8 comments/ 3829 views/ 27 favorites Mia and Gio Ch. 02 By: superssunnyselena Today I was starting the job Gio offered me. It had been months since my first night here, and according to Nurse Becca, I was good to go. Completely healed. Cast free, bruise free, cut free, and more importantly stich free. Who knew stiches itched? True to her word, Sarah had visited every day. Staying with me until I was sleep. For that I was grateful. Who else was going to help me shower and get dressed? Not Gio! I turned red at the thought. There was no way I would have let him see me naked! He already had many women around here to satisfy his needs. It made sense that he was nothing short of a player. On the occasions that I would spend time with only Sarah in the living room, I would always see him with a different woman on his arm. I would feign disinterest but I watched from the corners of my eyes as he led the woman to his bedroom. After they would leave, he would join us and watch a movie. At first we didn't talk at all but after a while Gio and I had become somewhat friends. It was weird at first, with him parading different women here every night, but somehow I became comfortable around him. That had to be due to that face that we spent almost every night together watching movies or just talking. I had learned a lot about him growing up. He didn't have a bad childhood, just a strict important father. We were alike in that way. Growing up my dad did his best to keep an iron grip on my life, but after I learned that the distance from my window and the ground wouldn't kill me, he let up. Gio's dad never let up. He had been groomed to take over the "family business" since he was 13. There were no sports or dances for him. Every moment he spent outside of school, was with his dad learning the ropes. He didn't have any friends at all, because his father was so feared. I was shocked when he told me he considered us friends. A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts and I bounced out the bed to answer the door. For a split second I hesitated, waiting for the pain to kick in, then remembered I was better. Opening the door I saw Gio smiling brightly. "Good morning Mia," he greeted. "'Morning, I was just on my way to the shower to get ready. I have nothing to wear but the small amount of clothes your mother brought me. I hope that those will be fine until I can buy some more with my first paycheck," I explained. He held up his hands and I could now see that he held a few bags in each hand. Interesting. "I had the liberty of ordering you some things to wear for your first week. I have a very strict attitude when it comes to work. I expect you to look and act the part of a businesswoman. AS I stated before, I am a very different person at my office then I am here. I have some rules for you to read over and also a confidentiality agreement for you to sign," he said giving me the bags and papers. "On Mondays, we wear black." He said laughing at his own joke. He walked away and left me standing in the doorway rolling my eyes. "10 minutes and we leave Mia," he yelled from downstairs. "I have a meeting to get too. I'm very time imperative." 10 minutes didn't even give me time to time shower. I had just enough time to brush my teeth, get dressed and unwrap my hair. After realizing I had wasted 2 minutes in thought I grabbed my toiletry bag and ran all the way down the hall to the guest bathroom. I was lucky I did my hair and showered last night. "Mia, you have a bathroom in your room," He yelled again. "The mirror is bigger down here. Please be quiet and leave me alone. I don't even know what I'm wearing yet," I yelled back. "7 minutes," he chuckled. "The 2 yellow bags are what you need." I officially hated him. It took me 2 minutes to brush my teeth and wash my face. It took me 3 minutes to unwrap my hair and fix the side that always messes up. I had 2 minutes to get dressed and I didn't even get to putting on my makeup. I ran down the hall and hit my toe on the banister. "Fuck my life!!" I yelled. I heard Gio chuckle and I made it to the room before I realized my grave mistake. I had left the bags in the bathroom down the hall. I had 1 minute to get the bags and get dressed. I wasn't going to make it. I ran at full speed and grabbed the bags, I had just made it back to the room when Gio yelled time. "Coming," I yelled. I threw the other bags in the room, grabbed the diamond necklace my mother had passed down to me, stuffed the papers in my bags and zoomed downstairs. I would get dressed in the car. Desperate times, desperate measures. Gio raised an eyebrow when he saw my appearance but didn't question it as we walked out. I had on pajama shorts and a yellow tank. "It's a 10 minute drive to the office, is that enough time to get dressed? Or should I go the long way?" he asked. "It shouldn't be hard to slip on a dress. I'll be fine," I said sliding in the back seat of a black truck. I had done the whole clothes switching thing in the backseat enough that I was a pro at it. My entire high school career was spent basically switching clothes in the backseat before I got home. "Ok," he said. I thought I saw a smirk there but I wasn't sure. After he started the truck, I pulled out the dress from the bag and held it up. It was a black sweater dress that looked like it was going to itch all over my body. It was also insanely short and very ugly! It even had a turtle neck and shoulder pads? What the fuck was this? Where was option 2? Maybe it was a shirt and pants in the other bag. I opened the other bag and saw only a box. I opened the box and stared in disbelief at the shoes. I don't know what I was expecting, but it was not these... Things. I picked the black 2 inch heel shoe up and instantly thought of my old church shoes. They had a buckle going across the front and a bow on the back. Worst, I didn't see another outfit in here. "Gio, what were you thinking when you bought this outfit?" I asked. "I had Tony pick it out. You don't like it?" he asked dumbfounded. I looked up and saw him watching me in the mirror. He couldn't be serious. This was literally the ugliest dress ever and it probably had been 2 dollars. "This is not a dress Gio. This is a disaster," I complained. He just shrugged and watched the road again. I was pissed. There was no way I could actually fit this thing. And I definitely wasn't wearing it in public. "4 minutes away," he reminded. I sighed and slipped my clothes off. The dress actually had a built in bra. I was in hell. I slipped my bra off and sat in his backseat naked from the waist up. I found myself almost hoping I would catch him watching me get dressed, but he didn't take his eyes off the road. I don't know what had gotten into me. I didn't see him like that! The dress was almost impossible to get on. It took me a lot of grunting and hard work but I had finally gotten it on. Tight was an understatement. The dress was as tight as a corset and barely reached mid-thigh. The sides had ugly ass bows all over it and it even came with a belt. This dress was getting burned as soon as I got back to the house. I managed to get both shoes on before the car stopped. The door opened and Gio held out his hand. "You look nice," he said as I got out. I just glared at him. The dress was worse when I stood up. I looked like a Christmas hooker. "I'll do my own shopping from now on," I shook my head. I could barely walk as I struggled to keep my dress down. It kept riding up my ass and I was highly uncomfortable. We walked into the building and true to his word, Gio's entire demeanor changed. I could feel the sudden chill as I had no idea what I was walking into. It seemed that I had conveniently forgotten that this man had ordered someone's death. He was just a nicer person than the one I escaped from. At least he didn't use his hands like Angel did. Angel used to torture people in front of me and I would pray he would just put them out their misery already. Man I was such a fucked up person. I guess it was too late now to worry about that now. "We're going up," he told the elevator attendant. Some women snickered at my dress but otherwise nobody said anything. We stepped in the elevator and the door dinged behind us. It was just us in the tiny space and I could hear my heart beating hard. I knew he probably could too. I was out of breath from fighting with this dress still. He stepped up to me and tucked my hair behind my ear. I shivered at his touch. His big brown eyes gazed into my own and I felt my heart speed up. At this rate I would die. I could barely breathe when his eyes went to my lips. I was now pressed against the elevator wall with Gio's body against mine. Now I was sure he could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I was lusting over a murderer. I was so so so so fucked up. "Mia, the men you're going to meet, they're important people. They're not here to do anything but business. They're not here to make pleasantries. Do what I say. Speak when I say speak. Respect me. I am your boss, play by my rules," he whispered in my ear. I nodded my cooperation, because if I opened my mouth, I was sure I would make a really embarrassing sound. I was more than turned on and I wanted him right now! "Calm down Mia," he growled at me. He stepped away from me just as the elevator door dinged its stop. The doors slid open and 3 very good looking men looked at us with hard looks. I wanted to press the button and close the doors in their faces. Instead I made myself get off the elevator and smile. "Nice to meet you young lady. I'm Michel Asloni," the oldest man said shaking my hand. "These are my sons Jacob and Anthony. My heirs." I shook everyone's hand and was about to introduce myself before Gio cut me off. "This is my assistant Mia, and she's going to go get us some waters," Gio asked for me. "Ah yes, Reyes! We have business to discuss," Jacob laughed. They walked into the office and left me standing there looking totally bewildered. I didn't know where any waters were at. I looked around the huge clearing and spotted a door. I wasn't just going to stand here and look stupid. But what if I walked into a room of dead bodies? I took a breath and shook it off. I opened the door slowly and thanked God I walked into the right room. It was stocked with beers, liquor waters and wines. I grabbed 4 waters and was delighted with myself. I was about to walk right in the room they were in until it occurred to me that that would be impolite. I knocked instead. "Come in Mia," Gio said. I slide in, aware of the ugly ass dress riding up my thighs and slipped out leaving the door cracked in case he needed me again. I went and sat on the couch farthest from the door and started reading a book lying on the stand next to it. The book captured my interest and I found myself getting deeper into the plotline until a mention of my name caught my attention. I almost looked up but instead decided against it at the last second. I continued to look at the book, but my attention was solely theirs. "That Mia is something to look at Reyes," Michel said nonchalantly. "That she most certainly is. I would enjoy my time with her given the chance," the son, Jacob, said. "You know how these young ones are. Always with sex on the mind. Always trying to seduce and charm these women right out their panties," the dad laughed again. What? What did he say? Seduce who? I strained to listen harder. "Jacob is always chasing after a pair of legs. My last secretary only lasted a week because of him. She had convinced herself that he was in love with her. I had to fire her after she made a scene at the office. I don't know why he gets a kick out of breaking these girls' hearts," they all laughed. "I don't know why he insists on charming these young women out their panties when all he has to do is flash some money and they come undone. That would save so much trouble!" "I'm sure Reyes has his eye on her already," the other son said. What was his name again? "She is a fine piece of work!" I heard Gio laugh and the others join in. "Although I do enjoy a nice business affair, I'm not interested in that one. I don't like little girls, nor do I like children. She is far from being someone I plan on having relations with men. Any of you are welcome," Gio explained. "But I must confess, she certainly has some baggage." "Always a gentlemen! We'll be in contact about that arrangement with the Broxy Case," Michel said. I heard their chairs scrape backwards and pretended like I was totally engrossed in the book. When they came out I had already gotten my face together and had on a mask. "It was certainly nice to meet you Mia," Jacob said with his eyes roaming over my body. "As was you gentlemen. Have a safe trip home," I thanked them. As the elevator doors closed I let me façade drop and crossed my arms. I could see my reflection in the elevator doors and I did not like what I saw. Giovanni walked out his office and nodded at me to come here. "You did well today Mia. I think you'll make a lovely assistant," he said tucking my hair again. The gesture only made me want to cry. I thought back to earlier. How dumb I was. I wouldn't be dumb for him anymore. Unfortunately, my emotions were too in control for my liking. I stepped out of his reach and crossed my arms. I wanted him to see that I was upset. "Did I do something to upset you Mia?" he asked concerned. I ignored him and kept staring at him. I knew I was issuing a challenge but I couldn't back down. I was being blatantly disrespectful but I refused to lower my eyes. Fuck it. For the 3rd time that day, I watched Gio's demeanor go from friendly to hostile. He grabbed me by the arm and pulled me into him, never breaking eye contact. "What's your problem with me Amiah?" he growled. I snatched my arms from him and stepped away from him again. I was scared, hell I was terrified, but I was also pissed. I didn't think right when I was pissed. Baggage? I didn't have any baggage! "I don't have baggage Giovanni! And for the record, I'm not interested in you either!" I hissed at him. "I don't like my men emotionally unavailable and damaged!" That was a low blow. I instantly wanted to take the words back when I saw the look in his eyes. He was pissed. I don't think I had ever seen him pissed. Not even the night I first met him when that guy said he had killed his father! He stalked towards me in a way that had me backing up until I hit the wall and realized I was trapped. Fuck me! This is what I get for having a temper. Now I was going to get it. He raised his hand and I flinched at the movement. I could see him hesitate for a second before he wrapped his hand around my throat softly and kissed me. "What ar-" His kiss silenced me. His kiss rocked my world. His kiss made my insides tingle. I would like to say I pushed him off of me and smacked the living hell out of him, but I didn't so I can't. However I did wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him back. I could barely register when his hand slid from my neck to grip my ass. But I did register when he picked me up and carried me to the table. He laid me down gently without breaking our kiss. I could feel the cold wood against my back as he lifted my dress and ran his hands down my body stopping at my thong. I shivered against his lips and he kissed me harder. Somehow he ended up over me on table and the kiss was broken. I took his shirt over his head as he undid his buckle. Once his shirt was off he collapsed back on top of me and started kissing me again. I didn't realize I wasn't wearing the dress anymore until I felt his skin on my skin. He broke the kiss again and I pouted until he started sucking my neck and massaging my thigh. I moaned my satisfaction loudly in his ear and I could feel his satisfaction through his pants. I reach down and grabbed his dick and he bit my neck hard. It was a mixture of pain and pleasure and I wanted more. His fingers found their destination and he slid two fingers deep in me while massaging my clit with his thumb. I was going to die right there on that table. "Oh Gio, that feels so good," I moaned in his ear. He stiffened and opened his eyes looking at me. I felt his absence before my brain could register that he had moved off of me and was now standing by the door. I sat up confused and stared at him. He punched the wall and ran his hands through his hair. "Fuck!" he yelled out. "What Gio? What's wrong?" I asked. "Listen," he said without looking at me. "This cannot and will not ever happen again. We need to keep this strictly professional. I don't know what just happened, but it's over and it can never happen again! You need to respect me Amiah. I am not your friend, I'm not your lover, hell I'm not even somebody you can trust. I'm just somebody doing you a favor! Like a brother!!" He stared at me with cold eyes. Not a drop of the emotion that was just in them. "If I'm such a nuisance, I'll just leave!" I yelled back. "Yes leave Amiah! LEAVE AND GO WHERE?! News flash: You're another Orphan Annie," He yelled back. "I don't want anything other from you but for you to do your job! I'm not interested in little girls! Don't think you can just throw yourself on me and its ok because I got hard! Of course I'll respond. I'm a man!" Not understanding where his anger was coming from, I put my head in my hands. I was embarrassed. I was embarrassed and angry. He didn't want me and I wanted him. My body still wanted him. I felt the tears threaten to come so I needed to end this quickly. I looked up at him and shook my head at him. "YOU KISSED ME! I didn't ASK you to do that! YOU did that!" I yelled at him. "I didn't come on to you Giovanni. You came on to me! You threw yourself onto me!" He stared at me coldly before turning around. "Won't happen again. Get dressed," he demanded before closing the door and walking out. This is what I get. Deep down I knew that I had no business sleeping with a man like him. I was so mad at myself for reacting like that. Especially after what I just heard him say! I am such an idiot. The ride home was awkward and quiet. I sat in the front seat this time and stared out the window the entire time. I just wanted to get there and curl up in bed and cry. I can't describe the joy I felt when we pulled into the driveway. I was so relieved. "From now on Tony will drive you to and from work," he said without looking at me. "He creeps me out. I'd rather sit here miserable and quiet with you rather than ride anywhere with him alone," I shivered. "Please don't talk back to me," he sighed before getting out the car. I walked into the house and smiled at the sight. Sarah was pointing at Gio and standing on her tip toes to grab his ear. "You can't leave a woman in the dark by herself Giovanni Reyes! It's not right!" she squealed. "I'm almost 100% sure I raised you better than that!" She spotted me and her face lit up. I watched as she ran too me and crushed me between her arms. She had a strong grip for a little woman. "Oh my daughter! My little caramel mocha! Are you ok? How was work? Was that ogre nice to you? Did he send you to work in that? Who raised him? Not me Mia, not me," she cooed while shooting him dirty looks. "You look cold, are you cold?" It was hot in the house but I shivered just for her entertainment and nodded. "It is a little chilly in this ensemble Sarah." Gio rolled his eyes and scoffed at the whining in my voice. "How many times do I have to tell you to just call me mommy dear? Let's get you into some real clothes! I'll make you some tomato soup. Do you like tomato soup?" I nodded. "That's why you're my favorite." She led me upstairs and waited until I changed into some sweats and a t-shirt. "I'll have some appropriate work clothes ready for you in the morning. Let's watch some movies while Gio cooks for us," she said leading me to the living room. Mia and Gio Ch. 02 This was my favorite room. It had the hugest comfiest couches and they were all centered under a huge flat screen hanging from the wall. I had fallen asleep here many of times and each time I woke up in my bed. "How was work?" she asked. "It was nice. Pretty easy if you ask me. I should go book shopping if that's all I am to do. I spent more time reading than anything," I confessed. She nodded and went back to searching for a movie. We settled on a lifetime movie about romance. I couldn't see why people adored romance movies. They were so freaking predictable and you almost always knew what would happen in the end. The guy would get the girl and they would live happily ever after. That wasn't how real life worked. Sometimes the guy didn't get the girl. Sometimes the girl ended up with a jerk. Sometimes she didn't get a happy ending. Sometimes the nice guy didn't win. He lost. That was how life worked. We had just gotten to the stereotypical rain scene when Gio appeared. "Foods done!" We got up and washed our hands. I didn't know Gio could cook and I certainly didn't know if I wanted to taste his cooking after his attitude today. He probably poisoned it. "I love it when he cooks for me. It seems the only thing he inherited from me was my way around the kitchen," she said proudly. "I'm not much of a cooker, but I'm willing to learn," I admitted. "What do you mean honey? It's in our blood to know our way around the kitchen. I'm sure it'll come sooner or later. It didn't come for me until I was almost 21. If you're anything like me, you'll find you're a natural too," she nodded. We took our places at the table and said grace. "Mamma, she's not your child. She won't inherit anything you've passed down," Gio pointed out. "Oh stop that nonsense son, of course she's my daughter. We're practically twins! We look just alike," she boasted. "I don't know about you though Giovanni. You don't look anything like me!" The only thing we shared alike was our love of her son's cooking. The food was delicious and that wasn't even a strong enough word to describe it. I was in love. With the food that is. Although the meal was so simple, spaghetti and garlic bread, everything tasted so wonderful. I closed my eyes and savored the meal. When I opened my eyes, both of them were staring at me. Sarah with an "I told you so" look and Gio with a look of pride and something I couldn't put my finger on. "Everything is made from scratch Mia! Isn't it delicious?" she beamed proudly. "It most definitely is," I agreed. I felt Gio still staring at me, so I looked back at him and saw his expression. I couldn't describe it, but it made me hot to the core. I knew better than to lust over him again, but the way he was looking at me made me want to jump him right at this table. I had to get it together. I don't know how long we looked at each other but when we broke away my face was hot and red. I could just feel the blush the under my surface. I kept my eyes on my plate and when I looked up again, so did Gio. We made eye contact and I instantly looked away whilst he cleared his throat. The food was really good but now my interest was in something else. I felt someone staring at me and looked up to see Sarah looking at me with the strangest expression. "What's wrong Sarah?" I asked. "Oh nothing dear! I just couldn't help but notice how much we look alike," she chuckled. I looked at her and could see the gears in her head spinning. I watch a smug smile settle onto her features before she excused herself to the bathroom. Now it was just me and Gio eating. "Your mom is hilarious," I said making small talk. "That she is Mia, that she is," he replied. I could feel my nipples harden at the way he said my name. I shouldn't want him, but God I couldn't help it! I craved him in the worst way. "You're a VERY good cook Giovanni," I admitted. "I wish I could learn this skill myself." "My mother seems to believe that you'll inherit those skills from her in a few years. I'm starting to believe that she actually thinks she gave birth to you and not me," he laughed. His phone rung and he excused himself while answering it and running his hands through his hair. "What are you talking about Tony?" he asked. "She did WHAT?! Thanks for telling me man. I'll handle it. Just make sure you delete it before anyone else see's it." He hung up the phone and sighed loudly before massaging his scalp. "MAMMA!" he yelled. Sarah came back in the room looking sheepish and took her seat. However under the surface I could sense her happiness. "It was just a picture Gio," she explained. "Lighten up." "It wasn't the picture ma, it was the caption under the picture! You can't go saying things like that and not expecting anybody to say anything," he explained with his hands. "But Gio, it was a lovely picture and you 2 looked so nice and happy! I got 12 likes Gio! A lot of people even shared it! I'm Facebook famous!" "Ma, whatever you're up to, stop it right this instant!" I watched the exchange between them with much curiosity. She had posted a picture with him and someone else? "It was just a picture for crying out loud son! It wasn't supposed to imply anything." "You called her my caramel coffee cake and said we were newlyweds expecting a baby! Ma! You even hash tagged interracial relationships, jungle fever, chocolate and vanilla, and swirl! You can't do things like that! Where did you even learn these things?" I dropped the fork and stared at her with my mouth open. She didn't! She wouldn't! It had to be another explanation for what he was saying! "Ma, Mia and I aren't a couple. WE don't see each other like that," he said grabbing her hand. Speak for yourself Vanilla! I was definitely interested in you. Not that I would admit that little fact out loud. Hashtag not happening. Still, she was wasn't far off the mark. I took her other hand. "It's true Sarah. He's just doing me a favor. Kind of like a brother would do for his little sister," I said choking the words out. I could tell she didn't believe us, but she nodded anyways. "Fine. Break my heart why don't you?" she said sadly. "Can I at least watch a movie with my favorite child? And you too Gio?" I laughed loudly at that and hugged her. She had done so much for me. She was always so nice to me. She even thought I was good enough for her son. She was an angel! We all went into the living room and looked the huge movie selection. I sat on the couch and decided to let them pick. Gio must've had the same idea as me because he sat on the same couch as me and shook his head. He was smiling so I could tell he wasn't mad. "I have just the movie! Let me go get it," she said running out the room. We sat there quiet and awkward while we waited. This was just like the car. Now after remembering why the car ride was awkward, I felt even more awkward. I can't believe we got heated like that. The lights darkened and Sarah's form was standing in front of the TV. "What movie is it?" I asked. "Don't worry about it. It's a surprise!" she giggled. I got comfortable on the couch and stretched out. My feet ended up in Gio's lap and I moved them quickly. I ended up just doing the fetal position. Sarah settled on the opposite couch and pressed play on the movie. Right away I could tell I had no idea what we were watching. A phone rung and Sarah answered in hushed tones while the couple was walking in the park. "I have to run kids. There's something up with a friend of mine and we're meeting at my house in 20. I'll have to see you 2 later," she said getting up. She paused the movie and got up to turn the lights on and looked sad as she gathered her things. "Maybe another time," she sighed in defeat. We walked her to the door and gave her hugs and kisses. Gio walked her out and I settled back onto the couch. Gio walked in and sat next to me and shook his head. "She's going to be the death of me Mia, I just know it," he said gloomy. He stood up and I noticed how his back muscles looked very nice in his wife beater. He definitely had some muscles going on. "I'm going to handle some business. I'm sure you'll be fine," he nodded. "I will. See you tomorrow. What time should I be ready for Tony tomorrow?" I asked hoping he changed his mind. We had just coexisted on the same couch with no funny business. "10." "Ok, goodnight." He walked out the room with a final look and I scooted to the floor to pick another movie when I heard the front door open and close. I yawned and realized I was tired after all. I quickly turned all the lights off and ran upstairs to my room. I really didn't want to be alone, but I had no choice. After setting my alarm for 9, I settled in bed and stared at the ceiling. I really would've rather been with Gio right now. I couldn't pinpoint the exact moment I started falling for him. I really couldn't even believe it. He had thrown me so many mixed signals, I was starting to get a headache. The best thing for me to do, would be to purge him from my heart. I really had no reason to like him. He hadn't shown any interest in me before today and vice versa. I couldn't figure it out. It had to be his mom influencing me. She was transferring her emotions on me. "Mia, are you up?" Gio asked through the door. My body tingled at the way he said my name. I needed to get him out my system as soon as possible. I was going to cause myself great bodily harm. "I am," I said sitting up in bed. He looked so beautiful walking through the door. He also looked like he was tired and ready to pass out. How long had I been lying here? He didn't turn on the light, instead leaving the door cracked so that the light from the hallway came in. I was aware of every single movement he made. So close yet so far. What attracted me to this man? Even though he sat at the end of the bed, I was nervous. I was nervous and when he licked his lips, I was wet. "I want to apologize for my behavior today. I shouldn't have kissed you," he started. Who apologized for kissing someone? I was definitely going to get over this crush, even if it killed me. "I don't want you to have any confusion about me. I'm not a good guy. I'm not one the guys you see in those movies looking for love. I don't want anything between us Mia." "I don't want anything from you either Giovanni," I lied. Well that wasn't even convincing to myself. My voice even shook when I said it. "I'm not trying to hurt your feelings Mia. I'm just not someone you should fall for. This is coming out wrong. Look, I'm just trying to nip this in the bud before it becomes a problem. You're 18. I'm 23. Our thought process is too different. We are on 2 different levels. You can understand that." I tucked my hair behind my ear and rolled my eyes. He was trying to let me off easily. Well little did he know, I was trying to let myself off too. "I think it would be best if we saw as little as each other as possible until you're over this. I've also arranged for my mother to go away for a while. It seems that her time with you is clouding your head and I want to make this as easy as possible. Mia, I'm the guy in your nightmares. I'm the guy that your parents warned you about." He sounded like a corny movie. He also was putting this all on me like I attacked him. "Sarah has nothing to do with anything. And I don't have feelings for you Gio. I reacted towards you the way I did, because you had me pinned on a table finger popping me! Any girl would react. Calm down. I'm not going to start sending you love texts and making you dinner." He stared at me and nodded. It seemed that I had done a good job of convincing him that he was just overreacting as usual. He stood up and was about to say something before walking out the room. He would have to be a fool not to feel the chemistry between us. But I was determined to get over this so I locked my feelings up and said fuck it. -- I had been at work for an hour and had yet to see even a glimpse of Giovanni anywhere. I tried to keep the pout of my face, but I was going through the worst withdrawal. After enduring the ride to work this morning, I deserved a little reward! Tony was such an ass. He didn't even wait for me to get in the car, before speeding off. When I tried to make conversation, he told me to shut up and turned the music up. The elevator dinged and I brightened up at seeing the object of my affection in a suit again. He didn't have to talk to me, but just seeing him did something to my mood. This was a sad situation. Imagine the look on my face when he walked in and I saw that he was not alone. A tall, beautiful, curvy redhead was attached to his arm like it was her oxygen supply. "Hello Mr. Reyes. Hello Miss," I said politely. "Mia," he acknowledged. "This is Lilith Grace Sommers." The woman looked at me and smiled a small smile before turning her attention back to Gio. It was obvious that she was appreciating his face. That made 2 of us. "I need you to book Lilith a couple of appointments. I need a hair, spa, and nail appointment for today at 6. An appointment for a dress and shoes tomorrow and contact Tony for the name and number of our personal jeweler," he prompted. That was very vague. Where did he want me to book these appointments? With what phone? With whose connects? For what occasion? "Should I contact a certain type of dress shop?" I asked. I wanted more information. "I need the dress to be appropriate for an outside occasion. She's accompanying me to a business associates wedding Friday afternoon, so the sooner the better. She can give you the rest of the details, I have to get to the club for a meeting," he instructed. He turned to Lilith Grace Sommers and kissed her lips before whispering something in her ear. I could've thrown up all over this floor right now. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes. "Call me when you're done here," he told her before leaving. I went to sit at the desk in the corner of the room. I hoped we could get this over as soon as possible. I really didn't want to have to be around this woman any longer than necessary. I didn't even know what I was supposed to be doing. Lilith came and sat in the chair in front of the desk and flipped her hair. "If it's not too much of a problem, I was wondering if you would only book an appointment with Gigi's jeweler. I already had my own assistant book my spa and dress appointment with my own people. Other than jewelry, I'm set... If that's ok with you," she asked with a voice sweeter than honey. I hated her. "Of course. I'll set it all up and I'll let Mr. Reyes know the time," I informed her. I really wanted to ask her questions about the nature of their relationship, but I knew better. "So how long have you known my Gigi?" she asked innocently. "Not long," I offered. "He's nice." "Oh, you'll grow to love him. I certainly did," she laughed. "I didn't think I would. His line of business was just so off putting to me. A night club owner. I was positive he was a heartbreaker. I had heard things. Imagine my surprise when he made it official with me after only 3 dates. Who would've ever thought that the Giovanni Reyes would settle down?" I was flabbergasted. Is that even the right word? He had a girlfriend? His mother never mentioned a girlfriend. I had never heard of this girlfriend. "That's awesome! Do you live in California too?" I asked. "Oh no, I live in Florida at my parent's estate. I'm only here for the wedding. I gather I'll relocate here after Gigi proposes to me. I think that's what he's getting at with our date Saturday!" she gushed. "We went ring shopping earlier and he tried to be nonchalant but I knew!" "That's so nice!" I choked out. "You know something. You're pretty for a black girl! You should let me hook you up sometimes. It would be fun to double date right?" "Thanks but no thanks Miss. Lilith. I'm totally focused on myself right now. I couldn't focus on dating right now!" She nodded like she understood. I figured the conversation was over after she stood up and smoothed out her sundress. "You seem like a really nice girl. But I see the way you look at my Gigi sweetie. Understand he's off limits to you and every other hoochie out here. Ok? I'm only going to warn you once. That money he's sitting on? It's going to be mine. Everything he owns? It will be mine. Now if you're on your best behavior, I'll let you keep your job after our wedding. So you can lose the feelings or you can lose the job," she threatened. I was about to defend myself until she held up her finger and walked out. This was turning into a hell of a day. A phone in one of the drawers rung and I hurried to answer it. "Hello?" "This is Giovanni speaking. Did Lilith already leave?" "She did. Whose phone is this?" "Yours. It already has Tony and I programmed in." "Ok. Thanks." "Tony is waiting on you. Goodbye." I hung up without saying another word. He'd given me an iPhone 6. I hadn't had my own phone in I don't know how long. One step closer to my freedom. I gathered my things and left the office feeling happy. I would just make the best of this until I could leave and never look back. Tony was waiting for me and my good mood instantly deflated. "Hello again Tony," I said getting in the car. He just grunted and sped off before I even closed the door. He had absolutely no personality whatsoever. He looked like he killed people for a living. Oh wait, he did. Well he didn't have to act like it! We pulled up to the house and once again, he didn't wait until I was safely out the car before speeding off and almost taking my soul with him. Stupid. I walked into the house and saw a man I didn't recognize seated on the couch. I started to back out when he spoke. "Come sit Mia, I'm Giovanni's lawyer and friend," he spoke. I went to sit on the couch across him and just stared at him. Why did he have his lawyer here to speak with me? "I'm sure Mr. Reyes told you about that confidentiality agreement. I'm here to go over all that with you and then have you sign it," he explained. I nodded and he begun. "Let's make this short and sweet. This only states that you will not speak of anything you see Mr. Reyes do to any other persons. Nor will you repeat any information obtained through Mr. Reyes. You will not blackmail Mr. Reyes, nor will you try to use anything learned about him to get him arrested. Simple and sweet," he finished. He held out the piece of paper and a pen for me to sign. I really didn't have a problem with anything he was saying so I signed and sat back. Then again, I didn't really listen to him either. He was... average. "If you fail to comply with anything on this paper, the results will be deadly. Surely you can believe that the best way to silence someone is forever," he smiled. Ok so I heard that clearly. I nodded slightly and stared at him. Was he serious? Did he just threaten me? "Great! Now let the real work begin! We'll be seeing a lot of each other Mia. I look forward to that. The boss wants you at the club in an hour so get ready and I'll send a driver for you in 45 minutes." He walked out and I got the feeling that I had just signed my life over to the devil. Didn't dealing with Angel teach me anything? There was a knock at the door and I was nervous once again. Who would be knocking on the door? Everybody had a key it seemed. "Who is it?" I yelled through the speaker. "Jacob Asloni," the cool voice answered back. I sent a quick text to Gio letting him know Jacob was here. He responding instantly with "Why?" As if I knew. I was wondering if he knew. I opened the door and stared at Jacob. He was certainly nice looking. I could see why girls would fall for him. Dark hair, darker eyes, tall, pink lips, olive skin, perfect smile, a tiny stud in his nose, and those dimples. Mia and Gio Ch. 02 "Mr. Reyes isn't here," I offered. "I know. I'm here to see you. You look beautiful today Mia," he commented. I smiled a polite smile and opened the door beckoning him in. I closed the door but kept it unlocked just in case. Just in case what Mia? I didn't have an answer for that, but just in case. "How can I help you?" I asked. "I need an assistant and I was wondering if you could help me Mia. I pay generously and the job comes with a lot of perks." He winked. "I already have a job sir. I'm sure that it would conflict if I took on being your assistant. Sorry." I wasn't the least bit sorry. "Well then allow me to take you on as my date to a wedding Friday instead. I would love to have some of your time. Just even the tiniest amount. I'd love to have the prettiest girl in the world on my side." So this is what his father meant when he said he liked to charm women out their panties. I was glad I had that knowledge so I didn't fall for it. Maybe a night out is what I needed. Just one innocent night. "I don't have anything to wear Jacob," I explained. "All of that will be taken care of if you just allow me the pleasure of your company. I'm sure I can make it worth it." "Fine." It's not like I had anything holding me back. Gio didn't want me and I wanted to move on. So what the hell. Why not? I was single. I didn't have any strings nor did anyone have any claims on me. I might as well enjoy myself. "I'll send a truck for you Friday morning," he promised kissing my hand. "I'll be waiting," I said. He left and I picked up the phone and saw I had 3 texts and a missed call from Gio. I called him back and he answered after the first ring. "Why didn't you answer when I called you?" He growled. "It was on vibrate and I was talking to Jacob." "What did he want?" "To take me to the wedding with him Friday... As his date," I hesitated on the last part. There was a bit of silence before he spoke again. "What did you say?" "What do you think I said?" "He's only going to try to get in your panties Mia. I hope you said no." "Why would it matter to you what he did? You're spoken for yourself. Remember? And for the record, I said yes." "Well I guess I'll see you there." "I guess you will. What should I wear to the club tonight?" "Nothing. You're no longer needed." The line disconnected and I stared at the phone in disbelief. He just hung up on me! I HATED to be hung up on. That was the ultimate form of disrespect. I ran upstairs and changed into a white tank top and a nice high-waisted skirt. Sarah had really come through with her promise to send nicer clothes. She even threw in some nice strappy heels. Of course I was still going to the club. I was curious. "Now how am I going to get there?" I asked myself. At that moment a car honked outside and I remembered that Matthew had sent me the answer to my own question. Well wasn't that a lucky coincidence? Running downstairs I grabbed my phone and wallet and zoomed to the car before I lost my nerve. I was nervous and excited at the same time. The driver opened the door and I was delighted to see I was alone. "Thank you," I said to him. "My pleasure," he smiled back. The ride to the club was long and boring. I played a game on my phone but gave up after losing all my lives trying to get the stupid chocolate off the board. I really hated this addicting game. Finally after 30 minutes we pulled up to a booming loud club. It was only 10 on a Tuesday night and it seemed that the whole city was here. The door opened and I got out and looked around. Ok so what now? Did I wait on someone to come get me? Well Gio didn't know I was coming so that wasn't an option. I spotted the bouncer at the door and walked up to him. "Hi," I said to him. "Name?" he asked in a booming voice. "I'm Mr. Reyes assistant. Mia Johnson," I told him with what I hoped was a genuine smile. He flipped through papers and after what felt like forever looked at me up and down. "Go straight to the back and make a left. Go through the door labeled Private and continue down that hall until you get to the glass door," he instructed. I was so happy I got in I threw my arms around him and thanked him in his ear. I could tell this made him uncomfortable because he stiffened under my arms for a second and then relaxed. When I pulled back I saw a shadow of a smile on his face. "Go little lady," he said again. I looked around the venue in shock at all the people dancing and drinking. It was really packed and the music was booming. I could barely hear myself think. My first club! This was really exciting. I almost got distracted but shook it off and followed the bouncer's directions until I made it to the glass door. I could see it led upstairs and I decided to just go. Halfway up the stairs I could barely hear the music. I could only hear the thump thump of the bass. Once I got to the top I heard screaming. I didn't hear the music anymore and the thump thump was now my heart in my throat. I walked up to the cracked door and saw Gio and 4 men surrounding a bloody man tied to a chair. I spotted Tony holding a chainsaw and Gio was shirtless. Their backs was to me but I could tell those 2 from anywhere. I watched as one of the men stepped up and stood in front of the tied up man blocking my view. Whatever he did made the man scream and I was glad I couldn't see. Whatever he did made Gio laugh with much happiness. Suddenly a hand clamped over my mouth and pushed me through the door which bounced off the wall behind it making a loud boom. "WHAT THE FUCK?!" Gio yelled turning around. He looked at me in confusion and I was sure I looked at him with fear. I didn't want to be around him at this moment and would've rather stayed home. The person who had my mouth clamped, also had my arms pinned to my sides so I was stuck. "I found her peeping in the hallway Boss. What should I do with her?" the voice asked. "Mia? What are you doing here?" Gio asked. The hand around my mouth fell away, but the one around my arms did not. "I was l-looking for you for something, but n-now that I found you. I'm no longer interested in finding you," I admitted. "Let's talk outside. Brutus let her go," he said. He walked past me grabbing my arm and closing the door behind him. It was just me and him in the hallway now and I instantly stepped out his arms and as far away from him as possible. "Why are you scared of me Mia? I would never hurt you," he said. He had blood on his chest and I could see it glistening in the light. Everything about him made me want to throw up. I suddenly felt faint. I braced myself against the wall and tried to control my breathing. "Mia, you know what I do. Why are you so scared right now? You aren't supposed to be here. Please stop moving away from," he begged. I had no idea why I was afraid of him. It was true that I knew what he did, but I didn't know he enjoyed it! He was a killer, so why was I surprised? "Please just stay away from me. I'm ok. I'm cool!" I promised. "Did you forget what I was doing when you met me Mia? I was killing somebody Mia! This is what I do! This is me! Why do keep forgetting that fact?" "I'm sorry. I don't know! I'll remember from now on!" I cried. I was scared. I was terrified. But he was right. I knew what he did. I just chose to ignore the fact when we were together. I was so stupid. I was so so so stupid. And fucked up. I couldn't ignore what he did anymore. He was no better than Angel. I was stupid for being so quick to trust Gio. I was even quicker to bed him. I should've never put myself in this position again. Always trying to see the good in people, blatantly ignoring the bad. "Don't be scared of me Mia. This isn't even what it looks like. I'm not going to kill him Mia. I won't hurt him anymore. Ok? Give me a second." He walked back into the room closing the door behind him. He came back out almost 5 minutes later with a shirt and a jacket on. "Let's go Mia," he said reaching for my hand. I pretended I didn't see him and folded my arms under across me. Together we walked down the stairs and out the glass door. I didn't even look up as I got into the car and slid in with me. I was seriously battling some issues. Part of me was scared of him, and the other part of me wanted to pretend like this never happened. "I think it would be best if you didn't work for me anymore Mia," he said once the driver raised the partition. I shook my head. "I don't agree. I like my job." "I wasn't going to kill him. I was just scaring him into giving me my money. He stole 2 million dollars from me Mia. That was all you saw," he explained. "As for that time with Rickey... Mia he killed my father. Broke my mother's heart. A life for a life." "Ok." "Mia. Please don't be scared of me. I need you in my life. Don't push me out. I don't want you to walk away from me. You're a good friend," he said sounding small and sad. I slid over to him and grabbed his hand in my own. "I'm not." Here I was again. Ignoring the bad and focusing on the good. This would be my downfall. I knew deep deep down that it would. "I don't want you to work for me anymore. Just live with me as a friend," he requested. "Ok," I agreed. I laid my head on his shoulder still holding his hand. So I guess I was making my choice. I was choosing Gio over my own intuition. "I'm sorry you had to see that," he whispered. "Me too," I sighed. My parents were probably in heaven pissed with me. --- Friday morning had come sooner than I expected. I hadn't seen Gio since that night Tuesday but it was probably better that way. Things were still a little awkward between us but I had chosen to totally ignore my intuition, conscience and morals. Also, I missed Sarah something serious. I had just gotten out the shower when I ran downstairs to grab a quick bite. Picking up my phone off the couch I checked my notifications. I had one text from Gio and one from Jacob. I opened the one from Jacob first. "Cnt W8 2 c u lookn sexc 2nite ;)" I felt like every time I texted Jacob for more than 30 minutes, I lost a lot of brain cells. How hard was it to spell out your words and use punctuation? I spent more time trying to decode his texts, than actually thinking of what to reply. I just sent a smiley face back. Gio's text was much more legible. "Wear a jacket, it'll be cold out." Another text came through from an unknown number. "I found you Mia." My heart started racing a mile a minute. Is that the correct term? Whatever. Who was this is? Why were they texting me? Another text from Gio. "GET OUT THE HOUSE!" Suddenly gun shots rang out and I threw myself to the floor. What was going on? Glass flew everywhere from the windows and a bullet struck the TV making more glass shower everything. The gun shots continued and I crawled to the kitchen ignoring the pain in my knees and hands from the glass. I folded myself under the cabinets. Why could I fit under here? That was kind of annoying. I was hoping I had picked up some weight and would be a bit thicker! More gun shots. Ok ok! Wrong thing to worry about. The shots stopped momentarily before I heard one more round of gun shots. Finally I heard tires squeal but I was too terrified to get out. 10 minutes or maybe an hour had passed and I was still under the cabinet. I refused to make any movement. My phone was going off like crazy. I could hear it dinging in the living room. I heard car doors slam and my heart dropped down to my stomach. I was dead. I was deader than dead. I would never beat that level on Candy Crush and I had just bought more lives. I would never become an A list celebrity and have a million followers on my Kim game. If I made it out this alive, I was seriously going to reevaluate this childish thinking of mine. "MIA! MIA WHERE ARE YOU?!" Gio yelled. "In the kitchen," I yelled as I was climbing out the cabinets. I stood up and dusted myself off. I decided to ignore the fact that I was in the one cabinet nobody went into and that it probably was home to a lot of bugs! Gio pulled me into his arms and hugged me tightly before checking me for bullet wounds. Besides the cuts from the glass on my legs and arms, I was fine. "What is going on Gio?!?!" I asked after he had stopped checking me. "We gotta get you out of here! Tony, grab her a bag. Mia, let's go," he instructed. We speed walked outside to a white truck and he all but tossed me in the backseat. The windows were tinted black and the seats were lowered. He slammed the door behind me and I could see him talking to Tony about something. 2 other men came up and I recognized them as Matthew and the bouncer from the club. Gio was now walking back to the truck and I scooted far away from the door. "We're going to keep you safe Mia," he said while jumping in. "What is going on?" I asked again. "I have something the Russian's want. More importantly, I have something Alekzandr Mecherykov wants," he grimaced. "And what is that? What is so important to him that he would shoot up your house to get it? I could've been killed! It better be damn valuable!" I exclaimed. "It is Mia," he looked at me full-on. "It's very valuable and he'll kill to get his hands on it." "Well what is it?" "You." My heart started beating again. All of this extreme heart beating could not be good for my health. I was going to push my heart too hard one time too many and end up dead. "Me? He doesn't even know me!" I yelled. "I didn't know anybody named Alekzandr!" He pulled out his phone and brought up a picture. I was almost afraid to look... almost. I looked at the picture and the blood in my veins went cold. The very man I was running from had found me. Again! I looked up at Gio and shook my head. "That's not Alekzandr... That's Angel..." I whispered.