Chapter 3 You're More Than a Number in My Little Red Book.

Gentle brush through my hair woke me up.

I jumped away from Cosimo.

He looked mad. He licked his lips and stood up from the bed.

- We'll be landing soon, baby girl..

He left. The peace that came with him closing the doors was indescribable. I took a deep breath and got up to the sink. I looked at myself in the mirror. I tried fixing my smudged mascara but without my bag it was impossible. I cleaned my lipstick off with a wet hand towel and cleaned my face as much as possible, before bursting into another crying fit.

'Come on girl! You can do it! Your father is a bloody police officer! You can do it!' - I shook myself and continued my pep talk. God knows how much I would give for a cigarette. This whole thing was so messed up. 'how the hell did I get into this mess?'.

He wanted obedience from me. Devotion. I didn't even know him. I thought he would be a random one night stand and he would fuck off from my life. All I wanted was to be myself all over again.

After cleaning myself up I walked out from my cabinet.

- Bella.. - he got up from his seat as if nothing happened. Three men from the airport were sitting at the absolute end of the plane.

I didn't say anything and sat right in front of him. He was angry but tried to hide it. He

- I want my phone back

- You'll get it back when it's the right time.

- Now.. The right time is now.

- No.

His eyes darken up all over again and I could feel the temperature rising in my body. I was furious.

- I thought about what you said... - I began looking outside the window. Plane slowly started lowering itself down. - what if I don't want to fall in love with you? I don't want your money, your.. Whatever.

- My offer is.. you give me a chance and I'll do everything in this whole wild world to make it happen. But there must be strict rules.

- Yes "Mr Grey" . - I laughed ironically and turned away.

- I just need you to obey me. I need you to show me what you want. In a way.. Help me. Help me understand Esme.

- You want me to help you? - I laughed sarcastically.

- I want you to show me...

- You really chose a bad girl for that. I do one night stands and goodbyes in the morning.. My last relationship was a catastrophe and that was back in uni.. You can't surely expect a girl like me to know what to do.. Or what to say in this situation.

- I just wanna please you Esme.

I finally braved looking at him.

- What are the rules then?

- Let's talk about it at home?

He looked with his eyes only on the three men behind me.

~*~

After we got out of the plane, we drove straight to Cosimo's house. It was absolutely huge. On the entrance we awaited a huge golden gate to open and we drove another 10 minutes towards rising in the horizon building. It wasn't a home. It was a palace. Building itself was white with gold details and windows. Drive made out of beige lime stones and perfectly shaped bushes. We walked towards the golden main door through the marble steps. It was safe to say it was beautiful and breathtaking. Inside the building everything was kept in the same baroque style with modern furniture. First thing you saw was a huge marble staircase surrounded by modern painting. Further down to the left were the living room and dining room with huge windows showing off the garden and pool area in the middle of the house.

On the left there was Cosimo's office, ballroom and a library.

- Let's go upstairs I'll show you the rest of the house..

He took my hand and led me upstairs. He showed me rooms I can't go into and room that would have been my bedroom if I chose to stay here. It was beige with modern details,TV, its own small living room and walk-in wardrobe. His bedroom was exactly next door to mine. Similar decor however much bigger. We were sharing a bathroom however in between.

He opened the window curtains and huge door leading to the balcony running throughout the length of the whole outside wall. I braved walking outside. View was even more beautiful than the whole building itself. It took me a second to get it all in. You could see Milan standing proudly on the horizon. Just beneath us was a beautiful long garden full of plants and palm trees.

- This could be all yours baby girl...if you just let me..

He touched my shoulders and arms gently, moving his fingers up and down.

- If I say yes.. What will happen?

Sparkle of hope shone in his eye for a second.

- You'll take the duties of my partner. You'll always be by my side, you will accompany me on any social events, and I'll do my best to make you happy. One day when you're ready... - he walked up to me and whispered directly in my ear. - one day when you're ready I might finally get to rip off those shorts..

A memory of his hands around my waist returned from the morning. I blushed. Hoping that he wouldn't notice I walked away.

- So you want to be a boyfriend girlfriend without knowing anything about me?

- I know, I want you.. I need you. You can give whatever title to it. I don't want you a prisoner.

- But you kidnapped me here and decided to throw me around in the process..

- It's more difficult than that.

- Is it now?

I shook my head in disbelief. He couldn't be actually serious. But I also saw something else. Humility. His head dropped and he leaned on the balustrade. He looked ashamed.

- You see Esme.. - he broke our silence. - I never had a girlfriend. I worked hard for what I have now, I made a lot of people afraid of me.. But that got me all of this. I come from a family with tradition, you know? Man of the house and all that.. It wasn't for me. Getting a whore to hook up with was much easier..

I did not want to stop him but didn't particularly want to hear all of that. Not knowing how to respond I just smiled slightly. The silence was killing me. I leaned next to him both staring at one point on the wall.

- I'm a difficult person because I led a difficult life and sometimes I overreact to disobedience.. That's why it's so important for me that you would.. I don't want to hurt you Esme. There's a long way in front of us and it's not gonna be easy.. But just give me a chance.

I licked and bit my lips. This was not happening. I wasn't actually getting convinced, was I?

I'm such a softy.

What in Stockholm Syndrome was all of this? His looks didn't help either. His perfectly shaped face with deep brown eyes and beautiful full lips. All I could think was his body all over mine.

'Esme. Stop. This. Now..' I thought to myself.

- How about that coffee you promised me then? I'm starving!

I grabbed his hand and pulled him back in the room. He smiled and let me out of the room first. We walked back down and straight outside.

- Sposta la mia riunione alle 8 di stasera...- he threw it randomly towards the same guy from the car.

- Certo signore.

I just smiled and followed Cosimo to the main exit. From there we turned right and walked for a bit in silence.

- Where we going?

- For a coffee, don't we?

- So what? Now you're gonna fly me to India? - I laughed and stepped forward in front of him. I turned around and walked backwards.

- Be careful or I just might..

We both smiled and as I was about to speak I tripped. I could just feel the limestones cutting my head open, when a strong grip pulled me back and held me in place.

- Shit. - I grabbed my lips with my hand. - sorry..

He put me right back.

- Be careful alright? I want you alive - he smiled and continued walking.

I followed and caught up with him.

- So... who are you?

- What you mean?

- Like what do you do for a living? This - I pointed at the whole property with my hands - didn't come from pocket money...

- No. - he laughed. - I owe a few businesses. I started with a club.. Now I own a couple of Italians' best restaurants and hotels in New York and London. On top of that I have many small.. Questionably legal businesses.

- Yhym.. - I smiled with a bit of 'bitchy' attitude mixed in it.

We walked another five minutes and we found ourselves near a huge five door garage hidden in between the forest.

Cosimo opened the door with some code and all five doors opened at once.

- Choose one.. - he pointed with his hand toward five cars inside.

- Holy fuck...

Inside there were two Aston Martins, one SUV looking car, a BMW and some unknown to me brand, quite clearly Italian. All looked very sexy even for a girl who had absolutely no clue about cars. I stood there with my arms crossed not believing what I saw.

- I might have a small obsession you see..

He leaned on the garage wall and smiled. I walked inside the garage. I stood behind one of the cars. Aston Martin DB11. Dad spoke to me about it. I have no interest in car so I hardly listen. This one was in a beautiful champagne gold colour with gorgeous white leather seats and it was convertible. Everything about that car screamed sexappeal and I needed it. I crossed my arms again and pointed at it shyly with just my finger.

- Good choice. - he grabbed the keys from a locker inside the garage and unlocked the car.

I quickly got into it. Still smelled brand new. Looked it as well. The Sun was settling slowly outside. I looked at the time on the screen in the middle. Nearly 5:00 o'clock. Cosimo jumped right next to me and turned on the engine. Roof automatically started folding itself. I sat there excited like a 3 year old. Cosimo raved its engine and smiled as I jumped in my seat. I felt cheap but in the best way you can.

We drove out of the property minutes later. We made our way all the way to the town centre. Just me and him, no cars following us around, no drivers, no security or assistance.

Milan was beautiful. I fell in love with its baroque architecture and beautiful, full of character streets. Cosimo took his time to show me Duomo di Milan and told me all about the sculpture of the saints on top of it. He pointed out La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the most beautiful shopping gallery in Milan. It definitely did impress me.

Cosimo stopped his car directly in front of the gallery and turned off the engine.

- We need to walk from now on..

- I think it's the most complicated, longest coffee date anyone ever took me on.

- I like to impress.

I undone my belt and got out of the car. Two police officers made their way towards us. Only then I noticed that we weren't actually parked in a parking spot.

Buonasera signora.. - one of them smiled politely.

- Hi... - I smiled awkwardly back.

Cosimo's door closed and he appeared near me. Police faces turned white and very much concerned. It made me feel slightly uncomfortable.

- Buonasera signora, problema? - Cosimo looked cheerier than ever I saw him before.

- Buonasera signore, no, nessun problema..Divertiti stasera. - they tilted their hats and walked away.

- What did you just say to them? - I looked completely confused at my now apparent partner in crime.

- Nothing. I asked them if there was a problem. There wasn't...

- But they came up to me..

- Don't worry about it too much love.

- OK.

We walked away and gave the car the last glance. Officers were long gone. We walked forward in the slowly dimming sunlight of Milan. Sun goes down here much later than in England. Everything looked like it was painted in orange. I did a small turn on my heel and just let it all soak in. I've heard stories of Italy being incredibly beautiful but never had the opportunity to experience it. Cosimo stood in one place staring and waiting for me. He pulled a cigarette and in that moment even he looked painted. He fitted the whole picture perfectly. Plaza started being more and more busy with people going to bars and wineries. Girls in beautiful sparkly dresses probably cost more than my whole life. Their long legs ended with beautiful Lou Boutines. I smiled at them and immediately realised how underdressed in this city I look. In London I simply blended in, here I stood out as the sad one.

'what does he want from me when he has options like that right under his nose?' I thought as I walked back in his direction. Some girls sent him small kisses and waves. He instead grabbed my arm knotting them together and walked further with me hand to hand. He continued smoking and I for the first time realised that I am falling for him. Falling for his lies and for his behaviour, falling for Milan.

- Yes. - I stopped in one place and looked at him. - Yes, let's do it. It's crazy, it's stupid..but we... let's try making this work. I can always work from here and I'll need to visit my dad a few times.. - I paused and he looked at me carefully. - it's absolutely nuts.. I met you yesterday.

I threw my hand in the air. He looked at me even more carefully this time. There was something unreadable in his face. He looked confused.

- You sure?

- I can always change my mind now...

- NO! Oh god no... - he grabbed my face and kissed my forehead.

He finally got to the bottom of the road and saw Navigli district, crossed by canals. The most picturesque of Milan. This is what the essence of Italy looked like for me. Two streets full of bars and pubs, little vintage shops and cafés. People sitting drinking wine and shouting happily one on top of the other. We walked down one side and somewhere between one restaurant and the other we found small blue doors. They looked old and sad. Smell from inside only screamed and begged to open the doors and let ourselves in. Elderly man stood near the cash till counting money. There was nobody in.

Giuseppe!

- Cosimo! Bambino! - The gentleman threw himself at Cosimo and gave him a kiss on the hand. - Sono chiuso ora.

- Just one coffee, Giuseppe? - he looked up at the man with a huge smile at him. I started wondering if it was his grandad.

- Inglese? Americano?- Giuseppe pointed at me and with an unbelieving smile he walked behind the counter. He threw his arms in the air and shook his head.

Inglese..

- Buongiorno Lady.. - he smiled and stammered clearly struggling with English.

- Buonasera! - I cheered back at him.

- I like her. Keep her. - Giuseppe began starting his coffee machine.

- Thank you. - I sent them both a smile and walked away towards the pastries and cakes display fridge. They looked amazing.

Cosimo and Giuseppe continued to talk about something in Italian while I had a wonder. Walls were covered in pictures of Milan throughout history. Famous people who visited this cafe included people like Frank Sinatra or Barbara Streisand.

There were medals for best coffee dating back to 1956. I sat down at the table near the front window.

Cosimo brought our coffees on a plastic tray. Such a strange view. Man who has everything and a person from every task bringing his own coffee on an old 80s tray.

I giggled when he nearly spilled it everywhere, so Giuseppe clearly told him off.

I took my cup from him and added a sachet of sugar. Coffee smelled incredible. You could sense a touch of vanilla and coco in it. In taste it was so smooth and delicate. I felt like travelling in time with every sip. In my head I moved back to 1950 to the opening of the cafe.

I looked embarrassed at Cosimo who just sat comfortably on his chair and stared at me. He smiled with the corner of his lips and took another sip.

- Told you, the best coffee in the world..

- You were right.

- Close your eyes again.

I looked at him unsure and followed his request.

- Open your mouth.. - I opened my eyes back up and squinted my eyes. - Trust me.. - I closed my eyes and slightly opened my mouth.

I could hear him get up and come back after a minute. I sat patiently waiting.

- Bite.. - The strong smell of pastry overwhelmed my nostrils. I bit it and the crumbs of the pastry floated around my mouth.

It tasted of lemon and cream, but nothing like I had before in my life. It was delicate and smooth. I opened my chewing and gave Cosimo a very much approving look.

- Told you. Only the best for you. - he smiled and licked powdered sugar out of his fingers. - Cannoli. No one does it like our Giuseppe.

I cleaned the corner of my lips and had another sip. We sat enjoying a bit of peace together. Completely in silence. Giuseppe must have disappeared to the back and it was just me and him. He looked incredibly handsome in the light of fairy lights outside shining throughout the whole street.

- So you are a businessman, the whole Milan is scared of you, women desperately want you, you seem to know everyone in here.. You could have had any woman in this whole world, yet you come to London and choose me. Why?

- Because you're not them and they're not..

I sat back on my chair and tried to stop myself from smiling while keeping my dignity.

- Smooth talking... I like that. - I finished the coffee. - you're gonna be late. - I looked up at the clock above him on the wall showing quarter to seven.

- They can wait.

- I thought you had a meeting..?

- They can wait for me, baby girl.. In this city. People wait for me and I make the rules.. - he leaned his elbows on the table.

- I have noticed.. - I looked him straight in the eyes.

Cosimo finished his coffee and placed €200 on the table. I guess a guy like him can afford it. He shouted goodbye to Giuseppe who was now closing up his store and I just politely waved.

We walked back the same way. Place filled in with tourists and partying people. It was now loud and full of life and energy. Couples making out in the middle of the street and people cheering.

We walked back to the car and drove slowly leaving shining Milan in the back.