The Italian Dream

Chapter one

The tears rolled down my cheeks as I drove through the night. I had no idea where I was heading. I needed to find a hotel or a bed and breakfast.
Every corner I turned relief inched it's way over my body.
I drove for around 20 more minutes before setting my eyes on a small brick built building to the left.
A sign hung above the door.
"The lodge hotel".
Perfect.
I swung the car into the car park and turned it off. It was just gone midnight so I was hoping the hotel was still open.
Just as I was about to get out I saw myself in the rear view mirror. Mascara was smudge down my face and my hair was a mess. Oh well, I was quite confident and positive for my 19 years of age. I guess dealing with my mum and dads drinking issues and arguments had made me strong. I did put effort into the way I looked but right now I couldn't care less, I just needed a nice shower and a bed to sleep in.

I made my way through the dimly lit car park towards the entrance. The brick building was just that. A brick building with a sign and a few bins outside. But I didn't mind. Just as I reached the door a few men came from around the back and walked to a black car parked next to me which I hadn't noticed. A black Ferrari. Wow. Why would people with that kind of money be staying here In this shit hole?!

I walked into the hotel forgetting about the Ferrari and noticed a young man sitting at the reception. A cigarette clutched between his long fingers.
"Hello, is there a room for one available?" I asked.
His dark eyes jerked up to me. I could now see he was probably around 22. And I could also see how amazing he looked. His jaw was defined, so were his cheekbones and his hair swiftly swept to the side. He wore a suit, with the top two buttons undone.

"Yeah" he replied bluntly.
"Thanks" I said as he nodded for me to follow him. I walked behind down a small corridor. He was at least 6ft and toward over my 5ft6 body. We arrived at room 101 where he unlocked the door,handed me the key and left with a sigh.
I walked in and had a look around. This wasn't the nicest place but it would do I guess. As I sat on the bed I wondered what I should do tomorrow. I planned on staying in this area of Brooklyn for a while now so I decided I would
find myself a job and get a small studio apartment in town. Sounds good.
I was interrupted from my train of thoughts by a knock on the door.
I strutted over to the door and opened it.
There stood the receptionist. His eyes gleaming obsidian. My eyes flickered to his chest where his shirt was unbuttoned. Realising I was staring I snapped my eyes back to his.
"Do you need anything?" He rumbled.
His voice was very deep and sexy, and I heard a hint of Italian which made him even sexier than I thought before.
"Where could I get some dinner?" I asked, after hearing a loud grumble from my empty belly.
"My family,who own this place, also own a diner down the road" he replied as I nodded.
"I can take you there if you want?" He asked.
Shock was probably painted over my face.
"Er..yeah ok" I stuttered. I had only known him two minutes. Well I didn't even know him quite frankly.
"Ok great, You intrigue me. As soon as you came in I wanted to know more about you and that smile of yours." he said as a smirk lifted his lips.
"Okay I'm starving so sure, can I have a shower and get ready first?"
"Of course bambino" he said as he turned around and left. I looked out the door and saw his slim body walking away. I had only just met this man and I was trusting him already. Was this safe? What am I doing?
He looked normal I guess?

About 20 minutes later I was showered and ready. Dressed in black sports leggings and a white tight top. I grabbed my purse and headed out to the reception. The mystery receptionist boy was outside the door, I stepped out just as he lit a cigarette.
"Cigarette?" He asked handing me the box.
I took the white and gold box and slid a cigarette out and popped it in my mouth. He passed me a lighter and I sparked it, as soon as I inhaled and exhaled the cloud of smoke I felt more relaxed.  I had forgotten my pack as I grabbed all the stuff I could and exited my old home.
"What's your name then?" He asked.
"Elle brown, yours?" I replied.
"Carlos Santiago" he breathed as he inched his face closer to mine.
"What a lovely name" I smirked as I chucked my cigarette after taking a final draw and stamped it out with my red heeled shoe.
A sudden wave of confidence had come over me. Of course I was confident anyway but a new strange man was taking me out of course I would be shy!
"Where's your car then?" I said walking in front of him to the centre of the car park. I felt his presence behind me,very very close.
"Round the back" he told me and pointed to the side where the bins were situated. I faltered at first worried that this mans car was not really round the back but I knew a few kick boxing moves so I risked it.
I walked around,swaying my hips maybe a bit to much, because next thing I knew My head had hit the floor. I slowly lifted my head and looked up to Carlos. His face was red and tears were streaming down his cheeks. I suddenly burst out laughing. We were both laughing before I took a breath and Carlos reached his hand out and pulled me up off the floor.
"Your a bit clumsy" he laughed.
"Yeah, I'm always falling around" I giggled.
I followed him around the back towards a car. Another black Ferrari.
"How can you afford this if your a receptionist?!" I asked.
"It's none of you business bambino" he muttered,smirking at me.
I just left it and hopped in the passenger side. We drove for about 5 minutes before reaching a small American diner.
"Traditional American food with a hint of Italian cuisine" a sign said.
Perfect. I loved burgers and chips but also loved pizza and pasta. I wasn't the healthiest girl to be honest. Fortunately, I was slim built and never put a pound on!
We jumped out and walked up to the diner. We walked in and we were greeted by an elderly woman. I could literally see she was Italian and also related to Carlos.  They had the same black sky eyes and smile.
"Carlos!! How lovely to see y- who is this lovely young woman?" She questioned.
"This is Elle. I met her at the hotel, she came earlier. She's staying" he replied.
The lady grabbed my hand squeezing it tightly.
"It's love to meet you, Elle" she said, her voice filled with italian.
"It's lovely to meet you to-"
"Marie" she answered.
"Lovely to meet you, Marie" I smiled.
She pulled me arm and dragged me to a table, Carlos followed.
She placed two menus down and smiled before leaving. Me and Carlos sat in silence while choosing our meals.
We ordered and waited for our meals to arrive.
"How old are you bambino" he asked.
"19, how old are you?" I replied.
"22 in three days actually" Carlos said.
"Oh are you having a party or anything?"
"Yes, me and my family and members are going to the club we own" he said.
"Members?" I queried.
His face dropped like he had told me a secret.
"Don't worry" he replied bluntly as he picked up his burger scoffing it up.
I couldn't believe I was here with this man. He was extremely beautiful but I also didn't know him.
I looked down to my chips and started eating them one by one. We finished our meal and exited after Carlos paid the bill. I had completely forgot the time until I realised the sun was awake and shining bright. I got out my phone and saw it was 4.am.
"Wow, I didn't realise the time" I worried. My eyes starting twitching with tiredness as I yawned and sat myself in the car.
"We're going back to the hotel and you can sleep there" Carlos told me.
"Okay, how much is the room?"
"We will work out a price soon bambino" he smirked as he exited the car.