Page 37 of Third Degree

“I can do it,” Gianna insisted, attempting to pull the inebriated girl off the couch. But her petite frame struggled against the weight.

“You’ve been drinking, haven’t you?” I started, receiving a nod from her. “I’ll drive. Come on, Chelsea. We’re going to get you home.” I picked up the girl, slung her over my shoulder, and walked to the front door while Gianna trailed behind me.

I headed straight to the black Jeep Wrangler waiting for me in front of the club that I’d had the valet bring up. It was similar to the car that I used to drive Gianna in, just a newer version. I placed Chelsea in the back seat and put her seat belt on.

“This car…” Gianna looked back at me, and I offered a sympathetic smile. I let her jump in and then pulled out, heading to the address Alex gave me.

Silent tension enveloped the car as we traversed the distance to Chelsea’s house. I stole occasional glances at Gianna, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery beyond the window. Her delicate hand rested on the center console while my own right hand firmly held the gearshift, the proximity between our fingertips crackling with energy.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull any longer, I looked down, my fingers intertwining with hers, melding into a tender embrace.

A surge of electricity coursed through our joined hands, a tangible connection bridging the gap between us. I dared not steal a glance at her reaction, fearing any potential resistance, but to my relief, she yielded to the gesture, allowing our hands to rest together. I was starving for just a small touch.

As we arrived at Chelsea’s apartment, Gianna stepped out of the car, her presence magnetic next to mine.

“Can you help me get her in?”

I nodded while she grabbed the keys from inside her purse. Picking up the girl who was now passed out in the back of my car, I carried her into the apartment.

Gianna whistled when she got inside.

“I didn’t realize she lived in such a cool place,” she confessed to me. “Can we put her in the bed, on her side?” I nodded and followed her to the bedroom, where we laid her down. I walked out while Gianna got her situated.

“I’ll wait for you in the car.” I walked back to the car, where I patiently waited until I saw a shadow in the darkness appear.

Gianna walked to the car but didn’t get in the passenger side, instead standing in front of my window. I rolled it down.

“What’s the matter?” I asked, immediately sensing something was wrong.

“I think I should stay here with her. She lives alone, and what if something happens?” And there was the woman I knew. There was the woman I loved, the part of her that didn’t change through the years.

“I can come up and stay with you,” I offered, knowing what the answer was going to be.

“No.” She shook her head.

“Sit with me for a moment?” The look of hesitation was clear on her face. “One second. I promise.”

She paused, looking around to see if anyone was around us.

“It’s just us, rosa mia.”

She hesitated before agreeing, pulled open the passenger side door, and slid in.

“Just like old times,” she murmured. “So you opened more clubs?” she asked, quickly changing the subject.

I nodded with a small smile. “Yeah. I have the one up north still, and then I have the one down here.” My expression turned solemn then. “I promised your father, and I kept my promises.”

“And you’re working with the Gambini family still?”

“Yes, I still work closely with Ricardo, handling similar ventures. I continue to own my clubs, and as a matter of fact, I’m in the process of opening another one in San Diego,” I explained, my voice carrying a tinge of pride.

However, her next question pierced through me, evoking a bittersweet pang in the depths of my heart.

“Does that upset you?” she inquired, her eyes searching mine for any sign of inner turmoil.

It was a question that dredged up the complexities of my past, unraveling the delicate balance between my obligations to my family and the desires that lay dormant within me. The truth welled up within me, threatening to spill over.

“Because of Bea?” I asked.

---