War for Love: A New Battle Rages

CH 18: Radio Silence

**Gia's POV**

The few days Jeremiah and I were in Italy, we didn't hear anything from my family. Even after we returned home more than a month ago, they have yet to reach out. It's been completely quiet from their end. After a while, I attempted to contact my mother on several occasions, but she was never available to take my call. My father wouldn't open my emails either. Even though I did nothing to accept this treatment for them, except finally stand up for myself, it didn't hurt any less. Jeremiah has been trying to make me feel better about the whole situation, promising they will come around, but he doesn't know how heartless they can be. Once you're cast out, they're done with you.

I don't know what pains me more. The fact that they could disown me so easily, or the fact that I realized they weren't much of a family to begin with. They could be cruel, cold, and distant. Nothing pleased them. I could be on my best behavior, doing everything they demanded, but it was never enough. I was never enough. To be here, it is so completely different, and every single day I spend with them, I feel like this was always meant to be my family. My home. What I once thought would be my prison, truly became my sanctuary.

Jeremiah has been busy with work again, and sadly Alessandra and Vevy have been handling some other important family business as well, her arranged marriage I presume. Though my passion is in my art, I do have a degree in accounting and finance with a double major in business. I could be some use to them, and maybe I should let them know I want to be more involved. I have been trying to extend this honeymoon phase with Jeremiah, but I should be contributing instead of lounging around the house, or being babysat when my husband is busy. I need to start acting like I am part of this family.

"Good afternoon, Gia." Joel, the eldest, nods his head at me and gives me a kind smile. He reaches inside the fridge and grabs himself a bottle of water, turning towards me and leaning agaist the counter. "Something on your mind? You look perplexed."

Maybe talking to Joel wouldn't be such a bad idea. He is the head of the family after all. "I was actually wondering if maybe I should be contributing more. Maybe having a role in the family businesses."

"Oh?" He raised his eyebrows in surprise. Or was it suspicion? "What did you have in mind?" He looked down at his water. Something about his demeanor towards this conversation felt off, but I chose to ignore it for now.

I began to tell him my qualifications, and where I studied. It started to feel more like a job interview than me talking to my brother-in-law. Joel even started to ask more questions, and even gave me a few scenarios to solve dealing with financial discrepancies. He seemed genuinely surprised the way I carried myself and went instantly into business mode. But there was still something in his expression that told me he didn't trust me just yet. I don't understand why he wouldn't. He was so pleased in the beginning with Jeremiah and I's marriage.

"I'll go over your file again and talk to the family. I am sure we can find you a place somewhere that can put your skills to good use." Joel smiled softly as he left the kitchen, promising to call a meeting sooner rather than later.

The rest of the day I spent trying to paint. I wanted to get something on canvas, maybe update my porfolio for the art institute tours I rescheduled for next week, but I couldn't find any inspiration. My mind was jumbled, unable to focus. I was worried about my disconnection from my family, missing my husband from him working so much, and nervous with the 'job interview' I had with Joel. So much going on at once, and I couldn't see a picture in my mind to try and create it. I couldn't feel my passion in my veins when I picked up my paint brush.

I began to feel frustrated with myself. Like my emotions were starting to build and spin out of control. I sit on the balcony, taking deep breaths with my hand over my chest trying to calm myself, but I can feel a wave growing inside of me, but I'm not ready for the crash. The bedroom door opened, and in walked Jeremiah, his eyes immediately searching for me. His exhausted smile quickly faded as he strided toward me, concern etched in his brows.

"Baby, what's wrong?" He knelt in front of me. "Breathe, shh, just breathe. Slow. With me." He coached me through breathing, helping my nervous system calm. "In. Out. There you go. Again. In. Out." His strong hands, wiped away the stray tears that fell. I could see how concerned he was for me, but behind that concern was rage. His protective instincts just below the surface. "Can you tell me what happened?"

After a few more deep breaths, I was able to calm down enough to speak. My voice still shaky and unsure. "I don't know. I just felt too much all at once. I got overwhelmed with everything and I couldn't stop it from taking over me." I have had anxiety attacks before, but they haven't happened in years. "Maybe I should find a doctor here in New York. I used to have a prescription in times of stress."

"Are you stressed, my love? What do you need?" His hands caressed my arms, sending warmth throughout my body.

I started to focus on his lips. The plumpness of them, the cupids bow that sat so perfectly, and my body started to respond. "You." I whispered. Leaning down to connect my mouth to his in a heated kiss. "I need you."

My body was hungry for him, my heart exploding with love and physical need. I have never felt this needy over a man before. But then again, I was inexperienced before Jeremiah, and I would hardly compare my husband to a mere man. He was so much more. "I don't know what's gotten into you," he smiled against my lips. "But I'll never get enough of you."

Jeremiah stood, picking me up in his arms as if I weighed nothing. His hands gripped my ass, his fingers digging into my skin in a deliciously rough way, like he was barely keeping control. But f**k did I love it when he lost control with me. Lost control inside of me. As soon as my back landed on our bed, we were racing to get each other's clothes off. The sounds of clothes tearing and buttoms ricocheting off walls made me giggle. It seemed as time was going far too slow and we both needed each other in this primal way immediately.

My God of a husband stood at the edge of the bed in all his naked glory. He spread my legs apart, pulled my hips to his, and thrust into me roughly. Giving me his full length without a second to catch my breath. A deep grunt vibrated in his throat, sending chills all down my body, my moan exciting him further as I felt him twitch inside of me. Jeremiah's deep brown eyes softened, looking at me. I knew what he wanted, what he needed from me.

"I love you." I whispered, resting my hands on his, and rubbing up his forearms. He thrusted into me again, deeper but slower. His movements rough and demanding, but his eyes so loving and soft. I was high on him. "I'm only yours." He slid out of me slowly, thrusting into me quickly, hitting something deep inside of me. "I only want you. I only need you." I can tell his grip on his control was fading. His need to claim me, to feel me was consuming him. I loved it. I wanted it. "My heart is yours. Forever."

"Fuuuck." He groaned, blanketing his body atop of mine. His hands gripped my shoulders pulling me down to meet every thrust. "I love you, Gia. I never thought I could be this crazy about a woman, but I know your heart was made for me. I was always meant to find you. I live for you, baby." His words sent warmth into my heart, and tears in my eyes. I couldn't get enough of him. I wanted his deeper, harder. faster. "f**k, baby, forever will never be long enough."

Jeremiah leaned down and kissed me so passionately. The combination of everything was so intoxicating. His demanding thrust, the loving words, a deep kiss making me breathless. I couldn't stop the tears from pouring out of my eyes, my heart feeling like it was going to explode. I'm so in love.