“Thank you.”
“What do you say to a nice hot shower, some food, and we take a trip down to the harbour for a couple of drinks? I can show you another part of Nessebar, where you can shop until you drop.”
“That sounds amazing. But, just to warn you, I don’t think it will take much to make me drop now.”
“When you get tired, just let me know and we can always come back here, or I can take you to the hotel. Your choice. Everything will always be your choice with me, Harleigh.”
“I don’t know what I did to deserve meeting you, Giovani, but I’m glad I did. Remind me to thank my brother for sending me out here.”
“I think we can both thank your brother for sending you out here. My angel. My princess.”
He leans in and captures my mouth once more. I’m afraid if he doesn’t stop, we’ll never get out of this house again. I’d quite happily spend the rest of this holiday in Giovani’s arms.
Chapter 11
Giovani
Sitting beside Harleigh, looking out to the sunset over the harbour is a beautiful moment. One I’ll never forget. I haven’t had a chance to take advantage of a moment like this in such a long time. It has always been work, work, and more work. I haven’t had someone in my life that’s made me want to take time for me… until Harleigh walked into my hotel. I don’t know what it is about this woman. She’s gotten under my skin and hypnotised me. I should be saying it terrifies me, but I kind of like it. It’s invigorating and exciting. A pretty little package all rolled into one.
For years, I’ve worn a happy mask to hide my true self. On the inside, I’ve felt hurt and betrayed, but on the outside, I’ve appeared to be a normal, happy guy. I’ve hidden the truth, even from my family. I licked my wounds silently, and looking back, it didn’t do me any good, but it did push me into building this empire I have. The only thing is, an empire and money means nothing if you don’t have anyone to share it with.
“It’s a beautiful sight out here.” Harleigh’s soft voice breaks through my thoughts.
“It is, huh?” I look at her and twirl a long strand of hair around my finger.
I’m not admiring the sunset, I’m admiring the beautiful woman sitting beside me. Her golden skin is glowing brightly, just like the angel I believe she is. She looks radiant. In just a short space of time, she has grown in confidence and relaxed around me, even if she doesn’t see it herself.
Harleigh turns to look at me, her head tilting into my hand.
“I was talking about the sunset, Gio.”
“That’s beautiful too, but nothing compared to you.” I wink at her.
“Are you always so smooth and kind?” She turns in her seat and our knees knock into one another.
I shrug. “I’m Italian. I’m meant to be kind and gentleman-like. My mum would put me over her knee and spank my arse if I was any other way to a woman, and that would probably be after my dad knocked seven bells out of me. So, I guess you could say that what you see is what you get.”
“Good to know. Remind me to thank your parents if I ever see them.”
“They always joke that I was the son they raised right, and that Lucca is the wayward child. Streetwise. Wild. Nothing like my parents at all.”
Harleigh laughs and my dick stirs to life. How can one sound be so sexual? “I can’t imagine Lucca being anything like you. You’re like yin and yang, black and white. You complement each other, but you’re so different.”
“You’re right. He’s like my right-hand guy. I can’t imagine life without him. It would be very…” I think about the right word. “Quiet, boring, or just no fun at all.”
“What does he work as? Or is he out here with you permanently?”
“Lucca has a degree in business management, but he’s not really interested in using it properly. Hence why he’s out here, investing in my projects and keeping out of my mum and dad’s way. He’s got a good eye for detail and business, but it’s too boring for him. I keep him busy with odd jobs around the hotel. He fills in when I can’t. He’s like my second in command. All my workers see him as their boss, too. He just won’t make it official. It’s like he has this commitment phobia.” I shrug.
I wish Lucca would see himself like I do. Like everyone he meets does – the strong-willed, fierce protector. The man that would protect anyone from harm.
“One day he’ll settle down. I wish I could be as carefree as him. He’s a free spirit. That’s a unique quality to have in this day and age.”
“You could be right there. It must be good to go to bed and wake up with no cares.”
“Exactly. That’s definitely one way to look at it.”
Harleigh’s phone rings in her bag and she leans down to get it. She frowns at her phone and answers it.
