Chapter 20

Jerry let out a cry of pain when a hand clamped over his wrist, the pain was excruciating and it felt like the bones were being crushed.

"I suggest you let go of the lady before I break every bone in your wrist," Gabriel said and squeezed tighter.

When he saw the man harassing Paige he rushed over, no man was allowed to put his hands on her, and any man who did would pay the price.

As soon as Jerry let Paige go his hand was free and he rubbed it trying to ease the pain. "Just who the hell are you?"

"Gabriel Maestri, her husband." His hand shot up, punching Jerry in the mouth and watched as he fell to the ground.

"Where have I heard that name before?" Jerry asked, rubbing his chin and got to his feet.

Gabriel glared at him.

"I own this hotel and every other one that you'll never be allowed back into. I suggest you leave."

When Jerry went to walk away Gabriel grabbed his arm and leaned in close, whispering in his ear.

"Go near her again and it will be the last thing you ever do."

She knew from his look he wanted to know who the man was. "That was Jerry Spooner."

"Your ex, the one you told me about. What did he want?"

"To talk, he's here with two young women while his wife is sick back home. What a jerk, he can't even be faithful to his wife. I feel sorry for her, no one deserves to be used like that."

"I agree. I think good old Jerry needs to be taught a lesson," he said and reached into his pocket and took out his phone.

"Gabriel no, please don't have him beaten up," she cried out, knowing he was capable of doing just that.

"Don't worry angel, there are other ways to hurt someone. What say we send a picture of Jerry with his two friends to his wife?"

When she smiled he knew he had the go ahead. So he waited till the women were draped over him, he was kissing one and snapped the picture.

"That ought to teach him a lesson."

He went online, looking up the women that Jerry was married to he had no trouble getting her information. He hands the phone over to Paige.

"Would you like to do the honours?"

Taking the phone she looks at Gabriel.

"I don't know if I can do this."

As a rule, she would never stoop so low as to hurt another human being. Glancing over at Jerry and seeing the way he was carrying on with the women she also knew it wasn't fair to Jerry's wife who probably had no knowledge that he and she were once a couple.

"All you have to do is push the send button," Gabriel said.

Seeing the encouragement in his eyes she pressed send. Handing him back the phone she felt a little naughty.

"Now let's sit back and see what happens," he said, a smirk on his face.

"She might not get it right away. Jerry did say she wasn't feeling well."

Placing her hand on his arm to get his attention. "Maybe we should go home."

"Give it awhile," he said, smiling.

He hoped that the old woman would see it before they left, it would give him great pleasure to see Jerry squirm.

"Look," he took her hand. "Looks like he's answering his phone. Oh, and he doesn't look too happy".

She watched and sure enough, Jerry seemed upset. Hushing the girls he stood up and left the table and headed out as he talked. His face turned beet red.

"He's going to know it was us," she said, taking a nervous sip of her drink.

Gabriel laughed.

"He's probably gone to his room to pack, he has a lot of explaining to do when he gets home."

Finishing his drink he took her hand and said it was time to go. He would make the necessary calls to have Jerry Spooner banned from all of his hotels once he got home. Let him explain that to his wife.

At home, her bags were sent to her room and they were told that his mother and father were waiting for them in the family room.

Gabriel was furious since he had told them he never wanted to see them ever again and they weren't welcome in his home. He turned to her.

"Go lay down, I'll get rid of them."

"I'm your wife and my place is by your side," she said, standing firm with her hands resting on her hips.

"Paige I said go lay down." He felt terrible for snapping at her. "I just don't want them upsetting you."

She placed the palms of her hands on the sides of his face.

"I will not hide from them and won't let them make me feel bad about carrying your child. If they want to believe I got pregnant on purpose to trap you that's their problem. We both know the truth."

He gave it some thought. It would be a treat to see the look on his father's face when he sees how loving he could be towards Paige, to show him that he was in love and cared about his wife. It would piss the old man off.

"OK, but if they say one bad thing about you I will have them thrown out."

With his arm around her waist, they enter the room where the older couple sat waiting.

"Son, Paige. We hope we haven't come at a bad time?" Sergio asked, standing to greet them, Kaia remained seated.

Pulling Paige closer he kept his eyes on his father.

"Did I not tell you to never come here and that we want nothing to do with you?"

"Now son, I think it's time we buried the hatchet. After all, we are family and will be the grandparent's to your child."

Sergio's eyes went to Paige and saw the way Gabriel was lovingly holding onto her. "Let's have a drink and talk."

Giving Paige a kiss he motioned for her to sit.

"What would you like my love?" he asked loud enough for his father to hear, knowing it would not please him.

He went over and poured them all a drink, bringing them back he sat with his arm around her. He could see the disgusted look on the old man's face.

"So what brings you here?" Gabriel asked, running his thumb over her shoulder.

Sergio cleared his throat, then looked at Paige. "How are you doing my dear? All is well with the baby I hope."

"We're both fine, we all are," she answered, looking up at Gabriel and smiled.

"I must say you both look happy," Sergio commented. Kaia sat quietly like a statute, not moving.

Gabriel for the first time in his life showed his father a smile, but the smile was not for him when he answered.

"We are and we're in love, deeply in love." He smirked when Sergio started squirming in his seat. Knowing how he felt about love, he enjoyed seeing him uncomfortable and trying his best to control his anger.

There were some ridiculous small talk before Sergio stood up and asked to speak to Gabriel in private. So they took their drinks and went out onto the balcony.

"What is this nonsense about love?"

"She is my wife, I love her."

"Love is for fools, it will make you weak. You've had your fun with the girl, planted your seed inside her belly. Now it is time to take a mistress."

"I'm not doing that," Gabriel practically growled at him.

"Have I not taught you well enough what happens when you let emotions control you? Here, take this number, it is a woman I have chosen for you." He shoves a piece of paper in Gabriel's pocket.

"Forget about Paige, she is a nobody who trapped you into marriage. You love her, remember what happened to your horse and that stray dog you had? It'd be a shame if something were to happen to her."

This was the worse thing, Sergio could have said to Gabriel. He grabbed his father by his collar, the veins in his neck stood out, his face barely an inch from Sergio's.

"Are you threatening my wife? You fucking piece of shit, get out of my home. Never, and I mean never come here or anywhere near Paige or I swear I will kill you with my bare hands." Letting him go he took the piece of paper from his pocket and threw it at him.

"Gabriel, do not talk to your father in such a manner," Kaia cried out.

Pushing past Sergio he went over to Paige, looking back at his mother.

"Both of you, leave this instant or I'll have you charged with trespassing." He rang for the butler to escort them out.

Paige was confused, she thought his parents wanted to make up. She heard them arguing outside but could not make out what was being said.

Seeing how angry Gabriel was she would wait until he calmed down before asking him.

Once they were gone he put his arm around her, his hand on her head as it laid on his shoulder. Resting his chin on her head he closed his eyes. What had he done?

By showing his love for her in front of Sergio had he put her in danger? His father was a cruel man and he didn't put it past him to try something.

"Gabriel," she says, lifting her head to look at him. "What were you two arguing about?"

"It's nothing for you to worry about my angel," he said, running his fingers along her cheek. "You should go rest now."

"Are you coming up?"

"I'll be right there," he said, giving her a kiss.

Walking away she turned to him. "Don't be too long, I have a surprise for you."

He smiled back. "I have one for you too."

He waited till she was gone and he went to his office. There he unlocked one of the drawers and took out his gun and some bullets. Bullets in he sat down and picked up the phone and pushed some numbers.

"Mitch, it's me, Gabriel. I'm good thanks and yes you heard right, I'm married and going to be a father. Listen, I'd like you to come work for me for awhile. I need someone to watch over my wife, discreetly of course. She will not know about this. I'll explain everything when you come tomorrow." He hangs up, putting the gun back in the drawer and locking it.

Mitch was the best bodyguard in the business. A forty-year-old bodybuilder, he was tough and loyal to a fault.

He once worked for Sergio but quit after several weeks due to the fact he couldn't stand the cruelty and abuse he inflicted on others.

Mitch hated Sergio as much as he did and they, in a weird way became friends. It was made known to Gabriel that if he ever needed help, someone he could truly trust he could call him and he'd be right there. Now was that time.

Opening another drawer he took out a small package. It was something he had picked up for Paige earlier when they went shopping and she was in the change room.

He poured a drink, he needed one before going upstairs. She would want to know what the fight about and the woman had this power over him. One look into those beautiful eyes and the way her hands moved up his chest he was putty in her hands.

She had broken down his barriers, made him vulnerable. He hoped he could be the man she thought he was deep down. He wanted to be a better man for her.

Putting down his empty glass headed upstairs, he was curious as to what this surprise was she had for him. Walking into their bedroom he noticed the lights had been dimmed, candles were lit.

His mouth dropped open, his heart began pounding and his dick grew hard when he looked over at the bed.

Forgetting about giving her the gift he set it on the table where he stood. Undoing his tie he walked slowly over, his eyes never leaving hers.