Chapter 16
Isabella
Waking up to Ace banging on our door with trouble is not the way I like to wake or start my morning with Gio. Granted, I was in my favorite place, his arms, but I would rather have stayed that way for a little while longer before starting our day.
So now I’m rushing to get dressed to go downstairs with Gio to see my sister and the horses.
Gio loves me in his shirts, and I have a surprise. I love that I can get him all worked up, but I would never leave our room with just his shirt on.
It’s definitely fun toying with him, though. When he talks about punishing me for doing things like this, it makes my body react funny to his words. I like hearing him be possessive of me, but I’m still not sure how I would handle it.
After he fixes the shirt around my waist, we head out. We find Tiny and go our separate ways with one last kiss.
I stand at the entrance of the barn watching Gigi for a couple of minutes. She’s with her favorite horse Midnight Dream. Dusty’s at the other end of the barn watching her too. He never even noticed when I entered, only concentrating on her. She’s completely in her element, in her own little world. I love watching her with Midnight Dream, he lights her up while keeping her mind off of the things that are going on in our lives. She looks happy, young, carefree and innocent just the way I intend on keeping her.
Soon she’ll be living with Gio, and I and life will change again for her. I hate to upset her life again, maybe instead of us move away from the clubhouse and the guys we can take one of the apartment here. I don’t disrupt her life and new routine. I’ll have to talk to Gio about this when I see him later.
I walk over to them quietly. “Mornin’, baby girl.” Midnight Dream nudges my hand with his nose to get my attention. “Mornin’, boy,” I say as he enjoys the attention he’s getting making Gigi giggles. That is the loveliest sound coming from my baby sister.
Gigi and I talk while she brushes him. She wants me if we can ask Gio if he will take us shopping and the salon next week. We just did both last week, but being cooped up here even with luxuries, girls need to get out and have shopping excursion often. I tell her I’ll talk to him about taking us. In the meantime, sister time is what we need. We hang out with the horse for a while. Then decide to take a walk to the pond, but Tiny stops us from exiting the barn.
“Girls, I have to take Bella inside for a few minutes,” he says, and we give him a questioning look. He doesn’t say anymore, and I don’t ask. If I needed to know more, he would tell me. I hug my sister goodbye for now and follow him in. Dusty and Gigi decide to follow us and stop in the kitchen. Tiny takes me to the back of the clubhouse where the guys have their meetings. The room Gio told me I’m not allowed. Why would he bring me here?
“Tiny, what are we doing here? I’m not allowed in there.” I ask him confessed and nervous. “Ace told me to bring you here. It’ll be okay,” he says as I follow him over to the door. He knocks on the door then opens it without waiting for a response. He places his hand on my shoulder and ushers me into the room. All the guys in the room go silent and stare at me making me extremely uncomfortable. Gio jumps up comes straight to me looking concerned and as confused as I am.
Gio looks over at Tiny for answers he doesn’t have. Then he looks me up and down causing my body to shiver from his look. I’m unsure of what’s going on, and it scares me. Gio takes me out of my misery by taking my hand in his reassuring me and comforting me.
Gio takes my hand leading me to his seat and places me on his lap. Everything’s happening so fast. I find out about my brothers and can’t wait to tell Gigi and Jules. Gigi is going to be ecstatic about this news.
Ace yells for everyone to get out, he and Gator stay in the room, but head over to the far corner.
Gio asks Ace to go to our room to grab him a couple of things never taking his eyes off me. He’s watching me intensely like I may run at any second. My body is lighting up from the inside, and I want more of his touch.
Both men leave us alone, and I can’t take my eyes off Gio. The look in his eyes tells me he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
In a matter of minutes, so many things have taken place. Gio and I have come to an understanding about him and us. We don’t choose who we love; love chooses us. Love has selected Gio and me to be together finally, and we can finally spend the rest of our lives together.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, we can attest to that. But be it fate or God’s will or what have you, we came back to each other. I don’t know the reason or even care because we have each other back, and I’m never going to let him leave me. My heart and soul would never be able to survive losing him again.
I finally have my kutte, like Gio’s and we are official in the eyes of his club. Could this day get any better? Maybe, I’m getting ahead of myself. I want to see the good in everything not the bad and I know there’s more bad stuff to come.
Gio’s words about the bastard and I begin to feel a panic attack. I will not survive at his hands again. Either he will kill me, or I will kill myself, and I can’t allow either of those things to happen. I have Gigi to take care of, and she needs me now more than ever. I also won’t let him take Gio away from me either. Never again will I let that bastard have control over me.
Thankfully, Gio and I are on the same page where he is concerned.
Hearing Gio claim me has his and tell me how much he loves me fills my heart and makes my body feel excitement to my core. He makes me feel stronger with him by my side everyday. I’m beginning to feel like my old self, more and more as time goes on.
Gio just asked me to marry him, I can’t believe this is actually happening. I can’t believe by the end of this evening I’m going to be a wife, Mrs. Giovanni Sebastiano Valentino and I’m going to have a husband.
I can’t take my eyes off Gio, seeing the love he has for me shining in his eyes. I can also see he wants this and he’s just scared that he might be pushing me into something I’m not ready for. Well, he’s not pushing me, I’ve wanted this since I was a little girl.
As I sit here listening to his words, I’m reminded of better days. To be specific, a very particular day many years ago. With a special memory of my father and me.
Jules and I had just finished playing dress-up in my mom’s closet. We had to be about eight or nine at the time.
I loved wearing mom’s beautiful white sparkly gown, it reminded me of a wedding dress. I would wear my silver princess tiara that daddy got for me when I was a baby. I paired it with mom’s high heels and prance around their sitting room.
I was pretending that I was getting ready to walk down the aisle at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with daddy to Gio.
Jules would dress up in a baby blue sparkly gown of moms and plays her part as my maid of honor splendidly.
Daddy would always tell me that one day I was going to make a beautiful bride and that day would bittersweet for him.
He would love it because I would be marrying the man of my dreams. Seeing me happy as he walked me down the aisle to him would fill him with happiness.
He would hate it because he would be losing his Princess to another man and that was going to be hard for him. He wouldn’t be the main man in my life anymore. The only man I would depend on to protect me and love me.
Daddy knew how I felt about Gio since I was a little girl. He was aware that Gio was the one for me and would have accepted his claim on me if he wanted me.
He was well aware that when I played in mom’s closet, I was dreaming of Gio.
I was daddy’s little girl, even after Gigi was born. Daddy would make special time for just him and me. Once a month he would take me out for special dinners.
He loved all of us so very much in all different ways.
He and I continued this tradition until the end. My last dinner with him was the week before he...
I wish my daddy were here today for this special day for me, for us.
Gio will never understand my thinking, but I am ready to start our forever together. It doesn’t matter if it is today, tomorrow, next month or even next year. I’m never leaving him, ever. Being tied to him in marriage in Gods eyes is what I’ve dreamt of for years.
I knew the second Jules said his name in my hospital room if he came back in my life I would never let him leave me again. I was willing to fight for him, for us this time. So, getting married today doesn’t scare me one bit, if anything it thrills me that he wants this for us. My dreams are finally coming true.
Albeit, something bad had to happen to bring us back together, but this is the best possible outcome. I have to believe for my sanity that this was God’s plan all along.
Gio needs me to be the strong woman that I know I can be. I am going to be Gio’s strong woman stand beside him, forever.
The guys congratulate us, and then they fill me in on the plan for the rest of the day. Ace informs me that Jules has something special for me in her apartment.
I insisted on holding off the ceremony till five this evening instead of three this afternoon. I’m going to need time to do my hair, makeup and to raid Jules’ closet for a dress.
I also need some time for girl talk with my girls.
We find Tiny in the bar and Gio gives me a kiss one last time as his girlfriend before I meet the girls.
When I arrive at the girl’s apartment, Jules and Gigi attack me to see my ring and my kutte. Apparently, Jules was privy to today’s events and filled in Gigi.
Jules immediately ushers me to the kitchen chair. There is a woman here to do our hair and makeup. Thankfully we had our nails done last week, and they still look good.
As I contemplate how I want my hair, Jules walks into the bedroom and comes out holding a white dress bag. When she opens it, I can’t stop the emotional downpour of tears that fall out of my eyes. Why have I been crying so much lately? I don’t think I’ve ever cried this much in my entire life. I need to be stronger and hold myself together better.
The dress isn’t my dream dress, but it’s pretty close and perfect. She found me a princess tiara like the one my daddy gave me when I was younger to match.
I opt to wear my hair down in loose curls. I want to look like a Princess today since I already feel like one. My makeup will be light and natural being that I don’t usually wear makeup, only for special occasions.
Candace, the hair stylist is fantastic, she’s around my age, and she lives in the area. She started doing hair out of high school and loves it. I like her personality; she fits Jules and me perfectly. Ces would love her too if he were here. I miss my Ces and wish he was here to share this day with me. He’s always been my main man, and I have been his main girl. Now he’s going to have to share me. I hope Gio, and he can get along and share me. I need them both in my life in different ways.
When Candace finishes my hair, Jules insists we hold off on my makeup since it won’t take long. She wants to talk to me while Gigi gets her hair done. We retreat to her bedroom leaving Candace and Gigi in the kitchen.
“Bella, come sit down with me. We need to talk,” she says as we both sit on the bed. “I know this has to be a lot to take in. If it weren't for that manipulating asshole, you wouldn’t be doing this today. You’d be able to wait and have the day you dreamed of having. Like when we were little playing dress-up with your mom's closet,” she pauses a before continuing. “How are you feeling about all this happening so fast?” She gives me an apprehensive look. I get it, she loves me and wants me happy. I love her for all she’s done for me and how protective she is of me. She knows how I feel about Gio and what I dreamt for us.
“Jules, I’m fine. Really! I know this is all going faster than it should, but I want this. I have dreamt of this day and never thought it would be a reality. You of all people know that we’ve talked about this many times. Whether it happens today or next year really doesn’t matter. I have always been his in my heart. I’m beyond happy to make it official today.”
Jules grills me a little more to feel me out on today’s events. Then she pops the big question, then same one that has been on my mind for a few weeks. I haven’t talked about it with her, not even my therapist. I mentioned it to Sam, but only general questions.
“Are you ready to bring your relationship to the next level? You know, to be intimate with him?” She is nervous about this for me, I can see it in her eyes. She doesn’t think I’m ready. Hell, I don’t know if I’m ready, but I won’t know until I try. Gio would never force me, and he’ll take things at my pace. I feel safe, and love and the volcano that’s heating up inside me wants to erupt soon. My panties become soaked around him when he holds me or kisses me. It’s a burning, scorching feeling inside I’ve never experienced before.
“To be completely honest… I’m not sure, but I want to try. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. Things I never thought I would, you know after…” Taking a deep breath and clearing my mind. “His touch makes my body spark and tingle all over. His look sends good shivers through my body from head to toe. When I’m in his arms, I feel warm, safe, loved and at peace.”
I look down at my ring as goose bumps form on my body.
“I know he’s experienced and I don’t want to disappoint him.” I pause again and take another deep breath.
“I know he would never hurt me and make it special. I want him to touch me the way my body craves his touch. Mostly, I want his touch to wash away the bad memory and form new ones that only his touch can elicit.
“I want him to make love to me and make my body desire only his.” Jules is looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have. Gio does mess with my brain and my body. The feelings I’m having around him are all entirely new to me.
“You’ll know when it’s right. If you trust him, allow yourself to open up to him and feel things with him. Let him make new memories with you, make new memories together.” Now, she’s smiling at me like a Cheshire cat, and I have a feeling this conversation is not just about Gio and me. She’s lusting after Ace.
We talk for a while about sex. Reminiscing about the times Ces would tease us about not gettin’ any. Then Gigi comes in, and Jules leaves us to get her makeup done. It's time for a sister to sister, heart to heart talk.
“Baby girl, are you good with all this?” I ask afraid as she sits on the bed next to me. She smiles at me lighting up her eyes. Jules filled her in earlier on our brothers, and she’s in a perfect place.
“I’m good with things. I love Gio, and I get another brother. I do have one question,” she asks shyly as she lowers her eyes to the bed. “Bella, where am I going to live when this is all over?” I see a tear run down her little face and I take her in my arms. “Baby girl, I want you to stay here with Gio and me. If you want to? I don’t want to lose you, but I will respect your decision. If you want to go back home with the guys you can. I’ll miss you like crazy every second of every day, but I’ll understand,” I say hold her tight to me. I don’t want her to leave me, I just need her to be happy.
“I don’t want to leave you. Can we visit our old home on vacations and see the guys.” She’s breaking my heart here. I love her so much, and I want to protect her from this mess that I created. I realize I’ve turned her life upside down and she has no clue why. I have to make this all playout for the best for her. I never want to see my old home or bedroom again, but if she wants me to take her there, then I will with Gio holding my hand.
We continue our conversation as I help her into her dress. When we’re finished, Jules comes in, and Gigi leaves to have her makeup applied.
Jules and I are in the middle of another conversation about the time Ces came to her apartment with a bottle of wine, porn, and three cucumbers. That was the day he taught us how to perform a blow job and the different techniques men like. He said if we had a dildo it would have been easier to learn on, but neither Jules nor I own one. It was a fun lesson, and at the time I never thought I would use them, but now I can’t wait to try them on Gio.
We’re hysterically laughing when there’s a knock at the door. Ace walks in, and I’m sure our faces are bright red from embarrassment. I hope he didn’t hear what we were talking about before he arrives.
He’s here to check on us and give me another gift from Gio. I open the blue velvet square box and see the most spectacular diamond bangle bracelet. My man is spoiling me, and I love it. He touches my heart in places I never know existed.
Ace tells me Gio wants me to wear it today. Jules clasps it on for me, and we shoo him out. It’s time to get my dress on and finish up. He tells us he’ll be back to retrieve us after he gets dressed.
While Jules helps me with my dress, I have to ask about her and Ace. “What’s going on between you and Ace?” I ask, and she blushes trying to hide her face from me.
“I like him, I’m just scared to start anything with him. He too makes me feel things, but unlike you, I’m afraid to act on them.” She looks at me with watery eyes.
“I love you, and I won’t change a thing about being here with you and Gigi. But when all this is over, what happens to me? You have Gigi and Gio to take care of now. Who do I have? Will I stay here or go home? What will I do? I’m in limbo right now. I have no one, and I’m scared and worried all the time. I can’t add my heart to the mix and then have it broken. I know he sleeps with all those whores and it hurts me to see him around them. I can’t invest my heart in him for it to get broken into a million pieces,” she says with tears running down her face.
I take her in my arms and hold her. Today is my day to comfort my girls. I need to be the word of wisdom for them since they have been doing it for me.
I live in the room next to Ace and from what I can tell he hasn’t been with anyone. I would hear something the walls are paper thin in that building.
Right now, I have to handle my involvement in all this mess.
“I’m sorry all this happened because of me,” I say. “You will always have us, Jules. Gigi and I are staying, and I want you to stay too. We had plans, and we can fulfill them here. We’re family, and I don’t want to lose you. The club is our family now too. You may not be claimed by a man, but they see you as one of their own and respect you. Think about it please, you don’t have to decide anything today.” I give her a minute before I hit her with reality.
“And as for Ace don’t push him away, I think you’ve been miss lead. I see the way you two look at each other, follow your heart. Time will only tell what is real and not.
“I know he really likes you, I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you. Take a chance on him and don’t be afraid.
“If it’s meant to be, let it be and be happy. Life is too short, believe me, I lost a decade with my love I can’t get back. You have to live for today.
“Now, wipe those tears away and help me get in my dress.”
She wipes her eyes as she laughs at me ordering her around like old times. It’s a good distraction, for now.
We take my gorgeous dress out of the garment bag, and it’s even more perfect than I initially thought.
It’s a mermaid style wedding dress, strapless sweetheart bodice with an elegance of lace, romantic fit and flare silhouette. The top has a corset closure on the back and a stunning detachable black jeweled belt to accents the high waist to shows off the curves of my body just right. My shoes are white satin 4” heels with jewels on the top.
Jules picked out a simple silk dress for her and Gigi in baby pink. They’re sleeveless with a flared skirt that ends above their knees. The girls have on baby pink ankle strap wedged sandals to match their dresses. They look lovely in them, and the color is one of my favorite.
We finish up with the final touches on my dress. Jules tells me how Ace came to her this morning and told her about what was going on and asked for her help. He said if I accepted, he wanted to make sure I had a special day. So he enlisted her help to make this day special and perfect for me, and she did her thing. She was happy to do it and wanted this for me as much as he did. That was really sweet of him. I really do like Ace a lot, and in some ways, he reminds me of Val.
The girls are all dressed, and I’m finishing up having my makeup applied when Ace walks in. He looks handsome in black jeans, black t-shirt the show off his chiseled chest perfectly under his kutte.
“Wow, you are three of the hottest chicks I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He has all three of us blushing and giggling like school girls.
Jules is hiding her face from him as she bends down to fixes Gigi’s dress and shoes.
Now, that I’m finished I run to check myself out in the full-length mirror in the bedroom. Ace follows me in and shuts the door behind him. When I hear the click of the door I start to shake, but he put his hands up as a show he means no harm. He stays by the door on the other side of the bed.
“I just want to say how sorry I am for the way this all played out,” he says.
“My brother really does love you, always has. It’s the kind of love I’ve never seen two people share before.
“When I met Beast in boot camp a decade ago, that boy was homesick and heartbroken. Over you,” he says making my heart ache. I place my hand over my heart to relieve the pain of feeling Gio hurting over leaving me.
“He was always a reckless sonofabitch and didn’t give a shit about his own life. He did what had to be done, but he never felt a damn thing about it. He never felt a damn thing; he just reacted to them.” He reiterates and takes a couple of cautious steps towards me.
“Then he heard your name after all these years, and I saw him feel for the first time. He felt pain like I’ve never seen in a person feel before. He was destroyed when he heard...” he takes a deep breath. “My brother cried, and he doesn’t cry, none of us do. He felt your pain, and it destroyed him.”
He walks over to me slowly and places one of his hand on my shoulder. I try my hardest to concentrate on my breathing to not crying. He looks in my eyes showing me his honesty.
Then touches my cheek with the back of his other hand and wipes my tears away.
“I’m not telling you this to upset you. I'm telling you this, so you understand the man he’s become over the years. Beast loves you with everything he is, I’ve seen the love he has for you in his eyes.
“Even though this is fast, he wants this. He’s always wanted you just didn’t think he deserved you. Don’t let the way all this came about affect the love you two share. Enjoy this ride and don’t fret about how you got here.”
I can see the sincerity in his eyes, and I understand why he and Gio are close. He cares for Gio and wants to make this right for us. Ace is a real gem in my book.
“Thank you, for telling me all this about him,” I say.
“You have nothing to be sorry about; I don’t care how we got here or how fast this is all happening. I love Gio and have always wanted to be his wife. I will take your advice because this feels right to me. I’m going to enjoy this ride as you said. I believe this is the way it’s supposed to be. I wouldn’t change a thing except…”
I pause and think about that for a second. If that never happened, I wouldn’t have him back in my life. I wouldn’t be this stronger person I’m becoming.
“No, not even that. It brought him back to me and is making me stronger. You’re a good friend, Ace, and I’m glad Gio had you all these years. Thank you for being a good friend and brother to him.”
I lean in a give him a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. I can feel his hesitation at first then he hugs me back. I know he knows what happened to me and he’s always on his guard around me, but never shows me pity. He knows I don’t need his pity or anyone.
“Let’s get you to the altar and hitched, sweetheart,” he says.
“By the way, you’re going to shock the shit out of my brother when he sees you. You look stunnin’ in that dress. I’ve never seen a more dazzlin’ bride.” He winks at me.
I smile and blush nodding my head. Before leaving the room, I have to stop him grabbing his wrist for a second then drop it.
“Ace, can I ask you something before we go out there, please?” He nods, and I move forward to get this done fast. I have a groom waiting for me.
“Do you have feelings for Jules?” He looks shocked, and I know I am. I can’t believe I said that out loud so abruptly. But I had to ask, though she’s my best friend, and I don’t want her hurt.
“Jules is cool. Why are you asking me this, sweetheart?” he asks giving me a look to not pry. Oh well, I am.
“Look, I’m not going to get in your business, totally. I just have to say my peace here for my best friend.” I wait for him to accept my words. After a few seconds, he finally nods, and I continue.
“What I’m about to tell you, stays in this room, off the record, got it.” He nods again and is watching me cautiously.
“If you don’t have feelings for her, stay away from her. She’s guarding her heart hard and seeing you around those whores hurts her more than she’ll ever admit.”
“She likes you a lot, but she’s scared to open her heart to you entirely in fear you’ll break her. If you care about her at all, please don’t hurt her. She’s been through a great deal because of me, and I don’t think she could handle a broken heart on top of everything. If you have to have ‘your fun,' then have it and leave her be.”
I go to walk to the door to pass him. He grabs my hand gently with his to stop me. I let him and observe him now.
“I like Jules, I would never intentionally hurt her. I didn’t even know I was,” he says sincerely.
“For the record, I haven’t been with anyone since she’s been here. I haven’t wanted anyone. I don’t have an explanation for that, I just have no desire to be with anyone.
“Thanks for setting my ass straight. I’ll fix this, I promise you, sweetheart.” I give him another quick hug and say in his ear, “Thank you.”
I follow him out of the bedroom, and Jules and Gigi give me a distressed look. I smile and wave them off to follow Ace out.
Jules hands me a small pink bouquet of flowers on our way out.
It’s time to see my future husband at the altar! I can’t wait to see him in his kutte. I have butterflies in my belly doing summersaults.
Jules informed me earlier that she asked Gio to pick out a song for me to walk down the aisle to and I can’t wait to hear what he picked. Being that I will be walking by myself, I hope it’s not too mushy.
When we walk into the hallway off the kitchen, the girls and I position ourselves and wait. Before Ace leaves us, he nods to Tiny then comes to stand in front of me.
“Sweetheart, are you going to be okay walking by yourself? I could walk you down if you want?” Ace asks me, and it touches my heart the way he has come to care for me like a sister. He’s as protect as Gio when it comes to us girls.
Since I’ve been here, all the brothers have been great. Ace has become one of the closest to me, lately. He hangs out with Gio, Jules and me a lot. He’s always concerned about me and is considerate of my feelings.
Gio tells me all the time how Ace asks about me and how I’m doing or if there’s anything he can do to help he will.
He and Blaze even accompany us to all of my counseling appointments and waits for us with no complaints.
Ace is a great guy, and Jules would be lucky to be with him. He just needs to get his shit together first.
“I appreciate that, but this is something I have to do myself.
“Now, get your ass in there so I can marry the love of my life.” We all laugh and Ace nods his head to me before leaving us.
A minute later the music starts and Tiny waves the girls into the room. Gigi is first then Jules as I get ready for my cue.
I’m surprised I’m not nervous, I’m just anxious to see my soon-to-be-husband and become Mrs. Giovanni ‘Beast’ Valentino.
Tiny waves me over to the doors, and I hear the beginning notes of ‘Feels Like Home’ by Edwina Hayes playing. I want to cry, but I hold my tears back this time.
This song for us perfectly, and I love it. He picked out the most appropriate song for me to walk down the aisle to him.
With all eyes are on me, I take in the room, it’s packed full of people. Then my eyes dart directly to Gio’s and our eyes connect just like magnets.
He looks so handsome standing up there in his black jeans, a tight white dress shirt that shows off his sexy muscular chest spectacularly under his kutte.
He’s waiting for me under a beautifully decorated arch alter.
My man’s smile is gleaming, and the look in his eyes says he likes what he sees. Jules picked out a gorgeous dress, and he loves it on me. Most of all the look in his eyes tells me he loves me.
I make way up the aisles stepping under the arch next to him. He takes one of my hand in his. We can’t take our eyes off each other as the Reverend speaks.
I still can’t believe this is all happening and it fills my heart with joy. It’s like a thousand flower are blossoming at once inside my heart.
My smile feels like my face is going to split in two and I can’t stop it.
I see Aunt Cindy out of the corner of my eye in the front row next to Gator. I’m so glad someone called her to be here with us. Her smile is so big it’s lighting up the room. Gio gets his smile from her.
The Reverend tells Gio it’s time to say his vows. He takes a deep breath then starts.
“Bella, the day you were born and I held you in my arms; you become a part of me. I felt protective of you from that day on. As you grew up, I felt connected to you even more in a way I was too young to understand. Watching you grow up and become a beautiful young lady and then one day I realized what that connection was. It was love, our souls connected. I thought I would never be able to have you. So like a coward I run away from you and my home. I thought I made peace with my decision to live my life without you. I tried to forget you and how I felt by letting you live your life.
“Then I heard your name after a decade and everything I promised myself went out the window. When I saw you for the first time after all these years and the beautiful women you’ve become, something changes in me. I felt whole for the first time in a long time. I was finally home when I held you in my arms that night, and I knew I’d never let you go. When I looked in your eyes, I saw me, us and our future together.
“I want to have a family with you and experience new things together.
“You are my Princess, you are the stronger person I have ever known. You have the biggest heart, and love unconditionally. Your love has healed me and made me a better man.
“Today in front of God and our family, I promise to protect you, cherish you, and be true to only you. I will be by your side, and be your strength. I will love only you for all the days of my life.”
I can’t hold back my tears any longer and let them out like a water fall. He has no idea what his words mean to me and have done to repair the part of my soul that was torn apart.
I knew he always loved me, but hearing him speak from his heart this way melts mine. He truly is a great man and an honorable one than most.
It’s my turn to speak, and I need to take a few deep breaths first. Gio whips my tears tenderly with his thumbs, and I control them and my emotions so I can say what I need to.
When Jules told me I had to write my vows, I knew just what I wanted to say to him.
It takes me a few more seconds to compose myself.
“Gio, I’ve loved you since I was a little girl. I felt a connection to you then that I too didn’t understand.
“The day you left me broke my heart, and you took a piece of me with you. I never thought I would get it back or ever truly be happy again. That day I vowed that if I couldn’t have you, then no man would take your place.”
I stay connected to him through our eyes. I take a couple of deep breaths to rein in my emotions before continuing.
“Then after all these years, you came back for me. You saved me, rescued me when I needed you the most.
“I was broke inside, but in your arms, I felt safe and at peace. I was whole again for the first time since you first left me.
“You are my strength, and your love is healing me everyday. Your arms are my home and my safe heaven.
“My heart and soul have always been bonded to yours and will be forever.
“You are my Prince and the best man I have ever known with a heart of gold.
“I want a family with you and to experience new things with only you.
“Today in front of God and our family, I promise to stand by your side, cherish you, to be true to only you and always support you.
“Ti amo per sempre, amore mio,” I say the last part through tears as Gio take my words into his heart. The look on his face is of pure love and adoration. He takes one of his hands and wipes my tears away again.
The Reverend says it’s time for the rings and I begin to panic. I never thought about getting him a ring.
Gio winks at me before turning to Ace. Ace hands him a couple of rings. Then Gio turns back to me and placed a ring in my right hand and takes my left in his.
“I, Giovanni ‘Beast’, give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and faithfulness to only you. Today, tomorrow, and until my last breath,” Gio says as he slides a beautiful diamond channel set band on my finger that matches my engagement ring.
I take his hand in mine, placing the ring at the tip of his ring finger.
“I, Isabella Marie, give you this ring as a symbol of my undying love and faithfulness to only you. Today, tomorrow, and until my last breath,” I say sliding his ring on his finger with shaky fingers.
“You may now, kiss your bride,” the Reverend says, and Gio picks me up in his arms and kisses me before the Reverend finishes speaking.
His kiss is the best most tender, passionate kiss he has ever given me.
The room erupts in whistles and cheers.
“I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni ‘Beast’ Valentino,” the Reverend says as Gio places me back on my feet and leads me out with everyone is still cheering for us.
Ace takes Jules’ hand and follows us with Gigi and Blaze behind them.
Before going out back where the guys have set up the food, Gio leads me to the media room and closes the door behind us.
I don’t get a chance to ask why we’re in here because Gio leans me against the door taking me by surprise kisses me hard. I moan into his mouth and get lost in our kiss as our tongues battle for dominance in a war of passion, love, and desire.
He’s never kissed me this way with such a hungry desire. I love it and need more, so much more. I’m so aroused one touch to my skin and I could cum.
My hands are going wild on his chest under his kutte. His hands are wild too with one in my hair and the other squeezing my hip.
He brakes the kiss, and we’re both panting trying to catch our breaths. I stare in his eyes and melt into his arms.
“Princess, you look breathtaking. This dress looks stunning on you.” He takes a shaky breath.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you back in my life. But I will thank the Gods everyday. I love you, baby.” I smile up at him.
“Oh, Gio, I’m truly the lucky one.
“You look so handsome. I love you so much, to the moon and back, Amore mio.” I place a soft kiss on his lips.
“You’re really good with all this, aren’t you?” He makes me want to laugh, but I won’t.
“I’m more than good with all this, Gio. I’ve dreamt about this since I was a little girl.
“I know you feel like we have been forced into this, well I guess that’s true but...
“A wise man recently told me, ‘Enjoy this ride and don’t fret about how you got here.’ That’s what I want us to do.” He gives me his best smile.
“A wise man you say huh. Let me guess, Ace is this wise man.” He laughs, and I nod.
“Well then, let’s enjoy this ride shall we, Princess. We have some papers to sign and then you owe your husband a dance.” He takes my hand leading me out the room.