Chapter 13

Gio was the very definition of the dark-skinned Sicilian that was showcased in every mob movie ever made. He had a deep olive complexion, silky dark hair that tended to curl unless he slapped it with pomade to keep his waves in place. He kept his face clean-shaven but was prone to a five o'clock shadow and he therefore carried an electric shaver in his daily pack. Without a shirt, some would refer to him as a bear, but his body hair wasn't so thick, it was just dark.

At 6'3 he created a pretty impressive image. But he knew it was his eyes that held people's attention. They were amber like warm honey and made a striking contrast against his dark complexion. No, Gio did not hurt for attention. But loyalty and trust were a different matter.

"I heard that your guest is a black woman." Paolo said. "I heard she's good-looking, too."

"She is. And she's not a brat."

Paolo glanced at him and then nodded. "Well my guest is a single American traveler and I can already tell he's a pain in the ass. He sat in the VIP lounge after embarkation for damn near an hour doing nothing more than texting on his phone. I couldn't do anything but stand there with him because I hadn't gotten a chance to give him his room tour so he could call me on the cell. Ugh. Americans!"

"Oh, come on. You've had bad guests from all over the world. Remember the Brit that pissed the bathroom floor every night? Or the Kiwi that propped the balcony doors open but then complained about the humidity, but he still wanted the ocean breeze?"

"People are impossible!" Paolo huffed.

"Speaking of people being impossible, heard anything about Nicco's guests?"

"No but I saw the wife arguing with her husband. He looked like he wanted to trade up for a newer model."

"That's why people shouldn't chose their partner based on looks alone."

"No. Not alone. They also have to be good in bed and know how to cook a proper feijoada."

Gio shook his head in amusement. "Gotta have priorities."

II

The music at the sail-away party was good. They played all the new hits from the states as well as some of the classics. A cruise director had everyone doing line dances even though people were crowded together practically hip to hip. At first Sidney had fun until she felt a hand on her ass. When she turned swiftly to catch the culprit, everyone was staring innocently forward.

Feeling violated, she left the dance floor with a sour expression. It was another drawback of being single—men thought it was okay to just touch her because there was no one with her to punch his lights out.

She was getting hot and decided on another tall fruity iced drink before heading up to her spa visit. This time she got one made with strawberries and vodka. She downed it within ten minutes and then found a small private corner to do a little two-step dance when a song she liked began to play.

By the time she made it up to the spa she was feeling good again, most likely because she was slightly buzzed. Two black men even stopped in their tracks to check her out.

The masseuse tried to give her a tour of the multitude of accommodations, but she was not having it.

"Just give me a massage," she announced. "I don't care what kind." The masseuse led her to a shower and after she had washed away her sweat the woman had the nerves to guide her to a sauna.

"Uh…no. My hair will explode like a lion's mane if I step foot in there!" she said. The young woman apologized and then gave her the hot stone treatment.

"That's what I'm talking about," Sidney murmured as she lay face down with the masseuse's hands expertly working out kinks from months of stress. She didn't even know when she drifted off to sleep.

I am already loving this vacation, she thought before her light snores invade the peaceful space.

III

She must have really had fun at the sail-away party, Gio thought as he dried the last dish. It was close to eleven o'clock and he had long ago put away his guest's dinner. He hoped she wouldn't phone him at one in the morning to come heat it up for her. It had been done before. Well…he probably wouldn't truly mind although he was tired.

He was just heading for the door when it opened and his guest hurried in. "Gio! I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed when she saw him. "I fell asleep at the spa." The music was soft and soothing, and the light aroma of candles and oils had relaxed her too much. The masseuse had placed a towel over her and left her alone and she had slept for over an hour!

Gio looked amused. "What are you apologizing for?"

"Well I missed dinner after I gave you a request for a full four-course meal."

"Madam," he said, amused at her anxiousness. "I am here for you, so there is no need to apologize. I placed your dinner in the refrigerator. Would you like me to heat it up for you?"

Her stomach growled loudly. "No," she said sheepishly. She would not put this guy out. The second he left, though, she was going to dig into the fridge and smash that food.

Gio glanced down at her belly with a raised brow? "Which one should I listen to, you or the grumbling of your stomach?"

Her eyes got so big that for a second he worried if she was going to smack him, but instead she burst out in gut-busting laughter.

Her honest amusement was contagious, and he was soon chuckling along with her. She even snorted which only caused her to laugh even harder.

"Gio," she said after catching her breath. "I'm so hungry right now that I could eat a horse. But it's late! Don't you sleep?"

"Yes, butler's sleep, Miss. But I am not just a butler. I am a Super G and we are at your service twenty-four seven. I am at your service twenty-four seven."