Chapter Thirty

LUNA

I tried stalling on my food, but it eventually, and unfortunately finished.

“Are you done?” I nodded, and he nodded at the waiter to clear the table. Once it was done. He took a deep breath.

“Luna. I understand that this is a peculiar situation for you. And I apologize for that.”

“What exactly do you have in mind, Giovanni?”

“I cannot live without you. And you can’t live without me either. It’s just going to take longer for you to figure it out.”

“So, what are you proposing?”

“What I am proposing…is that we get to know each other better. This time, everything would work on your terms. Your direction, and your leadership.”

“So, no drugging me and throwing me on a plane?” He chuckled.

“No, unless you want to get on a plane, that won’t be happening.”

“Hmm.”

I bit my lower lip as my mind traveled into the future. Or at least tried to. I was trying to weigh the consequences of the ways this could go.

I could say no to his offer, and he goes his way, and we both suffer. I might not feel the effects of such a decision now but in about a month or thereabout. I would become a darker version of myself. I was already having sleepless nights, seeing him in my dreams, wanting him. What would happen if I said no? On the positive side, I get to walk away from all the drama, and maybe find a way to move on completely with my life.

On the other hand, I could say yes, and experience love at its finest. I have heard about werewolf love. How pure and beautiful it was, how their goddess handpicked their mates for them and blessed their union before they came out of their mother’s womb. I wanted to experience that. But on the downside, firstly, it would be weird getting with my kidnapper. Secondly, there was the fact that I might become a target. Giovanni is a powerful man. And given his line of work, not many people like him very much, and they may come after me as revenge. My mind went back to the incident that made me lose my baby.

“What is going through your mind, Luna?” I opened my mouth and closed it again.

“I’m thinking. About this…about us…”

“Walk me through it. What you’re thinking.” I bit the inside of my cheek and began.

“I’m thinking of what would happen if I said no.”

“Everything you’ve been feeling about me would amplify.” I nodded.

“I figured. I’m also thinking of what would happen if I said yes.” I watched as a smile slowly graced Giovanni’s lip. Brightening his tan features.

“It is going to be the best decision of your life. The best experience you would ever have. I would shower you with so much love that you know what to do with it. I would pamper you and take care of you. Protect you, and everyone you love. Everything you hold dear to you. Conquer the world and submit her at your feet.”

“Oh.”

“And there’s one more bonus.”

“What’s that?” His eyes dropped to my lips, and then further down till they settle on my chest.

“Intense orgasms all the days of your life.” I bit my lower lip again, as an interesting image conjured up in my head.

“Well, you’re going to get old, and not be able to do that.” His smile widened.

“I guess we’ll just have to find out.” I stared out at the night sky, watching the moon and the city below it. Thinking.

“Luna. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“Your line of work.” He froze, and then his shoulders relaxed, and he sighed.

“What about it?”

“There had always been rumors on the street about what you do…”

“Those are just idle street gossip.”

“If I had any doubt about the authenticity of that ‘street gossip’, that doubt was eliminated during my time in Italy.”

“What do you think I do? Or who do you think I am?”

“I think you’re the Don of the Italian mafia.” He hesitated and looked at me from the corner of his eye.

“Do not repeat this to anyone.” I nodded “You’re saying this because you saw me with Viper?” I looked away.

“Maybe…”

“My line of work shouldn’t bother you. You will be protected. You, and Rose as well.”

“But it’s still risky.”

“No. I’ve been here for quite a while. You’ll be fine.” I opened my mouth to speak but he cut me off. “Think about it. Please.”

I nodded my head, and that ended the conversation. He dropped me off at my apartment. I wanted to ask how he knew where I stayed, but I didn’t give him my address. Even when he sent the gifts, and the car to pick me up earlier.

Who was I kidding? This was Giovanni.

Just as I was about to step out of the car, he grabbed my arm. Stopping me.

“Luna. Your mom? How did she die?” I was taken aback by the question and the suddenness of it. I stared at him in shock.

“What?”

“I’m sorry about the way I asked, but I was just really curious.” His eyes said he was asking for anything but curiosity.

“Um…she died after I was born. I never got to meet her. I only have pictures.” He looked deep in thought and then nodded.

“Do you think you can give me a copy of her picture?”

“Why?” He shrugged “And don’t give me some stupid excuse either.”

“I…I cannot say now. But I have some suspicions about some things. Once I can put a name to a face, and then to a situation, I’ll tell you.”

“Giovanni…”

“I promise.” I eyed him warily and nodded.

“Okay. I didn’t come here with a lot but I’ll check through. I should still have something.” I made to alight again, but he stopped me.

“One more thing.” I sat back down and sighed.

“What now?”

“There is this business dinner on the weekend. It’s a two-day thing. Would you please come with me?”

“Why me? Go with your precious Bianca.” He chuckled, but I noticed how his grip on the steering wheel got tighter.

“The only time I would be caught near that bitch would be to put a bullet in her head.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“Where is this dinner?” He cleared his throat and readjusted himself in his seat.

“Sicily.”

“Italy?”

“Yes.”

“Giovanni, I have work.”

“I know your boss.”

“What?” I looked at him in confusion and then I caught the smirk on his face. “You own the company I work for.” He nodded.

“Don’t worry, when you get back, you’ll meet your job.”

“I’ll think about it.” He nodded “Anything else?” He smiled and nodded.

“What is that?”

“You look very beautiful in that dress. Pity you don’t want me to help you take it off.” I gasped and jumped out of the vehicle, and as I slammed the door, I could hear Giovanni’s amused laugh.

I went up to my apartment, stripped out of my clothes, and stood under the shower. Thinking about everything. This was a big decision to take.

The pressure was getting worse.