ValentineI was running a few minutes late but I had let my father know that I was on the way. Everyone had crashed at my place after our guys night out so we were all up late. I'd ordered in food and then had to clean up after they'd all left. Before I knew it was already after 4 and I still needed a shower before my drive.He sent me the code to get in and I'd made it there only a few minutes late as it was 5:07 when I drove through the gates. I texted him that I was there and he told me to park next to his car and he'd meet me at the front door. I hadn't brought anything with me and it felt slightly awkward to come over to dinner empty handed but my father had assured me it was perfectly fine.He was standing at the door just like he said and we greeted each other with a hug before he showed me in. "Adira Valentine is here now," my father called out as we walked towards the kitchen. "Ok great. Do you want to eat in the breakfast nook or in the dining room?" I heard her as
GioI smirked as I made both of my children squirm in their seats. I knew when Valentine had asked about going to the model show to apologize to Petra that he would ask her out. She was the flashier version of Adira and I knew that he couldn't resist that combination. I also knew that she couldn't say no. I'd seen the chemistry between them the first time she invited him over to her house and knew if I could get them together that they would be perfect. But at the same time I couldn't force them or they'd both head the opposite way. So when she'd accepted Sebastian's offer I knew I had to be patient. I however was not prepared on how dating both of them would make her feel and when she cried earlier it broke my heart. I just wanted her to be happy. I reassured her that I was fine with it and that she needed to do what made her happy, though I secretly hoped that she would choose Valentine.And after that little display in the kitchen and how they both continued to sneak glan
AdiraIt was harder to be around Valentine as Adira than I thought it would be. I wanted to touch him, to kiss him. Especially after he came up with the idea for a new show. It took me a minute to realize what he was trying to say but it was a brilliant idea. I could see his real enjoyment of my work. Once we had settled on a photo for the charity auction it was time for them to leave. I escorted them to the door and while I was hugging Gio goodbye Valentine asked "Do you happen to know Petra's address? I dropped her off the other night but I don't know which actual apartment was hers."I almost choked in shock but luckily Gio just squeezed me harder before I pulled away. We made eye contact and I could see him communicating in the look - go with what you're comfortable with. I sighed and turned to ask him "why?"He looked down and I could see that he was a little unsure. The great Valentine Rossi! I held back a laugh instead watching him to see what he would say."I wante
AdiraI returned to the office around 10:30, having gotten caught in traffic. After I walked Charlie I went to go speak with Adrian, who I knew was here by the music playing."Ok so you got a lot of explaining to do," Adrian said looking up from his desk as I walked in and ploped down in the chair across from him.I laughed at him and he just raised a brow, a ghost of a smile on his lips."Ok so I have several things. First when I had dinner with Valentine and Gio yesterday Valentine asked for Petra's address. I uh might have let him drive me home the other day but I had him drop me at your building. So when he asked what apartment I didn't think it would be a good idea to give him yours in case he decided to just pop in one day. So I told him she was moving into my apartment until she could find something more permanent," I replied scrunching my face. "Alright that's not too terrible as long as you don't have Sebastian over and then Valentine pops up or vice versa. And I'm gue
ValentineI had to shake off the feelings I had yesterday from spending time with Adira and my father. It was just that Adira was so easy to be around and excitement and passion that she had was contagious. When she showed us her private collection I was blown away. The work I'd seen from her before had been great but this stuff was just breathtaking. I wasn't sure she was going to give me Petra's address but I was even more glad that she was actually taking over her apartment above the gallery. I knew she'd be safe there and that she'd actually get anything I'd sent her - like the flowers I'd sent over today. I couldn't wait to see Petra and push aside these wierd feelings I was having for Adira. I had messaged Petra earlier asking if she'd like a ride to the resturant but she declined. Not that I wasn't expecting that. She liked her independence and I was actually enjoying it too. The fact that she wasn't always depending on me to provide for her was refreshing.I'd gotte
AdiraI could barely stand when Valentine helped me out of his car in front of the gallery. When I wobbled a little he laughed and pulled me close giving my legs a minute to adjust to holding up my weight. Valentine didn't do anything by half measure that's for sure. I can definately see why woman practically throw themselves at him. There's just something about a dominant man that just irresistable.I cupped his check as he looked down at me and raised up on my tippy toes to bring our lips together. When I pulled back he was smiling and leaning into my hand. "I had the best time tonight," I said smiling back at him. His smile turned into a knowing smirk and I laughed before rolling my eyes at him. "I did too bella and I can't wait to see you Friday. Dinner again but this time at my place," he said.I raised a brow at him before replying. "Really Valentine I'm not sure-."He cut me off. "I've never invited a woman back to my place before. Ever. The only woman whose even st
ValentineI woke with a smile on my face. I had my schedule rearranged so I'd be off early today - at 3- so I plenty of time to get ready. I was actually going to cook tonight - my dad's lasagna recipe. I'd asked Laura to pick up the ingredients for me and when she asked why I'd told her I had a date coming over tonight. Her smile was huge and I laughed when she wiggled her eyebrows at me, telling me she'd make sure I had clean sheets too. I told her to take off early today as well and to enjoy her weekend. She'd been amazing since Id' been living here. One of the few women who I wasn't related to who hadn't made a pass at me. She had been happily married to Fernando for 30 years now and they had 5 kids that they were sending to college. Last summer her middle son had even interned for me. He was a good kid and smart. I gave him a glowing review, which is something I don't do often.I was glad she liked the roses I'd sent. Most women liked flowers but Petra was different
AdiraI was a nervous wreck though I wasn't sure why. I mean it was only Valentine. I had really enjoyed our dates so far and couldn't wait to see him in his natural habitat so to speak. I'd chosen a simplier dress to tonight feeling like dressing up too much to go to his apartment would be silly and over the top. I hoped he wasn't too dressy either.As I sat in the back seat I fiddled with the hem of my peach colored dress. I'd worn my hair down and had on nudge wedges. I had done up the make up as I felt like that was more part of my disguise than what I actually wore. I was as ready as I was going to be. I'd spoken to Sebastian earlier in the day while I had been finalizing the photos from Tuesday's shoot. I had actually worked diligently enough that I had completed all the edits and Adrian would be sending them off in the morning. I made sure that Charlie had gone out and that I left the tv on for him just in case. I didn't have anything specific planned with Valentin
AdiraI was nervous for tonight. I'd waited til the last possible moment to fly home and had spent every waking moment over the last two days moving photos around and making sure every detail was good to go for this event. Adrian as always had been God sent organizing everything and keeping things moving here while I had been away in Greece for the last 2 and a half months. I almost didn't want to come back it was so majestic there. I had come up with an idea for the next show - which I'd shared with Adrian when I'd gotten back. The show we were doing today had drawn enough attention that we actually sold tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, though I'd only be attending Friday's. My brother had gotten weekend leave to come and see my show and I was excited to have him with me."Do I really have to wear this?" he asked, tugging at his shirt collar and tie. I laughed and walked over to straighten them out before replying "Yes. Even I dress up for my shows. There's going t
Valentine2 months.It's been 2 months since I've seen her, since I've kissed her, since I've heldd her in my arms. 2 months of antagonizing over every little piece of our relationship. I was so angry at first but seeing her face when Stella had been all over me had broken my heart. Something I didn't think possible at the time. I'd still been angry and unsure when my father forced me to read the letter she'd dropped of for me when she left. She left - heading to a completely different contenent. She'd written to explain how Petra had come to be, about her past, about what happened between her and Sebastian. It had taken everything in me to not go to his office and beat the living shit out of him for what he did. Even though I was mad at her, she hadn't deserved that. But now, after two months, I'd had plenty of time to sort through my feelings. And in some ways to sort of see things from her point of view. I was still a little mad and a little hurt, but I understood. I
AdiraI felt lighter driving from Sebastian's office to Gio's. I was glad that I'd had the chance to speak to him. This next conversation would be even easier and even though I would miss our weekly dinners, I had enough months traveling that this was nothing new.I parked in the spot I usually did and spotted Tony waiting on Gio. It was almost lunch time. He saw me and waved before getting out to unlock the elevator that went straight to their offices. I thanked him before Charlie and I hoped in and headed up. I greeted Gio's secretary and she waved me in with a smile. He looked up with a smile as soon as I opened the door and came over to give me a hug. "I am surprised to see you here cara. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked as he ushered me to the sofa. "Well, I got a contract I couldn't turn down and the timing couldn't be better. I'm headed to Greece for some time. I think it's just what I need. But I couldn't go without saying good bye to you," I replied smil
AdiraIt was early Monday morning and I was loading my luggage in the truck, checking and double checking everything. I was stuffy and felt my face was still a little puffy from my impromptu crying fest yesterday. I had decided that I needed to go through the pictures of my trip with Valentine and had found more than I realized. They were beautiful and still so painful but it was necessary. Now I could go to my dream place feeling lighter and more free than I had. I was leaving it all here. I had two stops to make before heading to the airport. Two conversations that I needed to have though one wouldn't be necessarily bad. I decided to go see Sebastian first. At some point in the future I would be quietly annoucing that Petra and I were one in the same and he deserved to know the truth of it from me. Giving him the truth and the opportunity to apologize was my way of helping myself move on. Charlie and I headed into the building and were greeted by the usual group of fol
AdiraI was as ready as I was going to be. I was a blend of Petra and the old Adira. This woman staring back at me is the new me. My hair was curled and half up half down, my make up minimal except my eyes which I did to stand out behind my glasses. Charlie stood beside me with his vest and bow tie on looking sharp. My phone beeped, letting me know that Gio was ready outside. "Alright Charlie here's to new experiences," I said grabbing up my purse and phone before heading out."You both look wonderful,"Gio said waiting by the open limo door. I smiled as I locked up and then away we went.Once at the venue Gio made sure that we were announced as Gio and Adira, even adding Charlie in. All eyes were on us as his company was sponsoring and my artwork was one of the pieces being offered up. Charlie was perfect keeping himself between me and the crowd putting me at ease despite the large number of people vying for our attention. What felt like forever but was probably only a few
AdiraWe watched as Valentine stormed out. At this point I think numb is the only way to express how I felt. Gio sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "He always was a hot head. It's the Italian blood. Well, let's not waste the food especially since you haven't eaten today," he said grabbing the food and wine and bringing it to the small coffee table. I watched as he went to the kitchen and returned with some glasses and silverware. I was grateful I was here with Gio right now as I'm not sure how I would handle this on my own. He handed me a container and a fork before pouring us each a glass of wine. I heard the TV come on and glanced over to see that he'd put on NCIS - another one of Charlie's favorite shows. We ate in silence and finished off the wine. At some point I nodded off and only woke when Gio laid me down on the bed in my room. I felt Charlie jump on the bed with me and I was out again.I woke early and laid there in bed with Charlie contemplating my next
Valentine"Valentine, son, wait, listen," Gio said standing and holding his hands out towards him in a calming manner. My brain was still trying to process what I'd just heard. Petra and Adira were the same person? But why? I mean, I was attracted Adira that night in the kitchen, the way that her shirt lifted revealing her cute purple panties and her giggling with Charlie. But why lie about it? Why wait so long after everything before saying something? Hell I'd been feeling guilty as hell about our kiss. But Adira had been dating Sebastian. Was that real? Was he just the cover or was I? When she wasn't with me was she really working or was she with him?I set down the food and the bottle of wine. I couldn't stay here right now.I had come to surprise my father with dinner since we'd missed family dinner on Sunday. Family dinner with Adira. Fuck.I looked around the room taking it all in, my brain still trying to piece it all together. I loved her, I loved Petra or so I
AdiraI ran like the devil straight to my room and locked the door before heading to the bathroom. I didn't care who he thought I was or what reasons he had, what he did was not ok. I felt dirty and angry and sad and guitly all at once as I started the shower. I threw my clothes straight into the trash knowing that I'd never be able to wear them again without thinking of this moment. I shot a quick text to my team apologizing, but asking if they can pack up the set and my cameras and just leave them outside my door. I cited an emergency and that I would return to get them. I turned the shower on scalding hot and stepped under it, scrubbing all traces of him off my skin. Once out I booked a return flight for less than two hours knowing that I needed to get home before the panic fully set it. I took one of the pills I carried for emergencies and packed quickly. My cameras and gear were in the hallway ready so I was able to make a quick get away. By the time I got to the air
SebastianHer body felt so familiar against me, her smell and taste one that had been seared into my mind forever. In one hand I held her arms above her head, holding her upright and bowed slightly while I cupped her pussy with the other. I could feel the heat of it through her tight pants and I groaned into her neck. I couldn't wait to slide into that warmth again. I nuzzled the side of her head in the spot I knew she liked before whispering to her "I'm sorry for last weekend. My brother had called to tell me that this fucking woman was going around our home town telling everyone that she was having my baby. I didn't remember sleeping with her, only waking up next to her naked. Even months later I couldn't remember a thing from that night and I knew something had to be wrong."I ran my teeth along her collar bone and felt her squiming. "You like that huh?" I said before doing it again. She froze and I continued, "Well long story short I went down there and confronted her wit