All Chapters of Marked By Him: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

GIOVANNI’S POVI surveyed the Grand Palazzo Hotel with a critical eye. The morning sun casted golden light across the building, and even from below I could see the meticulous preparations taking place on the rooftop.Luigi appeared at my elbow almost instantly, slightly out of breath."Mr. De Santis, welcome! Please, come with me.” He grinned. “I want to show you everything we've prepared."We took the private elevator to the reception hall, and when the doors opened, I had to admit that I was impressed.The space had white roses decorating everywhere and crystal chandeliers hung suspended from the ceiling. The chairs were draped in ivory silk, and a white runner stretched down the aisle."I saw the bride earlier," Luigi said. "She's absolutely stunning, Mr. De Santis. Truly breathtaking."A smirk curved my lips. "Thank you, Luigi. You've done exceptional work.""It's my pleasure. Anything for-“"Giovanni!"I turned to see Alessio Delgado striding toward me, flanked by his personal gu

I walked back into the reception venue with Jasmine at my side, feeling more composed than when I’d fled to the bathroom. My eyes immediately scanned the room, searching for Giovanni's imposing figure among the scattered guests.He wasn't there, neither was Enzo."Looking for your husband?" Jasmine asked, her tone was teasing."Just... trying to orient myself," I lied. But the truth was, Giovanni's absence made me nervous. When I could see him, I could anticipate his moves but when he disappeared, anything could happen."They're probably talking business," Jasmine said, as if reading my mind. "The men always slip away during events like this. It drives me crazy, honestly. Enzo promised he'd stay close today."I forced a smile. "I'm sure they'll be back soon.""We'll be right over there if you need us," Jasmine said, gesturing toward a small seating area where a few other guests had gathered. "Don't hesitate to come find me if things get overwhelming again.""Thank you," I said genui

His hands were everywhere, sliding over my skin with a confidence that made me gasp. Giovanni's mouth was hot against my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive spot below my ear and I arched into him."Arya," he groaned, his voice thick with desire. "You feel so-"His body pressed against mine, all hard muscle and heat. Sweat glistened on his chest, and I couldn't stop myself from running my hands over the defined planes of his abdomen, feeling them flex under my touch."Giovanni," I moaned, her head falling back as his lips traveled lower…"Arya."The voice was insistent now, cutting through the haze of the dream."Arya, wake up. We’ve landed!”I jerked awake violently, my eyes flying open to find Giovanni standing beside my seat, looking down at me with an expression I couldn't quite read. Heat flooded my face immediately. Oh God. Had I been making sounds? Had I said his name out loud?"I…" I stammered, unable to meet his eyes. "I was just-I need-“I unbuckled myself with fumbling f

ARYA’S POVI stared at the disaster zone that had once been a pristine Italian kitchen and groaned in frustration.Chocolate was everywhere. Somehow, and I honestly wasn't sure how, I’d managed to get it on the countertops, the stovetop, the cabinet doors, and even a few spots on the ceiling. The marshmallows I’d been attempting to make had turned into a gooey mess that refused to cooperate, clinging to the spoon like cement."This is ridiculous," I muttered, digging through drawers in search of something that might help salvage my midnight snack attempt. "How hard can it be to make chocolate marshmallows? People do this all the time. Children do this."I’d woken up hungry an hour ago, my stomach growling loud enough to echo through the quiet villa. After exploring the kitchen and finding it stocked with enough ingredients to feed an army, I’d decided to try making something comforting. The marshmallows were supposed to be easy. But the internet had lied.I was elbow-deep in a drawe

ARYA’S POVI stood on the back terrace the next morning, my hands gripping the railing as I watched the sun. For just a moment, I allowed myself to forget where I was and why."What are you doing?"I spun around so fast that my foot slipped on the smooth terrace stone. My hands flew out, grasping at air as gravity pulled me backward toward the edge, toward the rocky drop below.Strong hands caught me around the waist, yanking me forward with enough force that I crashed against a solid chest.My legs wrapped around his waist instinctively, clinging to him in alarm, and suddenly I was pressed against Giovanni in a way that made every nerve ending in my body light up.His arms were around me, holding me secure and I could feel his heart beating against mine… or was that my heart? "I've got you," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.This honeymoon thing was a terrible idea. Being this close to him, and feeling his body against mine, it was making me forget why I was supposed to