Chapter 9 - White Demon Love Song

- She likes the way he sings

White demon love songs in her dreams


Gianna was again floating weightlessly. This time, she was drifting in the in-between of sleep and the slight tug of consciousness. For her, it was a very pleasant place to be. She was alert enough to revel in the smell of Dominic's aftershave clinging to her skin, and recognize that she was still safely nestled in his bed. Yet, she still could drift among the glossy images of their lovemaking earlier that morning. Yes, it was a very nice place to linger.

As wakefulness continued to pursue her, Gianna became aware of music drifting around her. Giving in to her curiosity, she let consciousness take her to the surface.

Guitar strumming and singing.

It was Dominic. He was still here…with her.

Gianna allowed a smile to form on her lips; however, Dominic couldn't see it. She was on her side, her bare back exposed to him. The sheet felt cool draped over the swell of her hip, covering her lower body.

She decided to listen, to steal a bit more precious time and pretend it could always be this simple.

His singing voice was as wonderful as she had imagined it would be…

"I hold you in my arms as the band plays
What are those words whispered baby just as you turn away?
I saw you last night out on the edge of town
I wanna read your mind and know just what I've got in this new thing I've found
So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes
Is that you, baby or just a brilliant disguise?"

The song was haunting, and its words alarming, thrusting Gianna into full consciousness…

"I heard somebody call your name from underneath our willow
I saw something tucked in shame underneath your pillow
Well I've tried so hard baby but I just can't see
What a woman like you is doing with me
So tell me what I see when I look in your eyes
Is that you, baby or just a brilliant disguise?"

Gianna swallowed – hard. Was this just a random song choice or was Dominic really questioning something? She heard his voice waiver, and was convinced there was genuine emotion behind the words he sang.

"Now look at me baby, struggling to do everything right
And then it all falls apart when out go the lights
I'm just a lonely pilgrim, I walk this world in wealth
I want to know if it's you I don't trust, cause I damn sure don't trust
myself"

Gianna wanted the song to stop. It was hitting too close to home. But he kept going, there was more the lyrics wanted to convey, and Dominic was committed to speaking them with conviction.

"So when you look at me, you better look hard and look twice
Is that me, baby, or just a brilliant disguise?

Tonight our bed is cold
I'm lost in the darkness of our love

God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what he's sure of…"

Dominic had stopped strumming his new guitar to sing the last words a cappella with such feeling, it made Gianna squirm. Knowing she had revealed she was awake, she rolled to face Dominic, pulling the sheet to cover her. She found him sitting in a chair facing the bed, and wondered how long he had been watching her.

"That was incredible, Dominic. If I knew you had such an amazing singing voice, I would have had you sing to me weeks ago."

He smiled, but the happiness didn't reflect in his eyes. Setting his guitar gently on the floor, he stood silently for several seconds before crossing the short distance between them. He sat on the edge of the bed.

"I would have sung to you if you desired it. Thank you again for the guitar. It has a very rich sound."

To her, he seemed distant even though he was close enough to touch. It made Gianna feel alone when she thought of the closeness they had shared physically and emotionally only hours ago. This moment had a whole different feel to it. It reeked of remorse.

"What is the song about?"

"Springsteen said it is a song about a man who is conflicted over a romantic relationship."

"That's not what I meant...what does the song mean to you?"

"No matter how close you are to someone, do you really know that person for who, or what, they are..."

Gianna's stomach lurched. Was he singing about himself…or her? Had she exposed too much last night when they shared their stories and their bodies?

"I guess we all have secrets...and scars we wish to keep hidden. What's wrong, Domenico?"

He reached out and took her hand, raising it to his lips to place tender kisses on her palm and wrist. His nose wrinkled slightly.

"Nothing. And everything."

"Well, that narrows it down nicely."

Dominic smiled stiffly at her witty comeback.

Gianna waited patiently through the silence hanging between them. She needed to know what questions or doubts were really going through his head, after all, the two of them were only going deeper...

"I've just been questioning a lot. I mean, what am I doing here? Half a world away from where I belong. Trying to create artwork worthy to stand alongside the priceless artwork that is everywhere you look in this ancient city? I started to think I had made a big mistake coming here. Then I looked over at you sleeping..." He leaned over and placed a light kiss on her lips.

"But then I think about what has happened to me recently…it seems like some sort of strange destiny . It's right…and yet something it's definitely wrong."

Dominic ran his fingers incessantly through his hair. Did anything he just say make sense? Maybe he was losing his mind.

Gianna slid closer to him, pulling herself up, and draping her body over his back as he slouched in confusion. As she moved, the sheet fell from her body.

Dominic instantly felt the connection of her skin against his, and the tension melted from his body. Memories of her alluring scent, her touch…her vocalizations as they made love. He tried to shut them away as he struggled to give words to his feelings so she would understand…

Instead his vague concerns came out as a question.

"Why have I never met Father Aro?"

Gianna answered without missing a beat. "He was called away to Rome shortly after you arrived. It was urgent. He did ask me to convey his disappointment at not meeting with you, but it appears I forgot to pass that message on. I have been keeping in touch with him by phone and he hopes to return soon. It really isn't up to him on when he can return."

"He must be disappointed with how little work has been completed."

"I've explained that you were very sick. That happens when people travel to foreign countries. It takes a while to acclimate. He understands. In fact, I think you should stay at home today. I will text him an update. You don't seem quite yourself…"

Dominic, anxious to have time to consider what had happened when he went "all furry," eagerly agreed with her suggestion.

"Yes, I think you're right. Maybe I'm still getting over losing my latest piece. I take it you saw the damage?"

"It's very unfortunate. I'm so sorry. What happened?"

"I burned myself. And when I did, I knocked the glass off the workbench. I was so…furious with myself. How could I be so clumsy?"

The memory incident raised his heart rate and he breathed deeply to calm himself.

"Where did you burn yourself? Let me see."

Dominic had to think back to exactly which hand he had burned. Everything happened so fast after that, the injury had actually been forgotten until now.

He extended his right hand, expecting to see redness at least, blistering at most. From behind him Gianna grabbed his wrist to pull his hand closer to her face.

"There's nothing here, Dominic. Are you sure it was this hand?"

Confused, Dominic examined his other hand. Gianna leaned further over his shoulder to see.

Nothing.

"What's going on?" Dominic mumbled. Again, things weren't adding up, and his frustration again came out in a question: "And why does your wrist have that strange smell from the workshop? Don't you smell it? I usually can't smell it after I leave the workshop but now it's everywhere."

"I'm sorry, Dominic. I know you've asked me that before…"

Gianna brought her wrist to her nose and sniffed. She sensed nothing but then suddenly remembered…

"Felix."

"Who's Felix?" Dominic questioned as he saw the radical shift in her expression.

"Oh, uh, Felix. The exterminator. He has been coming in at night to fumigate St. Marcus. Mice or roaches or something. Maybe you are sensitive to the chemicals, smelling them when I can't."

She waited on pins and needles while he processed her words.

"Maybe you should shower; if you have chemicals on your skin, they can make you sick or something."

Relieved, she thought it was best to avoid any more of his introspective mood. Time to make a hasty exit.

"That is very kind of you, but it's ten o'clock already, and I need to get to St. Marcus to finish up something Father Aro asked me to take care of in his absence."

Gianna gathered the sheet around her body, anxiously looking over the sides of the bed for her clothing. After retrieving her skirt and bra, she glanced up to see a sheepish-looking, slightly red-faced Dominic.

"Um, I think you may have had a wardrobe malfunction last night."

He held out her panties, at least she recognized they were her panties by the color of the material. In his other hand was her silk blouse - with no buttons.

"I guess you will have to stay here..." Dominic offered with a tenuous crooked smile.

He was innocent and adorable. Gianna burst into laughter and Dominic followed. She liked the playful Dominic over the more pensive one she had woken up to this morning. She found her eyes attracted to his smile - to his lips. She was drawn to them and stole a quick kiss. Then another before stepping away from him.

"Well, I guess I will have to go, how do you say it, commando until I can get home to change. Can I borrow one of your dress shirts?"

"Ciò che è mio è tuo," Dominic responded.

"Ah, your Italian is coming along very well!"

She slipped on her clothes and took the plain cotton shirt Dominic offered her from his closet. It was an interesting look to say the least, but she ignored her haphazzard appearance. "Here try translating this: farecaldoamore appassionatoa me quandotorno."

Dominic's brow furrowed and he shook his head. "Say it again - slower this time."

"Okay. Farecaldoamore appassionatoa me quandotorno," she repeated.

He spoke the words back to her, but again he shook his head. "I can only pick out love and passionate. What did you say?"

"Nope. That is your homework for today. But I do hope you say 'yes'."

With a wink, she scurried out the door.

Dominic watched her hurry past his window before flipping open his laptop to type "Google Translate" into the search box. He had been repeating the words over and over in his head and raced to type them in the box before he forgot them. What he read made his stomach flip and his blood race: Make hot passionate love to me when I come back.

Gianna moved quickly. Anxiety consumed her and pushed her forward at the same time. She had the distinct feeling the game had changed, but not the rules.

She had asked the Volturi for one more night, yet she had failed to secure Dominic's involvement in the plan. Instead, she had muddied the waters. Black and white and now turned gray.

Entering the compound through the public entrance, she had no doubt Aro would be waiting for her at her station. That would have been preferable to who was waiting there: Jane. At times, even Caius's ruthlessness paled in comparison to Jane's vindictiveness. Strange how such a childlike being - well, minus the hellish blood-red eyes - could instill such paralyzing fear in others. She was truly a paradox, and someone to avoid crossing at all costs.

"Jane, good morning," Gianna addressed her with forced politeness.

Jane cocked an eyebrow and eyed Gianna at length before extending her legs across Gianna's desk, knocking over her pencil holder. "Maybe for some."

"Can I assist you?" Gianna offered, truly puzzled as to why Jane would even bother to be here.

"The masters wish to speak with you. I was sent to retrieve you." She grinned.

Jane enjoyed the effect her presence had on others. She reveled in watching others cower, waiting for the other foot to drop and the pain to grip them. She brought even the most powerful vampires to their knees without even exerting herself. Humans have found her effect fatal.

However, Gianna knew the Volturi still needed her if their plan had a chance in hell of success. It required a human to work with Dominic, and they needed Dominic if they were to get their precious Isabella. So today, Jane was not going to get the satisfaction of seeing Gianna unnerved by her presence. Smoothing her skirt, Gianna led the way to the elevators leading to the main chamber three stories below their feet. Jane's patent leather shoes clicked closely behind her.

Gianna stared straight ahead in the uncomfortably claustrophobic elevator, though she could feel Jane's stare boring through her back.

When the doors opened, Gianna strode forward and into the open chamber, but stuttered in her step as Jane closed the heavy doors behind them. The doors sealed with a echoing clang.

Although Jane had said "masters," Gianna was still was shocked to see Aro, Caius, and Marcus sitting in their throne chairs to address her.

Immediately, she lowered her eyes and bowed slightly as she stopped before them. Heidi brought her catch to this chamber, and Gianna willed her heart and blood to stop racing before they elicited an unwanted response in the vampires before her.

Sunlight filtering in from the lofty arrow slits in the turret dimly lit the room, but offered no warmth. The bare stone walls were always cool this far under the ground. Damp and chilly with a slight smell of decay. It felt like death.

"Gianna!" Aro greeted her with enthusiasm. "You look tired, my dear. Rough night?"

The tone of his drippy, sympathetic voice was enough to clue Gianna to the fact he knew exactly what had happened between her and Dominic - at least what had happened physically. And noting the mocking smiles on the faces of Caius and Marcus, they knew as well.

"I assume Felix and Demetri...?"

"Yes, yes, of course. They heard it all, but even if they hadn't enlightened us," Aro stood, descending the two stairs before halting three feet before her, "that wretched smell would have. His scent covers you!"

Recovering from the embarrassment that Felix and Demetri had been privy to her and Dominic's intimacy, Gianna decided to cut to the chase, and hopefully earn a quick dismissal.

"The plan is moving forward. As I assured you yesterday and from the beginning, I will not fail you."

Aro's chiming laughter rang out and Gianna intuitively took two steps backward.

"Of course, our pet whore has used her only skill set to her advantage. I have no doubt our shape-shifting tool has no idea what has hit him, and will go willingly anywhere at your request. Very well done."

His words cut into her with a razor-sharp edge even Jane had to envy. Gianna gathered what inner strength she could muster.

"I'm glad you are pleased, master. I plan to spend tonight with him, as I am sure Felix or Demetri reported. I will gladly share my progress promptly in the morning. May I be dismissed?"

"Just one more thing..."

Aro extended his hand.

So that's what this was about. It was a test.

Gianna stepped back.

"Do you refuse?" Caius interjected, though Gianna knew she really didn't have that option. Behind her, she heard Jane shift impatiently hoping for a chance to intervene.

"Lord Aro, I assure you..." Gianna faltered.

"Certainly you have nothing to hide from us, dear."

"Of course not. I am your devoted servant. It's just that...some thoughts are...of a private nature."

"Oh, I care not of the frightfully inconsequential details of your tryst," Aro chuckled.

"We need to know where her loyalties lie," Caius demanded.

No one moved. Gianna stared at Aro's outstretched hand. She knew he could hold it suspended toward her forever and a day. Unyielding. Undeniable.

Gianna reassured herself the encounter would be short, he already had taken most everything from her mind during his frequent, usually inappropriate, touches that emphasized her insubordinate status among the vampire elite. As she placed her hand in his, the stark contrast between Aro and Dominic's touch momentarily stunned her mind. The two men most prominent in her life were polar opposites.

Gianna watched as Aro folded his pale fingers around her hand. He closed his eyes and Gianna focused on pushing the lines she had rehearsed into Aro's head. Within thirty seconds, his eyes, like windows to the fires of hell, opened and he examined her face.

"You are dismissed." Aro turned to face Marcus and Caius. "Jane."

Jane opened the chamber doors and Gianna quickly exited,with Jane again at her heels. Aro steepled his fingers in thought until the doors boomed shut behind him.

"Well?" Caius questioned.

"Marcus?" Aro directed his eyes to his trusted companion for his assessment.

"Her loyalty to us has not changed."

Aro nodded in agreement. "Her loyalties have not changed. Just her priorities, it seems."

"I told you she'd fall for him, humans are weak. Their short life spans tend to make them short sighted," Caius scoffed.

"What will you do now?" Marcus asked.

Aro shrugged casually. "Use it to our advantage, of course. I'll just make sure she is reminded of what is important." He climbed the stairs to retake his seat. "I am so proud of our pet. She does have our experiment tied in love knots. Maybe she'll best Heidi at drawing in prey."

"Ridiculous. She is not gifted and you know this to be true," Caius remarked.

Yes, Aro knew if the Volturi were to continue their rein unchallenged, only those who were useful had a place among them. Survival of the fittest- and what a joyous day it will be when Isabella's perfection would be added to their own.

Gianna swiped at the sweat beading on her brow as she practically ran out of the main room. This time, she was relieved to hear the doors seal shut behind her.

Unfortunately, Jane was still stalking her.

Gianna tried to ignore the annoying pitter-patter of Jane's little feet, instead, focusing on what Aro possibly gleaned from her mind. Was he satisfied with her mental explanations? Was the test over? Had it secured her and Dominic's safety – at least for the moment?

Jane's tapping behind her screamed in her mind like nails on a chalkboard. What! Gianna wanted to turn and shout at her. If she was fucking going to do something, Gianna wished she'd just do it already! Otherwise, back off, freak.

But Jane's mind was preoccupied. She was studying the way Gianna's hips swayed as she strode in her dark maroon Bottega Veneta heels, and the way the shoes altered the shape of her calves and rounded her bottom. Jane knew men found curves on women seductive, a sign of mature, ripe femininity.

Something she would never possess.

Jealousy twitched at corners of Jane's mouth.

Even at the feasting celebrations, where the thirst for blood and sex were quenched in hours of wanton debauchery, her lack of female definition warded off males and females alike.

Jane knew all feared her abilities to incapacitate with a glance; however, sexual prowess had its use as well. Securing a mate meant additional protection, and someone to watch your back. However, perpetually a child of thirteen, Jane knew she'd be hard pressed to ever find a mate, especially since immortal children were frowned upon.

Yet, Gianna, in all her inferior humanness, had experienced many men.

Jane's expression soured. "Bitch," she muttered at the female figure ahead of her, and as children are prone to do, she slipped into a tantrum, letting her advantage loose on Gianna if only for a brief, self-justified moment...

Gianna doubled over. Stabbing pain sliced through her, sucking the breath out of her chest. She collapsed on the ground, paralyzed by her brain's traitorous misperception of agony. However, as quickly as it started, it was over. Gianna gasped for air, still curled in a fetal position. A pair of buckled shoes strolled up and halted just inches from her face.

Gianna refused to look up.

Once her vertigo subsided, she moved to pick herself up.

Again, searing pain ripped through her gut. Gianna splayed her body out over the cold floor desperately seeking its chilling relief, all the while knowing the white-hot pain was just an illusion.

Then, it was gone again.

"Sorry. Couldn't resist," Jane mocked. "It appears you are everyone's toy to play with."

Jane stepped over Gianna and disappeared down the darkened hall.

Gianna remained on the floor. Lacking any motivation to get up, she broke down in tears.


A/N: Thank you for reading. Appears Gianna has some choices to make. Is she falling for Dominic or just realizing the benefits of a companionship? Will she follow through with Aro's plan, or does she think she is clever enough to wiggle her way out? And if she does, what of her dream of immortality? One thing is for certain, with Dominic imprinting on Gianna, Aro is correct, he will most likely follow Gianna anywhere...

The song used in this chapter is "Brilliant Disguise" by Bruce Springsteen. You can view the music video on http:/www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=idnJnjV_8rg

Italian Translations:

Ciò che è mio è tuo = What is mine is yours

FYI: I will not be posting next weekend as I will be in FORKS, WASHINGTON! Yep, I'm flying across the country to meet up with some of my dear Twi friends to see the midnight showing of BD1 before touring Forks and the surrounding area.

Thanks to my team: Ashling92, RowanMoon, and RosaBella75 (who will be housing my traveling butt in her home in WA!)

Comments/questions are welcome - just click the little button!