by Unknown
Trent kisses my forehead. “Thanks, Ari.”
I gasp, and a light bulb goes off in my head. I immediately get up, and the blanket falls from my shoulders pooling on the polished wood floor around my feet. Michael picks it up and places it back on the sofa and walks towards the kitchen to lean up against the counter with a puzzled look on his face.
“Trent,” I voice with excitement and start pacing around the room.
“What is it?”
“Two or three weeks ago, when I was leaving for Colorado, I left the necklace on my bathroom vanity. Do you think he planted the device in my locket when he was in the apartment?” I smile as everything starts to become clearer. “This all makes sense now. His first e-mail was right after I flew out to Denver for the seminar.”
Trent rushes’ over, enveloping me in his bigger-than-ever body and squeezes the air from my poor lungs. I’m sure they recoil whenever he shows his presence.
“You are a genius. I’ll hire you if you ever want to work for me,” he offers, his eyes twinkling with joy.
“Nah,” I reply, shaking my head, “but thank you for the proposal.”
“Well, pretty darlin’, I’m off to do some investigating.” Trent flashes his dazzling smile with a wink.
“Trent, do you think she should leave for Italy? I would go with her, but there’s an emergency, and Mark and I need to fly out to Hong Kong tomorrow,” Michael says, and he looks my way. “Sorry, I meant to tell you earlier.”
I nod. “No problem.”
Trent takes a glimpse at me, and from the expression on my face, he has no doubt I’m determined to go. “I’ll get Janet, an ex-FBI agent on the same flight and the hotel you’ll be staying in, and don’t worry, she’ll be discreet. Satisfied, Ari?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I’m not. This fuck is well aware of her trip to Italy. What assurances are you willing to give me that nothing will happen to her?” Michael snaps back at his brother, pointing his finger at him.
“Michael, there are no guarantees in life,” he says with a monotone voice, and has a fixed look on Michael for a long period, and my heart begins to fall apart when I see the sadness in their eyes. Trent turns away from me with a pained look on his face as he catches me staring at him.
Michael’s eyes are glistening as he stares at Trent with grief etched over his features.
Trent clears his throat, breaking the silence and says, “Janet will see to her safety and well-being. Ari, I am requesting one thing from you.”
“Yes, Trent?”
“Michael needs to stay the night with you. By now, your predator has already realized we figured out his game, and I can bet my life that he’s in rare form.”
“I had no intention of leaving her alone,” Michael spits out, pushing himself off the counter and paces around the room enraged.
“I’m not going to argue.” This whole mess is frightening, and I still can’t wrap the fact around my head that he placed a listening device in my locket.
So that’s how he knew of my whereabouts. The bastard heard every damn word I said and used that information to torment me, making me think that he was watching me. He may have even heard me in the shower, and imagined me naked. Ugh! I squeeze my eyes shut, shaking my head with disgust.
“I’ll be back, I’m going to walk Trent to the elevator doors,” Michael says. I nod and sit on the sofa, numb and exhausted. I close my eyes and find myself drifting off to sleep.
I’m jolted awake by an unusual sound, and I find myself cocooned between Michael’s warm arms and his chest. He chuckles when he notices I’m awake. I smile with relief, and I place my head back on his chest and hear the little pitter-patter of his tender heart beating against my ear.
He sits me on the bed. “Do you need help undressing?” He asks.
I shake my head. “I’m fine, thank you, Michael,” I answer.
He leans down, his mouth to my ear, and my body starts to tingle just from his breath. “Good night, Ariana,” he whispers, and he kisses me and walks away. Suddenly I feel cold and alone as if a part of me vanished. Deep down inside I wish he would lie beside me and hold me against his warm, solid body for the rest of the night.
I get dressed and head straight beneath the covers and pray I sleep through the night without any terrifying nightmares.
***
The fresh smell of brewed coffee wakes me up, and the first sight I see as my eyes open is Michael leaning against my door, his arms across his chest.
“Good morning, sunshine.” He smiles, and his gorgeous face lights up.
“Hi,” I murmur, all sleepy-eyed as I cover my mouth to yawn and stretch every muscle in my body.
“How did you sleep last night?” He asks.
“Like a baby, thank you for asking.” I get up and wrap my robe over me.
“When do you need to be at the airport?” He questions and kisses the top of my head. “I have to call Trent with your itinerary.”
“My flight doesn’t depart until the early evening, I think at four forty-five on Lufthansa. There’s plenty of time.”
“Mine is in the afternoon. I still need to go home, pack and get a few files from my office. Go shower and dress so we can indulge in a nice breakfast together.”
“Yes, Captain,” I say, saluting.
“Be careful, Ariana, or I’m going to salute your bare little bottom with my hand,” he says with a playful shove and walks out.
“In your dreams,” I yell out.
I walk into the kitchen after my shower and I’m struck with a mouthwatering view of Michael, cooking, looking all gorgeous wearing my apron. I’m going to miss him while I’m away. He turns and my pulse quickens.
His million-dollar smile emerges. He tosses the spatula into the sink, slowly walks toward me like a god, wrapping his burly hands around my neck, and kisses me hard and I melt right into him. His lips tasting like little gummy bears, so sweet and soft, so delicious. He wrenches away, stares into me with famished eyes. “You’re beautiful,” he says with panting breaths. “Now, let’s eat.” He turns, pointing toward the counter set for two.
How can he think of eating after that intoxicating kiss we just shared. My heart is still racing hard against my chest. He’s unbelievable.
I stare at the beautiful platter of food set before me and begin to salivate. “You made pancakes?” I say with surprise. He never ceases to amaze me.
“Do you approve?” He stares at me, waiting for my approval like a young boy who made breakfast for the first time for his mom. I want to kiss him.
“Yes, very much, with jam.”
“No syrup?” He frowns, showing an expression of disappointment.
I shake my head. “Jam, please.” I beg.
He goes into the refrigerator and retrieves the raspberry jam. Amazing how he can already find his way around the kitchen.
“Thank you so much,” I say cheerfully.
We sit, indulging in Michael’s homemade pancakes, which bring fond memories of my childhood when my mom and dad used to cook together, making us a big breakfast every Sunday morning.
Michael pulls my chin toward him, inching his way closer until we are nose-to-nose. My breath hitches and I writhe in my seat as I feel his tongue caress the corner of my mouth, causing the area to tingle and making me light-headed.
“Raspberry jam,” he whispers with a seductive tone, and my heart faints from his masculine, sexy voice.
“Oh,” is all I can muster as the goose bumps manifest over my sensitive skin.
We finish our breakfast in silence, and I help him clean up. I wish we had more time together, but Joe phoned earlier, informing him he’s out front waiting for him.
I walk him out of the building to a brisk, cool breeze and a few scattered clouds. Joe is standing by the limo, waiting to open the door.
“Good morning, Miss DiMarco,” Joe greets me, dressed in a grey suit and his copper hair combed back.
“Good morning, Joe, a pleasure to see you
.”
“Thank you, it’s nice to see you as well.”
“When are you due to come back?” Michael asks, pulling my attention away from Joe.
I wrap my arms around his waist, never wanting to let go. “I’ll be arriving Sunday night. What about you? When will you be coming back from Hong Kong?”
He rubs his slightly stubble face and neck, which adds sex appeal to his appearance.
“I’ll be back on Monday. My flight leaves at two fifty-five.”
I smile, and I find myself already missing him. We give each other one last embrace. “Be careful, Ariana. Please.”
“Yes, of course. Try not to worry so much. Blake and the rest of the group will be with me, along with Trent’s bodyguard. I won’t be alone. Jonathan reserved a two-bedroom suite,” I say hoping it will alleviate his anxiety.
Still cocooned in his arms, he inhales the scent of my hair and threads his fingers through it, carefully brushing down the strands with soft, tender strokes. “You smell delicious.” He tugs me closer against his body. His lips meet mine, and our kiss intensifies. I’m lost in the moment, without a care in the world, absorbing him like a thirsty sponge, feeding through his toxic kiss.
I lose all self-control when I’m with this man. He’s like a poisonous snake, one bite, and I’m incoherent, unable to think clearly, in a constant daze. I’m like butter and melt just from his touch. I love the way he holds me in his arms, close to his body, warm and inviting. How his kisses turn me inside out, making every limb in my body go weak.
I squeeze him tighter, feeling safe, secure, and at home, and yet the need to be cautious. He could be like Danny, but the more I’m with Michael; those fears I had in the beginning are starting to disintegrate into ashes. I have to trust my gut, my sixth sense or whatever you want to call it.
He releases me, placing his forehead to mine. We rub noses. “I’m going to miss you, Ariana,” he says with a despondent tone, breathing in deep, his eyes squeezing shut.
“And I you, Michael.” I whisper, not ever wanting to lose this feeling.
He gazes into the crystal-clear sky, deep in thought, taking deep breaths, and his chest expanding into mine. He lowers his face and gazes at me with a mischievous expression. “I should leave before I kidnap you.” He smiles, and I burst out laughing.
“Okay, I get the picture. You had better go. I wish you a safe trip, Michael, and good luck.”
“You too, Ariana. I’ll be calling you.”
“I look forward to it.” His tall, muscular form steps into the limo with ease, and Joe shuts the door, making the good-bye final. They pull away from the curb. My eyes begin to water and a tear rolls over my cheek. I quickly wipe it away and watch Michael waving and blowing kisses through his back window. I reciprocate until he fades into the morning traffic. I don’t know why, but suddenly an empty, forsaken loneliness douses over me like a bucket of cold water.
Chapter 18
Italy
We land in beautiful Naples, Italy. Before I get into the private car. I catch a glimpse of a woman getting into a taxi. I’m sure that’s Janet because she smiled and winked at me as she stepped inside. I’m grateful for Trent and everything he is doing to find the maniac who’s tormenting me.
I spoke with Sean and left Michael a voicemail to tell them both of our safe arrival. I’m awestruck at the majestic beauty of this small village.
We arrive at the hotel, which is situated in the center of Positano on the Amalfi Drive, only fifty kilometers from Naples. Their rooms and terraces, seventy meters above the sea, are an invincible sanctuary of peace and serenity.
The lavish landscape property leaves me breathless.
I am taken back by the breathtaking view of Positano. How can you not gape at its spectacular architectural structures painted in a multiplicity of colors wedged into the cliff overlooking the stunning Amalfi Coast or the terrain covered in layers of picturesque greenery and vivacious, colorful flowers?
As soon as the crew and I step out of the car, the staff members greet us with warmth and kindness, taking us in as part of the family.
The lobby’s décor blends in with their age-old architectural styles and antiques, captivating you with their masterpiece portraits, beautifully hand-painted tiles, and prodigious floral arrangements mixed with a profusion of exotic flowers, and vines of ivy cascading throughout the premises.
The anticipation of touring the building is killing me. I am so looking forward to filming the property. Le Sirenuse is a family-owned, five-star luxury boutique hotel, gifting you the atmosphere of a home.
We follow our host to our suite, which is found on the seventh floor and find our luggage and equipment have already been transported to our room.
We’ve been granted their two-bedroom luxury villa with a separate lounge area, decorated with antique and contemporary furniture crafted in Europe and the East. Three private baths are adorned with marble and handmade titles. One of the bathrooms has a dual whirlpool bathtub, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
“This is beautiful. I can’t wait to explore the rest of the hotel and its amenities,” I exclaim out, excited to be here.
“Me too. I’m so thrilled to be here,” Mandy chimes in, jumping in on the excitement of being in Italy. Mandy’s one of our interns for audio sound. She’s a tiny little thing, around five feet with short, wavy blond hair.
“Ditto for me,” Jackie calls out.
“Count me in,” Willie says and they give one another high fives.
Jackie is our makeup artist. She’s in her late fifties with gray eyes and black shoulder-length hair, but she appears and acts much younger, full of life and spunk. Age is a number, she always states.
Willie is in charge of lights. He’s fresh out of school, graduated from the New York Film Academy. He’s tall, slender with short black hair and an abundance of energy.
Blake is in charge of the camera and videotapes the segment as well as editing the digital takes.
I rush over to the desk and pick up a binder filled with information on the hotel and its amenities.
“Hey, guys, check this out. There is a nightclub called the Africana, which has an eclectic mix of music. It’s known as Amalfi Coast’s most famous nightclub in Praiano, one of the coast most picturesque villages. The club is created inside a natural cave, almost at sea level. Now here’s a place I want to explore tonight. Are you guys in?”
“I speak for both Jackie and me, and we’re in,” Mandy responds enthusiastically.
“Hell yes, damn straight I’m in. I love dancing,” Willie exclaims.
I glance over to Blake and get no response. I sense his strong vibes of disapproval. He doesn’t seem too pleased about my plans.
“Ariana, can we go outside for a moment?” Blake asks and makes his way toward the terrace double doors, and I follow. We are granted a stunning view of the sea, with its crystal-blue clear waters splashing small ripples against the rocky shore, along with a blast of the sweltering heat.
“Ariana, I’m not sure it’s a good idea to go to a nightclub.” He points out.
“Why? Because of the updated information I gave you about the lunatic?” I say, looking at him, all wide-eyed.
“Yes, of course. Doesn’t it worry you that he may be deranged enough to fly out here?” He treads around the terrace anxiously, his hands on his hips, broad shoulders expanding as wide as the doorway.
“I never really thought . . . I mean . . . .Why would anyone want to spend a considerable amount of money to provoke or bedevil me?”
“Ariana, I’m not comfortable with this. Please, can we skip the nightclub?” He asks with a grave look on his face.
Think, Ariana. I would hate to disappoint Mandy, Jackie, and Willie. It’s my idea and big mouth that has them excited about it in the first place.
“To put you at ease, Trent hired a bodyguard who followed us here. I know because I saw her for a quick moment. If the situation is still making you uncomfortable, we’ll ha
ve a late dinner and afterward head to the Africana, dance a few songs, and then you and I will leave. The rest can stay as long as they want. Our filming doesn’t begin until two o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Does that bring you some relief?”
“Very well, but two dances, no more than three, Ariana,” Blake orders, mimicking Mr. Bulldozer. “I’m serious.”
I salute him in agreement to his terms, and we walk back into the suite. I check my watch and realize I need to change it to the correct time zone. It’s one-thirty in the afternoon, and jet lag seems to be setting in.
We decided to have dinner at the Africana. Although we had the option to go by car, I decided it would be fun to get there by boat. Blake wasn’t too happy, but he went along for the ride and held my arm the whole way there, as if someone was going to burst from the open sea and snatch me away from him. I guess having Janet on the same boat with another couple from the hotel didn’t put him at ease. Mandy, Willie and Jackie probably thought he was a little skittish on boats.
We walk up a long staircase, making it feel like you’ve climbed several flights of stairs. Thank God, they had iron railings. The music grew louder as we got closer, causing my heart to race and my body to move with the rhythm. I turned and glanced at the village admiring its lights that glittered like stars over the ripples of the open waters, which gave it a tranquil, yet, an eerie feel to it.
Our jaws dropped with fascination when we entered the nightclub. The atmosphere was filled with music, laughter and glasses clinging. The uneven crevices of the cave gave it an old worldly appearance. Lights beamed off the walls and floor. The tables were situated on a panoramic veranda with glass panels, where you can enjoy the view of the underlying sea. The food was cooked with top-quality ingredients, and the fresh catch of the day, leaving your palate crying out for more.
After our extraordinary meal, we took to the dance floor, which is huge. The rock beneath us is covered with crushed glass and portholes, giving you an undying view of the water splashing against the walls of the grotto. The club is decorated ultra modern, white leather sofas’ and chairs are scattered throughout the place.
