All I've Never Wanted (43 page)

She nodded once. “I’m fine.” Her voice shook a little.

“Are you sure? I have some Advil—“

“No.” Venice shook her head. “I’m fine, really,” she insisted more clearly, even though she grabbed my arm for support as I led us out of the bathroom.

We walked slowly down the hall back to our table, and Venice’s grip tightened.

“Ok, you can do this, you can do this,” she muttered under her breath.

She was freaking me out. “Do what?”

But she just shook her head.

When I slid into my seat, she remained standing.

“Venice? Aren’t you going to sit?” Zack asked, blinking his big blue eyes in confusion.

She shook her head, a determined look sliding over her face. “No.” Venice lifted her chin up. “I’m not. I have—I have something to say.”

Roman shot me a questioning glance, but I just shook my head, as baffled as he was.

We all waited patiently, but it seemed as though Venice was losing her nerve. She got paler and paler with each passing, silent second.

“You wanted to tell us something?” Zack prompted, looking at her like he was afraid she was going to pass out.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Yes. Well—I—I—“ Venice stuttered. Then she just shook her head, mumbled something that sounded a lot like “screw it,” stormed around to the other side of the table, and, as the rest of us watched with open mouths, grabbed Zack’s face between her hands and planted a kiss right on his lips.

*              *              *

Roman and I were half-naked on his bed. 

I’m not sure how we ended up here, actually. After Venice and Zack’s shocking kiss earlier, she’d ended up fleeing the restaurant, mortified, before anyone had a chance to say anything.

Zack just spent all of lunch sitting there like a cardboard cutout of himself, the shocked expression never leaving his face, until we had to physically haul him out of his chair and back to school.

Honestly, I wasn’t all that surprised. I always suspected Venice had a crush on Zack, and I was willing to bet his feelings for her weren’t purely platonic either.

After school, I went over to Roman’s house just to hang out. His father had apparently left for a business trip again, and while his mother was still here, he never talked to her. I knew it must be pretty lonely being all alone in that big mansion, so I usually went over to keep him company.

We ended up just talking about anything and everything we could think of, before we decided to take a little swim in his indoor pool. The little swim turned into a makeout session in the attached hot tub. The makeout session turned into…what we were doing now.

My breath caught as Roman trailed his fingers up my bare thighs, lighting every nerve ending on fire.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered huskily, skimming his hands over my stomach, gently over my breasts and up my neck before cupping my face and pressing his lips to mine.

Sharp jabs of pleasure pricked my skin, and I moaned involuntarily into his mouth, eagerly shifting my position so I could press myself even closer to him. He was in just his swim trunks; I was still in my bikini, which I’d borrowed from a guest closet. We originally came upstairs to shower, but that had fallen quite low on the priority list.

I remember the sensations that had almost burned me with their intensity in Hawaii. What was happening right now made those look like child’s play.

It was hard to believe only a few hours had passed since my earlier conversation with Adriana. Had I really said I wasn’t sure if I was ready? Because at this moment, I was nothing if not ready.

Judging from a certain part of Roman’s anatomy, he felt the exact same way.

He pulled back, only to trail kisses down my neck, causing a series of heart palpitations that could not be good for my health. I whimpered slightly as he stopped right above the strap that held the two cups of my bikini top together, his lips just touching my skin.

Every fiber of my being ached for him, and suddenly that bikini top seemed heavy. Suffocating.

“Oh my god.” I sucked in a deep breath as Roman gently nipped at the area between my neck and shoulder.

Ok. I was going crazy here. I couldn’t even think straight. I honestly couldn’t even tell you my name right now.

Spurred on by adrenaline and certain other feelings, I pushed Roman off slightly and flipped around so he was pinned down under me.

“Whoa. Someone’s eager.” His voice was teasing, but his eyes had darkened so much they were almost black. His perfect, chiseled chest rose and fell rapidly.

I smiled seductively (I hope), trying to curb the anticipation bubbling up inside me and failing miserably. It was a completely new feeling. Roman was the only person who had ever made me feel like this. I was kind of glad we hated each other so much at the beginning. That passion had morphed into something quite useful for other...activities.

Roman groaned, an agonized look on his face, but his eyes didn’t leave mine. “It might be a good idea to stop now,” he said in a pained voice, trying to lift me off him.

I didn’t budge. “Why?” I couldn’t even believe this was me talking right now. Where did the boldness suddenly come from?

He blinked, a stunned and amazed look crossing his face. “Maya, are—“

“Shh.” I leaned down, covering his mouth with mine once again. So much heat radiated from our bodies I was surprised we didn’t set the sheets on fire. “We’re doing too much talking right now,” I murmured, nipping gently at his bottom lip.

Roman resisted for about two more seconds, before groaning and reaching around to slide his hands up my back. My stomach fluttered when I felt him stop at the ties that held my bikini top up. He gently tugged at the strings, causing a wave of warmth of crash over me. We were so close. 

And then the door to his room banged open.

I immediately shot up, a surprised yelp escaping my mouth. When I turned, I was horrified to see Giselle, Roman’s mother, standing there with a bemused look on her face.

“I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?” she asked, squinting slightly. Ok, she was definitely not sober.

Hopefully that meant she won’t remember the sight of me, half-naked, straddling her son.

“What are you doing in here?” Roman’s voice was clipped and angry as he got off the bed, grabbing a towel from a nearby armchair and sliding it over my shoulders.

I smiled gratefully at him, which he returned briefly before glaring at Giselle.

“Can’t I just visit my son?” she trilled, coming towards us and stumbling a little. “I’ve barely seen you all week!” She reached out to hug Roman but he stepped away, a disgusted look on his face.

“I can’t believe you’re drunk already,” he spit out. “Though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

Giselle blinked, then threw her head back and laughed. “Oh Roman, if you wanted to be alone with your girlfriend, you can just tell me. I’ll leave you two to do whatever you were doing.”

She winked at me, causing me to blush.

“Um, maybe I should come back another time,” I said quietly, sliding off the bed and reaching out to grab my clothes.

“You don’t need to leave. You can stay.” Roman’s gaze was hard. “Mom. You need to go. Now.”

Giselle looked hurt. “You never have time for your mother anymore.”

“Well, an eye for an eye, right?” Roman’s jaw worked. It seemed all of his passion from our earlier makeout had transformed into anger towards his mother. “It’s not like you ever acted much like my mother.”

“Roman!” I was appalled. I mean, I know his mom hadn’t always been there for him, and she had serious alcoholism issues, but she was still his mom.

And right now, she looked like she was about to cry.

None of us said anything for a while. We just stood there, Roman pissed, Giselle near sobbing, and me shocked and uncomfortable.

Finally, I gently guided Giselle towards the door. “Maybe you can come back to talk to him when—at another time,” I suggested. I was about to say “when you’re sober,” but caught myself just in time.

She looked back over her shoulder at Roman, who hadn’t moved. “I suppose you’re right,” she muttered. She looked at me. “Thank you, Maya. Roman needs someone like you in his life.” She actually sounded sincere, even though she was still slurring her words a bit.

My heart seized. Maybe she wasn’t as incoherent as I thought.

When the door closed, I turned back to Roman. “Hey, are you ok?” I asked, gently touching his arm.

It’s strange, how fast the mood of a room can change.

“I’m fine.” Roman sighed, pushing his hand through his hair. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I just—she pisses me off so much.” He grimaced.

I shifted, wishing I was in more than a towel and swimsuit. “She’s still your mom, though.”

“Well, if that’s what having a mom is like, I’d rather I didn’t have one.”

I gasped softly. “You don’t mean that.”

“Yes I do! Stop acting like you know so much about our relationship!”

I flinched, and Roman’s face immediately softened. He reached over, placing his hands on my shoulders. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you. But seriously, Maya, just drop it, ok? My relationship with my parents is…complicated. And I know you have a good heart and want everyone to get along, but that’s not going to happen. So just let it go.” There was chagrin in his voice but his eyes were steely.

I clenched my jaw, wanting desperately to argue, but I don’t think that would be wise at the moment, so I merely nodded.

Roman relaxed. “Ok. How about we go grab a snack or something?”

I shook my head. “I think I should go home. I need to get some homework done.” I grabbed my clothes from the armchair. I really wanted to continue the conversation about his mom, but I figured I should give him some time to cool off.

“Oh. Right.” He sounded disappointed, but the sound of his phone ringing cut off what he was going to say after.

As I pulled on my skirt and buttoned up my blouse, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Roman’s end of the conversation.

“Hey. No, I haven’t…wait, what? Maybe he just went somewhere for a trip or something. No. No. Do you really think so?” Roman sounded almost panicked. “Ok. Look, I’ll talk to some people. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Ok. Sure. Talk to you later.”

“What happened?” I asked, as he ended the call with a disturbed look on his face.

He just looked at me. “Rico’s missing.”

CHAPTER 27

“I don’t know where he could possibly be.”

Carlo’s brow was furrowed, his face was lined with worry, as he clasped his hands in front of him and tapped one foot on the floor. I’ve never seen him look so nonplussed.

“Maybe he’s at one of your vacation homes,” Parker suggested, tossing his golden-brown hair out of his eyes. “Did you try the beach compound in Bermuda?”

We were actually eating lunch in the DC for once, and we had spent the entire time talking about Rico’s disappearance.

“He’s not there.” Carlo’s voice was curt. “And we’ve also tried the houses in Vail, L.A., Tuscany, Hong Kong…everywhere. He’s at none of those places.”

“Well, this
is
Rico we’re talking about,” Adriana reasoned. “He could’ve disappeared just because he felt like it. I’m sure he’s not in any trouble. The boy can more than take care of himself.”

“It’s not him getting hurt that I’m worried about,” Carlo said flatly.

The room fell silent, and we all stared at each other nervously.

Well, this was just about the most awkward lunch I’ve ever had.

“Anyway.” Carlo cleared his throat and put on what was obviously a fake smile. “Let’s talk about something else. Winter break, perhaps?” He turned to Roman. “The plan is still on, right?”

“What plan?” I asked.

Roman grinned wolfishly at me. “The plan where we continue where we left off the other night,” he said.

I turned bright red while the others erupted into hoots and catcalls. “Roman!” I hissed, mortified.

That was it. He is so not getting any action over break.

“What were you guys doing the yesterday night?” Adriana asked with a small smirk, her gaze knowing.

“None of your business,” I immediately answered.

“Feisty.” The blonde popped a sushi roll in her mouth, chewing delicately and swallowing before she spoke up again. “That’ll probably come in handy later.” She winked at Roman, who just laughed and pulled me to his chest.

“Think she’s right?” he murmured in my ear, his breath tickling my skin. I could feel the warmth of his body heating up my own, more thoroughly and effectively than any fireplace or coat could hope to do.

“What makes you think you’ll ever find out?” I retorted, still red, only from something else other than embarrassment this time.

Roman just smirked, squeezing my hip briefly before letting go. “Just a hunch.”

I rolled my eyes. “You are so arrogant.”

“Like he’s never heard
that
one before,” Parker joked, sliding his own arm around Adriana. “Hey, by the way, where’s Venice?”

I saw Zack, who’d been unusually quiet thus far, perk up a bit, and I had to stifle a grin.

Zack Perry, I am so getting you back for those little matchmaking schemes you put me through,
I thought wickedly.

Yep, Parker had totally filled me in on the Perrys-as-Cupids situation.

“Oh, I think she’s having lunch with some guy,” I answered casually. “Grant? Her homecoming date? She was
so
excited about it.”

Zack scowled. It was not a look I was used to seeing, since he was just about the most happy-go-lucky person on the planet. However, I wanted to jump with joy at the sight of that scowl, because that scowl confirmed what I’d suspected all along.

“Is that even safe? I mean, what does she really know about him?” he sniffed. “He looks dangerous.”

“I’ve seen him around, he seems like a good guy,” Carlo commented casually. “He’s the editor of the school newspaper.”

“Yeah, how dangerous can he be?” Parker rolled his eyes. “Do you think he’s going to kill her with his pocket protector or something?”

“Pocket protectors are very dangerous,” Zack snapped. “Besides, it’s the quiet ones you have to look out for.”

“Why do you care so much anyway?” Roman stretched out his legs. “Afraid you won’t get another kiss?”

I burst out laughing at the look on Zack’s face, which was the color of the mound of ketchup on his plate. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he huffed, even as the red spread to his neck.

“No offense, but I think he’s a better match for Venice. I don’t think she can be with someone whose face matches the color of her hair,” Roman drawled, his lips twitching slightly as Zack sputtered, at a loss for words.

I turned my face away, burying it in the crook of his neck. “You are so bad,” I whispered, grinning.

He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Maybe you should punish me later,” he said suggestively.

I flushed all over again as some interesting images sprung up in my mind. I tried my best to push them away, but it didn’t work at all.

Lord, I really am turning into a pervert.

*              *              *

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Though I unbuckled my seatbelt, I remained in the car and fixed Carlo with a concerned expression. “I mean, if you want to talk about Rico or…whatever, I’m here.”

He smiled, more weakly than usual. “Thanks, Maya, but I can handle it. Adri’s probably right. With his personality, he probably just ran off somewhere without telling anyone. I’m sure it’s harmless.”

Even I could tell he didn’t quite believe it.

“Has he ever done something like this before?” I questioned, fiddling with the buttons of my shirt.

“Once or twice, before the whole…gang situation.” Carlo grimaced. “Anyway, like I said, I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He cut off the engine and raised an eyebrow at me. “What about you? Are you fine?”

“What do you mean?”

“Rome told me you ran into someone at a carnival you guys went to,” he hinted.

Sweat immediately coated my palms, and I wondered if I could ask him to start up the car again so we could put on the A/C. It was too hot in here.

“Oh, that.” My voice came out squeaky and high-pitched.

“Yeah, that.” Carlo’s mahogany eyes searched my face. “What happened?”

I licked my suddenly dry lips, unsure of what to say. I hadn’t told anyone about what Lexi said, not even Roman. I wanted to figure it out on my own. On the other hand, it would be a huge relief to hash this out with someone, especially someone like Carlo. He was smart, he keep a secret, and I trusted him.

As I wavered back and forth, he waited patiently, not saying anything.

Finally, I took a deep breath, and relayed to him what Lexi told me.

When I finished, there was a stunned look on his face. “Wait, wait, wait.” He held up one hand. “You’re telling me someone paid her to seduce your dad?”

I nodded miserably.

“Why would they do that?”

“Wish I knew.” I sighed. “I just don’t get it. I can’t think of anyone who’d have that type of vendetta against my family.”

Carlo frowned. “She didn’t tell you who did it?”

I shook my head, then remembered the picture I saw of her and Rico. If she knew Rico, did she know Carlo too? I didn’t know if now would be the right time to bring that up though, what with Rico missing and all.

“Maybe you should ask your dad for her name. You know, so you can try and get more answers,” he suggested gently.

“I know.” I twisted my hands in my lap. I really, really didn’t want to do that, but I supposed I no longer have a choice.

Not if I wanted to get to the bottom of this.

*              *              *

“Are you sure she’s going to like it?” Roman demanded, nestling his phone between his ear and shoulder as he pulled up in front of his house. “It’s not too cheesy or anything?” 

“Um, excuse me, but I’m the one who came up with the idea. Are you calling me cheesy?” Adriana huffed.

He rolled his eyes but knew better than to respond. “Well, I just wanted to make sure. It
is
our one-month anniversary, you know.”

“No, I don’t know. I’m deaf. That’s why I didn’t hear you the first, oh,
fifty times
you told me.”

Roman scowled. “You need to watch your tone. No one talks to me that way,” he growled, stepping into the foyer.

“Yeah, yeah, sorry, King Fiori,” Adriana said sarcastically. “Gee, you seriously need to get some. You’re getting grouchy.” There was a twinge of laughter in her voice.

He flushed, thankful she couldn’t see him. “Shut up, Adri.”

“Very mature.”

Sometimes, Roman wished Zack was an only child. “I’m hanging up on you now,” he snapped, slamming the door to his room behind him.

“You know it’s not hanging up on someone if you tell them, right?” She was definitely laughing at him. “By the way, do you know what’s up with Maya? She’s not answering her phone.”

He frowned. “No. Carlo drove her home today because I had to sort out the anniversary stuff. I’ll try her and let you know.”

Clicking off, Roman dialed Maya’s number. One ring. Two. Three. It rang and rang, until voicemail picked up.

A surge of unease jolted through him. She always answered her phone.

Calm down, she’s probably in the shower of something. Just try again later.

Roman ended the call, pacing his room. One Mississippi, two Mississippi…that counted as later, right?

His stomach was a bundle of nerves as he called her again. Nothing had happened to her, right? Carlo would make sure she was ok. The nerves increased, and he was just about to panic when she finally picked up.

“Hello?” Her voice was quiet.

Relief filled his veins. “Maya? Are you ok?”

“Yeah. I’m just…I’m at home.”

“Oh.” Roman blew out a breath, sinking down into an armchair. “Adri said she was calling you but you didn’t answer.”

“Oh. Yeah. I was—well, I was talking to my dad.”

He immediately sat up in concern. “How did it go?” His tone was sympathetic.

Maya sighed. “It was, you know, awkward. But things are getting…better between us. Roman—“

“Hmm?”

A pause. “Um, I think I’m going to go take a shower. I’ll talk to you later, ok?”

“Oh. Ok.” Roman couldn’t help but be disappointed. He wanted to talk to her a little more. “Wait. One more thing. Our anniversary this weekend—“

“Find something nice to wear?” Maya laughed, the sound warming his insides.

He grinned. “How’d you know?”

“Just a hunch,” she replied blithely, throwing his earlier words back at him. “Don’t worry, I won’t embarrass you, Grumpy.”

“I’m
not
grumpy,” he said grumpily, then stopped as she laughed again. “Whatever. If I am, you just make me that way.”

“Sure,” she sang. “Good night, boyfriend.”

Roman’s face softened. “Good night, Maya.”

As he got off the phone though, he wondered why there was still some unease left in his stomach.

*              *              *