GianMarco (17 page)

Chapter Fifteen

GianMarco watched as the girl walked out of the building. No, that wasn’t right; she
wasn’t really a girl. She was a young woman. Her long, dark hair was pulled back in
a ponytail, and she wore a pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt which looked trendy
on her. She was cute. Her smooth, chocolate skin reminded him of his Maggie’s beautiful
complexion. This young woman’s frame was slender but generously curved. She had the
type of beauty that would only grow as she got older.

He approached her as she headed for her car. “Excuse me.”

“Yes?” She turned, eyeing him with curiosity. Her dark brown eyes were wide and heavily
lashed. GianMarco’s breath caught in his throat at how much she looked like her mother.

“Are you Camryn Williams?”

“Who wants to know?” She was cautious, stuffing her hand into her pocket, digging
for something.

He smiled at her. “I don’t mean you any harm, Camryn. There’s no need for you to pepper
spray me.”

“How did you know that? Who are you? What do you want?”

He didn’t want to freak her out on so soon an acquaintance. “It was just a hunch.
I’m GianMarco Grimaldi, and I was hoping to have a moment of your time.”

“We don’t know each other. Why do you want to talk to me?”

He held out his hand. “I’m a ... friend of your mother’s.”

She shook his hand and then backed away. “Is something wrong with Mom?”

“No. Your mother is fine. Actually she’s who I wanted to talk to you about”

“Are you sure everything is okay? I spoke to her on the phone a couple of days ago.”

“From your lack of response to my name, I take it that she hasn’t mentioned me.”

Camryn paused for a moment before she seemed to understand what he meant. Her eyes
widened incredulously. “Well, she did say that she had met someone, but didn’t elaborate.
Are you trying to tell me you’re the man she’s seeing?”

“Actually, I want to be much more than just the man she’s seeing. I’d like to spend
the rest of my life with her, but she has the idea in her mind that her adult children
may object. I wanted to find out for myself. She doesn’t know that I’m here, by the
way.”

She eyed him up and down and grinned. “Wow, it looks like my Dad isn’t the only one
who likes them young. I didn’t realize my Mom was into younger men.”

“Whether she was or not before she met me, I’m definitely into her.”

“Wow. If she’s happy I’m happy for her, but I’m not sure why you’d come all this way
to seek my approval.”

“Could we go somewhere for coffee, maybe? What I have to say can’t be said in a parking
lot.”

Camryn looked at her watch. “Well, I have a couple of hours to kill between classes.
There’s a coffee shop down the street if you want to follow me there.”

“That sounds fine.”

When they both had their drinks, GianMarco was the first to speak. “I’m actually a
lot older than you think.”

“What are you talking about?” She took a sip of her espresso.

“You assumed your mom was into younger men because of my appearance and I just wanted
you to know I’m not that young.”

“Hey, I’m not judging. Older men date younger women all the time, so why shouldn’t
it be the other way around. Looks like Mom hit the jackpot with you.” Camryn gave
him a really good look for the first time. “You’re a handsome man. It’s no wonder
my mom would be interested in you.”

Maggie had often related stories to him of her kids, and she wasn’t kidding when she
said that her daughter could be very outspoken. “I’m the one who hit the jackpot when
I found your mother.”

Camryn smiled, revealing dimples like her mother’s. “That’s an awfully sweet thing
to say.”

“It’s the truth. As for the age thing, as I already stated, I’m older than you think.
Much older, actually, but first let me tell you why I wanted to see you. I’ve already
talked to Darren. He’s a fine young man, but I thought I should speak with you as
well.”

“You already saw my brother? Why? I’m not sure I understand why you came to see me
or why you had to see my brother, either. I’ve already said I’m fine with Mom dating
you, and I’m sure Darren is in full agreement. Mom deserves a little happiness after
the way Daddy treated her.”

“I want to take our relationship to the next level, but your mother has expressed
concerns about our differences.” GianMarco wanted to ease into the conversation without
throwing too much at Camryn all at once.

She shrugged. “I doubt she’d be with you if she cared about your differences.”

“I guess I am floundering here. What I’m trying to explain is a bit complicated. I
will start this off by saying that I love Maggie very much. Honestly, there’s no one
word adequate enough to express all that I feel for her. She fills me with more joy
than I ever imagined possible, and I want to spend my life making her happy. The only
problem is there are certain conditions involved in being with someone like me. As
I said earlier, I’m older than your mother, much older than you would guess I am.”

She squirted and gave him another once over. “Really? You don’t look a day over thirty.
How old are you?”

“Would you believe me if I told you I was over six hundred years old?”

Camryn stared at him as is he had lost his mind, then she started to laugh. “Well,
it’s good to know you have a sense of humor.”

“I’m a vampire, Camryn. In order for your mother and me to be together with any permanence,
she’ll have to become one as well.”

She looked around as if to see if anyone was watching. “Okay, did Darren put you up
to this?”

“This isn’t a joke, I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life and I’ve
lived a very long time.”

Her amused expression disappeared to be placed by one of suspicion. “This is no longer
funny. Are you some kind of weirdo? If you do know my mother, stay away from her,
you freak.” She glared at him, grabbed her purse to leave.

GianMarco grabbed her hand. “Look into my eyes and see that I’m telling the truth.”
His mind linked with hers, taking her inside the depths of his thoughts.

Camryn tried to snatch her hand away but could not free it from GianMarco’s strong
grip. She gasped as she stared into his eyes. She stopped fighting and stood still,
falling under his hypnotic suggestion.

He shifted his hand and, grazed her skin lightly with long, sharp nails. He let his
incisors descend just long enough for her to get a glimpse without anyone in the coffee
shop noticing. After what seemed like several minutes, she blinked, finally coming
out of her trance-like state. She plopped back down in her seat.

“Oh, my God! You really are ...” She blushed, looking around to see the coffee shop
patrons looking over with curious glances. She continued in a whisper. “You really
are a vampire. Holy shit! How are you able to be out in sunlight? Hell, what are you
doing even existing?”

GianMarco chuckled at her ignorance. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I don’t
sleep in a coffin either.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Now you’re making fun of me.”

“Never, my dear.”

“This is weird. Why did you pick my mom? If you hurt her, I’ll—”

“It’s not necessary to threaten me, as your mother’s happiness is my ultimate goal
in life.”

It took nearly an hour to explain to the perplexed young woman the vampire culture,
and how it was that he had become involved with her mother.

“Whoa,” she simply said, taking it all in when he had finished.

“I know it’s a lot to digest, especially since before we met you didn’t know people
like me existed.”

“Yes. So, you’re saying my mom’s biggest concern is leaving me and my brother behind?”

“Yes. How does this make you feel?”

It took a while before Camryn finally answered that question. “This is a lot to take
in. I’m not sure how much she told you about me but my Mom and I haven’t had the best
relationship. We’re working on it now. but for years it’s been shaky. Maybe I’m more
to blame for the lack of communication than she was, but I was so angry inside. To
a certain extent, I still am. My Dad is an asshole. He put her through way more than
any woman should endure. Don’t get me wrong, I still love him because he’s my dad,
but I find it very hard to forgive him for what he’s done to Mom. He would belittle
her in public, call her names, and yet she would just take it. It was painful for
me to witness that, but after a while I hated her for sticking around. It was only
when gained a little perspective I realized she remained in the marriage mainly for
Darren and me, and the guilt ate away at me.”

Camryn lowered her gaze. “I’m ashamed to say it, but I wasn’t exactly a good daughter.
I made her life more miserable than it already was by talking back, ignoring her when
she spoke to be, and just being downright rude and disrespectful. As I got older I
realized I was only adding to her pain, so I moved away and kept minimum contact,
mainly because of my shame. My mom has sacrificed so much for my brother and me. She
has a huge heart and deserves a little happiness. I guess this is my long-winded way
of saying that as long as she’s happy with you, then I’ll be happy. Phew! That was
a mouthful.” She laughed.

GianMarco could see Camryn’s compassion and appreciated her honesty. He tentatively
reached over and placed his hand on top of hers. The younger woman didn’t pull away.
“I’m glad to hear that. And I promise, I’ll always honor your mother.”

“I’m glad, but as for her becoming like you, that’s her decision. I’m a big girl and
I understand one day I’m going to get older and eventually die whether my mom is still
alive or not. Life is unpredictable. I can walk out the door right now and get hit
by a bus. Would it matter then whether she outlived me or not? I think sometimes we
have to appreciate the time we have together rather than worrying about what might
happen.”

GianMarco was impressed by her insight, which he found mature and profound. “Well
said. You’re very wise for one so young. I look forward to getting to know you and
your brother better; we’ll be family, after all.”

She nodded in agreement. “Just give me some time to get used to my mother turning
into a bloodsucker.”

“Have some respect, little girl. I’m going to be your step-papa,” he growled.

She rolled her eyes and giggle. “Lord, help me.”

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Two down and one to go. GianMarco’s meeting with Maggie’s children had gone better
than he expected. He wasn’t sure how Maggie would receive the news that he had talked
to her children, but he couldn’t help himself. Their future was at stake. He wanted
to take away all her reasons for holding things up. Maybe what he was doing was a
little underhanded but he didn’t care. They belonged together! After meeting Darren
and Camryn, GianMarco discovered that he loved Maggie even more. She had raised two
fine young people, and what each of them had revealed about their mother made him
feel closer to her than ever.

It drove him crazy that she had gone off the way she had, but she had promised to
return in a few days. God, he missed her. He missed holding her in his arms, her scent,
and the way her pussy felt so snug around his cock. GianMarco had known where she
was since she’d reached her destination. He’d contacted Dante to have an Underground
agent track her down and look out for her in case something went awry. Once it had
been confirmed to him where she was, it had taken everything in his being to not
go to her and drag her back home, but he forced himself to remain patient. Had he
not acted like a jealous buffoon, she would be with him this very minute.

GianMarco had to bring her over soon or else he’d go into
la morte dolci
again. Considering what happened before, he was scared that no one would be around
to save him from himself the next time around.

As he surveyed the building he’d staked out for the last couple hours, a movement
of interest caught his eye. Eugene Williams walked out of his law firm with the tall,
leggy woman of caramel skin who GianMarco instantly recognized. She was the one who’d
confronted Maggie at the office a few months back. Eugene and Shelly appeared to be
arguing. GianMarco wanted to hear exactly what was being said, so he focused on their
conversation and tuned out all other sounds surrounding him. It was times like this,
when his vampire abilities came into good use. Though he stood several feet away,
he could hear them loud and clear.

“I know you’ve been screwing that new paralegal. Your office smelled like sex!” Shelly
yelled at her fiancé.

“You’re crazy, Shelly. We’re not even married yet, and already you’re acting like
a wife. At least Maggie knew when to shut the hell up.” At this, GianMarco nearly
intervened so that he could rip out the pompous little man’s intestines, but forced
himself to hold back so that he could hear the rest of the conversation.

Shelly gasped. “So, you’re actually admitting it? You slept with that cheap-looking
tramp with her dollar-store weave? How dare you humiliate me like this? Your wife
was right about you.”

It was Eugene’s turn to look taken aback. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“It means I went to see her to find out why she was holding up the divorce. To my
surprise, she told me she signed the papers months ago. You said she didn’t. Now,
who do you think I should believe, especially after seeing you with that stank? Are
you getting tired of me?”

“I should wring your neck! You had no right to go behind my back to see her when I
told you I was handling things. Dammit Shelly! Is this why you’ve had an attitude
lately? I think you’re insecure because my soon-to-be ex-wife has been causing mischief.
Baby, I already told you, she’s a little bitter about the whole thing. Are you going
to believe that jealous bitch or are you going to believe me?” Eugene used her admission
as a way out of his own trouble.

Shelly glared at him, looking as if she was about to give the little man a piece of
her mind. Eugene pulled her into his arms, and she began to struggle, but he was persistent.
After a moment, she returned his kisses, seeming to melt into his embrace. Shelly
was an attractive woman, but Eugene was a far cry from what anyone would consider
handsome. He actually had a troll-like appearance.

GianMarco shook his head in disgust, not able to figure out how that little toad of
a man could be such an attraction to a seemingly intelligent woman like Shelly. He
especially didn’t understand how anyone with so much to offer like his beautiful Maggie
could put up with him for so long. From what he’d heard about and observed, Eugene
Williams was a pompous asshole, so it wasn’t for his charm.

From the research GianMarco had uncovered about the other man, Eugene was a partner
in his law firm. Eugene’s status could have explained why an ambitious woman like
Shelly might consider him as a suitable mate, but he didn’t particularly care about
Shelly Thompson’s motives. What he did care about was Maggie, and he hated the fact
that this jackass had tried to crush his beloved’s spirit by making her doubt her
own worth.

GianMarco decided to read the other man’s thoughts to determine how he’d handle their
confrontation.

I wonder how much longer I can hold Shelly off. Shit, I can’t tell her until the Garrison
contract is signed and then I’ll have her ass fired. This bitch doesn’t know who she’s
messing with. At least Maggie knew her place. I should never have sent Maggie those
goddamn papers in the first place, but no worries. She’ll take me back when this is
over. She always does. She’ll be grateful, and I can keep screwing Kiesha.

GianMarco’s eyes glowed with fury. After finding out that last tidbit, he flashed
to the unsuspecting couple and tapped Eugene on the shoulder.

“Excuse me, but I’d like a word with you.”

Eugene looked irritated at being interrupted, while Shelly looked up in surprise.
“You! What are you doing here?” she squeaked.

Eugene frowned. “How do you know this man?”

“That’s your wife’s boss.”

“What the hell do you want?” Eugene stretched his neck to meet the taller man’s gaze.

GianMarco glared down at the toad of a man. He obviously suffered from Napoleon complex,
the little pissant. “I said, I want a word with you. Would you rather it be in private
or do you want me to embarrass you in front of your girlfriend?”

Shelly butted in. “I’m his fiancée.”

“Are you sure?” GianMarco challenged her, in no mood to mince words with the unfortunate
woman.

“Hello! I’m wearing his ring.” She waved her hand in his face. “Who the fuck do you
think you are?”

GianMarco ignored her, returning his attention to Eugene. “Do you always have your
women fight your battles for you?”

“Why, you ... who do you think you are?” Eugene sputtered, taking a step back from
his adversary’s threatening stance.

“I think I’m a man who has waited long enough for the woman he loves.”

Eugene looked at him with a bewildered expression on his face. “Shelly, what’s he
talking about? Have you been messing around on me with this man?” GianMarco recognized
that the righteous indignation in the other man was false. Eugene was obviously trying
to seize on GianMarco’s appearance as a way out of his relationship with Shelly without
having to take any blame.

“No! I only saw him once when I went to your wife’s office,” she protested.

GianMarco snorted in disgust. “I find it insulting you would think I would want someone
who isn’t worth ten of who I already have. Shelly, what I have to say to Eugene is
private. I would rather spare your feelings for what I’m about to say next, but you
are making it impossible.”

Shelly glared at GianMarco. She looked as if she wanted to say something but thought
better of it. She turned to Eugene before stalking off. “I’ll be waiting in the car.”

“Just who the hell do you think you’re talking to? Do you know who I am?” Eugene asked
with bravado.

“I find that I’m in the same predicament your girlfriend was in not too long ago,
except I am not on a fool’s errand. I know about those papers. You never filed them
and you’ve yet to send a response to Maggie’s attorney.”

“Are you trying to tell me you’re involved with my wife? You and Maggie?” Eugene bent
over and started laughing. GianMarco saw red and grabbed Eugene and hauled him to
the alley before the other man could blink. Eugene’s eyes widened with surprise and
fear. “How did you…”

GianMarco clutched his throat and slammed him against the side of a building. The
odious little man cried out as he stared down into GianMarco’s eyes.

GianMarco could feel the glow in his eyes and knew how intimidating he appeared to
his adversary. He wanted the other man to fear him, and feel some of the pain he’d
caused Maggie. “Listen, you stupid motherfucker, you’re going to give Maggie that
divorce. Within the next couple of days, call her. I want you to tell her that you’re
taking her to the Dominican Republic, where you’ll get a quickie divorce. And you’re
paying for her plane tickets and hotel accommodations out of your own pocket.”

“Why the hell should I listen to you?”

“Because if you don’t, I will fucking kill you!” GianMarco slammed the toad against
the wall, baring his incisors. Eugene screamed in terror, only to have his windpipe
closed off by GianMarco. “Maggie wants a divorce. She doesn’t want you back, and I
would suggest you marry your little girlfriend because Maggie belongs to me.”

To add to his complete humiliation, Eugene lost control of his bowels. He burst into
frightened tears. “Okay! Okay! Just don’t kill me!” he pleaded.

GianMarco let him go, dropping the soiled man to the ground. He turned up his nose
as the foul stench of feces filled the air. “How appropriate that this happened to
a piece of shit like you. Don’t think about backing out or going to the police, because
I will track you down and hurt you in ways you can’t imagine before ending you.” Having
made his intention clear, GianMarco flashed away, leaving Eugene huddled up in a frightened
ball.