THE BILLIONAIRE'S GIRLFRIEND

THIRTY-ONE

Titan was being a good sport by not complaining as Malora dragged him through the city of Venice. He'd, of course, suggested the use of cars, but she'd declined by insisting that it was best taken in by walking. And, boy, was she right.

The streets were filled with tourists as well as the locals, but the tourists outweighed the locals. People of different colors, shapes, sizes and ages were all clad in different attires ranging from shorts, jeans, flannels, crop-tops to sleevless dresses and blouses. It was beautiful and overwhelming at once.

They blended right in with the colorful attires. Titan had opted for ciel blue shorts, white t-shirt and sandals that looked simple, but Malora knew cost more than some people's salary in a year. It made him look down to earth and handsome at the same time. If her ribs weren't shot to hell, she'd have totally insisted they spend the day lounging about in the hotel, heating up the sheets and room.

The sun was in its full glory now. It shone down in a fierceness that highlighted summer in its final leg. She was glad to have listened to Titan's insistence about applying sunscreen, and the use of her straw hat. Her skin would have been toast by the end of this adventure she'd made them embark on, otherwise.

"What sights have you planned?" Titan asked as they manuerved through a throng of people who'd stopped to watch a man stringing a guitar while he sang in pure French.

The words sound sweet enough, but Malora was yet to see what all the rave about the famous 'sexy' French accent was all about. Books and movies made it seem as though French was the only language that oozed sex and hotness, thereby underrating all other ones like British English for examples. And Malora wasn't saying that just because she was a Brit.

She pursed her lips at Titan's back, feeling a bit irritated with his question. "You're like a child going on a vacation."

Titan briefly tossed her an amused look over his shoulder. "I haven't been ever accused of acting like a child."

"They must have been deceiving you all along." She mused. "You're more worse than a child."

"I somehow don't believe you." He stopped when they came to a large space that reminded Malora of a park back at home. Only instead of trimmed grasses, this one was all concrete and stone benches. Birds flapped overhead in search of people who had crumbs to offer them, probably. "You are the leader, so direct us to your surprise."

She beamed at him. "Sure." Slipping her palm into his, she assumed the lead. "Just hold on to me tightly."

He squeezed her fingers in answer.

After some smooth manuevring, and avoiding several elbows from making contact with her ribs, they finally arrived at the pier at the Piazza Santa Maria del Giglio where she'd booked a private tour for just the both of them. After they checked in at the desk, they were directed to the pier to meet with their ride.

A dark haired woman garbed in beige shorts that had more pockets than she'd seen, and untucked blue shirt as well as the preffered straw hat, met them at the mouth of the pier. She looked to be in her early thirties, but her body didn't look it. She was wiry, and all muscles. She looked tough with no soft edge on any part of her but her lips which lifted in a bright smile.

"Welcome Skip the Line," she said by way of greeting. Her English was surprisingly good. "The name's Nessie. I'll be your guide on this bright day."

Malora couldn't help but smile back. "Hello, Nessie. I'm Malora and this is Titan." She gestured to the silent man beside her who nodded in greeting.

Nessie guided them to the waiting gondola, and climbed in before helping Malora into it. Titan climbed in beside her and joined Malora on the seat so that they were facing Nessie.