Tears spring to my eyes instantly. I was hoping Giovani hadn’t noticed my scars, because then I wouldn’t have to get into the mental pain they’ve left.
“The one on my stomach was a ruptured spleen. Martin said I fell down the stairs over the laundry I was carrying. Only, the real truth is that I was pushed down the stairs. I was lucky it was only my spleen that needed to be removed. It was one of the earlier incidents and I honestly thought he’d change. The scar on my shoulder blade was from his belt. I don’t know much about that one, because I think I passed out after the first couple of whips. I managed to piece myself together without going to the hospital.” I sniffle and wipe away the fallen tears.
Just repeating that story makes my body ache and tingle. It’s like I can feel the pain in my shoulder from the belt.
“I’m so sorry, baby. I…” Gio pauses and rubs my cheek. “I wish I could wring his neck with my own bare hands.”
“You and me both, but I don’t want him to take anything away from tonight, Gio. I’ve learnt to live with the scars, and if you can see past them too…”
“Hey.” Gio tilts my chin to look him in the eye. “I see nothing but the beautifully kind woman you are. Yes, I hate knowing you were hurt, and I loathe the fact that you’ve suffered to get where you are today, but I love the courage and determination you show.”
“I wish I’d met you years ago,” I admit truthfully, because with Giovani the truth comes easily.
“Me too, but we’re here now, and I want you all over again.” He peppers kisses down my neck, nibbles my shoulder, and cups my breasts in his hands. My back arches, pushing closer to his body. I’ve never been a touchy-feely kind of person, but with Gio I want it all.
“Take me, Gio. I need you, too.”
And just like that, the latest conversation is forgotten about and our bodies are consumed by lust.
We’ve already made love twice since we arrived back from the harbour, but I can’t get enough of him. Gio’s awakened a sexual beast inside me and I doubt it will be tamed anytime soon.
Giovani nestles in between my thighs, lifts my leg onto his hip, and he pushes into me in one swift move. My ankle tightens on his arse, pulling him in closer. Every inch of him is inside of me. In and out, up and down, it feels glorious. Every part of me is screaming out in pleasure and excitement. I don’t want this feeling to ever stop.
“I’m not going to last long, babe. You feel amazing.”
“Don’t stop, Gio. Oh, God.”
My body shudders as another orgasm hits me. I’m seeing stars as he finishes and empties himself inside. He collapses on top of me. Our hearts beat wildly. Our breathing erratic. It’s amazing what a connection between two people can create.
“Stay with me tonight, Gio.”
He lifts his head off my chest, kisses the tip of my nose, and smiles. “I wasn’t planning on going anywhere.”
Those were the best words I’ve heard all day. No. That’s a lie. Those were the best words I’ve heard all year.
***
I stir in bed and stretch out my aching muscles. On one hand, I feel like I’ve climbed a mountain because every part of me aches, but on the other hand, I feel sated and peaceful. I feel like I’ve slept for a month. My energy levels are the highest they’ve ever been.
Then reality hits me and I realise the bed is empty. I sit up quickly, pull the sheet around my naked breasts, and dread washes over me. Did Gio leave without saying goodbye? I climb out of bed, pull on my robe, and enter the bathroom. I quickly fix my hair, wash my hands and face, brush my teeth, and feel a little calmer. I walk through the bedroom and out into living area of my hotel room. I still and lean against the doorframe as I see Gio sitting on the veranda doing some work on his laptop. His sunglasses are pulled down his face. He’s showered and changed his clothes; he looks like a god. I don’t know why I’m surprised. He looks put together every time I see him. It’s hard to believe by looking at him that he’s faced his own heartache and misery.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
I’m too carried away with my thoughts that I didn’t see that Gio is looking at me.
“Morning.” I clear my throat and walk out to the balcony. I feel shy again, and I don’t know why, because Gio has seen every inch of me and never once said he doesn’t like any part of what he saw, including the horrible scars. He’s never made one derogatory comment to me the whole time we’ve been together. I know he isn’t Martin, but it will take a long time for me to get that through my brain… if ever.
“You look surprised to see me.”
I pull out a seat and sit down beside him. “I thought you had left when I woke up to an empty bed.”
Gio pushes his laptop aside, leans over the table, and captures my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I would never leave without saying goodbye. I got Lucca to drop me off some clothes and my laptop. I thought you needed some rest after our adventures yesterday.”
I feel the heat in my cheeks rise. My chest feels like it’s burning from embarrassment. I have this horrible trait where every bit of my skin from my chest to my forehead turns beetroot red when I get embarrassed.
“Lucca knows you stayed here?”
“He does. And, I believe his words were, ‘I’m glad you two found each other. Maybe your broken hearts can be repaired after all.’”
