“You know what I did that night, G? I made Evelyn’s little dangerous fantasy a reality.” Felix sounded disgusted with himself. “I think we both know who is more deserving of Bianca. And she deserves someone who can truly appreciate her. Except for the stuff about that girl being pregnant with my kid, none of that other shit they’re saying is true, G. It’s what those fucking tabloids do. Create a story where there’s not one. But even I wanted to believe there might be.”
Felix told him about how he’d swallowed his pride and went down to see her the day the press got all the pictures of them “back together.” Only what the press didn’t know was she’d turned him down flat.
Gio stood up in alarm. Bianca had been all but hysterical when she’d walked in. “I gotta go.”
”What?”
Obviously Felix was stunned that Gio would cut him off mid heartfelt speech. But Gio didn’t have time to explain. He’d never forgive himself if Bianca had some kind of panic attack while driving or something because of his dumb ass.
“Listen, Felix thanks for this. We’ll talk some more soon,” he said pushing the garage door open as he stormed out. “I’ll explain later but I gotta go!”
He hung up and dialed Bianca, already sprinting to his bike.
CHAPTER 26
Nearly hyperventilating for the third time this week, Bianca pulled over and got out of her car. She leaned her arm against the hood as the dry heaves kicked in. If her mother and Nana knew she was driving in that condition they’d be furious.
The anger but mostly immense hurt nearly suffocated her. Gio’s beautiful eyes had never looked at her the way they had tonight. They were so cold and full of revulsion. She was convinced whatever love he’d felt for her was completely gone now.
As the dry heaves slowly calmed, Bianca’s breathing began to go back to normal. Her lip began to quiver as it had so much this week. She was out of options now. All week she’d tried one thing after another. Trying hard to do as Noah said and respect Gio’s wishes, she’d held out this long and for what?
Her efforts to reach him had been in vain. Even after she stopped getting the “not in service” message. Now when she tried calling the new message was even worse. This number has restrictions which prevent the completion of this call. And she knew he’d blocked her number.
Bianca figured everyone had felt heartache at some point in their lives. She knew people went through divorces and breakups all the time. But much like what she felt for Gio during their happier times, the intensity of her heartache had been unbearable. She didn’t think she’d get over it—still didn’t.
She’d meant to walk in and calmly assure him that the stories were all lies. That she hadn’t and would never go back to Felix. She’d never be happy with anyone else but Gio. Just like all her other emotions when it came to him, she’d lost it when she saw him. The questions she’d wanted to ask him all week came blasting out.
She still didn’t understand—couldn’t fathom how he could possibly believe it after everything they’d gone through. After he’d seen, felt all the love she couldn’t hide from him even if she tried.
Toni suggested that perhaps Felix had said something to him to further his belief that the stories were true. Bianca had been so close to calling him to ask but each time she’d stopped when she remembered how inconsolable he’d been about Jack. She’d already felt horrible about the way she’d completely broken down in the car on their way to the hospital. There was no way she’d force Felix to further witness her heartache over his friend—the guy she cheated on him with.
Bianca had all but forgotten she had Roni’s number and after calling her and explaining to her as she sobbed, Roni made her promise she wouldn’t tell a soul that she’d been the one to tell Bianca about Gio sulking in his garage. Even as she drove down there she still held out hope that if he didn’t believe her she could, eventually, once a little time passed, beg Felix to help her get Gio to believe. She knew she was completely undeserving of any help from Felix, especially when it came to this but she’d been willing to plead with him if she had to.
Now even that last resort was out the door. Her biggest fear was confirmed tonight. Since she’d cheated on Felix with Gio, he now believed her to be that kind of girl. Not a girl who’d made a once-in-a-lifetime exception for that once-in-a-lifetime guy that she really was. She saw it in his eyes. He was convinced of this and that’s why he’d been so easily manipulated by all the lies.
No one. Not even Felix vouching for her would convince him if that’s what he truly believed. Just like the rest of the week the pain was a physical one. Her mother and Nana had said it was in her head but it wasn’t just her heart that ached. Everything inside her ached. Toni said it was normal to hurt this bad. But this couldn’t possibly be normal.
She walked back to the side of the car. Her phone rang in the passenger seat. It’d been ringing. She heard it earlier but she ignored it. As she picked it up it stopped ringing. She had three missed calls. All from Gio.
Her heart had just calmed from her near panic attack and it was going again. About to hit the voicemail key to listen to his messages it rang again.
Not sure what to think and almost terrified of what he might have to say to her, she answered anyway. “Hello?”
“Where are you?” his worried words demanded.
Confused, she glanced around. She hadn’t even noticed where she pulled over. “I don’t know, on Evergreen somewhere.”
“Pull over and lock the doors.” He spoke quickly—firmly. “Evergreen and what?”
“I am pulled over.” His tone was making her nervous. “Why? What’s going on?”
“I’ll tell you when I get there.” She heard his motorcycle rev up. “Evergreen and what?”
Glancing around, then behind her she saw the cross street was Third Street. She was almost embarrassed to tell him she’d only gotten a few blocks before having to pull over.
“Third,” she said, as it sunk in that he’d be there with her soon.
“Stay there, Bianca. Please. I’ll be there in less than five.”
“Okay,” she said nodding, already looking around for him as the line clicked.
As soon as she saw the bike turn the corner and come toward her she got out of the car and came around to the sidewalk. She leaned against her car, her heart now pounding full throttle, the knot in her throat already unbearable. Regardless of what he had to say to her, just being close to him would have her in tears. She hated it but she was already sucking back the tears now and he hadn’t even gotten off his bike.
She watched as he pulled off his helmet, hung it on the handlebar and jumped off his bike. With a few long fast strides he was standing in front of her in seconds.
“I’m an idiot,” he said breathlessly as his big hands cradled her face and she could no longer hold back the tears. They poured out as she squeezed her eyes shut then felt his lips on them, kissing her eyelids softly. “I talked to Felix. He confirmed what a fucking idiot I’ve been. Please forgive me,” his voice broke as he pleaded. “Please. I should’ve never doubted you. I’m so sorry.”
Not even for a second did she consider not forgiving him. In hindsight maybe she should’ve been a little angrier at him for the hell he’d put her through. But that week alone had been enough to show her she could barely breathe without him. She forgave him instantly throwing her arms around him and hugged him tightly.
For once holding back the words that would’ve normally just flown out, she felt slightly empowered. Then he surprised her by saying the very thing she held back. “Stay here. Not just tonight but for good. We can get a room tonight and I’ll figure something else out later but I can’t be this far from you anymore. My heart can’t take it.”
Her heart doubled over and she could hardly believe just minutes ago it had been agonized by the very person who now made it flutter with joy.
Before the explosion she’d already begun to talk to her mom about the possibility of moving back d
own. Being away from Gio for days, maybe weeks, at a time just wasn’t going to work. Because her mother knew Bianca would finish school faster if she went back to Cal State LA, where she’d been attending before her father died, her mother had been all for it.
Bianca had no idea how this was going to work. No idea how an unemployed girl with no place to live and who still wanted to finish school with a boyfriend whose place of employment had just burned down was going to make it down here. But she nodded, already excited about the prospect of being with Gio every day. One way or another they’d figure it out.
Gio kissed her softly leaning his weight against her. “I love you,” he whispered again and again between kisses.
She laughed after the eighth or ninth time and he stopped to look in her eyes. “There’s my happy girl.”
Bianca had stopped fighting the pull he had on her long ago and fell happily into his deep gaze, taking a very deep and satisfied breath. “I’m never happier than when I’m with you.”
He smiled making her sigh. “Good, because I plan on having you with me all the time.”
“All the time?” she teased, noticing that since he got there that her tense body was finally relaxing.
“Yes, all the time.” He kissed her again, biting her lower lip when he was done. “Starting right now.” He pulled away. “Follow me back to my house. I want you to meet my mother and sisters.”
Her eyes flew open wide assuming that like the rest of the world his family must’ve been thinking the worst about her with all the news casts about her supposed publicity stunt.
His soothing smile immediately calmed her. “Don’t worry. They’re gonna love you.” He kissed her one last time softly before adding, “My mom doesn’t buy any of that shit on the tabloid shows.” He smiled. “I promise.”
Bianca stared at him as he walked back to his motorcycle. Was this really happening? Did everything actually get worked out? Was she really going to be moving down here and see him every day?
He climbed onto his bike, grabbing his helmet off the handlebars. Then he looked up at and smiled at her so tenderly it took her breath away.
*
Gently patting the warm soapy sponge over Gio’s big strong shoulders and then down his chest, Bianca examined all the bruises and scrapes that were still very visible. As the water from the shower rinsed away the soap she kissed the bruises gently. She worked the sponge down to his hips as Gio brought his hand around her behind and squeezed a handful of her wet behind. He’d been hard from the moment she’d begun to undress him in the small hotel bathroom. Now he pressed against her, taking her mouth in his and kissing her with that need she loved feeling from him. As the warm water splashed down against their faces she kissed him back, with just as much need, moaning into his mouth.
Gio brought his hand around the front spreading her legs. If she let him and gave into her own yearning she’d spin around and bend over letting him take her right there but she was determined. Determined to not allow him to over exert himself—take care of him like she hadn’t been able to this whole past week.
She pulled back breathlessly just as his fingers entered her. “No,” She managed in a very strained whisper, his fingers still playing inside her. “Let’s go to the bed.”
Gio sucked her bottom lip, then brought his playful fingers up for her to suck—taste herself and she did, staring straight into his flaming eyes. “We could do this here,” he whispered, grabbing a fistful of her hair and tugging her head back a bit roughly, he dove into her neck sucking and nipping with his teeth.
The sensation was one she’d never felt. Felix had always been so gentle with her but it excited her like she never would’ve imagined. Still, she remembered his badly beaten body.
Barely able to catch her breath to get the words out she caressed his hard back. “Let’s go to the bed, Gio. I promise I’ll take care of you.”
His head lifted and their eyes met for a moment before the corner of his lip rose. Without another word he reached over and turned off the water. They walked out and toweled off, then walked over to the bed dropping the towels and climbed in bed.
Before Gio could take the lead and climb atop her Bianca took charge. “Lie very still,” she whispered then kissed his lips softly.
Gio was supposed to be still getting a lot of bed rest. But according to his mother he’d spent most of the week sulking in the garage. He now lay completely naked on the bed and Bianca began what she promised to do now and forever: “take care of him.”
She kissed the bruise on his collar bone and worked her way down past his sore ribs and hip bones. He wasn’t kidding when he told her just about every inch of his body had been bruised or scraped in one way or another.
Bianca glanced down at the one part of his body that seemed to be in perfect working order, erect and ready to go, then kissed it as Gio’s body went taut. She looked up at him staring at her. “Relax,” she ordered with a smile.
With their eyes still locked she began licking the shaft. Trying very hard to not make it obvious this was her first time doing this ever, she continued to keep the eye contact going. Bianca had read enough steamy romance novels and how-to articles in women’s magazines. She was pretty sure she could wing it. She just hadn’t expected him to be so big. In the van it’d been too dark to really appreciate it at all but now she’d appreciate every inch.
Gio’s body shifted slightly carnal moans escaping him as she continued to lick up and down and then took him in completely. His hips moved with her and she moved up and down his length, amazed at how much she was enjoying doing this to him.
Then she swiped her tongue on the salty tip like a windshield wiper over and over just like it said in Cosmo and was thrilled at his reaction. This really worked. His entire body arched and she heard him gasp. “Baby, that’s it,” he urged. “I think I need to take over before it’s too late.”
“Oh no, you don’t.” She smiled, feeling sexier than she’d ever felt in her life. She was enjoying being in charge. She pointed at his wallet on the nightstand. “Condom,” she said simply and he complied immediately, even opened the packet and pulled it out before handing it to her.
This would be a first also. She’d never actually put one of these things on anyone. Smiling because she knew this was just one of the many firsts to come with Gio she slowly and very carefully rolled it on. “No over exerting yourself, remember?” She sunk her teeth into her bottom lip as their eyes met and she was suddenly locked into those striking green eyes. “You ready?”
He nodded his heavy lashes blinking over his eyes almost in slow motion. Bianca climbed over him carefully, afraid to hurt him. She brought her hips down over him trembling as she slid onto him slowly, still locked in his eyes, until he was all the way in.
Gio held his hands out to her and she took them, not moving for a few seconds just enjoying the fullness she felt with him deep in her. Again, careful not to hurt him, she lifted herself up and began to ride him slowly, gently as he squeezed her hands.
Unable to help herself she picked up speed, the sensation building with every wet slide. “You sure you’re okay?” she asked through her teeth.
“God, yes!” he said bringing his hands around her waist and lifting her, slamming her back down on him even harder.
Now even he lifted himself with each thrust as she slammed back on to him again and again. Feeling her eyes roll back she ran both hands through her own hair and began to moan, knowing she’d be climaxing in a big way in just a few more seconds.
Gio slammed into her one last time, holding his pelvis up against her with a groan triggering Bianca’s orgasm and she cried out, her heart pounding with every wave of pleasure that ran through her body.
She stayed on him even after it was all over, her heart still banging away as her breathing finally came under control. Grabbing the towel she’d put on the bed in preparation for this, she climbed off him gently, cleaned up and came to rest next to him.
Gio kissed the t
op of her head. “I’m not that handicapped, you know.”
Bianca smiled. “Your mom says you’ve been stubborn so I’m taking over now. No arguing. You need to take it easy.”
He brought his big arm around her and squeezed her to him. “If this is how you take over then I ain’t arguing.”
She giggled now, making herself comfortable against his warm hard body. Still clueless as to how things would work out for them, unbelievably she felt even more sure about what she’d told her mother and grandmother over the phone earlier. As long as she was with Gio she’d be fine.
This day had started so horribly bad and now she could hardly believe how perfect everything had turned out.
~*~
Calling Felix had been the best decision of Gio’s life. Not only was Bianca back in his life for good, they’d start with the demolition of what was left of the old gym as soon as the investigation was over and rebuild from the ground up.
The guys couldn’t have been happier but none more so than Gio. Gio told them he’d get all their names on the title as soon as possible. Felix was going to do everything he could to get this thing going fast and have them back in business in no time. Felix might be relationship-challenged but he truly was loyal to 5th Street and always had been.
As promised, he figured something out and while their new set up wasn’t nearly as glamorous as something Felix could offer Bianca they were happy. That’s all that mattered. He was already working on bigger and better but for now this worked out for everyone and would have to do.
“What do you think?” Gio clicked the remote turning off the TV in their bedroom as Bianca walked in wearing a bathrobe and a towel on her head.
She closed the door behind her. “One bathroom for four people is going to be interesting but I think we’ll manage.”