Finding Beauty in the Darkness

by Ash, Nikki

  “We came in one car, an oversight on my part.”

  “I can bring her home,” Amber pipes up.

  Gio’s hand on my shoulder tenses, but his words come out smooth. “That’s not necessary.”

  Amber and I hug goodbye with promises of seeing each other soon. Once back in the car, I explain everything to Gio about Antonio and the text messages, and he assures me he will look into it.

  About ten minutes later, we arrive in a beautiful neighborhood in Summerlin. We pull up to a gorgeous house and as we are getting out of the car, a petite woman with light brown hair and perfect highlights comes walking out.

  “Giovanni, ciao, mio figlio.” She wraps her arms around Gio and he hugs her back. I’ve learned a decent amount of Italian over the years since my dream is to study photography abroad. So, I recognize that she called him her boy. She must be his mother. It suddenly hits me—I’m about to meet Gio’s family. The people who created him. Maybe they’ll help shed some light on the man who’s so hot and cold.

  “Mamma, mi hai appena visto un paio di settimane fa.” Mom, you just saw me a couple weeks ago. His mom’s about to argue when she spots me standing behind Gio. While she’s dressed like she’s attending a dinner party, in a blood red Prada dress with matching peep-toe heels, I’m in skinny jeans, ripped down the front, and a soft off-the-shoulder knitted black sweater—no bra since Gio still hasn’t bought me any—complete with tall black Uggs, the ones with buttons that run up the sides.

  I can feel her judging me and I’m thankful the clothes I’m wearing, while designed for comfort, are all name brand and currently in style. I didn’t understand why Gio would order me such expensive clothes, but now it all makes sense. He comes from a family of wealth.

  “And who is this?” his mother asks Gio, but her eyes stay trained on me.

  “Mother, this is Aria. She’s my guest for the time being.”

  Her head whips around to give me a better look and I cringe as she visually inspects me, her facial expression indicating she isn’t thrilled with what she sees. Gio seems to ignore her look of scrutiny, continuing with introductions. “Aria, this is my mother, Claudia.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” I bridge our gap and extend my hand to shake hers. She stares down at it for a moment and I’m almost positive she’s not going to take my hand, but her manners win out at the last second and she delicately shakes my hand, offering me a reserved smile.

  “Nice to meet you, dear.” Then she turns to Gio. “I wasn’t aware we would be having an additional guest. I’ll have to have Beatrice set out another place setting.”

  She walks back inside and I catch Gio roll his eyes, which makes me giggle. “What?”

  “You totally rolled your eyes behind your mom’s back. It’s like you’re ten years younger, I’m telling you.”

  “Hush up. Not only am I older than you, I’m wise beyond my years. Let’s go inside.” Gio grabs my hand to pull me along behind him up the driveway. I notice Johnny, Rome, and Caesar take off. Apparently, they don’t have to stay for dinner. Lucky them.

  We enter the front door and step into the foyer. The home I grew up in was no shack, but this home makes my house look like one. To the right is a huge sitting room that looks like it’s never been used. Between the expensive looking couches, the large fireplace, the liquor bar, and the perfectly matching décor, the room looks professionally staged, not like a family lives here. To the left is a dining room with a table that must seat fourteen people at least. Creams and browns seem to be the color scheme everywhere. It reminds me a lot of Gio’s living area.

  Gio steers me into the sitting room then leans down and whispers into my ear, “What would you like to drink?” I notice an older man eyeing us curiously from the far corner of the room but Gio doesn’t acknowledge him or make any introductions.

  “Water, please.” I have no doubt I need to be sober to get through this dinner.

  He leaves me to head over to the bar area to grab our drinks and I have a seat on the couch, unsure if it’s allowed but needing to take some relief off my ribs. A gentleman who looks almost identical to Gio comes over to sit next to me. He has the same brown hair as Gio, but it’s gelled to the side neatly. His eyes are brown but unlike Gio’s soft brown, his are darker, more menacing. He smirks at me when he notices I’m checking him out.

  “See something you like?”

  “You look like Gio,” I blurt out as way of explanation.

  His eyes lighten a bit as he laughs. “Gio? Does my older brother know you call him that?” This must be one of Gio’s brothers. “I’m Nico, the younger, more handsome brother.” He gives me a wink and I hear a growl. I look to my left and see Gio sit next to me while shooting daggers at his younger brother. He hands me my water and sets down his drink. It looks like some type of scotch.

  Gio’s hand goes to my thigh and I jump a little from his touch. It’s been a while since I’ve had a man touch me possessively in a good way. Nico notices my actions and laughs harder. “Gio, what have you done to this woman? Making her jump like a scared little mouse.”

  Gio glares at his brother. “It’s Giovanni, asshole. This is Aria.”

  Nico’s eyebrows furrow like he’s deep in thought, then his eyes go wide when he finally figures out whatever it is that had him stumped. “Wait! Aren’t you the senator’s daughter?”

  My body grows stiff and Gio’s hand on my thigh tightens. “She’s his ex-stepdaughter. It’s a long story. Leave it alone.” Gio’s voice is cold and menacing, leaving no room for argument. Nico nods his understanding and lets it go. We move into an awkward silence until the older man who was eyeing me a few minutes ago walks over with another older gentleman and introduces himself. “My name is Salvatore, Giovanni’s father, and this is Stefan, my business partner.”

  Gio introduces me and I shake both their hands. The men talk business, but it’s all extremely vague. By the topics of their conversations, they own a couple clubs, hotels, and casinos, which I already knew, and it seems they all work together. The entire time they converse, Gio keeps his hand on my knee—his thumb rubbing circles into my skin, and surprisingly, it comforts me, making me feel a tad bid more at ease in this awkward situation.

  I hear a door open and shut and in walks Cecilia, the bitch from a couple weeks ago. I’ve seen her in passing, but she’s made it a point to pretend I don’t exist. Works for me. The doorman takes her coat and she’s dressed just as beautifully as Gio’s mom in a light pink chiffon dress that stops just above her knees. Gio and I let out a groan at the same time. I look over at him and giggle. He looks down and graces me with the most panty-melting smile, then leans into me and murmurs, “I had no idea she was coming. I’m sorry.”

  “You’re going to owe me big, like another movie-slash-jelly bean-slash-popcorn night big.” Gio groans again, only this time there’s laughter mixed in.

  “Jellybeans?” We both turn to Nico, who’s smirking. “Did I hear you say jellybeans and popcorn? Did you get Gio to eat junk food and watch a movie?”

  Before I can answer, Cecilia sits across from us, next to Stefan. She crosses her legs like the perfect lady she is, her back staying straight like she has a stick up her ass, and leans in for him to give her a kiss on her cheek. My eyebrows shoot up in curiosity and Gio leans toward me and whispers, “He’s her dad.” Damn, I thought maybe I would get to see some entertainment while here. Anything would help to liven up this gathering.

  “What are we whispering about?” Cecilia asks, her tone still as snarky and stuck up as the last time we spoke.

  “Well, Gio—” Nico begins, earning him a punch to his arm from behind me courtesy of Gio. “I’m sorry…” Nico cackles. “…big bro. I just didn’t know Gio was an option.”

  “It’s not, so drop it.” Hmm…well, I’m going to keep calling him Gio.

  “As I was saying, Giovanni has apparently been watching movies and eating junk food with Aria, here.” Nico says it mockingly, and it doesn’t surprise
me that Gio doesn’t usually do that sort of stuff. He’s all business, and looking around at the way everyone is dressed and conversing, at the home décor, and the staff of butlers and servants, I can see this is all he knows.

  “Is that so?” Gio’s mom walks over and stands next to Cecilia, with her hand on her shoulder and a fake smile plastered across her face. Cecilia’s dad is staring at me like I don’t belong and Gio’s dad is straight up glaring at me. I’m not sure why, but it seems as if some silent line has been drawn.

  Chapter Thirteen

  GIOVANNI

  I should have known bringing Aria here would be a colossal mistake. On one side of the living room is my mom, Cecilia, Stefan, and my dad. On the other side is Aria, Nico, and me. I know when Aria feels the tension because her body stiffens, not for the first time tonight, and she tries to push my hand off her leg. I let her do it because I don’t want to argue with her here.

  This just reminds me how different Aria is from my family, from my life. She doesn’t belong here. She’s full of life and energy. These past couple weeks, watching Aria revert back to what I assume is her old self has been nothing short of amazing to watch, and I’m thinking this is only the beginning. She’s carefree and fun and doesn’t take much seriously.

  She eats junk food at midnight and watches crap television. She steals my phone daily to snap pictures of everything that captures her attention. She wears what she wants and speaks her mind. Her being here in my parents’ home for only a short time has already begun to diminish the beauty and aura which surrounds her. I need to find Weston and figure out what he has up his sleeve so I can take care of him and then set Aria free. It was selfish to ever think I could in some way keep this girl for myself.

  “Mom, is dinner ready?” I break the silence, ignoring the comments about the movie and junk food.

  “Yes, let’s all go sit at the table.”

  Aria excuses herself to use the bathroom and when she gets to the table, Cecilia is sitting on one side of me and my mother is on the other side. When my mother told everyone where to sit, I didn’t want to draw attention to Aria by suggesting she should sit next to me, but the look in her eyes—jealousy? Hurt? I don’t know—has me wishing I would have taken a stand.

  My mom has her sit next to Nico and across from Cecilia on the other side of the table. The meal goes smoothly for the most part. Aria eats quietly, and Nico engages her in some conversation. My dad asks her a few questions, but she sticks to polite responses. knowing my family is simply fishing for answers. After dessert, I announce we need to get going.

  “Would you mind giving me a ride home?” Cecilia asks too sweetly. “When the guys returned, I had Rome give me a ride over since he said he was coming back to pick you up anyway. My car is acting up.” Somehow, I doubt her new Mercedes is acting up, but I’m not up for arguing.

  “Sure.” I stand and give my parents a hug, Stefan a handshake, and slap Nico on the back before we head out. Aria quietly says goodbye and Cecilia goes around the room giving hugs and kisses to everyone.

  The ride home is filled with Cecilia talking to me about La Stella business. Aria remains quiet, looking out the window, and my fingers twitch, wanting to pull her into my side and tell her not to take any of this personal, but knowing this is probably for the best. My life, my family, my business, none of it could ever fit in with the person Aria is.

  When we arrive back at home, Aria quickly excuses herself. I let her go and head to my office to get some work done. While I’m checking on the books for the loans I have out, Johnny knocks and comes in.

  “Boss, I have some info on Antonio Torino.” I close out what I’m working on to give him my full attention.

  “What did you find out?”

  “Unless it’s a coincidence, Antonio Torino is the son of Anthony Torino.”

  Shit, that’s where I recognized the last name from. The Torino organization. “He has an organization in New York. And if I’m thinking of the same guy, he owns a real estate company over there, which is worth millions.”

  “Yep, that’s the guy,” Johnny says. “He doesn’t seem to have any ties to the Lorenzo organization, but I’m going to keep digging.” What the fuck was Aria doing dating the son of a mob boss?

  “All right, we need to confirm this is the same guy. Why the hell would he give Aria his real last name?”

  “It might have been an oversight on his part or maybe he didn’t have anything hide.” I glare at Johnny because he knows better than that bullshit. “Yeah, I know. That sounded stupid as fuck. If he’s the son of a mob boss, he’s in deep.”

  “I’m going to talk to Aria. See if I can find out anything else. We need to get into that house and get inside those safes.”

  “You got it.”

  I walk Johnny out of my office and head upstairs to find Aria. When she isn’t in our room—Jesus, I just referred to my room as ours—I start my search for her. I text Rome and Caesar and they both tell me they didn’t know they were supposed to be watching her. When we got home, I didn’t give them any instructions. I text them back to find her—fuck! It goes without saying they should always be watching her!

  I search the first floor, kitchen, dining room, and living room, but don’t find her. I move up to the second floor, and knocking on each door, ask if anyone has seen Aria. Nobody has seen her. Just as I’m about to lose my shit, Caesar texts me a photo of Aria out back, sitting on a bench in the gardens. Even in the photo, I can see her face is red and blotchy from crying. Instead of going to check on her, I tell him to keep an eye on her. Comforting her will only make shit more complicated.

  I send a group text to my employees that I’m leaving and head out to the bar. I need to get laid. A warm body underneath me will surely knock the visions of Aria out of my head, and since fucking Cecilia anymore is out of the question, picking up a woman in the bar will have to do.

  * * *

  I’m sitting at the bar, two scotches in, with a woman—with blonde hair as fake as her tits and tan—practically in my lap, and all I can think about is how real Aria looks in comparison. Her tits aren’t half the size of this woman’s but Aria’s are perky and real. I imagine how my hands would fit around Aria’s tits. I bet they would be a perfect handful. I look at this woman, who has her face covered in all types of makeup with her hair sleeked pin straight. Aria’s brown hair is always up in a messy bun, and her face is always clean and makeup free. Aria blows this woman away in the looks department without even trying.

  Her hand glides up my thigh, landing on my dick, and I will myself to block Aria out and focus on getting balls deep in this woman. Instead, Aria’s face, blotchy and tearful, pops up and I push the fake and willing woman away. “I gotta go.”

  I throw a couple bills down and leave the bar on a mission. I can’t stand the sight of Aria crying. I’m heading back to the mansion when an idea comes to me. I turn around and head into town. I stop at a store and have the associate guide me to everything I need. I remember Aria mentioning she was majoring in photography. Hopefully, a camera will put a smile on her face. Several thousand dollars later, and I’m on my way home.

  It’s late and the main floor is quiet. By this time of night, members and escorts are either in private rooms, out for the night, or have gone home. I jog up the stairs, hoping Aria is in our room. I see Rome standing outside the room and nod to him. When I open the door, I find Aria curled up in bed asleep. Her iPad is still on and open to whatever book she was reading. I take it from her hands and turn it off. She stirs and her eyes flutter open.

  “Hey, I must have fallen asleep reading.” She sits up and stretches, her perky tits jutting out, reminding me of my earlier thoughts.

  “I bought you something.”

  Aria eyes me curiously. “For what?”

  “I guess… kind of an apology gift. My family…they…”

  “Kind of suck,” she finishes my sentence with a frown but quickly gives me a small smile. “Except Nico. He’s super inte
nse but also really sweet.” The thought of Aria warming up to my brother causes something inside me to burn, but I push it aside.

  “Anyway, here you go.”

  I hand her the bags, and she takes them from me. “You didn’t have to do this. I was upset earlier, but it was stupid—” Her words are cut off when she sees what’s inside the bags. “Oh. My. God! Gio!” Her eyes dart from the camera box and accessories to me and back again before she jumps up off the bed, wrapping her arms around me. “Thank you so much! I’m going to use the hell out of this camera!”

  “There’s more.” I nod toward the other bags as I sit on the bed, setting Aria back down next to me.

  “A laptop? And printer! This must have cost you a fortune.”

  “The only thing that matters is that you like it. If any of it isn’t what you would use, we can exchange it.”

  She looks at me like I’m crazy. “This is all perfect. Seriously, thank you.” She opens the camera box and starts setting it up and plugging it in.

  “We think we found Antonio today.”

  Her eyes go wide. “Really? Is he okay?”

  Only Aria would be concerned about a guy that could easily put her six feet under without blinking an eye.

  “Aria, if it’s who we think it is. He’s not a good guy. We’re looking into it and will know more soon, but for now, don’t try to find him anymore. We need you to stay under the radar until we get this all sorted.”

  “Okay. Oh, I was wondering if I can use your phone. I wanted to call Amber and I don’t have a cell phone. I was hoping I could go over to the college and we could hang out.”

  Shit, I completely forgot I need to get her a cell phone. “How about you have her come here? You guys can go to the pool and hang out. I have an indoor pool and another outdoor one that’s heated.”

  “And how would I explain to her that this is a sex house?”

  I chuckle at that her description of the bordello. “Nobody is going to be fucking out in the open. Just hang out in the back or on the third floor, or in the kitchen where you usually are, eating your weight in food.” I wink at her. Aria practically lives in the kitchen. She loves her food, especially the sweets. The last few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of watching her body change from skin and bones to having some meat on her—and that meat on her looks damn good.