Chapter 8

The day of the wedding she and Gabriel were the only two in the chapel, besides the Priest. It went quick, ending with putting the bands on.

Pronounced man and wife he only kissed her cheek. He showed no joy, no warmth, just a hint of annoyance on his part. Having said her goodbyes to the ones who were still speaking to her they headed to the airport, the bodyguard was made to sit up front in the car.

For that she was grateful, Gabriel knew she was uncomfortable around him and promised that once they got to Italy he would let him go and hire someone else. The way he had tried to go up between her legs still made her sick thinking about it and would be glad when he was gone.

She could not contain her excitement when they got on the plane and was seated in first class. It was so different from the others.

"Wow, these seats are so big and comfortable, like sitting on a cloud," she said, giving Gabriel a smile. She was looking out the window when the stewardess came over and offered them a glass of champagne.

"The lady will have some no-alcohol punch," he told her.

"Are you going to be working on that laptop all the way to Italy?" she asked when he opened it.

"Yes." Was his only reply.

"Tell me about Italy, about your home."

Sighing he turned to face her.

"I'm busy right now so why don't you walk around and check things out. Through that curtain, you'll find that they've set out some appetizers. Help yourself to whatever you want," he said and went back to work.

Knowing there was no way he was going to indulge her she got up and went to where he had pointed. Seeing all that was offered she took a plate and filled it with fruit and on impulse placed four miniature cream puffs along with the rest.

Going back she sat next to Gabriel who paid her no attention. The fruit was finished, only the cream puffs remained. Popping one in her mouth she closed her eyes and moaned.

"These are so delicious, they melt in your mouth." She looked at him. "You have to try one of these," she said, holding the plate up towards him.

"No thanks," he said, not looking at her.

Picking one up she held it to his mouth.

"Just try one."

Something told him if he didn't take it she would keep on pestering him. "Alright, just one."

She popped it into his mouth. A tiny spot of cream landed on his lip and she wiped it off with her finger, followed by a giggle.

"Maybe I should have left it there just to embarrass you."

"Or maybe you should have licked it off with your tongue." He chuckled when he saw how she blushed.

"Now who's the one embarrassed?" Getting no response he went back to his laptop. "Play games with me and it will backfire on you," he said with a chuckle.

Settling back she closed her eyes, sleep soon took her away to dreamland.

Glancing over at her she was asleep so he signaled for the stewardess and told her to bring them a blanket. He paced it over her and placing his hand on her cheek stroked it gently, she looked like an angel. He then went back to work until his eyes and fingers started to ache, so closing the laptop he closed his eyes. He might have been asleep for an hour when he felt something on his chest.

Opening his eyes he looked down and found her arm was draped over him, her head leaning against his shoulder. Placing his hand on top of her hand he moved it up her arm. Her skin was so soft, almost silky like. He thought back to the night he made love to her, the rest of her felt just as soft and a stirring of desire overcame him.

When she woke up, feeling his hand touching her she lifted her head and stared into his eyes. Eyes that showed a tiny bit of warmth instead of the coldness that was usually there. Or maybe it was lust, she was so inexperienced she couldn't be sure. She was his wife and was willing to give herself to him in any way he wished.

Her pulse started racing when he moved his hand up her arm, over her shoulders, and along her neck before touching her lips. His thumb traced her lips and she thought for sure he was going to kiss her. Disappointment hit her like a ton of bricks when he removed his hand and letting go of her sat back down in his seat.

Bottom lip tucked under her teeth she turned to stare out the window. A terrible thought crossed her mind, what if he never planned to touch her the way he had that first night they were together?

Was she to be one of those who would be a wife in name only and he only wanted the baby?

Would he take mistresses on the side?

No, she would not share with him another woman, she would make sure he'd have no need for one.

The plane finally landed and she draped her arm through his as he walked her out and into the limo waiting for them.

"Does this limo belong to you?" she asked, settling into the comfort of the seat.

"It is, but I normally drive myself so if you ever need to go anywhere it is at your disposal."

Rolling down the window on her side she sticks her head out, loving the cool breeze on her face. She took in the sights, people strolling slowly along the streets, children playing. Only having read about Italy, seen movies she knew she was going to love living here.

"Paige put your head back in, you are not a dog," Gabriel snapped. She was young and naive in the way one of wealth should behave, he would have to teach her.

Like a child, she sat back and crossed her arms.

"I'm just excited to be here and wanted to see everything." She looks at him and pouted. "You live here and have seen it all, you're so lucky. I hope you will show me around."

"If I have time," he answered.

"What is your home like?"

"You'll see when we get there."

"Oh God," she sighed loudly. "You're so frustrating, why can't you just tell me what I want to know instead of saying the same thing, I'll see."

A small smile curled up on one side of his mouth and he pointed out the window.

"See for yourself, there is my home."

Turning her head she let out a gasp when she saw what would be her home. She was in awe, it was so big, marble statues out front. She had seen pictures in books but nothing compared to this.

"I bet you have a pool out back," she said turning to him.

"As a matter of fact I do, and an indoor gym and much more." He got out and held his hand for her to take. "I will show you to our room where you can freshen up."

They were greeted by a butler who carried the bags as he led the way to the master bedroom. After asking if he could get them anything and was told no he left them alone.

Paige went and looked around. Her eyes widened when she saw the bathroom, it was huge and had everything you could want. There was a balcony overlooking the pool, with a specular view. Looking at the bed she suddenly became nervous, not sure if she could follow her pursuit to be his wife in every way.

He watched in amusement as she fluttered around, checking out the bathroom, the walk-in closets and then she stopped, her eyes going to the bed.

From where he stood he could see the way her face turned red. Going over stands behind her, his arms going around her waist as he nuzzled her neck, his lips grazing her skin.

"The bed is very comfortable, shall we try it out?" Of course, he was teasing her but she didn't know that and smiled inwardly when she pulled away from his embrace.

She cleared her throat. "I want to go and look around, will you show me?"

"I have calls to make, one is to set up a doctor's appointment for you. You go ahead and explore to your heart's content."

"OK," she said and left the room. There were several other bedrooms and downstairs she found it had two living rooms. A library, a den which she figured was also his office. In one room was a beautiful piano.

The dining room was huge, and then she found the kitchen. When she entered it the butler who greeted them and a woman who she assumed was the cook stood up, standing at attention.

"Mrs. Maestri, is there something you wish?"

She was grateful that they spoke to her in English. "No thank you, and please relax, there's no need to be formal around me. I was just looking around but now that I'm here may I have a glass of milk?"

"Yes Mam," the woman whose name she found out was Martha, the butler was Erin.

Finishing her milk she thanked them and left to check the outside. There were a large pool and a hot tub surrounded by the most amazing garden she ever could imagine.

As it dawned on her what her life was now going to be like she became overwhelmed and feeling dizzy had to sit down. Coming from a poor background and living in a small two bedroom apartment with three others she wasn't sure if she would ever get used to this new lifestyle.

She hadn't thought about Gabriel's friends and family, what would they think of her? surely they wouldn't approve of a poor orphan girl.

"Paige, you've been gone for so long I thought you had gotten lost," Gabriel said, sitting down beside her. "You look more pale than usual, are you not well?"

"I'm OK, just a little tired and a bit hungry. You have a beautiful home here."

"It is our home now, so you must think of it as such. Come," he says, taking her hand and pulling her up. "Let's go eat dinner and then you can rest. I've informed the cook never to serve shellfish so she has prepared a lamb stew."

His hand was warm and firm as he walked with her inside. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until the delicious smell of the food made her stomach growl.

Buttering her homemade roll she dipped it into the gravy, looking at him she saw he was watching her. Maybe he didn't approve of her doing this so she smiled at him, handing him part of her dinner roll.

"Try it, it's good this way, go on," she said, coaching him.

"Not bad," he said after taking a bite. Still, with his eyes on her, he thought she was in many ways so childlike, yet she had the body of a goddess and a face of an angel. "I have arranged for my limo to take you to see the doctor tomorrow, around noon.

"She looked up at him. "Aren't you going with me?"

"I see no need to do that."

"It's your baby I'm carrying and I won't go with that bodyguard of yours."

"You don't have to worry about him, he has been dismissed."

"I don't speak the language, how am I to understand the doctor?"

He thought about it for a minute.

"You do have a point, I will go with you." He wiped his mouth and stood after the meal was completed. "I have work to do, you should get ready for bed." He turned and walked out.

When she went to gather up the dirty dishes the cook hurried over, taking them from her.

"No Mrs. Maestri, it is my job."

"I like to help," she answered.

"Please Mrs. Maestri, you must not or your husband will be very angry with me."

Paige saw the fear in the older woman's eyes and wondered just how cruel Gabriel was to instill so much fear in someone.

Giving the woman the plates bid her goodnight and went up to her bedroom. She was dying to take a warm bath in the enormous tub with some bubbles of course.