STEAMPUNK ROMANCE: An Innovative Clockwork Steampunk World Adventure: The Complete Collection Boxed Set (Mystery Suspense Romance Short Stories)

by Haven, Rose

  “Ok. We’ll have to wake her up now. I need to see her wound. Did she recall anything about herself?” Dr. Bellini starts moving towards my room.

  I immediately step before the door and stop him from entering the room. He looks at me questioningly.

  “Let me just see if she’s awake or not?”

  “But you just said that she’s sleeping.” Good Lord! Dr. Bellini must think I have gone mad!

  “Yes…yes, she was when I saw her last. But she might be awake now. I just want her to be mentally prepared to see you. I mean, you are the doctor, right? And generally, people are afraid of doctors…you know…injections, medicines, and all that dangerous stuff.” That sounds disgustingly stupid to my own ears!

  But apparently Dr. Bellini has the good sense to ignore my eccentricities. I quickly get inside the room while he waits outside patiently.

  “Gemma, Dr. Bellini is here to see you.” She is already sitting on the bed with her feet dangling in air. She looks at the door and when no one comes in, she looks at me.

  “I told him to wait outside.”

  “Why?”

  “Uhh… He likes to see his patients sitting properly in bed…you know…pillow at the back, body covered with blanket.”

  She looks surprised but thankfully gets into the bed. I adjust the pillow at her back and pull up the covers on her bare legs.

  “Come in, Dr. Bellini,” I shout.

  After changing her dressing and asking her a few questions, Dr. Bellini concludes that Gemma has indeed lost her memory in the accident.

  “Her wound will heal in a matter of few days but the memory loss….I really can’t say when she’ll start remembering things. It could be in a few days or even in a few months. It would be better if you start looking for her family right away.”

  “I have already sent her picture to my private detective. He will go to the place where the accident happened and try to collect as much information as possible.”

  “Good luck to you. Do let me know if she starts recalling anything. And keep asking her questions related to her past now and again. Sometimes such questions can resurface a memory hidden in the brain.”

  “I’ll do that doctor.”

  Chapter Six

  It has already been two weeks since the accident. Gemma has almost recovered from the wound on her forehead but her memory is still not showing any signs of returning. The detective has hitherto failed in gathering any information regarding her family. And strangely, there has been no report of a missing girl anywhere in the newspapers either. Mrs. Antoni and I have started to believe that she is an orphan.

  Gemma usually stays at home the entire day and helps Mrs. Antoni in her day-to-day routine. She has turned out to be an amazing cook. And thank God she no longer roams about semi clad in one of my shirts. Mrs. Antoni has brought her a few modest dresses that do a good job of hiding her luscious curves.

  I have asked her a few times to accompany me to parties but every time, she politely refuses. However, she does accompany Mrs. Antoni on her grocery shopping trips. Mrs. Antoni tells me that she has visited the nearby chapel two times in the past week. Probably, she is praying to God to reunite her with her family.

  Often, I find her deep in thought with a melancholic expression on her face. It looks as if her heart is aching for something….or someone. Could it be that she had a lover? Or was she married? No, she looks too young to be married, hardly eighteen or nineteen.

  I cannot stop my attraction towards her that seems to be growing day by day. I have actually started looking forward to going home after the office. And though I would not like to admit it, I have seriously cut down on the parties that I used to love attending. Sharing a cozy meal at night with Mrs. Antoni and Gemma has started appealing to me more than those loud, meaningless parties.

  I have often caught Gemma stealing a few glances at me while the three of us are sitting together. I love how her cheeks blush deep red when I catch her looking at me. She is so unlike any woman I have met in the past. No pretenses, no lies. Her face is like an open book. You can guess what is going on in her mind by just looking at her face. And those eyes of hers…..I can easily drown in their depths!

  Though we both are living under the same roof, our interaction has always been very platonic. I deliberately try to keep my hormones in check whenever I am around her. I don’t want her to think that I am trying to take advantage of the situation she is in. But keeping my hands to myself whenever she is near me is proving to be a task day by day.

  One morning, I go to the kitchen for a glass of water when I see her kneading some kind of dough. A wisp of hair keeps falling on her face and she keeps on pushing it back with the back of her soiled hands but to no avail. I don’t know what comes over me but I move closer and tuck that stray lock behind her ear. My brain shouts at me to turn back and get out but my heart apparently has other plans. I turn her face towards me and she looks at me, a little startled at first. Her ocean blue eyes start weaving their magic on me and her full pink lips look too inviting to ignore. After looking at each other for a few long seconds, I slowly bend my head towards her mouth. She begins to close her eyes and her lips part slightly. I somehow feel she is as eager for this kiss as I am.

  Chapter Seven

  “Gemma, Gemma where are you?” Mrs. Antoni’s loud voice shatters our little moment. We both spring apart as if we have touched a live wire. Once again I see that deep blush on her cheeks and she avoids my gaze.

  “I am in the kitchen, Mrs. Antoni,” she calls out, ignoring me completely. Once again, she has resumed the task of kneading that damned dough.

  “There you are! Why, Alberto, you are still here? Don’t you have that ‘very important meeting’ you were talking about this morning?” Mrs. Antoni is a little cross with me. She had asked me to accompany her and Gemma to the Chapel today but I had refused.

  “Of course, I was just about to leave when Gemma called me!” I lie. Mrs. Antoni and I look at her and I try hard to maintain a straight face.

  “When did I call you, Mr. Graziani?” she looks at me with utter disbelief etched on her pretty face and then she turns towards Mrs. Antoni. “I was just kneading this dough when he came in and then he….I mean we….we just…we were just discussing how to make pizzas when I heard you calling me.”

  I swear to God I have never had a harder time controlling my laughter.

  “How to make pizzas?” said Mrs. Antoni, a little surprised. “Since when did you start taking interest in cooking, mio caro?

  “Since Gemma started cooking those delicious meals for us,” I reply softly while looking at Gemma, straight in the eye. Once again, my common sense has taken my leave!

  As we both continue looking at each other, Mrs. Antoni clears her throat and once again, the moment is broken.

  “Now, now…you’ll be late for the office, Alberto. And Gemma and I have to go to the Chapel too.” Mrs. Antoni literally shoos me out of the kitchen. “If you are done with this cara, wash your hands and get ready.”

  After this incident in the kitchen, I am even more attracted towards Gemma. The whole day I keep smiling to myself whenever I remember that confused look on her face when I tell Mrs. Antoni that she had called me to the kitchen. My staff must think that their boss has gone crazy!

  I know it is the most selfish thing to wish, but I really don’t want her memory to return now. I want her to be the same person that she is today. Innocent and pure. She has not once demanded anything for herself or tried to take advantage of my attraction towards her. After all, she must have realized how wealthy I am. I know some girls who would happily lie naked in my bed to seek my attention. But Gemma actually ignores the fact that I am attracted towards her!

  I am even thinking of telling the detective to stop his search for Gemma’s family. If they had been even a little concerned about her, they would have contacted the Polizia or the local media. But they had not done any such thing till date. Gemma should not have to go to a family w
hich doesn’t even care if she is alive or dead.

  But what if Gemma wants to be with them, I start to question. What if her memory comes back one day and she wants to go back to her family? I will not be able to stop her then. Yes, it would break my heart, but I will have to send her back to where she belongs one day.

  My heart sinks at the thought of losing her. I am shocked at how much I’ve started caring for this young girl in such a short span of time. No matter where I am or what I am doing, Gemma is always there at the back of my mind. Could it be that I am in love with her?

  ‘You cannot fall in love with her’, my mind screams at me. ‘You know it will lead to nothing but heartbreak! She is here just till the time her memory returns. Once she recalls her past, she’ll be gone!’

  But my heart refuses to listen! ‘There is an equal possibility that her memory shall not return for years to come. In that time, I shall fill her life with so much love that even if she recalls her past life one day in the distant future, my love for her will stop her from leaving me.’

  I decide to listen to my heart for once!

  Chapter Eight

  It’s been over a month since that accident now. The crackling chemistry between Gemma and me has reached an all-time high. I can swear to God that even Mrs. Antoni can feel how attracted we are to each other. And the best part is that she seems to approve the growing closeness between us.

  Today, Mrs. Antoni and I finally succeed in coaxing Gemma to attend a party with me. It is basically a party thrown by the Graziani Corporation to mark its fifth anniversary. It will be attended by the who’s who of Florence and I want to introduce Gemma to my friends and business partners. I have asked Mrs. Antoni to take her shopping for a new dress that would be appropriate for the occasion. I am eagerly waiting for the night to arrive.

  By evening, I wind up my work and head home so that I can take a shower before going to the party. I wait anxiously to see how Gemma looks in her new clothes. As I ring the bell, Mrs. Antoni opens the door.

  “Good evening, Mrs. Antoni,” I say with a smile.

  “Good evening, Alberto. You seem to be in a good mood today,” she quips.

  I am talking to her but my eyes are looking for Gemma. Mrs. Antoni clears her throat.

  “She is getting ready in her room,” she says.

  “Who?” I feign ignorance.

  “Who? Well, the only person who seems to be on your mind these days caro,” she says softly.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about Mrs. Antoni.”

  “Oh, don’t you try to fool me! I know you inside out. Do you think I am blind? You are in love with Gemma Alberto, and I think it is high time you disclose your feelings to her.”

  “What if….what if she does not feel the same for me?”

  “I am a woman, Alberto and my womanly instincts tell me that she is as much in love with you as you are with her. She is just too shy or maybe too scared to admit it. You know what she’s been through. She lost her identity in that accident. She doesn’t even know what her real name is!”

  “So…ummm….what should I do to win her trust and confidence?”

  “You already have her trust and confidence caro,” she smiles. “She wouldn’t be staying in this house otherwise. You just need to show her how much you love her. And tonight, I give you that opportunity.” Mrs. Antoni gives me one of those secretive smiles of hers.

  “What are you up to now?”

  “Nothing…nothing. It’s just been too many days since I visited my sister. I’ll be going to her place tonight and plan to stay there for a couple of days,” she winks at me.

  “Oh! Did I tell you how much I love you Mrs. Antoni?” I pull her in a bear hug and we both share a laugh.

  “Now you go get ready and I’ll go and see if Gemma needs me.”

  I quickly take a shower and pull out the best tuxedo from my cupboard. I want to look my best tonight, after all it is the night when I shall finally disclose my feelings to Gemma. This night has to be extremely special for the both of us!

  Chapter Nine

  As I step out of my room, I finally see Gemma….and my heart stops in my chest! She is looking stunning in a golden gown that hugs her small frame in all the right places. With a neckline that gives a hint of her lush bosom and a cut at the hem that goes all the way up to her thighs, she looks good enough to be eaten….no, not eaten…swallowed! I don’t really know what she has done to her long hair but they look utterly sophisticated tied into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. And a few curls have been let loose to frame her heart shaped face. Mrs. Antoni has lent her the pearl earrings that I gifted her on her birthday last year. Gemma truly looks like some goddess from heaven above!

  “How do you like the gown, Alberto?” Mrs. Antoni asks me. The look on her face tells me that she already knows the answer.

  “It’s absolutely gorgeous. You look lovely, Gemma.” That could be the understatement of the century!

  The blush on her cheeks returns and makes her look even more beautiful.

  “Thank you, Mr. Grazi….”

  “Call me Alberto…please?”

  “Uh…Thank you Alberto. I am feeling a little nervous. I really won’t know what to do at the party,” she says nervously.

  “Don’t worry Gemma. I’ll be by your side throughout. We’ll just meet a few people, exchange pleasantries and just….that’s it! If you start feeling uncomfortable at any point, just let me know and we’ll straight away head back,” I try to make her comfortable.

  I am already feeling jealous of all the men at the party who are sure to cast their glances her way. Gemma is looking drop-dead gorgeous. And what makes her even more appealing is that she is totally unaware of the charm that she exudes. It is so refreshing to be with a woman who can think and talk beyond her looks!

  We bid Mrs. Antoni goodbye and move towards the garage. I plan to take her to the party in the more comfortable Bentley this time. Although I happen to take great pride in my collection of some of the world’s most luxurious cars, Gemma seems to be unfazed by the beauty in front of her. Maybe she is not much into cars, I reason. For some reason, her lack of response pleases me. Truly, she is totally unlike the many girls I’ve dated in the past.

  When we reach the venue, the party is already in full swing. Gemma is a little intimidated by the flashbulbs and the crowd, but I try to put her at ease by holding her hand and being by her side throughout. She does an excellent task of greeting the people I introduce her to and even engages in small talk with some of them. All the men are throwing appreciative glances her way and the women are going green with envy! We are definitely making a lot of heads turn.

  Our pictures will perhaps be flashed on the front pages of newspapers tomorrow. “Is Alberto Graziani engaged” or “Who is this Mystery Woman with Alberto Graziani”…..I can already imagine the headlines of tomorrow’s newspapers!

  As I thought, Gemma manages to hold her own amidst some of the most influential and wealthy people in Florence. She does seem awestruck initially by the plush interiors of the five star hotel where the party is going on and the sheer volume of people attending it. But after a while, she regains her composure and mixes with the crowd. She’ll have to attend a lot of similar functions once we get married.

  ‘Once we get married’…..Whoa! Where did that come from? I have not even confessed my feelings for her and already I am thinking of marrying Gemma! God, I seem to be in deep trouble! I have to pour my heart out to her as soon as possible. I ask her if she is ready to leave and she nods her head with a smile. After saying our goodbyes, we make an early exit.

  On our way back I ask her if she enjoyed the party.

  “It was a good experience….though I am not sure I can attend such events all the time! My cheeks are already aching with smiling throughout,” she replies honestly.

  I gently hold her hand and she lays her head on my shoulder. This little gesture of hers fills my heart with pleasure.

  “I am r
eally tired,” she says softly.

  “We’ll be home in another ten minutes sweetheart….uhhh…I mean Gemma.” Shit!

  I can’t see her face but somehow I know she is smiling.

  “I liked the food and the place. It was so huge and so grand. I was a little scared at first. I didn’t want to let you down in front of so many people.”

  “Why would you think that way? Do you have any idea how impressed those people were with you?”

  “You really think so?” she looks up at me.

  “Of course! Didn’t you notice how everyone was trying to catch a word with you?”

  “Oh, that was because I was accompanying YOU, the owner of Graziani Corporation. “Again an honest answer!

  “I wouldn’t deny that it may have been a factor, but you really succeeded in impressing one and all in the way you conducted yourself. I am proud of you, Gemma.”

  “Thanks Alberto. Thank you for all that you’ve done for me,” her voice is thick with emotion.

  Chapter Ten

  We’ve already reached the penthouse. Before I can respond, she gets out of the car and rushes towards to the elevator. I catch up to her and see that she is crying. My heart twists painfully in my chest.

  “What is the matter, Gemma? Why are you crying?”

  “I don’t deserve any of this. I don’t belong here,” she is crying inconsolably. Just then, the elevator arrives. I ask her to calm down and give her my handkerchief. In a few seconds, we reach the apartment and I unlock it. Once inside, she again breaks into sobs.

  “You don’t even know who I am…and you are still doing so much for me. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for your kindness.”

  She had never said this in so many words, but today I realize that she feels she is a burden on me…that I am helping her out of charity.

  “Gemma, you have no idea how special you are for me. I have never met a more innocent, pure and honest woman before….”