No Strings (Broken Strings)

by Briggs, Jo

  The villa was the first piece of property he had ever bought with his own hard-earned cash. He had not wanted its purchase tainted by the family fortune his life was otherwise hindered by. He loved the sound of the crashing waves just a few hundred yards from his bedroom and tranquillity of the secluded beach. It was his escapism from the hollowness of duty and honour that his father continuously lectured about whenever he saw yet another made up newspaper story Grey’s life.

  Striding determinedly into his bedroom, Grey grabbed his mobile from off his dresser and started dialling his father’s number. Predictably, his call was diverted straight to voicemail, leaving a strongly worded message he threw the electronic device down against the wooden surface and head into the bathroom for a long shower.

  Sometime later, he emerged dressed and ready for a drink.

  “I don’t want any company tonight.” Grey announced as he noted Hayden and Adam make a move from their seats to grab their jackets.

  “Grey, going out alone without us is probably not the best way to be alone. What if anyone recognises you? Least if we are in the background we can get you out before a crowd shows up.” Adam spoke.

  Sighing, Grey nodded. “Ok you can come, but I want you to keep out of my hair. I need some space rather than feeling as I’m being babysat, understood?” He didn’t mean to sound such an arsehole, but lately the lack of privacy had been getting to him more than usual.

  “Of course, Grey.”

  “Fine, then let’s get out of here.”

  Arriving outside a seafood restaurant frequented mostly by the locals, Grey instructed the men to remain nearby for a couple of hours but to head back to the villa unless he messaged them by then. Reluctantly they agreed.

  The restaurant was a place he frequented whenever he was on the island, and the owner and waiters knew who he was but thankfully drew no attention to it.

  Stepping inside, he was greeted warmly by the owner who had been talking with another customer close to the door. The place was buzzing with activity, with patrons chatting in a variety of languages. Apologising profusely the owner explained that they had just given their last table to a lone English woman.

  Determined to enjoy a quiet meal here rather than anywhere else, Grey pressed the man to see if the woman were willing to share a table. He rather would risk one person recognising him that heading into an unfamiliar restaurant where a whole crowd might.

  The owner caught the attention of a waiter heading out towards a dimly lit terrace who had a small tray and a single drink on it. “Renzo, please go see if the lady on the terrace is willing to share her table with this gentleman.”

  Chatting comfortably with the owner briefly in Italian, the waiter soon returned with the lady’s agreement to share. Following the waiter through to a secluded corner of the covered terrace overlooking a view of the sea.

  Grey’s eyes drifted over the tables trying to seek out who he would be sharing with. As they came to rest upon the occupant, his mouth curved into a satisfied smile. His unplanned dinner partner was going to be none other than her neighbour. He took a moment to drink in the endearing way she wound one of her thick curls as she browsed some papers in front of her thoughtfully.

  Coughing gently to drew her attention, she finally lifted up her eyes to meet his. Two beautiful pools of emeralds glistened against her near perfect complexion.

  Flashing a gleaming white smile at her, he stood by the vacant chair, his hand resting on the back of it, feeling hesitant for the first time. “I’m sorry; I had no idea that it would be you here.” This was the first time he had seen her this close-up. He knew she was a beauty, but nothing had prepared his body for how gorgeous she was with only a wooden table between them. A whirlwind of images flashed at lightning speed through his mind of all the things he would like to do her across said table.

  Zoning back into reality, Grey composed himself realising she was still staring at him expectantly waiting for him to sit down.

  “Do you still not mind sharing?” As much as he wanted to sit with her while she looked so delicious in her yellow sundress, he felt a glow of embarrassment overcome him at all the lustful reactions she was causing his body to feel especially when he thought back to her initial trepidation clearly expressed in her glare when he introduced himself at the pool.

  He’d noted her slight gulp before she fixed a smile upon her kissable lips.

  “Please sit down. I honestly don’t mind.” He enjoyed the way she spoke; her voice did crazy things to the inside of his stomach.

  Grey felt a rush of both of relief and anticipation as he took his place at the table across from her. “I’m not sure if you remember my name: it’s Grey.” He could help but stare at her with the same inquisitive expression he wore that first day, waiting for her to offer her own name.

  “Indi, my name is Indi.” Grey detected a touch of nervousness in her voice as she stumbled over her words.

  “It’s lovely to meet you, Indi,” He said smoothly offering his hand over the table, showing another glimpse of his perfect teeth.

  She accepted his hand confidently. A jolt of energy passing between them as they touched, catching them both unawares. It caused an explosive sensation along his nerve endings that passed up his arms and down his body to his belly. Indi’s green eyes locked with his sparkling, silver-blue ones for what seemed an age, but were only a few moments, exhaling a breath as she looked down at her hand and pulled it away from his blushing.

  “So, are you planning to take some tours while you’re here?” He pointed to the leaflets still lying open in front of her.

  “Yes, a couple of them look fascinating.”

  “I would recommend Cefalu. There is a museum there with an extensive collection of art and archaeology, an insightful place about the local culture. And, of course, seeing the volcano, Etna is a must.”

  The waiter coming to take Grey’s own drink and food order briefly interrupted them from continuing the conversation. Choosing the chief special of swordfish with nutty wine sauce and side vegetables.

  “I take it that you’ve been to Sicily in the past?”

  “Yes, I’ve been here at least once over the past five years, and also during childhood. It is a place I like to come to when trying to escape the fast pace of life.” Grey was sure she could see the faraway look in his eyes that he often had when he thought back to happy holidays here in the past. As he spoke, he couldn’t help but focus on her mouth. Her lips were full and curved upwards naturally, although she didn’t seem to smile much, but when she did, she displayed two dimples. He could not help but wonder what it would be like to press his own against them, tasting her.

  “This is my first time here. The travel agent recommended it well as a place to have a secluded holiday, which is why I choose the villa in contrast to a hotel, in the centre of town.” Indi’s soft voice penetrated his thoughts of how enjoyable it was to have a carefree conversation with a woman without worrying about Caitlin showing up.

  Since the pre-nuptial had been signed, she’d developed an unfortunate habit of showing up, whenever he went out on promotional dinners with female executives from the record label, and then embarrassing him by making a scene by accusing him of sleeping with them. He did have to hand it to Caitlin she played the role of jealous psycho girlfriend well, but he wasn’t fooled. She had an ulterior motive for agreeing to the marriage. He had photos to prove it. He was just biding his time of playing his trump card when he returned to England.

  Turning his attention back to his neighbour, Grey mused that Caitlin certainly would have something to worry about if she knew what effect the proximity of this woman’s body had on his. When the waiter had first led him to the table, and he discovered his table companion was to be his sexy neighbour, he’d been thankful for the light jacket he was carrying in front of his body. He had barely contained the reaction that sprung from his groin as his eyes lingered on the low dipped neckline of Indi’s tight yellow summer dress as it revealed a
generous amount of bronze cleavage.

  “You were recommended well, you can spend the whole of the holiday undisturbed in the villa if you only explored the beach and surrounding area. Well away from the bustle of the tourist trail.” He offered a small smile. “I hope my presence next door won’t disturb your solitude too much. I promise I won’t be having any wild parties!”

  Indi giggled. It was the first time he’d experienced her laughter; its sweet sound brought a joyful expression to his face. “I don’t mind wild parties, as long as I’m invited to one.” Her tone flirty.

  Grey raised an eyebrow in surprise, caught off guard at her sudden playful comment after their subdued beginning. “I’m sure that could be arranged.” He countered. A wild party with just the two of them involving a jacuzzi, her bare skin and some champagne certainly sounded delightful to him, he mused to himself. His body reacted to such a notion with a spreading of warmth in his groin area, making the fabric of his trousers feel much tighter than before. He was relieved that he wouldn’t have to get up from the table for a while.

  The waiter had the forethought to hold off on the food she had ordered before he joined her table so that their food arrived at the same time, and they spent the following fifteen minutes just eating in silence. Grey took any opportunity to admire his dinner partner’s body, whenever Indi was looking down at her plate and placing the next mouthful of food on her fork, so she wasn’t aware he was observing her blatantly.

  His male cravings were heightened to painful levels as his gaze moved over her slender neck, noting thankfully naturally pert breasts from what he could tell. Fake ones truly turned him off - just another reason to feel distaste when he saw Caitlin. His future wife was slender, and pretty enough, but he couldn’t abide the fakeness of the plastic barbie look that she and many of her model contemporaries put their bodies through. He also appreciated her slim waist, but equally he felt drawn to the need to discover the hidden depths of Indi’s personality.

  Starstruck - Indi

  Indi felt a powerful attraction for this handsome stranger across from the dinner table. Even with her longing for solitude when she first arrived on the island, she couldn’t help, but be drawn to the idea of getting to know her neighbour better. Much better.

  She certainly wasn’t looking for anything meaningful, but she craved the prospect of his company while they were alone together on holiday even if it ended amicably as they flew back to the respective destinations. The idea of cleansing her mind of her stranger anxieties by having a flirtation with her sexy neighbour could either seem the most craziest or sanest thing she had ever thought of doing. From the looks he had been giving her over dinner, he seemed to find her somewhat attractive.

  The sense of familiarity she experienced since first setting eyes on him still had not dissipated, in fact, being in his company had only intensified it. She just couldn’t place where from.

  With the main course out of the way, Indi decided to find out more about Grey as they had only discussed the tourist excursions she had been on. Her curiosity had been growing as to why a man on holiday alone needed bodyguards to shadow his every move.

  “So did you have to go on-the-run to lose your friends tonight?” Indi could not resist bantering as she nursed the remainder of her non-alcoholic drink now that her earlier nerves had subsided enough to allow a glimmer of her old confidence to shine through.

  A frown creased over Grey’s forehead as he looked puzzled for a moment. “Oh, you mean my security guys – I did have to negotiate a release of sorts.” He chuckled.

  “Do you mind if I ask what you do?” Indi knew she was being nosey, but the buzz from being in his company and having him look so appreciatively at her made her eager to know more about him.

  Another crease of his forehead, a lingering hesitancy, added to his expression. “I’m involved in music.”

  “Are you famous or something that you need security to keep the fangirls away?” Indi had meant it as a joke at first, but as soon as she said it, everything started to click in place in her head, her mouth nearly dropping open as realisation hit her and she darted her gaze down at her drink so he couldn’t guess she was one such fangirl. He was Grey Bailey. He wasn’t just involved in music; he was music as far as she was concerned. Clamping her lips shut she tried to maintain a calm front while inside she was screaming. Oh my god! Oh my god! I am sharing a table with the GREY BAILEY.

  When she dared to raise her eyes to meet his gaze he was looking at her inquisitively, a self-assured smile playing on his lips. “You recognise me, don’t you?”

  Indi smiled coyly, “Was I that obvious?” A blush rising over her cheeks as she realised how unsuccessful at hiding her reaction she had been. Had he been able to read all her reactions to him so easy, the racing heart when she had first seen him standing beside the table, the tingling nerves sweeping over her body as he touched her hand.

  “It comes with the territory. It seems there are three types of recognition: One is the in your face screamers; the second are the hang-backers who politely wait their turn for an autograph or photo; third is someone that pretends they don’t know who you are.”

  Relaxing at his humour, Indi fell into easy conversation their similar interests in music over the tiramisu, Grey had convinced her to share with him.

  “So now that you know I am not just some strange guy from next door but a rock star with an adventurous reputation to upkeep, can I convince you to accept my offer to show you some of the lesser discovered delights of Sicily?”

  Indi’s heart soared at the thought of spending more than one evening with her idol, but at the same time, her brain tried to insert a wave of caution at the same time. She wanted to experience more of his company before venturing into a less public environment with him. “I would be interested in doing that once I’ve covered this part of the island first. Maybe we could discuss some places over a dinner in a few days.”

  He nodded in agreement, “Sounds reasonable to me. Do you want to get some coffee or should I get the bill?”

  “No, thanks, I’m ready to leave.”

  He attracted the attention of the waiter who quickly brought their bill over the table. Grey who had been already poised with his exclusive black Amex card handed it to the waiter.

  “Hold on, I want to pay for what I ordered.” Indi interrupted, handing over her own black Amex. He might be a rich, rock star, but she wasn’t going to have him think he could buy her dinner just like that.

  Grey smirked at her while the waiter looked from her to Grey and back again in bemusement. “You seriously won’t let me buy you dinner?”

  Indi shook her head. In spite of the bubbling chemistry sparking between them, she wanted to remain out of his debt. She always paid her own dinner on dates. Wait a date? Didn’t he have to ask her out for it to be classed as a date? I think you might be getting ahead of yourself if you think a sex god like Grey Bailey is going to want to take you out on a full-on dinner date, Indi reasoned with herself.

  Holding his hands up in mock defeat. “Fine, you heard the lady – let her pay for her part.” Grey chuckled as he shook his head at Indi.

  “You really a refreshing change, Indi.” He added when the waiter disappeared off to split the bill. “I think you are the first women ever to refuse anything from me.” His voice was velvety as his eyes licentiously drank in her features before moving down to her neck and beyond.

  Indi swallowed hard, her throat suddenly dry from the powerful hunger exuding from his gaze. She watched his eyes linger on her exposed cleavage as he licked his lips with his tongue provocatively causing her nipples to contract and tighten at the gesture. Was Grey Bailey truly giving her the come-on? Not in her wildest dreams had she ever imagined that! Yes, she had realised her neighbour had been flirting, but that was before she realised who he was.

  “It’s a quite a turn-on.” She heard him talk seductively in the same tones as he used in one of the many music videos of his she had seen.

/>   Blinking, she met his now lifted gaze catching his enigmatic smile, and she wondered if she had just imagined what he said.

  “Shall we head out?” His voice fully in control unlike her own.

  Indi nodded unable to get a simple yes out of her mouth as she took a few deep, calming breaths wondering if she should offer him a lift back with her to prolong being in his company. In spite of herself, she felt strangely safe with him. His voice and song-writing had been such an intricate piece of her life through her troubled teenage years she felt he was like a returning friend that could be trusted with her deepest secrets.

  “I’ve my car a short walk away; do you need a ride back?” Indi turned to face him as they entered the street, shutting the door of the restaurant behind them.

  “That would be helpful, thank you.” Grey smiled, pulling out his phone and tapping at the screen. “If you excuse me a second, I will just send my security a quick message that I am heading back.”

  It only took him a few seconds for the message to be sent and then they began to walk up Via della Maestranza towards Piazza, it was still quite busy with other people milling about, so they took the walk at a leisurely pace. Out of the corner of her eye, Indi noticed Grey sneaking the occasional sideway glance at her as his hand brushed against hers when the crowd filled out forcing them closer together as they walked shoulder to shoulder.

  At one point to pass through a bottleneck of people, they were forced to move into single file. Not wanting to get separated Grey suggested she go in front of him, all her senses scorchingly aware of his hand pressing against the small of her back as they edged forward.

  Walking this close to her idol, Indi could feel the warmth spreading through her body and the warm evening air only serving to agitate her breathing rate. In the midst of the distraction, she managed to stumble over a loose stone on the cobbled path and twist her ankle over leaving her shoe behind.