"I bought the villa."
"You did?" It did have some things in it that didn't feel like they would be in a rental property, even one in use by billionaires. "The bedroom. It's done in the colors I told you I loved for a bedroom." The same colors she'd used when decorating her space when she'd gotten to Portland.
"I bought the house five years ago."
"Oh, Carlo." And the man still denied being a romantic. "I love it."
"I am glad. It is yours."
"What? No, it's not."
"I assure you, it is. You signed the deeds with the prenuptial agreement five years ago."
Which didn't say much for how closely she'd read that document back then. She blushed, knowing her father would be appalled if he knew.
She turned and threw her arms around him, kissing him soundly. "Thank you."
"You can thank me like that any time," he promised.
The following days fell into a pattern. After waking to make love, Annette and Carlo did touristy things, then in the evenings they took out the boat that was moored at the house's slip. She was not at all surprised to find out Carlo owned the mini yacht, but was stunned when she read the nameSapphirepainted on the side.
He'd named it for her. Annette remembered how he used to say her eyes glowed like the blue precious stones, and her gut told her his intention had been to play on that connection. Or was that her heart?
Sometimes, Carlo worked while Annette lounged by the pool or read on the terrace. He was always solicitous and kind. Like with the sunglasses, he seemed to just know what Annette needed and make sure she got it.
He treated her like he valued her. He consulted her on how they should spend their days, and he'd even asked her if she wanted to live in the family home in Sicily, or get their own place.
Several generations of his family had lived in the mansion sized villa outside Palermo, but he was willing to buy another home for them, so she would feel comfortable. Annette had told him she had no trouble living with his parents.
AnnettelikedValentina and Alceu. Equally importantly, she knew they liked her. She wouldn't hurt them for the world, and she thought having their oldest son break with tradition and move out would have done so.
Besides, the villa was big enough for Carlo, Annette and their children to have their own wing. Which she said to Carlo.
"Sì. We will have our own space." His expression was odd though.
"What?" she asked.
He looked at her like he didn't understand the question.
"You've got a strange look on your face," she explained.
"I was thinking about having more children with you."
"Good thoughts?" she quipped.
He indicated evidence of his arousal in his trousers with a flick of his masculine hand. "Very good thoughts."
Annette smiled contentedly, pleased that the idea of having more children with her turned him on like that. Which was probably anotherthrowbackreaction on her part, but then so was his visceral response to the idea.
Despite being okay with living in the Sicilian villa with his parents, Annette was glad they were still in New York when she and Carlo returned from the Dalmatian Coast.
She had a chance to settle into her new life without anyone else looking on.
If she didn't count the myriad staff, but like security, live in staff were an inevitable part of the life of wife to a billionaire businessman.
"What does that look mean?" Carlo asked, his hand reaching for her nape.
He was always touching her, and Annette loved it. She'd spent most of her life bereft of touch from loved ones and he seemed intent on making up for those barren years all at once.