Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Understanding, I put my hand back. “When did it stop?”
“When I was thirteen, my cousins came over for a sleepover—Rafael, Jean-Pierre, and Louis.” Giorgio touched the top of his tie and began brushing his gloved fingers against it. “You must understand that my cousins had rougher lives than me. My uncles didn’t make the money that my father did from being holy during the day and a gangster at night. Therefore, my cousins always loved staying over.”
In my mind, I saw a vision of the deadly leaders of the Corsican being young and innocent. How crazy that those four boys would fall into a life of crime and be feared by so many in this world.
“My mother had let us put tents in my large room. We each had our own. That night Louis and I stayed up telling each other ghost stories. Jean-Pierre and Rafael were fast asleep in their tents.” Giorgio moved his hand from his tie. “And for some reason, I told Louis about those. . .bath time sessions. He was a few years older. Surely, he knew how I could handle it properly.”
“What did Louis say?”
“Louis simply hugged me hard, said it was late, and then told me to go into my tent. I did as he ordered.” Giorgio gave me a sad smile. “The next morning, she was dead. Throat slashed. The chef found her.”
“Louis did it?”
“Terrified, I asked him. He said he did not want to talk about it, but I assume it was him. To this day, he still has not confirmed it.” Giorgio fidgeted with his hands. “If it was he that cut her throat, I doubt that was the first time he killed someone.”
I frowned. “I am glad she is dead. Did you. . . feel better and get some form of peace?”
“Unfortunately, I felt even dirtier. Perhaps, even more guilty.” Giorgio shrugged. “Still, I have a certain loyalty when it comes to Louis. I could have done other things with my life. My mother expected me to go off to a nice college like Jean-Pierre and learn the classics. Instead, I left our estates and stayed with Louis in his shitty underground den, crowded with smelly hackers. They thought I was a rich spoiled brat. When Louis wasn’t around, they bullied me. That is how I learned to fight.”
I smirked. “You are not too bad of a fighter.”
He grinned. “We both know that you are impressed with my fighting.”
I chuckled. “Maybe.”
Giorgio gestured at my food. “Do you want more? Should I get the staff to—?”
“No. The food was perfect. I am full.”
“Then, it is time to get you ready.”
I raised my eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
“Go into the bathroom, I have a few things planned.”
“What things?”
“Come.” Giorgio rose from his chair. “You will see.”
Chapter 65
Clean
Blue
When I stepped into the bathroom, a wave of shock surged through my body.
Just when I thought Giorgio couldn’t surprise me anymore this morning, he had even more in store.
I was astounded as my eyes drank in an unexpected sight.
My bathroom had morphed into a secret paradise. The lights had been turned off to allow the glow of hundreds of candles in crystal holders to illuminate the space. Their light poetically flowed through the air, keeping the darkness at bay.
And as if that weren’t enough, blue roses covered every inch of the walls. The deep-blue petals shimmered.
Candlelight cast long flickering shadows along the petals.
Oh my!
The intense aroma of the roses mixed with the relaxing scent of the candles.
When did his people do all of this?
I went over to one of the walls and ran my fingers along all of the roses. The soft, velvety petals smoothed against my palms.
“You have outdone yourself, Giorgio.” I turned around.
“This is nothing.” To my surprise, he already had his jacket and tie off. All were on top of the towel rack, neatly folded and waiting for his return. Additionally, his shoes rested by the rack. His socks were neatly folded and placed on top of them.
Meanwhile, the blue gloves remained on his hands.
Giorgio shut the door behind him and began to unbutton his shirt. “There are a thousand different ways I want to spoil you, Blue. But, this location and the war has been limiting.”
I drank him in. “I want to spoil you too.”
“Then, come back to France with me.”
“Giorgio. . .”
A devilish smirk spread across his face. Done with unbuttoning, he took off his shirt. I stifled a moan and almost forgot to breathe. His body was a piece of art. Coiled golden muscle wrapped around his chest, abs, and arms like a piece of intricate priceless jewelry. His chest rose and fell in slow, deep breaths. Lust blazed in those wicked blue eyes. “You have been the only reason why I have enjoyed Italy.”
“Yeah?”
Those biceps flexed as he quickly folded his shirt and placed it on the towel rack. “One morning, I remember sipping my coffee and grinning from ear-to-ear, and I realized you were on my mind.”