Finding Beauty in the Darkness

Cecilia scoffs. “I’m not sure how many clients you’ll 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’ll 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’ll feel having to be close to men I don’t know.

“Think about what?” Gio asks as 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 his 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 lips.

“Aria was just saying she’ll think about working here,” Cecilia says.

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 barks, his eyes never leaving mine, his tone brokering 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’d 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 Sienna and Natalie.

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

After hours of pampering and primping—courtesy of Natalie and Sienna—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 like they were designed just for them. 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, powerful businessman.

“What?” He eyes me curiously.

“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?” I ask.

“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’re 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 there and will be watching you.”

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

Nico and Amber take off in one direction while Gio pulls me in another. We’re stopped several times by people who all seem to know Gio. They discuss 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 works for him.