Giovanni

Chapter 21

Thora Hawthorn:

"Okay guys. Best behavior, no inappropriate jokes, no staring at him because it makes him uncomfortable, don't ask him questions about before, don't ask him too many questions at once, don't-"

Rayan cuts me off with a groan as he slumps down in his chair. He tugs on his bulletproof vest uncomfortably like always and rolls his eyes. "So what can we say?"

Santiago rolls his own eyes and chuckles. He sits in his white dress shirt and black slacks almost regally. "Hi and bye," he mutters and him and Rayan burst into fits of laughter.

I stand straight faced as I watch the two crack up over nothing. Rayan taps his hand on the table and Santiago runs his hand through his hair and they both look at me sobering up "Like i was saying before I was rudely interrupted. Don't talk to him about the future."

"Do I look like a fortune teller to you, Thora?" Rayan asks with a sigh "We get it! No fun topics. Can you sit down and not get your panties in a twist. We got this, Goddess"

"Rayan is right we know how to conduct ourselves. Stop stressing about it." Santiago smiles "Besides it's just us."

I sigh knowing they are right. "I know it's just he somehow found out about me and you. I don't know who told him but he did not take it well," I mutter. I see the two of them exchange glances and then quickly look away.

Narrowing my eyes I sit up in my seat. I know that gaze. "What did you two do?"

"Two?" Santiago claims raising his hands "I had nothing to do with this."

"Wow! Way to sell me out!" Rayan all but yells.

Santiago shrugs and looks toward me. "Why in the hell would I tell him? Give him more reason to hate me?" I glare at Rayan.

"Rayan why in the hell would you do that?"

He stutters for a second "It just came out! I thought you already told him and then I said something about it and he started acting weird and went back to his room and. . .I don't know I'm sorry." I continue to glare at him annoyed that he'd even say anything but the I let up.

"It's fine," I tell him "He's fine I guess."

"When is he supposed to get here?" Santiago mutters "i'm starving."

The doors open and in walks Gio. He is flanked by four guards as he walks in and I can't lie he looks official. A different air surrounds him as he looks straight towards us. His head held high he raises his hand. "Dismissed." He says to the guards quietly. They disperse around the room. Two stand inside the room at the door and the other two exit the room and most likely wait with Nadia and Darwin.

"Hey Gio," I say standing from my chair. He stands for a second in a red button down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His black slacks fit him so perfectly and his hair is slightly wet making his curls more defined. He grins and comes straight over to me. He grabs me in his arms and kisses the top of my head. My eyes widen as he leans back to look me in the eyes.

I'm about to ask him if he's okay but he speaks first "Hey," He smiles and turns around to Santiago and Rayan "Hey guys." He waits for me to sit and then he sits beside me. Grabbing my hand in his he looks at them "Ready to eat?" He grins.

I can hear his heart beating loudly. He's nervous obviously but what in the hell is up with him. "Gio, are you okay?" I find myself asking. He looks down at me with a smile.

"Why wouldn't I be?" I have no words to respond so I just nod in confusion. The Gio from this morning has somehow been updated and he has confidence now? At least mock confidence as his heart is still beating rapidly. Maybe thats my heart though. He is holding my hand in his large one and sitting really close.