Chapter 11
Isabella
The next week Gio and I build a routine. I wake up in his arms every morning, then we head downstairs to have breakfast with everyone. I have met a lot of the guys and some of their ol’ladies. I’ve officially met Gator, the President of the clubs, and found out Sam with him, but not officially like I am with Gio. They are what some people would call ‘friends with benefits.' The guys have been great at keeping their distance from me, respecting my boundaries. If I had to guess, I would say that Gio had a talk with them to make me feel comfortable around them.
After breakfast, we head to the shooting range. The first two days it was just Gio and me, now we take Gigi with us.
We spend an hour there before heading to the gym for an hour. I have been in bed for so long I need to build up my strength.
I’m taking some control back in my life.
Gigi leaves us after the range to rides the horse with Jules. I want to ride with her, but Sam says I should wait another two weeks until I’m back to full strength before getting on a horse.
When we finish at the gym, we shower, separately, then Gio and I have a quick lunch. After lunch, I spend time in our room by myself reading on my IPad. He leaves me then to take care of his club business. Sometimes Gigi and Jules and I hang out walking around the grounds, or we watch Jules sketch dressed. I’m still not back 100 percent, but I’m getting there faster than I imagined possible.
Dinner is always in the dining hall with everyone. I like the guys and their ol’ ladies. The guys have been keeping the club whores away from me. That part I still haven’t wrapped my head around. I know my father and uncles had whores in their lives, but they kept them separate from their families. The club whores live here and are around the ol’ ladies sometimes. I can’t say I like that part very much, but that’s the way things work around here. They’re all family, and I miss mine. Gigi and Jules seem to be enjoying it here too.
Sam started me on my new meds a week ago, they took a couple of days to kick in, and they appear to be helping. She said I’m healed, physically and she likes the improvement in me. Getting out of the room and being around people is helping. She still insists I speak with a counselor, but I’m just not there yet. I’m becoming a little bit more comfortable with the guys, which helps. I know Gio’s glad I’m interacting with his brothers. I can tell it means the world to him that I’ve involved myself in his life.
I haven’t told Gio what happened to me that night, only Jules and Sam know. I want to confide in him, so he knows the facts, and we have no secrets, but I’m not ready yet. I trust him implicitly it’s not that, I just can’t keep saying the words out loud again. I’ll tell him soon. Gigi, on the other hand, will never know if I have anything to say about it. Gio and Jules say I’m wrong, but they accept my decision because it’s my truth to tell not theirs.
Gio is still looking for my brothers and Cesare. Today he got a good lead on all of them and is close to getting a message to my brothers. I haven’t seen Gigi smile a real happy smile in weeks, it was so good to see.
Nights are the best part of my day, sleeping in Gio’s arms half on top of his hard body keeps the demons away. I love kissing him good night too, it’s pretty awesome, even though he kisses me every chance he gets, at night it’s different. We’re alone, and it causes my body to ignite sparks of heat for him, ones I’ve never felt before. I like the way he makes my body feel alive and on fire with a burning ache. I wear one of his shirts with my capris to bed, and he wears sweatpants and a t-shirt. The only skin to skin contact we have is our lips and hands.
You would think after everything I’ve been through I would be scared of these feelings and run from them. But I’m not scared, and I don’t want to run anywhere except to Gio. I know in my heart of hearts he would never hurt me or push me to do anything I’m not ready for. Mostly I’m comfortable with him, and I trust him immensely. That’s got to count for something.
He hasn’t touched me, and we haven’t been naked. I wish he would do something, my body aching for his touch. I know he won’t touch me, though he respects me too much, and I love him more and more every day for it.
Tomorrow is my birthday, and Gio planned a special private dinner for us here at the clubhouse. He arranged for us to have to bar to ourselves for the evening. He said being that it’s a Tuesday night no one will care if we take it over for the evening.
I can’t wait to spend my 23rd birthday on a date with Gio, my ol’man. I like teasing him by saying that a lot to him, which means I am his ol’lady. I prefer girlfriend, but that’s not how things work in the club life.
Apparently, ol’lady means more to the club than just a girlfriend. They see it as a lifelong commitment that we have made to each other, similar to marriage just without all the legal papers. He said for now anyway, he’ll be putting a ring on my finger and making it official in the eyes of the law and God. We have wasted too many years, and he doesn’t want to waste anymore. I look forward to that day.
I wake up alone in bed under the covers with Gio’s pillow in my arms. I sit up fully waking myself up and take a few minutes in the bathroom. Seeing that it’s early, 9:12, I decided to get back into bed and grab my IPad to download a few more books. In the middle of my search, the door swings open shocking me. Gio walks in with my sister, Jules and a few of the guys filling the rooms extra space. Gio’s holding a tray of pancakes with candles in the middle in one hand and flowers in the other. Once everyone piles in the room, they all start to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me.
I’m so touched by this new family I’ve inherited, I can’t hold back the tears. I’m full on ugly crying in front of everyone. Gio hands the tray and flowers off to Gator and strolls over to me sitting beside me taking me in his arms. I rest my head on his chest and stare everyone in our room. Jules and Gigi follow him sitting on the other side of me on the big bed. I take my baby sister under my arms as she cries too. Gio holds us both, and I hold Jules’ hand.
When they finish singing, I look at everyone in the room. Through my tears, I say, “Thank you, not just for this, for everything you have all done. You’ve all gone above and beyond for us without even knowing us, and I’m so grateful to have you in our lives.” After my little speech, Gator comes over to us with the tray and places the flowers on the nightstand. “We’re all family here, sweetheart, and like any family, we take care of our own. We’re glad you’re here, all of you. Happy Birthday, Bella,” he says lower the tray for me to blow out my candles. I close my eyes and make my wish. My wish is for the guys’ safe return to Gigi and me, and for Gio to find Ces. I blow out the candles in one breath. The guys whistle and shout out some obscene things. I can’t seem to take the smile off my face, I’m so happy.
After a few minutes, they all clear out of the room leaving us alone. It’s just Gio, Jules, Gigi, and me now.
“Happy birthday, sissy, I love you,” Gigi says hugging me. “Thank you, baby girl, I love you too.”
“Happy Birthday, Bells,” Jules says as Gigi leaning her head on my shoulder. Gio moves to sit in front of me. Jules is sitting in front Gigi now and the tray of pancakes in the middle of the bed.
“Happy birthday, Princess, too many more together,” Gio says taking my face in his hands and kissing me softly on the lips.
Then he stuffs a piece of pancake with whip cream in my mouth and continues to feed himself and me until the pancakes are gone. Jules and Gigi eat theirs watching us, and we chat. When we finish, Gio removes the trays from the bed.
“This is so surreal…” I say, and everyone stares at me. “Why’s that, Princess?” Gio asks with a raised eyebrow. I take Gigi under my arm and grab Jules, hand in one and Gio’s in my other. “Because of this, of you all,” I take a breath. “The four of us, it’s always going to be just us.” I look at Gio, not wanting him to feel as if I’m leaving his family out. “We have your brothers too, and I’m grateful for the extended family. But you three are the closest family that I have left right now. Hopeful we can find Ces soon and have him here with us. I just don’t ever want to lose you three. We’ve lost so much, and I couldn’t take losing you three on top of all that.”
“You’re not going to lose us, baby.” Gio takes my face in his hands still looking into my eyes and kisses me with love, adoration, and loyalty.
Gigi lightens the mood after my little speech yelling for us to stop kissing in front of her. “Eww, my eyes stop.” She giggles, a cute sound coming from her. God bless her little soul. Oh, how I love my baby sister.
We spend the next twenty minutes together, then Gio shoos them out. He has a special day planned for me. Once the girls leave the room, Gio hands me two gifts. I tear into the first one with a huge smile on my face.
My first gift is a Harley Davison black tank top. On the front bottom left corner, it says ‘Harley Davidson’ with angel wings on the sides in red and white bling stones. It also has a skull in pink bling stones in the center.
My second gift is a pair of Harley Davison black leather ankle boots. They have two small belt buckles with the Harley emblem in between them and a 4” thick heel.
He states both gifts are for me to wear today and to wear a pair of jeans with them. I grab my ripped Hollister super skinny faded jeans and go to the bathroom to dress. On my way to the bathroom, he says I should braid my hair.
After dressing and French braiding my hair, he takes me downstairs and outside. Jules is waiting with for us on the back of Ace’s bike, and Gigi’s on the back of Dusty’s bike.
Seeing his shiny black Harley Street Glider, I know now why he bought me these gifts and had me do my hair this way. He wants me on the back of his bike. That makes me feel both excited and nervous at the same time. I’m thrilled he wants me on his bike with him, holding onto him and cuddling up on his back. But I’m scared because I’ve never been one before.
I squeeze Gio’s hand tightly, nervous, as my breathing accelerates. My baby sister has never been on a bike before and is too young to be on the back of one. Couldn’t this be really dangerous? Everyone has helmets on, but it still makes me uncomfortable.
“What’s wrong, Princess?” Gio senses my discomfort. I look down at my new boots not wanting him to see my face and how scared I am. “I’ve never been on a bike before, and Gigi’s too young. I’m scared, can’t we just take your SUV instead,” I whisper hearing Dusty laughing next to us. The bikes are close to each other in a row. We’re standing behind Gio’s, he’s the only one that heard the last part of what I’ve said.
Before Gio can answer Dusty pipes in, “Then I’d say it’s the perfect day to pop that cherry, little lady.” I wince and his choice of words, but quickly dismiss it before my sister notices. Gio punches him in the arm, Jules and Ace yell at him calling him an “Asshole.” I know he didn’t mean anything by it or know what happened to me, but what he said did hurt me.
I lift my head and look at my sister with disappointment in her eyes. I pull myself together and shake off the nerves.
Then I look at Dusty with a nervous smile not wanting to worry them or upset Gigi. “You’re right. Let’s go,” I say, and Gigi giggles behind him and I join her as Gio watches me warily. He can tell I’m putting on an act for Gigi and I’m scared shitless.
I settle on the bike behind Gio, and the seat is comfortable, I even have a back rest. He hands me a pair of black Harley Davidson sunglasses with skulls on the side in pink blind stone and pink lenses.
Gio takes my hand in his and stares in my eyes a second. “Trust me, Princess, it safe. Hold on to me tight, you’ll enjoy the ride.” I smile at him, and he kisses me on the lips softly. “I trust you. I love you, Gio,” I say against his lips. It feels so good and right to finally be able to say those words to him after all these years.
He pulls back to look in my eyes. “I love you too,” he says placing a kiss on my nose causing me to giggle and release some of my tension. It’s freeing to act this way with him and feel happiness in my heart.
Even with his brothers, my best friend, and my sister watching us.
I place the sunglasses on then he places the helmet over my head and secures it under my chin. It’s a black half helmet with ‘Princess’ written on the front is light pink stone. My helmet also has wings on the side with light pink and white stones. “I had this made for you, baby, for when you’re on my bike.” He tells me, and I thank him as I wrap my arms around his waist holding on to him tight. Then we’re off to destination unknown.
The ride on his bike is smooth and having the wind on your face is a new and enjoyable experience. I love it, the bike, the man, and the ride. We ride for over an hour, and then we pull up to what looks like a house with a wraparound porch with tables and chairs outside. We’re across from a beautiful beach.
As we dismount from the bikes, my legs are a little wobbly. Gio grabs me around my waist holding onto me till my legs wake up.
I see the sign for the restaurant, it’s a seafood restaurant.
“Where are we?” I ask Gio as he takes my hand and I grab Gigi’s hand. “Saint Augustine Beach, baby,” Gio says as we enter the double doors. A lovely older woman in her sixties seats us in the back at a long rectangular table.
I’m sitting directly across from Jules, Gigi’s on my left, with Ace across from her, Gio is on my right at the head on the table and at other end is Dusty.
We sit and enjoy each other’s company as we eat some of the best seafood I have ever had. I stay quiet and observe everyone. I can see that Jules and Ace are very comfortable together, I like it. His eyes are constantly on her, especial when he thinks no one is looking. The look in his eyes tells me he wants more than just to be friends with her, he really likes her. Jules blushes when he touches her or she notices him looking at her. If you didn’t know her, you wouldn’t see it, but I know her well, and I see straight through her. She’s so crushing on him and him on her. I wish Ces were here to see this. He always said Jules and I would live together with a ton of animals when we get older. We would be two old women with cats and dogs.
If I’m not mistaken, I would say it was deeper than a crush on her end. I’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. She deserves someone in her life, especial after the way I’ve turned her whole world upside down.
The other thing I observe and I’m not sure how I feel about it yet, is Dusty watching my sister like a hawk. It’s not just with a keep an eye out for danger kind of look either, there’s lust in his eyes. I know he’s eighteen and it’s the same age difference between Gio and me, but she’s only thirteen. I’ll have a talk with Gio about Dusty’s intention and having him back off. He can entertain her in five years not before then. I will have his balls in a vice grip if he touches her before then and I’m sure Gio will stand with me on this issue.
After lunch, Jules suggests a walk on the beach. It’s a beautiful day out with a nice breeze, so we all agree. Jules and I haven’t been to the beach since before Gigi was born, Gigi has never been. Dad put a pool in for us at home, but we very rarely use it. Only on our Memorial Day and 4th of July parties.
July 4th will be here in less than two weeks, and this will be the first time without our family. Hell, this is my first birthday without them, and Gio has done a decent job of distracting me. I’ll have to ask Gio if his club has a party or if we can do something for Gigi to keep her mind distracted.
Gigi is awfully excited to see the sand and ocean for the first time. She runs ahead of us with Dusty on her heels. Jules and I remove our boots and socks before running after her with Gio and Ace on our heels.
We catch up with them at the edge of the ocean. The waves are splashing around our feet soaking the bottom of our jeans. Gigi’s giggling and splashing in the water soaking the legs of her jeans. She’s acting like a teenager that she hasn’t been able to be in the last few weeks. It makes us all laugh seeing her so happy.
“Hey, Mini Princess do you want me to get you a swim suit? You can go in before we leave,” Gio asks, and her face lights up even more. She darts to him lunging herself into his arms, and I stand back watching them interact. I’m falling in love with him a little more seeing how much he cares about my sister. “Yes, Gio, please,” she answers him all excited. “Sure, there’s a store across the street. I’ll go will Bella and get you one.” I saw that little boutique when we cruised down the road, and I was curious about it. “Thank you, Gio,” she says kissing him on the cheek as he places her back on her feet. Then he takes my hand leading back the way we came.
“I’ll go with you, I want to go for a swim too. We haven’t been to the beach since we were little. Remember Bells,” Jules says, and I nod as she links her arm with mine.
“Shit, you good with her, man,” Ace asks Dusty.
“We’ll be fine, I’ll stay close to her,” Dusty says smiling.
“I’m sure he will,” I mutter quietly, and Gio turns to me with a raised eyebrow.
As we walk over to the bouquet, I say to Gio, “I don’t like the way Dusty looks at my sister. He’s into her, really into her. Please tell him to back off and make sure he keeps his hand to himself.” Gio nods in agreeing.
Jules and I pick out three bikinis because that’s all the store carries. I would prefer a one-piece or a shirt over my suit, but they all out of cover-ups in my size. They’re all way too big.
Gio’s paying for our suits and beach towels when Gigi comes barreling in the store with Dusty to find us.
The girls and I go to the fitting and change. We emerge with our towels wrapped around us and give the guys our bag of our clothes to hold.
Once we’re back on the beach, the men sit on the sand. They’re close to the water, but not close enough to get wet. They’re sitting just watching us when Jules and I remove our towels and the guys almost fall over.
“Holy fuckin’ shit, Beast, look at the bodies on these babes. I’m hard, and the best parts are covered,” Ace says. Jules and I look at each other with red faces and nervous giggles. I give Gio a quick kiss on the lips before running into the water with the girls.
Jules is taller than me at 5’5”. She has brown hair that falls to the center of her back, brown eye and long thin legs. Her boobs are a little smaller than mine, but a good size. Her body is toned with muscles. We used to work out three times a week in my gym and do yoga five to six times a week. She has on a white string bikini that shows off her curves perfectly.
I’m 5’3” with long dark brown wavy hair that falls at the top of my butt. My brothers always make fun of me saying I have a bubble butt, but Jules and Ces say it’s because they can’t believe their sister has the kind of ass men like to hold on too, whatever that means. My boobs are big, and my brothers always yell at me to cover them up, again Jules and Ces say it’s because they are the size men like, a perfect man size handful. My legs are long and lean, my stomach is flat and toned. Jules always says I’m every man’s wet dream, that’s why my brothers are overprotective of me. I don’t see what they all see, I’m nothing special.
My sister, on the other hand, is gorgeous for a teenager. Everyone says she’s a mini-me, but again I don’t see it. She could be a supermodel when she’s older, that’s how stunning she is. Boys, be damned, no one is ever going to touch her till she’s 30. My brothers and I will kill them ourselves if anyone ever touches her.
Gigi and I are also wearing the same bikini, just in different colors. Hers has straps, I took mine off because the ties always hurt the back of my neck. I choose pink for her because it’s her favorite color, same as mine, and black for me. They’re both bandeau style.
After taking a few steps, I hear Gio say to Ace in a pissed off tone. “Fuck you, Ace. Keep your fuckin’ eyes off my girl before I kick your goddamn ass.”
Then I hear Gio say a little lower in a calm tone “Fuck, her body is rockin’, isn’t it? I’m one lucky sonofabitch.” I look over my shoulder at Gio before entering the water completely.
The look on his face tells me he’s not lying, he really thinks I’m hot. Before turning back, he winks at me causing my smile to grow and making me blush.
The girls and I swim for a half an hour I’m having the best day. I let go of everything and live in the moment. Even with missing my family and friend today, it’s turning out to be a great birthday. Best gift this year is having Gio back in my life and having him finally be mine. He’s making this a special day, and he still has a special dinner planned for us. My heart’s mending just from having him in my life. Every touch and kiss he gives me I feel aids in speeding up the process of my healing.
I know we haven’t been a couple long and with everything that's happened to me, but I want to be with Gio. I want to forget the past and build a future with him.
Like Dusty said earlier today, ‘it’s a perfect day to pop that cherry, little lady.' I think I want tonight to be the night, Gio and I take our relationship to the next level, the ultimate level of intimacy. I know he’ll take it at my pace and be gentle with me. I trust him unconditionally, more than anyone, and I know he won’t hurt me. He’ll make it be the way it should have been.
He should have been my first, and in many other ways, he will be. It will be the first time we make love together, and that trumps the rest.
“Girls, it’s time, we need to roll,” Gio yells, and I see the pouty lip on my sister’s face as we emerge from the water. The guys are holding our towels, and before Gio hands me mine his eye travel my body. “Bella,” he says as he steps closer to me. He hesitates for a split second before lowering his hand to the side of my bikini bottoms on top of my hip. His touch electrifies my body as he slowly and carefully drops the strip of material barely covering my left hip. Everyone’s watching him, and I’m holding my breath as he sees the tattoo there. It’s the words ‘Semper Fi’ in block letters. It was my first tattoo when I turned 18, it’s a replica of the one I know he has on his chest.
“Shit, Beast, that yours, just smaller,” Ace says as I stare at Gio’s face waiting for his reaction. No one knows I have any tattoos except for Jules. I always keep them covered. Dad and my brothers would have killed me for permanently marking my perfect skin. I did it anyway knowing no one would ever see them. It was a way to have Gio with me.
Gio looks up to me with love and pride shining in his eyes. “Why do you have this, Princess? Do you have more?” I look away and over to Jules. She nods and gives me a look to come clean. I look down at the sand taking a deep breath. “I got them for you. This one is a replica of yours, the one on your chest,” I say in a small shaky voice. “I have two more.” I take another deep breath and lift my hand under my left breast raising my top up a tiny bit to show him the heart with his initials inside. The heart is two inches at its widest and two inches tall. On the top left hump is ‘G’ for Giovanni, and on the right is ‘V’ for Valentino, and down in the center is ‘S’ for Sebastiano all in black ink.
He pulls up the side of my bottoms releasing it and stares at the tat on and under my breast. Then he takes his pointer finger tracing the heart, touching the under part of my breast causing my nipple to harden and eliciting sparks through my body.
He’s speechless for the moment, and everyone is quiet watching us. Once he’s done, he looks into my eyes.
“Where’s the other one?” I place my top back down and slowly turn showing him my back. Lowering the center of my bottoms I show him my red, white and blue Eagle in the middle, (tramp stamp). He does the same thing, tracing it with his finger.
“Bella, Val, and Romeo are going to bet your ass when they see those,” Gigi says breaking the silence. We all turn to stare at her shocked face. “I’ve had them for five years, and only Jules knew about them. As long as you keep this a secret, they will never know,” I say to her, and I hear Ace laughing. “How the fuck did you manage that with a-rockin' body like yours, sweetheart?” Ace asks, and I look over to him with a smirk. “Easy, I wear clothes, asshole. And I placed them so they would always be concealed,” I say, and that breaks the silence as everyone laughing. “Your girls got sass,” Ace says through his laughter. Gio finally wraps the towel around my body, taking me off display.
“Let’s get you girls changed. We need to get back to the clubhouse,” Gio says taking my hand and leading us back to the boutique to change.
I finish before the girls, Gio brings me out to his bike for a couple of minutes alone.
“Princess, tell me the story behind your tats? When were you even able to get them?”
“The night after my 18th birthday I got them. Jules and I bribed Luigi – my bodyguard - to take me to his artist. He got me in contact with him a week before to design them. Only the artist and Jules saw them. It was my gift to myself,” I say turning to look at the ocean, not able to look him in the eyes when I tell him the truth behind them.
“When you left for the Marines, and then again after your dad’s funeral, I was devastated. I prayed you would return one day for me, but I knew in my heart you weren’t going to return. So I decided on my 16th birthday that if I couldn’t have my one true love - knowing I didn’t want any other man - I would settle for always having a part of you be with me.
“That was the year I saw the picture you sent Val, he had it was pinned up in his room. You were shirtless with ‘Semper Fi’ tattooed really big across your chest. I took a picture of it on my phone and kept it with me. I had the artist replicate it smaller, so I would have the same one as you. I figured it would connect us in some way. I know, it sounds silly, but it helped with some of the pain in my heart. Your initials are close to my heart because you’ve always owned it. And the eagle... I know you love them...” I look up to him now, and he’s studying my face.
“Are you mad at me because I got them?” I ask in a shaky voice, nervous of his answer. His response is a huge gleaming smile as he takes me in his arms looking into my eyes with his hand on the side of my face.
“Hell no, I’m honored you have a piece of me permanently inked on your gorgeous body. I love you, Bella. I always have, and your name is inked on me too. I’ll show you one day soon. Credo che abbiamo sempre saputo che i nostri cuori appartenevano alla,” he mumbles the last part, then kisses me in a romantic, tender lovin’ kiss. Tears are running down my face, and we can taste them on our lips.
Ace clears his throat when he sees the other half of our group returning.
We mount the bikes before leaving Gio looks back to me. I have my arms wrapped around his waist, and he places his hand over mine squeezing.
“I love you, Gio. Thank you for today, it’s been perfect.”
“It’s not over yet, baby. I have another surprise for you at the clubhouse. I love you too, baby,” he says looking back at me with a wink. Then he releases his hand from mine. “Let’s roll.” I kiss his back over his kutte as we take off.
When we arrive at the clubhouse, it’s quiet, and no one is around. We all head to our rooms to shower the day away, and I want to relax before Gio and I go to my birthday dinner.
Ten minutes after arriving in our room, I’m standing in the closet rummaging through the few clothes I have to find the perfect dress for this evening. Gio comes up behind me wrapping me in his warm embrace. He kisses me on the neck under my ear causing a shiver from the electricity running through my body from his lips. I lean into him relishing in his touch and wanting more.
“Principessa, whatcha ya doin’ in here?” he asks as I lean my head back on his arm to look up at him smiling big. “I’m trying to find a dress for dinner. I have nothing here. I need to go shopping soon,” I say leaning up on my tippy toes placing a kiss on his cheek. Will I ever get used to being in his arms and kissing him? I hope not. I love the way he makes me feel.
“I can take you shopping with a few of the guys in a couple of days. In the meantime, you’re going to have to pick from what you have. I’m sorry, but you have a few cute dresses, or you can just wear jeans. I’m sure whatever you choose will be perfect,” he says then there’s a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it while you finish up,” he says kissing me on the lips before leaving me.
I hear Jules at the door asking for me. I exit the closet to see her and Gigi standing at the door with a large box in Jules' hands. “Hey, what's goin’ on?”
“We have a present for you, sissy. It’s for tonight,” Gigi says skipping over to me practically hopping with excitement. Jules followers her in and Gigi takes the box from her hands and hands it to me. I take it from her and walk over to the bed to sit and open it.
My gift is perfect for tonight! Jules made me the perfect dress from her collection. I’m in tears. It’s one of my favorite colors too, and the style is flawless for my curves.
My dress is strapless black lace appliqué nude underlay, sweetheart neckline, form fitted with see-through bodice and the length should ends mid-thigh.
It’s a perfect dress for dinner with Gio and maybe even a little dancing.
“I made this for you months ago with Ces and Gigi’s help. She and I designed it, and Ces choose the fabric, we knew it would be perfect for you. It’s from the three of us. I made sure to pack it when we left so you would have it today,” Jules says a little sadly with a half-smile as I hug her. “Thank you. It’s perfect and thanks for putting up with me through all this shit. You’re the best,” I whisper in her ear before letting go of her. I take Gigi in my arms. “Thank you, baby girl. Best gift ever,” I say in her ear, and she giggles sadly.
“Come on, G, let’s leave Bella to get ready. She has a hot date tonight. We’ll see you later, girl,” Jules says with a wink as they exit the room. “Thank you again. See you tomorrow,” I say taking my dress out of the box to show Gio.
“Princess, that’s one beautiful dress. I can't wait to see it on you,” he says with a huge smile on his face. “They’re really a talented bunch, huh. I’m goin’ to leave you to get ready. I have to check-in with the guys, club business. I’ll be back soon.” He gives me a sweet kiss on my lips then he’s gone.
I take a shower and fix my hair in the bathroom. I decide not to wear my dress right now, wearing one of Gio’s shirts out of the bathroom. I’ll borrow his desk to apply my makeup with the table top mirror he got me, this way he can get ready in the bathroom.
I enter the bedroom and see him sitting at his desk working on his laptop. I can’t see the screen, but whatever he’s working on has him engrossed, probably club business.
I advance towards him placing my hand on his shoulder startling him. He stops his work and looks over at me. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you,” I say shyly removing my hand.
He takes my hand back, and he rolls his desk chair back. He pulls me across his lap kissing me hard on the lips, melting me into his kiss as we sit there making out like teenagers. After a few blissful minutes, he brakes the kiss. He leans his forehead against mine staring into my eyes, both of us breathless.
“God, I love seeing you in my shirts. You look so damn sexy in them. Princess, you are a classic beauty, and you don’t even have a clue. How did I get so blessed to have you back in my life?”
“I would say I’m the blessed one. Gio, you saved me from a horrible fate, and you love me regardless of everything,” I say the last part quiet as I lower my eyes to control my emotions. He lifts my chin, and we look into each other’s eyes. “I love you, Isabella Marie Castellani and nothin’s ever going to change that. It’s you and me forever, baby, forever. And I am the luckiest man alive, I finally have you in my arms where you belong.” He kisses me on the lips one last time before depositing me on my feet and disappearing into the bathroom with his clothes to get ready.
I apply my makeup, and when I’m satisfied with it, I grab my dress off the bed. I head into the closet shutting the door behind me. I pick out one of my black lace thongs to wear and then zip my dress up. Thankfully, he put up a full-length mirror and better lighting in here for me. The closet is a decent size at ten feet by five feet. I can check myself out before showing Gio. I check every angle and the dress looks great on me! My besties and sister did an excellent job on my dress. It fits me like a glove and shows off my curves perfectly without being too revealing. I’m glad it’s just going to be Gio and me tonight because I don’t think I would be comfortable in this dress in front of all the guys. I grab my black wedges to complete my outfit.
I hear him in the bedroom waiting for me as I enter to find him sitting at the end of the bed with his phone in his hands. He’s sending out a text when he’s done, he looks up at me almost shocked. Then a huge smile graces his handsome face, and his eyes light up.
“Baby, you look stunning. That dress… Wow,” he says swallowing hard and shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts.
“Thank you,” I say shyly blushing as my stomach flutters with butterflies.
"We should go. Our table’s waiting, Princess,” he says still staring at me like he’s indeed looking at a real Princess. I giggle nervously and take his extended hand as he leads me downstairs to the bar.
As we walk through the halls, I notice it’s dead quiet in the building. I wonder if everyone has left for the night to give us more privacy. As we get closer to the bar, I hear music playing in the background. I recognize the song immediately, Creed ‘Lullaby.’
As we turn the corner, I see the bar’s decorated in pink and black streamers and balloons. I also see about twenty of the sexiest dressed bikers I have ever seen and about a dozen women including Jules and Gigi.
“Holy, hotness,” Slips out of my mouth and I feel red creep up from my neck to my cheeks. “Did I die and go to biker heaven.” I cover my mouth with my hand embarrassed that I just said all that out loud. Everyone in the room starts laughing loudly.
“Surprise,” Jules and Gigi yell and everyone follows their lead yelling making me laugh now. I thank them all and Ace hands me a shot of Fireball along with Jules and Gio. The four of us take the first shot of the night together as Gigi drinks her Cherry Coke.
The guys have a buffet set up with all different types of food in the dining room. We all sit down at a big table in the bar and eat together. Jules, Gigi, and the ladies made salads, Lasagna, Baked Ziti, Peppers and Sausage, and Meatballs. The guys made barbecue chicken and ribs.
During dinner one of my favorite song plays, Buckcherry ‘Lit Up’. I sit and listen trying a little of all the foods spread out for us. I’m so stuffed I won’t be able to even have a salad for days.
After eating my sister, Jules and I dance together. Jules and I have a couple more shots while dancing around the bar’s small dance floor. We have a lovely time with everyone for the next couple of hours.
Then it time for everyone to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me around a delicious chocolate cake, my favorite. We eat while hanging out in the bar. Gigi insisted we have cake before Gio had Dusty escort her to her room for the night.
Now, the real party can start.
Gator hands us each another shot, and we toast to ‘Family.'
A slow song comes on, and Gio takes my hand leading me to the dance floor. Ed Sheeran ‘Kiss Me’ is playing as he takes me in his arms. Ace has Jules in his arms dancing with her. I also see Gator and Sam along with some of the other guys and their girls.
As Gio glides me around the dance floor, he’s sing low in my ear. He has an amazing voice as I float in his arms. I never in my life thought I could ever be this happy and content.
The only thing that would possibly make this better is if I could share it with my family. Hopefully, I’ll have my brothers and Ces back in my life soon. I want them all to share in my happiness, I need them all in my life.
The past is the past, and I want to leave it dead and buried there. Today feels like the start of my new life with the love of my life, the man of my dreams. He’s my present and my future. He’s My Prince Charming and My Happy Ever After. I’ve known for years my heart belongs to him, now I get to share that with him.
I have my head resting on his chest, then I lift my head to look in his eyes. He bends down and kisses me, and we play tonsil hockey right here in the middle of the dance floor surrounded by his brothers and the girls.
Gio’s hands are around my waist on my lower back. He pulls me closer to him leaving no space between us. I can feel his hard member pressing into my stomach.
My hands are in his hair relish in the silky feel against my palms and fingers.
Thirty people or so are around us, watching us in our very public display of affecting. For once, it doesn’t bother me in the least. It excites me, and I don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed for the first time in a while. I’m in a good place and sharing it with everyone in this room feels right. I can feel the love and loyalty all around me.
After a few minutes, Ace breaks our kiss up and dragging us back to the bar for another shot. Jules and I have a few more shots with the guys.
The alcohol running through my system is relaxing me and letting me let loose. I'm enjoying the moment.
“How about you girls get up on the bar and dance for us. Show us what you got, Coyote Ugly style,” Ace says with a wink and a mischievous smile on his good-looking face.
Jules and I stare at each other for a second wonder what the hell he means by ‘Coyote Ugly Style.' Doesn’t matter, we’ll figure it out.
He doesn’t give us long to contemplate before he says, “I dare you.” That’s all we need to hear. “Game on, bad ass biker boy, we got this,” I say smirking with a giggle.
“There goes that sassy mouth again. Beast, you need to handle your woman,” Ace says through his laughter.
Jules and I don’t take dares lightly. We down another shot making that close to a dozen double shots so far tonight. I’m feeling fabulous, total drunk and up for this dare.
Jules and I remove our shoes, and I take Gio’s hand as he helps me up onto the barstool then on to the bar.
The guys are playing Theory of a Deadman ‘Bad Girlfriend’. We love this song!
I take Jules’ hand, and we dance around shaking our asses when the song says too. We shimmy our breast to the guys and stomp our feet on the bar.
We whip our hair around being sexy. We dirty dance together grinding on one another. The guys hoot and whistle at us to keep going.
We’re so drunk it doesn’t take much to egg us on.
Letting loss like this feels liberating, I feel recharged and brand new. Life is defiantly on the right track. It can only get better from here, right.
The song changes to Buckcherry ‘Crazy Bitch’ and we continue to dance.
We live it up for them, playing and acting out as if we’re a couple. I scratch down her back, and she does mine, just like the song says.
We give the guys a nice little show as we shake our asses and whip our hair for them.
Red is tending bar tonight, and he hands us another shot. I think this is to keep us wild for the guys.
Damn, these bad ass bikers really know how to party it up and keep us girls happy.