Chapter 11: Meeting Aria

At Aria's furious shout, Santino, who had been trading blows downstairs, froze. Taking in the sultry, mature woman before him, he drawled, "All right. Question is, can you take the heat?"  His gaze roamed over her curves without pause. "Brat, what are you staring at?" Aria felt as if his eyes were stripping her bare, a prickle of discomfort crawling over her skin.  A flush crept up her cheeks, which only made her beauty more striking, more sensual. She shot him a hard glare. "Who gave you the nerve to make trouble in my Prosper Sea Hotel?" Santino almost laughed. Like boss, like staff.  "Me? Ask your waiter what he said." He spread his hands, exasperated. She summoned the waiter, who was clutching his cheek and whimpering. "Randy, tell me the truth. What happened?" Randy risked a glance at Santino. Santino met it with a cold, warning look. Remembering how that single slap had sent him flying nearly six feet, Randy went weak in the knees and spilled everything, every last detail. Hearing him out, Aria wanted nothing more than to give him a good kick. "You little punk, you came up from the countryside, too. What gives you the right to look down on others? Apologize to the guest, now." Randy shuffled to Santino, trembling. "Sir, I... I'm sorry. I won't do it again." With the apology, Santino's anger ebbed. "Watch your mouth next time. Remember, there's always someone better." "Well said, young man. I'm having a drink with you tonight." A spark lit Aria's eyes. Santino had stood alone against a crowd and walked away unruffled. She couldn't help wanting to get to know him. She glided down the stairs. Seeing the men still sprawled on the floor, groaning, she raised her voice. "Get up, all of you. Stop embarrassing yourselves." They struggled up, shot Santino a fearful glance, and scurried back to the kitchen. "Randy, come clean this up. I am going to have a drink with my young friend." She gave Santino a teasing look. Faced with a mature woman, Santino felt heat coil under his skin. Before long, dishes from the kitchen arrived. Santino, who had skipped lunch, swallowed at the sight. During the meal, Aria stood with a drink in hand. "Let me toast to make it up to you." Santino stood as well. His eyes fixed on the rise and fall of her breasts and the deep line of her cleavage. Catching his stare, Aria flushed. A thrill stirred in her. Even though she was middle-aged, she still attracted men.  What a pity her husband had passed away years ago. She had been single ever since, and each night the desolation and hollow ache washed over her like a cold tide. After a few rounds of drinks and several courses, they loosened up and got comfortable with each other. Aria looked a little tipsy. With cheeks aglow, she asked, "Santino, what brought you into town today? If there's anything I can do for you, say the word." "Perfect timing." Santino thought.  "Aria, since you offered, I do have a small favor to ask." "Tell me," Aria said without hesitation. "If I can help, I will." "Do you know anyone who is sick? I am a doctor, and I am short on cash. If your friends need treatment, I can help." "You treat illnesses? You?"  Aria eyed the brash youngster with open doubt. "I haven't been feeling well. Why don't you take a look?" Santino sighed, resigned. "All right. Aria, give me your hand, and I will take your pulse." She offered her wrist. He set his fingers there lightly. Her silky-smooth skin sent a jolt through him. Feeling the rhythm of her pulse, he said slowly, "Aria, you likely have uterine fibroids." "How is that possible?" Aria frowned. "I go to the hospital for checkups all the time." Expecting disbelief, Santino channeled his inner energy and pressed an acupoint. A bolt of pain shot through Aria's lower abdomen. Beads of sweat sprang across her brow, and her pretty face blanched. Panic flickered in her eyes. "Santino, I suddenly have a bad pain in my lower abdomen." Seeing her crumple, Santino's heart pinched. He had meant only the lightest prod, not this kind of reaction. He withdrew at once and lowered his voice. "Aria, it looks like your fibroid is about to act up. Good thing we caught it early. It's still treatable." Aria looked at him as if she'd grabbed a lifeline. Santino scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed. "I can treat it, but you will have to take your clothes off." "What?" Heat rushed to Aria's face. Illness outweighed modesty. "All right. When do we start?" "Right now. Find a room." Aria hurried him to a private room on the second floor. It was spacious, with a folding screen and, behind it, a long sofa where guests could stretch out and rest.