Lucca's Lust: The Luminara Series Book 3 (57 page)

“Ciao, bella signora. Vi ringrazio per avermi invitato, è un piacere essere qui. IO sono rimasta affascinata…” Lucca blushes and smiles “…it means ‘Hello, beautiful lady. Thank you for inviting me, Rebecca, it is a pleasure to be here. I am charmed,” Mr. Caruso smoothly adds in his sexy Italian accent mixed with the local Scottish brogue for our note taker. He double-cheek kisses me and shakes my hand.

“Thank you for agreeing and for attending. We’re delighted you’re here and have agreed to speak with our magazine, Mr. Caruso,” I politely answer. With the success of my recent interviews including members of the world’s leading rock band, a Royal official, a well-known socialite, a pop star, an Academy Award-winning actress, and more recently two controversial politicians, the magazine picked me to conduct today’s interview. I was chosen because of my decorum, tact, initiative, and professionalism. Today’s interview with Mr. Caruso is equally as important and will also be essential to the future of my up and coming career.

“Please, call me Lucca, and you are welcome.” His tone soft and endearing, eyes electric and warm, helps me relax a little. After a brief meeting earlier in the hotel, I find myself excited yet nervous anticipating this afternoon’s interview. I have prepared and planned as much as I can, but still it’s hard to believe that this wonderful Italian-Scottish businessman is here and talking to me of all people. It feels very surreal.

Today, I wear a simple navy pencil dress, fitted blazer, and small heeled shoes. My blond hair is neatly tied back in a tidy bun at the nape of my neck. Normally I would wear jeans and a shirt, but on interviews as important as this I need to look professional and wardrobe insisted I wore something tailored and smart.

Smiling confidently, oozing charismatic charm and looking devilishly handsome, Lucca lives up to his reputation of being the tall, dark, sexy, brooding Italian god that he is. I notice the chic quality of his smart tailored suit as he adjusts the sole button on his designer jacket before taking a seat. This man is the epitome of style and taste—even his guests appear to be exceptionally well-tailored and extremely professional—and right now I’m thankful that wardrobe called me on my attire.

Lucca is accompanied by Suzanne Myers, his personal assistant; Lloyd Atkinson, his security agent; and his friend and legal counsel, Omari Fayed—all whom our team was introduced to earlier. He has reserved the penthouse suite for personal use, as he would like complete privacy and luxury during his stay. His fiancée, Alexis Robertson, is waiting in the penthouse along with her two personal security agents. Added security from Lucca’s agency of choice covers all doors and elevators. Alexis is in no way to be approached by anyone from the press or from our magazine while staying in the hotel. For the purpose of the interview, we are using the luxurious Milano suite, a floor below the penthouse.

After the meet and greet, pouring some water, receiving coffees and briefly running through today’s schedule with our editor in chief, executive director, press correspondents, PR rep, and note taker, we prepare for Lucca Caruso’s interview.

I have to mention here, that Lucca has signed a non-disclosure contract prepared by his solicitor Omari Fayed, outlining what we can and can’t ask or discuss. There are sensitive subjects Mr. Caruso refuses to comment on so we are obligated under contract to honour and respect his wishes, unless Mr. Caruso deems it fit to answer a particular question.

“Hello, Lucca! Why don’t we start off with you telling us a little bit about your work and business?” I ask, straightening in my chair as I receive my cue to begin.

“Sure. As you know, I am the proprietor and CEO of Osurac Industries, which consists of three separate businesses. I am very lucky to have a career working in the industries that I love dearly and am extremely passionate about. Health and wellbeing, property management and construction, as well as entertainment and hospitality are all my main businesses.” Lucca cocks his head, curly black hair brushing over his ears and the back of his neck, shaggy locks sweeping across his forehead. After leaning back into the lush sofa, he settles by crossing one leg over the other, the leather of his expensive shoes shining as he rests one across his knee.

The enthusiasm in my eyes tells him that I’m interested and eager to learn more about his empire and his success. I sit slightly forward in my chair, nod at my editor, and smile appreciatively towards Lucca—a silent gesture for Lucca to enlighten us. He grins and continues.

“Um … after leaving school I studied in three different Universities in Europe. My big break was purchasing my first property when I was still a young man, a student at the time. I renovated the Victorian building with help from my papa, brothers, uncles, and cousins. I was fortunate that it was at a time when the property world soared at its highest, the profit margin astronomical. I was pleased with the results and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of project managing and decided to develop from there. It was a very wise decision,” Lucca says modestly. He rubs his thumb over his chiselled chin covered in dark stubble then inhales, his chest rising, broad shoulders expanding beneath his impressive Italian suit jacket.

“I have always been passionate about health and fitness so it was an easy decision to invest in health and wellbeing clubs. The first club I opened was a small warehouse. I bought the property and added a studio, boxing ring, small gym, and an office. I wanted to give the local community a free facility to use before and after work. During the day I ran various projects with charitable organisations, helping young kids to get them off the streets, mainly through the church. It happened by chance actually, when two young brothers asked if they could take shelter in the gym on a winter day, and they returned every day after that. It became routine and they spread the word to other kids on the street.” Lucca sits more erect, sweeping his hand in the air in front of his body, his palm facing upwards.

“After a time, they brought some friends. It gave them a place where they could learn about themselves, set challenges and goals, and feel safe. The gym provided somewhere they could socialise, build relationships, feel good without putting themselves at risk, while learning how to lead a healthier lifestyle by exercising as opposed to using drugs on the streets.” Lucca’s eyes sparkle, coming alive when he talks of helping these kids. His facial expression fervent, eyes brimming with excitable passion, shows his wholehearted love for these kids and this project. It’s infectious.

My breath hitches in my throat before I moisten my lips. Then I smile, staring in wonder at this intriguing, magnificent man in front of me. I know that Lucca is extremely generous and heavily involved with charities from what I’ve read, but I had no idea the sincerity, thoughtfulness, and compassion he puts into his projects or how committed and driven he is. I know this project is true to his heart because he looks wondrously happy. His face now glows with a flicker of warmth, a heated energy radiating a promise … a promise of hope. A small elevated breath of pride escapes his mouth while his wide smile reaches his sparkling eyes.

“Is the warehouse still open? Is it still operational? I haven’t read anything about it.” Too distracted and engrossed to sip at my coffee, I place my mug down even though I’m parched. I want to know more and he has my full attention.

“Yes of course. It is called Project Energia. The warehouse is still operational and very functional. I own the original building and decided to keep it even after I pursued other business ventures because it was extremely beneficial in helping change the lives of so many. I have a director and manager who oversee it now, and I have hired the best case workers, personal trainers, and fitness instructors—all specialising in child care. I do still check in on the kids, their progress … and oversee business decisions. Many of the kids that use the facilities come from underprivileged backgrounds; it gives them an escape and a sense of belonging. I am extremely proud of our kids and the success stories within Project Energia.” Glowing with pride; Lucca’s tone is enthusiastic, earnest, and endearing.

Lucca reaches for his coffee, takes a small sip, then holds the warm mug between two large hands, resting it on his top knee, before clearing his throat. I’m entranced by the intriguing man in front of me.

“The reason the project was never previously publicised is because I wanted somewhere very small and private in the early days, especially because of the personal and sensitive subject matter with the participants. I did not want to commercialise it because it would have then been too intimidating for many of the project kids at the time. I knew that in order to reach out to these vulnerable and challenged kids, I had to be discreet and listen to what they needed. They wanted a club where they would not be judged, where they could hang around and be themselves in addition to getting fit. That is what I gave them. Many of these kids had little or no education and some had dropped out of school, some from broken homes and some drug users.”

“So why talk about it now? What’s changed?” I ask quickly, desperate to know.

I’m curious because Lucca is well known for his entrepreneurial skills. I would have thought he would have wanted to publicise or capitalise on this project before now, especially if it was so successful back in the day. Lucca’s eyes cast upwards, a glint of hope in them, his mouth curling into a lazy grin. He’s contemplating his answer carefully.

“Good question … kids … they grow up … they move on. Actually, my director Jason Wishart was one of these teenagers. I helped him turn his life around. He qualified as a personal trainer and I put him through college to gain his business degree. He recently told his story and wants to reach out and prove to kids that the project can be life changing, especially with government support. Jason has my undivided support … always.” Lucca taps his finger across the rim of his mug.

Taking a sip of coffee, he then continues. “I have been recently negotiating with our local government to expand the project into certain areas with poor health statistics—sectors within the community that do not currently offer an accessible facility like this and need regeneration. It is still early days, but one condition I stipulate is that the centres in which Project Energia will be available will remain free and will not only be based on referral from social services. There will be a drop in facility available as well for people who currently do not have access to these types of facilities.”

I notice Lucca sits his mug down then clasps his hands in front of him in a tight squeeze. Resting his linked hands on his knee, he breathes deeply and smiles. A clear twinkle of hope and pride to his eyes.

“Wow. That is amazing,” I reply, sitting forward in my chair looking towards our team and our note taker to make sure they’re recording and getting all this. This is the information we have been waiting on.

“Yes, it is. Not only will the participants have access and use of the best equipment, they will have health and wellbeing advice, health checks, personal training sessions, and nutritionists. Over and above, they will have access to counselling sessions too as part of their rehabilitation. A step in the right direction.” Lucca continues with eagerness. “Ultimately, they will have advice and various options to encourage them towards a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. With my capital funding, and grants from our local council, we plan to expand Project Energia in the next three years. I am honoured to be able to offer this fantastic service to the public, kids and adults alike. I owe thanks to Jason for being so passionate and honest about his life experiences, and for driving this project forward. I will help shape, grow, nurture, and fund it in any way that I can.”

A ping on Lucca’s phone alerts him he has a message. He apologises, checks the message, smiles, switches it off, then places it inside his pocket.

“That is very impressive and extremely exciting. I’m sure that it will change the lives of many more people to come and our public is very fortunate to have your help and commitment. We will look forward to hearing more about it and I wish you all the best of luck with it,” I say honestly.

Lucca looks towards our note taker, smiles with kind surety, then sips his coffee again while gently nodding his head and thanking me.

“What happened after you opened the warehouse? Where did you go from there?” I ask curiously, rubbing my thumb over the notes sitting on my lap.

“After opening the warehouse, I continued on to buying and selling land—old and new properties. Renovating, redesigning, and renting some of them out until I created Osurac Industries, and then my business truly soared. I then opened Club di Energia, a private health and wellbeing club tailored to a different market and lifestyle. I first opened in Glasgow, then another within Lanarkshire, and now I will be opening in Perthshire and Edinburgh. Twelve will be opened in England by 2019, and six new health clubs will open in Italy by autumn 2017. The plans are already going on as we speak.”

“Oh, excellent. I actually have a girlfriend living in Scotland who is a member of Club di Energia, and she loves it, highly recommends it. I would love to visit sometime and try out the facilities, especially if you will be opening in London. A club there would be very convenient for me when I’m working from my home.” I admit honestly. I’m conscious that with all the travelling and work that I do, I’m missing out on fitness and exercising time.

“Of course, Rebecca. If you have free time this weekend, I will send my jet, have a car pick you and your colleagues up, and take you to the club. I will arrange a personal training session and spa afternoon. You can even have some holistic therapies and a champagne lunch at the bar. I can also arrange private dining at Luminara, my nightclub and bar in Glasgow. It is my treat.” Lucca winks then smiles showing an obvious dimple before finishing his coffee. He’s modest and exceptionally generous.

I think my heart skipped a beat or three. “Wow. I would love to. It sounds amazing, but I’m not sure what my work schedule is like … if I could even make it this weekend. It’s such short notice and I need to check with …” I feel heat radiate in my cheeks, overwhelmed and surprised with this man’s generosity.