Fourteen

 

 

Aria

“Girl, this pool is the shit. This mansion is like something out of an episode of cribs. Now spill.” Amber and I are lounging out by the pool. She just finished with midterms so today is the first day we have been able to hang out. It’s been two weeks since Gio and I kissed and since then he’s been more distant than usual. That night he came back up with junk food as his way of a truce, I thought maybe things would go back to the way they were, but I was wrong. He’s grumpy to everyone including me and I’m over his shit. He has slept in the bed a few times but he doesn’t usually come in until after I’m asleep and he’s out of bed before I wake up. Some nights he will sleep on the chaise lounge, and once I found him asleep at his desk.

“Gio is keeping me here because Weston has disappeared.”

“And this mansion?” Her hands circle around.

“He owns an…escort service.” I whisper the last two words. It’s not like it’s a secret since here in Vegas bordellos are still legal but I still feel weird admitting I live at a sex club.

“What?!” She sits up, her Bloody Mary sloshing onto her breasts. “Like a whorehouse?”

I don’t know why but that word agitates me now even though I used the same term when I first found out. Maybe it’s because the last several weeks I’ve been here, I have gotten to know the women and they might have sex with strangers, but they aren’t whores…I mean they are by the literal definition but it just sounds so cold. There’s more to these women. Some of them don’t even sleep with the members. They simply escort them to dinner and events.

“No,” I say, feeling the need to defend them, “escorts.”

“Hey, I’m not judging.” Her hands come up in a placating gesture. “To each their own.”

“I’m going to take a dip in the pool.” I pull my cover over my head and drop it onto the chair then walk toward the steps, Amber doing the same.

There’s a loud whistle and when we find the source, it’s Nico, Gio’s brother. “Well, well. It’s not every day I come across not one but two sexy women.”

I roll my eyes but Amber giggles. “That entire house is filled with sexy women. Nice try.”

“True but they are off limits.” He winks and Amber giggles louder. Seriously? Do I sound like that around Gio?

“Nico, Amber; Amber, Nico, Gio’s brother,” I say before diving into the water and swimming toward the deep end. I took swim lessons growing up and I love the water. When I come up for air, I see Nico and Amber chatting. She is laughing at whatever he’s saying—her hands hitting him against the chest—and he’s eating that shit up.

Natalie and Sierra come walking out, suits on, and I wave to them. “Hey!” I had invited them when I made plans with Amber. They are both super sweet.

“Hey, Aria!” They both wave, throw their towels down, and join me in the pool. “This water feels so good! We don’t use the accommodations offered here enough,” Sierra admits.

“Seriously!” Natalie agrees. We spend the next few hours in the pool hanging out. Nico gets his suit and joins us. He’s a huge flirt with all of us, but he seems to focus most of his attention on Amber.

When my stomach starts to rumble in hunger, I swim to the stairs and get out. “I’m starving. Want to go grab something to eat?”

“How the hell do you eat so much and look like that?” Natalie appraises my body as she wraps her towel around her.

“I’ve been saying the same thing since we first met our freshman year in college,” Amber adds.

“Oh, whatever. I lost a lot of weight this past year. I’m not usually this skinny.” I laugh but it comes out rough as I remember why I’m the skinniest I have ever been. We all make our way into the kitchen and I start going through the pantry to see what I can find to eat.

“I’m going to leave you ladies to it. I came here to find my brother and some women in sexy bathing suits got me distracted.” He winks at Amber and walks out of the kitchen with his towel strung over his neck. As he leaves, Maggie comes in and offers to make us sandwiches.

“So, if it’s none of our business you can say as well but what the heck happened this last year? Why are you living here?” Sierra questions.

I retell the same story I told Amber, leaving out most of the gory and horrific details, but telling them enough so they understand.” I know Gio said I need to lay low and I am, but it feels good to talk to people other than him. It’s not like these women are going to go running to the news channels.

“Are you planning to go back to school?” Natalie asks, as she takes a bite of her sandwich, moaning in approval. Everything Maggie makes is delicious. She’s offered to give me some cooking lessons and I have taken her up on them. I can now successfully make lasagna, chicken parmigiana, and chicken fettucine alfredo.

“Yes, are you?” Cecilia walks into the kitchen, her nose stuck in the air as usual, butting into our conversation.

“I’m planning on it.”

“And with whose money? Giovanni’s?” Her question is meant to be rude but I don’t let it get to me. I’m here at Giovanni’s insistence. He sought me out, not the other way around. I am extremely appreciative of him getting me out of that basement but I would never take advantage of him, and I sure as hell don’t want to owe anybody anything.

“I haven’t figured it out yet, but no, he has given me enough. I don’t want to take advantage of him. I obviously need to make my own money but I’m stuck under this roof, which is making it difficult.” I know if I asked Gio for the money to go to school, he would give it to me in a heartbeat but I don’t want him to. I want to be independent. Show the world that what happened to me didn’t break me. He’s made it clear, he doesn’t want anything to happen between us, so keeping our relationship on a friendship level means not taking anything more from him than necessary.

“If you don’t want to rely on him, why don’t you work here?”

“Cici!” Sierra yells.

“What? Mariah left and I’m hiring. If you are serious about needing a job you can work here.” She flips her hair behind her back as her head tilts slightly. Ugh! She’s such a damn bitch.

“As an escort?” I clarify.

“I mean, unless it’s beneath you.” Her eyebrows raise in a challenge.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just that…” I look around then sigh. “I haven’t had sex since I was raped.” I bite the side of my cheek hard, the metallic taste of the blood hitting my tongue.

“You wouldn’t have to have sex,” Natalie says.

“What do you mean?”

“We all have a profile. It lets the members know what we allow. Whether we allow sex and if we do, what our hard limits are. You could just put you don’t allow sex.”

Cecilia scoffs. “I’m not sure how many clients you will get but I guess if that’s what you want.” The thought of having sex with a stranger terrifies me but the fact that I wouldn’t have to until I’m ready settles my nerves, and who knows, maybe this will be good for me while making money to pay for school.

“I’ll think about it.” This is a lot to consider. I can make money while living under this roof but I’m not sure how I will feel having to be close to men I don’t know.

“Think about what?” Gio walks into the kitchen and grabs a peach from the fruit bowl, with his brother following behind. All the women stop talking and stare at him. He’s in his usual power suit—well most of it—his jacket and tie are missing— and hair is messy like he’s been running his fingers through it. The guy sheds clothes throughout the day like a dog sheds its hair. It’s rather comical. He takes a bite out of the peach, a bit of juice coming out the sides, and suddenly I’m fantasizing about licking peach juice off Gio’s mouth.

“Aria was just saying she will think about working here,” Cecilia answers him and Gio chokes on his peach, his hand coming up to his mouth as he coughs to get a piece that seems to be lodged in his throat.

Once he’s recovered he shouts, “Like fucking hell!”

“Excuse me?” My hands go to my hips, preparing for a fight because who the hell does he think he is?

“I’m not hiring.”

“Yes, we are,” Cecilia jumps in earning a glare from Gio.

“Cecilia, stay the fuck out of this.” Gio says, his eyes never leaving me, his tone leaving no room for argument. She huffs and walks out, her heels clacking against the marble floor as she goes. “We can discuss this later. I have a business dinner I need to go to. I wanted to see if you would like to join me. My brother has decided to take a date for once and is inviting your friend.”

“Are you asking me to join you so you aren’t the only one without a date?” I ask just to give him a hard time because it’s fun messing with Gio.

“What?” He runs his hands over his face in frustration. “No, that’s not what I meant.”

“Whatever, I guess I’ll go.” I shrug but inside I’m giddy. A night out with Gio makes me feel all tingly inside.

“Great. Since it’s last minute can Aria borrow something from one of you?” he asks Sierra and Natalie.

“Absolutely! They both can.” The girls grab Amber and me by our arms and rush us up to their room that they share on the second floor. There’s enough rooms in the club for each girl to get their own room but they choose to share.

After hours of pampering and primping—courtesy of Natalie and Sierra—Amber, Nico, Gio, and I are on our way to the function in a limo. Gio and Nico are both dressed to the nines in tuxes that fit them both to perfection. Gio’s hair is gelled similar to Nico’s, making them look even more like the siblings they are. While I prefer his hair messy, his hair gelled like this makes him look like a sexy businessman.

“What?” he asks.

“I like your hair gelled almost as much as I like it messy.” Gio grins devilishly at my compliment.

“So, what kind of dinner is this?”

“It’s a charity function. The owners of the major resorts in the area get invited every year. I usually give a check and don’t attend but there’s someone that’s going to be there I want to see.”

“A friend?”

“More like an acquaintance.” Gio and Nico share a look that tells me whoever he’s going to meet isn’t one he would consider a friend in any way.

“What if someone recognizes me here?”

“Doesn’t matter. Weston knows you’re with me. You are staying with me so I can ensure your safety until we figure out what he’s up to. Being seen in public only means he looks like an idiot when he says he’s away looking for you.” He shrugs. “Just don’t leave my side. Rome and Caesar are already at the event and will be watching you.”

We arrive at the event and I’m shocked as to how many people are here. It’s being held in a hotel ballroom and it’s decorated for spring. It gives off a garden feel with butterflies and flowers everywhere. The linens are crème with pastel lining. It’s absolutely breathtaking and magical.

Nico and Amber take off in one direction while Gio pulls me in another. We are stopped several times by people who all seem to know Gio. They talk about everything and nothing. They talk hotel politics, ask how his mom is doing, some ask how his brother is doing in Italy, and a few men ask about La Stella’s, the gentleman’s club. I wonder how many of these men belong to the club and then I wonder if anyone will assume I’m one of the women who work for him.

Quite a few women stop Gio to talk as well. Several pretend like I’m not on his arm and flirt with him. He doesn’t flirt back, though. He’s polite and cordial, and his smile never falters, but from spending so much time with him, I know it’s an act.

“Would you like a drink?” he asks when we get a moment to ourselves.

“Yes, please.”

“What would you like?”

“Surprise me.” He nods and walks not even twenty feet away to get our drinks. I watch him stand at the bar to order our drinks when I feel a hand run down my arm. I jump at the touch, backing up.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I saw you from across the room and had to tell you that you’re simply divine.” My eyes roll up to my forehead in my mind but on the outside, I smile not knowing if this man is a business associate of Gio’s.

“Thank you.”

“My name is Sebastian Lorenzo.” He takes my hand and brings it up to his lips for a kiss. It reminds me of when I met Caesar and he did the same thing, only where Caesar’s approach was playful, this guy comes off as slimy. It takes everything in me not to pull my hand away and wipe his saliva off on my dress.

“I’m Aria.” I leave my last name off intentionally. Legally, it’s Hightower-Sutton since my mom had it changed when she married Weston, but I’m planning to have it reverted to her maiden name, Sutton.

I notice Caesar walking over toward us, his cellphone to his ear, but before he gets to us, Gio returns giving Caesar a slight nod that one wouldn’t notice if not aware of the situation. Caesar nods back and remains in eyesight but several yards back.

“Sebastian.” Gio hands me my drink then pulls me closer to his side, tucking me under his arm, either in a show of possessiveness or protectiveness. Either way, it’s much appreciated.

“Giovanni. I was just acquainting myself with your date.”

“Aria, I see Amber and Nico over there.” He nods to them. “Why don’t you go say hi while I speak with Sebastian?” It’s posed as a question but it’s clearly a command. I smile and agree, leaving the men to do… whatever it is they are going to do.

“Hey!” Amber gives me a one-armed hug, since her other hand is holding her drink. “Are you having fun?”

“Yeah, I guess.” I shrug. “If you call watching Gio being hit on by every hot woman in a pair of Louis Vuitton’s, and me getting hit on by some seriously creepy guy.”

“Who hit on you?” Nico asks.

“That guy that Gio’s talking to.” Nico’s gaze follows mine.

“Sebastian Lorenzo. Just make sure you stay away from him, both of you.”

“Gladly,” I assure him.

We stand by the bar chatting for a while. I finish off the sweet concoction Gio had gotten for me, ordered another, and now I’m on my third before Gio makes his way over to us. He comes up next to me, his arm falling over my shoulders. He pulls me toward him and leans down slightly to place a soft kiss to my temple, my belly being attacked by an onslaught of butterflies in response.

“Yeah?” is all Nico asks and Gio replies with a small nod. “You ladies ready to go?” Nico looks at Amber then me for our answer.

“But we didn’t get to dance,” Amber pouts. Nico laughs and says, “Well we can’t have that now, can we?” He takes her hand and pulls her onto the dance floor.

“Would you like to dance?” Gio looks down into my eyes and I nod. He pulls me around to face him, his hands going to my hips as mine go up to around his neck. We sway to Aerosmith’s Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, our bodies rubbing against each other, Gio holding me close. The lyrics hit me hard, reminding me how much I’ve missed these last several months and how I don’t want to miss any more. I wonder how many people in this moment are making memories with someone they love. Living their life to the fullest. Loving hard and without regrets. My head goes to Gio’s chest as I enjoy our dance. It’s such a simple moment and to most it would be inconsequential but to me it’s a moment of peace, a moment I almost wish would last forever. I haven’t felt this kind of serenity in a long time but here in Gio’s arms, I finally feel content. I feel like I am finally ready to move forward with my life.

“You look exquisite tonight, Ari,” Gio murmurs into my ear. I look up and smile. I see the intensity in his eyes and my stomach twists into knots.

“Are you giving me a nickname, Gio?” I ask, trying to keep the mood light.

He smirks. “I figured it was only fitting since you gave me one.” I laugh and put my head back down on his chest, enjoying the way our bodies move together—feeling the comfort of his heart beating against me.

“Thank you,” I whisper. Gio squeezes me tight and I know it’s his way of acknowledging that I’m not just thanking him for a nickname but for so much more.

Our time dancing ends too soon and before I know it, we are saying our goodbyes and heading back home. Nico insists the limo drops us all off at Gio’s house, assuring us he will get Amber home safely. I give her a silent look making sure she’s ok with that and she gives me one back that says she is more than ok with it.

When we get back to the house Gio and I head to his room. I grab a pair of pajamas and go to the bathroom to change. When I come out, Gio is standing in his boxers, about to pull on his sweats. It might be the liquid courage in me but without giving it a second thought, I bridge the gap between us, and stepping up behind him I wrap my hands around his torso.

He freezes at my touch then turns around. “Ari…”

“I want you,” I say boldly not wanting to think about or discuss this. I just want to have this… have him. With all the craziness in my life, I just want something for me. I want to feel his touch and his warmth surrounding me.

Holding my gaze, he pushes a lock of hair behind my ear then studies me for a second. His eyes run over my face and down to my lips. He rubs the pad of his thumb across my bottom lip then his eyes flit back to mine, a sad smile gracing his face. “If we have sex, it would be nothing more than that. Sex. You deserve more. You deserve shit I can’t give you.”

“I’m not asking for anything more than that.” He goes to turn away and I know it’s because he can’t handle the connection between us. I stop him, both my hands holding onto his arms, needing him to understand. “I haven’t had sex of my own free will in almost a year.” I swallow thickly at my own words, holding back the tears threatening to well up.

“And it’s still too soon. It’s only been a little over a month since you got here. Since you miscarried your baby.” My hands fist at my sides at the rejection but also at the fact that once again this man is telling me what I need and how I feel.

“I’m aware of how long it’s been,” I grit out, “I know what I’ve lost. I was the one there.”

“Then you know it’s too soon,” he murmurs, shaking his head.

“I know it’s my body and my mind and it’s definitely my heart and I get to decide that.” Gio rubs his hand over the scruff on his face but I don’t stop there. Reaching up, I frame his face with my hands so he gives me his full attention. “When we kissed, I know you felt it too. Felt how good we could be together.”

“Of course, I did! But then what, Aria? We get married and have tons of babies and live happily ever fucking after? That’s your future, not mine!” He pulls back out of my hands and looks away. His words are cold, void of all emotion. They remind me of how he speaks when doing business.

“Don’t speak to me like that,” I snap. “Your parents are married,” I point out. Regardless of how uptight they are, his mom and dad kissed and held hands while we were there. He doesn’t come from a broken home so I don’t get why he’s anti-relationship.

“My mom was a whore!” He shakes his head, trying to calm himself down. “She was a whore in one of the bordellos in Italy. She worked for my father. He took her out of that life and saved her. Sure, her life is better now in many ways but she also lives with guards around her. Her life is put at risk every day. My grandmother was killed in Italy in a shooting. That’s what you want? To live in fear of being killed every day?” Gio shouts the last question, his temper getting the best of him. And now it all makes sense. Him not wanting anything more. But it doesn’t stop me from wanting him. When you’ve been through what I have, you come to realize life is too short and can end too fast to live in fear.

“I think it should be my goddamned choice!” I shout back. “It’s my life! You don’t want me? Fine! But I need to move forward. I need to get a job and earn a living. I need to go back to college! I want my damn life back!”

“I can give you whatever you want, Aria!”

“Except you.” It isn’t a question.

“Except me,” he confirms.

“I want to work here.”

“Fuck no!” he booms. “That’s off the fucking table so get it out of your head.”

He pulls his sweatpants up his legs, throws on his shirt, and leaves the room, slamming the door behind him. I’m so livid my hands are shaking. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a panic attack but I can feel one coming on. I grab my prescription, swallow a pill, and get dressed, needing to get the hell out here.

I grab my new cellphone Gio bought me the other day and jog down the steps. The place is ghostly quiet and nobody stops me. I keep going out the front door and make my way to the side of the house, to the garage. One of the doors is open and I spot a box hanging on the wall full of keys. I grab a set and click the remote. A beautiful sporty looking car beeps and I go to it. The car is keyless, so I hold down the brake and press the button to start the car. I look around the vehicle and find the garage clicker and press it. The door slides up and I back out. I feel my phone vibrating in the cup holder but I ignore it.

I exit down the driveway and through the gate, shocked I haven’t been stopped yet. Once I hit the open road, I press down on the gas pedal, leaving everything behind me. I have no idea where I’m going but I don’t care. I just drive. I turn at random stops, the music blaring through the speakers. For the first time, in a long time I feel free. Putting the windows down, I enjoy the fresh air, the wind wrapping around my hair.

I think about everything that’s happened. My life before getting kidnapped. How naïve I was. All the signs were there. I was just too trusting to put it all together. Weston’s temper, my mom’s willingness to obey his every command. How happy she was when I asked to stay in the dorms even though we didn’t live far from the school campus. My mind goes to my relationship with Antonio. It could just be me overthinking things because of the situations as of late, but looking back, I can remember his cryptic text messages and phone calls. I never knew where he lived, never met his family. Sure, we weren’t serious. Most college students aren’t. But we hung out quite a bit and the sex was decent, I think. But I must be missing something for him to think I was gone willingly… unless maybe he was working for Weston. I shake those thoughts out of my head. It’s all just not adding up.

My mind moves to Gio. Him saving me and bringing me to his house. My life has changed so much. I’ve been forced to grow up and now I see things in a whole new light, my priorities have changed. I feel all over the place like I’m lost in the dark, my mind and heart running around and bumping up against the walls, trying to find their way. I go back to Gio. The way he laughs when it’s just the two of us but is so serious around everyone else. I feel myself smiling when I picture him lying in bed laughing to whatever television show I’m forcing him to watch. Our relationship is different than the one I had with Antonio. It’s comfortable and natural. He says he can’t give me more but doesn’t he realize he already has? He’s already let me in.

I have no idea how long I’ve been driving or where I am even at, but when blue and red sirens show up in my rearview mirror, I have a sinking feeling my freedom is quickly coming to an end.