The Scent of Rome Page 7

  “Come on, Rome. You know exactly what’s going on. You want me… and I want you. It’s simple.” Nadine’s voice was a near whisper as she spoke over the soft classical music in the background. “But you don’t strike me as the impulsive type.”

  “You’re right. I don’t do one-night stands. Certainly not with women.” Rome had to concentrate on speaking, because Nadine was playing with her hair and it made her a little crazy. “But I haven’t been in many relationships either.”

  “So, it’s been a while?” Nadine flicked her tongue over her lips as she continued to stare at her. “Since you’ve had sex?”

  “It’s been two years, perhaps even longer.”

  “And when was the last time you had good sex?” Rome took in a quick breath, and when she didn’t answer, Nadine smiled. “That says enough to me. I think you should let me take care of that problem.” She put her glass down with purpose, the light thump on the wooden table acting as both a promise and a warning.

  Rome didn’t dare move as Nadine inched closer, but she didn’t want to stop her either. Trying to calm her racing heart was pointless, and whatever happened next was out of her control because her body was drawn to Nadine like a magnet and she was highly aware of her own parted lips and lust-filled eyes, giving away her raging desire.

  “Can I kiss you?” Nadine’s lips were almost on hers now, their shared breath flowing between them. Her hand trailed down Rome’s cheek, her other moving to her knee.

  Rome’s muscles tensed under her touch as she trailed her hand up her thigh and rested it there. A delicious twitch shot through her core and settled in her center that was already wet and throbbing with need. “Please.” Her voice didn’t sound like her own as she uttered the plea.

  Nadine tilted her head and cupped her neck to pull her in as their lips met in a featherlight kiss. Rome felt like she was floating as her core fluttered and an overwhelming craving took hostage of her body. It felt incredibly good, almost too good. Not until she moaned, did Nadine press her lips harder against hers, parting them to claim her mouth with her tongue.

  Rome heard herself moan louder and sank into the kiss that grew more urgent and intense as their tongues melded together, the surge of warmth leaving her limp against Nadine’s breasts. The sound of alarm bells in the back of her mind, reminding her that she was kissing a woman, slowly faded until there were only her hunger and her instincts telling her this was nothing but right. Her hands started leading a life of their own then, as she finally allowed herself to touch the thick dark hair she’d imagined the feel of so many times during the day. It was silky soft and endlessly long as it slipped through her fingers.

  Nadine pulled out of the kiss and slowly trailed a finger down her cheek and her neck. “Are you okay?” Her eyes were hazy and lust-filled, promising so much more.

  Rome nodded, out of breath and overwhelmed in the moment. Her body did things she wasn’t familiar with, things she wasn’t prepared for and she desperately needed to satisfy the need inside of her that was growing to boundless proportions. “I want this,” she said, never having been surer of anything. This time, she didn’t wait for Nadine to kiss her again. She wrapped her arms around her neck and pulled her in, taking what she wanted. It was feverish and sexy and when Nadine’s hand disappeared under her dress and grazed her waist, she was pretty sure she never wanted it to end. Nothing could have dragged her away from Nadine, who made her crazy with lust. Rome had no idea what she was doing but it didn’t matter; it felt good and she wanted more. She pulled the hem of Nadine’s T-shirt from her shorts and lifted it so she could run a hand underneath it. Shivering at the feel of soft skin, she explored her back, scraping her nails over her spine as Nadine deepened the kiss and pushed her back into the cushions that were stacked against the armrest.

  The moment Nadine lowered herself on top of her was something Rome knew she’d never forget. Nadine’s weight, her hands, still roaming under her dress, moving up to her breasts, and her mouth on hers, so insistent. She moved like a panther; seductively, arching her back and pulling out of the kiss to trail her lips down Rome’s neck. Rome could barely breathe when Nadine started unbuttoning the front of her dress. The first, the second, the third, and the fourth button came undone, baring her black, lace bra. Nadine sucked and bit at the side of her neck, the faint pain shooting a rush of delight between Rome’s legs. She hadn’t seen this coming; not how good it would feel, how incredibly thrilling and arousing. Every touch felt like an explosion, no matter how soft.

  “Jesus, are you trying to kill me?” she whispered, and she felt Nadine’s mouth pull into a smile against her neck as she opened her dress and slipped a hand inside.

  “Why would I want to kill you? I want to enjoy you,” Nadine mumbled between kisses. She chuckled. “You’re so into this… I think I can make you come without even touching you there.”

  Rome gasped and barely had time to process what Nadine had said as her mouth was on hers again, kissing her fiercely while her hand disappeared under her bra, her fingers strumming her hard nipple. It all went so fast, and Rome wallowed at the delicious tension that started building in her core. Nadine shifted her weight and wedged a knee between her thighs, thrusting into her as she kissed her. The pressure against her center, combined with the all-consuming kiss and Nadine’s hand cupping her breast made Rome cry out and buck her hips against her. It was only a matter of seconds before she exploded into a million pieces, shaking and moaning against Nadine’s mouth. Nadine never stopped kissing her, and as she held her tight, Rome felt like she was sucking every last bit of tension out of her, relieving her from all the pent-up sexual frustration she’d carried with her in the past years. When she came down, she couldn’t move at first, shivering at the aftershocks that still buzzed through her.

  “Hmm…” Nadine pulled out of the kiss and ran a hand through Rome’s hair, lifting her head to look at her. “I was right.”

  “You were.” Rome gazed up at her in disbelief, not sure if she should feel euphoric or embarrassed at her obvious desperate need for sexual stimulation. No human being had given her an orgasm before; she could only do that to herself. Nadine had done it without even touching her. The smug and satisfied look in Nadine’s eyes told her that shame was not an option, so she let out a deep, contented sigh and accepted her need for what it was. “How did you do that?”

  “I hardly did anything. Your body just needed attention.” Nadine bit her lip and tilted her head. “Will you stay here tonight?”

  Rome didn’t have to think twice about that invitation, because she was already on fire again. “If you want me to…” She swallowed hard and continued in a shaky voice. “I want more.”

  “Soon…” Nadine crawled off her and picked up their wine glasses, pointing to the balcony. “Come watch the full moon with me first.”

  Rome stared at her for a moment, trying to gauge if she was serious. She didn’t even know it was full moon; she’d never been aware of stuff like that and if she wasn’t mistaken, they were about to get undressed.

  Nadine looked over her shoulder and raised a brow. “Why not? It’s beautiful.” She turned up the volume on the music and opened the balcony doors. A female voice sounded through the speakers, so pure, it sent a shiver down Rome’s spine.

  As if lost in a trance, Rome got up and followed Nadine outside, the wind baring her black lingerie each time her dress blew open. Her body felt incredibly relaxed and her mind cleared itself from further thoughts as she sank into a state of simple bliss.

  Nadine patted the space next to her on the cast-iron bench. Rome sat down and let out another deep sigh as Nadine wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in. Above them was an unobstructed view of the moon, bright and beautiful, but it seemed a lot bigger than normal, almost within reach.

  “It’s a supermoon,” Nadine explained, handing Rome her wine. “Makes people a little crazy sometimes because it amplifies emotions.” She grinned. “I know you don’t believe in thin
gs like that, but I still think you should take a moment out here and process what just happened, so you don’t regret anything tomorrow.”

  “Somehow I don’t think I’ll regret anything.” Rome took a sip of her wine and stared up at the beautiful moon. “What’s a supermoon?”

  “It’s the closest the moon comes to the earth in its elliptic orbit and, as you can see, it appears to be abnormally big and bright. It only happens a couple of times a year and in my opinion, it’s a crime to miss it. Oceans feel the pull, so tides are extremely high, and they plunge extremely low, too. If its energy does that to oceans, imagine what it does to people.”

  “So according to astrology it’s an excuse to indulge?” Rome arched an eyebrow. Yes, she was feeling a little impulsive, but she was pretty sure that had everything to do with Nadine and nothing to do with the moon.

  Nadine chuckled and shook her head. “No, it should never be used as an excuse. But people tend to pursue their desires during a supermoon, no matter what the consequences because the pull to do so is stronger than normal.” She shrugged. “Why am I even telling you this? You think I’m talking nonsense.”

  “Does it bother you that I don’t believe in things like that?”

  “No. Does it bother you that I do?”

  “No.” Rome smiled. “I think it makes you charming and I love to listen to you talk about it, whether I believe it or not.” She rested her head on Nadine’s shoulder, cherishing their closeness and the rush of adrenaline that it stirred in her. “And you were right; the moon is beautiful. I’m glad we came out here.”

  “We’ve all become so busy that we often forget to look and so we miss so much,” Nadine said. “But if you just put five minutes a day aside to take a couple of deep breaths, observe what’s happening in your body and around you, you’ll be surprised at what you find.” She bit her lip and turned to Rome. “I’ve been observing you and I must say, you’re quite fascinating.”

  “Oh?” Rome lifted her chin, so their lips brushed. Her heart was doing that million beats per hour thing again, and her body gravitated toward Nadine as if she had no control over it. If she believed in magic, she’d almost suspect Nadine had put some kind of spell on her. “Well I happen to think you’re pretty fascinating too. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone so passionate and…” The rest of her words were lost against Nadine’s mouth as she claimed hers with force. Being kissed by Nadine was like being swept away in a storm, the world around them vanishing instantly as their locked lips connected them on all levels.

  Nadine’s hand slipped down to the curve of Rome’s hips, then worked its way up her back and in her hair. Heat radiated from everywhere she touched her, spreading through the rest of her body. Rome became light-headed, drunk on endorphins as the quickening of her breath matched Nadine’s. She didn’t know how long they kissed for. It could have been minutes, or hours. All she knew was that she would die with the memory of this. When they broke apart, her lips were sore, and she felt like all her secrets had been laid bare.

  Nadine’s eyes were dark when they looked into hers, and the moon lit up her face as she lifted her chin. “Come to bed with me,” she whispered.

  12

  Nadine knew it was a bad idea but right now, she didn’t care. She was doing the opposite of what she’d just preached, using the moon as an excuse. It was also Rome’s fault, she decided, because she was so damn attractive that she simply had to have her. The long and sensual kiss had set her alight, and she tried to temper her steamy thoughts as she led Rome to her bedroom. Her body was flushed with heat, every inch of her saturated with need. She told herself to slow down once again, to take her time tonight. Normally, she would have been naked by now, but Rome was different, like a special treat, and she wanted to enjoy and savor her.

  She waited for Rome to take in the room as she switched on the ornate marble bedside lamp. It cast a soft red light over the room that was decorated in gold and yellow tones, with heavy silk drapes and rich bedding. Knowing Rome needed time to get comfortable with her surroundings, she stepped back as she watched her appraise the furniture and paintings on the walls. Just like the living room, her bedroom was an eclectic concoction of things she’d found on her Sunday treasure hunts, and she was immensely proud of how it had come together. A mixture of Italian Baroque and romantic Gothic made for a dramatic scene in the spacious room. The music was softly playing through the speakers she’d installed in here too, as she loved waking up to classical music, and it was on whenever she was home.

  Nadine loved drama, but only in the form of pretty things like antiques, art, music, and dance. Whenever there were people involved, she avoided drama at all times, and she just hoped spending the night with Rome wouldn’t end in just that. She smiled when Rome fixed her gaze on her and stifled a moan at seeing the need in her eyes. Her natural beauty rang through in her smile, lifting her high cheekbones and brightening her blue eyes. She was like a perfect portrait, but there was so much more to Rome than what met the eye. It was her brilliant mind that attracted Nadine to her mostly, her intelligence and desire to make the world a better place. In a way, she was a dreamer too, just like her. She just didn’t know it.

  “Is this real?” Rome arched a brow and tilted her head, studying Nadine. “I feel like I’ve walked into a fantasy. This apartment, the moon, you…”

  “If you appreciate history and detail, you can create anything you want.” Nadine suppressed the urge to walk up to Rome and rip her dress off, because the way it was hanging open, giving her a peek of the body underneath, slayed her. “You really have no idea how stunning you are.”

  Heat rose to Rome’s cheeks and she shook her head. “I don’t know about that. I’m really very plain.”

  “You’re not. You walk into places and set people on fire with your blue eyes, that cute ass of yours and your amazing ideas, and you don’t even realize how others perceive you.”

  “I could say the same for you.” Rome whispered. She opened her mouth to continue, but Nadine closed the distance between them, cupped her face and kissed her again.

  Rome’s smell flooded Nadine’s senses as she grabbed her by her waist and pulled her in, crushing Rome’s body to hers. The mixture of her natural scent, traces of pine in her hair and a hint of wine on her breath was intoxicating. She heard Rome take in a quick breath and it made her heart race, knowing how much she wanted this. “God, I want you,” she whispered. “Please don’t be afraid.”

  “I’m not.” Rome’s voice trembled, and although Nadine knew she was lying, she also knew she didn’t want her to stop. Slowly, she opened Rome’s dress and let her eyes roam over her body. The black, lace bra and panties looked incredibly sexy against her pale skin. Rome’s small breasts were heaving fast, giving away her nerves, and Nadine felt her hands tremble against the small of her back. She ran her hand over the smooth skin of her stomach and her back, softly at first, then with more urgency as Rome’s breath hitched. She loved being a woman’s first, and it had been a long time since she’d had the privilege to introduce someone to her wonderful world.

  Rome’s eyes turned hazy as Nadine unclasped her bra, and when she gently pushed it down her shoulders and it fell to the ground along with her dress, she closed her eyes and leaned in, desperate for her touch. Nadine stroked her fingers over her nipples, around the curve of her breasts and down her rib cage while Rome’s hands disappeared under her T-shirt. The nails scraping over her skin gave her goose bumps, and when Rome tugged at her T-shirt, she lifted her arms so she could take it off.

  “You’re so…” Rome swallowed her words, raking her eyes over Nadine’s full breasts, enveloped in a champagne colored bra. Her gaze lowered to Nadine’s toned stomach, then her sculpted arms and shoulders before she met her eyes again. “Fuck. You’re so beautiful.”

  Nadine unbuttoned her shorts and let them fall down. The small smile that played around Rome’s mouth told Nadine she liked what she saw. Pleased to know her intuition had been right, she
pulled Rome against her and watched her let out a soft sigh when their warm bodies came together. Their hearts were pounding rapidly in rhythm as she walked them toward the bed and nudged Rome down on it. When she lowered her panties and stepped out of them, Rome crawled back, gazing up at her naked form. She looked gorgeous lying there with a hint of fear spilling through the need and anticipation that radiated off her, and Nadine couldn’t tear her eyes away. Her soft curves, the blonde hair tousled around her heart-shaped face, her gray-blue eyes that were unusually light and her high cheekbones and cushiony lips that were undoubtedly the most kissable lips in the world. Something so haunting was sure to harm her, Nadine thought. Everything desirable had a price in life, but she didn’t want to think about that now. She didn’t want to analyze why she was feeling different with Rome, why she cared so much. Hell, why she even cared at all…

  “Can I remove these?” she asked in a whisper, hooking her fingers under the sides of Rome’s panties.

  Rome hesitated for a moment, then nodded. There was a fragile shyness to her that made Nadine want to put her at ease, but at the same time, the fire in her eyes didn’t lie. Rome had clearly not been blessed with good sex in her life, and Nadine wanted to be the one to pleasure her over and over again, because she craved it as much as Rome did.

  She saw a fascinating shift in Rome’s energy as she peeled the panties down and crawled on top of her, as if she’d stopped thinking and decided to just go with it. “I’ll make sure you won’t regret this,” she said in a low voice, lowering her body over Rome’s. “And I’ll make sure you’ll never forget this moment either.”

  Rome squirmed underneath her at the contact, and she wrapped her arms around Nadine’s waist, brushing her hands over her back down to her behind. Nadine felt them linger there before moving up and down over her hips, exploring her curves. She kissed the small mole on Rome’s neck, and encouraged by the wonderful sounds of her pleasure, she moved to her breasts. Rome’s skin tasted as good as it smelled; fresh, natural and innocent, but most of all, Nadine loved the hint of adrenaline-fueled sweat that glistened off Rome’s body in the dim light. She devoured her breasts, smiling at Rome’s moans, while her hands travelled over her pale waist, her hips and her legs, teasing the inside of her thighs just high enough to make her gasp and buck her hips in need of more.