by Galia Ryan
“Of course. How could you let me go?” She laughed gently. “But I’m glad you have found yourself.”
He said nothing for a long moment. “You know I love you. I always have.”
“I know.” Now her heart ached.
For a long minute they sat absorbed in their own thoughts.
“You know what? We need to go dancing,” she said suddenly.
“Cara, you know I can’t dance.” He laughed
“I’m talking slow dancing. Slow, smoochy dancing.”
“Ahh. Now that I can do.”
Giancarlo was gone.
He had stayed only a few days. They had made love surrounded by the flames of the dozens of candles she had bought, and it had been everything she had dreamt of and more.
They explored the back streets, looking for a café or bar that offered intimacy rather than crowds. They drank wine and shared each other’s food. And they talked, and laughed, and he held her in his arms.
Stephanie saved her tears for when she was alone. He was a good man. Far too good for her. She didn’t deserve him. She asked him to stay in touch. Send her a letter every now and then. Just let her know he was safe.
He promised.
Now she needed to move on. Find something to fill her life. She knew she could never accept living in anything other than luxury. But she also knew she could not be the person Olivia wanted her to be.
She was not destined to be a social butterfly, flitting from wealthy man to wealthy man as her friend did.
She wanted to create her own wealth. Her own power. Her own status. And she would do it all without the help of a man. At least in one sense.
She was excited about the prospect of taking on the ailing escort agency. Even more so, given that it was in a different country. She would rip it apart and rebuild it. Girl by girl. She would be extremely discriminating as to who she took on, and focus on only the best. In every way.
And with the rebranding would come a new name. Elite.
* * * *
Convent educated from the age of four, Galia Ryan was brought up not to question. Perhaps because of this, she has always been fascinated by all things esoteric and “outside the square.” Originally from Sussex, England, and now living in New Zealand with her soul-mate husband and grown-up family, Galia tries to find time between her passions for writing and reading and for her other love—travel. There is always a growing list of must-see places.
Secrets is the second novel in the Luxuria series, which began with Choices. The story of Anna and Stephanie will continue in Book 3.
You can find Galia on the Web at:
Galiaryan.fannypress.com.