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Giovanni
PLAYLIST: ? CURSE - DXVN. ?
When I’min the gym, I expect to be left alone. Even my men know not to disturb me. The ones who are on my security detail hang in the background and mind their business until I’m done.
You would think the average gym-goer would understand to do the same.
Yet, as I finish my reps bench-pressing, I’ve attracted a fan club. I set down the barbell and glance in the direction of the bimbos twittering like birds. Three of them have gathered, all in skintight and color-coordinated gym ensembles designed to make men eye them. A blonde, a redhead, and one with hair even darker than mine.
I turn my back on them as they whisper and giggle among themselves. My closest guard on my security detail gets the hint and moves over to tell them this section of the gym is off-limits. I can hear their whining even as they drag their feet leaving.
“Ugh, he’s fine as fuck! Too bad he’s married.”
“Rumor is they’re separated. He’s fair game.”
I grit my teeth as I throw my gym towel over my shoulder and approach the cable crossover station. If I were still in the same state of mind I was in months ago, I’d probably bark at these birds and tell them to shut the fuck up about things they don’t understand.
Since I’ve turned over a new leaf and focused more on channeling my rage in more productive ways, I don’t let myself explode like before.
I redirect the intense, furious energy elsewhere.
Time in the gym has been my sanctuary. I’ve always believed in keeping myself in excellent shape, but these days, my physique has never been better.
I’m faster. Stronger. Sharper. My stamina is unmatched.
I’m in peak condition. Better than even my twenties.
But it’s not something I’ve pursued in order to attract birds like the ones watching me bench-press. I don’t give a fuck if they’re attracted to me, because I have no interest in any of them—or any other woman.
I realize how fucking pathetic it is I can’t seem to move on from Falynn.
The woman—mywoman—is still the only one I want. It makes no sense. I should be able to bury any heartbreak deep and move on. At the very least, I shouldn’t be in physical pain every damn time she crosses my mind.
Yet my chest clenches and I feel like somebody’s crushed me under weight that’s even too unbearable for me to lift up. Through no fault of her own, Falynn haunts me despite not being around. Her presence lingers, a constant reminder of how much I messed up.
It’s worst at night. I’ve had to get rid of the bed we once shared. No matter how many times I changed the sheets and the bedding, I still somehow smelled her sweet honey scent. Probably my mind playing tricks on me. Most nights I sleep in the den, passed out on one of the leather sofas after being awake too many hours.
Still, I’m getting better. I’ve refocused my energy and efforts into healthier outlets. I’ve accepted Falynn will never be a part of my life again, and that suffering without her is my cross to bear. The temptation to check on her is a constant battle I’m fighting—I reason a small peek into her life can’t hurt if it’s to ensure she’s okay—but so far, I haven’t given in.
I’ve given her the complete and total freedom she needed.
“Sorry about those thots, Boss,” says my security guard when he returns. “I made sure they left. They were trying to sneak a pic or video with you.”
I grunt, mopping more sweat from my face. “I don’t need another situation like the one with that Sofia.”
Even though my men visited her months ago and struck fear into her heart, I haven’t forgotten how crafty she was trying to spin the fake story of our hookup in the first place.
I leave the Vittoria gym behind and ride the private elevator up to my penthouse. I’ve completely redecorated it since the dissolution of my marriage with Falynn—though we haven’t lived here in years, it’s still overflowing with many memories of our beginning.
Coming to Vegas this weekend wasn’t originally part of my plans. I’m still in the thick of working out my production company with Saul Rosenbaum, but I’ve conceded to visit the Vittoria for the weekend in order to welcome the new mayor. The city officials have been in my back pocket for years, so it’s customary for me to establish open communication the moment a new one comes into office.
We’ll have a quick dinner at La Pergola and I can be on my way.
“Heard about the birdies down in the resort’s gym,” Louis says when he sees me. He grins, falling into step with me as we enter the penthouse. “Fozzi said they were plotting to shoot their shot.”
“I’m sure they were. Doesn’t change that they can all fuck off.”
“Girls like that, they probably would’ve settled for a foursome.”
