We all gathered at the same table. They were silent, and Laura was the one engaged in conversation with Gio. Gio hardly spoke, and Dario often responded to Laura. I didn’t know the score between my sister and Dario, but I’d asked him when I got time in the future!
That’s another thing! Sienna still doesn’t know what happened to me. Maybe they’re worried about me. I couldn’t focus on the food anymore. I had completely lost my appetite.
We engaged in conversation, and then we moved to the gazebo at the back of their house for some drinks. The only people here were those I knew and Gio and Dario.
“Do you want a drink, Tasha?” Ida asked me. I shook my head. Since what happened at the bar with Rory, I didn’t want to drink again. That was the only memory I had, and it wasn’t a good one.
“Even just a little? Have a drink!” Amy and the others insisted. I winced and shook my head.
Someone placed a glass of water in front of me, and we all stared at it. Gio put a glass of water in front of me, too, and it seemed like everyone got the message that I wasn’t drinking alcohol. They stopped pestering me, but I was keenly observed by Gio.
I looked at him intently. I was happy that his simple gesture had stopped the pestering. However, the realization that he’s so authoritative was nagging at me. With that simple action, he made everyone follow, even though they weren’t his subordinates.
They were drinking while I joined in their conversations. Sometimes, I would sneak a glance at Gio. Is he used to the drinks here? I felt like his liver and throat were only accustomed to expensive alcohol.
It was surprising to see Gio interacting casually with others. He wasn’t like this, and I wasn’t used to seeing him this way. It was astonishing to see him engage in casual conversation with Marcos and Gelo.
“Girl, don’t stare too much. I know that Gelo’s new friend is handsome, but he might just melt,” Amy playfully pinched my side, so I scolded her.
“Staring? I’m not staring at him. Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know, maybe you like him!”
I didn’t pay much attention to their teasing. After a while, I bid them farewell, especially as I noticed the night was deepening. The women were clearly drunk, but the men were just having a chill conversation.
“I’m heading home,” I said my goodbyes.
“Huh? Not yet, Tash-” Laura couldn’t finish her sentence as her eyes began to close.
I shook my head and entrusted her to Ida. Maybe she’d sleep here instead of going home.
“Wait, we’ll take you home.”
“No need. I can manage. You all rest well, okay!”
I avoided looking at Gio, and it worked. Ida escorted me outside the house, and I walked home.
The road was quiet, and even the sea had grown still. There was no sound to be heard, and it was incredibly peaceful.
I felt the cold wind brushing my skin that I have to embrace myself for some warmth. I could see my house now, so I felt confident that I’d get home safely.
I took my house key and opened the door. I entered quietly and was about to close the door when it was stopped by a hand.
“Oh, damn!”
In my surprise, I couldn’t help but swear. Irritated, I looked at the person blocking the door, and my eyes widened when I saw him.
“You?!” I yelled at Gio when I realized he was the one stopping the door. “What are you doing here?!”
“I followed you, just to make sure you’d reach your house safely,” he said with a hoarse voice, his eyes bloodshot, clearly showing signs of drowsiness.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” I scolded him. I took a deep breath. “Anyway, thanks. Now go home.”
I was about to close the door again, but his hand still blocked it, so I wasn’t successful.
“I don’t think I can walk back to the hotel,” he paused for a moment. “Can I sleep here instead?”
My heart raced, actually, it raced so fast, but why did I feel like I had lost blood?
What did he say? Sleep here? No way! Maybe… maybe… what? Oh my goodness, Amelie, what were you thinking? He just said he’s going to sleep here, and your dirty mind went flying!
~***~
I didn’t respond immediately, just kept my gaze fixed on Gio. I wasn’t sure what expression I was displaying, but all I knew was that I was taken aback and nervous about what he had just said. Sure, we used to share a room all the time. I was used to being next to him back then, but after a long period of separation, and with the added layer of my pretense, I couldn’t quite comprehend my feelings.
He held his neck as if he were embarrassed, his skin slightly flushed, probably from the alcohol. It was noticeable even in the dim lighting. “Sorry if you’re uncomfortable; it’s okay. I was just hoping,” he said with a restrained smile. “I’ll head home now. I just want to make sure you get home safely.”
He was about to turn away when I spoke up. “You can sleep on the couch.”
My couch was small, and I knew it wouldn’t be comfortable, especially for Gio, who was tall and well-built. His figure wouldn’t fit on that couch, but that was his decision. I had offered, after all.
He quickly turned to me, a peculiar gleam in his eyes and a smile on his lips that seemed to brighten our surroundings. I averted my gaze, for some inexplicable reason, not wanting to lock eyes with him because it felt like I might melt.
I ushered him into the house and pointed at the couch. I expected him to complain, but I didn’t hear a word of protest from him. He walked over and sat down.
“I’ll get you a pillow and a blanket,” I said, even though he hadn’t responded yet. I headed into the bedroom to grab an extra pillow and blanket for Gio.
As I arranged the sofa for his sleep, I felt someone’s arms wrap around me from behind. My eyes widened, and I froze in my tracks. The scent of alcohol mingled with his cologne and natural masculine aroma filled my nostrils. I hadn’t been drinking, but it felt like I was intoxicated right there.
“G-Gio!” I had intended to warn him, but my voice quivered, making me sound less intimidating.
“Hmm…?” he responded softly.
“Let me go-”
“Are you sure you want me to let you go? Because I don’t want to,” he whispered in a husky voice.
I was telling myself that I shouldn’t let him into this house. Gio often asks for permission for various things, but sometimes he doesn’t, knowing I won’t object or refuse him. Well, not today, Satan! I’m fighting with myself. I can’t give in to Gio now! Can it wait for another day, please?