Sensual Seduction

The Man Who Can't Be Moved

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player

That struts and frets his hour upon the stage

And then is heard no more

December 1986 Sardinia, Italy

"Mamma dove sei?" wobbly sound resonated within the high pillars of a magnificent Villa as small uneven steps climbed up the ebony tiled staircase, Innocent little face scanned the limitless area but there was no sound except the shriveled movement of something that the little boy was familiar with, his petite feets stepped over the carpeted hallway of the above floor as he looked both ways where the elongated path led to.

"Mamma..?" The boy called out again but only the familiar sound prevailed, he then with his short timid steps covered the distance and stood before the high detailed and precisely carved wooden door.

He gently twisted the doorknob with his tiny fingers and the warmth of the sunlight embraced his face, Now he knew what that familiar sound was as he saw the woman with long brown hair swinging on the rocking chair at a slow pace.

"Mamma! Andiamo fuori gioco!" The boy said lovingly but neither did she turn nor did she speak, the boy silently waited staring at her moving figure.

"Mamma..?" The boy couldnt see the woman entirely as her back was the only thing visible to him.

He knew not why she wasn't answering him as she had never done so before, something wasn't right and the fear of uncertainty was gripping the poor child.

The little boy finding no choice gathered up all his courage and stepped forward to look at the woman who had given him birth. Her green eyes met his green ones.

"Mamma.." she just watched him motionlessly. The little boy touched her angelic face but she didnt move nor did she reach for him to hold him in her arms, her eyes weren't even blinking just seemed bereft of life.The boy then anxiously clutched onto her clothes and shook her up.

"Mamma! Parla con me!" But the boy noticed something that his eyes could scarcely believe. Her beautiful white satin dress was turning into a more horrifying color. A color that's seen when the person's injured. His eyes grew wide as the dark color started spreading from her stomach down to her legs and slowly the dark liquid reached upto his tiny shoes. He looked at his hands and found the dreadful color on his palms. That's when the emotions spiralled out of control within the boy and burst out in the form of an ungodly scream.

"MAMMA!"

The butler was startled by the noise. He immediately turned around to look at his Master. He saw him in the dimlight intensely staring at his own hands and breathing heavily. Sweat glistening on his forehead, trickling down his bare chest. His terrified expression wasnt something new for the Butler. He sighed and then pushed aside the curtains to fill the room with sharp morning sunlight.

"Chiuderlo Antonio!" The butler turned around and saw his Master holding up his hand to block the sunrays directly falling on his face.

"Buongiorno! Master Carlo" He bowed slightly with a pleasant smile

"There's nothing good about this morning, Antonio." His Master spoke sternly as he rubbed off the sweat from his face and reached for the pack of cigarettes kept on the side table. He quickly grabbed one with his lips and burned the tip with his lighter. He then got up from his king size bed and walked over to his balcony.

"You shouldn't be smoking so early in the morning, Master Carlo..Here have this.." The butler offered a glass of fruit juice on a porcelain tray but his Master's eyes remained fixed on watching the scenic beauty of his entire estate. The butler could see how desperately he wanted the smoke to calm his nerves and blur out what he had felt in his dream. He inhaled-exhaled like his life depended on it.

"Her memory still haunts me, Antonio." The Butler exactly knew what his Master meant. "wish I could go back in time and do something...anything." his eyes clearly spoke how lost he felt as he looked back at the Butler holding the lit cigarette between his index and middle finger.

"I wasn't lucky for her..was I, Antonio?" His question was as genuine as his troubled face reflected it to be. The butler smiled warmly and then went back to pick up the ashtray from the coffee table. He placed it on the tray which he still held in his hand then came back and raised it infront of his Master.

"You were the loveliest thing that happened to Madame Elnora, Master Carlo..and if she were alive today she would have been very proud of what you have achieved this far regardless of the varied outcomes." Butler's fair words filled with utmost respect brought a mild smile on his Master's handsome face.

"When do you intend to give up on improving me, Antonio?" His Master chuckled with a wide grin as he burned the cigarette on the ashtray and picked up the juice glass.

"The day I peacefully rest my body in the coffin, Master Carlo." The Butler gave a logical reply with a courteous smile "I see..well that's not about to happen anyday soon.. is it?" Master joked at which the Butler shook his head with a smug smile.

"Of course not, Master Carlo..There's a long way for me to go until I be replaced by the one meant for you." Suddenly his Master laughed a loud as he sat over one of the wooden chair and placed his legs on the coffee table one on the other.

"Sadly, Antonio...the one that's meant for me doesn't really care about me." The Butler sighed as he shook his head emphasizing his disinterest. He then folded the bedsheets and organised his Master's bed.

"May I ask how do you certainely know. Master Carlo?" The Butler finally asked his Master who by then had gulped down the entire juice.

"The question is Antonio... how do 'you' not know?" His smirk grew wider as his dark green eyes lightened to an almost aqua colour questioning his Butler's perception. The Butler sighed once more giving up the argument and his eyes suddenly fell over the rose just beside Master's pillow. He picked it up and looked at it as if seeing it for the first time

"It would be kind Antonio.. if you would place it back where it was" Master's voice had suddenly turned dark like a warning to the Butler "But it's wilted Master Carlo..it's bad luck." The Butler spoke up worriedly making his point again.

"According to you.." he spoke accusing the Butler with his eyes "but for me Antonio.. it isn't." The Butler noticed how fondly his Master gazed at the dried flower.

"Master Carlo, I hope this doesn't have something to do with. ."

"Please keep it back, Antonio, before I loose my temper.." It didnt quite seem like it was just a mere rose in Master's eyes but something of value and the more Butler held it in his hands the more dirtier it appeared to him. The Butler then quietly placed it back near his pillow because he knew there was a difference in his Master's anger. He knew it would consume him in ways unimaginable rather than devastate others. He was hardly a man of rage but there was a point to his endurance and beyond that there was undefined atrocity. He didn't want that for his Master.

"Well, Master Carlo you should get dressed as you have crucial matters to discuss and handle this day." The Butler spoke up politely staring at his half dressed attire

"Cancel them..all of them." he got up from his chair at once and walked over to his magnficient mirror staring at his own self particularly "I would have gladly Master Carlo if I had the authority to but such decisions solely rests upon your.."

"Do I appear mentally ill to you, Antonio?" The Butler was astonished and at the same time puzzled to hear his Master's out of the blue question

"Of-Of course not, Master Carlo..why would you.." The Butler halted in mid-sentence hearing his Master's radiant laugh. It wasn't often that one could perceive with eyes such a fabulous display of happiness. It was evident now.. something or someone was behind it all and somehow the Butler could guess who

"Forgive me, Master Carlo..It completely slipped my mind. How was your evening at Mr Nanda's? I noticed you came back quite late." A peculiar smile crept upon his lips as soon as topic was brought up by his Butler.

"Stravagante! The food..The breath taking sight..Everything..Everything was just admirable." A humorous glow lit his eyes but that was all the Butler needed to put two and two together in his head.

"I'm glad you had a great evening, Master Carlo." The Butler smiled genuinely "But as I was saying you should get dressed and pay heed to those matters that require your attention and approval..you see there isn't anyone else who can suspend or cancel the prior arrangements except you." The Butler's concerned words made his Master think and his face grew serious. He immediately reached for his phone and dialled a number as the Butler stood and watched.

"Avico..listen to me." The Butler was familiar of the name as it was Master's right hand-c*m-personal secretary who visited often and took care of less extensive issues of the company

"Something's come up and I need you to manage the overall proceedings in my absence..only if it's an urgent matter you may reach me..is that clear?" Master's command sounded stern and proficient

"Good! One more thing contact Mr Nanda and he will lead you further on the proposition I have agreed upon..you can assist him from there on.. understood?" The Butler was amazed to hear that Mr Nanda's proposition had been approved by his Master because being easily impressed wasnt like him

"Yes proprio..! That's all..Yes you too." He then cancelled the call and threw his phone on the bed.

"Matters solved.. Now, can I do what I wish to, Antonio?" The Butler still stared warily with a blank face.

"What is it that you wish to do, Master Carlo? What is that 'Something'?" Butler's question had suddenly wiped off the smile that had just appeared on his perfect face. His expression turned more severe

"Makes it interesting doesnt it, Antonio? Expecting to hear something you already know.." Master snickered as he exactly knew what the Butler wanted to hear from him. It wasn't like before anymore that the Butler could easily persuade his Master or tamper with his motives

"You exactly know what I wish Antonio.. I wish to see her because if I dont.." he stopped and then boldly stared into his eyes. "Let's not get to that part of me.. shall we?" He then patted his shoulder and walked away to his spacious bathroom. The Butler just heaved a sigh of displeasure and left quietly from the room.

Few minutes later the Butler saw his Master rushing down the stairs in a black collered shirt and dark faded jeans. His eyes covered with black aviators and hair as usual chaotic but still his Master stood out among the rest because of the brilliant distinctiveness of his personality

"Contact me if there's anything Antonio..I'll be back before dark." He spoke outloud to the Butler on the way out "Try not to indulge in curiosity, Master Carlo, because it would only drag you into deep unwanted thoughts." He turned back and pushed his shades down to look at the Butler

"Curiousity is vital to discover the truth, Antonio and that's what I'm about to do..Ciao!" he pushed his shades back up and headed outside.

"Buongiorno! Mr Laviosa your commute awaits.. I have got the oil filter replaced and also got the brand new tyres installed so now it rolls like a hurricane." The driver spoke satisfactorily with a broad satisfactory grin.

"Grazie James but I'll be taking zenvo for a ride today..See to it that other vehicles are intact and well taken care of.." The driver's face fell but still he nodded with respect and moved aside. He then walked over to the Car and pressed the car key to unlock the doors automatically

"Have a safe trip, Mr Laviosa" The driver voiced out from behind as he watched him get into one of his fancy collection. He gave a sharp smile and took off in his monstrous vehicle.

Carlo's POV

All my life I thought there wont be a moment where I would loose myself or just give into temptation of my reckless heart. Desperation was never a part of me and perfection was all that I strived for in this competitive world until...until I met her. But now all this seems meaningless. My pride. My wealth. All of me isn't what she looks for but still I can't help but to be by her side.

Ever since that day desperation is what I feel. What wrecks me the entire time. When did I become so vulnerable. When did this happen to me? Here I'm in my car.. near her house craving for her glimpse. To admire her beauty once more. Love was never so complicated in my eyes as it never existed for me but now it overflows with desire so strong that I can hardly bear it. What has love made me?

"Hey Kevin! Wait up!" My eyes immediately looked up. There she is. I can finally see her standing in the balcony, bending forward holding clothes in her hand, so simple yet so beautiful to me

"What's up Mrs Nanda? Howdy-do?" The boy yelled from below shaking his cap. I could see a broad smile plastered over his young face "All good Kevin! By the way what happened to today's newspaper? When did my address become unknown to you?" I love when she smiles. Her completely carefree smile. How it numbs my inner suffocation. Before I knew it I was smiling too watching her as she conversed with the boy

"Oopsy! Sorry Mrs Nanda! I forgot to inform you, business's closed today due to some untold reasons but sure to open up tomorrow! See ya!" He waved off cheerfully as he passed by my car on his bicycle and she just gloomily sighed. At the same time her eyes fell upon my car and foolishly I raised up my window hiding myself like a creep.

What in the world is wrong with my heightened senses. I then slid it down but she was no more in the vicinity. All of a sudden It felt like My heart had intentionally dropped out of my chest as my hands gripped the steering wheel more tightly. Why? Why cant I see you!

This distance felt like a tight rope crushing my soul draining the life out of me. I slammed my back against the seat and just waited because that's all I could do. Suddenly time didnt seem of value to me as one complete hour ticked off in my watch but then as my luck would have it she again appeared before my eyes. Her hands holding onto a purple thin bag. My eyes followed her as she crossed the road and headed onto a path then turned around the corner.

I reversed the car and headed in her direction. She walked fast and straight not looking anywhere. It seemed like the rest of the world was invincible for her or she wanted it to be. Her face deep in thoughts. What is she thinking about? is it me? Is it about the kiss that I placed on her soft skin? God! I still can't come out of that feel yet. I guess it was too high of a price that claimed me instead

She walked into a crowded place. It appeared like a small enclosed area with number of vendors and stalls on both sides like some sort of a marketplace. Before I knew it my eyes had lost track of her in figuring out the location. I couldn't enter the area with my car as it appeared like a no car-zone. I parked the car just far enough under the tree and walked from there.

I had absolutely no idea what in the bloody world was I doing. I thought for a second running my hand through my hairs gripping them in complete frustration. But my mind had nothing except the thought of loosing her. I then took a deep breath and finally walked into the place.

Damn! It had so many people just pushing each other around. So much chattering that my ears couldnt grasp a single conversation out here. Antonio wouldnt believe his eyes if he saw me here and rest of my staff, well they would probably just faint. I took off my aviators and hung it down over my shirt. This place just seems like a garden of maze with so many people around. Where am I supposed to look for her now?

"What! What are you saying mister? Few days back you had told me it was just 4£? Why are you charging so high now?" It was strange how I was able to recognize her voice amidst so much commotion

"Listen woman! I'm not charging any higher than what's the actual rate. If you can't afford it then dont waste my time." How dare he raise his voice like that. Why is she still standing there. She should just leave or slap him instead for talking so disrespectfully to her.

"Listen, Mister the price you are charging isn't reasonable but I'm ready to pay what you had charged me before. Come on."

"Listen up lady! It doesnt work how you want it to work..you pay what I ask and I sell what you demand. Fair enough?" He stated with his wretched mouth.

"But I'm only telling you to.." That's when I had to step in because I could no longer watch that miserable piece of s**t talk to her like that.

"Here you go.. Now give her what she demands..!" I threw the money on his crate of stuff and stood firmly beside her placing my hands in the pocket. I knew I had lost to the idea of keeping my distance from her but at this point I hardly gave a damn to that. She watched me in utter confusion and so did the bozo infront of us

"Dont make me repeat myself." He immediately weighed down the chicken and then placed it quickly in her bag. I could see how his hands shook all the while as he hurried to pay me back with the change. Simply pathetic.

I watched as his dirty hands came upto me.

"Keep it. It seems like you need it more than I do." I scoffed arrogantly and turned to look at her. But Disappointment washed over me as I saw her walking away with the bag.

"Excellent choice of words I must say. He might have even sold his entire belongings to you." I snickered slightly as I caught upto her.

"You didn't have to throw your money at him like that.." I wasnt surprised that it didnt look impressive to her.

"Right. What I actually should have done is cut out his tongue into pieces and feed them to cannibals, isn't it?" she immediately stopped and glared at me. I smirked as I knew I had her attention now.

"Don't you have anything else to do then follow me around, Mr Laviosa?" I like how she gets directly to the point then beating around the bush. "Well, owner of Laviosa estate and company has it's distinct charms but honestly nothing else seems more important to me now than you." I dont know why but it's difficult to lie when she looks at me that way.

She shook her head in despair and moved on. "Let me hold this for you." I reached for the heavy bag but she slipped the bag into her other hand.

"I didnt ask for your help."

"I know you didn't but still I'd like to." She frowned while I still smiled watching her delicate face.

"You have a beautiful smile, Naina. It's too bad you dont smile enough."

"This is my life, Mr Laviosa..you can't change it neither can you change me by being overly considerate so please stop! before both of our lives get ruined." before she could leave, I caught hold of her hand making her stop and look back at me.

"How? How do I stop when I can't even stay away from you. Show me how and I will, dammit!" She stared into my eyes like my words had suddenly left her defenseless.

"I would never want to change you Naina.. one way or another I would make you see the truth..the truth about us that's still somewhere buried inside you." I slowly released her hand from my grip but her eyes seemed to speak to mine, and the conversation came out of a vivid feeling that brought tears into her eyes. She stepped back weakly and then without a word ran away from there.

"One way or another." I chuckled to myself as I walked back to my car. Hurting you wasn't my intention Naina but those tears spoke a different story altogether. You wish to feel but you're scared to admit it but I intend to know the truth. Truth that your tears hid away from me. I stood before her house again.

Weak daylight waned and darkness became imminent with leaden-grey clouds as they uproared but still I refused to leave. Leave without seeing her. My wait finally ended as I saw her in the balcony again. She knew I would be there as she watched me in silence. Her eyes glancing at me, with a strange glow. Every thought in my head was carved of her.

I don't know why, but even though she wasnt right next to me her cold presence was worst than nothing. My own mind felt like a cage, under that oppressive pair of eyes. I was paralyzed by her unvoiced emotions and before I knew it raindrops collided with my face as it heavily drenched away everything in its path. I saw her rush inside but as she did, she turned back and saw me still standing there in the pouring rain watching her intently. I could read her now and I knew she cared about me. Rain never felt this good before like it did today cleansing my soul of misery. I opened my arms and allowed it to consume me till it was time for me to let go...for now.

Laviosa Mansion

The Butler rushed towards his Master as he saw him step into the mansion

"Master Carlo! Where were you? Oh! lord! You're all wet! What happened?" The Butler stared worriedly at his Dripping wet and clearly depressed Master

"I know now Antonio" he barely spoke "I know the truth.." The Butler's face wrinkled with confusion

"Know what Master Carlo?.. Master Carlo Wait!" He watched as his Master unhurriedly walked towards his room. The Butler then few minutes later entered his Master's room with dry towels and saw him still in those wet clothes sitting on the ground holding liquor in his hand

"Master Carlo..Please stand up! Why havent you changed your clothes yet?" The Butler couldnt stand to look at his Master this way "I found the truth Antonio.." he faltered in his laugh as he drank more from the bottle "Truth? Which truth are you talking about Master Carlo?"

"The truth about her Antonio.." He looked up at his dazed Butler

"She guards her heart so finely Antonio behind the close doors of anger but she wilts Antonio! each day just like the rose without love" The Butler could see the pain simmering in his eyes as he spoke about her

"Master Carlo please! How many times do you need to get hurt to know it's time to let go?" The Butler spoke up sadly "Maybe if my heart stops beating, it wont't hurt this much" he then drank some more as he laughed hysterically. "What has she done to you.." The Butler whispered unhappily "she has given me a purpose Antonio that I never had before" He smiled and then tried to get up from the floor. The Butler immediately supported him as he made him sit on the edge of the bed

"I intend to return the favor by granting her all the love that she desires..that I possess" He smirked as his eyes drooped down as though he could hardly keep them open. His back landed on the bed and the Butler skillfully took away the bottle from his hand. He then took off his water filled shoes

"you'll see tonio" his voice slurred fading away from his control "she'll have it all" Those were the last words the Butler heard before his Master drifted off to sleep

"Master Carlo...I only wish that your heart wouldn't break, when the truth takes an ugly form.." The Butler sighed deeply and then quietly exited the room