Gemini - Mr. Versatile: The 12 Signs of Love (The Zodiac Lovers Series Book 6) Read online

  GEMINI

  Mr. Versatile

  Mr. Versatile

  THE TWELVE SIGNS OF LOVE

  (The Zodiac Lovers Series)

  Written by Tiana Laveen

  Edited by Natalie Owens

  Cover by Travis Pennington

  BOOK 1: Capricorn – Mr. Ambition

  BOOK 2: Aquarius – Mr. Humanitarian

  BOOK 3: Pisces – Mr. Imagination

  BOOK 4: Aries – Mr. Adventure

  BOOK 5: Taurus – Mr. Persistent

  BOOK 6: Gemini – Mr. Versatile

  BOOK 7: Cancer – Mr. Intuitive

  BOOK 8: Leo – Mr. Boss

  BOOK 9: Virgo – Mr. Intelligent

  BOOK 10: Libra – Mr. Romantic

  BOOK 11: Scorpio – Mr. Magnetic

  BOOK 12: Sagittarius – Mr. Philosophical

  Welcome to the “Zodiac Lovers Series” – The 12 Signs of Love.

  This is a series which features a hunky hero for each zodiac sign of the year!

  This series is stand-alone, so whether you wish to only purchase one or two books of this astrological romance series, or all 12, you can do so without missing a beat. Each Hero embodies typical characteristics of their zodiac sign, but please bear in mind, this is simply for fun – and not to state emphatically that any sign mentioned will act as described. Each tale chronicles the life of the hero and heroine’s quest to love and romance, and each story is unique.

  Some of the heroes are serious and brooding, others capricious and fun loving. Some of the tales will feel like a modern-day fairytale while others take a more serious tone. Some tales may lie somewhere in between. This series is written from the heart.

  Enjoy!

  COPYRIGHT

  Copyright © 2018 by Tiana Laveen

  Kindle Edition

  All rights reserved.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. PIRACY IS AGAINST THE LAW.

  IN OTHER WORDS: If you do any of the above, the karma bus is waiting for you. If you steal this author’s work and illegally loan and/or share it, request illegal/free copies online and/or in printed version, you are no better than a burglar that breaks into someone’s house while you think they are away. You are a criminal. A thief. A cheat. You don’t work for free, so why should authors?!

  WE WORK HARD. SHOW SOME APPRECIATION.

  BLURB

  Giovanni Luciano is a personal trainer to the stars. Hailing from Manhattan, New York, he is used to a fast environment, fast cars, and fast women. The six foot five tall Italian stallion is a self-professed player and woman connoisseur. Driven, charismatic, and good at what he does, he is still lacking something in his life—a woman to call his own.

  Vanessa King is a street savvy New Yorker with sass, ass, and class for days. After leaving a relationship that many of her peers coveted, she sets out for greener pastures all on her own. Pulling herself up by her stiletto-heeled-bootstraps, Vanessa works herself to the bone trying to make it as a professional makeup artist in the Big Apple, as well as launch her own cosmetics line. One fateful day, she runs into Giovanni, and what she believed to be a one-time encounter turns into an inferno of lust, feeding a need deep within her that had long been neglected and forgotten.

  Giovanni soon discovers that the answer to his unsaid prayers may lie in a woman with a chip on her shoulder, a gorgeous body, and a heart of diamonds and pearls. They find in each other hidden treasures, goldmines that yolk them and tag their union as inseparable. But not everyone approves of their newly found treasures…

  When the dreadful past comes rearing its ugly head, long buried secrets will be unveiled, ones that could make or break the happy couple. Will the two be able to hold steadfast to one another and weather the concrete jungle’s storm?

  Read, “Gemini – Mr. Versatile” to find out!

  WARNING

  Please bear in mind that each book in this series is adult in nature and includes:

  Profanity – (sometimes gratuitous depending on the characters/specific book in the series)

  Explicit intimate encounters – (this is consistent in all 12 novels of this series.)

  Adult topics and situations – (This could be anything from drug abuse to mental illness, violence, incurable disease, etc.)

  If you are offended or triggered by any of the above mentioned, please consider this before moving forward.

  Thank You.

  DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to all the Geminis in the world. You are clever, savvy, perceptive and able to get to the gist of an issue with ease. Sometimes living in your own mind can get lonely – don’t sway too far from reality. Face your hurts head on and you will gain your truths. For the heart of the matter is always closer than you think, and oftentimes, it is a reflection of the twin in the mirror…

  XOXOXO

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Title Page

  Copyright

  About this Book

  Warning

  Dedication

  Letter to the Reader

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Tweleve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  About the Author

  LETTER TO THE READER

  To my Laveen Queens and Kings, welcome. If you’ve been rocking with me for a while now, then there are no words to express my gratitude. To any new readers who happen upon this book—welcome, and thank you for going on this journey with me. All right, so as to the question that many will ask: Why did you create this series, Tiana? Since a very early age, I have nurtured an interest in the field of astrology. It wasn’t something I relied upon necessarily, but I was intrigued by it, especially if a specific forecast rang true. Regardless of anyone’s personal beliefs, astrology can at least be considered an interesting study. Some believe it to be total nonsense. Others believe there may be some credibility, but it is still rather farfetched. Yet others believe that the entire subject is evil while some tend to take it quite seriously and consider it no laughing matter. Whatever your beliefs, please suspend them for the reading of this romance series.

  None of the books in this series are about conjecturing, prophecy, predictions, etc. They are merely avenues, or tools, if you will, to view the astrological sign as a gateway into a particular character. This is used to highlight a few key characteri
stics, be they good, bad, or indifferent, about all 12 zodiac signs from a male perspective.

  I am an author who writes lengthy books by default. You would be hard-pressed to find over 10% of my portfolio that does not hit the 100k+ word mark. With that being said, I wanted this series to be full-bodied, but not overwhelming. I wanted to write love stories that unfold in a timely manner, something a reader could knock out in a day or two, but not be explored so fleetingly that the reader misses my signature character and story development. I prefer to write extensive novels because I am practically addicted to the human mind – the psychology behind a character. Why did he say that? Why did she do that? How did this happen? Who were their parents? And so on and so forth.

  This kind of in-depth exploration takes time, which equals a longer page count. Longer does not always equate to better, however, and in my personal writing journey this series has been inside my mind for quite some time and needed to come out. I wanted the series to be standalone, meaning if a reader only wished to read Pisces, Cancer, and Libra, they could do so without missing key components. In fact, my “Raven Maxim” series is similar – no book is contingent upon the other, though the stories take place in the same town. That series is ongoing and may never end, because I have given myself permission, as an author, to fully explore the characters, the city, etc., and not worry about readers waiting a long time for a conclusion due to a succession of cliffhangers. Series are mostly either loved or hated, but standalone books in a series, to me, merge the best of both worlds. In the Zodiac series, the link that binds the books is that you, the reader, are looking at the hero’s astrological sign. But there is so much more to these men, these exciting heroes, than this.

  These guys are all different, from all walks of life. They tell their tale in the manner that they see fit. Some are entertaining, others inspiring.

  In this 12-part series, you will meet 12 men and their love interests.

  12 signs…

  12 different minds…

  12 lifetimes…

  You will sit back and watch the magic unfold.

  Please get comfortable, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy the, “Zodiac Lover Series – The Twelve Signs of Love.”

  It is a gift from me to you…

  Tiana Laveen

  You never know what to expect from me. I am full of surprises…

  Some accuse me of having a split personality. But no, I just hate routine and have no problem shaking things up. I’m fully aware of how I feel, what I know, and what I’ve done. I’m playful, fun, and sociable if the mood suits me. Some say I’m moody, manipulative, and evasive. I say I live in my head a lot. I do what’s needed to get the results I desire; and it would be best if people minded their own damn business and stay out of mine unless I invite them inside to take a glance at my revolving door of secrets. That never stops me from seeking information about others, though. In fact, I enjoy a forbidden tidbit here and there, a little-known detail uncovered to satisfy my curiosity.

  I will be the first to admit that it’s hard for me to commit to one woman, but it’s not impossible. I’ve done it before, I can do it again if I so choose.

  Why am I single?

  I have my reasons and I have my standards.

  If you capture my attention and my heart and keep me engaged, you’ll have the most loyal lover and husband you could ever imagine. I need a woman who’s multitalented and resourceful, like me. Don’t tell me what you can’t do; tell me what you can do. I can be brutally sarcastic, so if you can’t take a joke or laugh at yourself, we’re better off as just friends. You’ll never be bored with me—in or out of the bedroom. And that’s the other thing… I need for my future wife to be not only my lover, but also my best friend. I need someone I can fuck, confide in, and laugh with twenty-four-seven.

  Speaking of friends, sometimes I don’t know who to trust. There are people who smile in my face, but I don’t always believe in their sincerity. People are fickle, like me, but lack of loyalty to me is the ultimate disrespect.

  If I don’t like you, you’ll know it. I don’t fuck around. Some say I’m superficial and shallow. I can be… after all, physical appearance, my own in particular, is very important to me. I like to have a good time. I’m generous if I care about you and I’m affectionate and savvy if I say so myself. I can be direct at times, but trust me, before I speak, I’ve thought over how I’m going to crush you a time or two and rarely do I regret doing so.

  You can’t mind fuck a mind-fucker. Many have tried, few have succeeded.

  I’m perceptive. I know what you want before you do.

  If I’m attracted to you and want you, then I’m going to get you. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

  To me, love is a game, but it’s important, too. I came to win, and second place is still a placement for a has-been. I enjoy the carnal pleasures of life, and though I’m a sucker for some juicy, wet pussy, it better be attached to an even lovelier brain and sparkling personality. When I finally commit, not out of obligation or pressure, but because I CHOOSE YOU, it’s for life. I’ve got your back, your front, your side, and your top and your bottom. Whatever you need, I’ve got you covered. I’m independent by nature, so if I want to give you my last name, it means I can’t live without you.

  And trust me, you won’t want to live without me, either…

  I am your Gemini lover…

  CHAPTER ONE

  Let’s Not Meet by Accident…

  Giovanni held the stop watch tightly in his palm. The thing was secured with an old chain through a loop in his jeans.

  Not good enough… He began once again.

  He ran up the five flights as fast as his aching legs would carry him, then back down again. The stairway stayed fairly empty tonight, like any other night. The other residents typically took the easy way out and opted for the elevators, much to his pleasure. This was his private sanctuary, an area he used as a sequestered at-home gym. He glared at the stop watch once more to review his time and determine if he met his own personal high standards.

  That wasn’t too shabby…

  He unbuttoned his black shirt, desperate for some air to hit his skin and cool it, to no avail. Then, he raced up the steps again, his sneakers pounding the wood, ceramic and steel, echoing a choppy song playing to the beat of metal and ungodly heat. Sweat dripped down his face, stinging his eyes, as he reached the bottom once more.

  He paused, pressed his eyes closed, and felt the slight tickle of the sweat meandering down his face. Tasting the saltiness of his hard work after swiping his tongue across his dry lips, he swallowed his essence, no longer bothering to pat his face dry. The briny flavor rolled against his taste buds as his head throbbed in the all too familiar way he loved. Elle Varner’s “Only Wanna Give It to You” sung her sweet and funky melody in his ears.

  He turned up the music playing from his mp3 player, needing to drown out the slamming doors of his neighbors and the honking cabs rolling past right outside his residence on 24 Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village. Up and down he went again, then lingered, taking an anxious glance at his stop watch. He’d beaten his old time by twenty-three seconds, but he was still unimpressed.

  Shit. So close to thirty. I need to try again… but for now, it’s time to take a jog outside…

  Making his way out of the stairwell, he found himself in the lobby of his residence. It was almost eight o’clock in the evening but considering the night owl he was, his fun was just beginning. He waved to the doorman and began an even jog once he cleared the front entrance. The night air hit the bare skin of his chest as the shirt flapped about in the wind. Snatching the thing completely off when he approached a busy intersection, he wrapped it around his waist and continued on his way, with Common’s “Go” blasting in his ears.

  He passed the IFC Center, huffing and panting, feeling the grit of the world around him. Fists balled tight, he swerved in and out of the crowd, his heart beating a mean percussion. An old woman, her skin the color of oil
stains on wrinkled paper lunch bags, peered up at him with heavily hooded glaucoma coated dark eyes. Hunched over, she reached a shaky hand in his direction, then spoke. He couldn’t hear her, but he read her thin, pale lips. She’d mouthed the word, “Change?” He stopped in his tracks, yanked a five-dollar bill from his jean’s pocket that he always kept for an emergency coffee, bottle of water, or low sugar drink, and planted it firmly in her dirty palm. Her lips crimped in a smile. He didn’t wait around to hear her thank him; he just kept on pushing as he sung the lyrics to the song that massaged his ear drums.

  The chatter of the city made his blood run faster. The spastic, urban energy of the metropolis in which he was born and raised was all he needed and ever wanted. Giovanni couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, and he’d been plenty of places. A lover of travel, he’d spent his fair share of summers in San Francisco with his grandfather, Luigi. Then, he’d gone to Michigan with one of his college buddies… hated it more than being told a girl he wanted to bang was on the rag.

  He’d been to Miami, Florida too and though he’d had a fun time and the women were stunning, he couldn’t catch the vibe, nor did he give a fuck about the fancy surfboards, miles of sand and ocean waves. He’d hopped down to Texas where his cousin Tony had moved with his girlfriend—regretting it less than an hour in. The stifling, oppressive heat and sheer boredom just about killed him. He did enjoy one of the best steaks he’d ever had though. That was pretty much it.

  No… this was where it was at. New York City gave birth to the entire world as far as he was concerned. He was minutes away from everything, and could get anything he needed, at any given time. And where else could he be to cause his career to soar as it had? He’d been lucky and made a thriving, lucrative livelihood out of personal training. As a popular fitness YouTuber with over 100k subscribers, he had a bestselling nutritional guide and eBook, online personal training courses and enjoyed several routine appearances on popular TV shows to share exercise routines. His personally designed hand-held dumbbells sold at Target and several sporting stores, as well, and there was so much more. NYC gave him that shit… and he owed the Big Apple everything he had.