I bite back the string of curses I want to mutter. I force myself to stay in my seat instead of lunging at her, pressing her body against mine as I remind her who is in control of this business transaction. If Frederick wasn’t here, I would have done so, but my employees never witness me losing my cool.
No, only Gia has managed to get at my resolve.
If I tell her not to call me by my given name, she’ll use it every chance she gets. I learned that about her quite quickly. Instead, I ignore the comment and let out a sigh, making her think she has the upper hand.
“Lunch will be ready soon. Would you like to join me in the dining room?”
The tension in her shoulders lessens, as does her hold on the edge of my desk. Since I brought her here, she has eaten every meal in her room. If people are going to believe this marriage, I need her to act the part. I should start giving her some freedoms.
“I can leave my room?” she whispers, the lines in her forehead softening.
“You’re free to walk about the estate. You’re not to leave the grounds.” Tio or Lucca will be two steps behind, twenty-four seven.
Gia turns and hurries out of the room. I bite back a smile, as I imagine her running through the halls trying to figure out the quickest way to escape.
“Mr. Parlatore, if I may.” Frederick slides the papers across the desk for me to sign.
I’ve read them a dozen times already, and I trust he hasn’t altered them. Still, a thirteenth time is in order. I flip through the pages and wave my hand, giving him permission to speak.
“I’ve known Father Paul Michael for thirty years. He’s a respected priest. It already goes against his belief to marry you and Miss Parisi without the counseling and meetings. And to marry you outside of the church...if he doesn’t believe you two are in love, I worry he may...” Frederick lets his words trail off.
I’ve been worried about the same thing. No matter how hard I try to get Father Paul Michael on my payroll, the priest won’t cave. His integrity, his faith, is impeccable. It is one of the reasons I demanded he marry Gia and me. His approval will cast away any doubt that our marriage is a sham. It needs to be believable for me to execute my plan.
Ignoring his concern, I sign on the dotted lines and shove the papers back at him. “I’ll see you on Saturday for the marriage. You’ll have our certificate and all the other paperwork necessary, yes?”
“That’s only three days–”
I stand, not letting him finish, and walk out of my office. I don’t need Frederick or anyone else telling me what to do. My eyes are set on the prize.
Gia.
And vengeance.