Valente

The Date

We entered a restaurant through a back door and were now seated in a private room.

"Do you own every restaurant in the city" I remarked, and he laughed. "I own 12, this one is my favorite" he smiled, and I froze for a moment. I've never seen him smile, a smirk occasionally but a full-blown smile. Wow he's beautiful.

I quickly shook my head trying to gather my bearings. I looked across the table at Adrian who was now looking at me with a serious expression. "You look beautiful, Gia" I blushed and pushed my hair behind my ear. "It's Gianna" I said because I didn't know what else to say to him. He was making me so nervous, staring at me the way he was.

"But all your friends call you Gia" at this I laughed, "So, we're friends?" I questioned with an eyebrow raised. "Of course, Bella, don't you want to be my friend?" he smirked, and I felt a little sad. I should be happy, but I'm more confused. It really seemed like he was into me. It's better this way, he's dangerous and I'm safer father away from him.

...

We ate some very fancy food that I had never even heard of and talked throughout dinner. I learned that Adrian was 28 years old which is four years older than me and he lived in a penthouse on the rich side of town. Not to mention the home in Italy that he owns and a home in France. He seems to of travelled many places.

"You've asked me a million questions about myself, Gia. But I want to know about you" he said as he sipped more of his wine. I opened my mouth to speak when his phone rang, and he rolled his eyes and put a finger telling me to wait.

"you're interrupting" he said into the phone angrily. Adrian's whole persona changed in a matter of seconds, he went from an intrigued and happy boy having a nice dinner to a boss in just a moment. He hung up the phone and stood up grabbing my arm and dragging me with him out of the restaurant. "Sorry Bella, I have business to attend to" he said as he walked out the back door, still dragging me along. "It's 11pm, what could you possibly have to do" I asked as I noticed another blacked out SUV pulling down the back alley, we were now in.

"don't ask questions, Gia that's what gets you killed" he said angrily as he helped me into the SUV but didn't climb in after me. "You're leaving me?" I asked and his features seemed to sadden a little and he stopped moving so quickly for a second. "I wouldn't if It wasn't important and too dangerous for you to come" he said and looked at me with a look that said he was sorry but also seemed to be pleading with me to not be upset. I crossed my arms and looked up to the front where one of the men in black suits.

Adrian sighed when he realized I wasn't going to talk to him. I mean, is this always how it'll be with him? "Take her home, Joseph" he said to the man in black and closed the door. I could see him walk towards the other SUV just as Joseph floored it out of the alley.

I was furious. First, he sends someone to pick me up because he's too busy to do it himself. Then he shows up at my house demanding an explanation. Then he kidnaps me from work to go on a date with him and doesn't even finish the date. What is this guys problem? Although I was very angry, I was also a little disappointed. I was having a great time; it was so easy to talk to him and I liked getting to know more about the very mysterious Adrian Valente.

The angry side of me won, just like it usually does. I decided I was not going to sit at home moping about this and so I texted Katrina.

'Bad day, bar tonight?' I wrote and within seconds she messaged me back.

'Sure, when will you be back' She texted right as we pulled up to my apartment complex.

I looked up at Adrian's, I guess you can say friend, Joseph.

"Thank you, Joseph. Have a good night." I said and he looked in the rear-view mirror back at me with a surprised face. I guess people don't usually thank him. "You're welcome Miss Gravino" he smiled, and I realized he was a good-looking guy as well. come to think of it, all of the men in black suits that followed Adrian around seemed to be very attractive.

I climbed out of the car and ran upstairs. I quickly changed into a short dress that showed a lot more skin than I'm used to, but I decided that I've had enough of being a good girl. I've graduated, I have a great job lined up for the fall and it's time to live a little larger.

Within half an hour we had arrived at the bar. There were people everywhere, fairly packed for a Monday night. But I guess when you live in the city that never sleeps a Monday might as well be a Saturday. I sifted back through my memories before we came here so I could make sure that this was not one of the places that Adrian said he owned. Now, it was time to get drunk and forget the blue eyes man who's been haunting my mind.