
My pen travels up and down the page for what feels like the millionth time. Notes are scribbled all over it. I've made such a mess that I might as well print out another checklist."Everything's been done, right?" Gabe asks."Come on, babe. You've been so good this whole time. Don't freak out on me now," I say calmly, trying to encourage him along.He sighs and nods. "Alright, sorry. I know it's just the rehearsal today, but as far as I know everything has been booked that I know of."Good. I trust Gabe completely and if he says it's been taken care of, I know he means it. I keep my eyes on the page, going back up to the top. "Okay, the officiant will be attending today. Just confirmed with her and I got her to arrive ten minutes early just to double check things.""Brill. What about the musicians?""The orchestra won't be coming early as it will incur a costly fee, but the DJ will be attending so we'll just get him to play the ceremony music on his decks. He will be arriving thi
Entangle Me Chapter 19
My head shakes disapprovingly as I study the overdone flower arrangements at the buffet table. I asked for a delicate and tasteful bouquet of white roses and lilies, not a bloody jungle!"Can you please pluck out the green leaves? Put them on the aisle carpet, we can still use them as floor decorations," I click my fingers at Gabe. Gabe does as I ask, pulling the long reeds out from the white pots. "So the caterers are all okay?""Yep, they are already making the canapés. The head chef complained, something about the oven settings not being hot enough but I got the hotel manager to sort that out.""And the cake?" He asks.Ugh. The cake, the brunt of my stress. "The delivery guy said they are having trouble with traffic, but he insisted he will be here in roughly thirty minutes, so that's still plenty of time to put it on the table. Can you meet him and direct him to the kitchen? I have to check on Amelia then, make sure she's ready to start making her way down," I order, rubbing
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Entangle Me Chapter 80
"God, you do sound like a pom, you've definitely been here too long," Tristan teases over the way I unintentionally pronounced yoghurt in a British accent. "Have not! Although the winters here are chilly, I miss our summer Christmases.""That's okay, I'm here to keep you warm."I bite my lip, loving how close he is to me. "So, what are you doing all the way out here?"He smirks at me, his gaze full of warmth. "I think you have an idea, no?" My cheeks warm as he huddles closer to my body, his height towering over me. We're standing on the end of Waterloo Bridge, the River Thames and the London Eye lying behind us like a beautiful backdrop. It's dark and the surrounding trees on the footpath are beautifully bright, adorned in blue lights. It was drizzling earlier, but it's now stopped and the pavement is mildly damp, adding to the general chill of the city. My suitcase by my side, Tristan is hovering over me as he backs me into the walled railing, his gloved hands rubbing my arms
Entangle Me Chapter 79
Tristan. Is. Here. In.London.Specifically, he is outside the house where I have been living in London, with another man. A man who I've just broken up with. "Taxi Delivery Service, how may I help you?" the phone operator utters on the other end of the line, but it fails to reach my consciousness.Whathowwhoso many incomprehensible thoughts are racking through my mind right now. My heart is pounding like a jack hammer at the sight of him in a long black coat, jeans and scarf. The coffee eggnog is really not helping right now. "Hi" I whisper, barely audible. My insides are flooding with nerves. A jar of butterflies has dropped inside my stomach and they are flying everywhere."Hello? Is anyone there?" The call operator speaks through the receiver. I use any semblance of my wit to press the hang up button, my fingers are shaky as I keep my eyes locked on Tristan. What is he doing here?There's a black taxi on the kerb behind him, presumably the one that dropped him off. It does
Entangle Me Chapter 78
I walk up to the door, a full gift bag in each of my hands. I drop my bag to get the key when Giles, the driver, walks up to me. "Let me get the bag, Miss." Giving him a polite smile, I let him hold the bag as I open the door. "Thank you," I say as I open the door and he puts the bags right inside the entrance."Have a nice Christmas, Miss Ryan." Giles, the driver smiles at me warmly before he starts walking off. "Thank you, same to you and your family. Merry Christmas!" I give him a fat grin and wave at him.Closing the door, my smile drops instantly and I clench my jaw at how irritated I am. It's Christmas Eve, the jolliest time of year. I've just come back from Amelia and Kieran's beautiful house in Hertfordshire where I had lunch with them and I am lightly tipsy from Kieran's egg nog coffee punch. Everything was so delicious. Caramelized onion tarts with apples. Brussel sprouts with chestnuts & sage. Chunky roast potatoes. Crisp honey mustard parsnips. Bacon, sausage & prun
Entangle Me Chapter 77
It's the Christmas season! The days are short, nights are long, showers go longer. There are so many things I love about winter. I love making hot Belgian chocolate and those little marshmallows, I love snuggling up on the couch with a book in my thick robe and furry shoes, a doona draped over me. I love the food associated with winter: soups, casseroles, roasts. I'll be spending my first Christmas in London, and Amelia has invited Edmund and me over to their place for lunch Christmas Eve. I cannot wait to have my first proper winter Christmas. I just hope Edmund can make it. I'm sure that work will die down by then and I can have some quality time with him, the fun Edmund I haven't seen too much since I've been here. There's still been no progress on the assistant front, so I've been keeping busy by pursuing culinary perfection. With another two weeks to go until the day, I've been in the kitchen non-stop since I've arrived and I like to think my cooking skills have improved immense
Entangle Me Chapter 76
I plop my head on the fluffy mattress, panting loudly as I let the post coital experience wash over me. Something is wrong with me. I just slept with my boyfriend for the first time, but I came thinking about my ex-fake husband. No, it was purely coincidental. It's just the half bottle of pinot gris swirling in my head, that's it surely. Instead, I'm going to bask in how nice that was.That was not bad, not bad at all. It wasn't fireworks but it was nice and efficient. He definitely knows a thing or two about pleasing a woman, that's for sure. He was very attentive, gentle, tender even. Just what I like - what I prefer. Unlike Tristan, who is all so aggressive. The way he grabs my hips so roughly, the way he pulls my hair, the way he bites my lip andgah! No more reminiscing! I'm so ashamed of myself, what's wrong with me? Noit's just a once-off. It won't happen again. I'm sure of it."How was that for you?" Edmund asks coolly as he looks down at me. His face is slick with a thin la
Entangle Me Chapter 75
My feet tapping against the leg of the small mahogany table, I check my phone to see if there are any text messages. Nope, nothing. My guest should be on time, I'm just early. Looking around the café, I'm glad this place was picked. I'm sitting in the middle of The Purple Hare, a rustic and inviting mahogany infused restaurant in the middle of Chelsea. Packed to the brim with drunk and merry locals clad in wintry garb, the woody and earthy ambience mixed with the smell of Guinness, grilled steak and mashed potatoes makes the place feel like a second home almost. I am about to press the call button when the door flies open. "Hey!" Amelia waves excitedly at me but my mouth pops open at the sight of her in a long black parka jacket, jeans and boots. She said she had a surprise for me, but this was the last thing I expected.Standing up, I point at her stomach, which is a heck of a lot bigger than when I last saw it. "Oh my goodness, you are as full as a house!"A permanent grin
Entangle Me Chapter 74
London baby, I have arrived! As Edmund and I sit in the back of the chauffeur driven car, my face is plastered to the window as I take in this new city that is now my home. There's so much to take in: it's incredible how one place can have so much vibrancy, multiculturalism, and a cosmopolitan edge all at once: the sky scraper buildings, glamourous clothes shops filling the high streets, the internationally renowned restaurants, the parks, the double deckers, the black cabs. And then there's the history: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, 10 Downing Street, the Tower Bridge, the Great Fire, Barbican Arts Gallery. This city is truly a perfect blending of the past and present. Just when I am keen on continuing the driving tour, the car pulls up and I turn to Edmund, my mouth having popped open at where we've stopped."Tell me you're joking. This is not your place." Edmund chuckles heartily. "Is that a good thing?"I turn back to press my fa
Entangle Me Chapter 73
"Call us the second you get there, alright?" Mom repeats herself for the fifth time in two hours. I am standing outside my favourite Japanese restaurant on Bridge Street in Wynyard, saying my final goodbyes for the night. Gabe has gone home and it's just me and my family, who won't let me get into my car and drive back home. It's my farewell party with my loved ones, and I've spent the night laughing, getting sentimental and emotional with my parents, Hansley, Jackie, and Gabe. My flight is tomorrow morning, and because I would find it too difficult to say goodbye to any of them at the airport, I suggested dinner instead. Less invasive this way."I get there at six in the evening, it will be three in the morning for you. I'll just text you first," I insist and she scowls at me."Fine, but as soon as you get off the plane, alright? I don't care what time. I just need to know you are safe. I will be expecting a text at 3AM," she insists, her tone unyieldingly stern. I nod at her dogg
Entangle Me Chapter 72
Pacing around the room, I play with my fingers as I wait nervously. Don't be afraid, just tell him. He'll understand, I know it. As I continue rehearsing what I need to say, my door knocks. Okay, he's here. Taking a deep inhalation, I shuffle to the door and open it to greet the person on the other side."Hi darl!" Gabe leans in to give me an air kiss, before holding up a cheese platter and packet of crackers in front of me. "Okay, gossip time. I think the occasion calls for cheese and crackers."He has no idea what I've got in store for him. I grin as I take the food from him. "I'll get the bottle of wine. But I'm making chicken fajitas, so keep your stomach free for them."Closing the door behind him, Gabe saunters in looking like his fabulous self in a navy crested jacket and white pants. I put the cheese and crackers on the dining table, before grabbing the silver glittery gift bag sitting on one of the chairs. "Here, just a little something for helping out. How was it bac
