by KM Lowe
“My family. I walked in on my dad and Lucca having an argument and I snapped. I just told a few home truths that should have been told a long time ago. I hate myself for answering back elders, but good God, it felt great.”
“Feel better?” She looks up and gazes at me through the moonlit room.
I nod. “I do now. All thanks must go to you for that.”
“I’ve learnt that, over time, sometimes we’ve got to get a lot off our chests before we can move forward. It isn’t easy to let go of something, Gio.”
I nod. I know what she means. “I’m really sorry about what my dad said to you tonight. He had no right to say that to you and it pissed me off to see that hurt in your eyes.”
Harleigh leans up on her elbow and smiles warmly. “We both know I’ve picked the right brother, Gio. I adore Lucca, in a brotherly way. I still plan on going to lunch with him tomorrow, but if that will cause you or him any issues, I can take off for lunch on my own.”
“Don’t be silly. I won’t have you avoiding my brother because of my father. Lucca needs someone like you in his life, too. I think our guardian angel sent you here. Not only for your own healing, but for mine and Lucca’s too.”
“Do you believe in fate?”
“I never used to, but this time, coincidences just don’t seem like enough.”
I tuck away a stray strand of hair that’s fallen out of her messy bun, and she lies back down on my chest. I tighten my grip around her, and we snuggle down into the cushions. I’ll have to thank my designer for these luxury couches, because I never thought I’d be sleeping on one.
“Sleep, babe. I’ve kept you up long enough.”
And if I have my way, I’ll be keeping her up late for her full holiday.
Chapter 18
Harleigh.
Sitting at the dressing table, tying my hair back off my face, I take in a deep breath. Giovani wants me to go to his house for breakfast with him, Lucca, and his parents. Lucca is making a feast and I can’t say no. According to Gio, showing his father that I won’t be scared away by him is the only way to get through to him. I don’t see why I have to show him anything, but I’ll do anything to keep Gio happy.
My phone rings on the bedside table. I jump up and notice it’s the unknown caller again. I sigh and answer, because I’m hoping that maybe one of these times it’s my brother calling from work and not just some strange caller.
“Hello?” The dead silence is starting to get on my nerves. “Eurgh!” I growl out my displeasure and end the call. I don’t even give a second chance to reply.
“Something wrong?” asks Gio from the bathroom doorway.
“Another silent call. My phone only usually rings for work and my family, but none of them come up as caller unknown. It’s annoying me.”
“Understandable. I’m sure it’s nothing.”
I nod in agreement. It’s just that anything unusual sets me on edge. I know nothing can happen to me here in Bulgaria, but my head takes a while to catch up to process my thoughts rationally.
“Are you ready?”
I nod and look down at my feet. Gio raises my chin to make me look him in the eye. It’s something I’m getting used to whenever he’s around.
“I don’t like when you feel on edge or insecure. But let me tell you something.” I look into Gio’s eyes and hold his gaze. The only people I usually give eye contact to are my students, because I don’t feel threatened around them. “You have nothing to feel insecure around me for. Lucca and I will never do anything to intentionally hurt you. I can promise you that.”
“I know. I never thought I’d be able to be this person around another man again, but you’ve given me hope, Gio. I feel like I’m ten feet tall around you. I have this confidence I’ve never had before, even before my ex.”
“And that’s the way it should be. No man should ever knock a woman off her pedestal. He should raise her higher, treat her like a goddess, bow to her feet.”
“Spoken like a true gentleman.”
“I’m glad you think so. Now, I believe I need to feed m’lady.”
“Feed me to the sharks more like.” We both laugh at my remark. “Do I look okay?”
“You look beautiful. You always do. Let’s get out of here.”
And that’s all the encouragement I need to follow Gio out of my hotel room, try to forget about the butterflies swirling around my stomach, and raise my head high.
***
We walk into Gio’s house and I’ve never felt as nervous as I do right now. I can smell the wonderful aroma coming from the kitchen. We walk in and Lucca and Margo are busy cooking at the stove. Gio tightens his grip on my hand and I follow him like a little lost puppy.
“Good morning.” Margo comes around the counter and rubs her hands down her apron. She quickly envelopes Gio in a warm hug and comes over to do the same to me. “It’s wonderful to see you again, my dear.”
“Grazie, Margo.”
“Come on. Have a seat, love birds. I’ve been slaving over the stove all morning,” Lucca breaks the moment and we all laugh. Margo picks up her towel and flicks Lucca’s bare legs playfully.
“He hasn’t burnt the bacon is what he’s trying to tell you.” Margo winks at me. “Go, have a seat outside. Your father is outside already. Lucca and I will bring out the food.”
“Can I help?” I ask over the counter.
“No. Absolutely not. You’re a guest. Go sit and take the weight off your feet.”
Giovani pulls my hand softly and I smile from Margo to him. Before we reach the patio, Gio pulls me in to place a soft kiss on my lips. I feel the heat creep up my neck, but I quickly forget that when someone clears their throat.
Gio and I part slightly, but he doesn’t remove his hand from mine. He keeps a tight grip of it and leads me to the table confidently.
“Good morning.” Gio speaks first as he pulls out a chair for me.
“Morning. You must have been out early,” says Alex.
Gio shrugs his shoulders. “I didn’t sleep here.”
Alex looks between Gio and me as if he’s assessing us and lifts his orange juice to take a drink. I’m pretty sure he took a drink to stop himself from saying anything uncalled for.
“Harls, coffee for you, right?” asks Lucca as he places down a pot of coffee on the table.
“You know me too well. We haven’t had a chance to grab a coffee this morning.”
“I thought as much. Here you go.” Lucca holds out a large mug of coffee and I take it like my life depends on it. Spending time with Gio is making me a little more laid back and easier going, but coffee is still a necessity. It’s my lifeline to get through the day.
“So, what do you all have planned for today?” asks Alex.
I sip at my coffee, hoping it makes me invisible, and watch the interaction between father and sons.
“Lucca is taking Harleigh for lunch while I catch up on some paperwork. What do you and Mum have on the agenda?” Gio asks.
Gio pours his own coffee and sits back in his seat.
“We might go exploring for a while. Have some lunch and see what happens next. Maybe you’d like to show us this new bar of yours.”
“Maybe. Yeah. That’s some of the paperwork I’ve got to sign today. Lucca has signed his part. Once we get the keys, if you’re still here, we can take you over to see it.”
“I think your mother plans on being here for two weeks.”
At the thought of Alex and Margo being here for two weeks, my heart misses a beat. I just hope I can see the true person behind Alex’s mask, because he always shows a different person, and I don’t know who he is.
“Okay then. You should be able to see the new bar before you leave.”
At that moment, Lucca and Margo come out with plates of food and place them in the middle of the large table. Everything smells delicious; bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, mushrooms, and tomatoes… I’m in heaven.
“Tuck in, Harleigh, because my boys have an appe
tite bigger than a bear.”
We all chuckle around the table and I think I see a ghost of a smile from Alex. The light chatter around the table is there, but I can feel the strain. Lucca sits opposite me and Gio, but he only speaks when spoken to. His shades are covering his eyes so I can’t get a feel for what he’s feeling, and it annoys me that he’s hiding behind a barrier.
“So, Harleigh, you’re an editor. Have you edited for anyone I might have read?” asks Margo.
“Oh, I edit mostly for independent authors, but I do occasionally, when I have time, edit for a small publishing company called Lonely Hearts Publishing. If you haven’t already, you must check out Italian author, Laura Rossi. Her books are a fabulous mix of dark and romantic.”
I beam at Margo. I could talk about books all day long. It’s a lifelong passion of mine. I think I take that from my mum.
“It must be a rewarding job.”
I chew the forkful of bacon I have in my mouth. “It is. Seeing people’s work come to life is magnificent. It’s like I’m a proud mother seeing them succeed.”
“No intentions of writing for yourself one day?” asks Margo.
I shrug and take in a deep breath. “Who knows? It was always my intention to pen something to paper, but life got in the way. Now I have some time and independence, you never know what will happen. I’ll never say never.”
I feel Gio’s hand rub circles on my upper thigh, giving me a little bit of strength and courage from his contact.
“You all have plans for today?” asks Margo.
I smile warmly at her, because she’s trying her hardest to keep the chatter flowing easily. It’s a question that was already asked before she came outside to eat.
“Lucca and Harleigh are going for lunch, and I have my half of the paperwork to take care of this afternoon. Dad said you plan on going exploring,” says Gio.
Margo shrugs. “Maybe. We’re on holiday and we both need some rest and relaxation.”
And that’s how our morning continues with Gio’s parents. It feels nice to be around other people. The whole morning is stilted but flowed with some encouragement from us all. I think Lucca was the only one who didn’t initiate conversation, but no one made an issue of it.
I think I proved I’m not scared of Gio’s dad. He could throw anything at me, and he still wouldn’t be as bad as the life I lived with Martin. He could give me the third degree, make me feel small, and not approve of what Gio and I have here, but I’m not letting him spoil my holiday. I don’t have much time left and I plan on enjoying every moment.
Chapter 19
Harleigh
We’re eating our lunch in a pub called The Funny Pub. It’s a small bar in Sunny Beach that Lucca says is the best. We’ve done some shopping in the small shops and market stalls along the promenade, had a few refreshments, and now we’re all walked out. I didn’t realise how much I’d missed a friend to do basic things with.
Now it was time for a refreshment and some sustenance. As much as I wanted a burger, I decided to have the fajitas and they’re amazing. They’re lick your fingers clean amazing.
“How are you really, Harls? It’s just us now. No need to sugar-coat things.” Lucca takes a bite of his pizza and stares at me softly.
I shrug. “I’m okay. I’m enjoying my holiday,” I look around us just as everything is getting busier.
“I meant with what happened last night.”
I lift my cocktail to have something to do with my hands. “I don’t blame your dad for being protective of you both. I have a dad and two brothers who are the same. I’ll admit what he said hurt me, but I’m a big girl. I’ll get over it.”
Lucca shakes his head. “Just don’t ever back down where my father is concerned. Stand up to him.”
I nod. Gio told me the exact same thing earlier this morning.
“Is that what you’ve had to do?”
Lucca sits back in his seat and throws his arm over the back of the other chair. “I never used to. I used to take it, believe it or not. The teen years kicked in, I rebelled, and I found a life for myself. Now, we just butt heads at every turn. I’m what you call the black sheep of the family.”
I reach over and squeeze his clenched fist. I hate that he feels that way. No one should be made to feel that way around family.
“I’m sorry you feel like that, Lucca. You and Gio seem to have a good relationship.”
“We do. The best.” Lucca sits forward and covers my hands with his. “What Giovani did last night, spoke up for you to our father, he has never done that before. He always tries to keep the peace. But when I heard him sneak out late last night… well, I was glad he did. It was a big fuck you to our dad.”
“I don’t want to hurt Gio, Lucca. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to jump into a relationship again. What’s that saying, ‘once bitten, twice shy’? Well, I guess you can say I’m bloody petrified of being in that position again.”
“The difference is that Gio will never hurt you, and if he ever did, I’d kill him for you.”
We both laugh and the dark cloud that loomed over us is lifted and the sun is shining brightly.
“So, Gin-ology, huh?” Lucca takes another slice of pizza, changing the subject.
“He told you?” I can feel the heat creep up my cheeks, because I hate being put on the spot. “I didn’t think anything about the name when I said it out loud.”
“Stop being nervous, it’s only me. And he did tell me. We both love it. I haven’t told Gio that I love it yet, but I’ll let him sweat it out a bit, wondering if I’m going to contest the name.”
“You’re mean.”
Lucca shrugs and winks at me. “Gio would think there was something wrong if I wasn’t a wind-up merchant.”
We sit in silence for a few moments, eating the remainder of our meals. It’s nice to have company other than my family. I might have been on the edge about coming on holiday myself, but it has opened a multitude of opportunities for me. Opportunities I’m looking forward to exploring more of over the coming weeks.
***
I’ve spent a couple of hours here at the pool while Lucca and Giovani work. Lucca didn’t want to leave me alone after our lunch, but I made him go because I’m a big girl. I love spending time at the pool. It’s one thing I do a lot of on holiday, but this time I’ve had so much keeping me entertained that the pool has been the last thing on my mind.
My phone rings in my bag and I reach under my lounger to retrieve it. I don’t look at the caller ID and just answer it. The sun is so bright where I’m sitting. I sit up and put my hat back on.
“Hello.”
Silence. Heavy breathing soon startles me, and I pull the phone from my ear and see caller unknown written on the screen again. This is the first time I’ve had anything other than silence. The heavy breathing rattles me.
“Who is this?” I ask rather abruptly.
I’m getting pissed off that this is happening on holiday. I’m supposed to be relaxing, but these calls are putting me on edge. I look around the pool, but all I see is elderly people sunbathing, people swimming in the pool, and kids playing on the grass. There is nothing out of the ordinary and the phone call goes dead.
I pull the phone away and look at it like it’s going to eat me. I just want to know who the hell is calling me several times a day.
“Hey.” I don’t look up. I’m transfixed on the phone in my hand. “Harleigh?” Someone’s hand lands on my shoulder and I jump, dropping my phone to the floor. “Shit. I didn’t mean to make you jump.”
The figure bends down in front of me. The fogginess clears from my head and I can see clearly.
“Gio…” I breathe out with relief.
My heart is racing, my throat is dry, and mouth feels like it has sandpaper in it.
“Hey. You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I shake my head. “I’m okay.” I straighten up.
“Babe, talk to me. Who was on the phone that’s got you so
worked up?”
Gio sits down on the ground and takes my hands in his, rubbing circles over the back of my hand.
“It was just the silly calls again, heavy breathing and nothing else. It just got my back up. I’m being silly.”
“And you’ve no idea who it is?”
I shrug. “I have my suspicions, but I don’t know how he would have gotten this number. Gavin changed my number after…”
I feel the hairs on the back of my arms and neck rise at the thought of Martin being the guilty party. He won’t know where I am, will he?
“Honey, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You’ll go home and find out it was someone you know trying to get a hold of you.”
I nod, straighten my back, and tighten my grip on Gio’s hands. “You’re right. I’m just being silly.”
“You’re not silly. It’s only natural to worry after what you’ve been through. You’re being cautious.”
“You’re right. Enough about me. How was your afternoon?”
I quickly change the subject, because the longer I dwell on it, the longer it will consume me.
“Not as good as yours by the sounds of what Lucca told me.”
“It’s good to know a guy that likes shopping, afternoon cocktails, and junk food.”
Gio laughs. “The Neanderthal in my brother hasn’t put you off?” he winks at me.
“Absolutely not. He’s good company.”
“What do you think about getting out of here?” Gio asks me.
“What do you have in mind?”
Gio jumps to his feet, picks up my bag, and throws it over his shoulder. “Let me show you.”
He takes my hand in his and I follow him like a little lost puppy. Only, my hand encased in his is the only thing I need to feel on top of the world and forget the last ten minutes at the pool.
We walk through his hotel, passing holiday makers until we’re at the back of the hotel. He takes out his key, opens the private door, and we walk through. It’s clear that this is a private residence, because it’s decorated more homely. It’s peaceful and calm.
“Where are we?”
“This is where I lived, before I bought my own house. I haven’t been here in a while, but going to your room was too far away.” He rounds on me quickly and lifts me into mid-air. We get tangled in my bag over Gio’s shoulder and we both laugh.
