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GianCarlo

By: ihartekenny



[Author's Note: Okay I must warn you this is an almost fan-fiction. It was inspired by Kalamazoo707's Sinclaire stories. I hadn't originally planned on posting it because I wasn't sure about it, but since I owe you guys, and this was just burning a hole on my desktop, here it is.] 

*

"That bitch!" 

Dee said under her breath. She cranked up the car and the gas light came on instantly. She shared this car with her twin sister and Denise always left the tank empty. Normally it didn't bother Dee that much, but she was running late. Being late made her anxious.

She sighed and sent a prayer heavenward that she could make it to work before the car sputtered to a halt. She hated getting gas in tourist side of Fort Lauderdale; the drive alone from North Miami was enough to worry. As she turned onto the turnpike anxiety rose in her throat and burned her eyes as her breath came out in spurts.

'Calm down' She whispered to herself before blasting some hardcore rap song to distract her. By the time she was merging onto the I-95 she was calm but still not looking forward to the work day. Retail was no picnic, and to add on to that a stuffy upscale mall with no natural light and customers that only knew the word 'discount' in English made the work day nearly joyless. Today she was working from 5 am until just after six at night, which meant she wouldn't see the sun today.

Dee forced herself to ignore the clock as she pulled into the gas station. She was pretty sure that if she'd cut off the car she wouldn't be able to start it up again. As she stepped out she chose to ignore the gas price as well, resolving to only put in five dollars, enough to get home and fill the tank with more affordable gasoline. Dee headed inside cursing her sister under her breath. Just as she reached for the door it swung open forcefully and someone slammed into her. It was a guy, a very tall one, she added, this guy grabbed her long enough to steady her then stalked off.

"Ugh, these South Florida people," She griped as she shot him an angry glance.

He must have heard because he turned to say "Yo, watch where you're going!" 

It was in that moment that Dee saw him as a whole and felt something stir within her. This was silly she thought, if it was one thing she hated it was rude guys and ignorant people no matter how tall or dangerous or sexy they looked when they frowned. She shook it off and headed inside.

"Fuck!" Gian said as he looked into the face of what he believed to be his mate. That couldn't be, though. People, as in vampires, didn't meet their mates until they were nine minutes older than dirt and he'd just turned twenty three, he was a baby compared to most. His own father is 900 years old and his mother can, and does, look back on the Renaissance with fondness. As unbelievable as it was he knew she was his as much as he knew his name was GianCarlo. "Fuck" he said again more to himself. A horrible end to a horrible night, he thought.

His dad was on his ass again about using. Gian hadn't used in a while but every day there was an itch he couldn't scratch. It wasn't easy to use, since he was a vampire, but it made the voices stop. Tonight was one of the worst nights, Gian left his apartment hoping to spot a junkie and feed from him but finding a junkie in Fort Lauderdale was becoming a harder and harder task. 

He would normally head to downtown Miami and take his fill of the women in the night club scene, where cocaine and heroin were as free floating as the alcohol itself. Gian wanted badly to go but there was too much risk in that. His father had people watching the South beach scene and even if he could duck his father's cahoots the risk of getting high and wandering around until sunrise was too great.

Lost in thought, Gian paced the front of the gas station. He didn't realize that the girl had come out of the store and headed toward the pump in front of a small Jeep. Gian found himself staring. What was he supposed to do? He wasn't prepared for this. God, she was beautiful. He couldn't lose her. Just like whispers at the back of his mind the voices simmered to the forefront to remind him over and over that he was a screw up, he'd screw this up, and she'll never accept a fuck up like him. 

He stared a bit more at her wondering how he can avoid screwing it up, he was already off to a bad start. She had on these wrinkled jeans that looked to be too big but even so he could make out long legs and a long torso. The button down she wore was only buttoned up to just under her breast with a tight undershirt peeking through, containing her abundance of breast. Her tummy, hips and, butt were all rounded. She was no frail flower. His eyes drifted upward, her neck was by no means long and slender but it held a head with a round face and high cheek bones. Her almond eyes were expressive, complimented by lips that could be in a Maybelline commercial. Even with the horrible lighting above the gas pumps he can see her skin was beautiful, exactly the color of a Hershey's bar and a glorious afro like a curly halo. 

He smiled to himself, you rarely spotted someone with an afro but hers was magnificent. He wondered how the strands would feel in his hands. 'Fuck' he hissed again when he realized that she'd caught him staring. One side of him screamed 'Do something!' the other side screamed "You've fucked it up!"

'I do not need to be accosted before work' Dee found herself thinking as that strange, rude hottie posted up at the entrance of the gas station staring at her. 'Maybe if I am accosted I could call in and fall back into my bed.' She found herself musing. 'Dee, that's silly. If you get accosted you'd likely end up raped and left for dead in the alley, besides this guy looks strong.'

"I really need to stop talking to myself" She said aloud before stealing a glance at the rude hottie. She turned to stop the pump and cap her tank when she heard him directly behind her.

"Excuse me."

"You're excused," Dee said not finding the strength to keep the attitude from her voice.

Gian's head exploded with voices telling him that it was over and that he'd fucked it up. He began to walk away when he heard her speak again.

"I'm sorry...it's just that...it's been a long morning...and I only woke up thirty minutes ago." She gave a small laugh before looking up at him and closing the gas door.

"I just wanted to, you know, apologize. I've had a long night too." 

It had been a long night. Gian knew that the owner of this gas station liked to mix his narcotics and had a high tolerance it barely took an ounce of his blood to have him smashed until dusk of the next night. Unfortunately, he was off to rehab and his wife berated Gian as soon as he walked into the door. She accused him of being a dealer. He wasn't a dealer but he was no less guilty. 

"Thanks for apologizing. It just took that much shit out of my day." Dee said her smile bringing him out of his reverie. She had this darling little gap in between her front two teeth. He found himself smiling. Before he knew it she was hopping into her car. "I,ve got to go, I'm late for work."

"Where do you work?" He said.

"The Republic in the Galleria,"

"Sounds like loads of fun." Gian said sarcastically

"My sentiments exactly, Nice to meet you." She said before pulling the door closed and cranking up the car. A deep bass shook her entire car and she quickly irked out of the gas station. Gian took a deep breath as he watched the little silver jeep patriot swing out of the gas station.

*******

Dee walked into the small store feigning as if she was rushed. The lighting in this place was dim which only served to bum her out and the air was freezing. Yet, she had to admit she did like the fashions they sold here. That was what mostly filled her day. She'd daydream about one day coming in and trying on half the store before buying. Her purchase would border a couple thousand dollars and she wouldn't blink twice at the number, just pull out one of those thick metal black cards, swipe, and be on her merry way. She'd seen this happen so many times and couldn't wait for the day when it would be her.

"Hey, pretty girl!" Her boss exclaimed. Aileen was great she had these super model qualities; looks good in anything, effortlessly flawless, and blissfully unaware of how beautiful she was. Her only downfall was her blatant insecurity. 

"Hey, sorry, I'm late. There was this thing with my car." Dee said keeping her excuse ambiguous to avoid a write up.

"No worries, just clock in and get on the floor." Aileen said jovially as she flitted to the next customer.

Dee shuffled to the back room and shoved her things into her locker before fixing her clothes in the full size mirror they provided for the employees. She switched her flats for some comfortable wedges and rolled the hem of her jeans until they looked like the fashionable boyfriend cut.

Dee walked out on the floor feeling as awkward as she always did. She was an overweight black Amazonian girl with a huge afro in a store with predominately Latin women whom she towered over. Of course it occurred to Dee that she could simply blend in with a quick perm, flats, and a high-protein diet but that seemed so much worse than the stares she garnered. She couldn't imagine being anyone else except who she was. Besides, customers gravitated to her and her boss saw her as an asset to the store.

"Hey Dee," Ashton said passing her on his way to clock in.

"Hi," She replied even though he was already out of earshot. Dee had a huge crush on Ashton. If she was honest with herself she knew exactly why. It was because he made her laugh. Ashton was one of those aloof, funny, hipster white guys who thought her afro was a "sweet". His hair cut was different every week and he got a kick out of the strange mannerisms of customers. 

Dee made her way to the cash wrap to take her spot behind the register. She heaved a sigh. Ashton had a girlfriend. They were a perfect match. It didn't escape Dee's notice that she was her exact opposite. She was petite, straight blonde hair and sparkling hazel eyes. Dee liked her but she wouldn't lie and say that she wasn't jealous. 

Dee's never had a boyfriend...well, a boyfriend that she truly wanted to date. If there was a guy that she did enjoy being around they couldn't imagine being with her. Maybe there wasn't anyone for her? Maybe she was doomed to be the twenty five percent of black women to never marry? The thought wretched at her heart. Realistically, it was way too soon to draw that conclusion, she was only twenty. 

********

'Aw damn he's found one' Stefan thought as he watched Gian from afar. He compelled the older couples whose condo had a great view of the gas station to make love in the next room and completely ignore his presence. Stefan had a sick sense of humor but the sound of the bed squeak and old man groans had him laughing inwardly, until he saw Gian walk up to this woman, well, girl. He'd been watching Gian for going on three years; it was his father's orders. 

His father was an evil bastard with control issues but the pay was good and he'd been doing Gian a service. The boy could easily destroy himself with his actions and Stefan knew that Gian had run out of fucks to give about his own well being.

Stefan watched Gian wander the streets looking for drug users. It took Stefan awhile to track down all of his go to users and compel them to seek help, which made Gian's search harder by the week. But Stefan guessed that It didn't take him long to spot another. 

The fact that Gian walked up to and began to speak with this girl told Stefan that she had to be a drug user. Gian didn't socialize with anyone, he was too afraid of them turning out to be a spy of his father and the amount of opiates that he's digested over his short life has only upped his paranoia, add sobriety to that and he was a ticking time bomb. But he's found someone to feed off of. Gian would slowly gain her confidence and feed her addiction.

Nothing gave indication that the girl was an addict, her car was nice enough and though hastily thrown on her clothes were nice as well. Her face was bright and there were no telltale signs of addiction but he wasn't close enough to smell the drugs in her veins while Gian was at the perfect distance to do so.

'Why do I put up with this?' Stefan found himself asking. He knew that by him working for his father he was more a part of the problem than the solution but truth be told he needed the money. Not every vampire was rolling in dough and he was creating a nice little nest egg to start a business that he could one day cultivate into millions but for now he was working for one of the wealthiest of his kind. Durante Contiello. 

Stefan watched as the girl got in her car and drove away. 'Who gave her a license?' He thought looking at the reckless way she drove away only to travel maybe a few yards down the street and swerve into the parking garage of the huge Galleria. The sky began to turn a deep purple and he knew the sun would be up soon. Stefan watched Gian as he stared list-fully after the car. Maybe he'll stomp home like a disappointed spoiled brat. Gian only lived a few blocks away in a condo near the beach. Stefan wasn't off of watchdog duty until Gian was safely in his condo in a fitful yet sober sleep.

He watched with a sinking feeling as Gian stopped at a near intersection and dashed across the street, disappearing into the parking garage. What was this boy up to? Stefan took the girl leaving as the end of a bad relationship before it began but it seemed Gian didn't know what rejection was.

***********

'What if I lose her?' Gian thought over and over as he began to walk home or what he'd lovingly refer to as his cell. He just couldn't lose her. For some reason she felt like a salvation or maybe it had just been a long time since he's spoken to someone without compelling them and he was just excited about having someone to talk to instead of someone to berate him. The sun was coming up and somewhere inside Gian knew that he wouldn't be able to leave until sundown, he was just grateful that there was no natural light in the mall. As soon as Gian spotted...he didn't know her name...as soon as he saw his mate he disappeared remaining in a state that she wouldn't see him and followed her.

Being a vampire afforded him certain abilities unknown to most humans. He was able to supernaturally compel humans and a few young vampires into doing, saying or thinking whatever he chose. Though handy, this ability merely turned most he acquainted into living puppets and not worth his time. 

He was also able to transport himself instantly to wherever he chose. He guessed this was an ability vampires acquired over time to avoid the UV rays of the sun. Along with this ability he is also able to go unnoticed by the human eye for short periods of time. It was a drain and only older and stronger vampires were able to do so for longer periods of time.

These abilities set him apart from humans. They were meant to be an asset to him in more primitive times, but now they only successfully alienated him from life. Alienation he didn't particularly hate. He didn't trust anyone so why would he socialize with them? It was still a surprise that he'd found his mate. 

A mate was special to his kind, a partner, a confidant, and a lover. They couldn't be lied to and very few can be compelled. Gian had given up on the idea of ever finding a mate. His paranoia kept him from many people. He figured the fear would wither him from the inside out and he would slip slowly into madness. It wasn't the brightest future but as the days passed by he cared less and less.

*****************

The morning had been pretty busy; Dee couldn't even get a proper thought into her head as her sleep deprived body went into a sort of auto pilot. Now the afternoon lull came through. Most everyone was eating lunch and merchandise returns were fast and easy. As she resolved herself to re-folding ruined stacks of clothes her mind wondered. 

For some reason it landed on the guy at the gas station this morning. He was gorgeous but this was South Florida, there was no shortage of gorgeous people. This guy was different, not beautiful in a general sense but had untraceable attribute that called to her. He towered her, head and shoulders. She smiled to herself, which never happens. His face was angular and his eyes were wide and piercing green as if he were staring into her soul. He also had long hair that seemed to float around his face and shoulders in waves of black licorice.

"That was quick...this table is looking great!" Aileen said coming up behind her and making her jump.

"Oh, thanks." Dee said 

"Hey, so how is school going?" Aileen said trying to make conversation, but truth be told they didn't have anything in common except their fashion sense.

"Good, I guess, but not fast enough for my taste. I'm only taking a few classes so that I can work at the same time, you know."

"Be patient, you're young and have got your whole life ahead of you, girl. Just enjoy being young because you're going to miss it when it's gone." Aileen said checking herself out in a nearby full length mirror "Lord, knows I do." She said chuckling.

"What're you talking about you just turned thirty. Remember, thirty, flirty and thriving." Dee said.

Aileen stuck her tongue out at her "Yeah, I'm thirty and a store clerk"

Her insecurity became so apparent. Dee didn't think she'd ever let on how insecure she really was, it would just show weakness. 

"You make way more money than me and you're a manager, don't take it for granted, missy." 

Aileen smiled at her before telling her she was stepping off the floor for a minute. Almost as if Dee's thoughts weren't interrupted her mind went right back to...she didn't know his name.

"Maybe that's a sign that you shouldn't be thinking about him." Dee said aloud.

************

'She's so....' Gian thought but had grown tired of calling her beautiful. She was so much more than that. During the morning rush he watched her flitter around the small store smiling and laughing with customers, she pulled clothes for customers in the dressing room and even managed to laugh and joke with her co-workers in between rushing. When she spoke to people her smile was genuine and she didn't sound as if she were saying all the practiced phrases. She seemed so comfortable around all the people, sliding in and out of conversations with them.

"Leave her alone, you're playing with fire, kid."

"You don't know anything about her!" Gian said surprised by the anger he felt. The truth was he didn't know much about her either. Yet, everything about Stefan irritated him, if only for the fact that he was paid to monitor Gian. He hated the fact that Stefan thinks being a silent spectator isn't good enough.

"Gian, think before you act. You'll ruin her life." He said softly beside him. It wasn't what Stefan said but how he said it that made the words feel like a swift kick to the gut, as if it were a certainty.

"Call me Mr. Contiello. You still work for my father's company, I own shares in said company, so I'm still sort of your boss, and you've got one more time to call me 'kid'"

"Listen, Mr. Contiello, I consider you to be like my little brother and I'll always watch out for you. Stay away from her, for both of your sakes or I'll be forced to end it."

"Fuck off, asshole." Gian muttered his eyes glued to his mate in the store front.

"Okay Gian, but big brother's watching you...kid." Stefan said and vanished on a chuckle.

He must have thought he was so clever. Besides, how does Stefan know he'll ruin her life, he doesn't know a thing about his mate. But he does know everything about Gian. Even still, she was his mate and he could never ruin her life...intentionally, and if she was his mate being with her wouldn't ruin her life unintentionally. It was fate. 


GianCarlo Ch. 02



Gian kicked the sheets off of him. He just couldn't sleep, not when he had a mate out there who thought that they were just friends. It was his fault. Every day he'd eaten lunch with Delia. He was so excited because he truly believed he was making steps in the right directions. 

He knew exactly how to make her smile and knew how to read her face like a book. When she'd scrunch her nose just a little meant she didn't like something. She would never out and out dislike anything but would "just prefer something else". He also knew that when she liked something she'd always try to contain herself and fail horribly, squealing like a kid in a candy store. It was earlier that day that made Gian believe that maybe he should have stated his intentions earlier.

"How do you ever have fun?" Gian had asked her as they sat at the cafe near the food court. Delia had scrunched her nose when he mentioned any of the foods available.

"What do you mean? I have bucket loads of fun. You should be asking me when I don't have fun."

"Yeah right," Gian said "You've been here every day and haven't had a shift shorter than eight hours."

"Well, I don't go out often but I have fun. I like working there, my coworkers are fun and unruly customers keep things interesting. I like having lunch with you, that's always fun."

"Why don't you go out?" Gian asked her

"All my friends went off to college and my sister is always with her boyfriends. Do you know how awkward it is to go out to the movies or a nightclub by yourself? Not fun. I think you are the only friend that I have that I don't have to communicate with via internet."

And there it was, he'd just been friend zoned. He wasn't human he didn't know how they handled things like this or rather he didn't know how to appropriately handle these things. He'd seen movies but he doubted that it was that simple. He just wanted to skip this part completely he wanted to get to the part where he could kiss her whenever and where ever he chose. Those lips, they called to him. All week, for an hour straight, he'd watched those lips wrap around various foods, smile, and press together as she laughed with a mouth full of food. He wanted those lips on him, kissing his lips, traveling his body, wrapping around his cock. 

Gian looked down to see li'l Carlo tenting his boxers. He sighed trying to ignore it. Gian never masturbates; he never felt secure enough to do it. He was always watched, always under surveillance, always under the microscope. The first time he'd stroked himself his father came in a few hours later to tell him that masturbation was for the weak and the unattractive while he came from a line of the powerful. He wasn't sure why this mattered to his father.

Gian sighed; he'd defied his father so much in the past four years, why not on this. Gian lay back on his bed as his mind traveled back to Delia. 

His hand traveled down his body until he reached his cock and began to stroke it. He imagined Delilah spread out for him. Her dark body writhing on his bed in the most sensual of ways, her hand disappearing between her long legs. She moans his name then a pink tongue flits out to run over brown lips. Her heavy breaths cause her breast to sway. She picks up speed and her moans become screams as her hips buck against her hand. It wasn't too long before He could feel his orgasm coming. As the last image of Delia entered his mind he sat up abruptly, coming in his hand. His orgasm felt as if it went on for hours, but had only been three or so minutes. The beautiful tendrils of release still ran through his body as he went to the bathroom to clean himself.

It was the middle of night when Dee had gotten this strong insatiable urge to touch and be touched by Gian. She promised herself that whatever she did she wouldn't touch herself to the thought of Gian. Delia was a virgin but she had a high libido, all of the women of her family did and it wasn't uncommon for her to touch herself more than four times a week. Every time she did, she forced herself to push the thought of Gian out of her mind. This time was different though. Her hips moved of its own accord as if it was yearning for something and her nipples tightened. She couldn't stop herself if she tried. She buried her hand between her thighs rubbing her clit until her legs shook with the coming orgasm. She came, moaning Gian's name into her pillows. 

'Oh shit' her mind whispered 'how was she going to look into his eyes knowing damn well she'd pleasured herself to him. She fell into a sated sleep before she can commiserate any longer her future embarrassment.

*****

Gian almost regretted telling Delia that his first language was Italian...almost regretted it. Two weeks had gone by since he'd been friend zoned but he wasn't sure if that was a permanent position. Delia touched him now, not sexually, but it felt good. She hugs him as a greeting and as a farewell. One day she even tried to read his palm and held his hand in hers for the whole hour. Gian knew Delia hadn't known what the hell she was talking about as she traced lines on his palm and told fake fortunes. They had also eaten at every eatery in the mall besides the restaurants with a dress code; they even tried the bacon waffles and the burgers that had glazed donuts for buns.

"It's so disgusting and yet I can't stop eating it." Dee had said

"If I ever want diabetes and high blood pressure, I know exactly where to come." Gian said causing Dee to laugh around a mouth full of the burger.

Now, they decided to peruse the deli section of the Publix across the street. It was just after six so he agreed.

"How do you say...salami in Italian?" Dee had asked not taking her gaze from the glass case.

"Salami is Italian." Gian said finding it hard to keep from chuckling. She seemed so delighted by this new found 'talent'.

"How do you say Frittata in Italian?"

"Frittata is Italian, also" Gian said.

"Oh...maybe a Deli isn't the best place to learn new Italian words. Wait, is Deli Italian?"

"Gastronomia." He said smiling at her.

Her nose scrunched quickly "Sounds like some intestinal disease. Even in Italy I'll prefer to call it a Deli."

Gian couldn't help himself he laughed.

"Stop laughing and teach me some more words...which reminds me. How do you say Italian Stallion in Italian?"

"Giancarlo." He said giving his name the proper Italian pronunciation. It took a while for Delia to get it but when she did she rolled her eyes and they continued to peruse the Deli until they came across some subs.

"Stallone Italiano," Gian said once they were sitting outside of the Publix eating their subs.

"What?" Dee asked before taking a sip of her iced tea.

"That's how you say Italian Stallion."

"You know one day I'd like to learn Italian."

"I'll teach you. It could be our own language."

"That sounds cool. We can speak it to each other. Who needs Rosetta Stone when I have Stallone Italiano?" Delia said shaking her hand in a way that all Italians are thought of as doing.

Gian rolled his eyes "Tu sei cosi strano" He muttered

"What does that one mean?"

"You're such a weirdo." Gian said in a sing-song voice that mocked Delia's "I thought you'd want to learn that phrase." Delia laughed and smacked his arm playfully.

******

"Come si dice...See you later?" Delia asked having found out the phrase 'how do you say...' 

"You can say Addio or you can say Arrivederci or maybe even just Vederti."

"Verderti, il mio stallione italiano" Delia said before hugging him. Gian reveled in the feel of her body pressed to his and the wonderful warm coconut smell that was in her embrace. She disappeared into the store leaving Gian with a goofy smile and a semi-hard on.

******

The end of the month was coming fast and Stefan hadn't decided if he should mention this girl in the report to Durante. It seemed that her friendship with Gian was innocent, but innocent meant nothing to him. Gian was clever and knew how to manipulate himself into whatever he wanted. 

Stefan silently followed them through Publix to hear what usually went on during their time together. He heard Gian teaching her Italian and he'd had to wonder what he was getting at with this girl. From every angle it all seemed so...normal. He'd finally decided that since it was "innocent" he'd mention it in the report. At its best Durante would begin to trust his son at the very worst Durante would find a way to put an end to a toxic relationship.

Stefan went home to finish his reports.

******

"Fuckin' stupid bitch!" Gian heard Delia swear to herself as she jumped out of her car one morning. Gian knew something was wrong even before she'd parked. Gian had made it a habit of walking Delia to and from her car. The parking garage wasn't well lit and it was often dark when she came.

"Dee, what's wrong?" Gian said walking up to her. As he had gotten closer he could hear her sped up heartbeat. She didn't seem to notice him, or if she did she chose to ignore him. Gian took in her disheveled look and the way she was breathing as if she'd ran a marathon.

"Dee?" He asked again and got no answer. Without thinking he grabbed her hand pull her into his arms, holding onto her, and was glad when she made no move to pull away. 

This was what she needed and it felt good. She felt herself relaxing into his embrace, laying her head on his chest like she'd always wanted. She wrapped her arm around him gripping his shirt as she felt herself cry. She'd felt so wound up and it had happened so fast. 

The day started normal. The alarm went off, she woke, showered, dressed, ate breakfast, grabbed her keys, walked out of the door, and... her car was gone. She'd had to be at work in an hour and the drive was at least forty five minutes and...her car was gone! She'd called Denise and there was no answer, she'd called and called and by the fourth with no answer, she couldn't breathe. She was having an anxiety attack and there was no one around to help her. All sorts of crazy thoughts bombarded her. She could lose her job, Denise could have crashed the car, she could suffocate from the lack of oxygen, and she felt as if she couldn't breath, she felt s if the world was some how crashing around her.

After about thirty minutes of this, Denise, her twin drove up offering a half assed apology before dragging herself into the house and passing out on the couch.

Now, Delia could finally breath...and what a breath it was. She inhaled Gian's scent, warm and clean. It was as if in his arms it was impossible to hold onto any anxiety or stress. It melted from her and was quickly replaced by a strong sense of arousal. His hands trailed up and down her back slowly in an effort to console her but she felt her nipples harden and her clit throb. She slowly pulled away to end the confusion. She wiped away her tears before smiling up at Gian.

"Thanks, I am very late."

"It was no problem," Gian said still looking confused. Delia walked around him trying to get away from him and her growing arousal...but Gian still had her hand firmly in his and he hadn't let go. 

"You can tell me anything." His eyes pinned hers and caused her body to light up. Something inside her told her that she could trust him, something Delia felt she couldn't do with anyone, not even her own mother. Delia couldn't find the words to speak; she nodded and allowed Gian to hold her hand all the way to the storefront. Gian hugged her one last time before letting her go into the store.

****

"Well, fuck me, he's in love." Stefan saw it, he'd finally saw it. He'd fallen in love with this girl. How'd he not see it? Giancarlo had been falling over himself trying to spend time with her. He should have known that Gian wasn't preying on this girl. He'd made too many mistakes to be preying, making himself too available, appeasing her every wish no matter how infinitesimal whether she knew it was him or not. What if the girl was his mate?

Stefan highly doubted it. Even though Gian had been born a vampire, Stefan had been at it longer and he's yet to even come close to finding a mate. Stefan suddenly realized that he'd just caused unnecessary problems for the budding couple. He swore as he also realized that the girl would have been able to help him with his initial task of getting Gian off of drugs and into school.

When he'd emailed his report it only took Durante maybe four minutes to call. His voice was deep with a thick accent and a tone that was authority personified. Stefan had a natural dislike for authority and was always immediately frustrated with his boss. 

"In your best judgment do you believe this girl to be a threat to his progress?" 

Stefan personally felt that it was too soon to tell but he knew Durante wanted direct answers 'yes', 'no', or 'partially' was acceptable but 'maybe' was never an option.

"Their relationship could affect his progress, if it were to turn sour."

"Then you are to make sure she stays away from him. I want her gone by the week's end."

"Mr. Contiello, their relationship maybe too young to--"

"Mr. Romano hear me clearly, I do not allow my own son to defy me and I will not tolerate it from you. I have invested greatly cherished time, money, and effort in my son and I will not see it fall to pieces because you refuse to rid Gian of this girl. Mr. Romano I will leave you with this warning if you do not handle this girl I will and she will not be walking away from Gian with her life." 

With that he'd hung up. Stefan bemoaned the fact that he was a grown man and Durante treated him like an insolent child which is far worse than being treated like an incompetent employee, which he was neither.

"Fuck!" Stefan had really screwed the fucking pooch on this one. Stefan decided to weigh his options. He could quit, cut his losses and start his business on a smaller scale than anticipated. He'd already finished his two year contract with Durante and hadn't renewed. 

He could separate them and watch Gian spiral downward, that didn't seem like much of an option. Lastly, he could simply not mention the girl in his reports while trying to work with the girl to get Gian into school. This would show Durante how useful the girl was. Durante, besides his harsh and demanding demeanor trusted Stefan and never really had goons to watch him.

Step one; get the girl on his side.

****

"What's the story with this morning?" Gian had asked when lunch time finally came. He'd gotten them some of those donut burgers, which always cheered her up. It didn't take long for Dee to be smiling and laughing again, flashing her adorable little gap and cherub cheeks. 

When he asked her Delia face burned in embarrassment as she said "It was nothing." Gian gave her that stare that said 'I'll wait for the truth'. 

"It's just that this morning was stressful and...I kind of have anxiety attacks...often."

"How often?" Gian asked. Delia was relieved when he didn't look at her as if she was a lunatic.

"I dunno maybe four or five times a week." Delia said her eyes set on her burger.

"I know what it is," Gian said "All you do is work" Gian said laughing. Delia laughed too. She knew that it was something deeper but for now she'd accept that answer.

"I can remedy that."

"How is that?" Delia said rolling her eyes.

"We're going to go to the Fair tonight."

"On a Monday night? It will be like five people there."

"That's a good thing, there'll be no lines."

Delia was still a bit hesitant "I'll be tired I don't get off until seven."

Gian rolled his eyes "I know you know how to talk yourself into getting off early enough to take a nap before we go. With that innocent face of yours I'm pretty sure you can talk the UN into world war three."

Delia laughed and agreed to go.

Gian watched Dee expertly convince her bosses that she was nauseous. In Gian's mind he knew he should be unnerved by how easily and believably she lied but all he felt was pride. Hell, he was no saint, he lied and when that didn't work he compelled his way to whatever he wanted or needed.

*****

'Stop, stop, stop thinking that' Delia thought to herself as she paced her living room. After Aileen had let her go early she rushed home wanting to be rested up for the fair, her plan was to ride every roller coaster as much and as often as she could. As soon as she settled into her bed for a nap her mind had asked her "was this a date?" 

It was a ridiculous notion Gian wouldn't have asked her out, that was her best friend and best friends did shit like this, you know, hangout and not date. The more she pushed the thought away the more it set itself into her mind until she was too restless to sleep, then to lay down, then to sit, and finally to simply stand still. She'd gotten dressed making sure her cropped skinny jeans matched her flowy top and her wedges were comfortable.

Delia looked herself in the mirror and liked what she saw. She did a slow spin then bemoaned the fact that her butt wasn't just a little bigger. Her breasts were big enough to make her look like she was about to topple over and yet there was very little backside to anchor her. She shrugged away her insecurities; at least she had legs for days and breast that sat higher than other breasts their size.

With a restless mind and nothing to do until six, she made her make up more elaborate then she'd planned and put on and took off accessories. Delia was deciding on earrings when Gian knocked on the door. She felt herself perk up and in the same moment her stomach fell as she heard her mom greet him at the door.

"I approve!" Gian heard as the front door swung open. A woman maybe in her late thirties, early forties with a face like Delia stood at the door. Gian assumed this was Dee's mom, Ms. Camden. She was much heavier and much much shorter than Dee but she had that innocent glow about her, same eyes and cheeks and the gap between her teeth was a little bigger.

"Every guy that comes around here always sits in some souped up car and honk for one of my girl's to come out and I didn't raise them to respond to that. So, I approve of you coming to the door." She'd said explaining her sanction. "Come on in, Dee's still getting dressed."

Gian stepped in and immediately loved the small house, all done up in light pinks and browns. There had to be only women who lived here. There were flowers everywhere, fresh bouquets, and the whole house smelled like fruits and exotic flowers. 

"I'm here, let's go, bye ma love you." Dee said rushing from the back pulling a small bag across her body and kissing her mom on the cheek. The height difference was substantial and Gian wondered where Dee had gotten this height from. Before he knew it Dee had Gian's hand and was dragging him to the door. He chuckled at the embarrassment on her face. He didn't understand it though, her mom hadn't done anything embarrassing...yet.

"Wait, I don't even know his name. I can't, in good conscience, let you out the house with a perfect stranger." Dee's mother had a mischievous smile on her face and he heard Dee moan softly before turning to plop down on one of the big stuffed couches. 

"What's your name? I need a name for my brother if he has to hunt you down?" Ms. Camden said. Gian chuckled she had the same humor as her daughter.

"Giancarlo Contiello, need an address?" He heard Dee giggle.

"Nope, just need a social and license plate number," Delia's mom said.

"Umm, vanity plate okay? It's VRGN SPLR." Gian spelled.

"Virgin Spoiler?" Dee asked causing both her mom and Gian to laugh.

She rolled her eyes at the two. One part of her loved that Gian could go toe to toe with her mom with the jokes, but another part of her was embarrassed that somehow they both knew she was a virgin and found it hilarious...or at least that was how she thought of the joke.




GianCarlo Ch. 02



"I'm so glad that, Delia finally brought home a boy, we were all starting to wonder if she was a lesbian."

"Aaaand that's where that conversation ends." Dee said pushing to her feet "Ma, we've got to go."

"Why are y'all going out on a week night anyway?" Dee's mom asked

"Well, Delia had an anxiety attack and I'm taking her out so she can unwind." Gian said and as soon as he mentioned the attack Delia's eyes widened and she squeezed his wrist. 

"You had an anxiety attack?" Ms. Camden asked concern in her voice.

"No mama, Gian is just exaggerating. I thought I lost my wallet today and I over reacted. He keeps teasing me, calling it an anxiety attack. I guess I'm a drama queen." Dee chuckled and it sounded forced to Gian's ears but Ms. Camden believed it.

"Okay, you two, be careful... and Gian you hold onto her wallet. If she loses it she'll blame everyone on the fair grounds of stealing it before finding it in her purse." 

Delia gave another embarrassed eye roll when Gian laughed at that. Delia gave her mom a hug and kiss before leaving the house.

"Your mom is so young." Gian said as soon as the door closed behind them.

"If you say so," Dee said shrugging "I mean she's almost fifty-three."

"Nuh-uh, she couldn't be more than forty two...at the most."

"My mom's a little bit of a hippie, she uses all natural stuff. Combine that with good genes and dark skin and you age slower, I guess. Black doesn't crack. You, on the other hand, is going to shatter like aged glass."

Dee laughed.

"You think so?" Gian said laughing along.

"Good googgly moogly! Did my mama see this?" Dee asked when they reached Gian's motorcycle. It wasn't one of the newer ones built for speed this one was a Harley low rider meant for cross country riding.

"I don't think so, I'm not sure if she'd approve of it." Gian said picking up a helmet and passing the other to Delia.

"Hell, yeah she'd approve. Do you know how bad she wants one of these?" Delia said swooping her mass of hair into a bun at her nape. She put on the helmet and laughed. "This feels silly"

"No, it's hot."

"Oh yeah," Dee said sarcastically "I'll be the centerfold of Safety girl Magazine."

"You look dangerous." Gian commented causing Dee to roll her eyes.

Gian hopped onto the bike and waited for Dee to get on behind him. His every nerve ending jumped when he felt her press close to him wrapping her arms around his chest tightly.

"You scared?" He asked

"A little...try not to kill me, I've got dreams." She said making him laugh. 

Gian revved up the engine causing Delia to grip at his jacket. He laughed to himself as he rode out of the drive way and down the street in less than ten seconds. The air whipping past Delia was the only indicator that they were moving. She kept her eyes squeezed shut and her grip on Gian tight. 

When Delia hazarded a look she and Gian were merging unto the freeway. It wasn't as scary as she originally thought. They were barreling down the freeway at, at least, eighty miles an hour and it felt like flying. She snuggled up to Gian the feel of his heartbeat so close to hers made the whole experience surreal. 

"This is amazing!" Delia said as close to his ear as she could get. She felt him chuckle in response.

Delia's grip on him loosened more and more as she got used to being on his bike. A strange thought occurred to Gian, this was the closest he had been to anyone in a non-sexual manner, well excluding his mother. He felt Dee pull tighter to him as he made a turn on their exit. He decided that if ever he was this close to anyone again, it would be purely because he enjoyed them and not to get something from them or vice versa.

"Oh! That was amazing!" Delia shouted after getting off the bike. Gian had parked in the grassy clearing of the fair and simply watched Delia's reaction to the ride. She seemed so excited by something he'd come to view as the norm.

******

What the hell was he thinking! Stefan asked himself as he stealthily followed Gian and his girl toward the fair. It was dangerous to take the girl on the motorcycle. It was one thing to danger his life with that suicide machine on wheels but to bring her on there was another story. For one she was a human, one good fall could end her life much less the possibility of paralysis, permanent disfigurement, and a million other things that could go wrong.

Stefan shook himself out of it. He was starting to sound like the girl's father. He was mostly on a Reconnaissance mission. There was no real need to follow Gian anymore. He spent most of his time with the girl and when he wasn't around her Gian was either waiting to see her or jacking it to the thought of her and how many times did he need to watch that.

No, he was doing recon on the girl. For one, he had to stop calling her the girl. Her name was Delia Akemi Camden daughter of Ellis Denise Camden. She has a fraternal twin, Denise Aiko Camden who seemed to be more of a floating leaf than Giancarlo ever was. Then there was their older brother Derrick Sharon Camden who is a grown man with a family of his own, two ex-wives, a current wife and five children. 

Stefan learned all this on the web, Facebook to be specific. The Camden people were numerous, tight knit, and proud of it. More so, The Camden's were a clan of women, boisterous, charismatic, and charming women. There were very few men. 

Stefan knew this information was valuable in his recon goals. Just how Gian's "family"...or maybe dictatorship is an apt word, his dictatorship shaped him and his actions and mannerisms so has Delia's family. From watching her he could tell she was just as charismatic, in the ways she dealt with people and her charming warm smile was never too far. She was also very intuitive, an important skill when it comes to dealing with women. She also made very little complaint when it came to things she was afraid to do or just didn't want to do, come from spending her life in large groups such as the Camden women. Lastly, he found that she was very manipulative and could lie flawlessly. Since most people didn't realize that she was manipulating them she became a spoiled brat of her own doing.

That only left one thing, how can he use this info to get his desired outcome.

******

"You scream like a girl!" Dee said as she doubled over laughing. She found out that Gian didn't like roller coasters. Heights he had no problem with it was the flipping and twirling around in contraptions that were older than him that freaked him out. Gian had resolved himself to getting on every ride that Dee wanted to get on. She was scared of his bike and got on anyway the least he could do was return the favor.

"There is nothing wrong with screaming like a girl." Gian said chuckling despite himself.

"You're' totally right." Delia said catching her breath "You screamed like a bitch...but it's alright because Delia is here. She won't let the big bad roller coaster get you." 

Delia was having more fun than she anticipated. It was hilarious watching Gian try to steel himself for the ride to only have the facade crumble as soon as they hit the first drop. She was grateful, nonetheless, that he even came on. She hated doing things alone. 

"How do you feel about the Ferris wheel?"

"That's cool...hopefully"

Dee laughed "Okay, and since it's not the two-seater Ferris wheel but the pod one we could get some Fair eateries and enjoy them on the ride."

"How long is the ride?"

"Usually only five minutes but since it's never a line you just get on and when times up you just tell the operator to take it around again."

Gian had gotten a funnel cake and Delia got a shish kabob and gotten on the Ferris wheel.

"You know, when you showed up with the Harley and the leather jacket I thought you were a bad ass." Delia said "But you eat funnel cakes...with the powdered sugar, and scream on rides.

"There's nothing wrong with funnel cakes. Real men eat funnel cakes." Gian protested, amused with Delia.

"No, real men eat meat, steak and the like, not sugary powdery funnel cakes." Dee said around a bite of the beef on her shish kabob.

"Does this make you a real man?" causing them both to laugh.

"A little," She answered

"So....why didn't you want your mom to know about the anxiety attack?" Gian asked

"I just...didn't want her to worry." Delia said looking over the whole fair. From that height everything looked like a little city you'd see in a snow globe, minus the snow of course.

"Worry about you? Isn't that what moms do?"

"Yeah, of course, but...my mom for some odd reason thinks she's a horrible mother. It doesn't take much for her to feel like she's fucked up our lives in some way and if she knew about the attacks I think it'll break her heart." 

They sat quietly for a moment contemplating what was said. Gian stared at Delia who was lost in thought.

"Why would she feel like that?"

Dee laughed softly to herself. "It's a long story, besides were at the top" Dee smiled mischievously, a smile that mirrored her mother's.

"What are you going to do?" Gian asked and before he finished Delia was rocking back and forth causing the little pod to move with her but only slightly.

"You are either an extreme thrill seeker or a little psychotic." Gian said as Delia began to pick up momentum and the pod rocked more.

"I think I'm both." She laughed causing Gian to laugh along "We used to do this all the time when we were kids. It was always me, Denise and my two cousins who were the same age as us, Quinn and Eva. When we'd go to the fair and get on the Ferris wheel together Quinn, Denise, and I would rock the pod singing 'Rock the Boat' at the top of our lungs while Eva would scream for us to stop."

"You must have a huge family." Gian said

"Yep, so big you can get lost in it." Delia chuckled "What about your family?"

"It was just me." Gian said

"Just you? Did you have both parents?"

"Yeah, but I only really saw my mother. When I was little I didn't really do anything like this. I mostly read...like a little nerd."

"Gian "Badass" Carlo a nerd? That's laughable."

"My mom and I would sometimes go to the movies some nights, but mostly reading and classes like painting and violin."

"You had classes after school? They were after school programs?"

"Not really, my father had tutors who'd come and--"

"Wait," Dee said as she stopped rocking "Don't' tell me you're like one of those rich kids with the parents who want them to build actual skills other than growing up, working your ass off, then dying."

Gian's gaze fell to his funnel cake then back to Delia "Kind of,"

"Shut Up!" Dee said laughing before returning to rocking the pod. "Explains why you grew up in Fort Lauderdale and not Miami." She said teasing him.

"Oh look who's talking, you told me you went to private school for most of your life" Gian said before taking the last bite of his funnel cake. Dee smiled at him more amused than anything and Gian was struck again by how beautiful he found her.

"How come you don't have a boyfriend?" Gian asked. Dee looked at him confused by the sudden change of topic, and then saddened as she thought of the answer.

"I dunno," she said "I don't ...really have interests in the whole bf/gf thing" 

She was lying and Gian wondered why she'd feel she needed to lie. "I don't believe you." Gian said softly

"You don't have to." Dee said her amused smile returning "If I wanted a boyfriend I'd have one right now, but here I am...single...the way I like it." She spoke with a bravado that Gian saw straight through.

"Well, I'm here." Gian said "What does that make this?"

"This is a single girl and her maybe single friend sharing a good time." She said bluntly then smiled 

"You are single, aren't you?"

"Dee if I had a girl you would never have to guess whether I was single or not"

"Well, than why don't you have a girlfriend?" Dee asked and watched as Gian's eyes twinkled with something she couldn't explain.

"I'm waiting for the right one to see things my way." Dee felt her stomach drop into her hips. Was he talking about her or, worse yet, another skinnier, lighter, shorter, prettier girl?

"Who is the right one?" Dee asked never the one to beat around the bush.

"She is a person, but more so an idea." Gian said

She was still left in the dark but something told her that Gian did that on purpose.



GianCarlo Ch. 03



Her second time on the motorcycle was way better than the first, there was less fear more thrill. As Gian swerved unto the residential roads Delia was comfortable enough to spread her arms out as they sped toward her house.

"That was fun!" Delia said as they walked toward her front door. 

"I enjoyed myself too." Gian said shoving his hands in his pockets. He wasn't ready to leave her yet.

As they reached the door Delia spun toward him and whispered conspiratorially, "I'm not ready to go." Gian broke out in a smile, "What do you have in mind?"

"Well..." Dee said with that mischievous smile and a shrug, "Have you ever seen South Beach at night?"

Dee tiptoed into the house grabbed her sisters little green pouch and tiptoed back out. It was ten minutes before Gian and Dee were barreling down Collins Ave with the saltwater air whipping past them.

"We're here!" Gian said over the sound of air whipping past them, "What's next?"

"We chill out." 

Gian parked his bike in a nearby parking lot and they set off onto the dark beach. Delia was the first to take off her shoes reveling in the cool sand contrasting against the warm damp air. "You are super tall," Dee said just making out Gian's form in the moonlight. She heard him chuckle.

"Well, it's the first time you've taken off those...stilts since I've met you."

"I love heels! Is that a crime?" Delia said chuckling along "It's just nice not to be the only skyscraper present." 

Gian took off his shoes and walked along. They walked until they came across some abandoned beach chairs and Delia was the first also to plop down in one.

"Do you do this often...the beach at night?"

"Yeah, why not? It's much more peaceful now...and quiet" 

They both sat back to listen to the sounds of the beach, and watch the moon sitting on the dark waters. The waves crashing onto the shore created white foam that was stark and eerie against the dark night.

"Reminds me of Edgar Allen Poe." Dee said

"No, that wasn't a totally random connection pulled out of midair." Gian said sarcastically and Delia chuckled. 

Delia, remembering Denise's pouch, pulled it out of her pocket and went through it.

"What's that?" Gian asked kind of hoping it was food.

"'Happy' is the code word my sis uses." Delia said pulling out a small baggie of something and a glass pipe. "It's weed, and not very strong weed. My mom's boyfriend got it for their anniversary but my mom didn't want to smoke it with him." Gian felt his jaw drop in shock but then quickly recovered. Delia had a huge family, hippie mother, party girl sister and anxiety issues of course she'd smoke weed. 

"Do you smoke that often?" Gian found himself asking. Of their own accord his fangs slid out, it had been at least five months since he had last fed from someone high or drunk.

"Not really, special occasions mostly, like my birthday or graduation, maybe Christmas with my cousins. I don't have the time to walk around high all the time." 

Delia had fidgeted around enough with the pipe and had pulled out a lighter. Gian felt himself salivate. He couldn't bite Delia while she was high, he wanted to so badly though. The memory of consuming the spiked blood, the feel of it on his tongue the rush from the narcotics plus the adrenaline saturating it, it was almost overwhelming. 

Gian switched his focus to the crashing white foam of the beach. "Why didn't your mom want to smoke it with her boyfriend? She's against it or something?"

"Ha-ha, my mom? Against weed? No, it's because her boyfriends a recovering drug addict. Apparently he was addicted to everything except meth. My guess is it's because meth wasn't that big in the eighties. He's fifteen years sober I believe, and my mom didn't want to be the one to rock the boat." Delia took another drag from the pipe before offering it to the dark form which was Gian. Gian declined, happy she couldn't see his fangs which he seemed to have lost control of.

"How do you feel about that? You know the whole drug addiction thing?"

Gian's voice was unreadable. To Delia it sounded as if he wanted to hear a certain answer, but she couldn't tell which answer he wanted...or maybe she was just high.

"There is no way to feel about it. I mean we all have our weaknesses and it's easy to just give into them. It's easy to succumb to defeat the harder our problems get. He wasn't infallible. I'm just glad he's found a healthier way to deal with it...other than drugs."

"And how is that?" Gian sounded more curious than he meant to lead on.

"My mama," Delia said with a little smile. "I don't know how he deals with her crazy ass but they are adorable together."

They talked on and on about the idiosyncrasies of the people around them. Gian found out that Delia's mom wasn't the only 'crazy' person in her family. Gian's teeth finally receded when he saw Delia yawn and rub her eyes, she looked so young and something within him stirred. He didn't question it he was just happy he could hide his fangs. A strong since of foreboding befell him.

"I think I'm hungry," Delia said before giggling at some unheard joke. "No, I'm definitely hungry." She was silent for a while as she stared at Gian's dark form.

"Chicken Nuggets!" She said louder than she meant to. "I need chicken nuggets!" 

Gian chuckled, "You're funny when you're high."

"Shut up and feed me," Delia said before doubling over with laughter. Gian couldn't help himself, he laughed at her giggly state. 

After a few stumbles and gales of laughter Gian finally got Dee on the back of his bike and to the nearest McDonald. Gian, although amused by her state, was afraid she would fall off his bike so he tucked her hands beneath his arms. Dee found this to be an endless source of comedy and tried unsuccessfully to tickle him, not thinking once that maybe tickling the guy who has your life in their hands isn't such a good thing. They pulled up to a 24 hour McDonalds and Delia sang 'mickey d's' up until they entered the place. She sounded like an excited five year old.

Once inside, Gian quickly excused himself and made a bee line for the bathroom. He needed to get his head on straight. There were so many emotions swirling within him but more so a deep seeded paranoia sat in his belly. He was sure it was from simply being back in South Beach. He went to shake it off so he can further enjoy Dee's current behavior. 

Delia, feeling a little stranded at the entrance, slowly looked around at the patrons of the restaurant. A drunken couple made out at the way back corner, it almost looked like light wrestling and it took everything in her power not to double over with laughter. She snickered covering her face.

Delia caught the attention of two fairly young guys at a booth near the ordering counter. One was a tall slender black guy maybe a few years older than herself, dressed in the Miami gangster's uniform, an Ed Hardy tee, dark washed and baggy jeans, and some ridiculously long chain. The other was Hispanic, given the fact it was south beach it was safe to assume he was Cuban. He was a bit shorter with hair slicked back into a low ponytail and he had two shaved lines in his eyebrows. Delia's eyes watered with held back laughter. Did guys still shave those two lines in their eyebrows? Who was still doing that?

She willed herself to sober up as she made her way to the menu. For some reason this felt like a mission in itself, her limbs felt a little too relax yet her mind was rolling at a million miles an hour as she noticed more and more things to laugh at. As she passed the table with the two guys, the Hispanic one grabbed Delia's hand as she passed pinning her with a lascivious grin. "No thank you," Delia said. She was sure she sounded like a doof but she wasn't sure what one was expected to do in a situation like that. She slid her hands from his and continued toward the counter. Once there, Delia could have sworn she stared at the menu forever until she found the chicken nuggets. She opened her mouth to order and heard.

"Yo, get my girl here some cheese burgers, like three of them, on me." The first thought in Delia's head was 'Omigosh I sound like that?'" the second thought was "Wait, I didn't want cheeseburgers" and the third thought was "This person behind me really need to give me three feet, I can't concentrate with a strangers breath on the back of my neck".

Delia turned around to tell the person behind her to back up when she ran straight into the black guy from the booth. Delia was a little slow with her reactions, thanks to the ganja, and before she could pull away the guy had his arms wrapped around her a hand on each butt cheek. His flea market cologne was burning her eyes and he was forcing his hips to her. She gently pushed him away but couldn't muster the strength to, all the while panic never occurred to her. Her main objective really was to order some chicken nuggets. 

"James, get your hands off of other people children." One of the older employees behind the counter said.

"Ms. Rey she knows I'm playing with her."

"Hey, can I order some chicken nuggets" Delia said pushing against the guy to no avail. "Excuse me sir" She said pushing a little harder. He chuckled at her and from behind her she felt the shorter presence of his Hispanic companion. A chill ran her spine as she tried to push away again and his grip tightened, his hands sliding into her back pockets. "Ms. Rey? Can I order some chicken nuggets...ten piece. James lemme go I need to order." Delia said using the names she heard them say.

"Beg me" He said into her ear.

"What? No!" Dee said as fear slowly gripped her stomach. Dee pushed harder against him and was suddenly released and stumbled into the arms of the guy behind her. The guy behind her wrapped his arms around her chest pushing his pelvis into her backside. Her gaze fell on James in front of her.

"Can you guys let me go?" Dee asked her tone sounding conversational, despite her rising panic.

"Why? You don't want to party with us?" The black guy said in front of her.

"Yeah, party with us" The Hispanic one growled in her ear and ground himself against her making her stomach flop in disgust. "Give us what you gave gringo on the motor bike." Something sinister passed between the two guys but they still smiled at her amused.

"Ms. Rey gimme five cheese burgers," the Hispanic one let go of Delia pushing her into the chest of his friends and once again she was locked into a vise grip with his hands on her ass. He groped her ass as if she were his. "We need to keep this ass fat." 

He emphasized with a loud smack to said ass. Fear settled into the pit of her stomach and although she still wanted the chicken nuggets she also felt a great urge to pull out some cool Charlie's Angel maneuver and kick these guys ass but she knew that was just her high talking. The guys groping became more insistent and the older employee's rebuffs were half assed at best and not helpful to her. She could feel it coming on. Her heart beat was starting to speed up and become erratic and she felt herself begin to tremble.

"Can you please let me go?" she asked softly, her voice trembling a bit.

"Not until you moan for me." The guy growled

"THE FUCK!?" 

****

'I need to get my shit together' Giancarlo thought as he splashed his face with the cold water. No matter what he did this hard cold paranoia clung to him. For some reason he felt like something horrible has happened or will happened and he couldn't shake the feeling. Gian wasn't used to listening to his emotions, they often confused him and he spent most of his time trying to numb them. Ever since Delia came into his life there'd been things he wanted to feel, things he didn't want to suppress or numb.

Gian guessed that with clarity of emotion came some great moods and feelings like how Delia's teasing made him smile and the tingles she causes by simply hugging him goodbye. He also had to deal with the not so great emotions, the anxiety and paranoia and the mounds and mounds of fear, fear of his father, of rejection, of failure and of loneliness.

He wiped his face with cold water again and dried it taking one last look in the mirror. He wondered if Delia even found him attractive. He was a good looking guy and many women did double takes but by his own admission he wasn't CK model gorgeous. His face was angular and his eyes wide and green. They looked cold and distant in his opinion but it was only because he compared them to Delia's soft friendly ones that seem to smile even when she didn't. Gian's hair was about shoulder length wavy and a deep black. Maybe he'd get a haircut, maybe Delia would like that. He wished that he could simply ask her. He would do anything and become anyone for her.

Gian took a deep breath and left the bathroom his thoughts were taking a dark turn. As he made his way to where he thought Delia would be he almost screamed when he saw the two guys surrounding her. One had a handful of her ass while the other twirled a lock of her hair in his fingers chuckling at what the first was saying.

"THE FUCK!?" Gian shouted. He doubted he could help it "Lasciarla adare o io ti uccidero cazzo! Let her go" Gian shouted once more slipping into Italian, a habit he had when he was upset. It was something he shared with his father and he hated it.

Delia used James's distraction to break free. She headed straight for the ordering counter. Her legs were wobbly and she couldn't stop shaking. "Can I get chicken nuggets, ten pieces, and a small fry?" The older employee looked at her bewildered. 

"Yo, meet me outside. I'll break your arm for touching her." Gian said making his way to Delia's side. She turned toward him after making her order. A shiver raked her at the look in Gian's eyes. It was predatory, his green eyes went hard and cold like stone. His every move looked deliberate and agile as if he were ready to attack.

"Listen, we were just playing with yo girl. You just need to chill out" James said. He had to be only an inch or two shorter than Gian because the look in his eye told Dee he thought he could take him. Gian wasn't overly muscled or even looked like the type to start swinging but in this very moment he looked like the most dangerous thing in that restaurant. Even the couple pawing after each other stopped to gawk at the scene.

"I'mma need my order to go," Dee said to the employee handing her a ten dollar bill, "keep the change, you did your best."

The employee jumped quickly into action getting Delia's food bagging it and handing it to her. 

"I got my food, Gian, let's go," She said walking toward Gian and putting her hand in his to drag him out. Like a fortified concrete pillar Gian didn't budge. His gaze bored into the eyes of James who seemed to be the alpha in their duo. 

"Not yet, Dee, these two owe you something."

"I don't owe her shit! James said taking another step forward."

"You owe her an apology you ignorant piece of shit you don't put your hands on a woman like that. Who taught you it was alright to grope a woman you don't know in the middle of a fucking McDonalds. You damn right you owe her a fucking apology." At the timbre in his voice Dee's nipples puckered. No longer did Gian her best friend stand before her. This was Giancarlo, a man, dangerous, chivalrous and so damn sexy.

"Fuck you and yo bitch!" James said sneering toward Delia

"Excuse me!?" Dee said, she was high, anxious, aroused and holding her chicken nuggets but she'd be damned if she gets called a bitch. 

Using the hand he held he pulled Delia behind him. He was so angry with this asshole he saw red but that fact that his mate was no damsel in distress made him smirk. Gian compelled James to stand still while still allowing him all his mental faculties. He grabbed the guy's wrist squeezing down hard.

"You apologize or I'm shattering you skinny little bitch wrists to dust." Gian said menacingly. James howled in pain but gave Gian an insolent look. 

"Fuck you" He grunted out in pain. Gian squeezed harder and James screamed. 

"Say it!" Choosing that time to grow some balls James' partner lunged for Gian but was stopped dead in his tracks by a death stare Gian threw at him. And warmth immediately pooled between Delia's thighs.

"Both of you!" Gian recounted.

"Damn! Sorry, okay? Shit!" They grumbled. Gian decided that that apology wasn't good enough. In the span of a few seconds he had broken both of their wrists. Delia heard the gruesome crackling sounds, unmistakably the sound of fracturing bones. James fell to the ground in agony while his friend listed heavily against a nearby wall. Like a flipped switch her best friend, Gian, was back with a concerned look. "Dee, I'm sorry that happened to you."

"No problem," Delia said waving away his apology. 

"He kept ordering cheeseburgers for some reason. Let's just go"

"Dee, you're still shaking, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine; I just need to get the hell outta here." Delia walked out into the night air and felt a little better. Gian followed her out and caught up to her. He pulled her into his embrace. He held her to his chest inhaling her scent of warm coconuts. She was shaking in his arms and that surge of emotion that made him harm the two guys in side came back with a vengeance. He wanted to kill them.

He felt Delia's hand slide up his back underneath his leather jacket and his anger quickly melted into something one isn't supposed to feel for their best friend. But she wasn't his best friend, Gian thought. She was my mate and no amount of time could ever change how he reacted to her touch. Gian pulled her tighter loving the feel of her breasts pressed against him. He ran his hands down her back stopping at the small of her back and delighted in the way she shivered against him. 

"Sei un pazzo!" Delia heard someone say behind her. The voice was gruff. She spun to see who said it when Gian quickly shot back a response in Italian, one of which Dee knew to be a curse word. Delia's knees went weak. If angry protective Gian was sexy speaking English he was downright irresistible in his native tongue. When he pulled her into his embrace she forgot about everything and enjoyed the feel of him his smell his height his warmth and simply feeling like everything was alright with the world......until some loud mouthed Italian person shouted something.

"L'avete messo su quella trappola mortale e poi portarla fino a South Beach, douve tu sei il padre tiene servitori che si affaccino per voi....What were you thinking!?"

The guy went off on a tangent yet his anger seemed contained....barely. Delia understood a few words like; father, death, flunkies and looking. This guy he was tall but unlike Gian he was muscular and dressed like someone who had to work in the morning, dark slacks and steel grey button down. He couldn't be older than thirty five.

"My father doesn't own me and neither do you!" Gian responded in English. "Delia let's go!" He demanded in a softer tone. Gian pulled the helmets off of the handle bars handing one to Delia

"Una cosa e essere spericolato con la tua vita, ma un altro di porter lei in qualcosa che lei non sa null." The guy spoke again sounding more pleading than anything. Gian motioned for her to get on the bike and she acquiesced quickly but there was one word that stuck out to her. Spericolato, It meant reckless.

"Reckless?" She said softly to the guy. "What's wrong?"

The guy smiled slowly, it looked as if he didn't do it often and it was awkward on his face but Dee could tell it was genuine.

"You've been learning the language." He stated "Gian had been reckless with your life as well as his own." 

Delia was surprised to find that the guy had a slight New York accent.

"How" Delia asked at the same time Gian said something less then kind in Italian. He chose to address Delia. 




GianCarlo Ch. 03



"Well, Gian's father is a very....influential person and he prefers for his son to not visit this part of town...especially with a beautiful young lady such as yourself."

"Really? Why? Hope I'm not asking too many questions." Dee said and noticed the way Gian tensed in the seat in front of her.

"Because Gian wasn't always the perfect boyfriend you know today."

"What do you mean?" Delia said before Gian revved up his bike.

"Arriverderci, Asshole" Gian threw over his shoulder as he swung out of the parking lot. 

****

"So something like that happens and you are just not going to tell me?" Delia asked.

"That's the plan" Gian said as he walked her to the door.

"So is that your brother or something?" Gian scoffed "No, but he likes to call himself my big brother."

"Are you guys close?"

"Not really"

"Well, what was he so frustrated about?"

"I don't know."

Dee stopped to pin him with a glare "Liar! He called you reckless and you called him an asshole. Just tell me why your dad doesn't want us to hang out in south beach...and why haven't I met him before...and why--"

"Dee, your questions are making my brain swell." Dee giggled but decided to give it a rest "Sorry, Gian."

They had finally reached her door and he waited for her to pull out her keys. "I just want to thank you for playing knight in shining armor for me tonight. I thought I had it under control but I didn't."

"It was nothing, it's not like I was going to hang around and let them harass you." Dee got on her tippy toes and hugged him. As Delia pulled away she went to kiss his cheek and it was at that moment Gian turned to look her in the eyes. Delia planted a small kiss on the edge of Gian's lips. It didn't take long for them both to realize what happened. Gian's heart flipped in his chest. Delia looked at him with surprised gaze. It was as if she was waiting for his response. 

Gian lifted her chin as he closed in on her and planted a small kiss on her lips. They were full and soft and he wanted nothing more than to draw her bottom lip into his mouth to taste her but he wasn't sure how she was going to react. He pulled away his eyes pinning hers.

"The first one was an accident" She said recovering, her voice was shaky as she continued "The second was all you. Gian thanks for the great night." 

Delia went inside and she threw herself onto the couch. That night had been long and fun...mostly, but Gian left her with a bunch of questions. What did that kiss mean? It wasn't an accident by any means but could it be likely he'd be interested in her. People kiss people all the time and relationships never sprout from it. In high school Delia had made out with her good friends both male and female because the party was bumping. 

"Who knows?" Delia said to herself as she headed toward her room. 

"I do," Denise sang just outside her bedroom when Delia passed.

"Dee, I did not know you had secret lover." Denise said.

"That's because he's not," Dee said defensively, "We're just friends."

"It sounds like somebody is being a little obtuse. Come in we haven't had girl talk since high school."

"Three years ago," Delia said as if it wasn't long enough. "Besides every time I walk into your room I feel like I'm walking into some sort of fetish dungeon."

"How?" Denise said on a laugh following Delia inside. 

"You have a silicone breastplate hanging off of your headboard." Delia said looking at the replica breasts in horror. 

"Oh that? Spoils of war," Denise said as if it were perfectly normal. "I and my bf went to this drag queen strip show and Miguel call himself throwing himself at my guy. I got angry snuck into the dressing room and stole his breast plate. Teach that bitch to keep his hands to himself. It was so funny watching him try to perform with that bird chest of his."

"Why were you so threatened, I mean Steven doesn't strike me as the bisexual type."

"No, I was dating Danny at the time and I've always had my doubts about him. Anyway, we're talking about you and that sexy slice of man butter you had dropping you off at this witching hour." 

Delia took her time to look around her sister's room it had been a while since she'd been inside and even longer since they shared the room. The walls were still an eggplant color from her metal days; she had a lava lamp and black lights on the ground. Denise wasn't estranged from her and they were still close but only when Denise was home and that didn't happen too often. Delia took the velvet chair in the corner of Denise's room while Denise sat on the bed.

"So, how come I don't know about him? You never said anything." Denise said then leaned in "Is he like your fuck buddy now?"

"No!" Delia said louder than she had meant to, "It's nothing like that. He's my friend. Gosh, why the hell do I have to say that so often?"

"It's because, you want him to be more than a friend. I haven't seen you guys together but I see it in your face. Even more, that kiss he gave you was one of those 'I want to fuck you but only if you let me' kisses. Trust me."

"You think so?" Delia said as she thought of Gian. He was so sweet and he showed her tonight that he could also be lethal if he needed to. Delia loved that he seemed to care for her but...

"Yeah, I think so. Judging by your face right now I could tell the cranks are starting to move. What you need to do is break him off a piece of that kit kat bar, if you know what I mean." Denise said scooting closer to her sister. She loved Delia but if she insisted on being so damn virginal she would miss out on something amazing with this guy. It was never like Delia to hide a guy from them. If she got into a relationship she made sure to always parade him around so they can stop teasing her about being a 'lesbian'.

"But...but what if..." Delia said then decided not to say it. It was her personal fear.

"'What if' what?" Denise said, "What if you enjoy yourself?" She laughed waiting for her younger twin to say something. 

"What if that is all he wants? I can't imagine giving myself to him and then that being it."

"Dee you are not giving yourself to anyone. What you have between your legs is not you. And so what if that's all he wants. As long as you guys protect yourselves there is nothing wrong with it. You two can stay friends while having a little fun with each other." 

Delia had to admit that it all sounded logical. When put like that it did sound as if she equated her sex to being the essence of her, but Delia's sexuality had always been hers alone and to share with someone else felt like she was risking everything.

"I dunno, I always imagined that sex would be amazing and when it's all over he rolls out of bed, thanks me and walks out. That thought, of him leaving, it freaks me out."

Denise realized that that was the root of the problem and a part of her was sad and made her feel like she was seven all over again while another part of her was angry that their past was still able to affect them still. When she looked up she realized that Delia had put two and two together.

"Fuck me," Delia said under her breath. "Why can't I just be normal?"

"Dee, don't worry about it. You are normal. Everyone who has walked this earth has had fucked up things that has happened to them. You and I are no different."

Delia began to understand more and more that things from your past just don't fade away they pop up inconveniently. It ripples through your life getting bigger and disturbing everything. She also began to understand that it won't ever end. Not only did the misdeed of someone else cause her to have unpredictable anxiety attacks, and made it difficult to trust anyone, it also made her fear intimacy even if it meant truly connecting with someone. Her heart turned to stone in her chest and fell to her stomach. Delia didn't want this life anymore but had no idea how to change it.

"Do you think we will ever have normal relationships?" Delia asked as her eyes filled with tears of hopelessness.

"Don't ask me that," Denise said her voice becoming somber, "That's a stupid thing to ask. There is no such thing as a normal relationship. There are just relationships that work until it doesn't anymore then it's onto the next one." Denise and Delia had gone through the same thing but their scars were different. Where Delia feared intimacy because of its fickleness Denise had embraced it. She gave up everything her body, her heart, and her love only to have it crumpled and then she finds someone else to do it all over again. Delia couldn't fathom that kind of pain but she figured that Denise felt she deserved no better. That thought pained Delia because she doesn't know how to rectify it.

"Well, it was nice chatting with you sis." Delia said heading toward the door.

"Wait!" Denise called then leaned in "Did you take my stash? The one mama gave me." 

"Yep, I got higher than a mutha--" she chuckled.

"You owe me." Denise said pushing her out of her room.

****

Stefan was livid. To Gian's credit he didn't know the danger he'd put his girl in and he always found a way to be a dick when he communicated with Stefan. This was Stefan's fault he knew it but he was only doing his job, watch, report, and influence. The one thing that seemed to go right in this kid's life and Stefan seem to fuck it up. Stefan paced his small apartment. 

It was in the same building as Gian and Durante paid the rent and Stefan hated that. He felt as much a prisoner as Gian. After what went down tonight he knew he was being watched just as closely. He paced some more waiting for the inevitable call from Durante. He recalled exactly when that night when downhill. 

Gian and Delia were heading to her house, they'd gotten off the bike and she had even gone inside but then she came back out and they were off. This was unexpected so Stefan wasn't so sure where they were heading until Gian merged onto 95 South and Stefan's stomach fell. He was heading to South Beach. It was crawling with Durante's lackeys and it was way past the deadline to have Delia out of his life.

Stefan followed and made sure to send any nearby guys on a wild goose chase. Delia, to her credit, maneuvered Gian through back roads and they stopped on a private beach where they seem to settle in. Stefan thought they were safe for the time being. Then the girl pulled out a pipe and Stefan had another fear altogether.

What if Gian attacked the girl? Stefan was a little surprised that the girl had marijuana but was glad that that was all it was. Still, he worried for Gian. As Stefan watched on silently pleading for Gian to do the right thing, he sensed a presence not too far away. Stefan looked to his right to find what looked to be a resident taking a midnight stroll, but he knew better. The stranger pulled out his phone and made a call. Quickly Stefan snapped into action rushing over to the guy. "You work for Durante?"

"Who wants to know?" The stranger responded with a deep Italian accent. Durante only hired Italians he had a big case of ethnocentrism.

"I am one of his men as well, you don't have to call it in I've got it under control." 

"It's too late" The stranger said shrugging his shoulder "If you were more diligent the call would have been yours to make. That payout is mine." He ended then pushed past Stefan. That's what these lackeys did; they got paid to keep a look out for Gian and reaped a huge bonus for alerting Durante's office of any sightings. 

Stefan, acting quick, rushed back to warn Gian to get Delia the hell out of South Beach, his heart was beating quickly from fear and adrenaline. This could possibly mark the end of this girl's life. Durante didn't make threats lightly and this girl's life was no more important to him then a pests. When he got to them they were pulling off on Gian's bike. Stefan hopped in his car and quickly followed them.

He pulled up to the McDonald's just in time to see Delia hassled by two thugs. 'This girl is a magnet for danger' He thought to himself. Stefan could tell that they were harmless, he should know. He watched for a while and saw that she was beginning to get panicky, he got out of the car with intent to help her but Gian beat him to it, breaking the arms of the two guys before the two couple left. 

Damn, Gian for catching an attitude when Stefan addressed him. The girl on the other hand, had impressed him. She was intuitive and Stefan could see how Gian could be so obsessed with her, those eyes could bring down governments. He had finally met her and he now knew he had to protect them both from Gian's father.

****

Delia was up early the next morning, her eyes were heavy and she couldn't muster enough energy to put together a nice outfit for the day, which was rare. She smiled as she recalled the night before. She showered quickly, brushed her mass of hair into a fashionably nonchalant high bun, tossed on a floral dress some high-heeled sandals, and dabbed on some lipstick. 

As she walked out the house in the dark morning she was reminded of the kiss Gian gave her. It was soft and measured. She wondered what he'd meant by it. Delia got in her car and drove to the nearest coffee shop for a huge cup of coffee with two shots of espresso; she was going to need it if she was going to be working eight hours having only slept two. Receiving her coffee she put it in the holder and headed to the freeway.

As she merged on she noticed it was very few cars on the road. As she got into the groove of driving her mind drifted back to Gian and that kiss. She should have kissed him back, instead she made some lame comment, and Delia wanted to slap herself. She pushed all thoughts of self-violence aside to merge onto the freeway heading east. Once she was successfully merged there was a black Dodge Charger that rode on her left, way too close to her. She moved a couple lanes over for her comfort. She rode near the guard rails for a while.

When Delia's exit came up she was about to switch lanes when she heard a loud honk. She checked her rearview mirror to see the Charger barreling toward the rear of her small jeep at a speed that was sure to send her flying forward. She swerved quickly into the next lane trying to avoid the car only to crash into another blacked out charger to her right. The car seemed to appear out of nowhere and the impact caused her to slam her head against the driver's window. Her head exploded in pain, her eyes squirreled, and she felt the stinging burn of hot coffee. The car she was slammed into kept driving causing the small jeep to spin and slide into the guard rails. The only thought Delia could muster in that moment was 'my dress is ruined'

She could see the two chargers fleeing; the one she hit barely had any damage. Delia felt herself began to panic, her heart pounded erratically and she was getting dizzy. A million thoughts rushed through her head, what will her mom say? Her sister is going to kill her for trashing the car. Her dress is completely ruined. Why is she covered in blood? All the windows are shattered; it's going to cost a fortune to fix. Everything hurts. Is this what they mean by tunnel vision? Delia fumbled with her phone, she had to call someone, anyone. She hit the green button and it began to dial someone, probably the last person she called. The phone rang steadily and she felt herself floating in and out of consciousness. 

"Hello" said a deep voice, it sounded frustrated.

"Please, help me," Delia sobbed into the phone as she slipped into a black abyss.

****

"Delia? Dee!" Gian called into the phone. There was no answer.

"Damn! I should've been with her instead of here, arguing with you." Stefan cursed as he phased away.

"Fuck!" Gian cursed to himself.

As soon as he got home Stefan was there, visibly seething.

"Why would you take her down there?!" He growled his anger growing. There had been plenty times Gian angered Stefan but he'd always kept his composure but not this time.

"She wanted to go! Was I supposed to forbid her, I'm not her father." Gian shot back pushing past him and into his apartment. "What's the big deal? My father would see that I was just hanging out with someone, for once"

"Your father might see her as a threat to your wellbeing." Stefan shot back as he followed Gian into the apartment.

"He'd have no reason to think that," Gian threw his leather jacket on the couch and made his way to the kitchen to get a bag of blood from the fridge. He poured it into a mug and put it into the microwave. ", unless someone gave him the idea that she was." He said pointedly at Stefan.

When Stefan simply glared at him Gian anger flared. "Why the FUCK did you do that!?"

"Why do you think?!" Stefan shot back "You think you've found redemption with this girl and now your past disappear? Fuck no! It doesn't work like that. Did you simply forget that you'd compel and charm people into using whatever drug was handy to them and feed off of them for weeks at a time? Did you forget the people's lives you've ruined with that shit?"

"Fuck you!" Gian shouted back unable to continue to hear his past sins "Don't you think I know that?! I have to live with that shit every day. Do you know what it's like to constantly jump between guilt and paranoia? I couldn't handle it. Shit, I know I'm weak, but she's the best thing to happen to me and I would never ruin that."

"You just might have." Stefan said a bit more sympathetic but none the less angry

"What has my father threatened to do?"

"He wanted her out of your life by last Wednesday; I was hoping that you guys can slip under the radar until I could prove she was an asset."

"So does he know that I'm still talking to her?"

"He does now, and I'm afraid he's out for blood"

"Mother -Fucker!" Gian said "What the hell are we going to do?"

Stefan looked at him as if he had no answers "Hide her?" He finally said.

Gian's phone started to ring. He was so caught up in their argument he couldn't recall where he'd left it. He found it in his jacket pocket on the couch.

"Hello?" He answered not checking the id. When Delia's sob came across the phone, the worst fear he'd ever felt struck his heart, he couldn't breathe. Stefan hissed something at him before fading away.

"Fuck!" Gian froze in fear. He looked down at the phone and saw that the call was still connected but Delia wasn't answering him. Maybe she'd passed out. Gian phased to the inside of her car...or what was left of it.

The passenger side of the car where Gian had phased to was mangled and the windows were broken. The front glass was cracked beyond repair and Delia laid in the driver's seat slumped to the side. The window her head laid on was cracked, the center of it where her head laid, and blood trailed down from it. She was covered in blood and coffee. Her pulse was slow and her breathing even slower.

"Delia?" Gian called he could feel panic rising inside him and a lump forming in the back of his throat. "Delia, please answer me." Gian almost sobbed as he reached for her hand. When she didn't answer the second time Gian cried he could only think about how, because of him, his father had killed his mate. 

She isn't dead yet, Gian thought. He pulled her into his lap, holding her close as the tears he'd been trying to hold back sprang forth. 

"Delia," He murmured as he tucked her head under his chin. "Please wake up, please." He begged her. Gian placed kisses on her cheek and head, being careful not to touch her wound. The strong smell of blood and her coconut shampoo wafted around him. Gian cried.

Five minutes later Gian heard a knock on the window, it was Stefan he'd driven his car to the scene, using the tracking he'd put on Gian's phone to find them.

"The doors are crushed closed; you have to pass her to me through the window." Gian was quiet, still cradling her to his chest, not ready to let her go.




GianCarlo Ch. 03



"Gian! We have to get her to a hospital," Stefan said. 

Gian passed her through the window into Stefan's waiting arms before jumping out the window himself. As soon as he was out he took her and carried her to the back of Stefan's car. Stefan hopped into the car and drove off.

"Was this because of my father?" Gian asked, knowing it was on both of their minds. 

"Most likely."

Stefan sped off racing against sunrise. From the backseat Gian could see the stern look on Stefan face, one he recognized as guilt, one he himself wore. He'd done this to her, His idiocy, and Stefan's mistake. Gian could feel her heart beat come slower and slower as his grew faster with fear. He wished he could just appear in ER with her. 

Gian ran his fingers over her face, so serene, so devoid of emotion. He remembered this face smiled and laughed at him barely ten hours earlier. His thumb trailed her cheek and over her lips. He had kissed those lips. That could possibly be the last time he'd kiss her. He found himself leaning in, her coconut smell filling his senses. He placed a small kiss to her lips as a few tears slipped from his eyes. She had to make it.

"We're here, take her in I'll park." Stefan said pulling up in front of the ER. Gian hoped out cradling Delia to his chest. 

"She's been in a car accident, please hurry, her heart is slowing down." He pleaded with the nurse behind the front desk.

"This way," She said leading him behind a near curtain as she pulled out a stethoscope.

****

The phone rang once before Durante picked up, he was in bed with his wife but nothing was more important than his son, than protecting his lineage. He wished that he could have more sons and not have to deal with the insolence of this one, but his wife wasn't ever able to conceive until she conceived Giancarlo by pure miracle. His miracle son became his worrisome son, then his troublesome son, than his burdensome son in a matter of a few years. Ever since he'd moved out three years ago he'd been trying to conceive with his wife. 

Sweet Analise, his wife, and his mate, was beautiful and meek. She loved Durante and would do anything for him. She often wondered, though, did that anything include giving up her son. In the last year it felt like it. So when Durante approached her with the thought of bearing another child she wanted it more than anything. She tried day in and day out until it was less like passion and more routine like showering before bed. Now in the middle of Durante's controlled rutting atop her he received a call and stopped to answer it.

"Durante," His voice was gruff and deeply accented. "Was my son in the car with her?" He asked in Italian. "Is she dead?" 

There was a long explanation at the other end of the phone before Durante responded, "Good work, Let Romano know that his services is no longer needed and that you will be taking on the position." He hung up and returned to his wife.

"What has happen to Giancarlo?" She asked softly. "Talk of his only son seemed to upset him so, Analise didn't do it often but curiosity and worry had gotten the best of her.

"Nothing to concern yourself with," He said grabbing her waist and pulling her astride him.

"But he's my son," She said softer than before, She didn't want to defy him.

"Nothing," He reiterated as he forcefully impaled her onto his thick member, "that concerns you." 

She let out a lustful grunt and began to ride him. No matter how brusque or stern he was with her she always trusted him to take care of her and her son as well. Even when they had met he was very rough, for a nobleman. 

It was 1453 in a small tavern in southern Italy when she first saw him. He and his fellow men stopped there en route to Rome from Sicily. He was tall yet as pale as Alabaster with striking green eyes and the deepest black hair. Back then he wore it in waves around his neck and shoulders. Durante towered her by head and shoulders, she was a petite woman with wide hips and olive skin. Her eyes were dark as onyx and glittered just the same. He walked up to her, "You are mine," He growled into her ear. 

That night she was. He had her spread across his make shift bed in his tent at the center of his camp. Even in a tent he had more fineries then her whole village possessed. He brought up marriage with her father and the next day she was journeying with him to the capital city of Italy. To this day she is as much enamored with him as the first.



GianCarlo Ch. 04



[Author's Note: Soo my laptop is up and running and like promised so is the next chapter of Gian. I also plan on doing a short for the Earth Day contest, keep a lookout for that.]



Stefan finally found a parking spot and was on his way inside, weighing heavy with guilt, when the guy from South Beach approached with an odd smirk. He was short and lanky with a long face and ink black hair. 

"Romano?" He asked gingerly walking up to him.

"What is it?" Stefan said finding no energy to hide his irritation. Because of him and his greed a little girl was lying in the hospital. She almost died for this man's paycheck.

"From Mr. Contiello," He said passing him a letter. Stefan quickly read it. He had to laugh to keep from lashing violently out at the man before him. Stefan was out of a job, which was no shirt off his back. He was angrier at Durante. He was fired for "Failure to complete your primary objective efficiently and timely."

"What about the boy? Who is going to look out for him?" Stefan found himself asking. Despite being a duty to him, he'd become fond of Gian and wanted to see him succeed.

The look the guy gave him was his answer, but still the guy said, "That's none of your concern."

Stefan gave him a dark chuckle, "Good luck with that."

"With that girl out of his life I won't need luck." He said snidely.

Stefan laughed again; this guy had no clue what he was in for. At least he knew for sure this was Durante's doing. He decided he needed severance pay and went to see to this.





***





"Did someone...beat me...while I was sleeping?" Dee asked as she slowly gained consciousness, she didn't know where she was or why she was here but her whole body hummed with pain. She heard a chuckle, she was with Gian. She blinked her eyes open to see Gian sitting next to her, her hand in his. She was wired and rigged with an IV and EKG. It took a while but she noticed the hospital curtains, the tiny TV at the ceiling and the faint smell of disinfectant and sadness.

"Dee!" Gian said with relief, his eyes glassed over.

Then she remembered. She was in an accident, that felt far away but she remembered it. When she slowly descended into that heavy darkness she thought that that was the end. Here she was alive and Gian was with her, her only friend. She was overwhelmed with gratitude. She was alive! Tears pricked her eyes.

"Gian, I'm alive" she whispered between her tears, "You saved me?" 

"This is my fault," He said kissing her hand, his tears leaving stains there. 

"It can't be. You weren't there." She said turning her hand to caress his chin. "You would think the motorcycle would do this to me, but it was a hit and run. This guy was about to rear end my car so I swerved and as I swerved I hit the railing, then the one that was about to rear end me just kept going, it hit me and I spun out. I wish I'd gotten a license plate number or something." She said. "Does my mom know?" 

"Yes, she and your sister just left to get you some fresh clothes. You've been out since yesterday."

"Are they angry?" She asked.

"No, babe, it's not your fault."

At that moment a nurse came in with a tray of food, "Good morning, Sweetheart." She said jovially. It was her Aunt Lisa; Delia must be at Florida Memorial Hospital.

"Auntie Lisa!" She said as her aunt put down the tray next to the bed. She leaned down and hugged her.

"Oh honey, your mama was so afraid for you, but I knew you were going to pull through. You're auntie's little fighter." She smiled lovingly at her niece. "Ever since Delia was born she kept hitting stuff, falling off stuff or getting into something and every time it had happened her mama worried," She said looking at Gian now. "I told her that that little girl was a fighter, got thick skin."

This caused Gian to smile proudly at his mate.

"I brought you some real food, it's just soup. You're stomach isn't ready for anything big, and of course I brought you some Jell-O, cherry. Now I've got to go." 

Lisa Camden wasn't a particularly tall women she had wide hips and slight shoulders, her eyes were round and her lips thin, she resembled more, Denise than anyone in Delia's family that Gian had met.

She leaned down and gave Delia a peck on the cheek, "If you don't remember nothing I tell you, you remember this; No matter what you going through, you going to be alright, because you're a strong girl, Auntie's little fighter."

"Thanks Auntie," Delia said smiling. It was nothing like family to make her feel better. 

Her words seemed ominous to Gian as that sinking feeling occurred to him. He should have listened to it that night on south beach, he should have told her to just go to bed and maybe today he would have been having lunch at the mall with her not sitting in a hospital room watching her slurp loudly at soup with a head bandage. He smiled to himself, was her slurping at it purposely to be silly or does she really slurp soup like that?





***





Stefan was successful. He was extremely surprised and grateful. It was a reluctant gratefulness to Durante. It was only moral to spare the life of an innocent but morality seemed a blurred concept to someone as antiquated as Durante. He phased to Durante's home in New York, just as the sun was setting, and Durante was getting up for the night. The word from the hospital was that Delia was in stable condition, with mild head trauma and a few fractured bones. Gian was at her side all day and had no clue of Stefan's plan and even less about his unemployment. 

After going through the maze of security, flunkies, and constituents Stefan was finally able to speak with Durante.

"Mr. Romano, I have no more business with you. What is the occasion?" He said in Italian as he walked into the large round office. 

He stopped, leaned against the large oak desk and settled his piercing gaze on the man before him. Durante was a big man in presence but in reality he resembled Don Draper in the Mad Men television show. His suit was tailored and expensive his hair was trimmed and neatly styled. He had perfect posture and an even perfect speech. The room permeated with his presence.

"My business here is only that of severance payment." Stefan said boldly.

Durante chuckled darkly, "How much is that you seek? One hundred, two hundred thousand? Money is no issue, my son is. You've failed to do what I ask and for that I am disappointed but you have served me well in the past. So, for this I will grant you your 'severance pay'."

Stefan's eyes almost bugged at the sound of the amount. Part of him wanted to take the money and go, but at what cost to the girl? She's done nothing but offered much needed companionship to his son.

Stefan shook his head. "I don't want your money." This caused Durante to lift an eyebrow at the refusal. "I ask for a favor. Gian's girl is not dead."

Durante's eyes flashed anger but he kept a stoic expression as he listened to the rest of Stefan's request. "She is severely hurt and would have bled to death had not Gian saved her. You've made it clear that you don't want them together and she fully understands the peril of her life if she should stay. I ask that you spare her. She is young and will forget about Gian. She will live her life never bothering your son."

"How can you be assured that Gian will stay away from her?" He asked.

Stefan smirked, "Isn't that the job of the man who has taken my position?"

Durante looked at his past employee for an insufferably long time before granting Stefan's request on the condition that the girl leaves Gian's life for good. Now, the hard part was convincing Gian it was the right thing to do.

"If she as much as attempt to contact my son, I will have her blood for dinner." With that he dismissed Stefan. 

Stefan began to walk out. He was content to simply do that but there was something he was burning to ask. He stopped just at the door and turned to Durante. "Mr. Contiello, Have you considered the idea that this girl may be a great help in getting Giancarlo on the right track?"

"Impossible," He quickly replied his green eyes glinting and unwavering, "What will get Gian on the right track is discipline and not to waste his young years following after some girl like a blind puppy. He is Contiello not some little girl's fool."

With that Stefan left, Durante was as stubborn as he was ancient and he'd hear nothing else.





***





It was closer to night time when he had returned, cleaned out his apartment and headed over to the hospital. When he got there police were taking Delia's statement and her family hovered near. From the sound of it she blamed herself, for swerving out the way, for not catching the tag of the guys, even for spilling the coffee. Poor girl, Stefan felt weighed down with guilt. Her face had scratches and her head was wrapped in white gauze, she had dark circles under her eyes and yet she smiled tenderly at Gian who looked even more riddled with guilt than Stefan. He wondered what her reaction will be to the news. He could already fathom Gian's.

"Gian," He said softly from the edge of the room. Gian looked up but so did someone else. 

Stefan caught the gaze of the girl sitting next to Delia's mom; he assumed it was her sister. She looked completely different from her kin. She had Delia's complexion but that was it. She had round eyes the color of bark flanked with the longest lashes he'd ever seen. Her nose was short and round like Delia's but her lips were a thin curvy cupid's bow, which noticeably smirked back at him. Something stirred within him, he knew what it was. He smirked to himself; his mate was a twenty year old girl. Oh, the irony.



***





Stefan called him from the entrance way. Gian was reluctant to leave Delia's side but he wanted to know Stefan had done. When they'd first come to the hospital Stefan came in and quickly told Gian that he'd had a plan. Now he was anxious to know what it was. He excused himself, giving Delia's hand a supportive squeeze then slipped out with Stefan. He led them to a quiet hall in the hospital with little foot traffic.

"Gian," Stefan said slowly, "I've worked it out with your father."

That sinking feeling rose in his chest again, Gian was not going to like what Stefan had to say. "...and?" He said.

"Your father will leave her alone; let her live a free life, a happy one..." Stefan paused he didn't want to tell him. "...but you cannot see her again."

Gian was shaking his head before the words left his mouth. "No," He said, "it's not an option."

"Gian," Stefan sighed, "You must be reasonable. As long as you are together he will try again and again to kill her. If you think it's unbearable to see her hurt now then you can't fathom the pain of seeing her from a casket. It is the only way."

Gian could feel his heart squeezing in his chest. The voices he hadn't heard since he met Delia came back with a vengeance. 'You've fucked up' they screamed. "Stefan, I can't-I can't do that." Gian said pacing the floor in front of him. "We've got to think of something else. We can run away me and Delia. We can change out names be different people. I just can't leave her."

"Gian, listen to yourself. For once don't be selfish. Will you ask her to leave everything? Leave everyone and never come back? She doesn't even know what you are. What will happen when you find your mate? Where will she be then? I understand that it feels real now but it is better for the both of you if you end it."

Gian stopped in front of Stefan. His eyes, so much like his father's, pleaded with him, "She is my mate. I can't just leave her. She's apart of me." His eyes were glassing over as he further began to realize that this may be the right thing to do. This would tear him up inside. She was the first one to see him, to see to the root of him. She was his first real friend.

Stefan suspected as much but to hear him say that they were mates made his heart break for him. Stefan knew the pain of giving up something he loved the most; he deals with it every waking moment. Stefan also knew that the sacrifice was for the best and proves that every day of his existence. "Kid, did I ever tell you how I became...one of your kind?" Stefan said leaning against the wall of the hall.

"In New York, I was a kid like you. I just didn't give a fuck. My mom didn't care about me, I was just another mouth to feed to her, my dad he was long dead and I thought that there was nothing for me. School was nothing and I dropped out as soon as I could. I ended up joining the gang my father was part of at about eleven. I thought I was grown then. I was just out doing stupid things, but it made me money and fast. 

I bought my mom anything she wanted I made sure the bills were paid and she could feed my brothers and sister. No matter how I put my life on the line to make money for her she saw me as a piece of shit, just like my father. When I was seventeen I left and never went back. My life spiraled after that. I'd moved up from selling drugs, to selling girls, to selling stolen cars. I did so much foul shit that I did anything to forget. You name it I've done it. I would go weeks in like this drug-induced stupor. I was reckless, making enemies left and right, and I was becoming a liability to the gang. 

One day I met this girl, Sarah, she saw something in me that no one ever did. I was trying to make her one of my girls but she was smarter than that. She was a college student, a little thing. Sarah was sweet and everything I wasn't. I thought I didn't deserve her but when she smiled at me it was like the sun. I found myself bending over backwards for her and I hadn't even had sex with her yet.

Time passed and Sarah graduated and somehow she brought me to this place where nothing mattered but her. I got her pregnant a year after she graduated and we had a son, Antonio. That was when I decided I couldn't live the life I was. I got a real job, with her help. A friend of Sarah's parents got me a job as a valet at Waldorf Towers. I was clean and on the straight and narrow. I'd even went back to get my GED. The funny thing about gangs though, is once you're in it; it will always come back for you. 

Once word about my valet gig got out, my brothers came by wanting me to help them chop some of the foreign cars that I come by. It was tempting, valet money was shit and I wanted to take care of my family. I finally caved and agreed. They marked a Vanquish that came in my only job was to park it with the rear left door open and continue on with my job. I was all set to do that when the Vanquish pulled up, but then this man got out. He was nicely dressed but something about him reminded me of me, of what I could've been what I could be. He stepped out and opened the door for a woman, the way they looked at each other with so much love, reminded me of the love I had for Sarah. Then the woman opened the back seat for their child and that man's face lit up. 

I realized that I couldn't do it. I couldn't go back to that old life when I could give my family this one. So I parked their car locking the doors and went on with business. Fast forward the next day and my brothers were back. They were counting on that car to cash out. I heard word they were tailing it. That day the woman and her son took the car. They cut through a back road to get to F.A.O. Schwartz when they stopped her. I followed along; I had to protect that man's family. One of the shot-callers walked up to the window and pulled a gun. I wasn't sure what to do I wasn't armed. 

My brother he cocked the gun and aimed and I swear I swallowed my heart then. I could see the pure fear in the woman's eyes I saw Sarah in her eyes, her son began to cry and I heard the cries of Antonio and I acted. I charged my brother and screamed for the woman to get the hell out of dodge. She wasted no time doing a three point turn and high tailing out. I was quickly kicked in the stomach and a fist connected with my jaw. Then I heard the gun shot before the pain exploded through my chest. 

I was hit; I could feel my lungs filling with blood. I fell to the ground coughing up puddles of it. I could see the car off in the distance and at that moment I knew I was going to die. I saw the brake lights fire up on the car then it came speeding backwards. It mowed down three of the men and crashed into the car they used to barricade the road. The car speed forward then reversed hitting more until they were all injured reaching for their guns. The car door whipped open and she hopped out, she was shrieking frantically on the phone as she hurriedly opened the back door.

"Jaime, get in the front and keep down!" She shouted to her crying child who quickly obeyed out of fear. With strength I didn't know she had she dragged me into the back seat where I passed out.

To make a long story short I woke up as one of your kind. In an effort to save my life the man, whose name I found out was Mason, changed me into a vampire. He was extremely grateful. I had sacrificed everything for his family. It took me longer to realize the depth of my sacrifice. In order to keep the heat away from Sarah and my son I had to make my brothers believe I was dead. I couldn't ever see them again. 

It was for the best. Sarah went onto marry a lawyer, he takes good care of my son. They live in the Upper East Side. Antonio he's in college, political science. He even has a girlfriend. I'm so proud of him. I also know that I couldn't have given him any of that. It tears me apart to this day but I never regretted it." 

"Your son? You keep tabs on him?" Gian asked not ready to face his own sacrifice.

"It's the only thing that keeps me from giving up. Gian, you and I are alike. I can't tell you that it gets easier because it doesn't, but I can tell you that you get stronger and you'll be happy because she's happy. You'll keep moving on because she will."

"How am I going to tell her? How can I make her understand?"

"She won't," Stefan answered, "Not at first, but she'll move on. She will be happy."

"Is it selfish to say that that's what will hurt the most. to see her move on without me." Gian said, his gaze trained on the floor beneath him.

"It only feels like that now. When she loses you she'll be just as sad but when she moves on, it will make you feel better to see her smile again."

"Stefan, I-" He started but tears paused the words in his throat, "I don't know if I'm strong enough to-to let her go." He ended on a sob.

Stefan heart broke. He threw his arm around him in an embrace, one of true affection.

"I'll be there, I promise." Stefan said.





***





Delia rolled her eyes and threw her head back onto the pillow; it was as if they got some sort of sick pleasure out of embarrassing her.

"I'mma kill 'em, Officer Delgato." Her mother said earnestly.

"Ma, you can't tell an officer of the law that you're going to kill someone." Delia said knowing her mother wasn't listening.

"I swear it! You don't hit my little girl and think you can get away with it. I'm going to have to kill them."

"She's not a little girl." Denise said at the same time the officer laughed good-naturedly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Delia asked Denise while the Officer assured her mother it won't be necessary.

"Dee, you stay getting offended at stuff, I'm not calling you fat. I'm on your side." Denise said snidely while Ms. Camden said, "You' better find them before I do."

"Well, you stay insulting me, I'm just saying."

"Dee, don't be so sensitive," Her mama said jumping into the conversation at the same time her sister told the officer, "When you find them, kick them good in the balls for me, will ya? That was my car too."

"Mom," Dee said, "Let's not forget I'm the one in the hospital bed" while Ms. Camden was telling Denise, "must you say balls, find a better word, you're going to make the officer think I raised you in a damn brothel,"




GianCarlo Ch. 04



"That's not an excuse to be Ms. Stop-Picking-On-Me all the time," Denise was telling her sister. 

While Dee said to her mom, "Ma, He's not going to think we were raised in a brothel He'll think that Denise has low morale character."

"No one in my house have low moral character," Ms. Camden said at the same time Denise told Dee, "Now who's insulting."

"Alright, Alright" The officer said seeming to have had enough, "That's all we'll need. We'll let you know if we find anything.

"Thanks," Dee said gratefully

"Thanks," Denise said muttering 'for nothing' under her breath

"Thanks," Ms. Camden said sincerely





***





"How am I supposed to tell her?" Gian asked Stefan. They stood close to the entry of Delia's hospital room they could hear Delia saying her goodbyes to her family and Gian's heart beat faster with nervousness. He wished he didn't have to do this.

"I'm not sure about the how. Try telling her the truth, if that doesn't work lie your ass off."

"Should I tell her about the vampire stuff, or even mention my father wanted her dead?"

"I-I can't answer that for you, just make it as painless as possible for her." Stefan said sympathizing with Gian. 

That was when Ms. Camden and Denise shuffled out and Stefan's gaze locked onto hers. Everything in him had already claimed Denise as his. She gave him the soft mischievous smile that all the Camden women have somehow mastered.

"I cannot thank you enough, Gian," Ms. Camden was saying as she pulled Gian into an embrace Gian gave her a sad smile.

"You stop by sometime and I'll make you dinner as a thanks." She said. The thought of it made Gian's heart swell with sadness. If things were different he wouldn't have hesitated. He would have loved to see Delia's chagrined expression as Ms. Camden and Denise spilled about Delia's country music phase or something equally as embarrassing. But he never will. Everything with Delia, what was and what could have been ended tonight. His heart was breaking.

"Ask me my name," Denise whispered conspiratorially to Stefan.

"I already know it," Stefan said with a mischievous smile of his own.

"Well then...ask me for my number." She whispered back, her eyes dancing down his body. She was flirting.

"I know that, too" The way her gaze devoured him made him want to blush and he was a grown ass man.

"Should I be scared?" She asked smiling a bit wider.

"Only if you don't know me, and you will." Stefan said flirting with her easily, "I'm Stefano Romano." He held out his hand for her.

Denise, more intrigued by him than she has been with any guy, put her hand in his. He didn't so much shake it rather running his thumb over her knuckles and gave her a look that made her melt.

"It was nice meeting you, Denise." He said.

"But¬-," She started but was stopped when her mother said, "Let's go Denise, we still have to stop by Auntie Sandy house to let her know Dee is alright."

Gian and Stefan watched them both walk away. Denise threw glances over her shoulder at Stefan making him smile.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Gian said, 

"She's your mate, isn't she." 

"Why do you say that?" Stefan asked trying not to make Gian feel shitty.

Gian rolled his eyes, "and wipe the stupid grin off your face." He threw over his shoulder as he walked into the room.





***





"Dun-Dun-Da-Dun, It's Captain Save the Day," Delia teased when Gian walked in. She wanted to cheer him up; somehow he was taking it harder than she was. "My mom swears you're like Clark Kent or something."

Gian came and sat down on the bed near her, barely smiling at her ribbing. Something was wrong. She saw Gian's (brother?) take a position in the corner of the room and Knew that something had to be really wrong. Stefan just stood there not making eye contact with either of them. She could feel it, the mood in the room had shifted and she wasn't sure if she could handle what would come next.

"Gian what's wrong?" She asked switching her attention to Gian. He said nothing for a while. She reached for his hand, holding it in hers. Gian closed his eyes as if he was reveling in her touch.

"Okay, you can't be taking this accident that hard, I'm the one in the bed." She said chuckling slightly.

"Delia I..." He started then stopped to open his eyes to look at her. He really did have beautiful eyes, maybe his gaze was a little too piercing but that was her Gian and she loved it. 

He shifted where he sat and started again, "Remember when you asked me about my father?"

"Yeah," She answered not sure where he was going with this.

"My father, he's a...he's just a dick, an evil, vindictive prick. He also happens to be one of the most powerful men on the east coast and a good portion of Europe. He has constantly and will continue to somehow have control of my life," Gian's gaze trailed away from her as if he was looking beyond her as he spoke more and more quickly. "He somehow shits on everything and I don't think I'll ever get away. It might be imp-"

Delia squeezed his hand gently, "Calm down, it's alright." She comforted.

He refocused on her, sadness apparent on his face. "That's just it, it won't be alright,"

"What are you trying to say?" A cold stone of fear dropped in her stomach

"My father did this to you, those black cars were his lackeys," He spoke slowly as to let the information sink in.

"You're father tried to kill me?" She asked not sure if she believed him. She knew he was telling the truth but she couldn't wrap her mind around it. Gian doesn't joke like this. There was actually someone who wanted her dead for whatever reason. It felt terrifyingly surreal. Her world seemed to shift on its axis. "But he doesn't even know me? What did I do?" Delia hadn't realized that she was tearing up until Gian wiped an escaped tear.

"He did it because, you were with me. He doesn't approve of you as my m-friend. For the most part I didn't give a shit and he tried to make you pay."

"Will I be alright? Should I tell Officer Delgato?" Delia's heart sped up in her chest as she imagined what this could mean for her. Will he try again? Will she have to go into hiding? Will she never see her family again? Will he eventually kill her? One minute she was in the safe cocoon of her family and the next her life was held precariously by some powerful Italian man she hadn't even met.

"The police can't do anything," Gian said hating the fear he saw in her eyes, "Don't be scared, as long as I live and breathe he will never hurt you."

"But..."

"I made a deal with him; As long as I stay away from you he won't harm you."

"Stay away from me forever?" Delia asked. Somehow that sounded worse. Will she never get to see him again? She'd only known Gian for a couple months but life without him seemed unfathomable, but life with him was dangerous. Delia couldn't catch her breath.

"But-but what if I met him, I could convince him that I'm alright. I'm a good person. I can convince him that black girls aren't what he thinks, or-or I can convince him that just because I'm not super rich I can still be..." Delia said trying to think of any reason his father wouldn't approve of her. "I can do something." She said finally. Delia was crying and she wasn't sure when she had started.

"As good as it sounds nothing will persuade him." Gian said bringing her hand up to his lips to kiss them somehow calming the storm brewing inside her leaving nothing but heavy sadness.

"You can't! You can't leave; if you do he will always control you." She said frantically then continued softly, "You can't let him do that."

"I can't risk your life, that's something I won't do." Gian replied his voice not as stable as before.

"Please don't leave me," Delia said barely over a whisper as tears ran down her face.

Gian let out a shaky breath, the sound of his resolve breaking. He reached down and wiped away her tears. Delia grabbed his wrist and pulled him into an embrace. His warmth and scent permeated through her body as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. He was hurting her but she didn't care. This could very well be the last time she saw Gian, the last time she'd hug him, feel him, and touched him. 

She sobbed into his shoulder. She sobbed until she was exhausted, until the weight of all that happened in the last 42 hours crashed down on her. Yet she didn't let go, not yet. She fell asleep tangled in Gian's arms and in the morning he was gone. Gian was gone from her life for good.



GianCarlo Ch. 05



[Author's Note: I'm so sorry for the delay. Again my crappy computer crapped out on me...AGAIN! I explain everything on my blog also a little contest on there as well. Please forgive me and enjoy. :-)] 

*

Denise couldn't quite put a finger on Stefan and she kind of liked that about him. She stood in front of her tall mirror getting dressed to pick up Delia from the hospital, hoping to run into Stefan. She was almost positive she would. Gian was like Delia's tail and Stefan was his. She wasn't sure just how to woo Stefan. Did she go for sweet girl, flirty minx, or sexy vixen? Denise went with flirty minx, its what she did best. She slipped on a bright sundress that was a bit too short and strappy sandals. She was brushing her short straightened hair when her mother yelled out.

"Nise! Don't have your sister waiting out there like nobody love her."

Denise rolled her eyes, "I'm leaving now, mama!"

Denise walked by the kitchen where Ms.Camden was cooking when she said, "don't give him none."

"Who are you talking about?" Denise asked stopped in her tracks by the comment.

Her mom simply gave a look, "Whoever you wearing that dress for."

Denise gave her mom an exasperated look before leaving. Somehow her mama always knew, and at the same time she didn't. There were somethings about Denise that she'd take to her grave never having told her mama, she couldn't break her heart.

Denise pulled up to the hospital and when she walked into the lobby Delia was already there in a wheelchair with a nurse. Even all patched up Dee looked worse than she did when she went in. Her eyes were sunken and lifeless and her normally vivacious personality seemed non existent. She looked empty. More so, Denise noticed her lack of tail. Gian was nowhere in sight neither was Stefan. Denise's stomach sank, something was wrong, and it was huge.

***

Earlier that morning around two or three Gian had finally managed to untangle himself from Delia and leave. There were so many emotions he hadn't felt in a long time, things he tried to forget like crushing loneliness, hopelessness, and dark self-hatred. He sooner stormed out the hospital not giving Stefan a glance. He was overwhelmed, he stomped out, his steps becoming determined and suddenly he knew where he was headed.

Stefan knew where the kid was going and followed him out the building. The more they walked the faster Gian's angered pace became until Stefan caught up, grabbing his shoulder to slow him down. In a whirl of anger Gian spun and lashed out at Stefan, shoving him in the chest.

"Leave me alone! This is your fault!"

"Okay, blame me, but do not go out and ruin your life over this! You can get pass this!"

"You don't fucking get it do you?" Gian shouted back before the last words were out of Stefan's mouth. "She was my life! Before her I was nothing and now I'm nothing so fuck it!" Gian took off again his walk angry and determined. 

"You want her back, Gian!? Then you've gotta man up! You cant run off like a scared little bitch every time your daddy take something away from you."

Gian turned and lashed again shoving Stefan once, then again. "Fuck you! You're the one who told me I needed to give her up. You said it was the right thing to do, but I'm the bitch? You're so full of shit!" 

The desire to take out his hurt and frustration on Stefan burned in his chest but deep inside he knew that, at this moment, Stefan was the only one to give a fuck about him. Gian turned and picked up his stride more determined than before to find that something that would numb the pain even for a night.

"Gian, a man wouldn't skulk away to lick his wounds, to fuck some chick for the poison in her veins. No, a man would step up and play the game. Do you even understand why your father did this? He wanted you to straighten up so you can take over his company."

"Play the game!?" Gian asked incredulously. 

The picture Stefan painted was becoming clear to him but he still held on to his anger, rather it hung onto him. He was entitled to it, he was entitled to lashing out, because no one had to witness a murder attempt on their mate that night and no one, other than him, had to voluntarily give their mate up that night. So he'd earned a right to his anger.

"Stefan, I cant-cant play this stupid game! I cant put on my good boy face and bide my time on the off chance that my father would give enough leeway to have Delia. Even if I did I'd have to take that small chance that she may want me back, and honestly, after tonight, she probably hates me."

"Kid, what else do you got? You either take that small chance or say good bye to her forever."

Gian was faced again with a dilemma. He didn't want to choose either but he knew Delia was worth that chance. He was still so angry with the turn of events, he still blamed himself and all he wanted was to hold Delia again, to smell her warm coconut skin and to kiss her soft lips.

"Is it truly appropriate to have a shouting match so publicly?" Gian heard a voice say in Italian. 

He turned to see a lanky short man with his dark hair slicked back and beady eyes making his way over to them.

"Who the fuck are you!?" Gian asked with barely contained aggravation. The man opened his mouth to answer but the reply came from Stefan.

"This is the man he reported sighting you with Delia, he's the reason Delia's in the hospital now all for a measly payout of two thousand dollars. He's also the guy who took my job." There was amusement in Stefan voice as he could already foresee what would happen next.

Within the second something snapped inside Gian, maybe it was his grasp on reality or maybe it was the crumble of the last fuck he had to give but Gian, with all the anger he possessed, pounced on the guy, knocking him to the ground. Gian easily over powered him and began landing blows to the man's face. All Gian could see was red, all he could feel was hatred. It took all of Stefan's strength to pull Gian off of him.

"I dare you! I fucking dare you, bitch! Come around me again, come around Delia again, I will fuck you up so bad, motherfucker! Don't you ever let me see you! You better be a ghost around this bitch! I swear!" 

Gian kept up the shouting until Stefan dragged him far enough away from the fallen man that his anguished moans could barely be heard.

***

Delia was quiet the whole ride, she barely spoke a word. The silence was thick but Denise hadn't dared to ask the problem. She felt a little tinge of guilt. She had been more excited to see Stefan than she had been worried about her sister.

Delia felt empty. She didn't know when it happened but somehow Gian had merged with everything sunny and bright about her and now that he was gone she felt nothing but pain and emptiness. Denise pulled up to the house and Delia's heart wrenched. The mangled remnants of their little jeep sat in the front lawn, a monument to the moment that took Gian away, more so, that almost took her life. 

Denise parked and regarded her sister empathetically but Delia's eye were fixed on the car. She got out and walked over to it as if in a daze. Denise couldn't imagine the thoughts running through Delia's head but thought she owed her an explanation.

"Its only here until the insurance company comes to inspect it," Denise said softly. 

The moments passed by quietly as Delia kept staring. On closer glance it was macabre, with its blood and coffee stained seats. There was a dark trail of dried blood on the window where she'd smashed her head and scraps of her ruined dress on the shattered glass of the passenger window. She assumed it was where Gian had pulled her out. Gian, who had saved her, Gian, who's father caused this. Her heart wretched painfully. 

She didn't realize it but she'd began to cry, the tears staining her cheeks. With nothing else to do Denise slid her hand into Delia's holding it tight. Denise wasn't particularly affectionate but she knew she needed to offer some solace.

"He tried to kill me," came Delia's small voice, "Gian's father. Gian saved me."

Shocked and concerned, Denise's first instinct was to question her sister but decided against it. She was probably traumatized.

"I'm fine, he wont try again, I-I just needed to tell someone, you know. It doesn't feel real. It all happened so fast." Delia's voice cracked into sobs.

****

Delia went inside and fell into bed where she stayed for a week, moving only to go to the bathroom or shower. She worried her mom and more so her sister. They had made a deal with each other, the twins, to not tell their mother and spare her the pain of knowing but that didn't subside Denise's fears. She checked on Delia constantly, afraid every time to find her victim to some assassination. Unfortunately, Delia was doing more harm to her self. She refused to eat her first day out of the hospital. Second day all she had was a glass of water her mother had given her, and by the third day Denise had managed to force feed her two spoonfuls of soup before Delia rolled over and sobbed into her pillow.

Finally worried beyond belief Ms.Camden walked into Delia's room. She felt as helpless as her little girl. She sat on the bed next to Delia, thinking how young and broken she looked.

"Come here," She said pulling Delia into her arms holding her. Delia complied holding on to her mother. In her arms it felt like home. The smell of sweet flowers and cinnamon surrounded her.

"You know, I don't remember the last time I held you." Ms. Camden said, more to herself. "You and your sister, you guys are so strong, so independent I forget sometimes that you're only twenty." 

Ms. Camden stroked her daughters face. She could feel the pain bottled inside of Delia and wanted nothing more to feel it for her so she could go on and be happy again.

"When I was your age I didn't have my mama, I had my sisters but when things got so bad and I didn't know how to go on I wished my mama was back. She'd hold me just like this and tell me 'Dont you fret too much longer, you'll smile again'. I'm glad I'm still around for you baby."

They sat a little longer in the silence, Ms. Camden gently rocking Delia. Before long Delia was sobbing, her heart had opened and all the emotions from that week came pouring out. Her face buried in her mothers shirt she cried for Gian, for losing him, for never seeing him again. She also cried for his father, for Gian always being under his thumb, for the thought that Gian may never see happiness or know freedom. She sobbed until there were no more tears, just soft sad hiccups, until she fell asleep.

***

A few more weeks had passed and Delia wasn't getting any better. She ate but only if she was reminded to and the doctor said it was contributing to her slow healing process. Denise decided that Delia had wallowed long enough. She made her sister a sandwich and stormed the room.

"Dee! Enough of this bullshit! You need to eat something." Denise said.

Delia groaned into her pillow something that sounded like 'leave me alone'.

"Get your ass up and eat this!" 

Delia sat up frowning at her sister before snatching the sandwich taking a bite and throwing it back down on the plate. She chewed, swallowed, and then yelled for Denise to get out.

"Okay, don't eat it if you want to but don't be crying when all your precious hair fall out from malnutrition and you look like one of them tortured barbie dolls from Toy Story."

Delia was silent for a moment then she slowly sat up again and began to eat the sandwich, her frown firmly in place. Delia took a lot of pride in her hair and Denise knew that. She smiled triumphantly at Delia.

"I hate you," Delia muttered around a mouth full of the sandwich.

"Yeah, well at least you won't be baldy skaldy."

****

The month had been a busy one for Stefan, what with the start up of his company, the new apartment, and talking Gian off the ledge every three days or so, Stefan had yet to find the time to contact Denise. Yet, she was never far from his mind. He figured it was good to make her wait. God knows how many guys she masochistically made wait for her. Even now his mind wandered toward her. Her playful smile danced in his mind, and those round eyes that promised him so much of whatever she had to offer. More so, Stefan felt excitement. He was excited at the prospect of not being alone anymore, having someone to talk to and to share his life with, his experiences. He couldn't wait to hold her on quiet evenings and tease her every chance he got.

The ring of his phone shook him out of his thoughts. It had to be almost six in the morning and he was preparing for bed. No one called him at odd hours unless it was prospective clients and Gian. He answered. It was Gian's frantic voice. "Can't I just see her...from afar...just to make sure she's okay? She hasn't been back to work and-and I'm going crazy over here!"

"Okay, Okay calm down," Stefan said sighing inwardly. He was glad that Gian even bothers to call. It means he's giving it the good ol' college try but he was becoming a bit needy. 

"Delia is fine, she's still healing and her family is taking care of her. Going around her will only put her in jeopardy. What you should do is find yourself some business. Do something constructive. Try registering for online school or something."

Gian sighed, he was restless and paranoid. He couldn't sleep and had no desire to leave his apartment. He spent most of his days pacing and thinking of Delia. "I'll try but can you do me a favor? Please, just please check on her, tell me how she's doing, tell me if that prick's got a tail or her or something."

"Okay, I will, just try to get some sleep and do what I told you. Get some business...okay...bye." Stefan rubbed his eyes after hanging up, he was going to take his own advice.

****

Stefan woke early that afternoon. He had a few errands to run and most of it included businesses that closed at five. Even after years of being a vampire he wasn't comfortable with the hours he had to keep. First place he needed to go was to his CPA to finalize a few things before he was officially in business. His attorney was a vampire as well but he kept human hours. There wasn't much of a vampire populace in South Florida for obvious reasons.

Next was a stop to the indie stationary store in North Miami, his order was ready. It was the little things that excited him. He'd worked long for the time when he'd start his own business and now it was realized. Stefan walked into the shop in the dim evening light and was surprised to see Denise there. She was leaning over the corner speaking in low tones to the clerk, a small Asian girl with bright red hair and barely concealed tattoos.

"Yeah, totally" The clerk whispered to Denise quietly.

"I was thinking it would be awesome. This party is going to be amazing especially with you running the tattoo bar."

"Damn, can I be your sister? " The clerk asked causing them both to laugh.

"Its in two months so I'll call you before then, okay?" Denise said before turning to run smack into Stefan. 

"Where's my invite?" Stefan said when Denise gaze locked on him. She paused in shock then smiled at him. That was the smile that haunted his thoughts.

"I thought you forgot about me." She said.

"Never,"

It was the way he said it mixed with the heated glance he gave that made a shiver skip down her back. She found herself staring at his lips they were thin, perfectly shaped lips complimented by a strong chin and bright hazel eyes. Then she remembered she was going to cold shoulder him. He'd ignored her for a month. She was a hot stuff, she didn't have to wait for any guy. Something inside her said that she'd wait for him and, gosh, she hated that it was true.

"How's Delia?" Stefan asked.

"She's...dealing." She answered with a small frown.

"That bad?" 

"She's not eating, not sleeping, and because of that not healing. Did you know that...it wasn't an accident?" Denise whispered the last part. You never know who's lurking around.

"She told you that?" Stefan asked wondering how much Denise knew.

"That's all she told me. I know that's very scary but..."

"But what?" Stefan asked when Denise didn't say anything.

"But Dee isn't acting like a person who's scared or paranoid she's acting like..."

"She's in love." Stefan finished with a small frown of his own.

"Yeah," Denise agreed giving him a funny look. She was just as observant as her twin only she seemed to be the twin who'd demand answers. 

"What are you saying?" Denise asked.

"Let me pick up my order and I'll explain over coffee. That's if you're up to it." With a mischievous grin Denis agreed.

***

They'd found this little coffee shop where Denise knew the owner's son a few blocks down. It was small, full of tattooed hipsters and their organic this or that. Denise got them two Cuban espressos and cookies on the house. They sat outside in the dying evening and watched the people walk past. Stefan felt a little out of place in his button down and dark khakis, but one glance at Denise and it was forgotten.

"So, Delia and Gian was a thing, right?" She asked immediately.

"I...They-" Stefan started but was quickly cut off by Denise.

"I knew it!" She said, "She was always talking about him, they kissed, you know."

"How much did Delia tell you?"

"Not much," She said sitting back regarding Stefan. He realized she was studying him, reading him like a book. She continued, "She's not an open kind of person, Dee."

"She's not allowed to see, Gian" Stefan said. Denise was going to glean the truth from anything he said anyways so he decided that being upfront was his best option, he noted it.

Denise took a sip, "That makes sense, explains how she's been acting. This is because of that whole attack thing. Is Gian's father like Mafia?"

"No, but he might as well be. He's just a powerful business man, very powerful."

"Business must be good." Denise said, Stefan chuckled. "I worry about my sister, it keeps me up. I wonder why she isn't as worried."

"She knows that Gian would first die before he lets anything harm her."

Denise eyes squinted a bit as she studied him a bit more, "That may be enough for her but not for me," Is all she said but what Stefan heard was, 'He didn't stop the first attack so I'm not certain he could stop any others.'

"I'm his fail safe," Stefan said with a smirk and this seemed to ease her a bit.

"Are you guys brothers or something? Why do you hang around him?" She asked.

"I'm his...brother, but no by blood. As in, he needs someone to care about him someone he can run to and that's me."

"Mmm," Was all she said. She liked what she heard.

They fell into a comfortable silence. Denise finding no shame in it, picked up his box of stationary and opened it. Inside written in clean professional calligraphy were sheets and envelopes with the the words 'Romano LPI Inc.'

"LPI?" Denise asked

"Licensed Professional Investigator, Its my new business."

"So did you always want to get a job on that show Cheaters or did you watch too many Noir films."

Stefan chuckled, "Its not that kind of Investigations. I'll be either contracted by attorneys for criminal defense investigation or due diligence for investors."

"So, you're the paper pusher sort of investigator, sounds thrilling." She said sarcastically.

Stefan laughed, "what about you Ms. I-Know-The-Owner, what's your "thrilling" dream job."

Denise sighed, "I don't know just yet, maybe something artsy, something where I can travel, something with as little paper work as possible." 

"Uh-Huh, good luck with that." He said teasing her.

She laughed good natured-ly,"So you suggest I get a regular nine to five like everyone else?"

"I suggest you do what you love, what do you love?"

"Oh, you know, the same things most people love, I guess" She answered nonchalantly. Her eyes seemed to look straight through him as if she read something in his every move. It wasn't entirely uncomfortable but it did say something about her.




GianCarlo Ch. 05



"You don't trust me," Stefan said blatantly.

It came out of left field but Denise quickly answered, "I don't know you."

"You're not trying to get to know me either."

"What? I'm sitting here having coffee with you, aren't I?"

"But you're just waiting for me to make all the conversation before you let on anything about yourself." He said hitting the nail on the head. 

Denise raised an eyebrow, "Then tell me, Professor X, why I would do that?"

"Professor X?" He asked with a small smile.

"Yeah because you're trying to read...my...mi-anyways, why do you think I'd do that?"

He chuckled at her, "I don't know, you're afraid that I won't like the real you, you're trying to pin me down so you could, I don't know, become what you think I'd want."

"You missed your calling there, Mr. Romano. You'd make a great head shrink."

"Do people say head shrink?"

"Up north I think, I hear it in movies. I imagine psychologist performing some laid back version of a shrunken heads ritual."

Stefan threw his head back with laughter, "I guess that's your sense of humor?"

She gave a small smile, "Yeah, I guess you can say that."

The smile he gave her was a genuine one and not the practiced yet very sexy smirk she'd given him. He liked how it truly lit up her eyes.

Denise leaned in conspiratorially, "Do you really want to know me?" 

Stefan smiled, "What are you thinking?"

***

Denise knew of this party that was going on that night. She had wanted to check it out but didn't want to go stag. Stefan convinced Denise that she didn't have to bus it to the place and they hopped in his car to go. Denise led him to the warehouse district behind the freeway. The streets around that area were deserted and illumined by old strung up street lights. 

"Don't worry, murder alley is on the other side of town." She said causing him to chuckle. 

Stefan was a grown man and vampire to boot, he could handle himself. What concerned him was the thought of his mate coming to these places alone. They pulled up to a small parking lot with a dozen or so cars but not a soul in sight. It was a five minute walk to what looked like an abandoned warehouse.

She paused just outside the door to give him a reassuring look. "You sure you want to come? I don't want you to..." She stopped not sure how to put what she meant in words.

"Don't worry about me, I'm along for the ride." Stefan said taking her hand in his. At his touch Denise whole body hummed with something akin to excitement. She knocked on the door and a short dreaded white guy with large ear gauges opened the door.

"Chad!" Denise greeted. The guy smiled and embraced Denise.

"It's been awhile, kid, Did you fall off the face of the earth?" 

"Chad this is my date, Stefan. He's one of the good ones so don't give him no shit." She said taking Stefan's hand again.

"The good ones?" Chad said eyeing him. Stefan instantly didn't like him. "He looks like bacon to me."

Denise rolled her eyes, "He's not a cop, just let us in." 

After Chad let them in, they walked down the corridor. Well out of ear shot, Stefan asked, "Does he have something to be paranoid over?"

Denise gave him a smirk, "A lot of things."

As they approached the door at the end of the corridor, passing by half-drunk lovers and people on phones, the music became louder. When they entered, the deep bass of dub-step music surrounded them. The place was a veritable haven for alternative culture. In the middle of the warehouse was a DJ on a make shift riser. Surrounding him on both sides were hordes of dancers moving like a sinuous wave. Around the perimeter were little areas where things were bought and sold, from drinks to jewelry. They had side shows here and there with contortionists and illusionists and "specialty bars" like the tattoo bar, the piercing bar, and the henna bar. Lastly, scattered here and there were little lounge areas with worn chairs and re purposed coffee tables. Stefan, feeling a little overwhelmed, looked to Denise who looked delighted, like a kid at a carnival. 

Denise suggested they do a round to see everything. They stopped to watch the twists, shimmy and turns of the contortionists, and watch a little of the illusionists show. All the while, Stefan kept a grip on Denise's hand. He noted that, while Denise didn't know everyone there, she did know most of the people running the shows, bars, and shops. She gladly introduced him as her date and all the reactions ranged from wariness to delight to subtle hostility. The hostile ones all thought that he was another guy trying to get in her pants.

They stopped by a particularly hostile guy to buy drinks.

"Hey Shawn! Gimme two Dem Pink Shits," Denise said as they walked up to a guy with a DIY bar set on a fold-able table. 

He was about Denise's height so Stefan had about four or five inches on him. Shawn was the only other black person there, besides Nise. He had light brown skin and a head of short curls. Stefan didn't like how he looked at Denise or how long he held her when she hugged him. Stefan, so put off by this guy, he almost missed Denise talking to him.

"Stefan, you gotta try this drink, Shawn made it up maybe a couple months ago and asked me to name it. Mind you, I was so drunk at the time." She laughed, oblivious to the way the two guys eyed each other.

Shawn didn't like the look of Stefan either, "Go easy on it, man" he said, "This shit will have you on the ground." 

Stefan couldn't help but think, he'd been drinking since before Shawn was even thought about, nothing he had would put him out. Denise reached into her bra to pull out a few crumpled dollars. Stefan hated how Shawn looked at her a little too closely. He pulled out his own wallet.

"I got this, Nise" Stefan said using the nickname everyone called her, "Yo, how much I owe you?"

"It's twenty." He said eyeing Stefan.

Denise rolled her eyes, Shawn had always had a thing for her but he was not Denise's type. She wasn't attracted to him in the least. She liked strong and silent not artsy and arrogant.

"Stefan, don't listen to him, its only ten." 

"No, I got it." He pulled out a crisp twenty handing it over, "Keep the change."

"He cant," Denise said making her way behind the bar to begin making the drinks. Shawn had taught her how and he always let her make it. She made it a little stronger than he made them. 

"All his profits go to charity, everyone's profits go to charity." She said pouring the contents in a mixer. 

She was about to shake it but Shawn stopped her then proceeded to get behind her and put his hands on hers to teach her the "technique" of shaking. Denise glanced at Stefan under her lashes to give him a look that said she was just as uncomfortable as he was. This made Stefan smile inwardly.

"Uh, thanks, I'm pretty sure I know how to shake...or at least that's what them boys tell me." She laughed at her own joke and Shawn backed away. When Nise turned around to grab a few cups Shawn leaned over the table. 

"If you think she's free game because of those rumors then you got something else coming. If you hurt her I'll hurt you." Shawn said in a hard whisper. All Stefan could do was raise an eyebrow.

"Okay, here taste it." Denise said turning around, having poured the drinks.

It was a thick pink color like Pepto Bismal. He sipped and realized that it was just a mix of Baileys, Tequila, and grenadine. For what it was, a way to get girls drunk as quickly as possible, it was good. Denise and Stefan took their drinks to a lounge area where they had to share the long worn sectional sofa with a couple making out.

"Sorry about Shawn, he could be weird and awkward sometimes...most of the time."

"No, its fine. So profits from this party really go to charity?" He asked seeing, suddenly, a new side to this place.

"All of our parties do. Despite what it looks like we aren't a bunch of self-interested hedonists. Now, we're not like a legit for profit business either, a lot of shady shit do go down here, but our hearts are in the right place."

"You said we, how many is we?"

"About...um...thirty-five at the most ten at the least. We all do our part. Its me Kay, the shopkeeper at the stationary store, Chad, Shawn, Mike, Topher, Steph, Belle, Anderson and.... a few others but they'll all just sound like names to you."

"Damn, so how'd you fall into this...scene?" She took a sip of her drink and gave Stefan a real smile, She was beautiful when she smiled. She was less like a vixen, or a sex symbol and more like a person. Her brown eyes shown and her lips pulled back over perfect teeth. More importantly she was beginning to let him in. He wondered if she'd notice.

"In high school I met Kay. She didn't look like that before. She was more nerdy and seemed like a goody two shoes but we were kindred spirits. It started off as going to rock shows, then sneaking into nightclubs, then on prom night we got brave enough to throw this wild ass party in an abandoned lot. We charged for entrance and made a shitload of money, met a lot of people, and got super shit-faced wasted. We were hooked. We met a few people who believed in the cause and decided to join us. Fast forward to today and we're still going strong, although I and Kay aren't always involved."

"What is the cause? Which charity gets the money?"

Denise eyes glazed over, as if she got lost in a far away memory. Then she came back, eyes focusing again on Stefan. "R.A.I.N.N." She said finally.

Stefan wracked his brain to see if that meant anything to him. He came up short. Denise looked at him and could tell he didn't know what it meant.

"It means Rape Abuse Incest National Network, they help victims of sexual abuse. It...means a lot to us." Denise said the last barely over a whisper. 

She couldn't believe she was telling him this. She just felt comfortable around him. Denise has never met someone who cared. Many guys have said it but it never meant anything, empty words. It was only them trying to say what she wanted to hear. Denise eventually just put forth an effort to believe them, it hurt much less then knowing that you were only as good to them as what you gave up. Stefan was different, his words held weight and he was sexy, that's always a plus, right?

Stefan leaned in, "You wanna dance?" He asked, lightening the mood.

Denise broke into a smile, "Hell Yeah! You know, if you give the DJ a dollar he'll play any song you want, and I mean any. Give him two dollars and he'll mix 'em."

Stefan took the lead this time, pulling Denise through the throng of people on the dance floor to make it to the DJ stand. On one of the speakers sat a little notepad and pen with a jar full of crumpled bills.The paper had a list of songs down the sheet.

"WheeeeeuH", Stefan whistled at the DJ. When the DJ turned his way he'd written on the paper '$5 if you play this song now.' The DJ a young bald Hispanic guy gave him and grin, waggling his brow.

"What song you'd pick?" Denise asked leaning in close, when he returned. Suddenly, the first few drum beats rolled and she knew exactly what it was. Denise threw her head back in laughter.

"I'mma sucker for dance hall," Stefan said close to her ear. 

Denise laughed again, Stefan had requested Mr. Bombastic one of the cheesiest dance hall songs she could think of. As the music continued she slowly came to realize that he wasn't kidding when he said he was into dance hall. Stefan could dance. He wasn't gonna win any dance competitions but he could hold his own. Denise turned around leaning back into his chest as she wined on him. His hips followed hers and he even began to control their rhythm. 

Denise reached back placing a hand behind his head the other on his hand on her hip. They rode the beat together, Stefan surprising her with every switch of his rhythm. Maybe it was that strong ass drink she made or maybe it was being with Stefan that caused the world around them to fade. All that mattered to her was the pace of the beat, the pounding of his heart, and the fan of his breath on her neck. Denise had got lost in him and it felt amazing.

***

"What you know bout that Red Rat?" Denise asked on a smile. 

After a few more songs Stefan had requested another song, surprising Denise. Right now they were walking toward the car having danced all their energy away.

"What? I should be asking you that question, little girl" He said

Denise laughed, "Little girl? I'm not too little, I hope."

"No of course not." He said as they reached the car.

Denise smiled to herself as she leaned against the driver side door. Her eyes slowly closed as she reminisced on the night. The way he was a brave little trooper about this part of her life felt amazing. She hardly ever let any of the guys she dated into this part of her life, it was too close to her heart. Who was this guy to open her heart so quickly? Maybe she was being stupid. Maybe he was playing her like a fiddle. It hurt to think that, but she knew of only one way to find out. It was better to hurt now before she thoroughly fell in love.

"What are you thinking about?" Stefan asked. Denise slowly opened her eyes to see him only a few inches away. He was truly beautiful. Not conventionally of course but he had a rough charm, with his almond shaped hazel eyes, firm brow and long nose. His skin had a light olive tone and his dark brown hair was cut low. His face was square and had a shadow of a beard on his jaw. His lips were thin with a perfect bow shape. He smiled showing straight teeth.

"You," She said softly, "I'm thinking of you."

Before he knew what she was doing she grabbed his collar and pulled him close to her, molding her body against his. She reveled in the feel of his hard body pressed against hers, as she looked into his eyes. He was clearly caught off guard but his hands instinctively went to her hips. He put a bit of space between his hips and hers, lest she felt the product of his arousal. Pressed against him he could smell her warm citrus fragrance, like ripe oranges, and her full lips called to him.

She pressed a kiss to his lips and he quickly melted against her, inhaling deeply. It had been so long since he's been with a woman, much less kissed them. He counted at least ten years. Stefan's whole body reacted, his heart pumped a little faster and he pressed closer to her. Denise caught his bottom lip sucking it into her mouth. Stefan took the opportunity, darting his tongue into her sweet mouth, teasing hers. 

She moaned squirming against him and the sound was so sweet. He felt himself getting harder, pressing against her lower belly. Stefan cradled the back of Denise head making their kiss deeper as she trailed her hands down his chest. Her touch left his skin tingling beneath his clothes. Her hands trailed lower caressing the area just beneath his belly button, sending white heat straight to his groin. Her little fingers hooked into the waist of his pants pressing his bulge so much closer to her. He grunted at the pressure. 

Denise began to unbuckle his belt. It took sometime for his conscience to chime in. It was too soon for any of this. He wasn't just another one of 'those' guys. Gosh, he wanted to. He couldn't wait to feel her tight wetness engulfing his cock but it was too soon. He wanted to make this work. He wanted her forever. She deserved more then a quick fuck up against his car, though the thought of it made him impossibly hard. To hear her moan his name, and it echo throughout the empty parking lot. No, he couldn't not like this.

"Uh-uh" He moaned into their kiss. He reached down grabbing her hands and putting them on his shoulders. "Not like this." He whispered against her lips.

"We can get in the car," She said and again just the thought of it shot pleasure to his groin.

"N-Not like this," He repeated, mostly for his own clarity.

"I wanna be sure this isn't all you want from me." She whispered again.

That statement sobered him. She believed it too. She really thought, even for a second, all he wanted was an easy lay. He cupped her cheek gazing intently into her eyes, they looked so innocent. They weren't piercing or studying him. 

"Trust me, Denise, I want so much more than this. If you can believe, I already care about you, and you turn me on like you wouldn't believe," He chuckled. "You deserve better and-" 

He was cut off by a vibrating in his pocket. He paused not wanting to leave the proximity of Denise's body. he puled out his cell phone. It was Gian. He had to take it. 

He must have made a face because Denise asked, "Who is it?"

"Gian," He answered, "He's not taking the separation well, either."

Denise nodded and Stefan stepped back to answer. "Yeah?" He asked.

"I did what you said but-but I don't know. I don't think I can do this...." Gian was rambling.

"Okay, Okay, deep breath. Tell me about the college." He asked trying to defer his mind from Delia.

"Who the fuck cares?" He said not in anger but restlessness.

"I do, and you better too if you're gonna get past this."

Gian sighed like a petulant child, "Phoenix, I think, Business major...um I start class in a couple weeks. I put it on the black card so that that prick can see."

"Perfect," Stefan said.

"I'mma get in the car," Denise said. Stefan handed her the keys.

"Who's that?" Gian asked.

"Doesn't matter, tell me-"

"It's her sister, isn't it?" Gian asked, cutting Stefan off.

"Yeah," Stefan said on a sigh.

"Please, ask her how Delia's doing? Does she hate me?" Gian asked

Stefan didn't want to tell him the truth, it would make him feel horrible. On the other hand if he hears she moved on easily with out him that would destroy him. He suppressed a sigh, "She's taking it a little hard but Denise is taking care of her."

"I'm sure she is taking care of her," He responded sarcastically, "Though that's kinda hard to do hanging out with you."

"Don't be a dick, Contiello"

"Don't call me that!"

"Then take my word for it." Stefan said.

Gian sighed, "Okay, bye"

"Bye," Stefan wasn't so sure that counted as a talk down. He was left a little fearful that Gian would go out and do something crazy.

***

Delia wondered why Nise wasn't home yet. She guessed Denise figured she was well enough and would forego babying her. It was just as well. She was tired of being sad and making everyone around her sad. She still missed Gian like crazy but she tried her best to reason away those feelings. She'd only known him for six or so months, they weren't dating and Gian was a grown man and he could make his own decisions. Who needed him anyways? He was only taking up man-space. It was at that thought she realized she watched way too much Raising Whitley. 

Delia, finding nothing better to do decided she'd go to the fridge again and stare at the food she didn't want to eat for the twelfth time that day. As she got up she caught a glance of herself in the mirror. She didn't like what she saw, a broken girl. Her head wasn't completely bandaged anymore, just a square of gauze hidden in her ponytail. She wore what her sister called her 'little Haitian girl' house dress. A homemade shapeless thing, made from scrap fabric. From the top neckline, her collar bones protruded even more than usual and her face was slimmer, her eyes were sunken and in her opinion she looked sickly.

"Well, there goes those twenty pounds everyone thought you should lose." She said chuckling darkly to herself. 

No, none of that. She didn't want to feel any lower than she already did. She'd decided she was going to make herself look pretty. If only to see a glimpse of the old her. She gathered her makeup bag and flat iron and sat on the floor in front of her full length mirror.

After three hours and what felt like three pounds of cosmetics later she looked a hell of a lot better. She just wished she had somewhere to go, and a small part of her wished she could go with Gian. No, she wouldn't think about him. Delia had done her face up with shimmering lids, winged liner and rosy cheeks. She'd painted her lips a deep red and even flat ironed her natural hair. She'd curled it and wrapped a scarf around her crown to cover the bandage. She felt like a doll and a bit like her old self.  




GianCarlo Ch. 05



With nothing else to do she put on a dress. It sagged on her and she pouted. She searched Denise's room. She's always been two sizes smaller and two inches shorter than Delia, an odd thing for twins. She slid on a bandage dress and some pumps. She looked in the mirror and pouted. Her breast seemed like they sat lower and the booty she had once claimed to be too small was practically nonexistent.

That's when she heard voices on the porch. It must of been Denise but who was she talking to. She never brought boys around. She tried to walk silently to the door, a true feat in heels. By the time she made it the voices had quieted to whispers. Just as she crept close enough to look through the peep hole Denise swung the door open.

"Damn, Sexy! What's the occasion?" Denise exclaimed.

It was then, Delia remembered she was all dolled up. "I-I I just wanted to...feel pretty again."

Standing behind Denise was Stefan for some reason. She was even more mortified. Denise didn't make it better.

"Thank, Jesus!" Denise said giggling, "Dee'sback from the dead!"

"I-I...its just that...why is Stefan here?" She couldn't straighten her thoughts until it hit her. "Is something wrong with Gian?" She asked quickly. 

Her heart sank, she couldn't bear any bad news but she couldn't stand not knowing.

"No, he's fine. He's still being a dick, though." Stefan said trying to quickly clear her worries. 

Dee frowned a little.

"He's heart sick," Denise mended, "Don't worry he's trying to get you back!"

"Denise," Stefan said, not wanting Delia to know. What if he failed and the poor girl sat around forever waiting for him.

"What?" Dee asked, trying to squash the tiny flicker of hope that bloomed inside her. "How is he trying to do that?"

"He-" Stefan said before sighing. He didn't want to give her false hope but didn't want to hurt her either. "He's doing his best to...come up with a solution." 

"Oh," Dee said her brow furrowing. She didn't believe him. "Well, I don't want to think about it anymore."

That surprised both Denise and Stefan.

"Well, Ms. Thang, since you're all dressed up, wanna go out?" Denise asked.

"Ms. Thang?" Delia asked, "Oh yeah, I forgot, Its nineteen ninety three."

Stefan laughed and Denise rolled her eyes, "Well, you wanna go somewhere?"

"It's three in the morning." Dee said.

"She's suffered a head injury, shouldn't she be taking it easy?" Stefan asked.

"Ugh, its been a month! We can go to Denny's and if she get dizzy we'll come back home." Denise reasoned.

"Okay, I haven't been out the house in a long time. I'm like a freaking shut in."

"I think we should let Delia get her rest." Stefan said

"Yes, anything you say, Papa." Denise said sarcastically before jiggling his keys, "C'mon, Dee, lets sneak out and take Papa's car." Delia laughed as she stepped outside following Nise to Stefan's car.

"Oh you think that's funny?" Stefan said with a grin, as Delia began to trail behind.

"A little," Denise giggled, side stepping a poke from Stefan.

"I'll show you funny," He said, Denise tried to run but Stefan quickly caught her around her waist and began ticklikng her. 

Their little display left a pang of jealousy and sadness in Delia. She tried to not let it show, trying to smile along. She hopped in the back seat feeling like a third wheel. Maybe this was a bad idea. 

The whole drive Delia found herself staring out the window, wondering where Gian was and what he was doing. She indulged in it a little, unable to help herself. Delia just wanted her friend back. She wanted to touch him again and if she was honest she wanted to kiss him again, even if it was only a good bye and farewell kiss.

***

During the whole meal Delia's mind constantly floated back to Gian. Denise made herself good company though talking endlessly and keeping both her and Stefan engaged. She even made her laugh. Even still, Delia wondered if she'd ever be truly happy again. When they'd finally gotten home, Delia went straight to bed, completely tired, and drained. She blamed it on the injury and left Stefan and Denise on the porch. 

She smiled to herself. She liked the idea of the two dating, given, Stefan was older. Maybe that was what Nise needs anyway.

She quickly scrubbed her makeup off, showered, and slipped into her little Haitian girl dress. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror just before bed. Even under all that makeup and hair she was still the same, broken and hurting girl. She fell into bed silently, crying herself to sleep for another night.

***

Bang! Bang! 

Delia shot up out of her sleep.

Bang! Bang! 

She heard it again and the tendrils of sleep was quickly replaced by fear. This was the first time since she found out about the assassination attempt that she truly feared for her life.

Bang! Bang! 

"Delia," she heard a deep voice wail at her window. 

Her heart was racing and she was frozen. She wanted to see who was there but her need to survive told her to keep silent.

Bang! 

"Please, Delia, I need you." The voice wailed again. 

It was slurred but undeniably she knew that voice. Her heart sped up faster. Her mind must have been playing tricks on her

Bang! 

"Please, say something!"

It was Gian, but what was he doing?

She jumped up quickly, sprinting to the window. Delia pulled the curtains back and she was able to make out his form in the darkness. 

"Delia," He said softly pressing a cheek to the window. 

Tears pricked her eyes. A flood of relief filled her and his slightly slurred voice was sweet to her. 

"Gian," She said around the lump forming in her throat. Without hesitation she quickly ran to the back door, every second felt like an hour. She quietly unlocked it and slid it open. When she looked out Gian was in the middle of her backyard stumbling toward the door. Was he drunk? 

"Come in, hurry!" She whispered as loudly as she could.

He made his way to the door and Delia pulled him in. The quick action made him stumble to the ground inside her house. Delia made quick business of closing and locking the door and pulling the curtains so no one could see inside. When she finally felt safe enough she joined him on the ground where he was struggling to hold himself upright.

"Gian," She whispered wrapping her arms around him. 

A feeling she could never describe overwhelmed her as she held him. She never thought she'd be able to do that again. She took a minute to revel in his presence. His arms wrapped around her and she melted. Delia ran her hands up his back under his jacket. She held onto him trying to commit it all to memory, his spicy smell and the heat radiating from his body. She finally gathered the will power to pull away.

"What are you doing here?" She asked wiping the tears from her face.

"Do you hate me?" Was his response.

"No," she responded quickly, "I don't hate you, I can never hate you." 

"I hate me," He said and it pulled at Delia's heart. "I need you." 

His eyes glassed and a fat tear escaped. He reached out and caressed her face. Delia leaned into his palm.

"Gian," She said softly, "What did you do? Why-"

She was stopped when Gian looked as if he could no longer hold himself up. Delia grabbed a hold of his shoulders and slowly guided his head onto her lap. He laid there silent, the only sound was his breathing getting slower. Delia stroked his forehead and cheek as he squirmed until he was looking up at her. She almost cried then, in his eyes was the same look she saw in her own when she looked in the mirror, but there was something else. His eyes were blood shot and dilated. His brow was sweaty. 

He was high, on something. This wasn't just alcohol.

"Oh, what are we going to do?" She asked, more to herself. 

Gian reached up with a shaky hand and caressed her cheek again mumbling something. His eyes filled up with tears and they trailed down the side of his face. Delia wiped them away.

"Non posso vivere senza di te ... correre via, scappa via con me. Per favore ... per favore," He said a bit louder.

He was speaking Italian. Dee could only make out the small words like 'you', 'me', 'out' and 'life'. His tears flowed faster as he repeated 'per favore'. He was pleading with her but she didn't know what he wanted. Her heart was breaking all over. At that moment, if she understood what he was asking she'd done it, no questions asked. She sat back helpless, stroking his cheek.

"What are we gonna do?"



GianCarlo Ch. 06



[Author's Note: Hey, I'm back and I've made this chapter juicier. I'm sorry for the long wait bur I'm not a particularly fast writer. Please bear with me. Ciao XOXO] 

*

Denise woke up the first time to banging. She figured it was someone up for a midnight snack. It didn't occur to her that no one would be angrily banging things to make a sandwich but she was too sleepy to care. She woke up a second time to voices. Ms. Camden and Dee both slept like bricks, but Denise, she was a light sleeper. She pulled on a house dress; she slept in the nude, and made her way silently to the rest of the house. When she made it to the dining room she saw Dee on the ground cradling Gian's head in her lap as he spoke softly in a different language. Fear immediately shot through her.

"Dee! What is he doing here!?" She whispered loudly.

"I-" was all Delia could say before Gian began muttering again and Delia stroked his cheek to calm him.

"You have to get him outta here! He's going to get you killed! Here, I'mma call Stefan." She said turning toward her room.

"Please! Nise, not yet, Just give me a few more minutes, please." Delia pleaded. Her voice was shaking with her held back sobs.

"Dee," Denise said softly, "There could be people headed here right now to kill you. Stefan, he can protect you."

Gian muttered his request again, more frantically. Delia stroked his cheek to calm him. She felt cornered. If Denise called Stefan he'd take him away forever, if he stayed any longer his father would try to kill her, but if she left Gian what kind of punishment would he inflict on himself. Her head was spinning. 

"Per favore," Gian muttered as Denise said, 

"Delia, you've got to let him go, for your own sake."

"I can't," She said to Denise as she began sobbing. "He needs me."

"What is wrong with him? Why would he put you in this situation? He knew coming here could get you killed and he did it anyway!" Denise said getting angry with Gian.

She came and kneeled down next to him looking as if she could hit him. She took a closer look, even boldly lifting his eyelids to clearly see. "Dude's chirping? He came here high? What the fuck? No, I'm calling Stefan."

"Please, Denise, a few more minutes." Delia pleaded, grabbing on to her sisters arm to stop her from moving.

Denise gave her sister a long look as she debated. "Okay, five minutes, I'm going to get my phone."

Dee gave her a sad smile, "Thanks."

When Denise left, Delia turned her attention back to Gian. "Please, speak English for me; tell me what you want me to do!" 

"You're all I have," He said softly. He looked at her his green eyes at half-mast. He sat up slowly, lest he lost balance or got dizzy. "I never said nothing... but I live by myself...I'm alone all the time...my mom don't love me anymore...my dad's a prick...I disappoint him...I'm nothing...worthless piece of shit...You were the only good in my life...now you're gone...I want you to run away with me...I'm selfish...I don't deserve you."

His voice was choppy and his eyes, barely open, darted around her face. Delia felt a new level of helplessness. Everything in her wanted to stay with him. He had no one. At least Delia had the support of a large family. He had no one, and the thought broke her heart. She couldn't leave him like this.

"Stefan's on his way," Denise said softly from the entrance. 

Delia nodded; she only had a few more minutes with him. She turned to Gian and pulled him into her embrace. He laid his head on her shoulder as if it were too heavy for him to hold.

"I don't know if you'll remember this when you're sober," Dee whispered into their embrace, "Just do one thing for me, stay strong. Do it for me. One day we'll be able to see each other again. We both can survive this. Just promise me you'll stay strong until that day comes. Do you promise?"

Gian lazily nodded his head. "Gian, I love you." She said. At her admittance, Gian's grip tightened around her. He only understood every other thing Delia said and he was certain he made even less sense but one thing chimed clear to him. It was that she loved him, just as much as he loved her. The rest of their situation seemed so much more bearable, now that he knew beyond any doubt he could conjure that she loved him and that she'd always come back to him when the time was right.

***

They'd stayed like that until Stefan's soft knock at the door. Their goodbye this time wasn't any easier. Stefan came in and helped Delia get Gian to his feet. They walked him to the door where Delia gave him a final hug goodbye. 

She never wanted to let go. After a few long moments of holding onto him Stefan gently reminded her, "It's not safe for you."

Delia nodded somehow finding the strength to let go. Stefan slowly guided Gian out of the house and when it looked like Dee would follow Denise gently grabbed her by the shoulders.

"He doesn't have anyone!" Delia sobbed as she pulled at Nise's retraining hands.

"If you follow him, he won't have you either." Denise said pulling her back.

Delia turned into her sister's embrace and cried. It was as if the wound had been ripped open all over again.

****

Delia paced her room, later on that day. 

She had an idea. 

It was crazy, stupid, could get her killed, could hurt her family, but to her sleep deprived brain and heartbroken soul it felt so right. She didn't sleep a wink after Gian left. She lay in her bed crying until all she felt was anger. How dare someone she hasn't met dictate her life? How dare Gian's mother abandon her only son? What the fuck was so wrong with her that Gian couldn't be around her? The more she questioned the more she got angry, and the angrier she got the more her plan felt less like a daring fool's agenda and more like a brave young woman fighting for her and her...what was Gian to her? 

The question stopped her in her tracks. If she was going to go through with this reckless plan shouldn't she at least know what she was to him? Denise knocked on her door before entering and Delia immediately felt guilty for entertaining the idea of going through with her plan.

"How're you doing?" Denise asked softly bringing her a bowl of oatmeal.

"What would you do?" Delia found herself asking, 

"You've always been the logical one, what should I do?"

"I don't know what I'd do, honestly. What I think would be best for you is to-"

"Move on? Forget about him? I can't do that-well; I can, but what about him? He has no one."

"He has Stefan." Denise said.

"He doesn't need someone to watch out for him. He needs someone to...fight for him."

"Gian's a grown man, Dee, he can fight for himself." Denise said settling down on Delia's bed to watch her sister pace.

"No, I didn't mean that...he needs someone to... support him, to...back him up, to..."

"Love him?" Denise said knowing where this was headed. She didn't like the sound of it.

"Yes!" Delia exclaimed a little too loudly, "You know what he told me, he said his mom didn't love him anymore. He said that he's alone all the time. You remember that documentary we watched about solitary confinement, how lack of interaction with people fucks up your mind."

"Delia what are you thinking?" Denise said a small frown creasing her brow. "What happened last night, how he just showed up in a...stupor; shit like that will just keep happening to him and it'll only get worse and you know what? Stefan won't be able to do a damn thing about it."

"And you will?" Denise asked not liking at all Delia's train of thought. Her twin had always been a magnet for trouble, mischief, and danger but this was just too far.

"Yes! Who did he run to when he was at his lowest? It wasn't Stefan's window he was banging on, it was mine. He'll always run to me and you want to know what? I'll always be there for him."

"But Dee, what about us, your family? Who am I going to run to? You're the only one I tell everything to." Denise said knowing Delia's plan to run away with Gian.

"Nise, He needs me. You have so many people who you can confide in but he has only me."

"But you're my sister." She said shakily, her eyes began to glass over. 

When Delia noticed she came to sit beside her sister.

"That's not going to change," Delia said, "He needs me right now."

"You keep saying that!" Denise said sounding a little angry, "but who's going to take care of you? Not him, he barely has a handle on himself." 

Delia jaw dropped, "I can take care of myself!" Dee knew her sister was sad about this plan and she hid it with anger.

****

Driving Gian home was painful. The boy broke his sobriety and was high out of his mind. What made it painful was for the first time, in the three and half years he knew Gian, he saw him cry. There was no anger, no snide remarks, no violence, just a boy with nothing left. He leaned on the passenger door, eyes opening and closing with a slowness. Fat tears bubbled up and fell down his cheeks as he murmured in Italian. The sound was heartbreaking. The worst part was Stefan had no solutions. He prided himself in his logic and problem solving but he had no answer, no hope to give Gian. 

This new guy wasn't doing his job and he knew exactly how Gian escaped. You see the apartment that Stefan had before was in the tall building directly beside Gian's and its exact double. If the new guy had that apartment he could see every part of Gian's apartment, the windows were wall to ceiling and the apartment linear. There were only two blind spots the bedroom and the emergency staircase down the hall. When Stefan watched Gian he'd rigged both places with cameras to make sure Gian wasn't sneaking out. When he left he took his equipment with him.

Gian must have gone to the bedroom, used the innate ability that vampires had to de-materialize, and appeared in the staircase that led to the exit behind the building. The kid was sneaky when he wanted to be and slipped out of every crack provided. Stefan knew that now Gian had a way out he'd use it every time his resolve was weak. Now, here they sat, with Gian high and crying and Stefan out of solutions.

Stefan parked behind the building as to not be spotted by Durante's goons. He slung the now unconscious Gian over his shoulder and started up the stairs. When he made it to the top he appeared in his room to put him on the bed. The more this problem escalated the guiltier Stefan felt. His head filled up with 'shouldas', 'couldas', 'wouldas', and 'if-onlys'. It's funny how one misjudgment sent everything into a spiral.

"Dee," Gian began to moan in his fitful slumber.

"Fuck, kid! What did you do?" Stefan said softly to himself.

****

Delia was scared but she knew she had to go through with it. She loved her family and didn't want to leave but she knew that Gian had taken her happiness with him and she'd never see it again without him. She stood in front of the bank pacing. She was sure she looked crazy with her, now, baggy cargos, wrinkled dress shirt and busted old flip flops. Her hair was a frizzy mess and she couldn't stop nibbling at her cuticles. She finally decided to take the plunge and complete the first step in her leaving. She went in to the bank and cleared out her checking and savings. The young teller woman gave her a strange look but completed the task, as Delia nervously tapped her foot.

It took Delia the rest of the day to finish preparations. She worked trying to quell any thoughts she had lest they led to her punking out. She stashed the eighteen hundred from the bank and the sixty she got from her change jar in a small pouch. She then went to writing letters, letters to her mother , her aunts and cousins, her boss, and her friends, letting them know how much she loved them, that she'd be okay, and that one day she'd come back to them. The last thing she did was mail them out before she pulled out two big duffle bags to fill.

Denise came home around three that afternoon. She faked period cramps to get out early, she worked concierge at the Springhill Hotel and her supervisor was a guy who obviously never been around a woman because any mention of 'women troubles' and he clammed up and sent them home. Denise was afraid of coming home to find Delia gone; the anxiety of it had gotten to be too much. Nise didn't know why Delia didn't understand. She was Denise's rock, her diary, and her best friend. She never told her but Denise needed her sister. Maybe Denise was being selfish. Gian made Delia happy like Nise never could. Denise came in the nick of time. As she walked in she saw Delia struggling to carry two over stuffed duffle bags.

"You were going to leave before saying goodbye?" Denise asked by way of greeting.

"I didn't want argue with you, or feel guilty, or-or-"

"Dee, I'm not mad...anymore. I can't talk you out of it, you're stubborn like mama." They stared at each other for a few silent moments.

"I wrote you a letter," Dee said at the same time Denise said, "I got you a birthday present."

"Tell me now what it says," Denise said again at the same time her sister said, "Our birthday isn't for a couple months." 

Denise gave a sad smile, "I know but I got to cheer you up." They stood there silent again not knowing what to say.

"I'll go get it," Denise finally said. Delia nodded and dropped her bags to wait.

When Denise came back she held a small fuchsia box with a black ribbon around it. "Here you go."

"Thanks, Nise" She said as she took it. It was light and Delia suppressed the urge to shake it. She made to pull off the ribbon to open it when Denise stopped her.

"Wait! Open it on our birthday."

Delia gave her a look, "For me?" Denise pleaded.

Dee nodded, "I love you," she said pulling her twin into a hug. Denise wrapped her arms around her, holding her tight. They haven't hugged this hard since they were twelve in their father's house.

"Please be safe Dee" Denise found herself sobbing.

"I promise. Denise this isn't goodbye forever." Denise nodded her tears getting the best of her words. After at least a minute Denise let go, allowing Delia to pick up her bags and head out to the cab that must have pulled up a few minutes after her. She stayed strong waving good-bye as stray tears stained her cheek and blurred her vision. As soon as she heard the soft thud of the closing door her resolve broke. She fell to the floor in a sobbing heap. It took a few minutes for her to regain her composure. When she did she pulled out her cell to call Stefan.

"Hey," She said when he answered, hating how sad and uneven her voice sounded.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked concerned.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Anything," He said.

"Watch out for my sister, keep her safe." She said starting to cry again.

***

The taxi ride seemed like the longest ride of her life but Delia was determined to see this through. As they got closer to the neighborhood where Delia knew Gian lived the more stupid she was beginning to think her plan was. She had no clue which building Gian lived in she only knew the clues he'd given her during their conversations. She knew it was down the street from the mall she worked at. She knew it was beach front and she also knew it was near a bakery where Gian used to bring her cookies. That should narrow it down to about three or four buildings and the plan was to check the roster at each until she found Contiello.

It was a stupid plan but the only one she had. She had the taxi drop her off in front of the first sky scraping condominium and paid him. It was so open, she realized. She also realized how much in danger she was. People milled around her and she looked at them all with suspicion and paranoia. She slipped into the building where it felt a little less open. Another obstacle provided itself when she realized that this wasn't like the apartment buildings she was used to, where posted on a wall was a list of last names and apartment numbers. No, this building had a front desk and receptionist. Delia was instantly afraid. What if the receptionist had orders to look out for her? She exhaled deeply pushing away paranoia and fear and went up to the receptionists.

The woman gave her a smile and after a few word exchanges, politely informed Dee that there were no Contiellos in residence there. She breathed an easy breath but afterwards came another bolt of fear. She had about two or three more buildings to check. She picked up her bags and started out the door. She hadn't made it fifty yards out of the building before a black car with tinted windows pulled up beside her. It was similar to the ones she'd seen before the accident. Her immediate reaction was to drop her stuff and straight hoof it to god knows where.

She was going to bolt. Stefan quickly rolled down the window.

"Delia, wait!"

Overwhelming relief washed over Dee, she almost fell over. "What are you doing here?"

"Get in, hurry!" Stefan said. He didn't have to tell her twice. She heaved her bags inside and scrambled in after.

"Your sister sent me." Stefan said after they drove off.

"Please, don't take me home." She said, "I need to go to Gian."

"Delia this is crazy, you're going to get yourself killed." He said.

"Don't you think I know that?" Delia said a little more harshly than she meant.

Stefan sighed, "I'll take you to Gian,"

Delia was quiet for a moment, "Thanks," She said finally.

"You're braver than you seem. Gian needs someone like you in his life. If I'm honest with you, though, you still don't know him."

"I do know him!" Delia said defensively. She just wished he'd silently let her make her own bad decisions.

"What I mean is there are things about him, you have yet to know. I just hope you stick with him even after you know."

It sounded ominous and Delia hated Stefan for it. "I will." Delia said adamantly.

After another bout of silence Stefan asked, "What's your plan?"

Truthfully her plan was still iffy. "Well, I was going to flesh out the details with Gian. I have a cousin who manages a condominium in Atlanta and if we need to get further I have another cousin who owns a couple places in Maine, they'll put us up for a while until we can get our feet under us."

Stefan considered her plan. It was smart if they were dealing with an ordinary man but this was Durante. "My advice," Stefan said, "head west, Gian's father's claws don't reach that far."

Dee nodded at this and yet a bit of fear entered her eyes. Stefan figured she had no family out west.

***

Stefan pulled the car down an alley and parked in what looked like a service entrance. As they got out he effortlessly picked up one of Delia's duffles.

"We have to get you up there before nightfall; it'll be safest for you."

"Why?" Delia asked. You'd think that the cloak of night would be safest.

Stefan couldn't answer without opening a whole can of worms about the vampire world. He thought it best Gian explain that to her.

"Just trust me,"

Stefan led them to the emergency staircase, swiftly clearing the steps. At about the fifth level Dee began to slow. The duffle bag began to feel like it weighed a hundred pounds and her sleepless night had begun to creep up on her. Stefan took on the second bag for her.

"Only ten more to go," he said.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me." She said wondering how he had the stamina for it. Delia damn near crawled the last few steps before they reached the door.

"Wait!" Dee said breathlessly when Stefan reached for the door, "Won't that...set off the alarm." She heaved.

"No it's fine, its only two people on this floor." When they entered Dee noticed how luxurious the hall alone looked. She had no idea Gian lived like this. The hall had thick cushioned carpet and gold embossed walls a few big mirrors that made the space wider and an elevator flanked by two small tables and fresh flowers. Gian's doors were at the end on the right. They were thick wooden French doors.




GianCarlo Ch. 06



Stefan paused in front of it. "Okay, Dee, try to stay out of the main rooms during the night. Gian's under constant surveillance and if they catch you..." He paused for good measure. 

"Gian has my number call me if you need anything. Remember, you're only safe time is during the day and at night you have to stay in the bedroom. I'm not sure how long you can live like that."

"Thanks, for everything," Dee said sincerely, pulling him into a hug.

"Stay safe, Dee, or your sister will beat me within an inch of my life, nurse me back to health and beat me again."

Dee chuckled and took her bags and headed inside.

***

Gian woke up to the smell of sweet coconuts, it surrounded him and an image of Dee floated into his vision. She looked so sad as if she were at her wits end. Her eyes were sunken and had dark circles that had never been there, their sparkle was gone. She was as he'd last seen her, in the murky flashes of his memory. She wore a baggy floral house dress that made her look ages younger. Her eyes were swollen with tears as she lay beside him on his California King. He reached out to touch her cheek. It was warm beneath his hand and she nuzzled into it. 

Gian pulled her into him, placing soft kisses on her forehead. She reached out to touch his cheek as they cuddled close. Her touch alone warmed his whole body as he placed a soft kiss to her lips. He kissed her again, deeper than before, drawing her bottom lip into his mouth. She sighed softly returning his gentle kisses with fervor. Gian continued to kiss her as his hands traveled her body, caressing her back. He could feel her lack of underwear as his hands traveled lower. Delia's body molded into his, begging to be touched.

He rolled her onto her back settling between her soft legs. Her hands slid down his back as he kissed a trail down her neck. She made sweet sighs as she slowly moved beneath him. He became incredibly hard as he trailed his hands down her body. He'd found the hem of her little house dress and worked it up her body until he was able to pull it up over her head. He sat back in awe as he looked onto the long line of her body. Her smooth velvet skin resembled melted chocolate and her breast swayed with her every movement. The round globes had small dark areolas and small pert nipples her waist tapered slightly in then flared to wide hips and small bulge of fat appeared right under her belly button. Even lower, her pubic mound was thick with a line of hair down the middle leading to fat pussy lips and a small pearl that sat between them. 

She made his mouth water. 

He ran his hands down her chest, admiring the contrast, his pale skin with olive undertones against her oaken skin with its golden undertones. His thumbs found her nipples hard as pebbles. He leaned in to draw each into his mouth showing them each equal attention. She arched her breast into his mouth moaning. The sound was sweet to him, sending bolts of pleasure through his body. He continued to kiss down her breastbone, dipping his tongue into her navel and pausing to nibble at the flesh of her stomach. He continued drawing kisses down her soft thick inner thighs as the sweet smell of her sex called to him.

He continued to nip at the sensitive skin of her inner thighs moving closer to her center yet never giving it the attention it deserves. Her hands braced on Gian's shoulders. Gian slowly ran his tongue down her slit, just brushing her clit. Her reaction was a gentle shudder. He gently parted her lips revealing juicy pink inner lips. He took his time drawing them into his mouth reveling in her soft mewling and sweet tangy taste. He moved onto her clit flicking gently, his efforts were rewarded with moans. He continued his motions until Delia's hips undulated with the rhythm. He drew her clit into his mouth and her legs began to shudder. 

As he worked, her hands found his scalp, gripping handfuls of his hair. The display of her ecstasy turned him on beyond anything he could imagine. He wanted to hear her scream his name.

Delia leaned up on an elbow, those deep eyes locking on him as she moaned.

"Oh God," She breathed, "Oh my God, Gian" Her whole body quivered with her imminent climax yet her gaze never left his. Gian braced his hands on her thighs preventing them clamping onto his head. Her body all of a sudden froze as she moaned his name one last time before her pussy spasm, her sweet juices flowing. He lapped it up as she tried to catch her breath. He slowly kissed back up her body now heated and slick with sweat. 

He reached her lips kissing her. She returned it ardently, her hands roaming his back and her body arching as he settled between her legs.

Delia began to fade, the feel of her body beneath him along with the scent of her sex, all began to fade. Something lingered, though, the faint smell of sweet coconuts. He found himself laying on his back once more, limbs heavy and eyes more so. His head pounded and he only remembered so much of what he did last night; but what had just happened was so vivid. He remembered every second, and yet, did it really happen?

***

He peeled his eyes open. His first sight was of the smooth white ceiling high above with its modern steel light fixture. He saw the intricate crown molding that led to deep gray walls. He was where he thought he was, in his room. He's woken up in stranger places, more disoriented than he was now. He smelled it still, the undeniable scent of sweet coconuts; Delia's scent. It made his heart ache. He rolled over in frustration and immediately knew he must have been delusional. To his right was Delia, her knees pulled into her stomach and her arms drawn into her chest. 

He stared a bit more knowing the vision would soon leave him. He took in the state that she was in. Her hair was a frizzy halo and she wore cargos and a plain white buttoned down shirt. Her eyes still had a shadow beneath them but she slept so peacefully. After what felt like hours Gian reached out to caress the planes of her serene face. In the deep of her sleep she swatted at his hand and snuggled deeper into the bed.

Gian's heart jumped in his chest. Could she really be here? He did it again and she grimaced swatting his hand again. He chuckled to himself. She was here, she had come. Immeasurable joy bloomed inside him. Unable to contain himself, Gian pulled her into him by the waist. Delia's eyes slowly opened.

"You're here," Gian whispered with a smile.

She smiled back lazily, as her eyes drifted close again, "I am," She fell back asleep.

Gian didn't let go for fear she'd fade again. He buried his face in her hair, reveling in the comforting smell. He could even smell the wound still there. He was beyond grateful his mate had returned. The longer he stayed the more the reality began to settle in. They couldn't stay here long. He'd have to pack up and go.

He couldn't leave too suddenly though, his father would track them down and kill them out of pure rage. A thought occurred to him. What if he appealed to his mother? He almost laughed at that, his mother was too docile and submissive to help him. She'd let Durante kill his mate in front of him if it was his father's will. He had to think of something better, but not now. He wanted to bask in this moment.

***

Delia wasn't sure where she was when she woke up. She rolled onto her back and had a small pang of panic when she thought she'd fall of the bed. When her back met more of the mattress she realized she wasn't in her twin bed at home. She took in her modern minimalist surroundings as she re-oriented herself. She was at Gian's place. The room was big with high ceilings and a huge bed at the far wall. One of the corners of the room boasted a full seating area with a bookcase and large flat screen television. Throughout the room was appropriately designed bedroom furniture. The other corner had a desk with a huge screened Apple computer desktop. There were double doors that lead to a walk in closet. Knowing Gian it was probably barely anything in there. Just to the right of the bed was a door that led to the master bathroom. 

Under any other circumstance Delia would have been more than happy to explore this place and revel in the luxury but not today. Awkwardly in the middle of the room was her heap of duffle bags and flip flops. She must have just dropped them there and crawled into bed. Gian was in the bed, she remembered, spread out on it and sleeping like the dead.

She suddenly noticed the faint sound of a strumming guitar and looked about her for Gian. He wasn't in the bed and she figured it was him. He did tell her about his guitars. She smiled at the memory. It seemed so long ago but it had probably only been six or seven months ago. Delia decided to take a shower. She knew that when she went out into the living room they'd be talking about their escape plan and her mind worked better when she was fresh out of the shower.

Delia's jaw dropped when she saw the shower. It had multiple shower heads sprouting from every side and even one from the top that fell like rain. It took her awhile to figure out the nobs buttons and settings but it wasn't too long before she was out of the shower. She dressed in a simple sun dress, braided her wet hair back into two alligator braids and made her way to the living room.

She remembered what Stefan had said about safe times to leave the bedroom. She understood why the bedroom was the safest place. The whole condo had an open concept with large open windows lining the east wall, and if Gian was being watched it would be easy to see every nook of the condo except for the bedroom. The foyer opened out to the living room area, which converged into the dining area. And that was incorporated into the kitchen by an island with stools. The whole scheme of it was black and steel modernism. Gian had a grand piano near the foyer and guitars lining the west wall.

Delia slowly opened the bedroom door to see whether it was day or night. The windows were all drawn and she couldn't be sure but thought it was safe enough with all the windows drawn closed. She walked out to see Gian lounged on the couch with his back facing her as he strummed his guitar. It was an upbeat tune that sounded familiar to her. 

Gian knew exactly when she came in. He heard the imperceptible creak of the door, the strong sound of her heartbeat, and the soft thud of her bare feet on the wooden floors. More so he smelled her and his whole body reacted. He showed no sign of noticing her. It wasn't until he heard her soft melodic voice that he turned to see her. It wasn't the voice of a singer but sweet none the less.

"I really don't like your point of view; I know you'll never change Stinging me with your attitude, I've got the mind to walk away."

Stefan smiled at his mate in a light cotton dress that draped loosely on her. He just noticed how frail she looked, she had lost weight but the sparkle had returned to her eyes giving her a glow he couldn't recall she had last night.

"I love that song," She said softly. 

"Eliza Doolittle," He answered, "I didn't take you for a person who listens to British hipster music."

She shrugged with a smile and walked over to sit next to him in the plush black leather couch. Gian continued to play and Dee couldn't help but to sing along.

"I don't mind it when you..."

"Wheh wheh-wheh" Gian whistled along causing her to smile.

"Brings out the best in me when you... Show your expertise When the night Always ends with a fight I'm excited That you wind up next to me I like it when you... Can I have some please of that? Satisfy My needs Sometimes I think that I Hate you We make up So you wind up next to me."

They laughed at each other.

"So this must be...Brangelina?" She asked referring to his guitar, a black and blue acoustic.

He chuckled, "You remembered their names, no this is chuck-chuck, Brangelina and Derek Jeter's on the wall."

They shared a look and Gian was struck with so much gratefulness. That last month had been hell for him. He woke up with cold sweats and his ever taunting conscience reminded him how much of a failure he was. Gian reached out cupping Dee's cheek.

"I'm so glad you're here."

She smiled covering his hand with her own, "I'm scared," She admitted in a soft tone. She was scared, mostly for the future.

"Don't be," Gian urged, "I'll never let anything hurt you. I'll take care of everything. I'll take care of you."

Love welled in Dee's heart she could finally admit to herself that she loved him, more than she had ever expect to. She wanted to tell him as much, more so, she wanted to ask if he felt the same. What if he didn't? What if he loved her like a sister or a friend? Yes, he kissed her once but could she be looking too much into it? It was barely a kiss, right?

She opened her mouth to ask him his true feelings but clammed up, "Gian...What was last night about? What were you high on?" She asked instead.

A sliver of fear entered his gaze and he looked away, taking his hand away from her cheek.

"Well, I..." He began as he fidgeted with his guitar. He put it down on a sigh. Not knowing how to say it. He wanted to tell her everything about the drugs, his past, and especially about being a vampire, but fear froze his words.

"You see, living with my father was hell." Gian started. Dee gave him a strange look but let him continue. He switched his gaze to the print on her dress as he continued. "When I was younger I tried to do everything right, I tried to...follow every one of his stupid rules about how 'Contiello Men should behave'. Obviously I was bound to fail. When I did he always lashed out. Not physically but he'd always tell me horrible shit like 'I was a disgrace to the Contiello name'. I just tried harder but I always fucked up." Gian said as anger mounted inside him.

"As I got older the punishment became harsher. He'd lock me in this soundproof chamber for hours then days. In that chamber I'd began to..." Gian paused. He was sure she'd think he was crazy. He looked into her eyes and saw nothing but concern and empathy but that could change. Everything in him wanted to stop talking.

Dee, seeing the anguish in his face took him by the hand, squeezing it. Gian gave a small smile and continued.

"In that chamber I started to hear these voices. Sort of like a nagging conscience telling me I was fucking up, that I'm a failure and a disgrace for hours. When I turned seventeen I begin to think that I was going to fuck up no matter what I did. One day I messed up one equation on my math test, it was one out of at least one hundred equations, my father shouted a few hurtful things while my mom sat and watched. She didn't defend me in the least. He sent me to the chamber for at least three days."

"Gian that's horrible," Dee said taking his hand in both of hers.

"So, as soon as he let me out I snuck out the house took a cab to south beach and snuck into a particularly shady club. There was this girl. I remember thinking she was so sexy, we danced a lot and she bought me a couple drinks and took me to her place and I...well," Gian didn't know how to explain to her that he had fed off of the girl and had his first taste of spiked blood. The girl had been using cocaine and that mixed with the alcohol in her blood had gotten him so high he'd passed out and woke up naked and tangled in the sheets with her.

"She gave me my first taste of cocaine," He had said, "When I was high, the voices were gone and honestly it felt good to not give a fuck for a night. Long story short this went on for a year. Every time I left that chamber I snuck down to south beach. It was my mom who'd caught me. She pleaded me to stop but it was too late for her to all of a sudden start to care about me. She went to my father. He was irate. He literally drug me out the house and beat me like a man he didn't know me. Left me bleeding out on the front lawn. I passed out in the worst pain of my life"

"Oh my gosh" Dee breathed as her eyes glassed over with unshed tears. Those were tears his mother should have shed but she didn't even come out to watch what her husband was doing to her only son.

"The next day I woke up here, in this apartment. My father no longer wanted to associate with me while still holding complete control over me. It was as if nothing had changed only instead of being stuck in a chamber alone I was in a condo. That was when my habit got worse. Almost three years ago my father hired Stefan to tail me." 

Gian smiled to himself, "He was a little too good at his job. By his first year he'd made it harder and harder for me to get down to south beach. He'd taken away my car and warned every cab company in the city to not pick me up. I found ways to get...what I wanted near here but Stefan found a way to cut me off from here as well. I was finally reluctantly sober. That was when I met you. You were literally my first friend." He smiled to himself again. 

"Then when I had to leave you the voices came back louder and crueler. I tried to stay calm but the only remedy for the voices was you and drugs. I couldn't have you and so I went to drugs. Unfortunately, this time the drugs didn't work like it used to. It just lowered my inhibitions. The next thing I knew I was banging on your window."

"Oh Gian," She said in reaction to his confession. She wrapped her arms around him pulling him into an embrace. She squeezed him tighter as she cried for him. Gian let himself be wrapped in her arms. A feeling he couldn't put words to have come over him. He'd never told anyone about it. He never knew anyone who would remotely care. 

Dee finally let him go, taking his hand in hers. She looked over it before placing a soft kiss on his inner wrist.

"Don't ever do that to me again." She said soft yet adamantly.

"I won't" Gian agreed, "as long as I have you, I won't."

***

It had been a whole month since Denise last saw her sister. It was probably the worst month of her life, and Denise had seen a few horrible months. What with her mother's grief and her own the whole house felt damper. Denise tried to stay out but hanging with her friends didn't seem as fun. Most of the time she just wanted to wallow in her misery. 

She couldn't, wallowing only led to thoughts of where her sister was which brought with it anxiety and fear for her sister's life.

The only time she was anything remotely similar to happy was when she was with Stefan. She spent a lot her time with him. The more she saw him the less the night scene called to her. Most nights she spent at Stefan's house waddled in his plush couch watching him cook for her. It was mellow and it surprised Denise by how good it felt. 

She'd watch as he cut vegetables and sautéed them with skill and every so often he'd look up to give her a smirk. His smirk felt like home. Denise knew he was still in contact with Gian but she was too afraid to ask after her sister. She feared he'd only have the worst to say. She imagined them living on the street or out of a car, or probably sleeping in the bathroom at a bus station. She'd much preferred to imagine her sister in a hotel room in Tuscan dying her hair blond while Gian tried to come up with fake names for them both.

Denise having just got off of work pulled into Stefan's apartment complex and made her way to his place.

"Baby," He said by way of greeting as he opened the door and pulled her into him by the waist in one movement. She pressed a kiss to his lips reveling in the feel of him. He always smelled of warm sweet cologne. Denise knew that that smell would forever remind her of Stefan.

"I have a surprise for you," He growled against her lips.

"What's that?" Denise whispered back as she slowly ran her hands down his body. She could feel him react against her. She did it purposely, knowing his resolve to 'take their relationship slow'. She ran her hands lower cupping his groin. 




GianCarlo Ch. 06



He inhaled sharply as he removed her hand. "No, not that." He said.

Denise giggled before pressing a few more small kisses to his lips. Stefan slowly pulled away reluctant to end their embrace.

"Wait, right here." He said as he dashed off to get his surprise.

Denise sighed as he left, putting her stuff down on the couch. It had been a long while since she had sex and she was craving it. More so she wanted to have sex with Stefan. He turned her on beyond belief and even the fact that he wants to wait until they were intimate turned her on. 

Stefan returned holding something behind his back, a wide smile on his face.

"What is that?" She asked leaning to one side to peek behind him.

"Wait," He said turning so she couldn't peek, "I want to see your face when you see it."

Denise smiled uncontrollably, "Then hurry, I want to see."

Stefan pulled what looked like an envelope from behind his back.

"A birthday card?" Denise asked a little disappointed, "My birthday isn't until next month."

Stefan gave her an exasperated look before handing her the card. Denise flipped it around in her hand. The envelope was sealed with a cheesy little glittery sticker. She flipped it to the front and read it. "To Nise MacGise" it read. Her breath caught in her lungs and inexplicably her eyes pricked with unshed tears. It was Delia's hand writing and only Dee would call her something stupid like Nise MacGise.

"It's from my sister?" Denise asked in a soft voice, just to be sure.

Stefan nodded, "She gave it to me last night."

"Where is she? Is she alright?" Denise asked as she slowly took a seat on the couch. Stefan simply gestured to the letter.

Denise quickly opened it and began reading: "Hey Nise! I am so BORED here! I'm holed up in Gian's apartment. I literally haven't seen outside for a month, isn't that crazy? It is a beautiful prison though. If a camera crew barged in right now for Mtv Cribs I would not be surprised. Do they even still do that show? Whatever, did you know Gian's daddy was filthy rich? I guess you do because only a stupid rich man could try and pull a hit and not be sitting in jail right now."

"Gian said that if we were to leave right now his dad would lose it and we'd have no protection. He plans to slowly sell his stock in his dad's company and pocket the money until we have enough to get away and hideout. So for now, I'll be here for a couple months. It's not too bad. I'm never sure what time of day it is. My internal clock is all fucked up. I sleep half the day and wake up like midafternoon. Gian doesn't wake up until seven o clock at least. We hang out for a little, he does online classes then I'm sleep by the time he finishes."

"Nise, I've literally run out of things to do. I've watched every episode of Doctor Who and Mad Men on Netflix, I'm so close to level two hundred-eighty two on Candy Crush. One time I was so bored I gave Gian a makeover in his sleep. By makeover I mean I put makeup on him, painted his finger and toenails and curled his hair with a flat iron He slept through the whole thing. Don't tell him I told you that. Whenever I get to see you again I'll have to show you the pictures. Do you remember all that weight I lost going through my 'he's gone' sadness? I can't say all of it is back but I can see my butt getting bigger maybe that's a good thing. "

"I think about you guys a lot, you and mama, mostly. I miss you guys and hope you understand why I did it. I don't regret going with Gian but I hate that I had to choose. I just want to fast forward through this part of my life and get to the part where I can have you and Gian. I finally admit it to myself, I love him. Now I got to figure out what I will do about it. Speaking of guys we love, Stefan is awesome. He brings me whatever I need. Poor guy even had to bring me tampons. He couldn't look me in the face as he gave them to me. I died laughing. He also brought me some of mama's cooking. I broke down crying as soon as he told me. I take it mama approves of him, even though he is...thirty-three? Anyways, you guys better stay together, you make a cute couple and I've already started planning your wedding on Pinterest. Love Dee."

Denise didn't realize until she was finished that she had been crying. She could hear Delia's voice as she read and it she felt like she was closer to her than before. Denise laughed at the last part and wiped her tears. Nise looked up at Stefan who waited patiently for her to read it.

"So, you had to buy my sister tampons," Denise teased. She laughed at the way he nervously averted his eyes and rubbed his neck.

"She told you about that." He said simply causing Nise to giggle more. She grabbed his hand pulled him down to the couch and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you, for everything." She whispered against his skin. Instinctively he embraced her. Grabbing him by the chin, Denise brought his lips to hers and pressed kisses there. She continued to kiss him deeper, his tongue plunging into her mouth. He gripped her tighter and caused a shiver to run down her back. 

After he kissed her breathless Denise straddled his lap and braced her hands on his chest as she continued to kiss him. Stefan's hands found her hips and pulled her tighter to him, reveling in the heat of her sex being so close to him. He knew he shouldn't. He was resolved to take it slow, but her body felt so good to him. He could only withstand so much.

"You've been so good to me and my sister," She moaned against his lips, "during the second hardest time of my life."

"The second?" Stefan asked trailing kisses down her neck, "What was the first?"

"I'll tell you later," She said before reclaiming his lips.

Stefan was distracted by her kiss and how hard it made him, but he knew he had to stop. 

"Tell me now," He said between her kisses.

"No, later" She protested running her hands down his body. He shivered in response.

Stefan pulled away from her kiss and caressed her cheek. "You can tell me anything," He said gently.

Denise sighed, "I don't want to talk about it, I just want to thank you...properly" She said the last as her hand found the outline of Stefan's cock in his pants.

Stefan reacted and took Denise's hand and placed a kiss there, "This has to do with your charity, the reason you give money right?"

Denise, suddenly turned off, unsaddled him and took her previous seat.

"Talk to me," Stefan said after minutes of Denise's silence.

"Why do you want to know?" She asked softly.

"Because I want to know everything about you, not just the good things. I want to know your fears and regrets too."

Denise looked at him, his concerned expression and empathetic gaze. She took a deep breath before she began.

"I had to be seven but no more than eight when my mama had a breakdown."

***

Delia had woken up first as usual. With nothing better to do she decided to luxuriate in Gian's massive shower. If she was honest it was the only time she was really alone. She loved Gian more and more everyday but a girl needed her alone time. 

She let the warm water cascade over her body and it felt like heaven. She had tried all the settings in the shower but her favorite was the spout that fell like a waterfall out of the wall. She wondered if Gian ever used it. Delia closed her eyes and leaned into the water as she imagined it. 

She imagined Gian leaning into the water, wet hair clinging to his long neck flowing down his shoulders, the rivulets of water traveling down his broad chest, down slight pecs and over small light brown nipples. She bet he had brown nipples. She could imagine the water running to his long torso and over his hand as he stroked himself. 

Delia's eyes popped open. She shouldn't be imagining him like this but, gosh, the thought made her nipples tighten. 

Deciding to indulge herself she glanced quickly at the door before leaning back into the soothing water. Her hands found her nipples as she thought of Gian again. 

She imagined his hands on hers, gliding over her shoulders and down to her breasts before settling at her waist and pulling her into him. She could feel his hardness against her belly and the knowledge that she was the cause of it made her wet. His hands cupped her ass as his lips descended on hers. 

Delia moaned aloud and the sound of it echoing through the bathroom brought her back to reality. She paused hopping to hear if Gian had awaken. When she figured he hadn't she buried her hand between her legs as she thought of Gian.

Gian wasn't sure what woke him up but he woke up to notice Dee not in bed. He scanned the room for her and noticed the sound of running water. Gian smiled to himself, she loved that shower. No matter where life took them Gian promised that one day he'd buy her a shower just like that. 

Though imperceptible and completely impossible for a human, he could hear Delia's breath becoming shallow and the sped up canter of her heartbeat through the door of the bathroom. His first thought was that she was having an anxiety attack. Gian was about to get up and check on her when he heard the soft mewling sounds barely audible over the sound of running water. 

In the next moment he was a whisper away from the closed door. Was she doing what he thought she was? He was instantly and painfully aroused. Leaning his head against the door he wondered what she was thinking about, what turned her on. 

He could hear her breath picking up followed by a long pause, as if she was holding her breath. She was climaxing and the knowledge caused a pang of excitement to rack Gian's body. She finally came down on a sigh and he heard the water shut off. Gian ran back to the bed, only imaging what Delia would do if he was caught there.

Delia walked out of the bathroom a few minutes later with a towel wrapped around her. When she saw him she gave him a surprised glance. 

"You're awake?" She asked.

"Yeah, "Gian said faster than probably normal. He sounded guilty. He mentally shook his head.

"Oh," She said before disappearing into the walk-in closet.

Gian took a deep breath, his erection refusing to dissipate. He couldn't shake the thought of Delia pleasuring herself in his shower, her soft moans and heaving breath. The erotic, and at times kinky thoughts that ran through his mind made him dizzy with arousal.

"Oh my gosh! Gian!" He heard her say from the closet, bringing him out of his thoughts

"Yeah?"

He could hear her laugh, "Wait gimme a second." She said.

After another minute Delia came out wearing a pair of dark wash skinny jeans that hugged her legs and an AC/DC tee. Her wet coily hair dripped down her shoulders an amused grin on her face.

"What?" Gian asked smiling yet not getting the joke.

"This doesn't look familiar?" She asked spinning. 

"These are your clothes, I can fit your clothes, isn't that hilarious?" 

At a closer look Gian did notice how the tee sat awkwardly on her chest, not used to accommodating breast, and how the legs of the jeans excessively bunched around her ankles. Maybe it was because he was already aroused but this had to have been the sexiest she'd ever looked and the knowledge that it was his clothes that hugged her body so temptingly turned him on even more.

"Well, they certainly don't fit me like that." Gian said huskily.

Dee laughed either not noticing the husky lilt in his voice or choosing to ignore it, "I'm a go change," She said.

"No, keep it on" Gian said unable to resist.

"You sure?" Dee said beginning to climb into bed.

"Yeah, you wear it better than I ever did." This caused her to laugh.

"So what's on the schedule today?" she asked folding her legs under her as she came to sit next to him.

"Well, I thought I'd might do a little bit of listening to myself breathe then maybe staring at the walls and after probably listen to you breathe until I keel over with the weight of my boredom."

"Hmm, can I join you?" She asked laughing at their silliness.

"I don't know I keep a tight schedule." He said

She laughed, "You're right maybe I'll write Nise another letter."

A silence fell over them at the mention of Dee's sister. It was a reminder of their predicament. "I'm sorry," Gian said sincerely.

"Don't be, it was my choice to come here and I stand by that. It's just, I miss her. I kind of regret all those days we'd come and go and not say a word to each other. I took having her near me for granted."

"I envy that," Gian said, "I don't remember much from that night I came over but I do remember Denise's face. She was going to straight murder me for putting you in danger."

Dee smiled at the memory.

"You two seem really close." Gian continued.

"We are...sort of," Dee said, "When you go through some dark times together you form this bond that is stronger than sisterly bond. There was a point in our lives that we depended on each other for survival."

"What times were those?" Gian asked softly.

"I...It's a long story, you don't want to hear it." Dee said shifting her gaze away from him to something at the other end of the room.

"Because I have somewhere to be." Gian said sarcastically. "You can tell me, you know all about my dark past."

"I¬-It was when my mom had her first breakdown. This was before she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. She was manic-depressive. I was really young, maybe seven or eight. My brother who was like sixteen was playing video games loudly, Denise was angry at my mom about something I don't remember and I was crying because I'd scraped my leg. I guess my mom became overwhelmed. She had three children who all wanted something and she had two jobs to make ends meet. 

Whatever the cause she lashed out at me. She slapped me, I guess to make me stop crying. I remember everything going silent then I cried louder than I ever had. Then she grabbed me by the throat and pinned me to the wall. I remember being scared. I thought I did something to make her hate me. My brother pulled her off of me. It was like she was in a trance because as soon as she let me go she kept saying 'What am I doing?' She started crying then she left. She got in the car and drove off.

"That's how it started. She didn't comeback that night and it wasn't until the next night that child protective services showed up and told us that my mom had checked herself into a mental facility. We had an hour to pack up all of our stuff because they didn't know how long she'd be in there. She had lost custody of us. My brother was to stay with my Auntie Lisa while I and my sister had to go live with my father. We only saw him on birthdays and Christmas so we barely knew him.

You can tell he wasn't used to having children around. He lived with two other men in a four bedroom house. They were his best friends I think. He never did anything more than keep us alive, you know. We had cereal every morning he always forgot to make us lunch and more often than not we had cereal again for dinner. It was the only thing I knew how to make as a kid. On the weekends though, we got to stay at one of our Auntie's house with our cousins. Those were the best times. We got full meals, we went to the park and we had people to play with other than each other and no one was yelling at us to shut up. 

The only bad part was Will. I will never forget his face. He was one of my dad's housemates He was this stubby guy with sweaty hands and a bald head. He was always around, now that I look back. He was the worst. I remember waking up in the middle of the night to find him just leaving the room Nise and I shared.

One day Will and my father got in a fight. I didn't know what it was about but I remember my father punched him so hard he fell out. He got up and told my dad to leave and take "those little cunts" with him. I distinctly remember him saying that and I hadn't known what it meant then."

***

Denise sat on the other side of the couch from Stefan. She couldn't look him in his eyes. Every time she thought about this time in her life she felt dirty, cheap and a flood of shame.

"Dee, was the favorite." She said looking at the couch. "The guy, Will, he was always staring at her with his creepy fucking eyes. Ugh I hate him, he started all this shit. He got in a fight with Daddy and threw us out. We lived in the car for a whole week before we went back. We knew better than to ask about 'grown folk' business but we were just grateful to be back in a house. Then the second night in the house Daddy came to the room in the middle of the night. I pretended to be sleep. 

He woke Dee up and took her away. It felt like forever before she came back. Instead of getting in the bed and going to sleep she wrapped her arms around me and didn't let go. Neither of us slept that night. The next night he did it again. I tried to ask her what happened but she just cried. At the time I knew it wasn't good, but I still couldn't help but feel left out, not to mention the second night it happened Dee had come back with a brand new Barbie doll. She didn't play with it."

***

"The first night was the worst." Dee said softly. She took to laying down next to Gian on her stomach. She didn't dare look at him, she didn't look anywhere. She closed her eyes hoping to recount it quickly.

"My father kneeled down in front of me when we got to the hallway. He's really tall, a giant to me when I was younger. His face is oval like Nise's and he has her thin upper lip. I remember him asking if I loved him. I nodded out of expectation. He asked if I loved Nise. 

"What's wrong with Nise?" I asked quickly.

"Nothing, sugar, I just need a favor from you. If you do this we can stay in this house. Daddy will be able to feed you every day but you've got to do this for me. You can't tell anybody, not Nise, not mommy, not your brother or teachers, nobody." 

"What do I have to do?" I asked in a small voice. This look I can't describe came over him, a mix of resolve and regret. 

"You have to go in there and do whatever Uncle Will tells you, okay? When he says you can leave you can't tell anyone what happened. If you do we will lose everything. We won't have a house to sleep in and child protective services will take you away. You won't ever see mommy, Nise, or your brother again. You understand?"

I nodded on the brink of tears. He successfully put the fear of the devil in me."

"Will," Dee said then paused to swallow the lump forming in her throat, "He made me strip naked and stand in front of him while he touched himself. I wasn't sure what was happening but I knew it wasn't right. He touched me, his hot sweaty hands all over my skin. His breath smelled like rum and cigarettes. That's all he did. He did it the next night and the next morning he gave me a doll for "being a good girl". I hated that doll. Every time I looked at it I could feel his hands on me and his breath on my neck."

"It went on for months. Some weeks I'd see him every night and others I won't see him at all. I guess Will got greed or maybe my father had some debts to repay or I don't know but one night my father didn't come for me he came for Denise. I cried that night, harder than I cried for anything or anyone. It was the first time I had an anxiety attack. I thought that I had to bear this, I thought that I had to do it for Denise sake and for my father's sake. If Denise started to go to him too then what did it all mean. I couldn't make it make sense. Why did we both have to be...?"

Dee stopped as if the emotion was fresh. Gian wasn't accustomed to dealing with anyone's emotions but his own but knew he should do something. He reached out to stroke Dee's shoulder but she instantly recoiled, her eyes popping open.

"I'm sorry," She said and Gian saw in her eyes what he never thought he'd see there. He saw emptiness vast and dark. Dee gave a small shy small and like that it was gone buried deep where she'd left it.




GianCarlo Ch. 06



***

"When my father came for me, I was scared shitless. From what I saw from Delia it couldn't be good. She never spoke about it so I had no idea what to expect. After it was done I felt nothing but rage." Denise said. She could feel Stefan moving closer to her but didn't want to see what his eyes held. She didn't want to see the disgust or pity she knew had to be there.

"I hated Daddy for making me do that, I hated Will for what he did, and I hated myself for not being strong enough to do anything about it. The more it happened the more anger I felt. It went on for a whole year, I wanted so badly to tell my aunties to tell anyone but I feared losing my sister even more. After a year my mom was finally allowed to see us, a supervised visit. Never had I been happier to see her. 

"That changed as soon as she told us she couldn't take us home with her. Dee started hyperventilating when she left. She fell to the ground breathing hard and crying for Mama to not leave. That was when my anger peaked. I was going to do something about it. I came to the realization that shit doesn't change unless you change them yourself."

"That night when my Daddy came to get Delia I sat up in my bed, instead of pretending to sleep, and I called him out. 

I said "How do you sleep at night knowing what he's doing to your little girls?" He gave me a look meant to shut me up. I didn't bow down, I could give a fuck how he felt, so strong was my hatred.

"Denise, don't!" Delia said fear clear in her eyes. She feared our separation too. I realized then that it was what they threatened us with to keep us silent, but I'd rather be separated from my sister and have she and I live a happy life than endure hell together."

"'You're a pussy!" I told my father. "You let people take everything from you! I'm glad mommy left you! You don't deserve her or us! You deserve to die alone! No! You deserve to let Uncle Will do to you what he does to us every other night. I hate you!" I was shouting, and in the next thing I knew my father had slapped me. 

My head was spinning and I could taste blood. Before I could even cry from the first blow he hit me again. Then from the other side of the room I heard a hard thud. Through eyes blurred with tears I saw Dee picking up things and chucking them at our father."

***

Delia chuckled softly at the memory, "I remember just picking up whatever was around me and just tossing it. I can't say what came over me but the sharp cracking sound of him hitting Denise released something in me. I threw dolls, books, literally anything my hands touched. He turned on me wrapping his hand around my throat and squeezing. 

"Just before I was about to black out I heard a loud crash and then saw a burst of glass. Denise had grabbed a lamp and tossed it hard enough that it broke on my father's back. He fell cracking his head on the bed post. Denise ran up to me hugging me hard. I started to have another anxiety attack as I heard the footsteps of somebody coming down the hall. Denise didn't let go but I knew she was scared too, her heart was pounding. The door swung open and we braced ourselves for Will's wrath. 

"It was Derek. He was my father's other housemate. He didn't know what was going on but Denise had managed to convince him to take us to my Auntie Lisa house. The next day my father came for us at Auntie Lisa house but she absolutely refused to hand us over. She threatened to call the cops on him. My auntie was under the impression that he beat us because of Nise's swollen face. We didn't tell her or anyone the truth. A week later and my mother had gained custody of us after she proved to be stable on her medication."

"Your mom still doesn't know?" Gian asked. He couldn't imagine what it took to keep something like that a secret for so long.

"No, she believes my father used to beat us, she feels like the worst mother in the world and she isn't. If she knew what he allowed to happen it could send her into another episode."

They were silent for a while. Gian had no clue what to do or say but he did know one thing. He never felt such intense anger and hatred for someone he's never met. It trolled inside him.

"If given half a chance I'd kill them and feel no way about it. If I ever..." Gian said trailing off. Telling her all the ways he'd want them to hurt like she was didn't seem like it was helpful. He gently wrapped an arm around Delia and pulled her into his embrace. 

He couldn't do anything about the past but the future he could influence. If Delia's father or anyone from that part of her life so much as try to enter it again, a vengeance like they've never seen will be their fate.

***

After Stefan had heard of Denise's past and convinced her he didn't think any less of her, he served them dinner and they both curled up on the couch for a movie. He thought to himself, how could he have been so lucky as to get a mate like her? She was beautiful, playful and seductive but she was also strong, pragmatic, and brave. She was everything he could ever want. He realized just how deeply he was in love with her. 

The sound of his cell phone ringing broke him of his revelry. Denise had fallen asleep against him and he tried to maneuver the phone from his pocket without waking her. When he finally succeeded he saw that it was Gian. He sighed heavily. It was almost three in the morning what could he possibly want.

"Hello?" He answered gruffly.

"Thank God, Stefan I need your help. I've fucked up. I've fucked up so bad!"

"Wait-Wait, calm down, how did you fuck up?" He asked 

"Fuck! She won't talk to me. She's locked in the bathroom having an anxiety attack and she won't open the door."

"Whoa, what happened, explain that first." He said trying to make sense of Gian's mumbling.

"Delia caught me with a bag of blood. I thought she was sleep. I went to the kitchen and she caught me drinking from the bag and she was freaked out. I tried to explain to her what I was but she didn't believe me. So I showed her my fangs and-"

"You did what? Why would you do that?"

"She thought I was crazy, that I had some mental disorder and that I had snapped. I was trying to convince her I was sane and what I was saying was true but she flipped. She wouldn't listen wouldn't let me touch her and she ran off to the bathroom. Please I need your help."

Stefan was not surprised, it went almost exactly how he thought it would go. Living in such close quarters Delia was bound to find out soon and he knew Gian would handle it with all the tact and delicacy he possessed, which it turns out is none.

"I'm on my way," Stefan said, hanging up. Now he had to figure out how he could possibly be of help.



GianCarlo Ch. 07



Author's Note: Hello everyone, here is the next installment. I received all of your emails and comments and I do appreciate all of them, they're my motivation to keep writing. I hope you enjoy this installment and haven't given up on me. Ciao Bellas

*****

It was nights like these that Analise both loved and hated. She sat on the veranda of her studio painting. The night was breezy and the warm wet south Florida air was comforting. The moon was high in the sky and Analise looked up at it often as she contemplated where her life had brought her. She missed her son. His face floated around in her consciousness. It wasn't the beaten and bruised face that had plagued her mind for the longest. It was the image a sweet bright eyed boy with the gaze of his father and the quiet observance of his mother. She wanted him back, to hold him once more. 

Analise looked down at the canvas before her and saw that face smiling back. She trusted her little boy to Durante and part of her still did but with that trust came a longing ache in her heart. The painting turned into the bloody face of her twenty three year old son in her mind's eye and she looked away. This was the same veranda that she stood from to watch Durante"punish" Gian. 

Every bloody wet blow wretched at her heart but she'd convinced herself that this was for the best. Now, she couldn't convince herself of that any longer. She watched as Durante, splattered with Gian's blood, stalk angrily into the house and two of his men pick up his unconscious body and dragged him away. She regretted that night for it was the last time she saw Gian. 

She heard a sound from the French doors and turned to see her mate standing at the door. She smiled sullenly at his appearance. He was normally dressed to the t but she loved to see him unbuttoned with his dark wavy hair a bit mussed and in his face. He didn't look like the tyrant he was known as. 

"Dulcezza" He said addressing her in Italian. 

"Amore mio," She answered as he made his way towards her. 

"I miss him," She said in her native tongue, an older version of the Italian language, one that only her mate understood. 

Durante nodded showing a measure of empathy. He held out his hand she took it without hesitation. He pulled her up and wrapped her in his arms. 

"You've trusted me," He stated softly with a reverence that showed how much he knew of her emotions. 

"Dulcezza Amore, My son, the one you've given me, I've taken care of for the past three years. Yes, I've been hard on him but it was to make him strong, to turn him into a man. I've afforded him the very best and I've gotten him help. I'm so pleased to tell you that he's doing so well. He's endeavored to make both me and you proud."

"Has he?" Analise asked dejectedly. How could she be sure of anything he said."I haven't spoken to him since he left. It's hard to even believe he's still alive."

Durante pulled away to look into his mate's eyes. He gave her a small wry smile that scared Analise for a moment."Ask me, Dulcezza; ask me for anything this moment and I'll give it to you."

His smile turned from sinister to infectious as she realized what he was offering."Amore mio vida, Can I speak with him? Can I see him?"

"Yes" He said pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

"Tonight?" She pushed. 

He chuckled, kissing her again."Unfortunately not so soon but before the year is out"

******

Stefan watched Gian pace his bedroom for a while before he made himself known. 

"Took your time there, didn't you?" Gian quipped as soon as he saw Stefan. 

"Don't be a dick; I'm on your side." Stefan said as he made his way to the bathroom door. 

He could tell Delia was in the bathroom pacing as Gian was. 

Stefan knocked,"Delia, its Stefan"

After a few seconds the door slowly opened and Delia looked out. She let out a sigh of relief as she stepped back to let him in. 

"You let him in but not me?! You barely know him!" Gian shouted in frustration when he saw her. 

"I know he's not a monster or crazy person!" She shot back. Gian didn't seem hurt by that statement like Stefan thought he'd be, he seemed more provoked than anything. 

"He's not a monster!? Guess what honey, he-"

"Shut up, Gian. Find a seat somewhere!" Stefan shouted cutting him off before slipping into the bathroom. 

"What am I going to do?" Delia asked softly when Stefan shut the door behind him,"I gave up everything for him and now..."

"Now, what?" Stefan asked taking a seat on the toilet seat to watch Delia pace. She seemed a little on edge, maybe frustrated, and a little frightened but not hysteric as Stefan suspected. 

"Now he's...crazy. Is he? I mean he thinks he is a vampire or maybe he is. He has fangs, Stefan! Did you know? Of course you knew, you tried to warn me but I was so...stupid."

"You know," Stefan said speaking calmly hoping she would do the same."He's been a vampire the whole time. From the day you met him until now."

Delia paused, thinking about what he said. She didn't look convinced. 

"He's the same Gian you fell in love. You still do love him."

"I-I still can't wrap my mind around this whole vampire thing, like he could kill me."

"Calm down, Ms. Melodramatic, this isn't twilight. Gian would never hurt you. He was born a vampire and is in control of whatever he does, he's not some rabid beast only concerned with bloodlust."

"But he hunts humans. He drinks their blood. By his very nature he hurts people."

"The only way he hurts people is by being a dick to everyone."

"But-"

"We are civilized we feed from bagged blood, donated blood from compensated donors. That's one of the businesses Gian's father deals in."

"We? Are you a vampire too?"

"Yes, I am but I was made into one, It saved my life. Yes, it's true sunlight burns us, yes we have fangs, but we are sentient beings as in control of our desires, like hunger, as much as any human is."

"This is crazy," Delia said leaning against the wall. Understanding was dawning on her. 

Those twenty minutes felt like hours to Gian as he paced. He was so afraid he was losing her. He kept running it through his head, what would he do if she left with Stefan and never came back. He'd beg her to stay; he had no dignity, no pride when it came to Delia. The door slowly creaked open and Gian stopped in his tracks. The first person out was Stefan. 

"You really need to work on communication if you're going to be in a relationship," he said rather gruffly before disappearing. 

"Asshole," Gian muttered. Delia came out next. Her eyes darted around the room. 

"Where'd Stefan go?" She asked. 

"He left," Gian answered softly, he wasn't sure how to act after the fiasco. Delia's wary gaze told him she wasn't sure how to act either. 

"I'm sorry," Gian said,"I should have told you but honestly how do you tell someone you're a vampire?"

"No, no, I get it. Shit, this is crazy." She said but made no move from the bathroom door. 

"Are you still scared of me?" Gian ventured to ask after a few silent moments. 

"No," She said quickly then back-tracked"Yes, a little but I know I shouldn't be. You're the same Gian I..." She paused, her gaze softening. 

"You're still my Giancarlo." She said finally

****

Stefan phased into the hall in front of his apartment lest Denise had woken. Thinking about the mess between Gian and Dee, Stefan made a quick decision. He had to tell Denise. She just finished spilling her soul to him and he owed her the same. He opened the door with a strong resolve to only have it crumble when Denise mumbled"Hey, sexy" with her sleep soaked voice and half opened eyes. 

He couldn't imagine losing her. Stefan soaked in that view of her body spread on his couch as she looked at him like he was the best thing on earth. He savored it, because he couldn't foretell how she'd react. He realized Gian was stronger than he'd given him credit for. Gian had to give up his mate twice, when Stefan couldn't imagine doing it even once. 

"Hey, babe" Stefan said taking a seat next to Denise as she made room for him. 

"What's up?" She asked,"Something wrong?" 

"No, nothing. I just had to take care of something for Gian. Babe, I got to tell you something." 

"What is it? Should I be scared?" She asked again sensing Stefan's distress. It wasn't like him to beat around the bush and it scared her that he was. 

"No, calm down its nothing...I'm a vampire." Stefan rushed to say. Confusion was the first expression and he expected that. 

"You said. . . you're a vampire?" She clarified. Stefan nodded letting her digest what he said. 

"A vampire like how?" She asked,"I have a friend who's a"vampire" who feeds on"life forces" and energies and shit like that. Is that what you're trying to tell me?" 

Denise never took Stefan to be someone who believed in stuff like that much less participates in it. She was okay with it if that's the case, but the way Stefan kept his gaze anywhere but on her face told her that it wasn't the case. 

"No, not like that he said gently, taking the time to pronounce his words,"I'm a vampire in the more traditional meaning of the word."

"Like those people who drink blood. Like the guy that was on the Tyra Show that one time. I got to admit that's kind of weird but-but I'm okay with it."

Stefan sighed, this was getting him nowhere, and"I'm a literal vampire, an actual real life vampire."

Denise looked at him in confusion, then smiled,"You're fucking with me aren't you?" 

Stefan simply shook his head. 

"Hold up wait, I'm trying to figure out if I'm the crazy one or is it you."

"Let me explain." Stefan said. He spent the next thirty minutes calmly explaining everything to Denise. He even told her about how he was turned and showed her his fangs and the bagged blood in his fridge and the whole thing. 

"Does Delia know Gian's a vampire?" She asked finally. 

"Yeah, she just found out."

"Is she buying it?"

"Denise," Stefan said taking her by the hand; she seemed to have retreated inward as she listened. Her face was unreadable. 

"Are you buying it? Do you believe me or do you think I'm crazy? I need to know."

"I think I do buy it, but damn if this isn't a mindfuck. I have so many questions."

"At least you're taking this way better than your sister."

"Yeah, well my freak out might be delayed so don't get your hopes up." She said then gave him a mischievous smile. 

"So do you think about sucking my blood, since I'm your mate?" She asked. 

Stefan chuckled,"Not exactly. As your mate I think of sucking other things."

"Ooh, Stefan you bad boy," Denise growled. 

Happiness bloomed inside of Stefan. She accepted him regardless of whether she fully understood. Denise was first and foremost logical and if something walked, talked, and quaked like a duck she took it to mean it was a duck and Stefan loved that about her. Not only was Stefan ecstatic by Denise's acceptance it aroused him. He was completely wrapped around her finger and wanted nothing more than to make her moan his name. 

Stefan leaned in for a kiss when Denise leaned out of his reach. Stefan's heart dropped,"Are you afraid of me?" 

"No," She said,"I'm afraid of those fangs of yours spontaneously popping out with my tongue in your mouth."

"I've been a vampire for 20 years I have control of my fangs."

"20 years?" She asked taking time to do some calculations,"So you're like fifty eight!"

"Fifty seven," he corrected feeling his heart drop for the second time. 

"Well," she said seeming to think it over,"Edward was a hundred and Bella was eighteen."

Stefan chuckled with relief before pulling his mate to his lips kissing her. It was as if her kisses were sweeter and her embrace warmer. 

"I'm so happy," He whispered over and over against her lips. 

"You thought I'd leave you?" She asked. 

"I ...don't know what I'd do if you left me."

"Don't ever worry about that. You've been so good to me; I'm not ready to give you up. This whole vampire thing seems really fucking crazy but I know you. You don't talk to say words, you've always been sincere and I'm inclined to believe you. I'm not that easy to get rid of, unless you fuck and/or kill my sister and/or my mother, unless you had a good reason. In that case you're only allowed to kill them if there was a zombie apocalypse and they were infected AND a direct threat." She said

"Wow that...got dark towards the end there."

"AND..." Denise said wanting to add one more, likely stipulation,"You can't drink their blood unless it's an extreme emergency and they're willing participants."

"I swear," Stefan said chuckling. 

Denise quickly straddled Stefan's lap and placed his palms over her breast holding them there."You have to swear on my breast." She said giggling. 

"I'm not sure that's something people do." Stefan said finding it hard not to cup her breasts and revel in their weight and softness. He was almost certain Denise could feel his semi-erect bulge. 

"Do it! Swear!" She urged with a playful smile. 

"I, Stefan, swear on these beautiful C-cups that..."

"They're at least a D-cup." Denise corrected. 

"Hmm," Stefan said feigning seriousness. He kneaded them as if were considering there ripeness. This caused Denise to giggle."I'm sorry you're right. I swear upon these Delightful D-cups that I will never do the aforementioned fucking, killing, and drinking from you mother and sister unless in the dire circumstances previously described. Satisfied?" He asked. 

"Yes," She answered sweetly with one of her genuine smiles that made Stefan's heart skip a beat. She leaned in to kiss him, a soft thing that picked up momentum. Stefan's hands still cupped Nise's breast and he could feel her nipples harden in the palm of his hand. Just that knowledge sent slivers of pleasure through his body. He couldn't contain himself. 

His arms went around her waist pressing her into his mounting erection. She responded by rubbing herself against him, mewling into their kisses. 

She moaned as she broke their kiss."Someone's going to get lucky," She sing-songed. 

"Denise," Stefan said in that tone he used before a lecture about taking things slow. 

She cut him off saying,"Whether they like it or not," causing Stefan to chuckle. 

She leaned back in his lap pulling her white undershirt over her head, having long ago discarded her white oxford work shirt. She reached behind her and unfastened her bra all the while flashing Stefan a lascivious grin. When she dropped her black lacy bra to the ground, Stefan instinctually cupped her breast. They were so soft and plump, overfilling his hand with oaken flesh, He rolled her dark nipples between his fingers and reveled in the sweet hiss from Denise. He drew one her nipples in his mouth causing Denise to throw her head back in sweet ecstasy. 

He wanted Denise so bad he couldn't contain it. His hands were all over her skin while she ran her fingernails through his scalp. Denise fisted the short hair at his nape pulling his head up to look at her. 

"Someone's hungry for titties," She said on a laugh before kissing him, teasing his tongue with hers. 

Denise pulled her pencil skirt up past her hips and Stefan's hands followed, groping handfuls of her dark thighs and fleshy ass. His fingers bypassed her panties finding smooth flesh underneath. 

Denise loved how his hands explored her body it was as if he hadn't had a nice ass in his lap for a while. She smiled to herself. This debonair and mysterious man who had the power to make her melt somehow wasn't getting laid on the regular. Denise decided she needed to rectify it. She made quick work of unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off his shoulders then pulling his undershirt over his head. 

"My God! Please tell me you weren't hiding all this from me." Denise said running her hands down his chest. His body felt like smooth velvet over warm steel. His skin was a beautiful olive tone with little brown nipples and a sprinkling of dark hair down the center of his chest. His muscles were beautifully sculpted. 

"I wanted to make sure you weren't with me for my body." He teased. 

Denise laughed as her hands explored Stefan's bottom half, her fingers hooking into the band of his pants, unbuttoning them and sliding his zipper down. She reached inside palming his cock. His hiss of pleasure was all the assurance she needed. She trailed kisses down his neck as she gently ran her thumb over the head of his dick. 

"Goddamn," He groaned softly. She slid out of his lap to her knees in front of him, pushing his legs open and running her nails up his thighs. Denise released his cock and smiled as it stood at attention. It was thick with a slight curve. In the next moment she'd covered the head with her mouth reveling in the hot hard flesh on her tongue and the salty sweet taste of his pre-cum. 

Stefan moaned when Denise sucked on it then popped it out of her mouth audibly. Before he could think she was putting his cock back into her mouth. Denise was giving him the best head of his life, making the sexiest sloppiest noises as she did. The pleasure reverberated through his body. He buried his hands in her thick black hair, unable to help himself. From where he sat he could see her long fingers playing with her nipples while the other cupped his balls. 

"Damn, girl, what are you doing to me," He groaned when he felt his balls tighten with his impending orgasm. He pulled her to her feet by her shoulders. 

"Why'd you stop me, I wanted your cum in my mouth." She purred causing Stefan's cock to jump of its own volition. This girl had the ability to make him feel like a virgin. It was time he showed her he was a worthy lover. 

Scooting to the edge of the seat he ripped away her panties with no effort causing Denise to gasp in delight. He threw one of her legs over his shoulder burying his face in her shaved pussy. She was already so wet and he reveled in the taste on his tongue. With a few flicks of his tongue he caused her to grip his shoulders for support. He found her clit hard and throbbing and sucked it into his mouth. Denise moaned a beautiful sound to Stefan. He alternated between licking and sucking until she was grinding against his mouth. 

He inserted one of his fingers into her slick opening. She fucked his finger as his tongue continued to play with her clit. Her body froze as if time stopped then she was coming and mewling. Her pussy spasmed around his fingers and Stefan lapped at her sweet juices. When she came down off of the high of her orgasm she brought Stefan to her lips. Kissing him through the taste of her sex. 

Denise crawled onto Stefan lap. Taking Stefan cock, still hot and hard, she slid it into her small wet opening with a satisfied gasp. She slowly began to ride him moaning his name softly. He could only sit back and regard this beautiful creature slowly riding his dick. He committed to memory her twisted expression of ecstasy, the gentle sway of her brown full breasts with its chocolate nipples, and the sight of his pale swollen cock pushing into her dark folds. 

Her pussy walls gripped him so perfectly, he found himself thrusting his hips upward to meet her. Denise moaned from the force of it. She began to feel her body shudder so much so that she couldn't make a sound just titter on the edge of orgasm. Stefan wrapped strong arms around her pistoning his cock into her faster and harder until she was coming. 

Stefan moaned loudly as her sopping pussy contracted around his dick. He couldn't hold on much longer. He came hard pumping his seed deep into his beautiful love as she held onto him, moaning his name between kisses she pressed to his neck and ears. He slumped back into the couch holding onto Denise as the last waves of their orgasm washed over them. It occurred to him he couldn't possibly deserve a gem like Denise. She was his perfect half built up for him; he only hoped he could be the same for see. 




GianCarlo Ch. 07



*****

"Oh my god, Gian" Delia said breathlessly but he was relentless. 

After the whole bathroom incident Delia was completely content with pretending that it wasn't real, that Gian wasn't a vampire. If she happened to see him drinking blood she quickly walked away. It wasn't until the end of the week that the curiosity got the best of her. She asked Gian questions he was all too eager to answer. Gian told her about all the other perks of being a vampire like the ability to compel people, his ability to phase to different locations within the blink of an eye and his ability to go invisible. Of course he mentioned the vampiric mating process as well as the abilities a mate can have like being able to tell whether their mate was telling the truth and vice versa. 

"Have you ever compelled me?"

"No never, I couldn't if I tried" Gian said

"Why not?" She asked curious. 

Gian wanted to tell her that it was because she was his mate and it was rarely possible to do so, but he feared that the idea of forever with him might scare her away. 

"Some people just have stronger minds." was his answer. 

When Gian got around to explaining his ability to phase and go invisible Delia demanded to see it with barely contained excitement. Gian phased from one side of the bedroom to the other and smiled when Delia laughed with delight. He did it a couple times more before completely disappearing. 

Delia called after him with a smile. He didn't answer, she called again standing up to see if she would bump into him like a weird game of blind man's bluff. When he still didn't answer Delia face twisted in worry. That's when he pounced, grabbing her arms and tickling her gut. She laughed uproarious as she tried to fight off what she couldn't see. He backed away letting her wander away. She crept around the room anticipating Gian's attack. 

"You better not let me see you, Gian. Payback is a bitch." She threatened with a smile. He appeared behind her making her jump. 

"I should kill you" she said trying to tickle his ribs. 

Gian laughed," I'm not ticklish."

"Wanna bet?" She said before pushing him on the bed and straddling his knees so that they couldn't move. She mercilessly tickled the bottom of his feet until he was red with the exertion of his laughs. She finally relented as she lay next to him on the bed. There laughter died down to a comfortable silence. 

"Oh, I got you something." Gian said breaking their silence. 

"You got me something?" 

"For your birthday. Its next week isn't it?" 

Delia smiled widely,"For real? When did you get it?"

"A couple days ago. I was wondering what you wanted to do for your birthday." Gian said

The thought made Delia kind of sad. This will be the first birthday that she and her sister are not going to celebrate together. 

Gian, reading her features, said," I didn't mean to bum you out; I just didn't have any ideas." 

"No, I'm alright. It will be my twenty first birthday. Maybe you can get me a bottle of Hennessey and we can get drunk and binge watch Mad Men." 

Gian nodded before wordlessly walking off into the living room. He was back with a plain white box in hand. 

"Is that my gift?" Delia asked

"Yes, I figured since your birthday will be really chill maybe you'd want to open it now." 

Delia grinned,"I want to wait but I'm so curious to see what you think I'll love." 

"You should open it. In case you don't like it, then I have time to get you another one for your actual birthday" 

"Like a practice gift?" She teased

She took the box from him. It had quite a bit of weight to it so she decided against shaking it. She opened it and brushed by the paper and froze. 

It was a couple books. Not just any books but poetry books many from Nikki Giovanni, her favorite poet. She was absolutely shocked. She never recalled mentioning Nikki Giovanni and was elated. She'd already read all two books Gian owned. 

"If you don't like it, I get it, just say something." 

"Gian I love it! I love it so much! I'm trying to figure out how you would know!" 

Gian smiled a wide grin,"I feel like you'll think I'm stupid, but here goes: I remember you once said in a conversation" if I can't do what I want to do then my job is to not do what I don't want to do" but you quoted it as if I was supposed to know it. So I went home and Googled it. A couple days later you quoted"I cannot be comprehended except by my permission" and then laughed but I didn't understand why I was laughing along so I Google it. Long story short I realized you're more artsy than I originally thought, and I like that about you."

Delia wrapped her arms around him hugging him closely. She couldn't believe that he actually listened to her. Growing up in a big family no one listened to her. The only one who did was Denise but rarely and she didn't quite understand. 

Gian did. Gian was excited. It was only a hug but it meant a lot, she hadn't been the least bit affectionate after she found out he was a vampire. He hugged her tighter, grateful for the contact. 

"I forgot," She said trying to hold her tears at bay,"Denise gave me a gift before I left. I should open that too."

"If you want to." Gian said reluctantly letting her go to fetch the gift. 

It took a few minutes for her to find it but when she did she came to sit next to him on the bed. She fumbled with the little box for awhile before opening it. Inside was a flimsy chain bracelet. It wasn't particularly pretty and didn't show nearly the thought that Gian had put into his gift. She put the box down to slip it on. Delia felt guilty for her disappointment. 

"It's. . . nice" Gian said to break the silence. 

"Yeah, I like it." Dee said. 

"There's anote in here" Gian said picking up the box

Dee grabbed it and read it aloud,"Hey birthday girl, It's finally the day we've dreamed about since we were twelve and knew what a nightclub was. Its finally time to legally turn up, so get your ass up, put on your best"fuck me" heels and meet me at The Warehouse at ten. The bracelet will get you in. Its time to get weird! We're 21!"

"A party invitation?" Gian asked confused. Why would she give Delia this if she knew she was running away with Gian. 

"It's more than that," Delia said,"Denise and her crew hosts these like outrageous underground parties. They're extremely exclusive. She dragged me to a few but it really wasn't my scene." Delia couldn't help but feel elated and yet there was sadness. 

"She's never thrown one for us." Delia said feeling tears prick her eyes. 

"I think she still gave it to you because she wants you to know how much she loves you." Gian said wrapping an arm around Delia to comfort her. 

"Yeah, she isnt very affectionate so that's one way she would do it. It just sucks because that party would have been amazing."

******

"You look beautiful," Stefan said when he went to pick up Denise for her birthday. She had on what looked like a modest black dress, though fitted it covered her arms and chest and came down past her knees. When she turned it revealed inch upon inch of smooth brown skin from her neck to the dimples just above the curve of her ass. Her hair, which she normally wore straight, was curled and voluminous and her makeup was done to perfection including deep plum lips. He pulled her in for a hug running his hands down her bare back before groping a handful of her ass. 

"Nuh-uh, that can wait until after you leave," Ms. Camden said coming up behind them. They broke away from each other. 

Ms. Camden hugged her daughter, the only one she had left. Of course she was sad but she suppressed it, she wanted tonight to be perfect for her daughter. To her knowledge Stefan was taking her out to a five-star restaurant on south beach. Ms. Camden heartily approved of Stefan despite the obvious age gap. 

"You grew up too fast." Ms. Camden said to her daughter as she embraced her."Just don't comeback pregnant." She warned when she released her, giving Stefan a pointed look then a gentle smile. 

"You two have fun," she said as she saw them out the door. 

"Wait, lemme get a look at you," Denise said as they walkd to the car. Stefan was truly mouth-watering that night in his slim fit black slacks and tailored black button down, his short hair pomade and styled. 

"Mmm, Happy Birthday to me," she said pulling him in close for a kiss. 

"You've probably got your lipstick all over me." He whispered against her lips. 

"No, it's a lipstain. You think I was gonna go a whole night without kissing you?"

Stefan smiled before kissing her again. 

"Are you sure they're coming?" She asked when they broke their kiss. 

"Yes," He answered,"For the final time yes. Stop worrying."

"I'll try" She said taking a deep breath. 

They both hopped in the car and headed for the abandoned warehouse. 

*****

"Rise and Shine sleepy head," Delia heard Gian whisper close to her ear. 

"What time is it?" She asked. It was irrelevant she had nothing to do and nowhere to be. She had fallen onto Gian's nocturnal hours. 

"It is seven at night, you're going to sleep your birthday away." He said speaking normally. 

"I don't care," Delia said rolling over. 

"I got a surprise but you've gotta wake up now."

"Okay, five minutes," She pleaded

An hour later Delia was up, out of bed, and eating the birthday waffles Gian bribed her out of bed with. 

"Was this my surprise?" She asked sitting on the bed digging into her pancakes. 

"No I have an even better one, another birthday gift." Gian said from the closet. He had been rummaging around in there for awhile. 

"Is it my Hennessey? Are we going to get wasted now?" She asked sounding too eager. 

"You just woke up." Gian said poking his head out the door. 

"Yeah, but my birthday is alost over."

He chuckled retreating back into the closet,"No, its so much better."

Finally finding what he was looking for Gian came out holding a big box. It was wrapped beautifully and Delia knew he didn't wrap it himself. 

"Gian, you didn't have to." She said with a huge grin. Gian lived for that smile, it was infectous. 

"Oh don't be that person, you know you love it." He said placing it before her. 

With no hesitation she ripped it open and brushed past the paper. Inside was neatly folded fabric. If there was something Delia loved more than poetry it was clothes. She paused to give Gian an even bigger smile. 

"You read me like a book," She said before delving into the fabric. On the top was a shirt. She held it up to herself. It was a black crop top with long sleeves and a high round neck. Beneath that was a black tulle skirt and Delia almost screamed. 

"How did you know I wanted one of these!" She squealed. 

"Keep looking there's more," Was all he said as he laughed with infctious joy. 

Beneath the skirt was a plain black box, she pulled the top off and stared at the contents. Tears pricked her eyes as she held up the black mary-jane pumps with red bottoms. She jumped up wrapping her arms around Gian holding him tight. 

"Do you realize that it has always been a dream of mine to own a pair of louboutins? I cant fucking believe how amazing you are." She said into his embrace. After at least five minutes she let him go. 

"How were you able to afford these? We're saving up to move west."

"It was courtesy of Durante Contiello," She looked panicked and Gian rushed to explain,"It was a cash advance from his credit card. I do it all the time and I gave the money to your sister through Stefan and she bought them. He'll never know. It's my"fuck you" to him."

Delia laughed. She couldn't believe him. She decided then that tonight she was going to tell him that she was irrvocably in love with him. She didn't want to seem shallow for telling him after a gift like this, but he had to know that it wasn't the gift but the thought he'd put into it. 

"Go try it on," He urged. 

"I'm dirty I just like rolled outta bed and..."

"Then go take a shower first I'll wait." He said ushering her to the door. 

After she showered she changed into the whole outfit. She loved it. The crop top ended just below her breast and the tulle black skirt was high waisted and ended mid thigh. Paired with the pumps it was breathtaking. She was almost positive Denise picked it out and they were definitly the most expensive thing she'd ever worn. The look of awe on gian's face was a gift in and of itself. He ogled her curvy shape and her legs that went on for days. She did a little twirl. In her heels she came eye to eye to Gian. 

"You look gorgeous," He said,"I got an idea. How about we get all dressed up order some food and pretend we are out at an expensive restaurant, we'll even use utensils and napkins."

Delia laughed at the last part,"That sounds awesome, I'll do my makeup and hair and even pick you out a nice outfit. It could be fun. 

After about an hour of watching Dee expertly do her makeup with red lips to match her new pumps and straighten her coils to a mass of tousled wave. He let her dress him, picking out a pair of black slim fit jeans, a pair of black converse, a black v-neck, and tailored blazer that she had no idea Gian even owned. He wanted slick back his dark hair. Delia thought he'd look like some lame Fabio. She ruffled his dark wavy hair and he looked great. Standing it front of the full length mirror, Gian couldn help but think how wonderful they looked together. He looked like the man he believed Delia deserved. 

"Damn, we look too good to stay in." He said. 

"I know, it sucks" Delia said oblivious to his mischievous tone. 

"Wait, we need a few more things." He said, he disappeared then returned holding two pairs of sunglasses. He gave one to her before putting on his. 

Delia laughed,"Why do we need these?"

"Because we're busting out." He said. 

"Don't even play," She said putting on the black wayfareres that matched Gian's and admired their reflection. 

"I'm not," he said taking her hand and placing the chain bracelet from Denise's gift on her wrist. 

"You're seroius? How?" She said both excited and wary. 

"Like this," He said placing an arm around her waist. 

Before she could form the question the world fell away around her, It was disorienting, as if she was spinning quickly and at the same time standing perfectly still. It was over in a few seconds and she found herself standing in an alley in Midtown clutching Gian for dear life. 

"Ohmigod!" She said, if Gian wasn't holding onto her (or more accurately if she didn't have a vise grip on him) she would have fell. 

"I didn't know you could transport someone with you."

"it wasn't easy," He said looking a bit dizzy himself,"But I finally mastered it. Older vampires are better at it."

"Gian, you've literally swept me off my feet." She said,"You had this planned all along hadn't you?"

"Yeah, it took a lot of brainstorming and a diversion tactic from Stefan. He has my tail following false calls in West Palm Beach looking for me. We've got a few hours before he catches on and by then you'll be back in our little hideaway house." He said with a satisfied grin. 

"I owe you an amazing birthday, I do" She said as they began walking down the street to the warehouses. 

******

Denise paced in the hall that opened to the huge party space. She couldn't help but be nervous, this plan could get Gian and Delia found out and lord knows what would happen then. She wanted so badly to see her sister but she was starting to think that maybe this was a bad idea. 

"Calm down," Stefan said behind her placing a hand on her back. 

"I can't! They arent here yet, something could have happened." She said. 

In that moment Chad, who manned the door at the end of the hall cracked it open and mumbld something unheard to who ever waited on the other side. It was probably another false alarm but Denise stopped and waited anyway. 

Having gotten the clear from Chad the first person to walk through was Gian. Denise was filled with elation, Delia followed and tears nearly pricked her eyes. High heels be damned, Denise took off towards her. Delia did the same with much more grace. They ran into each others embrace so hard they spun with the force of it. 

Arm and arm Delia and Denise walked into the open space. They held on to each other as if they feared the other would disappear. On entering Delia marveled at the off beat grandeur of it, it's many stations set up around the warehouse and the bright disco lights and deep pounding music. Denise marveled at the turn out. There were people milling everywhere and she spotted everyone she invited from Delia's friend list. Gian marveled at Denise's planning skills. Everyone milled around in their white attire making the foursome stick out. Stefan was so impressed by Denise handiwork he found himself falling for her all over again. 

Delia spotted a group of girls toward the center of the room and squealed. It was her friends who all went off to college. She thought she'd never see them again. She took off toward the group and Gian was inclined to follow but Denise held him back, 

"Imma warn you, I planned this party when you and Delia were separated. There's a lot of guys here I invited solely because they're interested in Dee." 

Gian smiled wryly,"I guess this means I have competition." 

"Only if you want it," Stefan said before escorting Denise away by the waist. 

"Gian!" Delia called and Gian went to join them. 

Delia was overwhelmed, it seemed everyone she knew was there, even her cousins who were around her age, they mercilessly teased Gian but he gave as good as he got. they thoroughly approved of him and it made Delia glow, or maybe it was the five shots she was forced to down. 

Apparently, Denise informed everyone of trigger words and once Delia said them she had to have a shot before she could continue talking to whomever she was talking to. So far, they were: birthday, turn up, and any phrase with the word fuck in it. Delia succumbed to the fact that she'll be fucked up and tore back by the time she left. Gian found it so amusing. 

"Having fun?" Denise asked when she found her sister in the array an hour later. 

"Fuck yah," Delia slurred a bit."Oh shit, I did it again!" she said on a laugh, listing heavily on to Gian

"You sure did," Denise said producing a shot from the make shift bar behind her. 

"She might have had enough," Stefan said. 

"Bullshit," Denise said,"she has that Camden blood, she'll take it like a champ." She poured herself one and passed Delia hers, they cheers and threw it back together. The burn didn't even bother Dee anymore. 

"Now it's time to dance!" Delia squealed pulling Denise onto the floor. 

"Oh God," Denise half heartedly groaned as she allowed her drunk sister to drag her along. 

Stefan and Gian stayed back and watch the two dance as a group of girls quickly descended on the sisters. 

"How are you holding up?" Stefan asked. 

"Good," Gian said keeping his eyes on Delia. She was having so much fun and he only wished he could have done something this big for her. 

"I've been blocking guys from her all night, makes me question why she was single in the first place." 

Stefan smiled,"Women, they think they understand men but they really don't. She's probably been oblivious to it all" 

"It seems so." Gian agreed as he watched Delia pull one of her friends to her, a girl just as tall as her wearing white slacks and a matching button down with her chest hanging out. The girl, her name was Sharon, she danced a bit too closely to Dee and Gian wondered if she was a lesbian. Sharon turned Dee around to grind with her. Dee seemed to enjoy it and Gian wasn't sure if he should be threatened, he'd thwarted so many advances from so many guys that night that it seemed tiresome to look on the girl with suspicion, besides, he wasn't sure if it was such a bad thing. He looked to Stefan and he gave a knowing smile. 




GianCarlo Ch. 07



The night passed on in drunken bliss for Dee there was more shots, more dancing, more friends she haven't seen in the longest, there were more games, and even a twerk contest Dee got to judge. Though she was enjoying herself she constantly reached back for Gian making sure he never fell too far behind. Maybe it was the liquor in her system but she wanted him more and more, he looked delicious in his black attire popping out against the sea of white. She tried not to think about these feelings too much or she'd be inclined to act on them. 

It was a couple hours in when Denise, a little drunk herself, stumbled up to the dj booth to announce a new game, one in which Delia sat in the middle of the dance floor to receive lap dances and the person who she deemed the winner was blessed with the opportunity to dance with Delia for the first dance hall song of the night. Delia was shocked and delighted and knew that resistance would be futile, she didn't have energy for resistance either way. 

One after one some of the cutest guys she knew made their way up to give her a dance. She enjoyed each immensely yet she waited anxiously for when Gian would come up. A few brave and naughty girls made their way up, Sharon being amongst their number. Sharon was a known lesbian and even more Delia knew of Sharon's crush on her. 

Delia had to admit she was a tad bit attracted to her but not nearly enough to respond positively to her advances. So, on their relationship went with half heated flirting. When the last person went up Delia glanced toward Gian with barely hidden disappointment. 

"What the hell are you still doin' over here?" Stefan asked Gian noticing the disappointment. 

"She seems like she's having fun, she don't want me fucking it up with my lame moves." 

"I think she'd rather have you up there making a fool of yourself and her than to have the hottest guy in her give her the lap dance of her life," Stephan said. 

Gian considered that for awhile. He decided to take his chances but he was too late Denise was already asking Dee to name a winner. Dee picked Sharon and they proceeded to give a raunchy show of feeling and touching each other to the hoots and hollers of the crowd. Gian regretted not throwing his bid in but he didn't regret it too much. He had to admit the dance was pretty hot only made hotter by the heated glances Delia threw his way. 

When the song ended a new one began and Dee continued to dance with Sharon. Gian was beginning too feel the fingers of jealousy, he knew it was mostly his fault. Denise had made her way back to Stefan to dance with him leaving Gian alone with his regret and jealousy. 

"Do you not want to get laid tonight?" Denise eventually breaking from Stefan to ask Gian. 

"What do you mean?" Gian asked

Denise rolled her eyes,"Get your ass over there and dance with her," she said adamantly. 

Gian chuckled nervously,"I can't dance." 

"Can you fuck?" Denise asked without filter. 

"Um, I like to think so," Gian said not sure he should be having this conversation with Delia sister. 

Denise rolled her eyes again,"I think I want you too get laid more than you do," she said,"When the song changes, you need to get over there, grab her by the hips, pull her against your dick and she will surely ride the beat for you. Just hold on for the ride, if all else fail just follow what Stefan does. You better do it, now, because if you don't it will be Sharon who gets some at the end of the night." 

With that she made her way to the dj stand and within minutes the song changed. It was a bit slower and a lot more sexual. The floor cleared out for couples and Gian could see Sharon making her way over to Dee. He looked to Denise and she mouthed"get your ass over there". He received a gentle shove from Stefan whom he didn't know had come up behind him. 

Delia looked around feeling a bit lonely on the dance floor and her favorite dance hall song was playing, Mad Cobra's Flex. Suddenly her eyes landed on Gian making his way toward her. She smiled uncontrollably. Wordlessly he positioned himself behind her holding onto her hips. Delia couldn't help it, she was so excited her body thrummed with it, that and the alcohol. She swayed seductively to the music and Gian diligently followed. His movements were awkward and stiff. 

Delia leaned back against him reveling in his height and warmth. When he held her she felt like a woman, instead of a hulking and awkward linebacker. The closer she held him the warmer her skin felt, the harder her heart beat, and tighter her nipples got. She wined against him as his hands held her closer, pulling her tighter. He made her feel wanted and beautiful. 

She thought of the idea of having sex with Gian would it be like this, would her blood race like this and her clit throb. Would her body scream out for him? She dipped low causing Gian knees to spread around her. She braced herself on his knees grinding on his growing buldge. The idea of what she did to him turned her on. He held her close burying his face in her neck, so close she could swear he pressed kisses there. As the song slowly came to a close. Gian turned her around pulling her body into him. 

They danced so close his knee wedged between hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and lost herself in the moment. She pressed her lips to his reveling in the feel of him. God, she wanted to do this since the last time his lips was on hers months ago. Gian quickly got over the surprise of Dee sweet kiss and pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. His hands cupped her face and he dipped his tongue into her willing mouth. He smiled to himself when she moaned and melted against him. 

"Get a room," Denise said breaking the spell. 

"Fuck off, ho!" Delia slurred not letting go. 

She was drunk, Gian was reminded. That's the only reason she danced with him, the reason she kissed

him. Gian reluctantly let her go with a chagrin smile. Delia acquiesced, she had to stop then because Lord knows she'd fuck him then and there. 

"It's a bit chilly in here, isn't it?" Denise said gesturing to Delia nipples which poked out through her top. Delia could do nothing but raise her middle finger to her sister. Denise chuckled grabbing her sister by the arm and walking off. 

"All she was waiting for is for you to make the first move." Stefan said when the two was out of ear shot. 

"She was drunk, man. That's the only reason." 

Stefan shook his head,"You really don't want to get laid tonight." 

"Delia isn't some lay, alright. If we do have sex it'll be because she wants to, not some drunken decision." 

"You're obviously not seeing it so keep this in mind, liquor only lifts inhibitions not change desires." Stefan left him with that following the two as they headed toward the tattoo bar. 

"Okay, are you sure?" Denise asked her speech just as slurred as Denise. 

"Yeah, I'm sure this is a for real deal yes. I'm so sure right now," Dee said slurring more than before. She had a few more shots before she sat in the chair with her sister sitting beside her. 

"Okay, here it is?" Katy said excitedly turning around with a design sketched on what looked like wax paper. It was a beautiful calligraphy of the sisters shared initials with flourishes. It looked more like a symbol than letters. 

"It's gorgeous," Delia said at the same time Denise said,"That's bad ass." 

Delia gripped Gian's hands as she received her tattoo, she squirmed like a child but she got through. Delia and Denise received matching tattoos on their ankles and they were so pleased with it but it was time to call it a night. Denise couldn't even put her shoe back on so Stefan had to carry her. Delia couldn't take two steps without wobbling in her heels Gian carried her out of the warehouse. 

"This was amazing," Delia said to Denise as they both were carried down the street

"I'm pretty good at this thing," Denise said. 

"Hell yeah, you are. This it's your fucking calling, I'm so for real Denise!" 

"You're so fucking right!" 

Gian was amused by their drunken banter. 

"Wait!" The foursome heard calling from behind them. It was Kay running after them with two jars stuffed full of crumpled bills. Stefan and Gian set the girls down on wobbly feet. 

"What's this?" Denise looked on surprised. 

"We all know how your sister is on the run so we decided to take donations for our services."

"What?" Dee asked. She shot a glance at Gian. 

"This means we can leave so much sooner." 

Denise looked on saddened by the reality of it. 

"It'll be safer." Delia said comforting her sister who had tears bubbling down her face. 

"I don't want you to go." Denise said on a sob. 

This was so uncharacteristically emotional of Denise that it brought tears to Delia eyes. Delia threw her arms around her sister and held her close causing her to cry with abandon. The display made Gian feel guilty, this was his fault. 

"Denise don't be sad, well be together again, this isn't for ever." Delia said softly into their embrace

"You're my best friend." Denise sobbed back. 

"You're mine, but you have Stefan now you can tell him anything. . . . plus he's kind of hot." 

"He is super duper hot." She said her sobs dyed down. Just like that they were back to smiling and giggling. 

Kay handed the two large jars to Stefan and gave Delia a hug,"Good luck, girl, and come back to us." 

Delia smiled widely and hugged her. Out of all Denise's friends Delia liked Kay the most. 

After a very long good bye full of episodes of laughter and tears the sisters finally parted ways. 

Delia stood in front of him and hugged him tight and Gian instinctively wrapped his arms around her. He summoned the energy too phase both he and Delia back to his apartment. When they appeared in his room Gian felt dizzy, but not nearly as dizzy as Delia. She swayed in his arms but continued to hold on. Gian didn't let go. 

Delia moaned in satisfaction,"Tonight was perfect, you are perfect," she purred. 

"You deserve it" he said stroking her hair. 

She lifted her head from his chest to look into his eyes and smiled affectionately. She studied his face and Gian let her, his gaze not wavering. He wondered what she saw there. Something good he reckoned when she pressed her lips to his in a sweet passionate kiss. 

Gian knew he shouldn't, he knew the right thing to do was to help her out of her clothes, see her to sleep and allow their relationship to progress when she was sober but he couldn't. Her kiss was too sweet to him, her smell too enticing, and body too close to him for his judgement. Instead of doing what he"should" he pulled her in tighter and deepened the kiss. He kissed her until his heart thumped and his cock throbbed, he didn't stop until she shivered in his arms and pressed closer to him. 

Gian had to stop himself, Delia wouldn't and he didn't want to ruin what they had by pushing. 

"Don't stop," she said softly when Gian pulled away. She stepped closer to him and placed his hands on her ass before wrapping her arms around his neck and looking at him with unhidden desire. 

When he made no move she kissed him again, deeper than before. Gian resisted the urge to grope her ass and thick thighs. He resisted the urge to lift her in his arms and spread her legs around him, to feel her sex pressed against him. 

"Dee, you're drunk" he said softly into her kiss. It was the only excuse he could muster. 

"I know" she said not seeing a problem. When he still stood there frozen she pulled away on a huff. 

Gian didn't know if he made the right decision. She didn't seem mad just frustrated. He continued to watch her as she she walked away. In one move Delia managed to pull her black crop top off, and before Gian realized what was happening Delia skirt was pooled around her feet and her hands fussed with the clasp of her bra. When she dropped her bra to the ground she threw her signature mischievous smile over her shoulder at Gian. So unexpected was Delia nudity Gian could only admire from where he stood. Her straightened hair fell in frizzy waves down her naked back and silky chocolate skin ran from her slender shoulders, to the small of her waist and over wide hips and thick thighs only interrupted by lacy black boy shorts that outlined by her round cheeks. 

Gian eyes followed it down long legs that led to her black heels with the red shoes peeking through. All he wanted to do at that moment was lick her from head to toe. He watched as she slowly reclined on the bed. From the bed Gian finally saw her breast and loved how they swayed with her every movement. She propped herself up on her elbows giving Gian the perfect view of inch after glorious inch of brown skin. With one hand she cupped a round breast and squeezed a dark nipple between her two fingers. Gian blood rushed south so fast he was dizzy. 

All the while Delia paid him no attention, her eyes closed and her head leaned back as she enjoyed the things she did to herself. Her hand crept down her body and over her stomach, inching closer to the band of her panties, and Gian breath caught in his chest. When her hand slid beneath the lace Gian could do nothing but watch, his cock swelling in his pants. He watched as her fingers moved beneath the fabric and her breath pick up causing a wonderful sway of her tits. Gian couldn't believe what was happening. Was this another dream of his? More importantly Gian couldn't make his mind think of the appropriate thing to do. All he could think of was how he wanted to rip away those panties and bury his face between her legs. 

What the hell was the right decision in this scenario? He just wanted to do right by Delia, but damn if wrong didn't feel so good. His resolve finally broken he pulled off his blazer and shoes and slid in bed next to her. He dived into a kiss with Delia causing his blood to burn with satisfaction. He moved instinctively, his mind only focusing on how much he wanted her. He gripped handfuls of her breast as he kissed down her neck before drawing s small dark nipple into his mouth. She moaned when his hot wet mouth made contact, the sound was so beautiful to Gian. He pulled her hand from her underwear placed her finger in his mouth giving her a look of ecstasy. 

Gian couldn't help but moan when she reached down and caressed his dick from over his jeans. He couldn't wait anymore. He climbed between her legs and slipped her panties down her legs. He threw the lace over his shoulder and admired her beautifully trimmed snatch with its dark folds. 

He ran his thumb down her slit and was rewarded with a hiss. She looked down at him with such yearning it drove him crazy but he reminded himself she was a virgin and this would be her first time. He vowed to make it remarkable. 

"Your shirt," Delia moaned. She laid beneath him wearing nothing but a drunken smile while he admired her with all his clothes on, that didn't seem fair to Dee and she wanted to do some admiring too. 

Gian obliged pulling his shirt over his head. He was brilliant to Dee, his long body looked even thinner naked but it was beautifully sculpted not from any physical exertion but simply because he didn't have enough fat to cover the way his taut muscles moved beneath his skin. She was right, his small nipples were brown and his jeans hung low on his hips like an Abercrombie model. 

Delia smiled again,"Jeans too, mister, I wanna see all of you." 

Gian chuckled as he backed off the bed. He began unbuttoning his pants as quickly as possible. 

"Go slow," she purred. Sitting up to watch. Gian felt a little self conscious but he damn sure wasn't going to show it. He acquiesced slowly peeling off his pants to stand before her in his boxer briefs. 

"Mmm turn around lemme see that ass," She said. 

He did laughing as he turned. 

She got up and smacked it."Mmm that's a nice ass," she said causing them both to laugh. She knelt on her knees on the bed before him and looked up. She hooked her fingers in the band of his underwear and slowly pulled them down until the thickest cock she'd seen to date spring forth. 

"Oh my gosh, that's supposed to go inside me?" She said without filter causing Gian to chuckle. 

"Not if you don't want it to," He responded. 

She smiled widely before wrapping her hand around his cock. Gian inhaled sharply as she stroked it once. 

"Get down here and fuck me," she growled. She didn't have to tell him twice, Gian grabbed the back of her neck and leaned in to kiss her. It was hot and passionate and full of need. 

He laid her down caressing every inch of skin within his reach. Delia seemed to have the same fascination with his bare skin. He looked down at this amazing creature beneath him as he positioned himself at her entrance. 

"Do it," she moaned. He slowly slid the head of his cock inside her tight hole as he caressed her clit with his thumb. He slowly pushed into her as Delia reveled in the pleasure and pain of the things he did to her. She hissed when he was half way in bracing her hand on his lower stomach. 

God she was so hot, wet, and tight Gian wanted to just pound into her. He held himself there allowing her pussy to adjust to his size as he worked her clit. It wasn't long before she was writhing beneath him. He pushed further into her and reveled in the sound of her gasp as he pushed in to the hilt. 

"Oh God, Gian," she moaned when he paused there and sucked a dark nipple into his mouth. 

He pulled out and plunged back in with a moan of his own. He paced himself as he slowly made love to her, her moans his motivation. As he picked up speed, Delia began to revel in this new sensation. It started in her sex and seemed to reverberate through her body. 

When she moaned she couldn't believe the noise she made. She knew an orgasm when she felt one, she'd given herself many but what she felt now was deeper, stronger and made her whole body shake and she hadn't reached its peak yet. 

"Please. . . don't stop," she moaned, her diners digging into his flesh. 

"No babe, I won't" Gian said picking up speed his thumb never leaving her clit. She suddenly froze as she held onto him. It started in her pussy first, as it pulsed around his cock, he couldn't stop then, the feeling was so exquisite. Her while body began to shake beneath him and he couldn't hold it much longer, he came harder than he ever did. 

"Ohmygawd, Gian," she moaned loudly. He could feel nothing but pride in that moment. She spasmed for minutes after. He rolled off of her to give her some room to breath. 

"No don't go," she said in a small voice tinged with fear. 

Gian pulled her into his embrace,"I'm not going anywhere," he stroked her hair until she relaxed. They both fell into the sleep of the deeply sated, holding onto each other. 

*****

Denise always said you can tell how much fun you had the night before by how much you were hung over in the morning. Well Delia must have had the night of her life because she woke up with her head pounding her ankle sore from the tattoo and her pussy sore from practically hopping onto Gian's dick. She shook her head as she recalled what a mess she was last night. 

She untangled herself from Gian's long arms and stumbled to the bathroom. She was still wearing her heels so she quickly kicked them off and ran herself a bath. She finally felt human after a long soak and braided her hair into alligator braids that fell down her shoulders. It was late afternoon and Delia decided she had enough time before night fall to venture to the kitchen, book in hand and make herself some coffee. With a warm mug and her new Nikki Giovanni book she curled up into the nook of the couch to read. When she was finally comfortable a strange sadness befell her. It was so sudden and so heart wrenching, she glanced towards the bedroom door and it was something about thinking of Gian that made tears prick her eyes. 




GianCarlo Ch. 07



"What have I done?"



GianCarlo Ch. 08



Author's Note: I want to thank you guys for reading and all the comments, emails, and feedback you guys have given me. You guys inspire me to keep going.

*****

Denise woke up to an empty bed, but she could still hear Stefan in the kitchen. For those few seconds she could honestly see the appeal of a blissful domestic life, with maybe a few children running around. That seemed nice, normalcy seemed great. She was quickly reminded that nothing was normal when it came to her and Stefan. There was nearly a thirty year age gap. Not to mention he was a fucking vampire and she hosted underground parties. Denise ambled into the kitchen wearing nothing but her after glow. Stefan was chopping vegetables and had to do a double take.

"Why don't you become like a chef?" She said getting closer.

"Because I only cook for naked beautiful women." He said stealing glances at his girlfriend.

Denise slowly walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her hands trailed up his chest as she smiled to herself. She could feel his heartbeat speed beneath her fingertips.

"I love you," she whispered against him. Stefan could feel the weight of it. She'd never said it before. Denise wasnt very affectionate, but she loved strong. Her love was heavy and hard earned. Stefan could only ever hope to be loved half as much as she loved her sister.

He carefully put down his knife and turned toward Denise, holding her gaze.

"I love you," he said bringing her hands to his lips.

Always cheeky, "How the hell'd that happened? " She asked before kissing him. She pressed tender kisses to his lips and cheeks, down his neck, and over his collar bone. Her hands trailed under his undershirt.

Stefan relished the feel of her warm skin under his hands as he groped handfuls of her ass and pulled her in tight. Denise took in a sharp breath when she felt his hardness press against her through his sweats. That was all the encouragement he needed. He lifted her up as her legs immediately wrapped around him. He sat her on the counter behind her as she kissed and nibbled at his neck. Stefan palmed her breasts, squeezing her dark nipples between his fingers. Denise couldn't wait another second, she loved him and the sound of his ecstasy was exhilarating. She pushed his sweats past his hips and stroked the length of his hardness. Stefan looked down and marveled at the sight of her long brown fingers wrapped around his swollen cock. His heart thrummed as Denise rubbed it against her clit wetting his head with her warm sweetness. She placed the tip at her enhance, her gaze filled with unadulterated longing.

Stefan pushed into her and relished her moan. She loved the way he filled her so completely and just the sound of his laboured breathing left her pussy sopping. She nibbled at his ear as he picked up speed, grunting into her neck. 

"I love all of you, the best and the worst," Denise rasped near his ear, "you're the only man that I ever want. Fuck this pussy, cause it's yours. It's all for you."

Stefan was turned on by her and he couldn't get enough. He braced his hands on the cabinets above her head and sawed into her relentlessly.

"You're the only one who can get it wet, the only one who can make me cum. Oh fuck, make me cum," She said between moans and whimpers.

Stefan didn't stop or slow down until she was trembling and screaming out her orgasm. He kept up his pace until her thighs tightened around him and her whole body spasmed. Her wet hole clamped around his cock in a wonderful vise grip. He came thrusting deep inside her. 

They stayed like that for what felt like hours pressing kisses to each other's heated slick skin.

***

Gian reached out for Delia even before he was awake. He wanted to hold her close and press kisses to her forehead, cheeks, and neck. Don't get him wrong, he wanted to do that every time he woke up but finally he could. He opened his eyes when he didn't feel her near.

She was probably in that shower that she loved so much. Gian pulled himself up. He was going to join her, something else he thought about a lot. She wasn't there but she had been, the room was still a bit steamy. Gian took a quick shower, thinking there was only one other place she could be.

Hair still wet and wearing only boxer briefs, Gian padded into the living room happy to find Delia on the couch reading but something was wrong. She jumped when she saw him and gave him a chagrin smile.

"Good Afternoon," she said trying to discreetly wipe her eyes. They were swollen and glassy.

"What's wrong? What happened? " he asked kneeling in front of her. He took the book from her hands before engulfing them in his. Gian's heart sank, did she regret last night did she regret him. He knew he should have resisted.

"It's nothing," she said avoiding his gaze.

"Goddamn it, Nothing is always making girls cry. If I ever find that mother fucker..." 

Delia laughed, finally looking him in his eyes.

"I'm sorry about last night," she said when her laughter died, "I should have warned you, I'm a bit braver when I'm drunk and I didn't mean to -I mean, I meant to, but not like-I just don't want things to be weird now and I might have-" She buried her face in her hands shaking her head. 

Gian was trying his best to follow what had just happened when it dawned on him. He breathed a breath of relief.

"You're embarrassed," he said as a matter of fact, peeling her hands away from her face. Delia couldn't respond she just wanted to crawl in a hole and die. Gian took her silence as a 'yes'. 

He smiled widely, "You shouldn't be embarrassed. I had fun you had fun. That's all that matters."

Delia looked away from his smiling green eyes, her face still burned with embarrassment. "Of course, who wouldn't have "fun" when a girl is just throwing herself at them."

Gian turned her face back toward him holding her there, "Don't you get it?" He asked thumbing the tears from her cheek, "You're my mate and I'm yours. I love you, Delia Aiko Camden. I love everything about you. I live for you and I'd die for you." 

Her heart skipped with hope. joy and admittedly a bit of wariness, "Gian, don't say it if you don't mean it." 

She wanted to believe him, and a part of her did, but she couldn't so easily give herself over to the joy she teetered on. She couldn't bear to find herself falling for something that wasn't real. 

"I literally tried and failed to live without you. Since that very first day when you angrily told me off at a gas station at five in the morning. I knew you were meant for me and I for you. Before you came in my life I didn't have a reason to live. I was counting the days until I died or eventually killed myself. You, Delia, you saved me by just being you and being with me."

Delia was speechless, a million different emotions ran through her and tears pricked her eyes anew. It was his complete sincerity and the adoration that sparkled through his eyes that gave her permission to lose herself in the joy blooming inside of her. She tried to put into words the relief and amazement, the love and utter joy, but nothing came out.

"Say something," Gian said, his gaze becoming a bit worried.

"I love you too." She finally said barely over a whisper, the words falling from her lips. 

Like a flood gate opening she said it again, repeating it over and over until Gian grabbed the back of her neck and pulled her into a kiss. His kiss was warm and soft, sweet yet demanding. She rested her hands on his chest inhaling his scent, spicy with the lingering smell of soap. She sighed into their kiss as his tongue dipped into her mouth, tasting her.

"I love to hear you say it," He growled against her lips, pulling her closer until he settled between her legs. 

Delia gasped at the erection pressed to her center and a shiver racked her body. Gian, turned on by her innocent reaction to their closeness, licked at her bottom lip before drawing it into his mouth. Delia moaned, running her hand through his damp dark waves. He explored the soft creamy feel of her skin, running his hands down her arms over her shoulders. He pulled down the straps of her dress, revealing round full breasts covered in creamy brown skin. He cupped and kneaded them as he kissed and licked a path down her neck. Delia sighed rubbing herself against him. Gian groaned in response, only in his dream had her heard her sounds of pleasure and now the sounds awakened him a fierce desire. 

He kissed over her collarbone before taking a dark pebbled nipple into his mouth and relished her sharp intake of breath. He rolled her nipple around his tongue as he ground into her core. His mouth was sweet torture as he teased each of her nipples with its hot wetness. She couldn't contain herself, she wanted him closer, better yet inside her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and arched into his mouth as his erection created a sweet pressure against her most sensitive area. 

Hot passion pooled between her legs. Gian couldn't contain himself either, he wanted to run his tongue along every inch of her body. He ran his hands up her thighs slowly, not stopping until his fingertips reached the band of her panties. He tugged them past her hips and down her legs.

Delia legs instinctively snapped closed as he pulled her panties past her feet. He gave her a lusty smile, his green eyes sparkling, as he slowly spread her knees apart. He paused staring at her trimmed lips. He wondered why she trimmed. Was it because she had anticipated this? He was pulled out of his thoughts at her girlish giggle. 

Gian smiled, "Why are you laughing?" 

"It's just, no one has ever stared at me down there," 

"Down there?" he asked wanting to hear her say it.

"At my vagina," 

He chuckled, "Uh-uh, what's down there?" He loved watching her face light up with giddy shyness.

"My...pussy," she said, the last word falling awkwardly from her lips. Gian rewarded her by running his thumb up her slit, applying pressure to her clit. She hissed in response, his hands stilled. 

"Your what? " he asked again.

"Gian," she whimpered, reluctant to repeat it. He moved his hands completely away.

"My pussy," she repeated softly.

"I didn't catch that," he said loving this particular torture. 

Delia chuckled, "my pussy," she said louder.

Gian stroked her until she was whimpering. He never thought he'd enjoy her innocent shyness about sex, but it was fun trying to coax naughty things from her lips. 

Gian licked at her nipples as he laid her down. He kissed down her breast bone and tummy, dipping his tongue into her belly button and continuing lower. Her breath caught as she realized he wasn't stopping in his path. Her eyes widen in excitement and, at the same time, shyness. Gian smiled as he threw her thick thighs over his shoulder and kissed the top of her mound. He paused there until she was squirming with anticipation. He spread her lips, relishing how the brown outer lips revealed pink inner ones. 

Quickly his hot wet mouth covered her swollen nub and she bucked against him then moaned as he swirled his tongue around it. Her taste was heady and intoxicating as it filled his mouth. His cock jumped involuntarily. He had waited so long to taste her and she tasted like heaven. He pulled away to enjoy the look of amazement on her face as she breathed heavily. 

He noticed her hands fisted at her sides. She wanted to touch him but hadn't the audacity to do so. He grabbed one of her wrist and her hand unclenched immediately. He placed it at the back of his head and smiled before continuing to lap at her hot quivering folds.

The things he did with his tongue and lips were driving her crazy. She gripped at his head as she felt passion building up inside her, sending shocks through her body. He didn't relent and she was winding tighter and tighter, trying her best not to grind against his mouth. She was going to come and she knew it would be the hardest she'd ever came. The shocks was climbing all the way down her fingers and toes making them tingle. She felt his finger pressing into her entrance and she slid back in the seat, knowing if he continued she'd come in his mouth. 

He looked up at her and gave her a husky chuckle, "Relax, dolce coniglietto, enjoy yourself. " .

He pulled her closer by the back of her thighs. He sucked at her nub as he slipped his finger inside her, growling when her walls clenched his finger. Soon she was coming, her pussy spasmed in his mouth, her body shook and jerked with the strength of it.

"Gian," she cried loudly.

"Yes, dolcezza," he said sliding his finger in and out with a satisfied grin.

Delia sat up when she felt she could, her body still thrumming with ecstasy.

"I can't believe you just did that," she said grinning. It was official, that grin may be permanent.

"Believe it, because that won't be the last time." 

Her whole body reacted to that, sending little shockwaves down her spine. She wiped away the juices that glazed his cheeks and kissed him. She knew her scent and decided a long time ago she didn't mind the taste, but tasting herself on his lips took her arousal to new heights.

It was her turn to kiss all his thoughts away. She kissed and nibbled his lips, her tongue delving into his mouth to tease his. She wrapped an arm around his neck, deepening their kiss. Her other hand explored his chest and followed his happy trail into the band of his underwear. He hissed when her soft hand gripped him firmly. She stroked the hot hard flesh in her hand, enjoying the way his hips pumped into her grip.

Gian couldn't take anymore of her sweet torture. He wrapped his arms around her waist and laid her down, pressing his hips between her legs in one swift motion. Delia was surprised by his strength and swiftness. The thought quickly melted away as he pushed his underwear past his hips, his thick member bobbing free. She instinctively grabbed it and stroked it hungry for his satisfaction. He quickly grabbed her wrist and stilled her hand. 

"If you keep on doing that it'll be over too soon," he said with a strained smile, "I want to enjoy every second.

He positioned himself at her entrance and slowly pushed into her enjoying. She hissed as he filled her completely. He withdrew and plunged forward, relishing the way her walls gripped him so perfectly. He found a slow rhythm that caused her to gasp with every stroke he made. He continued to pump into her as he watched her face draw together in ecstasy. The passion and love he felt for her swirled with the ecstasy of their joining causing his eyes to flutter. He pumped faster with renewed urgency. He kissed and licked at her lips, cheeks, and neck; enjoying her wonderful scent of coconut and sex. 

It all felt so right. His tongue passed over the vein in her neck pulsing erratically and his teeth slid out of their own accord. He couldn't stop now if he wanted to. He sank his teeth into her neck and heard her gasp. The feel of her body wrapping around him, her blood filling his mouth, and her moans filling his ears overwhelmed him. He knew she felt the same.

Her orgasm was stronger than before threatening to shatter her grip on consciousness. Just as her body shivered and thrummed against him, Gian pulled out stroking his swollen cock until he came; shooting white pearly ropes of it onto her stomach. He licked at the bite marks he left on her neck, panting and trying to recover.

When he could he leaned up to let her breathe. Fear flashed in her eyes briefly, "Where are you going? " she asked still out of breath.

"No where," he assured her.

"Oh," she breathed with relief.

"What are you afraid of?" he asked concerned. It was the second time she'd clutched him in fear after they'd made love.

"Nothing," she said giving him a fragile smile.

"Him again? " he said with feigned anger.

She laughed, "No, it's just a reflex, I guess." 

Gian understood, he leaned in looking her deep in her eyes, "I'm never leaving you. I'll lay that on my life. I'm yours forever." He said stroking her cheek.

Delia reached up and pulled him down into a kiss. She licked at the seam of his lips and he opened easily for her, tangling his tongue with hers. She buried her hand in his hair squirming against him until he growled deep in his chest.

"Wait," she said, suddenly breaking their kiss. Gian, undeterred, trailed kisses down her neck.

"Wait, wait!" She said more urgently, "the shades are coming up we have to go."

The shades were automatic and rose at Sun down. They had no way of stopping it from inside the apartment and knew that Gian's guard would be watching.

"Oh shit," Gian said, quickly scooping her up into his arms and sprinting toward the bedroom door. He kicked the door closed behind him and fell onto the bed. Delia gasped as she landed on top of him.

"Are you ok? I don't wanna break you." She said. 

He sat up holding her in his lap,"You couldn't break me if you tried," he said tugging on one of her braids playfully, "but you are welcome to try." Delia leered in response, hoping it looked sexy. 

"My panties are still out there," she said suddenly, beginning to worry.

"That's alright, he'll never know they're yours," 

Delia decided she trusted his explanation and relaxed. She then pulled her dress up over her head mopping up the traces of his seed on her belly. She felt him cup her breasts and loved the adoration in his gaze. Delia felt more confident as she sat astride him. She always thought she'd feel awkward but having the man of her dreams between her thighs lit a fire within her.

"I can't believe you're mine," she said listlessly. 

"What you think would happen, I mean, you did run off with me." 

Delia shrugged, "I didn't know what to expect. When I left the only thing I could think was that you needed me...and I somehow needed you too. That was the only thing clear to me. I was also starved and recovering from a head wound, so, that's definitely a factor." 

"So if we'd never told each other how we felt where did you think we'd go? " 

Delia chuckled, "I don't know. I always thought that us getting together would be a possibility but only the very best of the possible outcomes." 

"What about a few years down the line when I would have found a mate. Would you have left?" Gian didn't like that she may have entertained that idea.

"I wouldn't have left. I knew what I signed up for." She said then took the time to think about her answer, "It would've hurt, but at the very least I'd hoped she was something like me. I guess it's weird, but if you were to date someone who was like me a part of me would feel like a relationship between us could have worked." 

Gian smiled at her answer, "What about if you had found someone to date?" 

"Highly unlikely outcome, I never really thought about it." 

"Its not highly unlikely," Gian said matter of factly. "Those guys last night were all over you and it was clear you were with me. You were oblivious."

Delia sucked her teeth, "Those guys didn't want me, they wanted big titties in their face and a convenient orifice to shove their ding-a-lings in."

"Did you say ding-a-ling?" Gian asked not holding back his laughter.

"Don't laugh at me, that's what I call a penis." She said the last word softly. Gian laughed again. It was as if she were afraid to say naughty words.

"I'm sorry what did you call it again? " 

Delia crossed her arms and tried to force the smile from her face but Gian laugh was infectious."I'm not telling you." 

Gian laughed again and she couldn't help herself, she laughed as well, "What am I supposed to call it?" 

"You could say cock or even dick. Say it now, say cock," he offered.

Delia bit down on a smirk, reluctant to say it.

"It's funny because you curse like a sailor, but you clam up at saying cock, pussy, or cunt-" 




GianCarlo Ch. 08



"I say cunt," she interrupted.

"Obviously, not in a sexual context," he said chuckling, "Go ahead and say it, say cock." 

"Cock," she said softly. He watched her lips wrap around the word and squirmed against her. Her core pressed harder against his hardening erection.

"Say it like you mean it," he goaded.

"Cock," she said a little clearer, a smile threatening her lips.

"Say pussy," Gian said trying to keep the breathless sound from his words.

Delia bit against her smile and squirmed on top of him, surprised when she elicited a moan from him.

"Say it," he demanded holding her against him by the hips as he moved slowly beneath her.

"Pussy," she sighed as she ran her hands down his chest, pressing kisses over his jaw and nibbling the lobe of his ear. He could smell the tangy sweetness ofq blood pumping through the vein in her neck when she did that. His tongue flicked out to lick at her pulse point.

Knock knock knock!

Delia went stiff in his arms, her heart beat picking up. Gian couldn't fathom who was at the door but was immediately annoyed and angered by their intrusion. It had been almost a year since he last had sex and at least six months of watching, wanting, and fiending for Delia. He was livid.

"Get under the covers and don't say a word," he growled into her ear as he rolled her over and headed to the door. 

Delia's mind was muddled with fear and arousal, like a battle of fire and ice in her chest. She opened her mouth to tell Gian his underwear was around his thighs still but closed it when he let them fall to his ankles and stepped out of them. He stalked to the door and swung it open angrily.

He glared silently at the person on the other side of the door, his erection bobbing just as angry as his owner. A male voice she'd never heard before spoke in Italian. Fear shot coldly through her body making her shiver. She could make out a few words that he'd said and he knew there was someone in here. What would she do if he suddenly stormed the door and found her naked and huddled in the bed. She looked around for something she could use as a weapon.

"I'm not a fucking prisoner, if I want to go out I will and I will bring home who ever the fuck I want. I suggest you leave or I will kick your ass," Gian said angrily, his stoic face twisted in unadulterated hatred. He looked lethal and a little crazed, a far cry from the sexy man who chuckled at her minutes ago. 

Something deeper flowed under her fear. Arousal, it seemed, her nipples tightened and a sweet tingling ignited between her legs. The man he spoke to said nothing but he did something that Delia couldn't see. She heard him inhale deeply and tried to figure out what he could be doing. Before she knew what was happening Gian swung hard, grunting when his fist connected with the man and a macabre crunching sound followed. Delia gasped. 

It was the sexiest thing she'd witnessed him do. To watch the man you love fearlessly punch the very person who threatened your happiness. The man fell to the ground in a loud thump and groaned. Gian followed him out and she heard another blow followed by a pained growl. Gian reappeared slamming the door behind him, something black clutched in his hand.

He threw it to the ground and his piercing green eyes focused on her. He had been clutching her panties. She then understood why Gian struck him. The creep must have sniffed her panties in front of Gian.

Gian still had an intense gaze that captured her and didn't let go. He reached the edge of the bed and snatched the covers away. Delia was left naked splayed across the bed for his gaze to devour. He grabbed one of her ankles and pulled her to the edge of the bed until her legs were spread out before him. The pure need in his eyes made wetness pool in her core. Gian reached down running his fingers up her slit spreading her wetness before plunging them inside her with a groan.

Delia panted as her whole body tingled under his gaze. Gian knelt between her legs, pressing his long hot erection to her sensitive clit and massaged in circles. Delia erupted in moans as his eyes bored into her. The feeling was so delicious she almost begged for him to enter her. Luckily, she didn't need to, he suddenly pushed into her, stretching her wonderfully. Her toes curled and she held her breath. He withdrew at only half way inside her then pushed in to the hilt. Her eyes rolled as she moaned Gian's name.

"Mio dolce coniglietto," He muttered in Italian.

He began to slowly saw into her as she slowly lost her mind. Just as her body began to tremble. He withdrew and grabbed the back of her knees pressing them into her shoulders. Bending down, he latched onto her swollen clit drawing it into his mouth and sucking.

"Gian," she cried loudly as her body was slammed with a powerful orgasm.

Gian didn't relent, he let her legs fall back at his hips and entered her swiftly.

"You're gonna kill me," she growled deep in her chest.

He chuckled into their kiss as he pumped into her passionately. He kissed across her cheek to nibble her ear then licked a path down her neck.Gian tongue instinctively found her pulse. He nibbled as his fangs extended. He bit into her neck and she moaned loudly. Her sweet blood filled his mouth as her hot pussy clamped and spasmed around him. He quickly licked the wound on her neck as his body trembled with his impending orgasm. He had the presence of mind to withdraw. He came, spurting streams of essence on her low stomach.

It seemed like years had passed before they'd caught their breath. Delia eyed the hot pool of cum on her stomach. She didn't often see cum in person. She swirled her fingers in it before tasting them. It was warm and tingly on her tongue, both spicy and heady.She could get used to it. She smiled when she saw Gian green eyes burn brighter.

He cupped her beautiful round sweet face, running his thumb over her bottom lip and cheek. He leaned down kissing her. Delia was surprised to find his cock hardening against her thigh. She realized that is be awhile before she'd ever rest.

"You bit me," she said breathlessly he nibbled her ear.

"I did, it also made you cum didn't it?" he said running his hands over her chest. She was definitely not resting any time soon. 

***

Durante knew he could always find his mate in her studio. That's why he had immaculate ones built into each of his homes. This particular one being her biggest.

"Mi amore vida, I've got wonderful news," he called out rushing through the maze of paint shelves and canvases. He finally found her sketching out an image on a large canvas. 

She whipped around when he saw her, a grin lighting her face, "I have wonderful news as well! I am with child! It's been three weeks since we've conceived." 

"oh, beautiful mother of my children," he said scooping her into his arms and kissing her, "I am taking you to visit our eldest son in three months time, you will see how much he has improved. It will all have been worth it."

At his news, tears pricked her eyes. Three months seemed years away but worth the wait. She's thought about how he's grown. would he resemble his father more or would he have developed himself as his own man? Did he hate her? He must despise her for her absence. Maybe he'd run into her arms as if he were a child again? For the first time in three years she was happy, truly happy.

***

"I'm so lucky," Delia mused stroking his face. He laid on his back too exhausted to move. Somehow Delia had mustered the energy to prop herself and was now smiling and forming words.

"Why's that?" he asked enjoying her touch.

"I've got the perfect man," she said simply.

"An addict vampire boyfriend? What a catch?" he said with a self-deprecating chuckle.

"No, an EX addict vampire boyfriend who is funny, clever, fearless, thoughtful, sexy, and great in bed. That is definitely a catch. If you weren't an ex addict you'd be too perfect." 

"There's a few things I'll admit to on that list, like clever and definitely great in bed, though you don't really have the experience to truly be sure about the last one. I'm not fearless or sexy but I'll let you be the judge." 

"I am the judge. Let's take a look at the evidence, shall we? You ride a motorcycle and break people's arms in McDonald's, and punch people who interrupts our sexy time. Definitely fearless." 

Gian was silent as he listened to her assessment. He didn't look convinced.

"You're also very sexy. For starters you're tall. Who doesn't love a man with long legs

"Long skinny legs," he muttered. She covered his mouth with her hand.

"Perfect legs, not too hairy but not bare either," He chuckled when she moved her hand to stroke his cheek.

"Bright green eyes, they do double duty you know? They can be incredibly sexy but incredibly scary, if need be." 

"You think so?" He said. Delia lifted an eyebrow as if to warn him from contradicting her

"Perfect nose," She said pressing a kiss there.

"Perfect chin," she pressed another kiss there.

"Perfect lips," she pressed a kiss to his lips and he immediately sucked her bottom into his mouth. She sighed into their kiss, overwhelmed by the love she had for him. He was perfect. Of course he had flaws but she loved those too. He was perfect for her.

****

She should stop, she really should, but what she'd seen was too enticing not to explore. Stefan had went to sleep at Denise insistence. She kept him up all night and most of the morning and he'd still risen early that afternoon to cook for her. She was so lucky to have him. He'd shown up just as she was believing that romantic love, the one immortalized in every beautiful work of art didn't exist; then she found the Mr.Darcy to her Elizabeth, the Matin to her Gina, her soul mate.

As Stefan slept Denise decided she'd kill her time in the best way girls her age knew how, she'd surf the web. She'd probably check out this Pinterest board that Delia had started for her and Stefan's wedding. Maybe she'd find something interesting to mention in her next letter, but first a quick Facebook check.

When Denise pulled up the social media site she was surprised to find Stefan logged in under his detective alias (which Nise refereed to as his spy codename like 007). She was just about to log out when an interesting shared news article caught her eye. There was no harm in reading quickly about a community park in some small town opening a free food garden. After she scanned the article she should have logged out, but she wanted to see who shared it. A young man about her own age. He had a familiar smile and eyes with a long face and shaggy chestnut colored hair. 

Denise's jaw dropped. Stefan's son! He had mentioned he'd had another love of his life that had helped him get his life together but she never imagined him having a son. Denise clicked on his name looking over her shoulder to see if Stefan had woken up.

She turned to the screen to scrutinize the profile of Anthony Romano. He was a spitting image. She went through his photos and read his about me section. She felt definitely like she was snooping into his secrets, he'd never mentioned a son. Though, he'd never really talked about his life before being a vampire anyways. This just made it so real, so tangible. Stefan was a fucking vampire. It was a bit alarming but somehow she was more upset that he hadn't told her.

A phone ringer went off loudly and she jumped, closing the browser quick. She relaxed when she recalled telling him she'd answer his phone it if it looked important. Gian was calling. Denise answered it to make sure everything was okay.

***

"Please," Delia pleaded as she nibbled at his neck. Gian had already made up his mind to do what she asked he still enjoyed her encouragement.

They'd made love all night. Gian was insatiable, every time he touched her it was as if it was the first. He palmed her flesh hungrily, drinking her in at every opportunity. Around five in the morning the next day, Gian had carried her to the shower, her body exhausted with pleasure. He washed her gently, soothing the bite marks he left across her body, each one a memory of a passionate climax. He slowly made love to her up against the cool tile of the shower. She came feeling his teeth sink into her. A she could feel their connection so strongly. His mind caressing hers their bodies united and quivering in passion. They slept deeply that day tangled in each other's arms.

They'd awakened two hours from sundown and Delia had followed Gian into the kitchen for a bowl of cereal. Gian poured a bag of blood into a mug and popped it in the microwave before turning toward Delia. She settled on the counter happily eating her cereal. She was so cute with her thick kinky hair in a messy bun atop her head. She only wore a pair pink panties and one of Gian tank tops. She smiled at him when she found him staring.

"How do you drink it out of a cup like that?" She asked around a mouthful of coco puffs.

He shrugged as he leaned in closer to her. " I guess the same way you'd drink milk out off a glass. I've done it all my life so it's not weird to me." 

"You were born a vampire, so that means any kids you father will be a vampire too? " 

"Yep," Gian said running his hands up her legs, spreading them wide enough to lean between. He couldn't stop touching her, and kissing her, he knew he could never be without her ever again.

"What about me. If I'm your mate does that mean I become a vampire now?" 

Gian wasn't sure if it was his hunger for blood or insatiable desire for Delia but he wanted to run his tongue over her whole body. He took the bowl from her hands setting it on the counter beside her, "You don't have to become one if you don't want to, but as my mate you're officially immortal." He explained before nibbling at her neck.

"What? Since when? " 

"Since we've 'mated' so to speak. It's joined us. As long as I live so do you and vice versa." He said against her neck, inhaling her scent.

"What does that mean, exactly? Can I die now?" She asked wrapping her legs around him and running her hand over his back.

"Yes, everything can die, but you're harder to kill than you were before. You're stronger and heal quicker but you're still human." He answered against her skin. He pressed his hardening erection against her hot core as he grabbed handfuls of her tender breasts. She inhaled sharply as his thumb found her pebbled nipple.

"Do I have powers like you?" She managed to ask breathy. His thumb continued to tease her sensitive nipple. 

"Nope, you're not supernatural." He said close to her ear.

"But when you bite me, I can feel your, um...mind. I can feel what you feel." 

"That's because we're mates," He said against her cheek.

He was going to kiss her to shut her up so she quickly said, "one more question." 

It was too late his lips captured hers and she melted. She gave up she wouldn't understand it. She succumbed to Gian's touch, as he slid her panties aside running his fingers over her slit. She was so wet it coated his fingers. He spread her wetness over his cock before placing it at her entrance. They hissed together in a passionate chorus as he pierced her slick hole.

"Oh my god," she shuddered as he withdrew and pushed forward. She was so sensitive. Gian had learned her body so quickly. He knew exactly what to do and how to do it and could have her coming in the next couple of minutes. He refrained enjoying the wonderful way she gripped him in a hot tight hold.

They writhed and ground into each other until Delia's body was shuddering against him. "venuto per me il mio dolce coniglietto," he muttered in Italian before drawing a dark nipple into his mouth.

She immediately climaxed clenching around him. He pounded into her clenched body as he drank in her moans. He could live in this moment, he thought as he felt the peak off his pleasure coming. He pulled away spurting the pearly stream on her thigh. Gian didn't dare pull away too soon, he simply held her stroking the heated skin of her back.

"We should really do something about this...whole coming business. I'm starting to get a complex." She said when she was able to form words.

Gian chuckled, "better on you than in you right? " 

"Right, but we should probably call Stefan for condoms." 

"That sounds...responsible" he said between kisses to her face and neck. He really had to get some blood in him, or he'd never stop. He pulled away and grabbed a few paper towels and cleaned her off. Delia had gone right back to eating her soggy coco puffs.

"Here," he said handing her the cordless phone, "Call him up," 

"Me?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, you" He said taking his mug from the microwave and drinking it. 

She looked down at the phone in her hand, "What am I supposed to say?" 

He chuckled as her shyness reared its head. "Stefan, we need condoms, like yesterday." 

She stared at the phone a bit longer then shook her head and held it out to him, "I can't, what If he tells my sister?" 

"Ask him not to," 

"Please, can you do it." She asked sweetly.

Gian had no problem doing it but he enjoyed teasing her. "I'm a bit busy right now" he said gesturing to his mug.

"Please," she said again hopping off the counter and sidling up to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her body against him. She pleaded with him after every kiss she pressed to his neck and collarbone.

"Do it for me," she said kissing down his chest, her tongue flicking out to caress each of his nipples. He groaned.

"Do it for us," she said on a moan as she clutched a handful of his crotch.

"Do you plan on always manipulating me with sex? " he asked in a tight but playful voice.

"It's not manipulation, it's purely a...reward based effort. You do something for me..." She said kissing down his body, over the long planes of his torso and over his hips until she was on her knees before him, " ...and I'll do something for you." She said at last pulling his underwear past his hips to pool at his feet.

"I'm not sure if I absolutely love this or hate it." He said dialing Stefan.

"Oh you'll love it." She purred running her nails up his thighs. She'd never done this before, but she's thought about it, a lot. She decided she'd go for it, taking the hot head of his cock into her mouth.

"Oh shit" he cursed as Denise answered.

"Are you okay? " she asked concerned.

"Um, No, I mean yes. Can I speak to Stefan? " He asked finding it hard to form words. His blood rushed south quickly at Delia's tongue traveled his length.

"Stefan," Gian heard when Stefan got the phone.

"Hey, Can you go pick me up some condoms? " He asked quickly.

"Say please," Delia said before returning to wrapping her lips around his swollen head.

"Please," Gian repeated in a jerky voice.

"Condoms?" Stefan reiterated with a smile in his voice.

"Condoms!?" He heard Denise screech in the back ground.

"Put my sister on!" Denise said suddenly on the phone. 

"Am I on speaker phone?" 

"Sorry, kid," Stefan said as Denise asked to speak to her sister again.

"She's...busy right now," 

"Bull shit, lemme talk to her," Denise said on the phone at the same time Delia asked, "Oh my gosh, is that my sister? " the horror evident in her voice.

"She wants to speak with you," 

Delia sighed as she got to her feet and took the phone. "Yes," she said exasperated. She was preparing herself for her sisters reaction.

"I can't believe you actually popped that pussy for my dawg Gian!" She said .

Delia groaned burying her face in Gian chest. "You wanted something?" Delia asked.

"Yeah, tell me everything. How big is his dick? Did you come? Did you guys do other stuff or was it strictly 'Tration" 

"Do you really wanna know all about your sister having sex?" Stefan asked at the same time Delia said," I'm not telling you that." 




GianCarlo Ch. 08



"What did she say? " Gian asked, out of the loop.

"Talking about sex is half the fun." Denise explained.

"Whatever," She said hoping the conversion would end.

"Okay, tell me a little bit, just the highlights." 

Delia groaned again, " I'll tell you later!" 

"Fine, but I want details." Delia rolled her eyes and passed the phone back to Gian.

"Thanks," he said to Stefan before hanging up.

"Sorry, I wasn't thinking." He said

"It's alright, I should have warned you what would happen if my sister found out. Anyways, where were we? " She asked the last playfully.

"Right...about...here?" she said kissing down his body until she was once again on her knees. She palmed his hard flesh, licking up its length. She reveled in his slow hiss as she pressed him into his mouth. She could feel his heart beat on her tongue as she sucked him. She took as much of him as she can into her mouth, making Gian mutter in Italian and groan. She withdrew and endeavoured to take even more of him. She gagged a little then chuckled at the awkwardness. Even that turned him on. Gian didn't expect her to be good at it and she definitely wasn't but the sight of her thick lips taking him into her hot wet mouth was enough to drive him crazy. 

She reached up, massaging her breasts as she found a rhythm. She moaned around his cock as he buried his fingers in her ponytail. Her hand soon disappeared into her underwear as she touched herself to the sounds of his pleasure. She doubled her efforts fervently as she wound then both tighter.

"Che bella bocca sul mio dolce coniglietto," he muttered feeling himself tighten.

"Delia," He warned as he threw his head back. In the next second she pulled away to look up at him and he came, the stream accidentally hitting her cheek.

"Gian?" A male voice called.

"Oh shit, get down!" He said suddenly to Delia. She quickly hid herself behind the counter as a million questions ran through her head. Who was that? We're they caught? Please God, don't let them be caught; especially with Gian's come on her face. She'd die from embarrassment alone.



GianCarlo



Gian squared his shoulders before boldly walking into the store, he pressed on when Stefan's words echoed in his head. She was his mate he couldn't possibly ruin her life. Before he knew it he was standing right behind her. He could hear her humming softly to herself as she folded a stack of clothes. She was looking at what she was doing but Stefan doubted she saw it, her mind was far away.

"Hello, welcome to The Republic." He heard from another direction. 

He was content to ignore it when his mate whipped around almost running into him. He caught her like before holding her only long enough for her to get her feet under her. His mate looked up at him with disbelief. Gian looked into her eyes and was taken aback by how good it felt to have her complete attention. Her mouth opened as if to say something then closed again as she took a step back.

'Speak of the devil and he will come...well if you think of him' Dee thought as he stared up at the guy from the gas station. His eyes were so green, and he was so warm all she could imagine doing was holding him close to her and laying her head on his chest. She thanked God that he couldn't hear her thoughts. He'd think she was nuts. She also wondered if he even remembered her. 'Probably not' she thought.

"Umm...Do you guys know each other?" Aileen asked and it drew Dee's attention to her. 'Que te loca?' she mouthed before turning a practiced smile toward Gas Station Guy.

"No." Dee said at the same time Gian said "Sort of,"

"Oh...Okay," Aileen said not quite sure she should leave Dee alone on the floor with this guy. "Dee, I'm going to finish the reads for the hour in the back, but I have my walkie. Call me if you need anything." Aileen said looking at Gian suspiciously before slowly walking toward the back.

"Umm...were you looking for anything in particular?" Dee said smiling beside herself. The guy's brow drew together.

"You don't remember me, do you?" He asked 

"No, I do!" Dee said more excited than she had meant to let on "I just thought you wouldn't remember me."

"It was just this morning, I couldn't have forgotten you."

It was the way he said it that made something in Dee's stomach flutter. "It happens often. So you decided to come shopping?"

'Shit! I didn't come up with an excuse' Gian thought as he looked into her expecting gaze. 

"I...just didn't get your name."

"Why so you can stalk me?" Dee said. Gian's eyes widened causing Dee to giggle "I was joking. My name is Delia but most everyone calls me Dee."

Gian smiled as he repeated her name. "I'm Giancarlo, call me Gian"

"Gian?"

"Yeah?"

"You asked me to call you Gian and I did." 

He smiled "I guess I did."

"So, why'd you come see me? Is it remorse about the horrible way you treated me this morning." Dee said exaggerating. She decided she liked Gian he was a little jumpy and didn't seem to know what he wanted to say but he was sexy and he wanted to talk to her so she'll bite.

"A little," he said chuckling nervously, "but...um...I...just got a job at this mall and I...guess it would be nice to know someone here...to show me around."

He was lying through his teeth and Dee knew it but she smiled a bit flattered that he was trying to make an excuse to talk to her. Although, she would have accepted the upfront answer...unless it was 'I followed you here to stare at those tig ol' bitties'.

"Oh, so where do you work?" Dee knew she was cornering him but she was curious as to how he would work his way out of a petty lie.

"Um...a little kiosk, near the food court."

"Which one? Candee's, Fire Accessories, Copper's Cosmetics, Bling-a-Ling Jewelry?" 

She couldn't help herself this time; she giggled watching his eyes go wide and his mouth open and shut without answering the question.

"How're you guys doing?" Aileen said coming back from the office and saving Gian from answering questions he couldn't possibly answer.

"We're doing okay; I'm just going to help him find some new clothes for his new job." Dee said winking at him.

'She knows' Gian thought to himself. 'Is that proof that she's my mate or am I just a horrible liar' Gian followed her to the men's section which seemed secluded from where her manager stood.

"You've never been to this mall have you?" Dee asked with a smile on her lips.

"How do you know?"

"Take a look around, its only tourist and retirees. You don't look like either, you must live here."

"So I'm guessing you live here as well?"

"Oh Gosh no, as sunny as Fort Lauderdale is, it's as stale as saltines, no." 

"Wow, really? You seem to like the city so much." Gian said sarcastically before chuckling. Something lit inside Dee that made her happy to make him laugh.

"I'm born, raised, and reside in Miami."

"Well, what's so wrong with Ft. Lauderdale? I wasn't born here but I spent most of my life here?"

"Hmmm...where do I start?" Dee said then laughed.

They spoke for a few more minutes about the general differences in the people of the two cities before customers began to flock into the small store.

"Well, I have to go provide excellent customer service," Dee said then rolled her eyes.

"You seem good at it." Gian said without thinking.

"You've seen me?" Dee said raising an eyebrow.

She was so perceptive. "Umm...yeah, just before I walked in," Gian said.

"Oh" she said, not giving it much thought. "Well, I like meeting people and don't mind 'serving' them but quite a few of them treat me as if I owe them something more than general human kindness, as if they personally fund my paycheck." Dee began to walk away then stopped to say "It was really nice meeting you." She smiled flashing that cute gap that made her look even younger.

"Wait, when can I see you again?" Gian said trying and failing to keep the desperation out of his voice.

"See me again?" Dee asked sounding surprised. 

"Umm...uh...you can see me..."

"How about on your lunch break maybe we can talk some more." Gian offered.

Dee looked him in the eye for a few silent seconds before smiling widely.

"Okay, that sounds good...um let me just ask my boss when I can take lunch." Before Gian can so much as smile Dee was scurrying off to speak with her boss. The two girls leaned into each other speaking softly and looking in Gian's direction then back at each other. Dee's boss made a pleased squeal which made Dee smile shyly and roll her eyes then she walked back over to Gian. 

He admired her walk. He watched the hypnotic sway of her hips and imagined grabbing a hold of them, her body filling his hands, as he pulled her close. It was enough to make his blood run south at a dizzying pace. There had been very few females who were able to do that to him. He was a warm blooded male with a healthy libido he just didn't care for the women who were normally accessible to him, addicts and junkies. They were more concerned about what they can get out of him with sex than actually having sex with him.

"How's two o'clock?" She asked.

"Perfect, I'll see you at two." He was excited even now and couldn't wait for two o clock to arrive

"Perfect" She said walking away from him backwards. She was smiling and wringing her hands as she watched him.

"Wait!" Gian said again.

She stopped immediately in her tracks. "Yeah?" She asked expecting him to renege on the plans.

"You were going to run into that table."

"Oh" She said chuckling "That would've been embarrassing, Okay see you at two." 

At that point a customer caught her attention and she was back to work.

*******

Two o' clock was at least three hours away and Gian had to force himself not to just watch her for the three hours. He still marveled at the way he felt about her it was such a foreign feeling, a mixture of arousal and fondness as well as this odd sense of peace. He felt as if he could finally breathe around her. The hard part was how was he was gonna keep seeing her and not turn into some big deal. He definitely wanted it to be a big deal but she was human she preferred her relationships to slowly come together and anything too quick would probably sendoff red flags in her head that weren't there. 

Gian thought more about it. Maybe getting a job here wasn't too bad of an idea. It would occupy his time; keep him off the streets, and off his father's radar. That was his plan. Gian found the perfect kiosk that would enable him to still see into the store front of The Republic yet far enough away that Dee wouldn't think he was stalking her. Copper's Cosmetic, he rolled his eyes, this will have to do. He compelled the salesman there into giving him a job. Gian thought nothing about compelling someone. He'd do it in a heartbeat. He felt that everyone was out for their own good and so was he.

That took all of thirty minutes. Bored and anxious, Gian vanished home for a shower and a change of clothes. Dee seemed trendy and he'd be damned if he looked like a bum standing next to her. He changed into some dark skinnies, a white tee and a blue plaid button down. He groaned; he looked like a Hollister poster boy. He set off into finding the right outfit.

*******

For the third time Dee shuffled off to the register between customers to check the clock. It had only been fifteen minutes since she last checked and it was starting to drive her nuts. This was why she didn't wear a watch. She was excited as well as anxious for lunch. She wasn't sure why but this felt like the beginning of something great. She tried to shake the feeling but when it stuck she accepted it. 

Maybe he was meant to be something special. It couldn't be a romantic relationship. It was in her experience that white boys only liked white or biracial girls. Of course there were exceptions but to Dee they felt few and far between. She learned her lesson a long time ago. A new best friend was good though. Maybe, he'd have a few cute friends who'd like to date a dark skinned black girl like herself.

She sighed to herself, that sounded like she hated her skin color but that was the farthest from the truth. She loved every part of her the problem was finding someone else who did as well. Dee didn't want to just settle for someone who would just settle for her, but as she grew older she realized she just might have to.

Two o' clock finally came and Dee almost ran to the back room to clock out for lunch. Once she had her purse and was ready to walk out she stopped suddenly overwhelmed with nerves. What was she doing? Gian couldn't like her like she thought he did and Gian didn't have anything in common with her.

'Shut up Dee, he wouldn't have asked you to lunch if he didn't like you in some way' she said to herself before forcing herself out onto the floor. Before she could get to the exit Gian was standing there asking Aileen for Dee. She smiled widely not sure if she could help it. He turned to see and smiled.

"Are you ready?" He asked and his voice rumbled inside Dee's soul.

"Yep" she said.

They headed down to the food court, which was decorated to look like a really, really big Italian bistro. Despite being a stupid concept to Dee she had to admit it was nicely done with pottery and 'Roman' statues everywhere. Gian didn't seem to find it silly like Dee did. In fact he couldn't care less; he kept his eyes on her.

"Their Chinese food is good, The Rotisserie, not so much but they do have the best Panini's. The Sushi is very fresh and one sip of that gourmet pink lemonade and you'll be hooked for life." Dee explained. When she finally took a breath she turned to him and laughed nervously. "You'd better take notes if you're going to be working here." She said winking again.

'Speak now, dummy' Gian thought but he was so enraptured with her. He was so close he could smell her, she smelled wonderfully like Coconuts.

"Don't worry I've noted it, the guy from Copper's Cosmetics, where I work, says that the Quesadillas are the best." Dee's eyebrow cocked up.

"So you weren't lying about a job?" She asked

"Well, when I told you about the "job" I didn't have one but I found one." He explained.

"Well, congratulations, I'll treat." She offered as they got in line for the Quesadillas.

"I was gonna treat, I mean, I invited you so I should." He said reaching for his wallet.

"No worries, I'm gainfully employed and you have just gotten a job. I'll treat this time and maybe you'll treat with your first paycheck, Deal?"

Gian wasn't sure; he wasn't raised to let women take care of him financially. He was always taught that a real man could provide for his mate, but he was sure as hell not going to give up a deal where he could see her again.

"Deal." he said reluctantly

"You sure that's all you want?" Dee asked when they were finally sitting. "I can afford to fill you up and not 'tease' you as my Aunt would say."

Gian sat there with his bottle of water and bag of chips while Dee had a plump quesadilla overflowing with tomatoes, cheese, and chicken pieces and a big Styrofoam cup of pink lemonade

"I'm sure" He said his eyes never leaving hers.

"Well, you can at least help me eat this so I won't feel like a fat ass." She said laughter in her eyes. Gian frowned as he looked at her. He opened his mouth to say something.

"'Fat ass', its slang for a person who eats constantly without shame or consequence. You can be stick thin and be called a fat ass. Something my sister and I started in saying in high school."

Dee explained when Gian gave her the look that people gave when they thought you had low self-esteem.

To Dee's surprise Gian smiled "Well, I guess I can be considered a major fat ass. I love to eat, no shame here."

"Great." Dee said slicing the Quesadilla with her plastic utensils.

"Tell me something about you." Gian asked after they dug in. Dee had a mouth full of food and took her time to chew it. As she chewed an awkward silence fell over them and she giggled. Gian found himself smiling too. There was a charm to her eyes when she laughed. He bet that she laughed all the time.

"Sorry, my mouth was full....umm let me think." She said looking him in the eye "I love my name, Delia, but I hate when people pronounce it wrong so I tell everyone to call me Dee. I love movies. They make me feel...I dunno...marvelous. I have a little dog named Chloe, and I love pink. I think my love for pink has officially become a fetish." She laughed again and Gian found himself chuckling along. 

"Now it's your turn. You have to tell me four things about you, to make it even."

"Hmm..." Why did this seem like a hard task to Gian? "I'm Italian; I was born in Italy and travel there often. Um, I love playing guitar I even name my guitars. There's almost nothing, short of poisonous or harmful, that I wouldn't eat, and I hate that I love Dub-step music."

"What's the name of your guitars?"

"Chuck-chuck, Brangelina, and Derek Jeter."

"You're kidding right?"

"Nope" He said causing them both to laugh.

They spoke candidly for the rest of the lunch hour. They didn't speak about much but Dee felt as if he was telling her everything. From the way that he looked at her to, what he found funny. She could tell he kept to himself, but he was by no means shy. He could be just as silly as Dee. He was absolutely gorgeous but didn't seem to know it, or if he did he obviously didn't care, which was even better in Dee's book. 

Gian walked Dee to the store, trying to watch her and avoid bumping into other shoppers.

"You're a little bit of a weirdo, aren't you?" Dee chuckled when he nearly hit yet another person. "You keep staring at me."

"I'm sorry I can't help it," He said his eyes on her making her skin tingle with warmth.

"It's the 'fro isn't it? It surprises a lot of people. You can touch it if you like?" 

"I can?" Gian asked surprised. It was such a weird thing to want to do but he wanted to know how it would feel in his fingers. He tentatively reached out, touching the hair closer to the nape of her neck and smiled. It was soft, he thought surprised, it was cottony and soft.

It felt as if all of Dee's nerves endings went haywire the closer he got to her. He was maybe an inch away as he explored the texture of her hair. She could feel his warmth and again fought the urge to rest her head on his chest.

"Okay, Sir Magic Fingers, my time is up. I've got to go." She said. She needed to get away from him before she did something stupid. All through lunch she stared at his lips and wondered how an Italian guy, such as his self, gets lips like that. They weren't thin but they weren't thick either. She wondered how it would feel to kiss his lips. One of his hands would wrap around the back of her neck and pull her closer while the other would slide down to rest on her backside to pull her into him.

She was not supposed to be having these thoughts.

"Can I treat you tomorrow?" Gian asked to keep her from walking away.

"Yeah, that sounds great...only...I'm working night shift tomorrow so lunch will be more like dinner."

"That's perfect."

"Okay, see you tomorrow night." Dee said before reluctantly walking back into the store to finish another three hours of work.

'Damn' she thought. How did she expect to stay friends with him when she couldn't stop imagining his lips on hers? Dee knew herself and her imagination was not going to stop at kissing.

********

Stefan sincerely hoped he would never become anything like Durante Contiello. He'd only met the man maybe three times, once a year, on matters concerning his son. It was so sad how he treated his son, as if he were a business investment more than his flesh and blood. Even now Stefan was typing a report of what Gian had done for the month. How could someone be so cold and distant to their son?

Every three or so months Durante sent him goals and assignments. His newest assignment was getting him therapy for his drug problem, preferably a therapist that will encourage him into a business school. Stefan was clever but how in the hell was he supposed to get Gian to go to therapy, much less school, if he'd completely given up. It was obvious that Gian merely existed. He hadn't spoken to his father in over three years and his mother in two.

Stefan scrubbed a hand over his face. This was work and he was becoming too involved. He had a life of his own, or he'd like to believe that. Stefan saved and exited out of the stupid report he was to send to Durante and pulled up his business plan. Stefan had everything all planned out from the building he'd planned to use to his stationary. He even knew the exact amount he'd need. He gave it maybe another year before he'd have all of it. He'd even have clients lined up.

Stefan sat back in his chair just staring at the screen. He'd come so far, from a gang banging orphan in New York to a vampire on the edge of his own success. 

'And it only took fifty nine years to do it.' He thought. He didn't look a day over thirty five and didn't feel a day over twenty. He'd only been a vampire maybe twenty years and yet everyone he'd known as a human was dead or incarcerated and for some reason it felt as if he couldn't start his new life as a vampire. He knew what Gian was going through, to an extent. When he was twenty three he'd been on drugs, sold drugs, had a hustle prostituting young girls and in no way was he slowing down. He didn't want to get involved with Gian's situation because the vampire world was completely different from the one he'd grew up in but, it would kill him to see him snowball out of control like he had.