Taming a Dark Heart - Ch 14 - Trail of Blue

Hi guys,
I think some people were confused with the last scene in ch 13.
I’m gona give an explanation now before ch14.
If you totally understood it then you can just skip this and move to ch14 :)

Ok "I dream of a day..." : the parts with a lot of "......." are actually words to a song. More on this later ;)

Then the next paragraph were she says "i dreamt he was holding me..." – these are Kara’s memories of what happened when her and Gabriele were underground until her actually waking up in the hospital. In simple terms it is Kara showing how her love and how safe she feels with Gabriele even when she’s not conscious. From her being in his arms to moving to Samuel’s arms to the hospital bed.

And yes, she wakes up, looks to her left and sees Candice in the bed next to hers. And then looks into Gabriele’s eyes as he leans down to kiss her forehead.

If you still don’t get it please don’t hesitate to email me Nicole.hoskins@yahoo.com :)

Hope you enjoy ch14 and don’t forget to comment :)****

(pic is kara's dress, shoes and hairclip)

***Gabriele’s point of view***

I leant down and kissed her forehead as she came to. I pulled away and saw the sweetest smile of her face. My angel. She really was an angel from heaven, laying there in the hospital bed, the white sheets surrounding her. I smiled back as i pressed my forehead to hers, knowing she was going to be okay.

******
...Kara’s point of view...

"Gabe I’m telling you I’m okay" - I giggled as he lifted my off the bed. It had been two days since I had woken up in the hospital and I felt amazing. Sure my arm was in a sling but otherwise I felt so happy and full of life. I don’t know what it was but I did.

But somehow Gabriele still saw the need to carry me all the way to his car, even though I could have walked very easily.

I giggled as he began lifting me, "hang on mister, we are going to do this on my rules okay?" - I lifted my finger pretending to be very serious. He turned his head to the side waiting to hear my answer.
I moved my finger in a circle to signal him to turn around. He did and lifted myself up and wrapped my legs around his waist from behind. I held onto his neck with my good arm and he grabbed hold of my legs to keep me in place.

I felt so happy as I left the hospital. So free.

*********
Gabriele and I pulled up at the villa and I smiled. It felt like home and it felt so amazing to be back.
Gabriele rushed over to open my door. I shook my head.
"Kara Kara Kara!" - I heard the scream as Marie-Lou ran over to hug me
"Easy now Marie, she’s just out of hospital..." - Gabriele stated as he fussed over me yet again.
We pulled apart and we made our way inside.

I smiled when I saw Danny. I walked over to him and hugged him with my good arm making sure to not hurt myself.
"I’m so glad your well Kara. You have no idea how much we’ve missed you" – I smiled not knowing how to reply.

After a short while of hellos and lots of hugs I made my way up the stairs to my room. I peeked into the room and smiled. It was exactly how Id left it. My baby - my keyboard was on the bed in its case. I walked over and sat on the bed. I frowned when i realised I couldn’t get my keyboard out with only one hand. I was determined though and I eventually used my feet to pull the cover off as I held the actual keyboard with my good hand.

I snapped the power button on and watched it spring to life.
I sighed when I couldn’t play a song properly. A pianist without a hand is like an accountant without a calculator.

"Hello my love" – Gabriele said as he walked into my room. I blushed and smiled at those words and he leaned down to kiss me.
Mmm I love his kisses. I love his lips dancing on mine. I put my arm around his neck as he kissed me, trying to pull myself up to his standing level. He must have realized it because he swiftly lifted me up, carrying me like a bride and then sat down on the edge of the bed with me in his lap.

He began pulling away from me trying to talk but I keep leaning forward for more kisses. He leaned back trying to talk, I leaned forward more...he leaned further back...I leaned forward further....and then...
BOOM.
We both landed on the floor and we began laughing loudly.
"Ow!" - I shouted between loud laughter as my bum hit the ground hard. Gabriele immediately stopped laughing.
"Are you hurt? Are you okay?" - I leaned forward again, still laughing, and pressed my lips to his in a big kiss. He was flat on the floor and I was on top of him supported by my good arm.
"I’m okay Gabe, you don’t have to worry all the time" - He just looked at me. He didn’t say anything. He looked like he was deep in thought. His green eyes deepened.
"I have to see to something Kara" - I stood up offering to help him up. He just raised an eyebrow at that and helped himself up.
"What’s going on Gabe?" - I frowned very confused.
"Don’t worry Kara, everything is going to be fine mi bella" – he leaned down, kissed my forehead and walked out the room pulling his cell out his pocket
What the heck was he up to?

********
I must have dozed off for a bit because I woke up to people talking very loudly downstairs. I quickly rushed downstairs and was greeted by a face I didn’t want to see.
"Get him out of here now..." - I gasped when Gabriele growled as his hands were pulled together to be handcuffed.
"Shut-up Lombardi, I have enough against you to have you locked up forever!" - There was that stupid prick again, Paul Keller. I felt an uncontrollable bout of anger fill me.
"You let go of him now you stupid-"- I punched him square in the nose and knocked him of guard as he fell to the floor. I guess I was stronger than I thought...
"I’ll arrest you too! You stupid bitch!" - He pulled himself up holding his nose that was bleeding profusely. It seemed to anger Gabriele and Danny and they both punched him in the stomach causing him to crumple to the floor again.
"You have no grounds to arrest me Keller. Now you should just get out now..." - Gabriele growled at him.

Keller started laughing. It sounded pretty strange because he had his nose blocked with one hand.
"Lombardi, I have evidence that you have been dealing with some of the city’s biggest black-market lords I have their names and they are willing to divulge the name of the buyer of their latest shipment...." - Gabriele smirked and shook his head as Keller spoke.
"Are you done?"- Gabriele crossed his arms. How come he wasn’t scared? He walked over to me almost like he was protecting me. "Phone them now Keller. If they mention my name you can take me in right now..."
"Gabe are you sure..." - he put his fingers to his lips to silence me. I just hoped he was sure about this... I didn’t want to wear black and white striped clothes for the rest of my life...

Keller pulled his cell out his pocket and proceeded to make the call. I held onto Gabriele’s arm tightly. Danny and Marie and some of the other workers around all held their breaths anxiously.
Keller spoke and nodded and his smile soon turned into a frown.
"Who the hell is Maule?" - He shouted into the phone then slammed the flipper shut. He looked up and was silent.
"Get the hell out of my house Keller. I never want to see you again. And if you ever press chargers for what we just did to you, I will be sure to sue you for coming onto my property without a warrant, got it?" - Gabriele’s eyes were low as he spoke and his voice very deep and powerful. I couldn’t help but think how sexy it was...
Some of the workers proceeded to "escort" him out. Danny and Marie left too leaving just the two of us standing there

I turned to Gabriele still very confused - "I don’t get it Gabe. Who is Maule?" - He cupped my face with his hand.
"You remember Candice right?" - He chuckled when I rolled my eyes at that.
"Well her family owed you and me a big favour so I told them to take over my "illegal" business deals. I keep all the money I already have though and any other perfectly safe business contracts" – he leaned forward and kissed my forehead.
"But what are we going to do now Gabe? Sure I’m going to work next year after I graduate but you can’t just sit around and do nothing?" - I crossed my arms over and frowned.
He smiled - "I'll do anything for you Kara". My heart melted with his sweetness.
"Anything?" - I had a cocky smile on my face.
He nodded - "But first you have to do something for me without asking any questions" - I frowned at him confused.
"Do you promise?" - He laughed again at my face. I nodded still very confused. "Go to the cottage" - he winked at me and I couldn’t help it. I leaned in and kissed him. What can I say; this man had my wrapped around his little finger...
He pulled away from me and had a cheeky smile on his face - "I'll see you latter bella..."

*********
I walked into the cottage and was greeted with the familiar scent of lavender and wood. I loved it.
I looked over to the bed and my mouth dropped open. There was a beautiful casual summer dress on the bed. It was a pretty blue. Not very fancy but I still loved it. Next to it was an envelope with my name on it.

I picked it up as I sat on the bed and opened it, careful to not tear it too much. I guess I have always been sentimental about stuff like this. I unfolded the blue paper and smelt Gabriele on the pages...

"Kara, Mi Bella.

Please put on this dress then jump into the limo parked in the front of the villa.
Do not be afraid if you don’t have any questions answered, I know you trust me.

Take care of yourself,
Love Gabriele...."

I did trust him. So I tried my best to get ready without trying to come up with answers with all my questions, tried to be less excited and anxious. I felt little butterflies in my tummy as I applied a coat of mascara. I looked in the mirror and smiled. The dress fit perfectly. He must have asked Marie for my measurements. My hair was down in curls and I had a short heeled white pump on my feet. The necklace from my grandfather hung on my neck and I secured a baby-blue butterfly clip above my ear to balance the outfit.

I grabbed a small white matching bag and walked to the limo. I’d never been in a limo before and was kind of excited. But I was a bit disappointed when I didn’t see Gabriele inside. I couldn’t see who was driving so I just kept quiet as we drove off. The windows were so dark I couldn’t really tell where we were going and I eventually felt my eyelids flutter shut.

********
"Miss Rossi, wake-up" - I felt myself being shaken gently. I looked up into gentle eyes. An elderly man who must have been the driver, judging from his attire, had a smile on his face. I pulled myself out the car and realized we were in the city somewhere. I looked up and saw a huge hotel. It didn’t look very familiar but I could also smell the ocean. I couldn’t see it but I smelt it.

The driver handed me another blue letter. I opened it anxiously not worrying about the paper this time.

"Look up Bella, meet me there...

See you then

xoxo....."

I ran into the hotel and jumped into the lift. I felt so excited I couldn’t contain myself. I looked down and saw my baby. My keyboard was there. Why was it there? I picked it up and slang the strap on my shoulder.

My heart raced at I watched the numbers increase. My ears popped from the altitude....
Then I heard it..."ding!"

The doors opened and I was greeted to an archway of little fairy lights. They were shaped in an archway. But there in front of me was Gabriele. He was wearing dark blue jeans, a black shirt and a black suit jacket. His hair was slicked back. He looked gorgeous... I felt myself wanting him. I wanted him now. But I tried to contain myself and instead held onto his outstretched hand.

He led me over to end of the building and I gasped. We were right by the beach. We were overlooking the most amazing view I had ever seen. It looked like lights in the sky.
Gabriele broke the silence - "What do you think of my surprise bella?" - He leaned into my ear as he spoke and his deep voice sent a chill of excitement down my spine.
"It’s amazing Gabriele..." - I turned to face him and kissed him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He pulled my waist closer to his body and I heard him moan softly as our kiss became more intense.
I felt the dress flow around me and my hair fell around his face as our lips danced and moulded each others.
Eventually we pulled away, both needing breath. We pressed our foreheads against each other.
"Thank-you Gabe".

I felt the keyboard still on my shoulder awkwardly.
"Hey Gabe, what do you think if I sang you a song..." - he smiled at my suggestion so I took my keyboard out. And began singing and playing. Gabriele sat next to me as I began

I felt the same words from my old song come back to me.

"I've been told that we learn from our mistakes
But I just don't know how many mistakes it takes
I'm trying so hard to let down my guard
Maybe right now, right here

Clear, that I made the right choice
Sure, that I know my own voice
Today is the day when I'm free from doubt
Where fate winds out
And I overcome my fear
Clear"

I played the last note. But the sounds of music didn't stop. I heard more music begin to play and frowned in confusion. Gabriele just smiled and stood up
"Will you dance with me Kara?" - He reached his hand out and I took it smiling.
He wrapped his arm around my waist and held my other arm up, all professional like. I guess those ballet lessons when I was 7 were paying off now.

I laid my head on his chest as we danced.

Then the music began changing to something familiar. Gabriele just continued dancing as thought nothing had happened.

"Tonight, I celebrate my love for you
It seems the natural thing to do"

It couldn’t be... I looked up onto the platform above us and couldn’t believe my eyes. Roberta flack was singing! She smiled at us as she sang and felt Gabriele kiss my cheek as my eyes widened. I slowly laid my head back down to his chest, still staring at the amazing performer before us.
Gabriele hummed along to the music and I smiled, feeling so happy and relaxed in his arms.

"Tonight I celebrate my love for you
And hope that deep inside you'll feel it too
Tonight our spirits will be climbing
To a sky filled up with diamonds"

Then Roberta slowed down and began humming along to the music too.
Gabriele lifted my face to his and kissed me. I kissed him back knowing I was happy. I was so happy. My life was perfect.

********
...Gabriele’s point of view...

I kissed her and felt so much love for her. I had wanted to make this night special for her. She deserved it. It didn’t matter how, because the smile on Kara’s face was worth so much more than anything else at that point in time.

I felt my heart race as I kissed her. I didn’t want it to end, but she pulled away gently. I needed to kiss her again... No I didn’t need to... I can never get enough of her kisses...Cant I kiss her some more...?
But I knew I had to do it. I slipped my arms away from her and slid to the ground slowly. My heart felt as though it was in my throat.

I couldn’t look into her eyes as I got on one knee. And pulled the little silver box out my pocket. My hand seemed to be on its own mission and I couldn’t get it out at first I heard the music faintly. All the practicing, it all seemed to disappear as I looked up into her eyes. I watched her eyes water when she looked at the box. I took a deep breath and spoke.

"Bella, you’ve been an angel to me. You are an angel to everyone around you. I...I" - My voice began to shake from the nerves. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. I was never afraid.
She dropped to her knees in front of me as a tear fell down her cheek.
"What I’m trying to say is - Kara Rossi, will you marry me?" - She looked at me for a moment then suddenly lunged forward wrapping her arms around my neck. What did that mean?
I heard her sob into my neck and I wondered if it was too soon...

"Yes" - It was just a whisper but I was sure I heard it. My heart raced hoping I heard right.
"What did you say Kara?" - She pulled away from me, tears streaming down her face.
"Yes Gabriele Lombardi, I want to be with you forever" - I opened the box and out flew a little blue butterfly. She pressed her lips to mine. My heart was soaring and I stood up bringing her up with me

"Tonight I celebrate my love for you
And soon this old world will seem brand new....
Tonight"

***Hope you enjoyed all the romance! Was fun to write :)
I think ch 15 may be the last... Comment, comment, comment!
---Nicole
xoxo :)*****