A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews I got for last chapter! I LOVE YOU GUYS! I'm not writing reviews this chapter, because I'm going be super busy this weekend, and I wanted to get it posted. But I appreciate all your reviews, and I love the long ones where you tell me what you liked about the chapter. So feel free to do that. Haha. I will answer you. So obviously I decided to keep writing, because all of a sudden this huge rush of inspiration hit me, and I just want to write and write. I have all these ideas, and I'm so excited to share them with you! So I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Ginny gasped in shock. Messy black hair was strewn across the canvas, along with a pair of emerald green eyes that watched her, mocking her. She had drawn Harry.
Chapter Four: Salutations and Seduction
A tear slid down Ginny's face as she stared intently at what her mind and heart had produced. She knew she was being irrational, and maybe just a little bit silly. But for the moment, she didn't care. Ginny let a few memories flow back through her mind. These were moments she revisited only so often. Nothing in the world could make her forget him. She could push him to the very darkest corners of her mind, and she could pretend like he had never really mattered at all. But she couldn't forget him.
Ginny loved Elliot with all her heart, but a small part of Harry would never leave her. In quiet moments when she was alone, Ginny sometimes still pictured his perfect face in her mind. She supposed being in a place where she knew he was only made this worse. The tiny voice in the back of her mind was telling her what she already knew, that Harry was out there somewhere. Ginny remembered a conversation she had had with her mother a few years before.
"I love Elliot so much Mum. But sometimes I will have a fleeting thought of Harry and miss him desperately. And it scares me Mum, it really does."
"Ginny, that's really not so strange dear. You never forget your first love. You may love Elliot, and be blissfully happy, but you will never, ever forget your first love."
"Why can't he just disappear completely? Why can't he leave me alone? All I want is to forget him!" she had sobbed.
"Shh, there there darling. Everything will be fine. I know you Ginny. You wouldn't make him disappear even if you could."
That conversation continued to haunt Ginny years later. Her mother was absolutely right. As much as she adored and cherished Elliot, Harry would never fully be gone from her memory. And as much as this tortured her, she knew that if he ever fully left it she'd be devastated.
Ginny reflected on her life, all the laughter, and all the tears, all the beauty and all the pain. She had been through devastating times and through things that made her look at the world in a new light. She remembered a sixteen-year-old girl, sitting on the banks of Hogwarts in love with another. Ginny didn't even know her anymore. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to. That stage in her life had been happy, but ultimately everything came to an end. All good things do, Ginny thought sadly to herself.
No. That's not true. I have Elliot, a loving family, and countless friends. Not everything good must end. Cynical thoughts were always floating around in Ginny's head, occasionally surfacing at moments that she felt sad, angry or confused. When this happened Ginny combated them by pointing out all the amazing things in her life. And there really were a lot. Ginny knew she could be selfish sometimes, and try as she may; nothing seemed to work to change that. There were so many who cared.
Yet, Ginny still felt restless. She had always been a care free, independent spirit. Fiery, just like her long locks. It wasn't that she wasn't happy, because she was. Honestly, Ginny couldn't put her finger on what exactly it was. So she christened herself insane and moved on. Ginny knew she was a different individual. She had known that since her days at Hogwarts. Arguing with herself, and making irrational decisions didn't exactly characterize normality.
Ginny was all sarcasm and wit, depression and sunshine, fire and ice, bitterness and sugar. She was a multitude of personalities and attitudes all rolled into one. She could be lazy and motivated at the same time. Ginny could be naughty and nice. She could be anything you wanted and more. Not many things eluded her, though the things that did always turned out to be the most important. She was intelligent and experienced, yet naïve. A million words could be used to describe Ginny. But there was one that could not. Patient.
Ginny had never been very good at letting things come her way. She usually chased them, hunted them into they were in her grasp. She knew that was one of her downfalls. And she was currently getting very impatient, for Elliot still had not returned. The moment of temporary disparity about Harry had faded, replaced with extreme irritation. It was getting dark, and her husband had still not come back. So she decided to leave him waiting when he got home. Ginny was going out to dinner. She was nothing if not occasionally immature.
Ginny slid on a slinky black dress, and admired her reflection in the mirror. She knew she was attractive, though she wasn't arrogant or egotistical about it. She knew she had grown in that way. Ginny could accept who she was, and maybe even like herself most of the time. In just moments, she was out the door. Walking confidently through the halls felt good, she had to admit. In moments she was out the main doors, and stepping into the cool evening air.
Just a few steps outside the gate, she ran into a very handsome stranger. He was Italian no doubt. His thick black hair curled invitingly around his dark eyes, and his smile was wide and contagious. His nose was prominent, and fit perfectly on his strongly masculine face. His body was that of an ancient god, and despite herself, Ginny found her face turning red.
"Buona sera." The man said in a deep voice.
"Salve!" Ginny found herself replying.
"Parla inglese?" Ginny asked hopefully.
"Why yes, I do." He replied in a beautifully accented voice.
Ginny laughed, and sighed in relief. Her Italian was not very good, seeing as how she only knew a few phrases.
"What's your name?" Ginny asked.
"I am Leo. And what is your name?"
"Well, my name's Ginevra, but I've never been very fond of it. Most people just call me Ginny."
"I think you have a very beautiful name. And forgive me for being so forward, but you are a very beautiful woman."
Ginny blushed deeply, not being able to look this handsome man in the eyes. When she finally looked up, he smiled apologetically.
"I am sorry. I did not mean to embarrass or offend you."
"It's quite alright. Thank you. I suppose I'm just not used to getting compliments from handsome Italian strangers." Ginny said with a grin.
To her surprise, Leo's cheeks turned a lovely shade of pink. Ginny heard herself chuckle, and Leo spoke again.
"Where are you from?"
"I'm from England. I lived in the States for a few years and then moved back."
"An English rose are you?"
"Hardly." Ginny replied with a laugh.
They continued to chat for a few minutes, when Leo asked her to dinner. Ginny smiled apologetically, and replied.
"Oh, but I'm married."
"Damn! I meet another stunning and very married woman." He said with a laugh.
"Would you like to accompany me to dinner as friends?" he tried again.
Ginny contemplated for a moment. Although Leo was very handsome and charming, there was nothing romantic between them, at least not on her part. She wasn't sure about Leo, but she had made it very clear she was happily married. Would Elliot get mad? Ginny didn't think so, and this was a good opportunity to make a new friend while in Italy. Would this be okay? Ginny knew the answer to that.
"I would love to accompany you to dinner, thank you Leo."
"My pleasure."
With that, they set off down the small road, to the best local restaurant. They conversed and laughed all the way, Ginny quickly learning that Leo was kind and also hilarious as well as being handsome. The night was now completely dark, only glowing streetlamps lighting their way. The stars shown above, and the moon was merely a gash in the sky. The street was much quieter than Ginny had expected, and she found that she liked it this way. Couples walked along the road holding hands, and stopping to kiss under the warm light provided by the lamps at every corner. Ginny found herself wishing desperately that Elliot were there. She longed to take him in her arms, and kiss him with every raw emotion she was feeling, pouring out from her lips into his.
Leo noticed that she had gone quiet and turned to look at her.
"There is something on your mind. If you don't mind me asking, what is troubling you?"
"I don't mind. I'm just missing my husband. He left early this morning and has not been back all day and evening. Now it's night, and I'm wondering where he is."
"I know what you mean. I had a wife once. She was beautiful. Raven hair and blue eyes as clear as the ocean. Her skin was as fair as a porcelain doll. Her laughter twinkled softly, and her smile lit up a room. She left me. I do not know what I did wrong. Maybe someday if we meet again, I will." Leo said quietly.
"I, I don't know what to say. I'm sorry Leo."
"It's alright. I know how you are feeling. Know that."
Ginny nodded and they began to walk in silence again. Talking wasn't really necessary, and they both knew it. They could return to conversation at dinner. Now as they both sat contemplating, someone else not too far away, was doing the very same.
Elliot paced around the suite, wondering where his wife was. He was getting worried, and his mind was coming up with one too many horrible situations. Ginny had not left a note, scaring him even more. He didn't have any clue where she could be. He had gone out early that morning to make preparations for a surprise trip to Florence for her, and when he'd come back she had gone. Just as he was about to go out looking for Ginny, someone he had not been expecting burst through the door.
"Oh Elliot darling!" cried a silky voice.
Elliot turned to see Mia standing in his doorway, wearing a tiny, silk nightgown. Bloody hell, Elliot thought, while rolling his eyes.
"Yes?"
"Well, I heard you were here, and I decided to pay you a little visit."
"Uh, thank you, I guess."
"Uh huh."
Suddenly, Mia leapt at Elliot, knocking him to the ground. She sat on top of him, straddling his body. A shocked look was etched on Elliot's face. He barely knew what was happening. Mia leaned down close to his lips, purposely pressing her breasts into his chest. Suddenly, she bent forward and licked his neck.
"I've thought you were incredibly sexy ever since I met you at the airport." Mia said in a low voice.
"And I'm determined to make you mine. I don't care if you have a wife. I want you to be mine. And you will be."
Elliot began to protest and forcefully push her off of him. But Mia simply pressed her lips to his, and ran her tongue over his bottom lips. Suddenly, Elliot felt as he never had before. His head felt empty, and all of his conscience disappeared. Nothing mattered anymore.
"Now kiss me." Mia commanded.
"Yes." Elliot replied, before pressing his lips to hers intensely.
Mia furiously ripped Elliot's shirt off, and hastily unbuckled his belt. Elliot reached up and tore off Mia's nightgown. Her body was bare underneath, and Elliot gazed hungrily at her naked frame. Mia smirked, and took off Elliot pants. They were tumbling into the bed, in a fury of passion. And then Elliot was inside Mia, not another thought alive in his mind.
Ginny let out a loud laugh, and people turned to look. She and Leo were sitting in a cozy Italian restaurant, dining on excellent food, and having even better conversation.
"And then, I well, punched him the face! No one was more surprised than me! I never thought I was capable of that bad a temper." Ginny said with a snort.
She was telling Leo of all the times she had fought with her siblings. Namely, Ron. They seemed to have the most arguments, yet they also seemed to understand each other best. Their relationship had always been a strange one. But he was her brother, and she loved him no matter what.
Leo admired Ginny more than he had many people in his life. She was intelligent, quick witted, animated, genuinely compassionate and kind, and of course stunning. He had only known her for a few hours, but he already knew that they would be great friends. He was glad to have met her, and she felt the same.
"My older sister used to torture me. She would make fun of me with her friends over. But we loved each other and would do anything for each other." Leo said with a smile.
"That's how I am with all my brothers. Fred and George are the pranksters and are always pulling jokes on me. In fact, they can be pretty bloody annoying. But that aside, everyone thinks I'm most like them."
"I could see you being mischievous and pulling jokes." Leo said with a grin.
"Oh could you? And why is that?"
"You just seem a little naughty." Leo said with a chuckle.
"Do I?" Ginny asked with a loud laugh.
Leo let out a chortle, and continued to tease Ginny. They went back and forth knocking each other, laughing all the time. Ginny then realized the time, and gasped. Elliot had to be back at the suite. She apologized to Leo, and asked for his phone number. Ginny then quickly dashed out of the restaurant, trying to get back to the hotel as fast as possible.
Mia let out a maniacal laugh, and spoke.
"I must say Elliot, you're very good at what you do. Better than even I expected. I might just have to keep you."
Elliot responded by drawing her in for a forceful kiss, and grabbing her breasts greedily.
"Bad boy." Mia said with a smirk.
"I must be off now love. I can't wait for our next meeting. Like I said, you're quite a good screw."
Then Mia exited the room, and Elliot lay in bed feeling quite satisfied indeed. After a few moments though, that began to wear off. Elliot was suddenly very confused. What had happened? Why were the sheets all twisted? Why was he sweating? And where in the bloody hell were his clothes?
Ginny ran up the street, flying by all those couples she had passed earlier. She had to get to Elliot. She hoped he wasn't angry. Ginny hadn't meant to stay out that late, but her and Leo had been having a great time together. Oh no, she was in trouble. Ginny realized how that would sound. Tears began to slip down her cheeks. Why do I do these things?
She reached the hotel and sprinted inside and up the stairs. Ginny arrived at the suite door, and burst in just as Elliot was pulling up his pants.
A/N: Pretty crazy chapter huh? Everyone has wanted a reason to hate Elliot, so there you go. But is it really his fault? Or is there something about Mia we don't know yet? Hmmm, you'll have to find out. This chapter was a little naughty, but not half as bad as it could get, so if you have a problem with that then I'm sorry, it's just how this story's going to be. And I know some people will be like, that's unrealistic yadda yadda, but I'm aware of that. It's fiction, it's supposed to be unrealistic sometimes. I just hope you like it, because I like writing it! Oh yes, and Buona sera means good evening,Salve means hello, and Parla inglese means Do you speak English:)