Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

“Kyra!” Chelsea, dressed in sweats and a coat to ward of the winter chill, waved happily.

Kyra’s mood instantly brightened. “Hey!”  She ran up the porch and opened her arms as Chelsea hurled herself in to her arms. “How are you?”

“I’m great.”

“What are you up to this fine Saturday afternoon?”

“I was just relaxing and reading. Hey, mom! Kyra is here!”

Deborah’s head appeared around the door. “Kyra. What a pleasant surprise.”

“Hi, Deborah. Sorry to drop by without notice. I just…” Felt depressed and wanted a little sunshine. Seeing Chelsea look so healthy and happy was her sunshine.  “I wanted to make sure you two were okay and getting on in the house and everything.”

Deborah gave her a quick hug. “You can stop by anytime. You’re all Chelsea talks about. And we’re doing great. This place is lovely.”

“We love it here, ” Chelsea piped in. “When you and your really hot boyfriend are finished renovation our building, I’m going to miss this place.”

Deborah gasped. “Chelsea!”

“What? Mr. Bianchi is hot.”

Kyra pursed her lips. That he is, Chels, that he is. “It’s okay Deborah.”

“See mom? Kyra is totally cool with me acknowledging her boyfriend’s hotness. Hey, do you think I can see him soon, Kyra? I really want to thank him again for hooking me up with that doctor lady.”

“Chelsea, please rephrase,” Deborah said sternly.

Chelsea rolled her eyes. “I mean, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Bianchi for his help with finding me that specialist and taking care of the fees for my treatment. He’s an awesome guy.” She gave her mom a was that better look and Deborah nodded.

“I’ll tell him to stop by,” Kyra said, fighting back her laughter.

“Great. I’m going to get my phone so I can show you some pictures from my school trip last week.”

“Awesome, go ahead.”

When she disappeared inside, Deborah turned to Kyra. “She’s so full of energy. She’s driving me crazy and I love it. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done, Kyra. You and Ricardo are angels. Chelsea’s leukemia is in remission. Can you believe it?”

Kyra beamed. “I’m so happy for you both Deborah.” For the first time that day, she felt peace flood her. Knowing Chelsea was alright made her day better.

After spending more time with Chelsea and listening to stories about her school trip, Kyra took her leave. Alone, her encounter with Allegra played in her mind, darkening her mood. She remembered Allegra’s last words, telling her to be careful. She pushed the threat out of her mind, deciding not to worry about the angry words of a bitter woman.

A little while later, she pulled into the underground parking lot of Ricardo’s building. She hoped he was home because she could use a little comfort. She hadn’t bothered to call him, knowing he would have a busy day. With a weary sigh she stepped off the elevator into the private hallway leading to Ricardo’s penthouse.

She slipped off her shoes at the door and let out relieved hum. Then took off her coat. “Ugh, thank, God.” Her feet practically screamed their gratitude. A deep chuckle caught her attention and she spun around with a smile.

“I don’t know why you women do that to yourselves,” Ricardo eyed her ridiculously high heels with a raised brow.

“You’re home.” She stepped into his arms with a broad grin. Seeing him was always the highlight of her day. Nowadays, they worked in the same office but she didn’t see him much, since she was usually on the road working as his Communications Officer. She relayed with families in the same way she did as a social worker, except working with Ricardo was less stressful and the workload much smaller.

“I left the office a bit earlier today. How did it go?”

Of course, he was referring to her meeting with Allegra. When her face fell and her shoulders drooped, he sighed. “I figured it wouldn’t go well,” he said sympathetically. “Which is why I made sure I had everything prepared.”

She frowned. “Everything like what?”

He took her hand and led her to the balcony. The small table was set with two wine glasses, small plates and a box with chocolate cake. He draped a blanket around her shoulders. “I know that when my lady is upset, she needs wine and chocolate cake.”

Kyra eyed the cake hungrily and sat on one of the lounge chairs. “You know, I think it’s your fault why I’ve put on a few pounds.”

His eyes drifted over her. “I’m not complaining.” There was a carnal gleam in his eyes but he concealed it quickly. He moved around, serving her a chunk of cake and filling her wine glass. He sat behind her on the lounge and pulled her back against him. Kyra took a sip of wine and relaxed against his chest. She loved being close to him. She wanted to be close at all times. “Do you want to talk about what happened today?”

Kyra took a bite of the sweet, treat and sighed. “This is delicious.” She turned on his lap to face him. “Things didn’t go as I had hoped with Allegra. She was hostile.” Anger flashed in his eyes. “But I handled her rather well. You would have been proud.”

He gave her a small smile and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Good.”

“She didn’t deny drugging me three months ago.” Her eyes filled with tears when his brows lifted. “You don’t seem surprised.”

Ricardo sighed. “I could see from early on that she wasn’t genuine, Kyra. I even wondered how you two were so close.”

“So, I was a blind fool. I was too naïve.” Or maybe she had been so happy that she had a friend. There weren’t many of those going around for her at the time.

His hand caressed her cheek. “Why do you always do that? Blame yourself for things that are not your doing. I need you to stop. Do you hear me?”

She nodded, her expression forlorn. Taking another bite of cake because it made her feel better, she fell silent for a while. Ricardo was quiet allowing her time with her thoughts. “I was so disappointed and hurt. I really considered her my best friend. She was the only one that looked past my shyness and befriended me. She went out of her way to hurt me because she found out about us.”

He stiffened behind her. “I’m sorry, Kyra. She made it clear that she was interested in me but I didn’t think she would stoop to such a level.”

Kyra took a gulp of wine, reluctant to raise the next topic, but she had to know. “Um, Ricardo?”

“Si, cara?”

“Do you find her attractive? You know, do you think she’s better than I am…physically?”

His brows furrowed. “Where is that coming from?” She tried to look away but he grasped her chin, forcing her to look at him. “What did she say to you?”

“It’s really not that important. I’m not worrying about it or anything.”

“Clearly, you are. I know when you’re lying, bellissima.”

“Do you mean it when you call me beautiful, Ricardo?”

“Of course I do, woman. What the hell did that bitch say to you?”

Kyra sighed. “Well, she expressed surprise that you would choose me over her because I’m…black. She implied that maybe you’re just experimenting with me and you’ll tire of me soon. Do you feel like you’ll-“

Ricardo spat out an expletive in his language. “Stop right there, Kyra. You listen me. I don’t care about skin color. I never have and I never will. In fact, I think I fell in love with you before I even laid eyes on you.  When you left that colorful voice message I was intrigued by you, not knowing what you looked like. And when I saw you, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

Kyra’s heart fluttered. Whoa! Pause and rewind! Did he just say… “You fell in love?”

As if just realizing what he just admitted, he gave her a sheepish grin. “I’ve been holding back on that for your benefit. I didn’t want to scare you off with the L word. But, yes, my Nubian queen, I love you.”