Page 41 of The Proposal

I’m impressed by the subtle touches of warmth Arabella added to this space. Our room feels peaceful and inviting, a stark contrast to its previous dark-and-moody vibe. Every detail seems designed for calm and comfort, which I welcome, especially after a stressful day.

My greatest joy comes from seeing her satisfaction when she finishes one of her projects. She is slowly making this place our home and seems eager for my praise. Her pretty face lights up whenever she receives it. That constant need she has to please me is undeniably gratifying, but it also tugs at my black heart. Being starved of affection has made her almost greedy for approval … it’s tragic. Her father has a lot to answer for.

I sit on the edge of the mattress and place my flattened palm on the small of her back. “Are you okay? Has something happened?”

Her eyes dart to me, and I don’t miss the slight tremble of her bottom lip before she bites down on it. “Have you spoken to my father since we arrived here?”

My eyebrows pinch together into a frown. “Yes, why?”

“Did Papa mention Lucia at all? I’m desperate to know how she’s doing.”

“Why don’t you call her and find out for yourself?”

“I don’t have a phone.”

She doesn’t? Why did I not know that?

I slide mine out of my pocket, handing it to her. “Use mine.”

She cringes slightly as she stares down at it. “I don’t know how?”

Her words have me rearing back. “You don’t know how to use a phone?”

“Not that type,” she says, nodding to the one in my hand. “I’ve used a landline before … many years ago, but Papa no longer has one of those. He was worried someone would bug it.” That’s the same reason we no longer have one here.

“I’ll get you a phone tomorrow and teach you how to use it.”

Her emerald-coloured eyes widen in surprise. “You will.”

“Of course. It’s important you have one … for safety reasons, if nothing else.”

“Thank you.”

I drag her onto my lap when she leans over to hug me. “I’ll give you your first lesson now. Push that green icon down there … the one with the phone image in the middle. Good girl,” I praise when she does as I ask. “Now click on contacts … see it down at the bottom?”

“This one?”

“Yes. These letters listed down the right side of the screen are in alphabetical order,” I say, pointing with my finger. “Click on R for Rossi. Scroll down with your finger until you find your father’s name in the list.”

“Who’s Rachel, Rebecca, and Roxanne?”

“Just some women from my past.”

She shoves the phone back towards me. “Delete them.”

“What?”

“You heard me. You aremyhusband, so it’s disrespectful to have other women’s numbers in your phone.”

A grin tugs at my lips. “Are you jealous, Arabella?”

When she releases a tiny growl and tries to stand, I slide my hand around her waist and hold her in place. “I’ll delete all of them after you call your father.”

I’m grateful she only saw the R’s. I have countless numbers on my phone, but I’m no longer interested in any of those women. My wife runs rings around them all, so I have no problem seeing them go.

“Fine, but I’m going to sit here and ensure you do it when we are done.”

I turn my face and place a soft kiss on her cheek. “I like this possessive side of you,Bellezza.”

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