Finding Beauty in the Darkness

I chuckle softly. “Good, I’ll let you get back to her. If you need anything, please let me know.”

“Will do.” I shake Phillip’s hand and then find Kelly to let her know she can rejoin him.

Closing the door to my office, I dial the senator’s number to see if he answers.

“Hello.”

“Senator, I’m so glad you answered.”

“Who is this?”

“I’m the man who has the woman you are supposedly out looking for.”

“Giovanni, how did you get this number?”

“That’s not of importance. What is important, however, is whether the rumors are true. Are you out searching for Aria?”

“N-no, I’m not. But it would be wise of you to return her to me.”

“Is that a threat I hear?”

“I’m not threatening you. But this is a family matter and it would be best if Aria is returned.” His words grate me.

“Family? How would the people of Nevada feel about how you treat your family? I’m not sure they would be too pleased to know you’ve been holding your dead wife’s daughter captive for almost a year while raping her.”

“What did that bitch tell you?” Weston screams, losing his cool. I ignore his question and the fact that he just called Aria a bitch. This fucker will get his in due time.

“What I want to know is why.”

“Why what?” he booms.

“Why have you been holding her captive? Why do you want her back so badly? What are you hiding, Senator?”

The phone line goes dead. I’ve hit a nerve. Senator Hightower is hiding something and I’m going to figure out what it is.

Me: Aria is no longer your family. If you come anywhere near her, I will personally end your life. She’s mine.

I’m not expecting him to answer, but I know he got my message. Now I need to have Johnny start looking into Aria’s past and why Weston Hightower so desperately wants her in his possession until she’s twenty-two.

Chapter Ten

ARIA

“Thank you for helping me shower and get dressed.” The woman Giovanni brought in, Natalie, has been such a godsend. She helped me shower, shave my legs and arm pits, wash my hair, and blow dried it so it’s not soaking wet. I can’t remember the last time my body and hair felt so clean… Oh wait. Yes, I do. Nine fucking months ago! I take a deep, calming breath before I work myself up.

Natalie is holding out Victoria’s Secret sweatpants for me to step into. The bleeding has finally reduced to light spotting, the clotting all behind me, and it feels good to be able to put on a pantyliner and regular underwear instead of living in Giovanni’s boxers.

I pull the pants up, then reach for the matching tank top. My ribs are still sore, but at least now I can walk a bit more and reach over my head when necessary. Natalie helps me put on my tank top.

“Do you work for Giovanni?” I ask, making conversation. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone to converse with. She gives me a nervous look. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry. I was just trying to make conversation. I’ve been stuck in a basement with no social interaction for almost a year.”

Natalie’s eyes bug out, and I note not to start off my conversations like that in the future.

“Yes, I work for Mr. Valentino.”

“What do you do here?” I remember she said something about going on her first date… Could that be work related?

“I think you should probably ask Mr. Valentino that.”

“Ask me what?” Giovanni walks in, looking like the powerhouse businessman I first met. I haven’t seen him in a suit since I arrived, making me forget how sexy he looks when he’s dressed to impress. I really need to tame down these thoughts. This is the same guy who handcuffed me to the damn headboard earlier, trying to make a claim on me like it’s the 1800s. He is not someone I need to be attracted to, especially if my suspicions are correct and he’s in the mob.

“Sir, Aria was just wondering what I do for you…for work.”

“You look beautiful all cleaned up, Aria.” It doesn’t go over my head that he’s changed the subject without responding to what Natalie’s said. “The clothes fit good. Very…pink.” He points to the bright pink Victoria’s Secret sweats I’m sporting with an equally pink tank top. “Do you need anything else from Natalie before she heads back downstairs?”

“Nope. Thank you, Natalie.” I shoot her a grateful smile.

“My pleasure. If you end up staying around, come find me. We can hang out.”

She exits the bathroom, leaving Giovanni and me alone. “So…”

“So, what?” He tilts his head to the side, confused.

“What does Natalie do as your employee?”

Giovanni frowns, taking my arm in his, and helps me back to bed. There’s a tray of food waiting on the nightstand for us. Helping me sit in bed, he pulls the fresh sheets up and places the tray of food on my lap before sitting in his usual chair with his food. “I run a high-class gentleman’s club. Natalie works for me entertaining the men.” The words come out carefully like he’s trying to gauge my reaction.