Love Contract

by Andromeda

  You better put these braces to use. I'll be at your soccer games and your dance recitals. You've always been my perfect little angel.

  Dr. Robin

  I blink in surprise. "But I didn't..." the words stop at my tongue when I see the words 'perfect little angel'. I've never called Macey that...but there is one man who has always called me that. Detaching myself from Mrs. Larkan, I run to his office, flinging open the door.

  "You gave them the braces?" I ask Giovanni.

  He looks up from his paperwork. "There is such a thing as knocking."

  "I'll knock you upside your head if you don't answer me!" I growl.

  He chuckles. "Always so feisty, mia angela. And yes, I did."

  "Why?"

  He shrugs, walking around to sit on his desk. "Because I felt like it."

  "Someone doesn't just up and spend over a hundred-thousand dollars on a pair of braces to a girl he's never met before!" I snap. The ones he got were the top of the line ones.

  He slowly walks over and cups my cheek, looking into my eyes. "I did it...for you."

  "Why me?"

  "A wise woman once told me...that I need to start making up for my mistakes. And if it cost me half my fortune...then I'll do it. I will do anything for the woman I love. She wants a piece of the moon? I'll send a rocket to get it. She wants a pearl from the bottom of the ocean? I'll send a submarine to get it. I'll do anything she wants from me...and I'll do it proudly."

  His words shock me. Maybe...just maybe he has changed. I've seen how he caters to Rosie as if she's his heart and soul. As if he'd die without her. Maybe he has changed.

  "The woman you love...would want you to kiss her right now," I whisper.

  Smiling softly, his lips brush over mine, sending sparks throughout my body; a tingling sensation starts at my toes and moves up. Slowly, the kisses get more passionate, his tongue sliding into my mouth and battling for dominance. It's when I feel his hands slipping under my shirt when I pull away.

  "Fasil gen ti gason lover," I whisper softly. "We're taking it slow..."

  He groans. "But I want to throw you on my desk..."

  "And that might happen in the future, Giovanni. But...if you love me, then you'll take it slow."

  "I do," he says softly. "I love you from now and forever. And I'll never let you go."

  Chapter Seventeen: Total Eclipse of the Heart

  Malaika

  "You see this, Rosie? It's a butterfly. Watch as the butterfly flutters in the air..." Rosie giggles as I make the butterfly needle flutter in the air before landing on her arm. "And now it needs to drink the nectar from the flower..."

  Gently I stick her, but she doesn't cry out. She grips Giovanni's hand tightly, but within seconds I'm done. I put a hello kitty Band-Aid on the spot and kiss her hand.

  She giggles and looks to Giovanni. "Ero papà coraggioso!"

  "That's right, dolce cuore," he says, tickling her sides. "You were brave."

  I smile at them. They are perfect together. Giovanni and I have been seeing each other for almost a month, and it's been bliss. While we haven't had sex, he showers me with gifts, treating me like a queen and giving me the best. His new pet name for me is mia angela regina: my angel queen.

  We've gone out on dates with Rosie and Robyn, and they act like sisters. Rosie is the rose, shy and quite; while Robyn is the thorns, loud and brash. She will beat the crap out of you if you look at Rosie the wrong way. It makes me laugh.

  Today, Giovanni and Rosie stopped by for a simple physical. I blush when he takes off his clothes, leaving him only in his boxers but he smirks at me.

  "It's not as if you haven't seen it, mia angela regina," he chuckles.

  I roll my eyes and turn to help Rosie. He responds by grabbing my arm and pulling me into a crushing hug and toe curling kiss.

  "We'll get back to you in a couple days about the results," I tell him as we walk out of the hospital.

  He nods and helps Rosie in her car seat. "Thanks again, Mala," he says. "I'll call you when I get home."

  I nod and he pulls me close, kissing me passionately but tenderly at the same time.

  "Have a good night, mia angela," he whispers huskily.

  "H...have a good night," I stammer, pulling away.

  He smiles, gets in his car, and drives off.

  I press my fingers to my tingling lips and smile to myself. I love him. I love him. I love him. I LOVE HIM! I've tried to fight it, but I love him so much it hurts! Getting in my car, I begin the drive home, my head spinning with bliss.

  All of a sudden, a pair car lights appear in my rearview mirror. I try driving to the side to let it pass, but it follows me. I increase my speed, and it follows suit.

  BOOM!

  I lurch forward as it slams into my bumper. I grip the wheel, looking in the mirror. I can't tell who it is, but they won't leave me be.

  BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

  It slams into my bummer, shoving me forward. Gritting my teeth, I try to think; I can't lead whoever this person is to my house! I have to go someplace safe. The answer pops into my head almost instantly.

  Driving like a mad woman, I pull up to Giovanni's house. I press the button and when the gates open, I drive through, watching as the car leaves when they close.

  Leaping out of my car, I run up the stairs, thundering on his door. He answers, shirtless with sweatpants hanging low on his hips.

  "Mala?" he groans. "What are you doing here?"

  "Can I stay here, please?" I whimper, tears forming in my eyes. "I...I was followed and almost driven off the road. I...I couldn't of anywhere else to..."

  He stops me. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Repeat that."

  I tell him everything in a rush, not holding anything back. His face darkens and he pulls me into the house.

  "Go up to my room," he says. "You know where. Take a hot bath and change. I've got to make a few calls."

  Nodding, I go upstairs and do what he says. The bath helps soothe my spirits, and I put on one of his T-shirts before crawling into the bed. Absentmindedly, I finger the sheets. So much has happened here...joys and sorrows...

  The door opens and Giovanni comes in with a tray. He sets it at my feet.

  "I brought you something to eat. Thought you'd be hungry."

  "Thank you," I whisper, picking up the sandwich.

  He goes to the closet and takes out a blanket and pillow.

  "Where are you going?"

  "I'm taking the couch," he says.

  I look at him. "Can you sleep here? With me, please?"

  He furrows his brow. "I...I'm not sure that's wise, mia angela regina..."

  "Please Gio," I whisper. "Just hold me?"

  He sighs and crawls into the bed. His powerful arms wrap around me, pressing me to his chest. I inhale his scent, the smell of Irish Spring and sandalwood. He kisses my cheek and buries his face in the curve of my neck.

  "Buonanotte mia angela regina," he whispers, slowly falling asleep.

  I soon follow suit.

  ********************************

  Brittany

  I sit in my car in the parking lot, watching that people go in and out of the hospital. Pregnant women helped inside by their husbands. Children being carried by their parents. The ambulance roaring in and people jumping out of the way. It's all so pathetic.

  I will never know what Giovanni sees in this place. He has billions; he could be buying jets, jewels, mansions! But instead he spends on this dump, a great chunk of it going to care for those snotty-nosed brats. I'll never understand it.

  I see his car pull up and see him get out, walking to open the side door before Rosie hops out. He then walks around and opens the door on the opposite side, and my heart freezes in my chest. A woman gets out. I know her instantly.

  That black bitch! Seems she's spreading her legs for him again. Well I know how to put a stop to that.

  Smirking, I get out of my car and walk over to them. "Hello Gio..." I purr softly.

  Everyone turns around and
sees me, stiffening.

  "Brittany?" he gasps.

  "Mama?" Rosie whispers.

  "You?" that black bitch gasps.

  I smirk at her and turn back to Giovanni. "I've missed you, baby..." My fingers caress his arm, but he pulls away.

  The woman turns off in a huff, marching into the hospital with Rosie in hand.

  "Mala, wait!" he calls after her. She ignores him and keeps on walking. He turns around in fury. "What the hell do you want, Brittany?"

  "You baby," I purr. "And all that it entails..."

  He pulls away from me. "You lost me that night you were screwing your massage therapist."

  "I told you Gio, he meant nothing to me," I say, pushing against him.

  "Stay the hell away from me, Brittany," he growls, rushing into the hospital after that woman, shouting her name.

  I ball my fists. 'Mala', the hell kind of name is that? What does he see in her? I'm blond and beautiful with a killer body! Men would die to spend the night with me! I had him once, and then I make one tiny mistake and he leaves me for some black bitch! I think not!

  Growling, I march into the hospital looking for them.

  ********************************

  Malaika

  "...Baby, just listen to me..." Giovanni pleads.

  "I said to leave it alone!" I snap at him. "I'm done with it, and I'm at work!"

  "Mala please, you have to believe me," he says, blocking my path. "I had no idea she'd show up here...I have no idea how she found me!"

  "She's a psycho bitch that needs to get clocked!" I growl.

  "Please listen to me! Please!"

  I roll my eyes. "Fine, whatever, just get out of my way."

  He smirks and moves out of the way, leaving. Rolling my eyes, I get to work. My rounds are quick and before I know it, it's time to go home. I get Rosie from daycare and as we walk down the steps, Giovanni is waiting for us with a smile. He kisses Rosie’s forehead and my lips.

  "My two favorite women in the world," he breathes.

  "I thought that was me, Gio," a seductive, but also annoying voice says behind us.

  We turn around and see Brittany. Giovanni quickly grabs my hand; Brittany narrows her eyes at the gesture before looking at him.

  "Why do you keep running from who you really love, Gio?" she purrs.

  "I'm not running from anything," he snaps. "Or anyone."

  "Why can't you just leave us alone?" I ask her, trying to keep my cool. "It’s over. Go find someone else."

  "I don't want anyone else," she hisses. "I want Giovanni, and I will get him!"

  "No Brittany, you won't," he snaps. "I love Malaika and I'm not leaving her. She has everything you don't."

  Brittany sneers at me. "I have your child; oh wait, you had that but lost it? Poor baby."

  I slowly ball my hands into a fist, but Giovanni places a hand on my shoulder to keep me calm.

  "Yes, you might have my child," he says dangerously. "And I plan to help you take care of her, but Brittany we are done!"

  "You said that last time!" she cries. "When you were with Veronica, but you still came back to me! Why do you keep fighting our love?!"

  I look at him. "Who's Veronica?"

  His face twists up and he looks away, so Brittany answers for him.

  "A woman who he claimed to really love. Who he said wanted to have his children. But in the end he left her...for me. As a matter of fact, we were together while they were."

  My heart shatters and I look at Giovanni. "Is it true?" I ask, my voice choking with tears.

  "Yes, it’s true," he says, turning back to look at me. "But I regret it. I promise that I haven't been with Brittany while you and I have been together..."

  I don't hear anything he says; the blood is roaring in my ears. All I can think of is that poor woman...who must have found out the hard way, like me, about Giovanni's infidelity.

  I yank my hand from his grasp and he looks at me. "Mala..."

  At that moment, Pearl runs over and looks at us. "Mala, I think you need to see..." she notices Brittany and she scowls. "Oh, who's the cheap bitch?"

  "Excuse me?!" Brittany yells.

  "Pearl, stop—what did you want to show me?"

  "Huh? Oh this...you uh...are going to be a little surprised."

  I open the chart, and my jaw drops at the words below.

  Giovanni Rinaldi and Rosie Rinaldi: 0% biological relation...

  Chapter Eighteen: Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go)

  Malaika

  Beep!

  "Mala baby please answer..."

  Beep!

  "Mala please, we need to talk about this..."

  Beep!

  "Il mio amore per favore ho bisogno di sentire la tua voce..."

  I lay in my bed looking at the wall as Giovanni's messages play over and over on my phone. I ignore them. It's been two weeks since I found out about this...Veronica. I...I had told him that I loved him and yet he did that...that poor woman, that poor, poor woman. I wonder if she's still around, but then again maybe not. She might have killed herself from the fierce betrayal of the man she thought would take care of her forever. She and I hold the same pain.

  However, my logic is yelling at me. He did this in the past; he might have really changed from that time. He might be different now, but...my heart is in pain at the thought.

  Beep! Beep! Beep!

  Groaning, I cover my head with my pillow, trying to block out Giovanni's thousands of messages.

  "H...hello Mala?" a gentle feminine voice says at the other line. "I...it's Rosie."

  I shoot up from the bed and run to the phone, picking it up to listen to the message.

  "P...Papà's locked himself in his bedroom and won't come out. It smells funny and when I tried to t...talk to him he yelled at me. Please Mala, I am scared.”

  The message ends and I quickly begin to dress as I redial the phone number, praying that she'd answer.

  "H...hello?" is the shaky answer.

  "Rosie, it’s me! I'm on my way."

  Pulling on some clothes, it isn’t a long drive to Giovanni’s house and as I pull up, I see Rosie sitting on the front steps. When I get out, she rushes to me, wrapping her small arms around my waist and crying softly.

  “He scares me…” she whispers.

  "Why don't you go play in the gaming room?" I whisper to her. "I'll...go check up on your father."

  She nods and runs off when we enter the house, while I begin the long ascending of the stairs. When I reach his bedroom, I take a deep breath and knock three times.

  Knock! Knock! Knock!

  "LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!" an empty, broke voice on the other side screams.

  My heart lurches. That's not the Giovanni I know...

  "G...Giovanni," I whisper. "It's me...Malaika..."

  No answer. Sighing, I take one of the pins from my hair and pick the lock, opening the door. The smell of rotting food, sweaty bodies, alcohol, and just sorrow greets my nose. My eyes adjust to the darkened room, and I see him huddled in a corner. He has empty bottles and food wrappers scattered around him, and his sweatpants are stained with unknowables.

  Slowly, I walk over. "G...Giovanni?"

  "Get away," he mumbles. "You're just another hallucination brought on by the booze..."

  "What?"

  "Just leave me the hell alone," he growls, and then he breaks down. "You're not real! If the real Mala was here, I'd tell her that I'm so sorry for my past mistakes. For what I've done..."

  I slowly lift his face up, his bloodshot eyes snapping into mine.

  "I regret everything," he whispers. "I was bewitched by Brittany, but she isn't all to blame. I cheated with her with my eyes open. I knew it was wrong, but I was a fool. I lost one of the loves of my life because of my stupid mistakes. Please Malaika, I can't lose you to. Please!”

  I hold his head and press my forehead to his. "I forgive you, Giovanni...I forgive you for everything. I love you."

  "I love you too, mia a
ngela," he whispers, pulling me close and kissing me deeply.

  After a moment, I break away. "You...should go take a shower. I'll clean up."

  ********************************

  Giovanni

  I thought that I had lost her forever, that she'd hate me after finding out about Victoria, but no...she forgave me; but can I ever forgive myself? Getting out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my waist and walk to my room; my jaw drops. Everything is perfectly clean and in it right place. Damn, I love this girl.

  She smiles at me, pushing some damp curls from her forehead. "Done."

  "Wow baby, this is amazing," I say in approval.

  She smiles and her eyes fasten on my towel, biting her lower lip before looking back in my eyes. I see something brewing behind her normally calming gaze.

  "I...er...should go now," she says nervously.

  I grab her arm before she can turn away. She presses herself against me, nervously nibbling on her lip.

  "Please don't go, mia angela," I whisper.

  She looks into my eyes. "I won't," she whispers back.

  She presses her lips to mine, but it's not a chaste kiss; it's one full of passion and desire. I rip off her shirt and bra as she kisses me deeply, trailing hot kisses down my neck and collarbone. Groaning, I cup her ass, wrapping her legs around my waist as I carry her to my bed. Laying her down gently like the queen she is, I slowly slide her pants and underwear off, tenderly kissing her inner thighs.

  "Do you want me, mia angela?" I whisper huskily as I unwrap my towel, tossing it away.

  "Si," she whispers in Italian. "From now and forever."

  Slowly I enter her, groaning at her tightness while she moans softly. Placing my arms on both sides of her head, I begin to slowly move my hips, looking into her eyes. She moves her body with me, raising her hips to meet my thrusts. She pulls me close, pressing her lips to mine as we make love.

  We never have sex; we've always made love and between the both of us, it is always so tender and sweet. My pace increases and she moans louder, her nails lightly scraping my back as I wrap her legs around my waist so I can go deeper.

  " Il mia amore perfetta," I murmur, calling her my perfect love as I move faster. " Il mia amore perfetta..."

  "Oh Gio," she moans. "You feel so good..."

  "You're so tight, mia amore," I groan.