Page 10 of Beautiful Desire

Plus, relationships are not my thing. I don’t do commitment. I come from bad stock, and she clearly deserves better than what I could offer her, if I ever got the chance.

So instead, I try to content myself with the fact that this was nothing more than just another one-night stand.

CHAPTER3

ELLE

It’s beentwo months since my night with D, and almost as long since I’ve seen Gia. A lot has happened in such a short amount of time. Work has been crazy, occupying all of my time and preventing me from seeing anyone outside of LM Investments, including my best friend.

A tinge of guilt runs through me at the thought of Gia and everything she’s gone through in the past couple of months. Not only did Gallo turn her life upside down, but in a weird way, he’s the one responsible for her newfound happiness and husband, Fabi.

I stand in front of my full-length mirror in my bedroom as I finish applying my lip gloss. I walk back over to my king-sized bed, throw my lipstick in my purse, and check to make sure I have everything.

Wallet?Check.

Makeup?Check.

Miniature perfume?Check.

Keys?Check.

Phone?Check.

Exiting my bedroom, I walk down the small corridor, arriving in my open living and kitchen area. It’s not much, but for little old me here on my own, it’s perfect. I flop down on my cream two-seater couch, lifting the remote, and music fills my small, but modern and tasteful apartment.

It’s a two-bedroom, two-bathroom open floor plan apartment with a small balcony located outside the living area. One of the main reasons for choosing this place was the nice-sized ensuite off the master bedroom and the private terrace.

Picking up the almost empty glass of rosé, I take a sip, and the now-lukewarm liquid fills my mouth while I wait for Santino, who is on his way to come pick me up. Gia and Fabi have invited me over for dinner, and Fabi wouldn’t hear of me taking a cab and sent his driver to get me.

The buzzer in my apartment goes off, alerting me that Santino has arrived. I down the last little mouthful, put the empty glass in the sink, and take my keys out of my handbag as I open the door and turn to lock it behind me. As I wait for the elevator, I double-check everything in my purse and then fix my hair and lip gloss once again when I’m in the elevator.

When I make my way down to the main door, I’m greeted by Santino.

“Miss Elle,” he says, giving me a brief bow.

“Hi, Santino.” I don’t think I’ll ever get used to him calling meMiss Elle.

Rounding the car, he quickly pulls out into the city traffic and heads in the direction of Fabi and Gia’s house.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, we arrive at their little slice of heaven. Stepping out of the car, I take Santino’s hand as he helps me out. I stand there for a couple of minutes as I take in the opulence that is their house and wonder if I’ll ever have this someday. Not the mansion that is the size of a small country, but the connection you share with someone. I had that spark once, but it was a one-time thing, and I’ll never see him again.

Memories of D’s strong hands on my body as he trailed hungry kisses along my neck come to the forefront of my mind. My skin breaks out in goosebumps as I remember that night we shared. I shake those thoughts out of my head, because it is not the time or place.

As I walk up the steps to the front door, it opens in a rush, and Gia lets out a squeal as soon as she sees me.

“Ahhh, I’ve missed you, bitch,” she cries as she throws herself at me in a tight embrace.

I hug her back just as hard, because I’ve missed her too.

“I’ve missed you too, G.” I smile as Gia pulls away, taking my hand and leading me into the kitchen.

I notice a large Doberman walking sleepily next to her and stop briefly to look down at the dog that’s almost glued to her side.

“So, uh, who’s your friend?”

Stopping beside me, she reaches down and gently pats the giant. “This is Jeff. He’s Fa—well, he’s ours now, actually.” She beams brightly, turning to smile at me.

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