Page 25 of Beautiful Devil

Walking inside my house tonight carrying Gia feels different. The rush of anxiety I get every time I walk through that door didn't hit me. Ignoring the idea thatshecould have anything to do with it, I continue to make my way up the curved staircase.

As I reach the top of the stairs, I debate where to put Gia. Not wanting her too far in case she tries to escape when she wakes up, I turn right and walk down the hallway of the east wing.

Passing my bedroom, I stop at the one right next door to my mine and tell myself it's so that I can keep a close eye on her.

Repositioning Gia in my arms so I can open the door, I take long, easy strides until I come to the side of the queen bed that hasn't been used or slept in in years.

Pulling the covers back on the bed, I debate briefly if I should undress her or not. Deciding against it, I place her in the bed, removing the heels she’s wearing and pulling the covers over top of her.

Staring down at her unconscious form, I'm able to look at her and appreciate the beauty that looks so peaceful in my guest bed. My hands itch to touch her, and, not being able to stop myself, I reach out to push the rich, dark hair that's stuck to her forehead aside.

“Sweet dreams,gattina.”

Needing to get out of here before I do something I know I shouldn't, I hastily turn on my heel and leave, closing the door behind me and locking it with the key. I walk next door to my room to shower and try to tame the raging hard-on I've been sporting for the last two hours.

Tomorrow, I'll finally get some answers.

CHAPTER8

GIA

Wakingwith a loud pounding sound between my ears, I groan. “Ugh, damn neighbors are at it again.”

Obviously, the concept of the weekend doesn't matter to some people. I notice the soft silky feel of my bedsheets as I roll over, grab the pillow next to me, and place it over my head to block out the noise, but all that does is bring a wave of nausea up my throat. Stilling my movements, I pray for that godawful pounding to stop. I try to peel open my eyes to see what time it is, struggling to do so.

Why do my eyes feel so heavy?

Blinking several times to gain focus, I can finally open my eyes fully. It's a bit blurry at first, but I can see the faint light of the morning sun coming through the dark curtains, casting a warm glow around the room.

Wait. Dark curtains? I don’t have dark curtains, and Icertainlydon't have soft, silky bedsheets.

I sit up quickly, causing another round of nausea from my quick, jerky movements. The thumping noise intensifies as I realize it's not coming from the neighbors, but a mind-bending headache. Gripping my head in both hands, I try not to panic as I take in the mostly-empty bedroom.

There's nothing except a dresser facing the bottom of the queen-sized bed I’m currently lying in and an open door beside it leading to a bathroom. I look down to see last night's dress and off-white silk bed sheets pooled around my waist, and that’s when it hits me: this is definitely NOT my apartment.

I try to stand and make my way to the door, but fall with a hard thud.

Why do my legs feel like lead andwhycan't I walk?

Panic like I’ve never felt before shoots through me, and this time, even though my legs are weak, they manage to carry me to the bathroom just in time.

After expelling the remnants of last night from my stomach, I sit down in front of the toilet and the cold marble tiled floor touches the back of my naked thighs, forcing a tremble through my body. Resting the back of my head against the wall, I close my eyes and hope that it’ll quell the jackhammering.

I am never drinking, ever again.

Taking a deep breath, I wrack my brain, trying to think back to what happened last night and where I could be. Did I go home with somebody? I open my eyes and look down at my body, confirming once again the slinky gold fabric of last night's dress. Surely if I went home with someone and had sex, I would have woken up naked, right?

Come on, brain,think!

Closing my eyes again, I replay last night. Shots at Elle’s, going to the bathroom to freshen up, Uber ride to Diavolo’s, more shots and drinks, dancing, stepping outside for some fresh air, more drinks at the bar with that insanely hot guy, more dancing, hugging Elle goodbye, an Uber ride home, walking up to my apartment and putting the key into—

Opening my eyes, I immediately lean over the toilet and empty out every last bit from my stomach.

I’ve been kidnapped!

The last thing I remember is someone standing behind me and placing a cloth over my face.

Oh, my God. I feel sweat collect on the back of my neck.My memory slams back into me as I piece together the last twelve hours.

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