Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Sex.
I always knew I’d have to share a bed with whoever I married, but knowing Damiano is the man who will take my virginity makes a wave of nervousness crash over me.
At least I’m not repulsed by the idea like I was with Stefano.
Sucking in a deep breath, I stand up and place the credit card next to my phone before leaving my room and heading downstairs for dinner.
Chapter 17
Damiano
I only manage to sleep for three hours before I’m wide-a-fucking-wake.
While I put on a pair of chinos and a sweater, my thoughts turn to the past week.
Luckily, we were able to find Eden, and after seeing Dario lose his mind, it’s clear as fucking daylight the man loves her.
I have to admit Eden managed to impress me, which is a rare feat. She killed a fucker with a high heel.
I should be more careful around Gabriella and her five-inch heels.
A chuckle escapes me, and the sound actually startles me.
As I tuck my Glock in the back of the waistband of my pants, I leave my suite.
I head downstairs, and when I near my mother’s sitting room, I hear Aunt Greta say, “I loved Queen Charlotte’s season most.”
“Me too,” Mamma agrees.
When I enter the room, Gabriella’s gaze darts to me. “Did you get any sleep?”
“Three hours,” I mutter before I take hold of Mamma’s hand and help her to her feet.
Glancing at Gabriella, I say, “Give me thirty minutes, and we’ll have that conversation.”
“Okay.” She glances between Mamma and me. “No rush.”
When I lead Mamma into the hallway, she asks, “What conversation?”
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Instead of walking to the sunroom, I press the button for the elevator, and we head up to the second floor.
Entering Mamma’s suite, I say, “I’ve decided what to do with Gabriella.”
“Oh?”
The expression on her face tells me she’s dying to hear my answer.
“I’m going to marry her.”
A wide smile spreads over her face. “That’s such good news!”
Clearing my throat, I say, “I need the engagement ring.”
Emotion washes over Mamma’s face, and I watch as she walks to her dressing table. She opens a jewelry box, and her fingertips brush over the rings before she picks up the right one.
The engagement ring has been passed down from my grandmother.
Mamma moves closer to me, then holds the ring out. “I think you’ve made the right decision. I hope with all my heart Gabriella will make you happy.”
I take the ring from her and tuck it into my pocket before I pull my mother into a hug.
“Thank you, Mamma.”
“Try to be a good husband,” she murmurs against my chest.
“I will,” I assure her. Pulling back, I look down at the only woman I’ve ever loved. “I won’t disappoint you.”
She lifts her hand and pats my cheek as if I’m a little boy. “I know, mio figlio.”
Her fingertips brush over my face, then she asks, “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Just tired.”
“When will you take some time off?”
“I’m just dealing with a problem. As soon as it’s resolved, I’ll take a vacation.”
Mamma lowers her hand, then asks, “When will the wedding happen?”
“I have to talk to Gabriella, and it depends on work.”
“Let me know as soon as you’ve set a date.”
Taking my mother’s arm, I hook it through mine and lead her out of the room.
As we make our way down to the first floor, I say, “I’ve given Gabriella a credit card so she can get warm clothes. I would appreciate it if you accompanied her on the shopping trip so you can teach her what to look out for when she’s in public. As my fiancée, she’ll become a target.”
“Of course. I’ll also be able to take care of the Christmas shopping.”
Walking into the sitting room, I help Mamma to her chair before I look at Gabriella.
“Come,” I order before heading to the sunroom.
I hear Gabriella’s high heels on the tiles as she rushes to keep up with me, and I slow my pace.
Entering the room, I switch on the lights. It’s not too bright, the room filling with a soft yellow glow.
“It’s so pretty,” Gabriella breathes as her eyes dance over the lights and potted plants.
I walk to a sofa that’s partially hidden behind plants and remove the ring from my pocket before I take a seat.
Gabriella sits down beside me, her spine straight and her features tight with a nervous expression.
I stare at her, and once again, she doesn’t break eye contact. Instead, she says, “You didn’t get much sleep.”
My eyes narrow slightly. “Are you worried about me?”
She scoots backward and relaxes. “Of course.”
“Why?”
“You carry our whole world on your shoulders. If you fall, we all fall.”
I let out a sigh, and glancing at my closed fist, I ask, “Is that the only reason?”
“No,” she murmurs. “If I’m going to be your wife, it’s my duty to worry about you.”