4

Gianna’s POV

The motel was called The Bluebonnet Inn. A single story building with a flickering vacancy sign. Rafael pulled into a space near the far end, away from the other cars and turned off the engine.

"Wait here," he said, then got out before I could argue.

I watched him walk to the office, his tall figure cutting through the dim light. He moved with the kind of confidence that made you look twice like he had never been told no in his life. The clerk behind the desk straightened when he walked in. I could see her fumbling with the keys, her cheeks flushing.

I looked away, my fingers drumming against my thigh. The certificate was still in my purse, the ink barely dry. I was married. To a stranger. A beautiful, mysterious stranger who had kissed me like he was drowning and I was air.

The thought again made my stomach dip because I know there's another step to this. Giving away my virginity in case Don Visconti is a lunatic that wants to be thorough. I cannot leave any stone unturned.

My phone buzzed. I pulled it out and saw a barrage of messages from the group chat.

Maria: WHAT THE HELL GIANNA?

Lucia: did you just leave with that man???

Sofia: the one with the suit????

Chiara: Are you okay? Where are you?

I typed back quickly, my fingers shaking.

Gianna: I'm fine. I'm married.

Maria: WHAT?

Lucia: I'm calling the police.

Gianna: don’t. I'll send proof.

I took a photo of the marriage certificate and sent it to the group. The responses came immediately.

Sofia: you actually did this. omg you’re insane.

Chiara: who is he? what’s his name?

Gianna: Rafael. I don't know his last name yet. We're at a motel.

Lucia: A MOTEL????

Maria: I'm going to kill you.

Gianna: I'll text you tomorrow. Promise.

I shoved the phone back in my purse just as Rafael returned. He was holding a key card and a small paper bag.

"There's a diner next door," he said, unlocking the door to our room. "I got us something to eat."

The room was small but clean. A double bed with a faded quilt, a nightstand with a lamp, a television that looked older than I was. It smelled like lemon cleaner and old carpet.

Rafael set the bag on the small table by the window and pulled out two wrapped sandwiches, a bag of chips and two bottles of water.

"I wasn't sure what you liked," he said almost apologetically. "So I got turkey and swiss. And chips."

I stared at him. I had just married a man I didn't know and he was standing in a motel room, offering me a turkey sandwich like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Thank you," I whispered.

He nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, unwrapping his sandwich. I sat on the other side, leaving a careful distance between us and did the same.

For a few minutes, we ate in silence and the sandwich was surprisingly good. I didn’t realise how hungry I was.

"I was too nervous to eat earlier," I admitted, my mouth half full.

He turned, his dark eyes unreadable. "You should have said something. I would have gotten you something before."

"It's fine. I didn't know you were going to be...nice about it."

"Nice about what?"

"All of it." I gestured vaguely. "I expected...I don't know what I expected."

He set his sandwich down. "What did you expect?"

I shrugged, not meeting his eyes. "I don't know. Someone who signed a paper and then wanted nothing to do with me. Or just something weird."

"I'm not going to leave."

I looked up at him. His expression was serious, his jaw set. He meant it. "I ordered some fruit too. And some martinis. They should be here soon. I thought you might want something to help you relax."

"You ordered martinis? To a motel?"

His lips curved slightly. "They're surprisingly accommodating."

"You're strange," I said in between chuckles.

"I've been told that before."

"No, I mean...you're strange in a good way. You're not what I expected."

"What did you expect?"

I thought about it. "Not sure exactly but definitely not this way. Maybe someone who would use me?”

His expression darkened slightly. "I don't use people."

"I know. That's why you're strange."

We finished our sandwiches in comfortable silence. By the time the martinis and fruit arrived which was delivered by a very confused teenager with a tray, I was feeling almost relaxed. Rafael poured the martinis into the plastic cups the diner had provided and handed one to me.

"To our very short, very strange marriage," he said, raising his cup.

"To escaping," I added.

"I need to change," I said, setting my cup down. "These clothes are...not comfortable."

He nodded. "I'll wait outside."

He stood and walked to the door. I stared after him for a moment then grabbed my bag and changed as quickly as I could into the oversized t-shirt I had stuffed in my purse. It was not exactly lingerie but it was soft and clean and it felt like armor.

I opened the door. Rafael was standing on the walkway, leaning against the railing looking out at the empty parking lot.

"You can come back in now," I told him shyly.

He turned and walked back inside. His eyes swept over me, taking in the t-shirt, bare legs and messy blonde hair. He didn't say anything but something in his expression softened.

"There's something else," he said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box.

I stared at it, my heart pounding. "What is that?"

"A ring."

"I already have a ring." I held up my hand, the cheap silver band he had given me at the courthouse courtesy of the clerk.

"That one is temporary. This one is yours." He opened the box.

The ring inside was gold, with a single diamond that caught the lamplight and scattered it across the room. It looks expensive too.

"When did you get this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"While you were changing. I called the clerk from the courthouse. She knew a jeweler who was willing to open late."

"You called a jeweler at four in the morning? For a ring?"

He shrugged, the gesture surprisingly humble. "My wife can't be walking around looking gorgeous and not have a ring. It's a matter of principle."

I stared at him. "You're insane."

"I've been told that before too."

I held out my hand and he slid the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.

"Thank you. It’s so gorgous.” I breathed watching the diamond glint.

"You're welcome."