The Beginning (The Life 1)

“Are you mad about something?”

“Who me? No, why?” I slowed my steps when I realized I really was dragging her along behind me.

“You’re squeezing my hand.” Is that laughter in her voice I hear?

“Did you have a good time?” I ignored her statement but loosened my grip on her palm.

“It was amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to the opera. Mom used to take me to see the Nutcracker; that’s the only play I’ve ever seen before.”

She filled me in on all the aspects of the play she enjoyed while I just took her in. I’ve never seen her this animated, and for those few minutes, there was no wrecked home life, no negligent father in either of our thoughts. The light in her eyes made me wish I could be someone else for her.

I wish I were what she thought, what everyone thinks I am. Someone worthy of having the thoughts towards her that were now flitting around in my head. On the heels of that thought came the realization that one day she’d end up with someone like one of those guys back there. A son of a wealthy family whose only worry or care in the world would be how to make his next million. Not someone who was destined to die young. My gut twisted into knots, and I held her hand tighter.

GABRIEL

The ride home was a testament to my patience and the love I bear my family. As soon as everyone climbed into the limo, the twins went on some kind of campaign. “Ooh, Gia, you were a hit. The guys couldn’t stop asking about you. I got you their num…bers. Give them to you later.” Anna changed her tune after I gave her a death glare.

Thank heavens the conversation changed to something less annoying, and I was able to keep my cool until we reached the mansion. “For heaven’s sake, Gabe unhand the girl.” Rosa tried to get in between us once inside, but I thwarted her. “I’ll see you and your sister after I get Gianna settled.”

“Uh, okay.” So damn obvious. Now I think it’s those two who forgot that I taught them everything they know.

I walked Gianna upstairs to the guestroom, and she was dragging. Not used to late nights, I guess. “You tired?”

“No, I’m too excited to sleep. You?”

“I’m fine. Why don’t you get ready for bed? I’ll stay until you fall asleep.” Yeah, because I’m not giving my sisters a chance to give you those numbers. I figured I’d stay in her room until she went to sleep then go have a chat with the twins.

Someone had ironed and placed her new pajamas on the bed after turning it down as I’d instructed before we left. She looked flummoxed as she picked up the yellow silk. “Did you want something to drink before bed? I can have them make you hot chocolate.”

“No, I’ve had too much to eat. Water is fine.” She looked at the crystal pitcher on the night table before escaping to the bathroom to get changed.

I loosened my tie and a couple of buttons of my shirt before pulling an armchair from its place in the corner and moving it closer to the bed. I hadn’t planned on invading her space, but the night’s events didn’t leave me any choice. If I left it to the twins, they’d have dragged her to their room to gab about the night and those insipid boys they like to play with.

Granted, I didn’t tell them that boys were not part of the plan for Gianna, but still, they should’ve known. What the hell? I’m making myself nuts. How the hell do I put a stop to whatever it is they’re up to when I don’t really have a good enough reason to? If they get so much as a whiff of my newfound jealousy, they will make Lance look like a damn amateur in the shit-talking department.

I looked at my watch as I heard her moving around in the other room. She’d turned off the shower a good ten minutes ago. “Stop hiding behind that door and get in here before you catch cold.” The silk pajamas I bought her had cap sleeves, and the bottoms were shorts; she’d left the matching robe on the bed. “I’ll close my eyes until you get under the covers.” She creaked the door open a bit and crept out on her toes. So cute.

She threw herself under the covers and got settled. “Can I open them now?”

“If you’d like.” I opened my eyes and looked directly into hers. She’d cleaned the guck from her face and tied her hair up in some crazy knot on top of her head that was sexy as hell. I cleared my throat and looked at a spot above her head. Not even last night when she slept in my arms was I this affected.