Finding Beauty in the Darkness

The first twenty-four hours on the low dose of the anti-anxiety drugs had Aria freaking out when she was awake. I watched Vivian bring her down from her potential anxiety attack when she was here, so when one started, I did what the doctor did and was shocked that it actually worked.

Aria asked for something to read, so I had Johnny go to the store and pick her up an iPad. I installed all the book apps and set up her account with one of my credit cards. I’m not sure of the situation with Weston yet, but as far as I can tell, Aria doesn’t have any access to money. We haven’t talked about anything as I don’t want to overwhelm her with too much too soon. She’s been through enough as it is.

Knowing I just gave her a sleeping pill and it’ll keep her knocked out for at least a few hours, I shower and throw on a suit to check on the club. When I get to my office and begin going over the books, there’s a knock on my door. “Come in.”

Cecilia saunters in, her high heels clacking against the marble floor. “Nice of you to join society again. Does that mean whatever situation you had going on in your room is taken care of?”

Not liking the fact that she’s referring to Aria as a situation, my voice takes on a harsher tone than intended. “My situation isn’t any concern of yours. Her name is Aria and until I get things figured out, she will be staying here.”

“In your room?” Cecilia’s voice comes out in an annoying whine.

“Jealousy is not a good look on you.” I raise a brow, silently ending this conversation.

“Fine. Your mother has invited us to dinner later in the week. Shall we ride together?”

Shit. I received the text yesterday from my mom requesting we do a family dinner at her house. “I’m not sure if I’m going. Plan to drive yourself.” Cecilia huffs out in annoyance but doesn’t argue. “Close the door on your way out,” I say, dismissing her. She stomps out, slamming the door shut behind her.

A few minutes later, there’s another knock. This time it’s Rome. “Who peed in Cici’s cereal this morning?” Like most people who know Cecilia on a more personal level, Rome calls her by her nickname. I never gave into it, not wanting anything between us to ever get too personal. Rome has a seat in front of my desk, laughing at his own joke.

“She’s pissed because I have a woman in my room and she hasn’t met her.”

“Can you blame her?” Rome chuckles.

“Who I have in my room isn’t anybody’s fucking business.”

“But that’s just it. You never have anyone in your room. And while you and Cici aren’t technically exclusive, you sure as hell fuck her like you’re a couple. But even then, you never let her in your room. You have something more going on with Aria?”

“There’s nothing going on between Cecilia and me besides fucking, and as far as Aria goes, she’s nothing to me.” But even as I say those words, I feel the lie deep within me. I’m not sure what Aria is to me. Hell, I don’t even know her. But saying she’s nothing makes my chest ache. Something tells me, a woman like Aria could never be considered nothing. Fuck…I need to nip these thoughts in the bud.

“She was my payment from Weston Hightower.” I shrug nonchalantly.

“So, what? You own her?” Rome gives me a knowing smirk, which pisses me off.

“Are we done gossiping like women? I’m assuming you’re in here to go over something business related.”

Rome throws his head back with a laugh then quickly sobers. “Caesar and I have searched high and low for that pussy senator. It’s like he’s disappeared into thin air. Caesar had a couple of guys stake out his home and office, but nothing. I called his office and his secretary said he had to go out of town for business but wouldn’t tell me where he went. He never put his personal number on his file.”

“Motherfucker, I should have known his bitch-ass was going to run. I need to find out why he was holding Aria captive. Something’s not kosher. Weston could have hired any prostitute he wanted. Why would he hold her in a basement for almost a year with no intention of letting her go?”

“What the fuck?” Rome’s voice booms through the office. I’ve been so busy keeping an eye on Aria, I haven’t had time to catch him and the other guys up to speed.

“According to Aria, nine months and counting.”

“How is she not freaking the fuck out?” Rome shakes his head.

“Vivian has her on some sleeping pills and is keeping her on the Xanax she’s been on. When she first got here, she was begging for drugs. Luckily it seems the worst of it is behind her.”