CH 44

Gia looked at her reflection in the mirror. She had on a black leather miniskirt and a soft maroon sweater, with no cuffs so that they were covering half of her hands, just like she liked them. Her braids were pilled on top of her head and her makeup was beautifully applied. She was happy with how she looked on the outside, but inside was a different story. She felt nervous and edgy for some reason. She sighed. How dare Zander drop this on her? “He’s still in love with me.” She muttered as she shook her head. She had a night to think and worry about Zander’s declaration. He was right in a way; it was kind of unfair that their relationship ended so abruptly. But when he got so angry with her when they broke up, it made Gia wonder what kind of man he really was. Since yesterday, it remained a constant tugging at the back of her mind, what he said to her and maybe the fact that she lied to Nikolas about it made her even more nervous. “Gia come on! Were going to be late!” She heard Nik yell. She made a face in the mirror. She was so not looking forward to tonight and having to deal with Elizabeth and Nikolas’ way too enthusiastic brother. “I’m coming Nikolas, god!” Gia shrieked. She heard him mumble something but wasn’t sure what he said. “I heard that!” She said anyway.

Nikolas didn’t know what on earth Gia could be doing that would take her so long to get ready. He knew that she must be dreading going out with his brother tonight, so that might be a reason for her to drag her feet a little. His relationship with Lucky is important to him and he knows that Gia realizes this, and that’s why she is willing to go out tonight. He appreciated that she was doing it for him, but he wished she would be a little more enthusiastic about it. He wondered if there was something else going on with her. She was acting strange lately. Nikolas paced the entryway; the wait was starting to get to him. He had been banned from the bathroom. After he was told by Gia that “his grabby hands were not helping” he walked downstairs to wait for her. He was sure that that must have been at least 15mins ago. But in his heart he knew that he would forget about how long it took the moment he laid eyes on her, like he did every time. He began to really get impatient now, checking his watch. “Gia come on! We’re going to be late!” He finally yelled. He didn’t care; this was starting to get ridiculous. “I’m coming Nikolas, god!” He heard her shriek. “Gee I can’t wait, since you’re in such a peachy mood.” Nik mumbled, rolling his eyes. Damn, she heard him.

Just as Nikolas was about to yell again, Gia appeared at the top of the stairs. She smiled at him sexily and Nikolas lost all train of thought. Gia made her way to him. “Gia you look so beautiful.” Nik said, pulling her to him and kissing her. Gia slid her tongue between his lips and plunged it into his mouth, dipping it in, causing Nikolas to moan. “You wouldn’t be trying to trick me into not going, now would you?” Nikolas asked as he pulled away. “Now why would I do that Nikolas? Elizabeth is my favorite person in whole wide world. I love her to piec..” Nikolas kissed her again, cutting her off. Gia smirked when they pulled away. “If you weren’t such a good kisser I would be offended right now.” Gia said as she walked away to grab her coat. Nikolas smiled brightly. “So I’m not a bad kisser huh?” He asked. Gia cocked her head to the side as she walked over to him. “Well you’re OK I guess.” She shrugged. Nikolas laughed. “Oh I’m OK?” He said smiled as he walked closer to her. He gripped the back of her neck and pulled her to him, plunging his tongue into her mouth and twirling it around hers powerfully. When he let her go, Gia felt drugged and dizzy, and there was a slight pant to her breath. Nikolas grinned. “So that was just OK?” He asked. Gia laughed. “You’re good. But I still think I’m the better kisser.” Gia said before turning around. She erupted into a fit of laughter, when Nikolas grabbed her from behind and spun her around, his hands quickly seeking out her armpits. “Nikolas, stop it!” Gia laughed as he tickled her. “Not until you admit it.” He said. “I did, I’m the better kisser. Sorry.” She said. Nikolas continued with his attack as Gia laughed hysterically. “Nikolas is the better kisser, say it.” Nikolas laughed. “Nikolas stop! Come on I’m not going if you don’t stop.” She said, gasping for breath. Nikolas huffed as he let her go. “You are so damn stubborn.” He said in annoyance, suddenly getting a little more serious. “And you are such a baby. Fine Nikolas you are the best kisser in the whole wide world. You’re the king of tonsil hokey. If kissing was in the Olympics you would win a gold mettle.” Gia went on sarcastically. Nikolas laughed as he clamped his hand over her mouth. “OK I get it, shut up Gia.” Nik said and then let her go. Gia found his bad mood funny; she loved to tick him off. Gia grabbed his hand and turned him around. “Nikolas.” She whispered. “Gia.” Nik whispered back. “You’re a wonderful kisser sweetie. But I’m just better. Sorry.” She said. Nikolas laughed as he pressed his lips to hers, teasing and nipping on her bottom lip, and then pushing his tongue into her mouth, Gia moaned into his mouth. Just as she was about to wrap her arms around his neck and deepen it even more, Nikolas pulled back. “Say it.” He said softy. Gia smiled. “Fine. Nikolas is the better kisser.” She said. She laughed at how much satisfaction was written on his face. She shook her head as she watched him grin. “You’re so immature Creepy.” She said before walking to the door to leave.

“You look pretty tonight Elizabeth.” Gia offered. Liz’s scowl remained on her face as she looked at Gia. “Thanks.” She shrugged. Gia blinked her eyes a few times. She wasn’t sure what Liz’s problem was but something was up with her and it made her nervous. “What do you say we sit down?” Lucky suggested. Nikolas and Gia nodded and they walked over to a table in the club and sat down. “So how are you guys doing?” Nikolas asked. “We’re doing fine, nothing new really. How about you guys?” Liz asked. Nikolas looked over at Gia and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I couldn’t be happier.” Nik said smiling at her. Gia smiled, but noticed the way Liz’s lip curled in disgust as she watched them. “Lucky, it was really sweet of you to invite us to go out with you guys.” Gia said, trying to get her mind off of Liz. Lucky smiled. “Family is important to me. I hope we can do this more often.” Lucky said. Nikolas smiled but he knew that was pushing it. He just couldn’t see them making a habit out of it. “So Gia, what have you been up to lately?” Liz asked, her eyebrow arching. Gia was confused by Liz’s behavior, feeling like she was being interrogated. “Nothing much. I’ve been seeing a Psychiatrist to help me with some personal problems I have. She’s a very nice woman and I like her a lot. I spend a couple of days a week with her.” Gia said. Liz nodded her head slowly. “Oh, well that’s good that your seeking professional help. So that’s all you’ve been up to? Nothing else?” Liz questioned. Gia eyed her. “That’s pretty much it Elizabeth. You seem awfully curios, has your life been a little dull lately or something?” Gia asked. Liz glared at her. Nikolas sensed the tension between Gia and Liz, feeling a fight coming on. “Hey why don’t we dance?” He suggested. Everyone nodded in agreement and got up and walked over to the dance floor to dance. Nikolas pulled Gia to him in a slow dance, feeling her arms wrap around his neck and her head rest on his shoulder. Gia was enjoying being in Nikolas’ arms as they swayed to the music. But a chilling feeling swept over her body as she felt a pair of eyes on her. She looked over to see Liz glaring at her, her arms wrapped around Lucky as she watched she and Nikolas dance. Gia glared back at her. This was getting ridiculous. “Lets go back and sit down.” Gia said. Nikolas looked down at her with concern. “What? You love to dance, are you OK?” He asked. “Yeah I’m just tired that’s all.” Gia said. “OK.” Nik said, touching her face lightly. He took her by the hand and led her back over to the table, their hands still linked as they sat. When the song ended, Lucky and Elizabeth walked back over. “What was that all about?” Lucky asked. “Gia was getting tired.” Nik said. “Why Gia? Did you have a big day yesterday?” Liz asked. Gia had had it. “OK I don’t know what your problem is but if you have something to say to me, just say it.” Gia said, staring Liz down. Elizabeth crossed her arms over her chest and challenged Gia with a sharp stare. “OK Gia. Why don’t I tell everyone what you were doing yesterday?” Liz said. Gia’s heart began to pound. It suddenly hit her. Liz must have seen her with Zander at Kelly’s and jumped to conclusions. “What is she talking about?” Nik asked, turning to look at Gia. Gia looked between Nikolas and Liz, unable to find the words to speak. “Oh I doubt she would tell you, being the liar she is. Nikolas, you’re my friend and I really hate having to tell you this but Gia is cheating on you. She must have pretended to be over Zander because they are still in love.” Elizabeth said. Nikolas was shocked, panic slowly sinking into his body. He looked at Gia. She looked guilty and nervous. “Gia say something.” He said desperately. Gia opened her mouth to speak but again, couldn’t find the words. “Nikolas, I saw her and Zander here at Kelly’s yesterday and they were definitely acting like more then friends. He was touching her face Nikolas, and she wasn’t pulling away. It looked intimate.” Liz said. Nikolas shook his head sadly, tears threatening, a lump lodged in his throat. “Tell me she’s making this up.” He choked out, his eyes locked onto Gia’s. Gia looked down, fighting back tears of her own. “It wasn’t what it looked like.” She finally said. She felt Nikolas’ hand drop hers. “Did you see Zander yesterday Gia?” Nik asked, his heart pounding as he waited for her answer. “Yes.” She said softly. Nikolas got up abruptly. “I have to go.” He said and then ran out. “Nikolas!” Gia yelled as she ran after him. Lucky turned to Elizabeth angrily. “Why did you do that?” He asked. Liz was defensive. “I was just protecting my friend. That girl is a liar. I haven’t trusted her since she moved to town and Nikolas needed to know the truth about her.” Liz said. Lucky shook his head angrily. “You had no right to mess with their lives Elizabeth. Gia is the best thing that’s ever happened to my brother and I swear to you, if he loses her because of you, I will never forgive you.” Lucky warned.