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)
Carlo pours me another drink, and while I take a sip of the whiskey, my thoughts turn to Gabriella.
I haven’t been home the past week, and I’d give anything to ease some of the tension by sinking deep into her sweet pussy.
Suddenly, Emilio rushes into the lounge, and it draws my attention back to work.
Chapter 25
Gabriella
With my lips parted, I watch as bag after bag of clothes is carried into the foyer.
Holy crap.
“Did we really order so much?” I ask.
“I added a couple of items I thought you might like,” Mrs. Accardi says.
Caro Dio.
“Should I take the clothes to your suite, Miss di Bella?” Martha asks. “Or do you want me to wash them first?”
“They’ve already been dry cleaned,” Savannah, Mrs. Accardi’s personal shopper, informs us. “My team can pack the clothes in your closet. Just show them the way.”
Martha leads the team up the stairs, and all I can do is shake my head.
“Damiano is going to lose his shit when he sees how many clothes I got,” I whisper under my breath.
“No, he won’t,” Aunt Aida says. “As his fiancée, you always have to look your best.”
Still.
My thoughts turn to Damiano, who hasn’t been home in over a week.
“I’ll be right back,” I say before I head up the stairs.
Walking into my bedroom, I hear the staff work in the closet. I grab my phone and quickly leave so I don’t interrupt them.
I head to Damiano’s suite, and when I shut the door behind me, I type out a text.
Thank you for the clothes. I hope you’re getting some rest.
I hesitate before I press send.
I watch as it shows he’s read the text, then realizing he might not have my number, I quickly send another message.
It’s Gabriella.
He reads it, but it shows he goes offline again.
I worry my bottom lip before I decide to send a final text.
Keep safe.
He comes online, and when it shows he’s typing, the corners of my mouth lift.
When the message appears on my phone, my smile grows.
Dress warm.
My fingers fly over the keypad.
I will. I miss you.
His reply comes quickly.
Miss you too.
I stare at the messages for a while before I let out a sigh. Wishing he was here, I glance around his bedroom.
I open the door, and heading back downstairs, I find Aunt Aida, Mrs. Accardi, and Savannah in the sitting room.
“There you are,” Mrs. Accardi says when her eyes land on me. “Savannah brought photos of wedding dresses.”
“Wedding dresses?” I ask as I take a seat.
“Have you forgotten you’re getting married?” Aunt Aida asks with a playful tone.
“No…ahh…I didn’t.”
Savannah hands me a heavy book and a pad of sticky notes. “Just mark the ones you like, and I’ll bring them next week for you to try on.”
I open the book, and when I see the first wedding dress that’s a cloud of white chiffon, I’m hit with a wave of emotion.
I’m planning my wedding.
To Damiano.
I page through all the photos before I start over, picking my favorites.
When I look at a photo of an off-the-shoulder, satin dress with long sleeves, I pause for a while. There’s a slit that comes up very high, and a train of satin makes the model look like royalty.
“Which one are you staring at?” Mrs. Accardi asks.
Savannah gets up and peeks over my shoulder. “Oh, that one will look stunning on you. It’s our winter wonderland theme.”
Mrs. Accardi climbs to her, and I turn the book so she can see the dress.
“It’s gorgeous, cara.” Her eyes jump from the photo to me. “Do you want this one?”
I begin to nod before I’ve even made up my mind, then let out a chuckle. “Yes. I love the design.”
“It’s an off-the-shoulder satin dress with a high slit, Aunt Aida,” I say so she’ll know what it looks like.
“You’re going to show some leg on your big day?” she teases me.
“Definitely,” I laugh before I stare at the dress again.
Yes, this is the one. I’ll look like a queen.
I hand the book back to Savannah and say, “Only bring this dress. I don’t think I’ll change my mind.”
“Okay. Let’s take your measurements quickly.”
I stand up, and while Savannah moves around me, Mrs. Accardi says, “I’ve arranged for a wedding planner. He’ll be here tomorrow at ten.”
I give her a soft smile. “Thank you. I wouldn’t know where to start to plan the wedding.” Remembering what Damiano said, I mention, “Damiano is only inviting fourteen people.”
“Angelo and Torri. Franco and Samantha. Renzo and Skylar,” Aunt Aida names some of the guests. “Dario and whoever he’s dating. That makes eight.”
“Me and you. Carlo,” Mrs. Accardi adds. “Who are the other three?”
“Gerardo, Emilio, and Vito,” Aunt Aida answers. “Unless they won’t attend, and it’s your parents and brother?”
“No!” The word explodes from me. Clearing my throat, I say with finality in my tone, “They won’t be at my wedding.”