by KM Lowe
I nod weakly. I’ve never really spoken about my ordeal to anyone other than my family, but there is something about Gio that makes me want to tell him. I turn to face him.
“I was abused, physically and mentally, by my fiancé. That’s why I’m single. I got away. I’ve spent the last twelve months trying to get my life back to normal, or as normal as can be after everything that happened. That’s why my brother booked this holiday. He thought that sun, sea, and cocktails would do me the world of good.” I lift my glass and take a big gulp of wine.
I can feel the anxiety rushing through my veins. My heart is pounding in my chest. Tears appear in my eyes and I don’t want to let my past consume me.
“I am so sorry that you’ve been through that.” Gio reaches over and takes my hand. “No one should ever be treated badly, especially not by someone who should love and protect them. Some people are just arseholes. I’m glad you have family who helped get you through it. And never forget that I’m always here if you need an escape. Anytime, day or night.”
“Thank you.” I feel the heat in my cheeks rise. “I’m glad I decided to come on this adventure. And I’m sorry about being emotional.”
“You never have to apologise for being upset around me, Harleigh.”
I nod.
“Anyway, I bet your brother is mighty glad to hear that you’re enjoying this trip.”
“Yes. I’m just waiting for the ‘I told you so,’ speech.” I roll my eyes and straighten my back.
“That’s what brothers are for.”
“So, I’ve shared my life story with you. Is there no Mrs Giovani?”
Giovani straightens up and takes in a deep breath. I can see the turmoil in his features.
“I had a fiancée as well. Let’s just say that it ended badly. She left me high and dry, bled my accounts dry, and ran off with my best friend, Jack.”
“Oh my God. I’m so sorry, Giovani. Was this a long time ago?”
“A few years ago now. I was lucky I had business accounts that only I could get into, otherwise all of this would have just been a pipedream.”
“Gosh, I don’t know what’s wrong with some people. Her parents must be so proud.” I shake my head in disgust.
“You’re the first person, other than family, that I’ve told about her. I’ve always hid it from my present.”
“I’m glad you did. And, for what it’s worth, you’re the first person I’ve confided my life secrets to.”
“So, no more skeletons in the closet, no bodies under your floorboards?” Giovani smiles wickedly.
“No, not humans anyway. When I was a child, I made my dad bury my goldfish in the garden. My parents still live in the same house.” I giggle. “Does that count?”
I think the wine is finally going to my head.
“Poor goldfish. I’m pretty sure Lucca’s goldfish got flushed down the toilet when he was four. He was upset with my mum and dad for weeks. It’s a story my dad still shares to this day.”
I laugh. I could just picture Lucca as a toddler, upset and in tears over his flushed away goldfish. He is just an adult-sized child now.
I sit back in my seat and tilt my head back to the night sky. It’s like a totally different world here. There is a perfect combination of everything.
“It’s so peaceful here. I can see why you love it so much.”
“It’s one of my favourite places to be. It doesn’t feel like work. In fact, what are you doing tomorrow?”
“If you hadn’t noticed, I’m kind of living day by day here. My plans and making routines have completely gone out the window, and I like it. I like being impulsive. Why? What did you have in mind?”
“I have a business property to see over in Sunny Beach. Maybe you can come with me. I’ll drive us over, and then I can show you some of what Sunny Beach has to offer. I can throw in lunch if you give me your honest opinion.”
“I can do that. Tomorrow sounds fabulous already.”
“I’ll pick you up at the hotel in the morning, say eleven?”
“Sounds good to me. Let me help you clear up before I go home.”
“Nah, leave it. I’ll get it later. Besides, I’m enjoying your company too much. If I walk you back to the hotel, I can spend more time with you.”
“I’d like that.” I smile brightly.
I honestly don’t know what it is with Giovani, but he is making me feel things that I’ve never felt before. Is it lust? I’m not sure. I’ve never had a holiday romance, and I don’t know if I’m the type of person to be with someone for a couple of weeks, go home, and forget all about them. That’s not the type of person I am. Could I be, though?
I guess only time will tell.
***
Giovani walks me right to my room door tonight. He said he has something to do in his office so it’s no bother. I rock back on my heels, feeling a little nervous. Giovani tilts my chin with his thumb and makes me look him in the eye.
“I don’t like to see the unsettled look on your face. I’ve come to like the untroubled look. The one that looks like you’re sticking your middle finger up to anyone who has wronged you over the years. And, just to let you know, there is absolutely nothing to be scared of when you’re around me. I will protect you. Nothing and no one will ever hurt you or upset you when I’m around.”
“I’m not scared of you, Giovani. I’m actually the most relaxed I’ve been in… such a long time.” I breathe out a sigh of relief. “I like spending time with you. I never imagined I’d be here with someone like you. I thought I would have spent my full holiday hiding away at the pool, but you make me excited to start a new day.”
“I’m glad to hear it, Harleigh. I like spending time with you too. And, just to set the record straight, that doesn’t happen very often. After what happened to me, I knuckled down with work and built up this empire. I didn’t let any women in. There is something different about you and I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Well, when you figure it out, be sure to let me know.”
“What would you say if I said I needed to kiss you, right here, right now?”
My heart stutters in my chest. The excitement of what Giovani just said registers in my inebriated brain. Not that I’m drunk tonight. I’ve just got this warm fuzzy feeling floating through me.
“I’d say…” I look at Giovani’s inviting mouth and part my lips slightly. “…I think I’d like that very much.”
“Good.” Giovani leans into me. “That’s very good.”
He leans in closer and captures my lips with his. Our mouths become one. His tongue delves into my soul, caresses every corner, and gives me everything he has. I’ve never been kissed like this before; I don’t know if it’s the wine or the kiss that’s making me lightheaded. The ground underneath my feet feels like it’s moving.
Gio parts from the kiss, leans his forehead against mine, and breathes heavily. My heart is pounding, my breathing is ragged, and my body feels like it’s alive, with electricity zapping through me. I feel alive. How is that possible from one kiss?
“That was…” I pant. “Amazing.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I’m going to bid you a goodnight, because if I kiss you like that once more, I’m afraid I won’t be able to walk away without taking you into that room, ripping your clothes off, and worshipping every inch of you. I’ll pick you up in the morning. Goodnight, Harleigh.” He leans in and places the softest kiss to my lips then walks away from me.
Did that just happen? Did Giovani just kiss me like it was his last? Did I just about orgasm on this spot from one mind-blowing kiss?
The pinging of the elevator snaps me back to here and now. I rub my finger over my swollen lips and remember every glorious moment of the minute I just shared with Giovani. If that was one kiss, I can only imagine what anything else is like. I fish out my key card, open the door, and walk into my room in a daze.
I am fucked!
***
I’ve lay in bed and tossed and turned for hours. I’m finally
feeling tired, but I can’t get that kiss with Giovani out of my head. I liked it. No, if I’m honest with myself, I loved it. But there is this fear and anxiety coursing through my veins. Is it because I stepped out of my comfort zone tonight and let Giovani kiss me? Is it because I’m all over the place with being on holiday alone? I don’t know, and trying to analyse every damn thing is making me worse.
One kiss. One kiss, and my head is a mess. I’ve never felt that way over one kiss before. Christ, I used to be terrified if Martin ever stepped too close to me, never mind put his lips on me. Saying that, in the latter weeks and months, he would more than likely put his hands on me than show me any kind of love and affection.
I close my eyes and try to ease this turmoil, but now I’m consumed by Giovani and Martin.
“You will never look at another man again. You will never smile at another man again. Do I make myself clear?” Martin spits as he holds my chin tightly in his hand.
Tonight, we were at a gala dinner for his work colleagues. I always smile and act courteous, and tonight was no different. I smiled a little longer at an elder man called Paul, and of course, this cretin had to see it.
“I was just being nice to your colleagues. I meant nothing by it. You have to believe me, Martin.”
I’m not placating him because I like him. I’m doing it because I want to spare myself a few extra bruises.
“Why would I believe a lying slag like you?” He back hands me across the face and I hit my head on the wall behind me. “Get up those stairs, take off that make-up, and be ready for me coming to bed.”
I hold my cheek and scurry away like a child being scolded by their parents. I wish he would have knocked me out or gone back out to be with his many whores who drop their knickers for him. Now I need to go upstairs and prepare myself for him and be ready for him to slip inside of me, have his wicked way with me, and then roll over and fall asleep. It’s just going to be another night where I have to look like I’m enjoying myself or the sexual abuse will just get harder and more punishing.
I sit upright and bang my hands down on the mattress. I’m frustrated that I let that bloody vision take over me, tonight of all nights, when I’m thinking about Giovani and how much his touch thrilled and excited me.
Tonight is going to be a very long night.
Chapter 9
Giovani
I had to walk away from Harleigh last night, because I’ve never felt as turned on by a kiss in my life. Her body against mine, her soft lips and tongue, her breath against my mouth. It was like all my dreams come true. If I’d stayed one more moment, I would have turned into a sex mad maniac and had my way with her. I don’t want to frighten her away, because I love spending time with her. Which is crazy, because I haven’t spent time with a woman in over three years. Sure, I’ve slept with a couple, a man has needs, but they’ve never interested me in anything else. Harleigh is different though. She thrills and excites me. She makes me want more.
“Morning, bro. Did Harleigh get back to the hotel okay?”
“Yeah. I’m picking her up in an hour to go to Sunny Beach with me.”
“You like her, huh?”
I nod. “I do. I can’t explain it, but I really like her.”
“Good. I’m over the fucking moon for you. You deserve some happiness, and Harleigh seems like a nice girl. It’s about time you moved on, had some fun, and just kicked back. You work too hard.”
“Kicked back? What’s that, some sort of teen slang?”
“I’m down with the cool kids.” Lucca makes a silly motion with his hands and fingers. I’m pretty sure the daft bugger forgets what age he is sometimes.
“I worry about you, bro. I really worry about you.” I shake my head.
“Don’t be daft. Get out of here, go and have some fun.”
“I might just do that after I see the building for the new bar.”
“I thought you were just sounding off some thoughts when you mentioned that last week.”
“I was, I think. But, the more I think about it, Sunny Beach is where all the nightlife and tourists are. Sure, they come over here for Old Nessebar, but it’s not a hot spot at night, unless you’re older and wiser. It might make us a tidy profit.”
“If you say so. I’ll go along with whatever you want. You’re the brains. Let me know how it goes.”
I nod, pick up my keys, down my coffee, and leave the house. Today is going to be an extremely good day. I can feel it in my bones.
***
Walking into my hotel is always a proud moment. After my ex did what she did to me, I hit rock bottom. I was ashamed of the way things turned out. When I found out that she hadn’t just slept with one person behind my back, I felt dirty and used. It was clear that she was only with me to see what she could get from me, or steal from me. Once I got away from it all, I didn’t know what to do with my life. I felt like I was sinking into a deep, dark hole and there was little light for me to see a way out. I came out to Sunny Beach for a guys’ holiday. An escape from reality; sun, sea, sex, and lots of drink. I did all of the above, but one day I took the little sea taxi from Sunny Beach Pier out to Nessebar. After walking around for hours, drinking the odd pint of lager to keep hydrated, shopping in the little shops, exploring the sights, I fell in love with the whole area. I sat in the square outside the hotel and looked up to the sky. When I straightened up my head, I saw the For Sale sign. The hotel needed some TLC, but I could picture myself here, owning the hotel, and enjoying the peak holiday season. I bought the hotel, hired Bulgarian contractors to do the work I needed, and opened for the next season. So, that pride I feel when walking inside this building comes from knowing how much of a dark place I was in, to finding the light and turning my life into something I love.
Walking out of the elevator is Harleigh. Her long, wavy hair is hanging around her shoulders today. Her sunglasses are perched on her head. Her body is encased in a short all in one playsuit. She looks like a model. Not that she would ever see herself like that. Her arsehole ex made a mark on her, and not just a physical mark, but a permanent mental mark, too. I’ll do everything in my power to make her realise that she’s smart, beautiful, and extremely kind. There is nothing negative I can say about her.
“Good morning.” Harleigh breaks through my thoughts.
I clear my throat, lean in, place a kiss on her cheek, and hold her gaze. “Good morning. How are you today?”
“Good. I’m refreshed, had a good breakfast, and now I’m ready to see you at work.”
“Okay then. Let’s get out of here.”
Whether Harleigh is interested in business or not, she looks keen to see what I do. That makes my heart melt, because not many women are interested in the logistics. It’s usually the pound signs they’re interested in. Well, that’s the women that I used to attract. Maybe I have a guardian angel after all, and they’ve sent Harleigh to pick me up.
***
“It’s a good location,” says Samuel, the real estate agent.
I nod, look around, and watch Harleigh as she explores the building. If my memory serves me right, this was a bar-come-restaurant. A popular one at that. Most of the bars along the beach area are a big attraction for tourists, but to keep them coming back year after year, they need to serve amazing food and drink.
“Why is it for sale?”
“Owner is selling up and going back to England. Family issues. As you know, Gio, not many bars become available on the beach front. This will go quickly.”
“When do you need an answer for?”
“Yesterday. Someone else is viewing it this afternoon. If you don’t snap it up, my friend…” Samuel shrugs.
“Give me a moment.” I walk over to Harleigh, who is out at the back door that looks out to the beach. People are sunbathing, kids are playing, and music is sounding from different locations. “What are you thinking, beautiful?”
Harleigh jumps, clearly carried away with the beauty in front of her. But when she turns to look at m
e, I can see the fear on her face. It isn’t until she realises it’s me that her features soften, and she relaxes. I could cause physical pain to her ex for ever hurting such a gentle soul.
“It’s beautiful.” She clears her throat. “Extremely busy. A good hotspot. What’s not to like? I’m not business-minded, but it seems like it’s a good opportunity.”
I nod, place my hand on her hip, and look out to the dazzling blue sea. If I wasn’t sold on the property before, just seeing Harleigh’s reaction to the place has convinced me that this could be the best business decision I could ever make.
“I’ll take it. Stop by the hotel tonight with the paperwork and we’ll get the deal taken care of.” I turn back and walk towards Samuel.
“You sure?”
“Absolutely. It’s a little goldmine.”
“Indeed, it is, my friend. Indeed, it is. I’ll give you a call before I come by. Have a great afternoon.”
I hold my hand out for Harleigh and she takes it. “I believe I owe you lunch for helping me make this decision.”
“I did nothing.” She giggles. “I just told you what I thought, which wasn’t a business thought. But you can feed me. I won’t turn down food. What do you suggest?”
“What do you fancy?”
“Something with chips. Don’t ask where that came from.”
“I know just the place. It’s called the Hawaii Restaurant. It’s one of the best places in Sunny Beach. The food is amazing, and it’s just along here.”
“Sounds good. So, what do you plan on doing with your new venture?”
“This might sound silly, so don’t laugh.”
“I’d never laugh at your ideas.” Harleigh holds her hand up in Scouts’ honour.
“Well, I’ve noticed that gin is a big hit back home just now, but over here, bars only really sell Gordon’s Gin, Bombay Sapphire, and the odd pink gin. I want to focus on selling different kinds of gin. Of course, I’ll have other things to sell, but gin would be the big thing. I’d also do food and hopefully appeal to a wide variety of customers.”
“I love gin. Especially the flavours. I think you’ve hit the jackpot. Gin-ology.” Harleigh shrugs off her name suggestion and I stare at her with curiosity. She must feel my eyes on her and turns back to face me. “Have I got something on me?” She looks down at her body.
