Leah's Seduction: 6 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction)

GIANNI AND LEAH

LEAH’S SEDUCTION 6

A Rinaldi Romance

By

Emily Jane Trent

Chapter 1

After a weekend in the playroom, Leah became more possessive of Gianni. She didn’t want to share him, and jealousy had surged when she’d seen him chatting with a model in GR Showroom. Fashion models were abundant in Gianni’s business. But that didn’t stop Leah from envying the attention Gianni gave them.

In the months Leah had been with him, the way she acted, and even dressed, had changed. Gianni praised her often, which boosted her confidence. Still, next to a glamorous model, she shrank with self-doubt.

Gianni liked her voluptuous figure, and was quick to tell her so. But what did the most for her esteem was the way he treated her privately. Leah felt like a princess, the way he swept her away to romantic places, bought her gifts, and entertained her.

When he cherished Leah like that, it touched her deeply. But she could have done without all of it, as long as she could have the intimate moments that meant so much more. When Gianni asked, she shared how she felt about the scenes they played out. But the prose that filled her journal said a lot more.

I spent the weekend with Gianni, and it wasn’t the first time. Yet, locked away in the playroom, he was hotter than before. The privacy of the room, and its sensual décor, transports me to new places. Places I’ve longed for, but only Gianni can guide me there.

Just looking at the implements Gianni could use to bring sensation sends heat rushing through my veins. He would have to do nothing more than stand quietly while I imagine what he will do with me in the room. That alone would stir my arousal and awaken my craving. Being in his presence is enough.

Since Gianni taught me to kneel and wait for him, I’ve looked forward to doing so. Naked and with my eyes downcast, I honor him. I give him control, and let him know that I am his to command. When he orders me, it makes me feel wanted in a way I haven’t before.

I desire his control, and there is no greater pleasure for me than to submit. I’ve discovered that when Gianni binds me, and I am at his mercy, it gives me a sense of release. He gives me permission to let go, and not to hide my true urges.

If he strokes me gently, or whips me expertly with a crop, both satisfy a deep longing. And both tell me that Gianni cares. He cares about giving me pleasure, and is willing to edge toward pain to do so. Whether sweet or fierce, his ministration is all that I need.

I have faith in him. Each time he crosses over some new limit, it is exhilarating. My anxiety is soon quelled by Gianni’s strength. With him by my side, I can go further. I feel safe to do so. I want to, more than I can even express to him.

But I think he knows. Gianni reads my emotions and physical signs, always seeming to know when I need more. Or when I am pushed as far as I am able, for that session. The thrill of everything he does with me doesn’t fade. It clings and caresses me, even when he is not around.

All day, even when I’m at work, Gianni is in my thoughts. I feel him near; remember how it felt to have his hands on me. And how exciting it was when he asked more of me than I thought I could give. But then I do. I always do.

Gianni shows me what I am capable of. He sees my need without hearing the words. And he wants to know what I feel. He cares. I hope that I will be able to share more with him. But voicing what burns inside is not an easy thing. Not nearly as easy as divulging everything to a journal that no one but me will ever read.

*****

The vintage clothing show at the Metropolitan Pavilion introduced timeless and impeccably tailored garments from top vintage sellers. The clothes were displayed on one massive floor, available for purchase after the event.

The collections were modeled on a catwalk that was a long white carpet stretched over the wooden floors. On both sides were attendees, some snapping pictures and others scribbling notes. Leah’s eyes gradually adjusted to the bright lights overhead, spotlighting the models as they glided down the walk.

Kyra modeled a floor-length black dress with long sheer sleeves. Another time she came out wearing a retro-looking fur jacket. The show featured a curated collection of some of the best vintage styles, and the look definitely suited Leah’s friend.

The seat next to Leah was empty. Gianni was standing off to the back, whispering with another buyer. When the lights went up after the show, since he looked busy, Leah made her way to the dressing room to find Kyra.

The room was crowded with models, but Kyra spotted her and waved. Beside her was Gianni’s sister. Winding through people, Leah made it over to the dressing table.

Daniela gave her a hug. “Hey, Leah, good to see you. I watched from the side of the curtain. Didn’t Kyra look great?”

Leah grinned. “Yes, for sure.” She looked over at Kyra, who was removing makeup with a cloth. “You were so great out there, Kyra. That style is you.”

Kyra laughed. “You think so? It was fun. And Daniela made my makeup look great.”

Leah chatted with them for a few minutes, while Kyra got into her street clothes. “Did I tell you we had dinner the other night with Jacob and Vivie?” she said.

Daniela nodded. “Gianni texted and told me you were going to. Isn’t Vivie nice?”

“Yes, she is,” Leah said, “and Jacob too. They aren’t in town that much, so I’m glad I got the chance to meet them. Jacob looks like your father. And all the men in your family I’ve met have those striking blue eyes.” She was about to say more when she caught sight of Gianni outside the doorway. One of the models was speaking to him, and he smiled.

Leah reacted in the pit of her stomach, and was unable to look away.

Daniela glanced at her brother, then touched Leah’s arm. “What’s the matter?”

She tried to shrug it off, but unsuccessfully. “I just…I see Gianni over there,” Leah said.

“You aren’t jealous, are you?” Daniela said, staring at her.

Glancing down, Leah said, “I can’t help it.”

“Don’t be jealous,” Daniela said. “He isn’t going to fall for any of these models. He is crazy about you.”

Leah’s cheeks warmed. “I wish he’d tell
me
that.” She blurted it out before she considered what she was saying.

Kyra watched them, hearing everything.

Daniela shook her head. “He’s my brother. I know him. And Gianni has not acted like this with any other woman.”

Leah widened her eyes. “Like what?”

“Like I said…like he’s crazy about you,” Daniela said.

Kyra chimed in: “I agree with Daniela. I see it too.”

“I’m glad you both have such confidence.” Leah looked at them. “And I know you are trying to make me feel better. I shouldn’t be jealous. It’s hard not to, though.”

“I’m not trying to make you feel better,” Daniela said. “It’s the truth.”

Leah hugged her. “Thanks.” She noticed the bodyguard outside the door. “Is it going okay?” she asked Daniela. “With your protection, I mean? No more incidents?”

“Nope. Not since Gianni posted a guard to follow me everywhere.” Daniela smiled.

“I guess he has to keep protection on all of us,” Kyra said, and they all laughed.

Leah looked toward the hall, and saw Gianni shaking hands with a buyer she recognized. “I’ll go see if Gianni’s done with business for now,” she said. “I’ll talk to both of you later.”

As she walked toward the hall, Gianni spotted her. In his tailored blazer and matching slacks, he looked so handsome. Whether in business attire, jeans, or completely naked, the sight of him made Leah swoon. She smiled.

“Hi, baby,” he said. “Ready to go?” Gianni wrapped his arm around her, and Leah forgot all about being jealous.

“I’m ready,” she said, noticing the gleam in Gianni’s eye when she said it.

“Let’s go, then.”

Gianni took her to a gastropub in the East Village for cocktails. In the limo on the way over, he chatted about the fashions, and mentioned a couple of marketing ideas. He asked what Leah thought. He talked with her about business more often than he used to, which was a step in the right direction.

When his phone rang, Gianni lifted it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. Looking over, Leah saw that the caller was
Marnie
. The name brought back her jealousy from earlier, and added to it.

She had never gotten a real answer from Gianni about who the woman was.

“Marnie,” he said. “Yes, I’ll be there. I’ve made the arrangements. Thanks for checking…okay, talk to you soon.”

The call was over that fast, and Gianni slipped the phone into his pocket as though nothing had happened. Leah stared at him.

Smiling, he turned to look at her. “I suppose you want to know what that call was about?”

“Why are you grinning at me?” Leah said. “What do you know that I don’t?”

Gianni squeezed her thigh. “It’s business, like I told you before. But I wasn’t able to share the details.”

“Now you are?”

He nodded. “It’s a new department I’ve set up in Chicago. And Marnie is the business broker. She handled the sale for the prior owner.”

“Oh.” Leah felt bad for jumping to conclusions.

“I didn’t say anything until the operation was set up, and stable. Only Joshua and Dawson knew about it.”

“What is it?”

Gianni gave a low chuckle. “It’s the
opposite
of the information I’ve been feeding Vadim.”

Leah raised her brows.

“While I’ve led your boss to believe that the top-end fashions will soon be more in demand than ever, quite the opposite is true. In fact, the new wave is toward what’s called
fast fashion
.”

“I’ve heard of it, but don’t know a lot about it.”

“The idea is making affordable fashions modeled after designer wear. The cost is more reasonable for the consumer, but any lost revenue is more than made up for by volume.”

“So you’re expecting a high volume of sales in fast fashion?”

“Yes, and that is why I set up a factory in Chicago. It will allow us to make garments available within weeks, instead of months.”

“It sounds brilliant.”

“I believe so,” Gianni said. “We will see. But so far, things are going well.”

“Very interesting.”

“I thought you would think so.” Gianni put his arm around her. “I’m going to Chicago to check on the operation, and will see Marnie while I’m there.”

Leah’s heart sank.

“And I’d like you to go with me,” he said. “I think you will get something out of seeing the operation now that it is running.” Gianni touched her jaw with his fingertips. “Plus, we can enjoy Chicago.” He paused. “Would you like that?”

Leah pressed against him. “Yes, I would,” she said. “When do you leave?”

“Friday morning,” Gianni said. “And we will return Sunday night.”

The fact that he was including her in a business trip made Leah feel good. She was more a part of his life. Plus, she would have Gianni for the weekend, which made it even better. Chicago wasn’t that far away, but Leah had not made the trip before.

It would be exciting to see the city. And she would get to see Marnie. It was a relief to know the woman was not a rival as Leah had once feared, and it would be good to meet her. At the moment, it seemed Leah had nothing to worry about. Gianni didn’t have his eye on another woman. Not that she could tell.

But she wasn’t certain that jealousy wouldn’t rear its head again. Holding on to a sexy guy like Gianni wasn’t easy on her. No matter how much he reassured her, Leah knew the possibility existed that she could lose him. After all, he hadn’t yet said he loved her, or made any permanent commitment. Nor did she know if he would.

Chapter 2

Instead of staying in a hotel, Gianni chose a bed and breakfast for the trip to Chicago. The Italian-themed Villa D’Citta was in the trendy Lincoln Park neighborhood. Everything from the décor to the coffee to the food had the feel of romantic Tuscany.

“Since we were recently in Tuscany,” Gianni said, “I thought it would be perfect.”

It was close to shopping, restaurants, and the nightlife Chicago had to offer. The Grand Tuscan Suite had an oversized marble tub, a full steam shower, and an elegant canopy bed. There was a fireplace, an outdoor terrace, and beautiful hardwood floors.

Leah put her arms around Gianni’s neck. “If you bring me to a huge, luxurious room like this, I won’t want to leave it.”

He kissed her tenderly. “You will when you see what I have planned.”

“What? I can’t wait.”

Gianni laughed. “First, we have to meet Marnie, and stop by the factory. Then I want to show you some of the city, and at sunset I’ve chartered a helicopter ride.”

“You’re kidding.”

“The city is really something to see at sunset. I’ve talked with people who have lived in this city for years, and seen everything numerous times. But they say the view is not to be missed from the sky.” He hugged her tighter. “And I brought a camera. Chances are we’ll get some great shots.”

After leaving their room, the first stop was a large factory on the north side of the city. The space was crowded with workers and their machines. It had very low ceilings and smelled of mothballs. Gianni guided her around so they could take a look.

In the upstairs pressing room, a worker finished up pressing a silk jacket cuff, and Leah was impressed with how he had been able to make the cuff lie flat. It was flawlessly pressed. Then in one long area were rows of sewers working on their industrial machines.

Despite all the activity, the place was spotless and organized. Gianni explained that in addition to handling bridal wear, the operation specialized in finely crafted apparel that was patterned after high-end designer fashions. That division was primed for expansion.

On the way out, they passed large tables where pattern makers worked with designs and cut the fabrics. Gianni spoke to the factory manager while Leah looked around more. She saw some lovely fashions ready to be delivered, and marveled at the expertise of the factory workers.

After leaving, they met Marnie in the north end at a small trattoria serving homemade pasta. As it turned out, Marnie was easy to connect with. She was dressed for business in a designer suit, but was relaxed over lunch.

While they sipped wine, Gianni went over some business details with Marnie. The factory purchase had long since been completed, so he mainly filled her in on the progress he’d made with his new division. And thanked her again for playing her part in securing the deal.

After saying goodbye to Marnie, it was time to see more of the city. Gianni took Leah to the Art Institute of Chicago. It was much smaller than the Museum of Contemporary Art. The institute offered a variety of exhibitions. That day a wide range of artworks were available for viewing, including paintings, sculptures, and a film from an independent filmmaker.

Gianni’s love of art was contagious, and Leah found she was engrossed in the exhibition. She asked all kinds of questions, and discovered a lot about the artists as well as their works. Her appreciation of the subject expanded, and she looked forward to learning more.

The highlight of the day was the sunset helicopter ride. It was a clear day, and the bright yellow sun hung low in the sky. Rays of light like golden rods shot through the tops of the downtown buildings. The sun dipped lower, and the scene darkened, casting amber light against the concrete skyscrapers.

Then it was dark, and the city lit up like a holiday tree, turning a radiant golden orange. They flew over lakes and landmarks, catching glimpses of Chicago’s famous architecture and skyline. All the while, Gianni snapped pictures. Leah saw Trump Tower, rising taller than the buildings around it. Spotting Wrigley Field, she nudged Gianni, who nodded and smiled. Even in the dark, the white lights glowed around the perimeter, making the field’s green grass visible.

The ride had been noisy, and Leah’s head was still buzzing when they landed back at Midway Airport. The thrill of flying through the air with a bird’s-eye view of the city had been exhilarating, and it was something she wouldn’t soon forget.

*****

The next morning, they got up early, and took time to lounge around their room. There was a lot to see in Chicago, and there was no way to get to it all in one weekend. So they relaxed and planned out their day. The private suite had a gourmet kitchen fully stocked with food.

Instead of cooking, Gianni opted to have French toast delivered to the room, and they ate breakfast in front of the fireplace. The delicious toast was smothered in pecans and blueberries. They sipped earthy-tasting coffee made from a blend roasted only for the bed and breakfast.

“Mmm, everything is delicious,” Leah said.

Gianni wore jeans and cotton shirt, looking as delectable as the food tasted. “I agree.” He leaned back and put his feet up on the coffee table. “I’m glad you’re having a good time.”

He could be so tender, and Gianni’s interest in her welfare didn’t seem to wane. “I am,” she said. “And we still have two days to enjoy Chicago.” Leah pushed her plate back and pulled her legs underneath her to get comfortable on the sofa.

Gianni’s blue-gray eyes looked especially sexy. “Feel like talking?”

Leah had a feeling what he wanted to talk about, and took a breath. “Sure.”

“I want you to know that you can talk with me. Say what you feel. Ask anything if you need to.” Gianni pulled his legs off the table, and leaned forward with his elbows on his thighs. “You are free to do so now.”

Leah gazed at his sculpted thighs, then up into his eyes. “You make it sound so formal.”

A smile touched his lips. “I don’t mean to.”

Wrapping her arms together, Leah looked at the crackling fire for a minute, then back at Gianni. “Well, since you asked.” She paused, debating if she should say something or not. “I have been feeling jealous.”

The look on Gianni’s face told her that he hadn’t been expecting that. “You are jealous of another woman?”

“Not one in particular,” she said. “I’m jealous of any woman that you pay attention to.” Leah took a breath. “Am I being too honest?”

He shook his head. “No, not at all. I’m just surprised, that’s all. I thought I showed you in so many ways how much I crave you.”

“You do, but…”

He waited.

“I just…well, I don’t want to put pressure on you,” Leah said. “I’m just trying to understand.”

“How I feel about other women?”

“I guess so.”

“Well, you should know that I’m not in the habit of being with more than one woman at a time. That should give you confidence that I don’t have my eye on anyone else, since we are together.”

Leah shrugged. “That makes sense.” She thought it over. “What about Ava? I guess I don’t fully understand. How could you be with her for so long, and share the playroom, but not love her?”

Gianni looked thoughtful. “I suppose I didn’t think about that. In any relationship such as we had, there is a degree of caring. I’ve known of situations where the submissive was used for sexual pleasure alone.”

Leah hung on his every word.

“But that’s not my style. In any relationship I’ve had, there has been compassion, a certain level of fondness. Love, if you will.”

“But not being
in love
?”

“No, I think that’s different.” Gianni furrowed his brow. “And Ava had issues with that. She needed the connection, and it worked for us both. For a while.” He paused and leaned back in the chair. “It can be exhilarating to feel deeply connected to someone, to see into another’s soul, and feel intimately understood by them.”

Leah clasped her hands together, anxious for him to go on.

“But as in any relationship, it’s essential to recognize the difference between infatuation and mutual understanding,” Gianni said.

“What do you mean exactly?”

He crossed his legs, resting one ankle over the opposite thigh. “Infatuation happens fast. It’s a natural reaction. Mutual understanding unfolds over time. But that didn’t happen between Ava and me.”

Gianni was quiet for a moment before continuing. “I didn’t see soon enough that we were going in different directions. And that led to misunderstanding, disappointment, and frustration.”

“You think Ava was just infatuated with you?” Leah was hung up on that concept, and wondered if Gianni thought the same about her confession of love. But she didn’t think it was the right time to bring it up, and she wasn’t prepared to hear the answer anyway.

“Of course,” Gianni said. “It’s understandable. Ava had to know without a doubt that I had her safety, both emotional and physical, in mind during every session. That degree of trust, and the scene that follows, involves intense emotion.”

“Yes, it does for me.”

“It would for any woman,” Gianni said, then shook his head. “But I’m not perfect. Not at all.” He looked sad. “I misjudged. And I misread the situation. I regret what Ava went through.”

“Why was that your fault?”

“I don’t say
fault
.” Gianni looked into Leah’s eyes. “But she trusted me, and I was responsible for handling that wisely. When I saw that she wanted more than I was going to give, and that her emotions were magnified, out of proportion to my own…well, I should have acted.”

Leah’s heart went out to him.

“Yet I didn’t.” Gianni shook his head. “Then all I could do was minimize the damage as best I could.”

“It was an honest mistake.”

“That’s kind of you to see it that way.” Gianni sighed. “All I could really do was move on. And do my best to see that Ava would be all right…without me.”

“I am sure she will be,” Leah said. “I’m wondering…it seems you put a lot of responsibility on yourself. Is it the same with us?”

“Yes, it is,” Gianni said. “If I misjudge during a scene…you always have your safe word. But if you had to say that word, it would be clear to me that I hadn’t watched closely enough. I’d pushed too much. And that could affect your trust. It would be a little like starting over.”

“That hasn’t happened with us.”

“No, and that is good. The intimate scenes we experience together depend on me knowing you, and how you feel. It’s an empathic process, where I am aware of your reactions, both physical and emotional.”

Leah stood and went over to him. She sat on the padded arm of the chair, and Gianni put his arm around her. “You asked me to tell you how I feel about what we do, about certain scenes. Yet it seems that you often know. You can tell without me saying anything.”

“I try to.” Gianni looked thoughtful. “But that’s not enough. I need to hear what you feel when we are together. Some things can’t be sensed. They must be spoken.” He pulled her onto his lap and ran a fingertip over her lips.

Leah touched his cheek, wanting to fall into him.

“I want to hear you say it,” he said. “What is it like for you when we try a new scene? What do you feel when you don’t know what to expect? Do you trust me? Is there anything you want to tell me about what you like, or what you don’t?”

His caring words made Leah melt. He did care, and that meant a lot. “As you say, what we do depends on trust. And I do trust you.” She took a breath before continuing. “There is nothing we have done so far that I haven’t liked.”

Gianni stroked her hair, waiting for her to go on.

“I admit that sometimes in the beginning I’m nervous. It’s just that it’s new. You might be doing something I haven’t experienced before. I know you won’t hurt me. But just the
idea
of pain can set off emotions inside me.”

“Yes, that plays a big part.”

“But after the anxiety and fear dissolve, and I let myself be guided by your strength, then I’m okay. Afterwards I feel very calm, and taken care of.” Leah’s body warmed at the memories. “You give me so much pleasure. The edge of pain is eventually pleasure as well.”

Gianni touched her cheek, making her tingle. Then he pressed his soft lips to hers, kissing her in a way that said he understood. That he cared, and he knew her better than any man had before. It said how he felt better than words could have.