***
Giovanni
My heart wanted to explode. On the outside, it had to appear that I was calm as if nothing was wrong. Even though I was screaming inside, I tried to walk past the security guard who was guarding Antonio’s office. It was the same two men out front. By now, it had become like a game. They would try to keep me from going through and I would always try to talk my way around them.
This time it didn't feel like playing around. This time I was going in there with a guilty conscience knowing I was about to lie to Antonio. If I got caught, it was going to be the end of my own life. Logically, I knew this wasn't a good idea. I shouldn't stick my neck out for some girl I'd never met. But my personal feelings had to be kept quiet, separate from the body language that I was exuding on the outside, because if they suspected something was off, which they were good at detecting, I was in trouble.
I had to do this. It was the only way to spare her life. I had to lead the boss off of her trail and have him assume she was dead so he would move on.
I carried an unmarked paper bag with me. The contents were remnants of another poor soul. A little dramatic, but it definitely gave the desired effect which made it worth it. The guards wanted to search it.
“It may not be what you're looking for,” I said.
“Show us now,” the guard said.
I opened the bag, tilted it toward them and watched as their faces cringed at the smell of what was in the bag. This was too easy. It was always fun to screw with these guys.
“Going to let me in now?” I asked.
“Yeah just take that fucking thing with you.”
I walked past them into the office setting it down on the desk.
“What's this?” he asked.
“Proof of death,” I said.
“For that girl?”
“Yeah.”
“Excellent.” He opened one of his side drawers in his desk, pulled out money and set it on the table.
“Take your money and get out.”
I grabbed the money, turned around and was walking out when he stopped me and said, “Take the bag with you and get rid of it.”
That was close. I thought he had suspected something. I turned around and left relieved that I didn't get caught with questions.
Chapter 6
Cierra
I spent the evening working at the nightclub. There was nothing going on this night that was different from any other. I tugged at my short skirt despising the fact that I had to wear it. It was so degrading in my opinion. It was too bad they didn't let you wear old baggy sweaters and sweatpants with flip-flops. That was hardly the kind of sexy apparel to get big tips but a girl could dream. These tight dresses were too skimpy. It invited inappropriate groping from men, and as it was I was having enough trouble keeping them off of me.
There were countless incidents where customers have grabbed my ass. One time, this guy walked behind me and reached underneath me grabbing my vagina, then pretended he didn't do it when I turned around. It pissed me off so bad that I turned around and grabbed him by the throat, threw him backwards against the bar and told him if he ever did that again he would have to find another place to visit because he wouldn't walk out of the front door alive.
I don't like to be touched unless I say it is okay. There are too many bad memories of my mom and dad fighting when I was little, and then my mom’s boyfriends and how they used to get drunk and fight with each other.
There are rich men around here that throw out hundred dollar bills like tissue paper and think nothing of it. They think because of their wealth they are able to do whatever they want to do and feel entitled to have whatever they want, which included me. I try to be nice. I try to play it off, but at a certain point, you have to be firm with them and let them know you mean business. I had news for them, I wasn't for sale. Last I checked, there wasn't a price tag on my ass and I wasn't going to start putting one on there now.
I delivered three shots of vodka to a rowdy table of college age men and had to endure their disgusting jokes in order to accept their tips. This job was so degrading. I hated it. I hated being a waitress more than anything. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if it was in one of those nice country towns in North Carolina, where folks had manners. Being here made me grow tired of the fast life. Disgusting immoral people who didn't give a damn about you, who were only looking out for themselves and how to get ahead in order to make more money.
But I was trapped and there was nothing I could do. Despite everything that was wrong about Miami, I was obligated to stay in the city because I couldn't afford to move anywhere else. I didn't have any real skills. I didn't have the money or the grades for college. I barely escaped high school with a diploma. Having to take care of my mother from such a young age, there really wasn't an opportunity to do anything with my life. So I had to get a job right out of school and that took up most of my time. I've been working ever since. When my mom died, whatever benefit she was getting stopped and left me completely on my own.
That wasn't so bad. I learned how to be independent and take care of myself and survive. I wouldn't trade those lessons for anything. It was one of the most valuable lessons I've learned — not to depend on anybody else but yourself to get what you need. Along those lines, I was determined to make a better life for myself. I wasn't afraid of hard work. I just needed to be given the opportunity. But right now I had to deal with this job until I saved enough money to move away. I might leave Florida altogether and go to the Carolinas. Maybe just start completely over.
***
Giovanni
I sat in a dark corner in the back of the club watching her serve drinks as she walked back and forth. She looked like she had a lot on her mind, as if she were deep in thought. I noticed some men trying to grope her. She was trying to do her best to avoid them with a smile on her face, but I could tell she was getting pissed off. I wanted to go over there and smash their faces in but it wouldn’t do very well for my case to keep a low profile. Not to mention that I would probably get kicked out. I had been to this club a few times a long time ago but I didn't frequent this place in particular.
Neon lined bars with tufted couches represented the classic Miami look. It was nice enough. It definitely reminded you that you were in Miami. Miami's classic look was neon colors. I watched her handle these guys and I had to say I was pretty impressed. She was nice, but firm. She seemed to know how to handle herself if she had to get belligerent with somebody. It didn't seem like she embarrassed them though and was able to still make tips from them.
I don't have that kind of personality. I would have slit their throats by now if I were a woman and they disrespected me like that. But that's just my personality. It seemed like you definitely had to be more of a people pleaser in that job.
She crossed the club through the dance section carrying a tray of beers when one of the dancers bumped into her, knocking the beers over on the dance floor and shattering them everywhere. I watched as she had an irritated look on her face, but said nothing. This looked like my perfect opportunity to meet her. She definitely needed help right now. I assumed she would probably be grateful to have somebody help her instead of step over her. I stood up from the table in the back and crossed the room quickly to get to her side. Bending down next to her, I started picking up the beer bottles.
“I've got it,” she snapped at me.
I didn't expect that. She finished picking them up and headed to the bar. I followed her.
“Hey, I'm sorry. I was just trying to help,” I said. “It can't be easy, dodging groping men and uncontrollable maniac dancers.”
She laughed. “I'm sorry for acting like a bitch. I've had a rough night. I appreciate your help. Thank you.”
“Hey, it's no problem,” I said. “In fact, let me try to make your night better. What do you say about some coffee later?”
“Oh I'm sorry, I don't get off until three.”
“That's alright. I don't have anywhere to be. And it w
ould mean a lot to me to help a damsel in distress.”
She smiled. “Thanks but no.”
Chapter 7
Cierra
“I’m so glad this shift is over.” I rubbed my eyes. “It’s been such a long day.
“I know what you mean girl. I don’t know how many of these all-nighters I can pull in a week,” Stacy said.
“Just think, we get to come back in twelve hours and do it all over again!” I gave her a big sarcastic smile lined with fake enthusiasm.
We heard the voices of a couple of men over at a table across the room and looked at each other realizing that they were the last customers in the club.
“I’ll handle it,” she said.
“No, that’s okay. I’ll take care of it,” I said. “It’s repayment for helping me with that big order earlier.”
“You sure?” Stacy asked.
“Yeah, I got it.”
I walked over to the table of guys that were still chugging their drinks.
“Hey guys, sorry, but it’s time to go. The club is closing.” I tried to use my best girly voice to keep my tone light.
One of the men looked at me. “Yeah? Are you part of the after party? Can I take you home tonight?”
He was a disgusting blubbering slob who could barely sit up straight. I put on my best customer service attitude, smiled, and politely said, “No, sorry.”
“Awe come on, baby. I’m sure you would give us enough motivation to want to take you home,” another man said as he tried to grab my ass. I slapped his hand away.
“Don’t touch me,” I threatened.
“You heard the lady. It’s time to leave.”
I turned around to find it was the same man who helped me with the broken bottles earlier tonight.
“Who the fuck are you?” one of the men asked him.
“Yeah, fuck off buddy, we were talking to the lady,” another man spoke up.
The man took his hat off, ran his fingers through his hair and stared at both of them which apparently sparked some form of recognition because it seemed like the men knew who he was at that point.
“Oh man, Giovanni. My bad. I didn’t know it was you.”
“Yeah we’re real sorry. We’re leaving.” The men got up from the table and filed out of the club.
I watched what was happening in front of me. I couldn’t believe it. They apologized and left the club as fast as they could.
“Wow, thank you,” I said.
“Hey, no problem. Ready for that early morning coffee now? I know a great place that is open 24 hours. Spartans, ever heard of it?”
“Yeah, I’ve heard of it. I love that place. They have the best pies there,” I said.
“Why don’t you let me buy you a slice?” he asked.
I looked at him with hesitation before finally agreeing. “Why not? I won’t be able to sleep tonight anyway. Hey Stacey can you close up?”
‘Sure thing girl, see you tomorrow,” she said.
He held the door open for me as I walked outside. I put on my coat as it was a little chilly.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
“No, I’m fine. Thanks.”
We walked along the streets of Miami. Spartans was a couple blocks over. Not very far at all.
“How do you get home?” he asked.
“I usually walk to my apartment. It’s not too far away,” I said.
“You walk home all by yourself at this time in the morning?”
“Yeah, I’m used to it. My place is a pretty short walk.”
“You’re a pretty brave girl, huh?” he said.
“Not always,” I replied.
***
Giovanni
I watched her as she took a bite of apple pie and made a groaning noise.
“This pie is the best I’ve ever had,” she proclaimed.
I smiled. “Do you want another slice?”
“No thanks. I’m stuffed,” she said. “This reminds me so much of the kind of pies that my grandmother used to make.”
“Oh yeah?” I asked.
“Yes, she would do all kinds of different fillings. She used to make the crust by hand and she used to let me help her.”
“Is she still baking pies?” I asked.
“No. She passed away some time ago.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. I have plenty of great memories of our time together.”
“Are you from Miami?” I asked.
“Yes, born and raised.”
Something about her answer, led me to believe she would rather not be.
“Are you happy about that fact?” I asked.
“Not really. This place brings up constant bad memories. I didn’t really have my dad around my mom was an alcoholic, so I had to take care of her until she died.”
“Oh wow. Sounds like your family has had a lot of tragedies. How long ago was that?” I asked.
“About two years now.”
“So you’ve been on your own ever since?” I asked.
“Yes. I’m saving money right now to try to get out of here.”
I grinned. “Where would you like to travel to?”
“Well, I would love to leave Miami and see the other states and what they have to offer. I haven’t ever left Florida, so it would be nice to go somewhere cozy. Maybe somewhere colder even.”
“Well that’s interesting,” I said.
“What’s interesting?” she asked.
“Usually people come down here from the other states to get away from the cold and you want to go toward it.”
She laughed. “Yeah, I guess it’s kind of strange, but I have never really experienced it. I’ve never seen snow before, so it would be kind of nice for change.”
“I’ve been a lot of places,” I said.
“You have?”
“Yeah, maybe we can take some time to tour around the country.”
She smiled. I could tell she was attracted to me. I was attracted to her. It wasn’t hard to spot the connection. I liked her personality. She was a very likable person. We stared at each other for a long while before the waiter came by with our check. I paid the man and escorted her out of the restaurant, knowing that I’d be escorting her to her bed.
Chapter 8
Cierra
He walked me home and when we got to the front door something just came over me. Suddenly, I wanted him so bad. The short time we spent together and the way those men acted toward him earlier at the club, told me that I was safe with him. I guess I responded to that because of how threatened I had been feeling over this past week. Like a couple of teenagers, we locked lips in a heated, frenzied kissing session against my front door.
We couldn’t keep our lips off of each other. He tasted so good. It had been so long since I remembered what it was like to be in a man’s arms. I tried to reach for the keys to unlock the door, but he playfully continued to kiss me. It was cute, playful banter between lovers and I laughed at his kidding nature.
I finally found the key hole and inserted the key into the lock. Most of my weight was leaning on him when he lost his balance sending both of us tumbling onto the ground. We broke into laughter.
He stood up, brushed himself off then gave me his hand to help me up. Once I was standing upright again, I opened the door and walked through it with him walking in close behind me. He shut the door and fastened the dead bolt. I was glad I cleaned the place before I left for work today. It would be embarrassing for him to see how I really lived on a daily basis.
“Would you like a beer?” I asked.
“Nah, thanks.” He pulled me close to him and began sliding off my sweater. He was so hot. Rugged looks with a black leather jacket that was worn and could have confessed to a multitude of sins if it could talk, I guessed. I jumped on him throwing my legs around his waist. I felt like a starving animal who hadn’t had sustenance in a year. I wanted him so bad.
He carried me to the bedroom, dropping me gently on the bed and mounting me
. I let him bury his face in my neck as he placed kisses on my jaw line. I brought his pelvis closer to mine by tightening the grip my legs had on his waist. His hardness was firmly placed against my mound sending shocks throughout my body. It was going to be a formidable challenge to accept him inside of me. My loins ached as I felt myself getting wet at the thought of him stretching me wide open.
He stopped, pulling back for a minute and looked at me.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He gave me a slight smile. “I just realized something embarrassing.”
“What?” I wanted to cringe. Was there something wrong with me? Did I smell? I hated humiliating sex faux pas and hoped it wasn’t something that would spoil the mood.
“I just realized that we haven’t introduced ourselves properly,” he said.
I stared at him for a second trying to process what he was saying and thought back to the past couple of hours. He was right. We had plenty of conversation and connected, but not once did either of us think to ask the other our name. I laughed hard.
“Cierra Salazar. Nice to meet you.”
“Giovanni Vastola. The pleasure is mine,” he said.
I chuckled, “It’s about to be.”
This kind of intimacy was rare. I don’t think I have ever experienced it with another man before. Sex was always about sex. Rarely, if ever, was it about playing and laughing. It was a very nice feeling. Something I wanted in my life.
“Cierra,” Giovanni’s voice brought my attention back to the present.
“Yes,” I asked.
“You are a very beautiful woman,” he said.
“Thank you.” I blushed.
“And I would like nothing more than to ravage you,” he continued.
Hang Em' Up: A Bad Boy Sports Pregnancy Romance Page 93