* * *
Once she reached the bedroom, she put the rose in a vase filled with water, then started to dry her hair, fully enjoying the hair-drier’s hot blast warming her skin.
Inwardly, she knew she was trying to postpone as much as possible the moment she had to go downstairs and face Gerard, sit next to him, find conversation topics. The reasons of this delay weren’t too clear though.
He’s an extremely attractive guy, fighting for the same cause as you. He’s intelligent, educated, he looks extraordinary. He can melt you with a single glance, so what’s the damned problem? she asked her conscience.
But she knew the problem very well. Her reluctance toward all the commitments a relationship involved, the fact she wasn’t disposed to give up a single ounce from her so-hard-earned freedom and independence… Above all, she privately knew if she started a relationship with this man, no matter how emotionally detached she’d try to be, it would have been impossible not to fall in love with him. And if he wouldn’t have shared her feelings, her heart would have been broken. On the other hand, if he’d feel the same, surely Gerard would want more: marriage, commitments, responsibilities – things which Linda had convinced herself she didn’t want in her life, at least not too soon.
They all want this, sooner or later.
She sighed deeply and began brushing her long hair, then put on a black cotton T-shirt and sweat pants. With her bare feet engulfed in fluffy pink slippers, she descended the stairs to the living room.
Gerard was waiting for her on the sofa, in front of the TV, scratching Pirata’s chin, while the cat was purring noisily and his nose twitched toward the two hot chocolate mugs on the coffee table.
He spotted her and, with a gesture, invited her to join him.
“I see you’ve made yourself at home,” she remarked and sat, taking Pirata in her arms.
Gerard placed one of the mugs in her hand.
“You have a very comfortable house and a really cute companion,” he said, sipping the flavored liquid from his own mug. “How do you like London in summer?”
She sampled the chocolate – which was excellent – then took off her slippers and sat cozily, with her feet under her.
“Generally it’s a tad too cloudy and wet, I was used to Italy’s sun, but I adapt quickly.”
“Then how come you moved here?”
“Here I found two art galleries very interested in my work and, as a bonus, I have the chance to get involved more in helping the clinic, more than I could manage from a distance. My mother and brother also make donations to a few clinics and hospitals in Rome. My mother gets involved more in these activities, but Giovanni, my brother, doesn’t have time, he just signs the pay checks.”
Gerard smiled.
“That is very generous of you all, I understand you’re coming from a family of philanthropists. Tell me about them.”
“Well, there’s nothing much to tell. My mother, Giovanna, lives in Rome, with her new husband, Fabrizzio Angeli. He’s six years younger than her and has a considerable fortune – I made a bet with Giovanni that in two years she’s gonna bankruptcy him.”
Gerard laughed and she resumed, smiling:
“My father, Vincente, is a painter. Currently he resides in the isle of Crete, with Ariadna, a creature with a nymph’s body and a pigeon’s brain, younger than myself. I could say we’re quite a degenerated family,” she joked, “if it weren’t for Giovanni. He is the pride of this family, he’s thirty, managed to remained unmarried so far and is the founder of a company developing computer games, in Tuscany. This is most of the boring saga of the Coriola family,” she concluded.
While speaking, she twisted round and round on her finger the only ring she wore, a silver band in the form of a snake with ruby eyes, coiled on the middle finger of her right hand. Gerard took her hand in his, studying the object in question, then told her:
“Seems to me you have a quite interesting family. Although I don’t know any of the others, I’m have no doubt you’re the most fascinating of them all.”
He lifted his gaze to her face. In the intimate light coming from the TV screen and from a corner lamp, his eyes looked dark, but the intense, steady sparkle in them was the same that had warmed her entire being, from the moment she’d met him.
Gerard slowly took her hand to his lips, kissing her palm, and she felt her entire body beginning to vibrate with a primary, magnetic energy – the same kind of reaction which gives birth to sparks and puts into motion all massive bodies in the Universe.
He got gradually closer to her, and Linda felt his hot breath, then his sensual lips seeking hers, exploring, tasting, merging together into the most seductive and expert kiss she had ever experienced. He pulled her even closer, encircling her waist and she melted in his arms, feeling his strong, masculine body pressed to hers, knowing he was enveloped by the same intoxicating desire that was flooding her senses.
In that instant, she felt she could risk everything, she could give up everything just for a single moment in the arms of this man, who had awakened inside her a latent passion whose intensity was unknown even to her.
Gerard lifted his head slowly, watching her with those fascinating eyes, which would haunt her dreams for a long time.
“I think I should go,” he said huskily, slightly breathless. “Unless you want me to stay…”
She gazed at him longingly, seriously contemplating this possibility, to her infinite amazement. However, after a few moments she lowered her gaze.
“I think you’d better go too. It’s late.”
A shadow of disappointment crossed over his features, but Gerard stood and, taking her hand, headed to the door. In a calm voice, he told her:
“Come and see me to the gate.”
Not finding a reply, she followed him outside, in the perfect darkness, her hand firmly enclosed in his.
The night was enchanting, the air fragrant with entwined smells of flowers, shrubs and trees. All these scents mixed harmoniously, forming the unmistakable fragrance of a summer night.
The two silhouettes vaguely outlined in the inky dark made their way in silence, listening to the solitary song of a cricket, which had mysteriously landed on the driveway.
Once they reached the gate, Gerard turned toward her. As though trying to dissolve the blackness with his gaze, he looked at her intently, asking:
“When will I see you again?”
“Um, I will stop over the clinic one of these days, I’m not sure when,” she answered evasively, almost stuttering.
He watched her for another long moment, then opened the gate. Before exiting, he pulled her in his arms and kissed her deeply, passionately. After that, he disappeared into the night without another word.
Stunned, Linda touched her lips with her tongue, finding his taste there. She closed the gates, set the alarm and walked to the house like in a dream. The fact that she didn’t want to wake up worried her.
When she reached the house, her cell phone was ringing loudly and Pirata circled around it, irritated, scratching the screen, which displayed Giovanni’s number.
“Ciao, mi amato fratello!” she said delighted, grabbing the cat and climbing the stairs to her bedroom. “How are you?”
“Fine,” answered Giovanni in their melodious native tongue. “I miss you, wanted to know how you are, how are things, what have you been doing?”
“I’m good, loving this house more and more. I feel great here, and so does Pirata.”
“Judging by the pictures you’ve sent me it seems gorgeous.”
“It really is. And so quiet. Next week the gallery is opening my art exhibit.”
“Congratulations, my beloved artist!” he said enthusiastically. “I really wish I could come, but I’m working on some projects. I must finish urgently, so I won’t be able to visit you any time soon.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll send you pictures. What have you been up to? Are you okay?”
“Very busy, but productive. I haven’t ha
d time not even to go out with a beautiful babe,” he said laughing. “Haven’t you met any man good enough to awaken your interest?”
When she remained silent for a few seconds, groping for an answer, Giovanni whistled.
“Uh-oh, it’s obvious. Come on, sis, tell all, who is he and what’s his name?”
“But I didn’t say anything,” she protested smiling, aware of how well her brother knew her.
“You don’t have to say anything,” he told her. “I can hear from here how loud and fast your heart is beating, clearly there’s a guy involved.”
“Oh, it… I don’t even know what to say. I met a guy, he’s a biologist at HOPE, but…”
“Interesting. What’s his name?”
“Gerard Leon,” she replied, with French pronunciation.
“French, huh? I heard they’re the best lovers in the world. Is it true?”
“Giovanni! I’m gonna hang up if you don’t cut it out,” she joked. “I’ve barely met him and it’s not what you think.”
“Why not?” he asked, already knowing the answer.
“You know why. I don’t want a man in my life. I had one and it didn’t work out. I don’t want any more bouts of unjustified jealousy, quarrels and sleepless nights. I’m better off alone and independent, without anybody to demand explanations and without anybody to take care of.”
Giovanni sighed deeply.
“Are you gonna give up men for the rest of your life just ‘cause you stumbled over a wrong one? Tony wasn’t for you, that’s that, but you gotta move on, Linda.”
“I know you’re right, but… It’s not all about Tony, although I regret what happened. It’s just that… I don’t need a man to be happy.”
“Maybe so. But if you find a man who makes you happy, you’re an idiot if you let him walk just because of your stubbornness and overly-feminist ideas!”
She laughed, knowing he said it all with love, not malice, and over all, knowing he was right.
“If I promise I’ll go out with him, will you stop preaching?” she asked.
“For now. But just because I have to go, I’m gonna wake up at six tomorrow morning. Linda, don’t go out with him just to shut me up. If you honestly like the guy, give him a whole-hearted chance.”
“What if I’ll regret it?”
“Better like that, than to regret all your life you haven’t tried.”
She smiled wistfully.
“My wise big brother! I feel so much better for talking to you. You’re the only one who knows how to listen. Thanks!”
“Don’t mention it, baby. Miss you, love you! I’ll call you one of these days.”
“Love you too. Good night!”
She placed the phone on the nightstand, holding it for a few moments longer, as if holding the hand of her brother, whom she missed so much. He had been her friend, protector, confidant and advisor, being there for her since the day she was born. He was the only person to whom she could open her soul, the only one who knew her better than anybody.
She got ready for bed, put on a silk pajama, left the door open for Pirata and got into bed, where the cat was already waiting for her. She hugged him tightly, remembering Gerard’s kiss, his embrace, so strong and passionate, wanting to hold him and to absorb all the heat and tenderness of a man. No, she wanted that man, only him. No one else, not even her ex-husband, had awakened in her this acute need for love and passion.
Instead, she had to content herself for the moment with the furry mass full of cat-ish affection, her spoiled and devoted companion which never left her.
Chapter Five
Gerard picked up the insistently ringing phone, still studying the stack of papers in front of him.
“Hello!”
After a moment, he said:
“Ah, Jean-Paul, mon ami, I was about to call you. As we speak I’m revising my notes, getting ready to make some duplicates. How are you, progressing? Got any good news for me?”
Just then, Carolina entered, placing a cup of coffee on his desk. He inclined his head in a thank you gesture, continuing to listen what his interlocutor was saying.
“What do you mean you can’t come? I thought we had it settled. I told you I can’t take time off right now to come at the end of the world!”
Carolina listened looking amused, a plump hip braced on a corner of his desk. Following another word-exchange, Gerard said into the phone:
“I’ll try to work it out somehow; we’ll be in touch then. Keep me posted.”
He raised his gaze to the nurse, just then becoming truly aware of her presence.
“Is there something wrong?” she asked.
“Yes, there is something wrong,” he frowned. “Looks like I’ll have to take some time off pretty soon.”
* * *
Linda parked right in front of the gallery, occupying with her usual carelessness a parking place and a half. She got out of the car grabbing her purse, then stood for a moment looking up, at the gallery’s display window. Although it wasn’t big and imposing like the National Gallery or other such architectural monuments, the building had an archaic elegance and prestige, like all old buildings that had their own individuality.
She opened the sculptured door and entered. Inside was quiet and cool, but not the mausoleum atmosphere specific to this kind of places. Her footsteps tapped on the black and white tiles, disposed in a chessboard pattern.
All around, in strategic places, well illuminated and tastefully arranged, were sculptures, paintings and other decorative art. In the middle of the room reigned an imposing Apollo. Due to the very light color of the wood and golden varnish she had used, the statue resembled an angel.
It was her most impressive project, regarding both the dimension and the quality of the sculpture. She had made it from a piece of a massive tree, brought from a park in Italy. During a storm, the tree trunk – which couldn’t be encompassed by the linked arms of two men – was struck by lightning. Giovanni had taken care that the piece remained intact was delivered to her workshop.
The sculpture had the figure of a warrior, a straight and haughty posture. He wore a bow and quiver, its strap stretched over his bare, smooth chest, and the skimpy clothing she imagined the Olympus God of Sun would wear.
Now studying the statue with different eyes, Linda noticed in the motionless features a slight resemblance with Gerard – the strong chin, high cheekbones, straight, perfectly proportioned nose, firm but sensual lips. Those impassive eyes now seemed to transmit to her a secret known only by the two of them.
“I see him everywhere!” she told herself exasperated and still astonished by the impact she experienced only after the few hours spent in the company of a man she had barely met. She’d never felt such a thing and, although she was frustrated and intrigued, the fragile root of a joyful, crazy, adolescent attraction was taking shape in her heart.
Lost in thought, she jumped when she saw Francesco, the gallery’s owner, next to her, greeting her with a warm smile.
Francesco was a middle-aged Italian, with dark hair, tanned skin and a distinguished figure, just like the black elegant suit he wore.
“Bella mia!” he said with a baritone voice which seemed to fill the entire room. “I was wondering when you were going to stop by,” he continued in an impeccable English, but having a discreet Italian accent.
“Francesco!”she exclaimed, kissing his cheek. “You scared me.”
“Your works are so captivating even you remain hypnotized by their sight.”
She laughed.
“Not quite. I see you have everything arranged, it’s superb,” she remarked gesticulating like to encompass the entire room.
“We have to be ready for Saturday, my dear, the grand opening is getting close. The press, newspapers, all are waiting anxiously for the big event,” he told her. Studying her denim shorts and white tank top, he continued, wincing a bit:
“I am confident you plan to wear something more… chic than this outfit for the occasion.”
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“Oh, my, Francesco, how can you say such a thing?” she said, faking offense. “I’m gonna wear a black tank top,” she joked, then laughed at his panicked expression.
“Just kidding, darling, don’t worry.”
“Ah, you almost gave me a fright, cara! Will you have a drink, coffee, soda?”
“No, thanks. I’m sorry, but I can’t stay long, I have some more places to go. I only stopped by to see how are things and to congratulate you. Everything looks lovely!”
“Thank you, but the artists have all the merits,” he replied smiling, running a hand through his slightly graying hair. “I’m so glad you came, we’ll keep in touch by phone, I will give you all the details for Saturday.”
“Okay, then I’ll see you around, ciao!” she said waving her hand in her way to the exit.
“Ciao, bellezza!”
She drove to the clinic, telling herself she wanted to know more about Gerard’s treatment. She hoped to pass unnoticed, but remembered she didn’t know where his office was. Carolina, as usually at her desk, seemed surprised to see her. The woman’s brows went up when Linda asked her where Dr. Leon’s office was. Not daring to question her, she promptly gave her indications, then returned to the reception desk.
Linda knocked discretely in his office door, marked by a sign with his name etched in golden letters.
“Come in,” he said and began massaging his tired eyes. When he opened them, they remained fixed on her long tanned legs. His gaze lifted slowly, meeting hers.
She smiled, hooking her thumbs in the pockets of her denim shorts.
“Hi, Doc!”
“Hello,” he replied and stood, heading toward her. He kissed her cheek and she breathed his divine masculine scent, forever stamped in her memory.
“What brings you by?”
He indicated the chair in front of his desk, but Linda declined to sit. Instead, she went to the window, feeling the weight of his gaze on her.
“I had business in the area and I thought I’d come by, to see what else the children need,” she lied, looking outside.
Mirage Beyond Flames (Coriola) Page 3