Finding Beauty in the Darkness

His breath escapes him on a laugh, making him look a hundred times sexier than when he looks mad and worked up. Giovanni Valentino laughing should be illegal. My insides tingle and I feel my nipples poke through my tank top reminding me I need to ask him to buy me a bra. “I’ll have to take your word on that. I didn’t go to college, so I wouldn’t know. Just don’t get too drunk.” He attempts to give me a stern look that only makes me laugh.

We cross over to the other side as he explains the east wing is where all the women stay. I wonder if he’ll ask me to move to this area. I imagine I’m overstaying my welcome, taking up his bed. Then I take that thought back. His ass is forcing me here. He deserves to be on the uncomfortable couch.

As we make our way through the floor, he introduces me to several women. Some are dressed up, others look like they’re about to go to bed, but all of them are beyond stunning and none of them appear to be nervous in the presence of their boss.

“How did you come across owning a bordello?” I’m curious how a man who didn’t even go to college became so successful. I haven’t seen the entire place yet, but it’s obvious this club is worth millions, and when I was looking out his bedroom window this morning, I could see it’s on hundreds of acres. It looks more like a mansion than a club. Outside in the back, I spotted the most beautiful gardens and plan to explore them soon whether he likes it or not. Rome or Caesar will just have to join me.

“My parents moved us here from Italy when my youngest brother was born. My mom and dad used to run this place until I took it over about ten years ago. We also own a few hotels and casinos.”

His mention of Italy gets me excited. Traveling to Italy is number one on my list of things to do and see. “Wow! Italy? My dream is to go to Italy one day to study art there. I bet it’s beautiful in person. Have you ever been to any of the art museums there? Like the Uffizi Gallery? I have a list of places I want to explore all over Italy, places I want to take pictures of. Ugh! Have you ever visited Cinque Terre? The photos are amazing! I can’t even imagine what it looks like in person. Oh! And the Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Frascati in Rome. If I ever make it there, I’m going to take a million pictures.” Giovanni just stands there not saying anything, grinning at me. “What?”

“Nothing. I was just listening to you.” His smile is amused.

“Were you planning to contribute to this conversation?”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “And interrupt your excitement?”

“Whatever. Have you been to Italy?”

“Sì, e hai ragione. È più bella di persona.”

“What did you just say?”

“I said, ‘Yes, and you’re right. It is more beautiful in person.’ If you plan to visit Italy one day, you should start learning Italian.” Giovanni taps me on my nose and winks. I don’t bother telling him I’ve taken several classes of Italian. I just can’t understand it when spoken so quickly.

“Or I can just drag you with me. You can be my personal tour guide,” I joke, and it shocks me that I just insinuated I’d welcome this man to join me on a trip to Italy.

“Your own personal tour guide to where?”

I turn to see where the feminine voice is coming from, and find the most exquisite woman gliding up the stairs from the first floor. From her ivory white dress that shows her perfect curves, to the high heels with the signature red sole, she screams class. She reaches us on the landing and up close, she’s even prettier. She has midnight black hair that’s pin straight, not a single hair out of place, and her makeup is done to perfection. She smiles at Giovanni, ignoring my presence. Her lips are full and plump, but look natural. The Kardashians have nothing on this woman’s lips.

She and Giovanni seem to be having a silent conversation, and the longer they stare, the more fake her smile seems to get, like it’s being forced.

“Hi! I’m Aria…you are?” I put my hand out to shake hers, trying to be polite and break the tension that seems to be building by the second. She looks down at my hand, not taking it, then slowly assesses me. I can feel the judgement pouring off this woman. Okay, then….

I make a mental note not to turn around so she can’t see the words Love Pink across the back. For some reason, I don’t think this woman has any pajamas with writing across the ass.