Public Marriage, Private Secrets

by Helen Bianchin

  A soft groan in protest whispered from her throat as he trailed his lips to her navel, dipping his tongue into the indentation and leisurely circling it before moving low over her taut belly.

  Her fingers dug into the sheets as he reached the soft vee guarding entrance to her feminine core, and her hips arched instinctively as he sought the sensitive clitoris, stroking it until she begged him to ease the pulsing ache deep within.

  Except he was far from done, and she tossed her head from side to side as the pressure built to an unbearable crescendo… Then he sent her high in a shattering orgasm…again and again…until her body trembled beneath his touch.

  It was then he trailed a tantalising slow path to her mouth, covering it with his own as he eased his length into the moist passage, inch by inch, felt the tightness as her muscles convulsed around him…and with one powerful thrust he surged in to the hilt, waited there, then withdrew, only to increase the pace until electrifying passion became all-consuming.

  Incandescent, unleashed and incredibly primitive.

  More, so much more than it was believed possible…a true meshing of body, mind and soul.

  Only with Raúl for her there could be no other, and she thanked the deity for recognising that fact.

  Her arms instinctively tightened their hold, and Raúl lifted his head, his eyes dark and slumbrous in the aftermath of passion, only to have them sharpen measurably.

  ‘I hurt you? Dios…’

  Gianna stilled anything further he might have uttered by pressing light fingers to his mouth as she offered a shaky smile. ‘No.’

  He brushed his knuckles gently down her cheek. ‘What is it, querida? Tell me.’

  Honesty…there could only be honesty between them now. ‘The folly of almost losing you,’ she said quietly, and felt the well of tears build behind her eyes. ‘If it hadn’t have been for Teresa’s illness…’ She faltered to a halt as words failed her.

  It was just reaction, she qualified. Emotional overload. Except there seemed no power on earth that could prevent the spill of warm liquid tracing slow tracks down each cheek.

  He uttered a heartfelt groan as he soothed each rivulet with gentle lips and held her close. ‘Don’t.’

  Gianna offered a damp smile as she met his darkened eyes. ‘You’re my world. Everything,’ she vowed quietly. ‘With out you, I merely exist.’

  Raúl covered her mouth with his own in an exquisitely gentle kiss that tore at her heartstrings. ‘You imagine it’s any different for me?’ He traced her soft slightly swollen lower lip. ‘You, querida, only you. Always, from the beginning. Never just sex. Lovemaking. My body…yours, uniting in something so powerful, so incredibly beautiful…unique.’

  He took possession of her mouth, savoured the silky inner tissue, then retreated to gently nibble her upper lip. ‘Believe, mi mujer, you are the very air I breathe. Mi vida. My life.’

  It was well into the night before Raúl rose from the bed and ran a bath, then he returned and scooped Gianna into his arms and carried her through to the en suite bathroom.

  Steam and foam aromatic with lightly scented essence filled the air, and he brushed his lips to her temple as he stepped into the capacious tub and settled her down between his thighs.

  ‘Mmm, nice.’ It was so good to lean back against him, close her eyes, and enjoy his ministrations as he used a sponge and began spreading scented foam across the top of her shoulders. From there he slid to her breasts, each peak still tender from his touch, then down over her belly to the intimate folds at the apex of her thighs…so acutely sensitive from his possession.

  She felt his lips caress the edge of her neck simultaneously with his erotic exploration as he sought her swollen clitoris, stroking it with a feather-light touch. Heat spiralled through her body, and she arched against his palmed hand, seeking the solace he offered.

  The aftermath of lovemaking filled her with a piercing sweetness…seductive, intensely sensuous, bewitching, she decided dreamily.

  ‘I can almost hear you thinking.’ His voice was husky, close to her ear.

  Three years lost. Although she’d achieved much during that time. Dealt with her grief, grown as a person, developed the skill to view life…her life…from a different perspective

  In one easy move Raúl turned her to face him, and he cupped her face and tilted it so their eyes met.

  ‘No more shadows,’ he said gently. ‘We have the rest of our lives. Together we’ll deal with whatever the years may hold.’

  Amen, Gianna accorded silently as he lowered his head and laid his mouth over her own in a tender, evocative kiss that stirred her senses and made her ache for more.

  ‘Bed, I think.’ He released the bath plug and stood to his feet, then pulled her upright and wrapped a towel like a sarong beneath her arms before filching another, which he hitched at his waist. He brushed teasing fingers along the edge of her jaw. ‘This time to sleep, hmm?’

  It was heaven to slip naked between the sheets and to have him pull her close in against his body and splay one hand over her stomach while the other cupped her breast.

  The emotional pain which had clouded her life was gone, along with the doubts and indecision. Almost as if he knew, she felt his arms tighten and the light touch of his lips against the curve of her shoulder.

  In years to come their three-year separation would count for nought—just a misplaced stitch in the fabric of their life. A slight imperfection as a reminder that nothing was ever perfect. A good marriage had trust as its foundation, faith and love…always love.

  For a wistful moment she almost wanted to start over with a joyous celebration, clear of the lingering insecurities she’d harboured at their wedding.

  ‘Want to share?’

  How did he do that? It was dark, and she hadn’t moved.

  His soft chuckle curled round her heartstrings. ‘Your heart just began beating a little faster.’

  It was a spur-of-the-moment idea, but one that grew with every passing second. ‘I need to think it through.’

  A reaffirmation of their vows.

  Held in the grounds of Teresa’s villa.

  An intimate gathering with just a few close friends to share the simple ceremony, followed by a celebratory dinner. It could be the one gift Teresa would treasure for the remainder of her life.

  Simple wasn’t going to happen, Gianna realised, as Teresa had embraced the idea with such enthusiasm no one…not even the nurse…had the heart to rein her in.

  A new gown must be selected, a guest list assembled, and flowers… What did Gianna think of white roses for her bouquet?

  Vast floral displays must grace the foyer, and exquisite hand-crafted lace was presented for approval to grace the bridal table—or did Gianna prefer the finest linen?

  It was a delight to witness Teresa’s pleasure as selections were made, decisions reached, a date settled. Invitations were printed and delivered by hand.

  A few close friends became forty in the blink of an eye, and Teresa’s smile, her light bubbly laugh, represented a loving memory that would remain with Gianna for the rest of her life.

  The Velez-Saldaña name ensured every detail was accorded perfection. Teresa didn’t need to step outside the villa for anything everyone came to her.

  With one exception…Gianna’s gown must be personally designed and fitted by the vendeuse of Teresa’s choice. Style patterns, photographs, material swatches were despatched for approval, selections made and examined and discussed…until they discovered the ideal combination.

  Consequently the villa became host to a whirl of activity…exhilarating, exciting, with Teresa in her element as everything began taking shape.

  Alerting Ben with the news had brought expressed brotherly concern.

  ‘Are you sure about this?’

  There were no lingering doubts, not even one. ‘Absolutely.’

  ‘You’ve thought it through? The permanent move to Madrid? Giving up everything you have back home?’

  ‘Y
es.’ There was no hesitation in her voice. ‘Be happy for me, Ben.’

  ‘My caution stems from seeing you brokenhearted and emotionally bereft after leaving Raúl three years ago. And knowing what it took for you to overcome it.’

  ‘I’ve been able to prove Sierra invented a tissue of lies about the hotel incident three years ago,’ she revealed quietly. ‘If I’d taken the time to employ a thorough check, and not reacted with my heart instead of my head, if I’d trusted Raúl’s word…’ She’d left the rest unsaid, and registered her brother’s empathetic response.

  ‘In that case, I couldn’t be more pleased for you,’ Ben assured her gently.

  ‘Thank you.’

  They’d talked for a while, catching up on mutual news before ending the call.

  Next, there was Bellissima and Annaliese…whose initial reaction was, ‘You’re joking.’

  ‘No. I’m perfectly serious.’

  ‘You’re remarrying your husband, you’ll live in Spain, and you’re offering me permanent management, with an increase in salary and a percentage of the profits?’

  ‘You got it.’

  ‘Wow.’

  ‘Is that a yes?’ Gianna teased, and heard a whoop by way of response.

  ‘Yes.’

  Next on the list… ‘I don’t suppose you’d be interested in leasing a furnished apartment at Main Beach?’

  There was silence. ‘Your apartment?’

  ‘That’s the one.’

  ‘I’m dreaming. This is just one of those out there dreams, isn’t it? Any minute I’m going to wake up. OK, I’ll play. How much rent would you be asking?’

  ‘How much are you paying where you are?’

  Annaliese named a figure, and Gianna adjusted it. ‘Do you think you can manage that?’

  ‘Yes!’

  ‘Then we have a deal. I’ll instruct my lawyer to draw up the paperwork, you check it with your lawyer, sign it, and courier it back to me.’

  ‘Would you mind very much if I call you back and confirm this is real?’

  ‘Do it. You have my cellphone number.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  Gianna cut the call, then glanced up as Raúl entered the bedroom following his shower. ‘Done?’

  ‘Annaliese is ringing back.’

  At that moment her cellphone pealed and she picked up, chuckled a little at the husky uncertainty in Annaliese’s voice before she reiterated the details. ‘I’ll e-mail you within the hour to confirm.’

  ‘You won’t regret this,’ Annaliese vowed fervently. ‘I’m unbelievably grateful. Did I already tell you this?’

  Only three times. ‘I’m also grateful it’s going to be such a smooth transition.’

  Following a few pleasantries, she ended the call, and rolled her shoulders

  ‘Tired?’

  She turned towards him. ‘A little. It’s been an exciting day.’

  ‘Then let me see if I can ease some of the pressure, hmm?’

  The warmth of his smile almost undid her, and she uttered a pleasurable sigh as he rested his hands on her shoulders and began to massage out the kinks, the stiffness.

  It was late, and tomorrow would bring more of the same, with last-minute dress-fittings, various checks, helping Teresa field phone calls confirming guests’ acceptances, a final consultation re the menu.

  Somewhere in amongst all that Gianna needed Miguel to drive her to the elite jeweller in downtown Palma to collect the ring she intended to gift Raúl.

  His hands felt so good, and she let her head drop forward as he eased the silk robe from her shoulders, then removed her sleep tank and slipped his hands beneath the elasticised waist of her cotton sleep trousers.

  ‘This is easing pressure?’

  ‘Admiring your body.’

  ‘With your hands?’

  ‘Initially,’ he promised huskily, as he teased her lips with his own.

  It was nice…better than nice. She closed her eyes and breathed him in, loving the way he shaped her body, lingering with erotic intent at each pleasure pulse. Sighed when he drew her down onto the bed and began trailing his lips to each breast in turn, savouring each taut peak before tracing a path to her waist, then low to gift her the most intimate kiss of all…lingering as he sought the sensitive folds and felt her response, the quickened breathing, the faint groan as she began to soar, and the cry when she reached her climax.

  Afterwards she lay there, sated and complete. ‘What about you?’ she managed huskily, and saw his smile. ‘Another time, amante,’ he said gently as he gathered her close. ‘Now you need to sleep.’

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  THE day the reaffirmation of vows was to be held involved a flurry of activity which began to subside around mid-afternoon, as everything came together beautifully beneath Teresa’s direction.

  The floral arrangements were a majestic attestation to skilled artistry, their placements superb in the large room Teresa had chosen to hold the ceremony. Chairs were meticulously lined in rows facing a table covered in white linen.

  The catering firm duly arrived and were soon busy in the kitchen, while Elena, Teresa and Gianna made a final check of the formal dining room, where tables bore floral centerpieces and were set with exquisite crystal, bone china and silver flatware.

  ‘It looks beautiful,’ Gianna complimented as she gave Teresa a warm hug. ‘Thank you.’

  ‘My pleasure.’ Teresa cradled her face, then pressed her lips gently to each of Gianna’s cheeks in turn. ‘Now, go upstairs and get ready.’

  Her suite held her bridal gown, encased in its protective dress-bag, with stilettos placed precisely in readiness, while exquisite new underwear reposed on the bed.

  A slim velvet jeweller’s case was in clear sight, and she crossed the room and opened it with cautious fingers.

  A stunning sapphire surrounded by diamonds on a delicate gold chain rested on a bed of white silk, and beside it were matching sapphire and diamond ear-studs.

  The set Raúl had bid an astronomical amount for at the charity auction.

  There was a card, and she picked it up with trembling fingers.

  For my beautiful wife. All my love. Raúl.

  Tears welled in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly to dispel them. She couldn’t, wouldn’t cry.

  Shower, make-up, hair, then dress, she bade herself silently, and set about achieving all four before slipping her feet into the elegant ivory stilettos.

  The gown was perfection, in ivory silk and lace crafted to enhance her slender curves, with three-quarter sleeves, a delicately scooped neckline.

  With care she attached the ear-studs, fastened the pendant…then she did a final close check of her make-up and added the lightest touch of blusher.

  Time to go She took a deep breath, soothed the faint onset of nerves, then collected the bouquet of tightly bunched white roses and walked to the head of the curved staircase to join Raúl at its base.

  He stood tall and magnificently male, his muscular frame attired in a formal dark suit, crisp white shirt and silk tie.

  The look on his face was something she’d hold fast in her heart for as long as she lived. Love, naked in all its facets. For her. Only her.

  For a moment it seemed as if he rendered her boneless, then she offered a shaky smile, placed a hand on the balustrade and began to descend.

  Teresa waited to one side, her features alive with happiness as Raúl took the stairs and met Gianna halfway, then caught hold of her hand and brought it to his lips.

  Eyes as dark as sin captured and held her own. ‘Beautiful,’ he complimented huskily.

  Everything faded into the periphery of her vision…the magnificent foyer, Teresa, everything.

  There was only Raúl…the heart and essence of the man who would remain a constant throughout their life together…the electrifying knowledge that he was the other half of her soul…and that nothing, no one, would have the power to destroy what they shared.

  ‘Thank you.’ Quiet words that conveyed
more, so much more than polite acknowledgement.

  His mouth curved into a smile that transformed his features, and held her transfixed for several heart-stopping seconds as he sought her mouth with his own in a gentle evocative kiss that lingered a little too long…and left her with a delicious breathlessness she fought to control.

  He trailed his lips over her cheek to hover at her ear. ‘Ready to do this?’

  Gianna had never been more sure of anything in her life. ‘Yes.’

  Raúl reached for her hand and threaded his fingers through her own as they descended the remaining stairs to the foyer, where Teresa came forward to embrace them both.

  ‘Bless you,’ Teresa said quietly, and blinked rapidly to dispel the threat of tears.

  Raúl curved an arm around his mother’s waist, and together the three of them crossed the foyer to the lounge, where a few close friends had gathered in the presence of a priest.

  The formal reaffirmation took place—solemn words delivered with meaningful intent—after which Raúl spoke his personal vows, his eyes never leaving Gianna’s own.

  Heartfelt words which brought the shimmer of tears as she struggled to contain her composure.

  Time stood still and it seemed as if they were the only two people in the room, with everything coalescing into this single moment.

  There were words she’d rehearsed in her mind, except they weren’t the ones she uttered. Instead, she said what was in her heart…imprinted on her soul.

  ‘I gift you my love,’ she vowed quietly. ‘Everything, for as long as I live…and beyond.’

  Her eyes dilated as Raúl cradled her face between both hands and kissed her with such incredible gentleness every that nerve-end deep within burst into vibrant life.

  It seemed an age before he released her, and she stood feeling faintly bemused as a few of the guests clapped their approval and broke into delighted laughter.

  The priest’s eyes twinkled as he blessed the rings, and Gianna’s lips parted as Raúl slid a ring studded with diamonds onto her finger, followed it with a magnificent solitaire. Then he removed a ring from his suit pocket and slid it onto a finger on her right hand.