If You Take My Hand (Beachside Sweet Romantic Suspense Book 1)

by Rimmy London

  “Loriel?” I glanced up, smiling at an unfamiliar face. “I am Gaio’s cousin, Tomasso.” The young man extended one hand, shaking mine so softly that I loosened my grip in reaction. Although he wasn’t unattractive, the proportions of his face were a little unusual, his nose and mouth positioned a little low. His English, though, was very good.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Tomasso. I’m sorry that my conversation is lacking. I admit that I haven’t learned the language yet… only a few phrases here and there.”

  He nodded at me politely. “There is no one who will take offense to a ravishing beauty as yourself.” I glanced around the table awkwardly. “I simply wanted to translate for my mother and father who, like you, will be speaking in their native tongue.” Glancing at the couple next to him, their smiling faces were already on me. They both smiled kindly, if perhaps a little strained, and the woman spoke in Italian. Tomasso translated dully. “She says it is wonderful to see you with Givanni. They were unaware that he had formed such a close relationship.”

  The way he had spoken made me feel immediately defensive, and I wondered if they somehow suspected any falsities in our manners. Not sure what to say in reply, I simply smiled. She continued without hesitation. Tomasso sighed. “My mother asks how long have you been together.” I thought for a moment, counting back to the first time I saw Givanni. “Four or five months,” I said too quickly.

  Their reaction to Tomasso’s translation was identical, their stares turning to Givanni in an almost accusing way. I felt my heart start to drum as I tried to think of what I could say to calm their faces. Givanni’s chair screeched against the stone as he stood, bowing slightly to the offended couple and speaking in English. “I’m sure it has been a pleasure. I have some friends I need to introduce to Loriel, if you will excuse us.” Without waiting for Tomasso to translate he held out his hand, taking mine quickly and walking toward a far table.

  “They are impertinent,” he said quietly. “You do not need to answer their interrogations.” I stepped a little closer, not wanting to be overheard.

  “Why were they upset?” We had reached the banister at the far end of the patio, and I looked out at the city lights, picturing their faces.

  “They think they know me well. They think I am only one kind of man.” I swallowed, daring to be as forward as the rest of his family.

  “And what kind of man do they think you are?” I asked. His eyes stayed positioned on the city before dropping to his hands resting on the rail.

  “They think I am the deceiving kind of man who spends years courting a woman only to leave her.” I heard the shame in his voice and was instantly angry with the older couple for presuming to know him so well. The thought passed that they had known him longer than me. I shook my head, dismissing it. I knew who he was, and he was not the hurtful, selfish man he’d just described.

  “Enrica?” Her name came from my lips with a certain reverence after the beauty I associated it with. Givanni glanced at my face with reluctance in his eyes. “Givanni, what happened?” He glanced out into the darkness, rubbing his hands together and shifting back on his feet...

  “She…” he took a breath, glancing at me and letting it out in a sigh. “Had been with my family our entire childhood. When we were young, she was my best friend. As she grew she became more and more beautiful, and it was assumed by everyone that we were intended to be together. That we would be together. She was very encouraging to this suggestion and took what others said to be my voice. I was gone for a time with school and when I returned, we quite naturally formed a relationship.

  But there was something in her that had changed. She was,” he shook his head. “Severe and distant. We were never good together as anything more than friends. I told her as much, hoping that we would be able to remain the companions we had been.” He paused, his eyes in some far-off memory. “But it was too late. I had encouraged her with the idea of a life together, and she was deeply hurt. For a while, I thought she had turned the entire family against me. They were inclined to sympathize with her sorrow, but as time passed even they could see the severity in her.” Stopping, he finally turned his head to look at me. “And that’s that,” he said quietly.

  “But it’s okay now though, right? I mean, she seems a happy member of the family. Did things get resolved?” He looked out at the dark view and I stepped closer, letting my shoulder rest against his arm as he spoke.

  “Nothing was really resolved. It was just the passage of time that brought things back to the appearance of being normal. There is still a space between her and us, but no one knows what to say to bridge the gap. I suppose they have tried, but for my part, I have been too aloof. It needs to come from me, although I’m not even sure what has to be said. It might not be possible to mend the past after so much time has gone by.” The delicate tinkling of silver on crystal had us both turning around. Oriana stood in front of a small makeshift stage at the center of the patio.

  “Buona sera!” She began. Givanni leaned close to my ear, whispering the translation

  “I hope you all can join me in saying congratulazioni to Gaio and Zoe, we are all very happy for them.” Oriana looked pink in the cheeks like she had been the one to empty the wine glass in her hands. A breeze ruffled my hair, and Givanni brushed it back. His fingers touched my neck and a rash of goosebumps spread across my skin. “We are not much for words tonight, and so I will simply turn the time over to our small band, letting Gaio and Zoe have the first dance.” Givanni leaned away once she finished, and I realized I was holding my breath. I let it out slowly. Oriana returned to her seat as Gaio took Zoe’s hand and walked slowly to the center of the patio. Their dance was beautiful, slow and elegant. Dario stood next, taking Oriana’s hand and leading her to the middle of the patio. As I watched them, I noticed the band’s slow and easy transition into a more energetic song. “Givanni?” An older woman walked up to us, pouring out a string of Italian so quickly that I didn’t bother trying to dissect words.

  Givanni glanced at me with a smile before replying, “Con piacere?” She paused as he took her hand. I got the idea, smiling at her questioning face and nodding my permission. As they walked out to the swaying crowd I couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. I doubted that I would be able to look comfortable, or even the least bit synchronized in Givanni’s arms while dancing. Someone would be sure to notice. No need to blow our cover on the first day.

  Pushing off the railing lightly, I wandered through tables, pulling the silk wrap from my shoulders and leaving it at my chair. A few smiling faces nodded their hello’s as I made my way to the punch fountain. Pink liquid was illuminated from inside a cascading tower, making it a little mesmerizing as it flowed from tier to tier. I dipped a cup in the lowest fall, bringing a napkin to the bottom and taking a sip. The icy drink was more refreshing in the humid air than I expected, and before long I’d drained my small cup. Refilling it, I turned around to face the crowd but instead found myself staring at Enrica. Her eyes dropped from mine as I looked up.

  “Oh,” I moved my cup away as a small pink drip landed on the stone by my feet. “Hello, Enrica,” I said. She smiled a stunning smile and filled her own cup. Her eyes flickered toward my shoulder and I hoped my hair was doing a good enough job of covering the cut. I swayed my head a little, adding to the pileup of hair.

  “Salve, Loriel. It is good to see you again.” She looked out at the dancers, dipping her head in the direction of Givanni. “I see he is still her favorite nephew.” I glanced out at the couple turning slow and steady circles.

  “I suppose so.” My eyes lingered as I noticed the confident and graceful way that Givanni led, effortlessly navigating a path through the other couples. Not that I was surprised. It would have been more shocking to see him as a terrible dancer. Now that would surprise me.

  “You know, we used to be the closest of friends, Givanni and I.” I stared unblinkingly at her decision to plunge into their past. “But our relationship is not like that anymo
re, we have both gone our separate ways. Our futures, like the paths we have chosen, are separated by a great expanse.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” I said quietly, not sure if I should say anything at all. “It would be nice if you could remain friends no matter what choices in life you make.” She glanced back at me silent, and finally nodded just enough for me to see it.

  “You are right, I am sure.” Her face lit up slightly as she continued. “But his choices have led him to find you, and for that we are all grateful.” I murmured a small thank you. “Do you have plans for your week in Italy? I mean, aside from all the wedding festivities. There must be other items on your agenda. I find it hard to imagine Givanni flying out after all these years just for Zoe’s wedding.” Clearly hearing the sting in her voice I hesitated, taken off guard by her fairly truthful accusation. I decided that an attempt at smoothing things over couldn’t hurt.

  “Enrica.” Her eyes hardened as I said her name, her beauty transforming into something a little more intimidating. I swallowed. “I can see regret in Givanni’s eyes, and I know he has wished to return before this. Maybe this is just a chance for him to do so without all the attention.” Her hard stare softened immediately as her gaze lifted from mine, her eyes looking out of focus.

  “Ovviamente,” she whispered before glancing at me again. “And you have come with him.” I nodded, wondering if that was even supposed to be a question. “Any sights that he has been wanting to show you? There are many beauties in Sicily.” Worry crept into my heart as I looked back at her, and even though I wasn’t sure why, I decided not to answer.

  “Enrica!” Our heads swung forward in unison, Givanni only a few steps away and crossing the space quickly. His eyes were on Enrica, his hand reaching for her almost before he asked the question. “Will you dance with me?” She offered no response at all, only allowing him to tow her out to the center of the patio. I felt somewhat frozen as I watched them stand together, looking absolutely perfect in each other’s arms. They didn’t begin to dance, even though the music had phased into a new melody, and just stood looking at each other. The faces that turned in my direction were more worried than I would have liked, although I couldn’t blame them. This didn’t exactly fit with his plan of us and our relationship. Feeling a strange sense of relief as they began to spin, I couldn’t help but wonder if Givanni really was in love with Enrica. The way she looked in that tiny dress had me thinking that every man on the patio was probably in love with her.

  Time moved slowly as I stood staring, and before long, the band had gone through more songs than I cared to count. Stepping in front of me, Emilio smiled sympathetically. I tried to conjure up the right facial expression, but I doubted there was one. He took the cup from my hand and placed it on the table behind us. “You are not meant to be set aside like that glass - beauty like yours is meant to adore.”

  “Thank you, Emilio,” I said quietly, grateful for his compassion.

  “It is not merely a comment, it is the truth. Your beauty is incomparable.” His mouth stretched into a wide grin and he took my hand, nodding toward the music. “Shall we?” He led me to a far corner of the dancers and spun me in a circle, stepping into the turn again. Surprisingly, he was a very good dancer, if maybe a little rough. Every step had a dip or turn. The music fell into a slower melody, and we remained stationary enough to hold a conversation. “So what are your thoughts on Sicily so far? Have you been to Italy before?”

  “No,” I replied, pausing as he spun me again. “Actually, this is my first time out of the United States.” I thought back to my wild ride through the streets on the back of a moped, trying to recall any scenery that I could mention.

  “Well, I’m glad you’ve come.” He paused, looking uncomfortable as his eyes flickered to the side. I followed his glance, seeing Givanni and Enrica weave in a tight formation around another couple. Emilio looked into my eyes, all joking gone from his face and worry clearly evident. “I hope he knows what he has got.” Before I could respond, Adriano walked up behind his younger brother, punching him in the arm.

  “Ladielle needs a break from you.” I smiled again at the way he said my name, thanking Emilio sincerely as he stepped back. Adriano began dancing with the new melody, surprising me with the striking difference between his and Emilio’s styles. The slow, carefully thought-out steps of Adriano were a bit of a relief to my sore shoulder, and I was grateful for the silence he seemed so comfortable with. For two songs we danced, leaving my eyes time to glance at the brilliant couple in the center of the group. Even Gaio and Zoe didn’t seem to draw as much attention. “I do not see how you can stand this.” Adriano’s voice was hushed, but I could clearly hear the anger. “You do not need to stay. He does not deserve that. I could take you home if you wished.” I stared back at him, worried that this night was affecting the whole family.

  “Adriano, it is not as bad as it looks.”

  He shook his head quickly. “No, Ladielle, I cannot believe he would do this to you. You, who came all this way to celebrate his sister’s wedding with him. It is despicable.” He shook his head, glaring at his cousin. I sighed and gave up on the explanations. There was nothing I could really tell them that would be convincing anyway. Even though I knew the truth about our relationship, I was still confused.

  “Would you like a drink or something?” I asked, wanting a break from dancing. He nodded, wrapping one arm sweetly around my waist and looking at me like I might break down any minute.

  “Of course, Ladielle,” he said soothingly, walking with me to the glowing fountain. After filling a cup I stood holding it, not really thirsty. He drained one quickly and refilled it, standing stiffly next to me. His glare returned as he looked at Givanni. Spotting an empty table covered with more shadows than the rest I headed in that direction, not caring if Adriano followed. It felt good to be in the back of the room. To melt into the darkness. Adriano remained next to the glowing fountain, his stare alternating from angry to sympathetic as he glanced back and forth from Givanni to me. I let my breath out in a gust and turned to look out at the lights flickering in the darkness. The night air had turned cool. I glanced back at the wrap abandoned across the back of my chair. I would have to cross the entire party, walk by every table, just to retrieve it. I decided it wasn’t that cold and faced the darkness again, letting the music fade behind me.

  The city lights blurred as my eyes grew tired. A chair scratched the concrete and I turned around, surprised to see half the tables empty and most of the party gone. The dancing over. Crossing the balcony, I snatched the silk shawl from my chair and draped it across my back. Givanni and Enrica were nowhere in sight. Only Dario and Oriana remained, pushing in chairs and smoothing tablecloths.

  “Loriel?” The soft voice wasn’t at first familiar, and I turned around to see Zoe looking absolutely devastated.

  “Zoe, what’s wrong?” I asked, alarmed. Gaio was standing behind her, and I looked back at him, my heart pounding anxiously. His face was clearly angry. Zoe stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing me tightly. I hugged her back, finally realizing what she was upset about, and knowing I couldn’t let her think this way about her brother.

  “Oh, Loriel,” she whispered, sounding like she would burst into tears. “He should not treat you that way.” Holding onto her shoulders I stepped back, speaking so that only she could hear me.

  “Zoe, you must believe me when I say that your brother is a good man.” I stared at her seriously for a minute, watching her expression. “He is a good man,” I repeated. “And that’s all I can say.” She blinked her watery eyes, looking back at me with a question on her face. “Okay? Don’t worry about me.” After staring back at me for another minute she nodded her head, taking a deep breath and stepping back.

  “Okay Loriel, but regardless of the situation,” she leaned forward, whispering. “You deserve an apology.” Looking into her eyes for a moment I finally nodded. She was right. “Good night, Loriel.” She hugged me aga
in before leaving with Gaio, who still looked as upset as before.

  I leaned against the balcony, resting my arms on top of the cold stone. The view from this side was almost completely dark, only a couple of dim lights twinkling in the distance. I could hear Dario and Oriana’s footsteps as they walked toward me, and I guessed that they would be the ones to drive me home. I dreaded trying to look happy.

  “Givanni!” I jumped, Dario’s angry voice surprising me, and turned around to see Givanni stopped in his tracks. “Dove sei stato?” Striding forward until he was inches from Givanni, Dario jabbed one finger at him. Speaking softly, Oriana walked up to her husband, running one hand across his shoulders. Finally, Dario dropped his gaze to the ground. Throwing one hand in the air he mumbled in Italian as they headed toward the door. A light breeze blew thick wavy strands in my face, and I swept them away, gathering my hair and pulling it around one side. I watched Givanni’s jade eyes. The apology was so clearly on his face.

  “Loriel.”

  I shook my head. “Givanni, they don’t know…” His hands came to my arms, stopping me.

  “No, don’t say it. Don’t make me sound like more than what I am.” His eyes closed and he shook his head. “I’m sorry, Loriel.” Glancing back up at me, I could see traces of blue in his green eyes. I took a deep breath.

  “I know, Givanni… I know that you’re sorry. But I have to admit I have no idea what happened tonight.” I thought back to the lonely time I had spent with so many sympathetic eyes on me. Shaking my head, I turned. “It just doesn’t make any sense. I don’t understand why you did it.” He stepped up beside me, resting his hands on the wall and looking out at the darkness.