Chapter 77: Inappropriate Thoughts

\[Grant’s POV\]

I watch Gianna, taking in her expression as she tries to make sense of what exactly it is that I’m trying to say to her.

It was clear that she was having trouble with it, but I didn’t expect any less.

In the short period of time that I had gotten to get to know her, it was becoming increasingly clear just how independent she was. However, it was that independence that made me want to spoil her even more.

“Don’t think too hard about it,” I sigh. “Come on, let’s get you to that shoot.”

“Alright,” she nods and I don’t miss the relief that flashes in her eyes.

Chuckling, I pull out my phone and quickly send a text to the personal driver I had set up here.

Once I’m finished, I wrap an arm around Gianna’s waist and to my surprise she doesn’t try to pull away.

“What?” She asks when I give her a look. “We’re married, right?”

“We are,” I agree. “But I figured that you would still want to keep your distance.”

“Well,” she mutters and I see a bit of annoyance on her face. “You’ve basically announced our relationship to the world and now that we are married I will have to put on the perfect act of being your bride, correct?”

“That is correct,” I confirm. “But right now it is just you and me.”

“Might as well adjust,” she shrugs. “Or are you a masochist who enjoys being rejected?”

“Not at all,” I growl, pulling her closer to me. “I only enjoy inflicting pain if my partner enjoys it.”

“What?” Gianna gasps, but before I can answer, our ride appears.

“Let’s go,” I tell her, giving a gentle tug and leading her to the car that is waiting and once we are inside, I reach out and take her hand in mine and when she doesn’t try to pull away, I feel a bit of relief.

Later, I stand on the edge of the beach, watching as Gianna poses for a flashing camera.

She looks lovely standing there dressed in a flowy white dress that is sheer enough to show her figure beneath, but not see through enough to show everything.

She stands where waves gently rush across the stand with the sunsetting behind her, illuminating her silhouette perfectly.

Beautiful.

That is the only thing I can think as I watch her and when I take in her smooth, flat stomach, I find myself wondering just how much more beautiful she will look when she starts to show.

I’m certain she will look radiant with her stomach rounded, showing the proof of the life that we created together, and to my surprise, I realize that I actually look forward to it.

“That’s a wrap!” Cecile, the photographer, calls, snapping me out of my daze. “You did amazing.”

“Thank you for your praise.” Gianna smiles and then she shifts her gaze to me and I realize that she is waiting for me to compliment her too.

‘Good job.’ I mouth and when she smiles, I feel my heart squeeze.

Shit.

It seemed like she had already enchanted me, but how could she not?

Her strength, her beauty, her independence, and the slight vulnerability she showed while we were buried in sheets, left me in awe, and I would make her fully mine one way or another.

“How did I do?” The woman in question asks, bounding up to me. “The wind kept blowing my hair in my face.”

“Beautiful, crazy hair and all.” I chuckle and she swats at me.

“Be serious,” she huffs, her lips twitching into an adorable pout. “This is a big ad campaign.”

“You did great,” I assure her. “No one else would have been able to pull off these outfits like you.”

“Really?” Gianna asks, her eyes lighting up. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course.”

I smile as I take in just how happy hearing that she did well makes Gianna and I can’t help but wonder where her need for acceptance came from.

I knew that it wasn’t her mother, at least, I couldn’t fathom her being like that given how much love she showed, but maybe that was all a facade?

What about her nonexistent father? Or…

My eyes widen as an unpleasant thought hits me, but before I can think too hard on it a loud rumble startles not only me, but even Gianna.

“Oh!” She gasps, eyes widening. “I…that…”

“Come on,” I laugh, rustling her hair. “Let’s go get you fed.”

“Okay,” Gianna murmurs.

“Anything in particular that you are wanting?”

Growing quiet, I wait while Gianna considers and when a look of sorrow flashes in her eyes, I can almost guess what she is thinking.

“I’ll buy you all the sushi you can stomach once you have given birth.” I assure her. “For now, let’s try your second favorite.”

“Italian,” Gianna announces and I’m not too surprised. I mean, I knew that she was part Italian on her father’s side. Anthony told me that much when he was telling me about his new wife and her daughter.

“Why am I not surprised?” I say, reaching out and taking her hand. “I wonder if our child will be partial to it too.”

“Who knows,” Gianna shrugs. “I guess we will have to wait and see.”

Nodding, we start to move, heading toward the car that is waiting and when we arrive, I wait for Gianna to climb inside.

“Oh, wait!” She gasps and I frown.

“What’s wrong?”

“I forgot to change!” Gianna hisses. “I should go and change real quick.”

“No,” I tell her, stopping her before she can scurry away. “Keep the dress on, it will fit perfectly where we are going.”

“But isn’t that stealing?”

“Not at all.” I chuckle. “Actually, there’s something that I haven’t told you yet.”

“Haven’t told me,” Gianna repeats, raising a brow. “And what exactly is that?”

For a moment, I don’t speak as I find myself wondering how she will feel when I reveal just who this new fashion brand belonged to.

“Grant,” Gianna huffs and I feel a tingle of excitement over how my name sounds on her tongue and I can’t help but wonder how it will sound when she moans it. “Hello?”

“Sorry,” I smirk, pulling her against me so that I can bring my mouth close to her ear. “I just enjoyed the way you said my name a little too much.”