by KM Lowe
“You’re right. He’s like my right-hand guy. I can’t imagine life without him. It would be very…” I think about the right word. “Quiet, boring, or just no fun at all.”
“What does he work as? Or is he out here with you permanently?”
“Lucca has a degree in business management, but he’s not really interested in using it properly. Hence why he’s out here, investing in my projects and keeping out of my mum and dad’s way. He’s got a good eye for detail and business, but it’s too boring for him. I keep him busy with odd jobs around the hotel. He fills in when I can’t. He’s like my second in command. All my workers see him as their boss, too. He just won’t make it official. It’s like he has this commitment phobia.” I shrug.
I wish Lucca would see himself like I do. Like everyone he meets does – the strong-willed, fierce protector. The man that would protect anyone from harm.
“One day he’ll settle down. I wish I could be as carefree as him. He’s a free spirit. That’s a unique quality to have in this day and age.”
“You could be right there. It must be good to go to bed and wake up with no cares.”
“Exactly. That’s definitely one way to look at it.”
Harleigh’s phone rings in her bag and she leans down to get it. She frowns at her phone and answers it.
“Hello…”
I watch her carefully, but there’s a heaviness on her shoulders that wasn’t there a few moments before.
“Unknown number and no one speaks.” She holds the phone out as if she’s studying it.
“Maybe a wrong number.”
“Maybe.” She tosses the phone back into her bag. “I’ve had a lovely day, Gio. I…” She shakes her head and bunches up her shoulders. “I never imagined any of today to happen, but I’m glad it did.”
“Me too. What about that shopping I suggested?”
“Can we do that another night? I’m exhausted. I don’t think my feet will carry me much farther.”
“Of course. We have plenty of time. Do you want me to walk you back to the hotel, or would you like to come back to my house?”
“The hotel, please.”
“Okay.” I feel deflated that she doesn’t want to come to my house, but she puts her hand over my arm and stops me from standing.
“I only said the hotel because I don’t want to make Lucca feel uncomfortable. It’s his house, too. In the hotel, it’s only me. I don’t need to take other people’s thoughts into account.”
I nod. I don’t know why the thought of leaving her at the hotel alone hurt me. I don’t want to spend a moment away from her. I’d quite happily spend the rest of her holiday in her company.
“Okay then. Let’s get out of here.”
I throw down the money on the plate with the bill and hold out my hand for Harleigh’s. Her small, delicate fingers entwine with mine. The electricity ignites and sparks through us. I’ve never felt that connection before, but now I have, I’m not sure I want to let that go.
Since Harleigh walked into my life, time seems to be against us. She’s on holiday. Her life is in Scotland. She’ll return to her life and I’ll return to my daily routine here. The thought of that sounds boring.
The thought of being here without her is daunting. Having her around feels natural. Nothing is strained or awkward. It’s like we’re connected in every way. It’s like I’ve known her my whole life. Being with Harleigh is as easy as breathing.
Chapter 12
Harleigh
Lying with my head on Gio’s naked chest is soothing to my soul. I’m calm, relaxed, and in a little bubble of my own. I feel paralysed, in a good way. A contentment rushes over me that I’ve never felt before.
Gio’s fingers running up and down my spine sends tingles to all the right places. It’s weird, because I’ve never been into sex before. I’ve never felt like I could voice my opinions on what I liked or disliked, but with Gio, it’s different. My libido has been awakened and I’m happy to experiment with things I’ve never tried before. It makes a difference because sex was always a chore, but now it’s a need I’m happy to explore. To feel what it’s like to be loved and cherished by a man is a power of its own. It’s a consuming feeling the takes over my whole body. It’s like an addiction, but one I don’t mind being addicted to.
Even half asleep, Gio can make me feel cared for. It’s an unusual feeling for me, but one I could certainly get used to. I didn’t know that this was how it was supposed to be between a man and woman. I’ve read so many books with a happy ever after, but I thought that’s where the stories ended, on the pages of a book. It’s nice to know that men like Giovani really do exist, and women can be treated like a queen.
“Feeling your soft body leaning against me feels like I’m in heaven,” whispers Gio.
“You’re nice and warm, and firm, and comfortable,” I ramble. “I could sleep for a week.”
“Try not to sleep for a week, because it will waste our time together, but please do fall asleep on me. It will be nice to fall asleep and wake up with you in my arms.”
“Don’t you need to get back to Lucca?” I tilt my head back to look at him.
“He is a grown-arsed man. I’m sure he can fend for himself for a wee while. Besides, I text him earlier and said I was with you. Stop worrying about everyone and just feel this moment.”
He leans in and captures my mouth. My hand roams up his smooth chest and finishes on his cheek. His warm hands, muscular body, and minty breath send a jolt to every nerve ending in my body, and just like that, I’m fully awake. He turns me over quickly, and a small squeal leaves my lips. He leans over me, staring into my soul. I feel like I’m dreaming. This kind of thing doesn’t happen to me usually.
“You don’t have to answer me, but I’m going to ask a question.”
I nod. I’m not sure if I’m ready for the question, but I feel like I owe it to myself and Gio to be honest.
“I noticed the scars across your shoulder blade and stomach when we were in the shower. Was that him?”
Tears spring to my eyes instantly. I was hoping Giovani hadn’t noticed my scars, because then I wouldn’t have to get into the mental pain they’ve left.
“The one on my stomach was a ruptured spleen. Martin said I fell down the stairs over the laundry I was carrying. Only, the real truth is that I was pushed down the stairs. I was lucky it was only my spleen that needed to be removed. It was one of the earlier incidents and I honestly thought he’d change. The scar on my shoulder blade was from his belt. I don’t know much about that one, because I think I passed out after the first couple of whips. I managed to piece myself together without going to the hospital.” I sniffle and wipe away the fallen tears.
Just repeating that story makes my body ache and tingle. It’s like I can feel the pain in my shoulder from the belt.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I…” Gio pauses and rubs my cheek. “I wish I could wring his neck with my own bare hands.”
“You and me both, but I don’t want him to take anything away from tonight, Gio. I’ve learnt to live with the scars, and if you can see past them too…”
“Hey.” Gio tilts my chin to look him in the eye. “I see nothing but the beautifully kind woman you are. Yes, I hate knowing you were hurt, and I loathe the fact that you’ve suffered to get where you are today, but I love the courage and determination you show.”
“I wish I’d met you years ago,” I admit truthfully, because with Giovani the truth comes easily.
“Me too, but we’re here now, and I want you all over again.” He peppers kisses down my neck, nibbles my shoulder, and cups my breasts in his hands. My back arches, pushing closer to his body. I’ve never been a touchy-feely kind of person, but with Gio I want it all.
“Take me, Gio. I need you, too.”
And just like that, the latest conversation is forgotten about and our bodies are consumed by lust.
We’ve already made love twice since we arrived back from the harbour, but I can’t get
enough of him. Gio’s awakened a sexual beast inside me and I doubt it will be tamed anytime soon.
Giovani nestles in between my thighs, lifts my leg onto his hip, and he pushes into me in one swift move. My ankle tightens on his arse, pulling him in closer. Every inch of him is inside of me. In and out, up and down, it feels glorious. Every part of me is screaming out in pleasure and excitement. I don’t want this feeling to ever stop.
“I’m not going to last long, babe. You feel amazing.”
“Don’t stop, Gio. Oh, God.”
My body shudders as another orgasm hits me. I’m seeing stars as he finishes and empties himself inside. He collapses on top of me. Our hearts beat wildly. Our breathing erratic. It’s amazing what a connection between two people can create.
“Stay with me tonight, Gio.”
He lifts his head off my chest, kisses the tip of my nose, and smiles. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.”
Those were the best words I’ve heard all day. No. That’s a lie. Those were the best words I’ve heard all year.
***
I stir in bed and stretch out my aching muscles. On one hand, I feel like I’ve climbed a mountain because every part of me aches, but on the other hand, I feel sated and peaceful. I feel like I’ve slept for a month. My energy levels are the highest they’ve ever been.
Then reality hits me and I realise the bed is empty. I sit up quickly, pull the sheet around my naked breasts, and dread washes over me. Did Gio leave without saying goodbye? I climb out of bed, pull on my robe, and enter the bathroom. I quickly fix my hair, wash my hands and face, brush my teeth, and feel a little calmer. I walk through the bedroom and out into living area of my hotel room. I still and lean against the doorframe as I see Gio sitting on the veranda doing some work on his laptop. His sunglasses are pulled down his face. He’s showered and changed his clothes; he looks like a god. I don’t know why I’m surprised. He looks put together every time I see him. It’s hard to believe by looking at him that he’s faced his own heartache and misery.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
I’m too carried away with my thoughts that I didn’t see that Gio is looking at me.
“Morning.” I clear my throat and walk out to the balcony. I feel shy again, and I don’t know why, because Gio has seen every inch of me and never once said he doesn’t like any part of what he saw, including the horrible scars. He’s never made one derogatory comment to me the whole time we’ve been together. I know he isn’t Martin, but it will take a long time for me to get that through my brain… if ever.
“You look surprised to see me.”
I pull out a seat and sit down beside him. “I thought you had left when I woke up to an empty bed.”
Gio pushes his laptop aside, leans over the table, and captures my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I would never leave without saying goodbye. I got Lucca to drop me off some clothes and my laptop. I thought you needed some rest after our adventures yesterday.”
I feel the heat in my cheeks rise. My chest feels like it’s burning from embarrassment. I have this horrible trait where every bit of my skin from my chest to my forehead turns beetroot red when I get embarrassed.
“Lucca knows you stayed here?”
“He does. And, I believe his words were, ‘I’m glad you two found each other. Maybe your broken hearts can be repaired after all.’”
I nod and try to look anywhere other than Gio’s eyes, but his grip on my chin stops me from moving. His lips capture mine softly, making my heart stutter.
“You look radiant this morning.”
“I think I have you to thank for that. Is that coffee I can smell?” I smell the air and inhale, cherishing it like it’s my last breath.
“There’s some freshly brewed inside, along with some pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and some toast. I got Arlena to bring us up a few bits. Sit tight and I’ll bring it out.”
Gio springs up and walks away swiftly. I sit back in the seat and let the sea breeze swirl around me. It’s refreshing. I’m afraid going home is going to pale in comparison. I can see why Gio loves it here so much. If I had the means to live this life, I think I would… no questions asked.
Gio rolls out a cart and sits it to the side of me. He hands me a cup and I swear I snatch it like a child in a sweet shop.
“I can’t function without coffee.” I giggle.
“I thought as much.” Gio sits back in his seat beside me.
“You can finish your work. I’m quite happy to sit here and admire the view,” I say boldly, looking directly at Gio.
“Good to know, Miss Harrison, but I can work anytime. I’d much rather sit here, admire my own view, and eat some breakfast with you.”
I sit forward, scoop some fruit salad into a bowl, and lick my thumb from the juice that splattered over my hand. I can feel Gio’s eyes burning holes through me, but I continue to be provocative. I’m never usually so out there when it comes to sexual innuendos, but Gio unleashes a side of me I didn’t know existed. I feel different around him. Confident. Brave. Powerful. Three things I never thought I’d say about myself.
“If you keep doing that, beautiful, I won’t be held accountable for my actions.”
“Hmm!” I stab a piece of fruit with the fork and pop it into my mouth. “Juicy.”
In two point five seconds, Gio is out of his seat, clasping his hands on my cheeks and kissing me like it’s his last. Our mouths duel ferociously, sending me on a high. How can one kiss be everything?
Gio pulls back, takes my hand, and drags me through the hotel room until we’re out of sight of the veranda. Not that I’d care, because with the way that kiss was going, I wouldn’t have stopped him out there. We would have been up on indecent exposure charges, if that’s even a thing here in Bulgaria.
My back hits the wall and Gio lifts me into his arms. My legs wrap around his waist, drawing him as close to my core as possible. He tears at my robe and lets it fall open, the cool breeze of the air conditioning sets every nerve ending on high alert and I moan out my pleasure.
Gio’s mouth wraps around my breast and bites down tightly. It’s not painful, but I feel a gush of heat straight to my core.
“Oh, God! I need you now, Gio.”
I pull at his belt and yank his zip and button open like a crazy person. I’m surprised at my own behaviour, but Gio seems happy with my lack of restraint.
Gio’s dick springs free, hitting my bare stomach. He guides himself to my centre and rams himself home. We both call out our pleasure, every muscle tightening around one another. I’m glad Gio has my legs wrapped tightly around him, because I doubt I’d stand freely. I can’t even think straight.
I wrap my fingers in his hair, hold on, and let him do all the work to make us reach new heights.
“I’m not going to hold on much longer, beautiful.”
At the sound of Gio’s husky, lust-filled voice, my body detonates quickly. All power in my body leaves me and Gio holds me tightly as he shudders around me, grunting out his pleasure. Thankfully, his senses are still alert, and he keeps us both upright.
“Jesus. I’m never going to get enough of you, Harleigh.”
“That makes two of us.” I breathe out heavily.
Giovani puts his hands on my cheeks then tangles my hair through his fingers. At this moment, I’ve never felt as free of my past. There is something about Giovani that puts my body at ease and makes me feel alive.
Giovani walks us both into the room with me still in his arms and his semi-half-mast erection still inside me. Usually, any guy I’ve been with before does the deed and leaves me where they dropped me. It’s amazing to have a man who cares for my needs just as much as he cares about himself, if not more. Giovani has never once put his own needs before mine. Even at the height of his orgasm, he makes sure I get there first.
“As much as I could just crawl back into this bed with you, it would be a shame to waste such a glorious day. So, how about a shower and we organise a day of someth
ing you want to do.”
“I’ve been here for a few days and not been to the beach. I’ve heard a lot about the golden sands, warm water, and beautiful scenes.”
“The beach it is then.”
Giovani crashes his lips down on mine and every thought I just had evaporates into thin air. My senses are consumed by him once again. This man has a habit of making me a speechless puddle of nothing with no control of my own body.
I’m pretty sure I’m never going to want to leave this hotel room.
Chapter 13
Giovani
Sitting on the beach is something I’ve never done in my time here in Bulgaria. I can see the beach from the harbour, smell the salty sea, but being on it was never my idea of fun. Now I’m here with Harleigh, I’ve got a sense of all the things I’ve missed out on during my darker period. You can’t come to Bulgaria and not take advantage of the best feature of Sunny Beach – the golden sands. Yet, I’ve never followed my own advice, which seems crazy now that I think about it.
Harleigh’s mobile rings in her bag. She sits up, and instantly the loss of her head on my thighs is noticeable. With the lack of contact, I feel like a part of me is missing. She fishes through her bag for the phone and I try to look anywhere other than at her.
“Hello?” Harleigh answers.
She pulls her phone away from her ear and looks at it carefully.
“Something wrong?” I sit forward more and place my hand over her hip.
“I keep getting these calls, but no one is ever there. Is there bad reception out here?”
I shrug and look at her phone. “Not really. If they’re getting to call you, they should be able to speak to you.”
“My brother has been calling okay. These calls are just getting on my nerves.”
“Ignore it. Come back and get comfortable.”
Harleigh tosses her phone back into her bag and leans her back into my chest this time, her head leaning on my shoulder. The feel of her warm skin touching my bare chest makes me want her all over again. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of this woman.
