Finding Beauty in the Darkness - Nikki Ash Page 0,30
step at a time, okay? Finish up your lunch and then I’ll show you around.”
I pull my hand out of his. How can he be so damn calm? He’s holding me prisoner here while acting like I’m a house guest on an extended vacation. I sit back down and for the rest of lunch, we eat in silence. Once we are done eating, Giovanni is true to his word. He starts with his living quarters. He shows me the living room, the library, and the kitchen. Then he takes me outside onto the balcony to show me the Jacuzzi.
After he’s shown me the entire floor, we go down the stairs to the second floor. Giovanni tells me it’s split into two wings: the east and the west. Apparently, this place is so huge it needs to be labeled like a compass.
He walks me through the west wing where he tells me his staff sleeps. Staff such as his chefs, bodyguards, and housekeepers. Apparently, even his bartenders have rooms here.
“Emilio can make any drink you want,” he jokes then frowns. “Shit, you aren’t old enough to drink.”
I roll my eyes. “You do realize I was in college, right? Drinking might as well be a college student’s major their first couple years.”
His breath escapes him on a laugh, making him look a hundred times sexier than when he looks mad and worked up. Giovanni Valentino laughing should be illegal. My insides tingle and I feel my nipples poke through my tank top reminding me I need to ask him to buy me a bra. “I’ll have to take your word on that. I didn’t go to college, so I wouldn’t know. Just don’t get too drunk.” He attempts to give me a stern look that only makes me laugh.
We cross over to the other side as he explains the east wing is where all the women stay. I wonder if he’ll ask me to move to this area. I imagine I’m overstaying my welcome, taking up his bed. Then I take that thought back. His ass is forcing me here. He deserves to be on the uncomfortable couch.
As we make our way through the floor, he introduces me to several women. Some are dressed up, others look like they’re about to go to bed, but all of them are beyond stunning and none of them appear to be nervous in the presence of their boss.
“How did you come across owning a bordello?” I’m curious how a man who didn’t even go to college became so successful. I haven’t seen the entire place yet, but it’s obvious this club is worth millions, and when I was looking out his bedroom window this morning, I could see it’s on hundreds of acres. It looks more like a mansion than a club. Outside in the back, I spotted the most beautiful gardens and plan to explore them soon whether he likes it or not. Rome or Caesar will just have to join me.
“My parents moved us here from Italy when my youngest brother was born. My mom and dad used to run this place until I took it over about ten years ago. We also own a few hotels and casinos.”
His mention of Italy gets me excited. Traveling to Italy is number one on my list of things to do and see. “Wow! Italy? My dream is to go to Italy one day to study art there. I bet it’s beautiful in person. Have you ever been to any of the art museums there? Like the Uffizi Gallery? I have a list of places I want to explore all over Italy, places I want to take pictures of. Ugh! Have you ever visited Cinque Terre? The photos are amazing! I can’t even imagine what it looks like in person. Oh! And the Piazzale Michelangelo, and the Frascati in Rome. If I ever make it there, I’m going to take a million pictures.” Giovanni just stands there not saying anything, grinning at me. “What?”
“Nothing. I was just listening to you.” His smile is amused.
“Were you planning to contribute to this conversation?”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “And interrupt your excitement?”
“Whatever. Have you been to Italy?”
“Sì, e hai ragione. È più bella di persona.”
“What did you just say?”
“I said, ‘Yes, and you’re right. It is more beautiful in person.’ If you plan to visit Italy one day, you should start learning Italian.” Giovanni taps me on my nose and winks. I don’t bother telling him I’ve taken