TWENTY FIVE
" Y our team has really outdone themselves," Mr. Braun complimented. Helena and I stood alongside each other. "This is beyond what I could've possibly envisioned, I should've hired Indigo Events ages ago."
We smiled at each other, but I let Helena take the forefront. I might have been the coordinator, but she was the planner. I was in the back office, but she was front and centre.
My purpose tonight was to make sure everything went according to plan. Catering, the guest list, security, the bar. I'd have float around the vicinity to keep an eye on the nitty gritty.
The dress I wore was shimmery, gold in colour, and off shoulder with a high slit on the left hand side. The material clung to my figure. I straightened my hair, the long, brown tendrils cascading down my back.
My favourite jewellery was anything dainty, minimalist, and gold, and of course, my nails matched my dress with accents of golden hues mixed into the acrylic design.
I involuntarily looked to see if I could spot Nicolas, but I didn't see him yet. Everybody who sauntered into the venue looked absolutely spectacular.
Mr. Braun has been hosting fundraisers every year for different charities, because aside from him being a special agent in charge at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he was also someone who often did community service and participated in different causes each year.
It was admirable, to say the least.
Melissa was off duty tonight but still wanted to attend the event, so I had practically forced her to enjoy herself because this was past her working hours. And knowing her, she’d be at my every beck and call.
Soft jazz music played in the background and I could hear faint chatter as the venue filled up with more people. I grabbed a flute of champagne, slowly sipping on the liquid. I smiled at the people who passed me by, maintaining my professionalism.
The night of the event finally arrived and my anxiety was at an all-time high. There'd be so many people present, which meant it was an easy opportunity for men like Antonio to sneak his way in and hide himself along the crowd.
Not only was it an event hosted by one of the most well-known special agents in charge in New York City, but Gabriella was upcoming in the event space, which was bound to gain traction.
Traction often meant information about her circulating everywhere. I've been on edge ever since I saw those pictures, and it's like each day that passed by, those feelings would worsen.
Freeman was fucking with us. Every single time Kayden discovered his location, he'd automatically pop up elsewhere. He definitely knew we were onto him, and the fact that we couldn't trace his exact location was pissing me off.
His wife had been in the process of filing for a divorce, but apparently encountered some issues with the legal aspect of things. We monitored both his wife and son. Thus far, there weren't any suspicious behaviour from either of them.
I flicked my wrist to check the time, grabbing a flute of champagne when the waitress offered it to me. She smiled at me and I nodded, taking a sip of the liquid. I abhorred champagne, but I wasn't going to drink any hard liquor tonight. It would certainly send my emotions straight to fucking hell.
I glanced around the room, scanning the crowd for the one woman who pervaded my being. A goddess clad in gold weaved through the crowd of people who were filing in.
Gabriella straightened her hair tonight and I immediately noticed how long it was. Fuck, it felt like each time I saw her she became more beautiful than before.
I shoved one hand into the pocket of my black slacks and took slow strides closer to her. She hadn't noticed me yet, but I couldn't seem to take my eyes off her.
I was drawn in like a sailor swimming towards a siren. Finally, our eyes connected from across the room and I could tell she forgot to breathe for a moment.
Then, she smiled at me and God, that look on her face nearly had me clutching my chest. It hurt to look at her right now because that's how ravishing she was.
My pants already felt tighter which was concerning, given the fact that I hadn't even touched her yet. " Mikrí petaloúda . "
"Are you ever going to tell me what that means?" She grinned.
"If you keep looking at me like that, I just might." I placed my empty flute on a nearby table and clasped her hand in mine, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. "You look exquisite, I'm almost tempted to keep you hidden because the way you look right now, nobody else should be seeing you."
"I'm not even going to comment on that, because I'm afraid you might follow through with it." Gabriella's eyes lingered on the top part of my chest that exposed my skin as the first two buttons of my shirt were undone. "You don't look too bad, yourself."
"Yeah?" I caressed her bare arm, making her shiver. "That's all you're going to say? That I don't look too bad?"
"What else would you like me to say?" she asked playfully.
"I'm not one to fish for compliments, but I'd do anything to have you compliment me." Down bad, that's what I was. "God, you're going to be my undoing."
Her eyes sparkled under the fluorescent lighting, putting me into a trancelike state, or perhaps my infatuation for her was just that overpowering.
"You look incredibly handsome, I'm incapable of diverting my gaze," she murmured, moving a little closer. " And you're a distraction. I have to focus on the guests this evening and make sure everything is running smoothly."
I chuckled softly, twirling a few strands of her hair around my index finger. "Can you blame me? How am I supposed to be in the same vicinity as you and keep my distance?"
"We've discussed this before. You really need to work on that self-control," she mocked.
"Trust me. I've got more than enough self-control." I leaned in. "But I'm just a man, after all, and that control seems to diminish whenever I'm around you. "
Gabriella's lips parted, and she was about to respond when an older woman approached us, praising her for the stunning event decor. I gave them some space, but I could see the disappointed look on her face.
Despite that, she quickly regained her composure and smiled politely. I walked towards the bar, spotting Ares in the corner of my eye.
"Well, well, if it isn't lover boy." I gave him a look of boredom, tugging on my suit jacket. "If you looked into her eyes any deeper than you did, I'm afraid you'd drown in them."
"Shut the fuck up, Valiente." My tone was low, I didn't want anyone else to hear me cussing because I knew Gabriella definitely wouldn't approve. "Every time I see you and Kayden, I wonder why I'm still friends with either of you."
"Probably because we're the best friends you've ever had, and not to mention, loyal to a fault."
"Keep that same energy when Amala joins us for a drink." I looked across the room, eyeing Ares' nemesis. He supposedly hated the woman with a passion. It was fun to see him resist the hands of temptation that was so close to strangling him.
He glared at me, clenching his jaw tightly. "You're funny."
"What?" I feigned innocence. "Did I hit below the belt with that one?"
"Wait until I start hitting you below the belt with your love interest," Ares scoffed.
I narrowed my eyes at him, but my gaze drifted towards Amala who was conversing with Gabriella. They laughed and chatted animatedly. I couldn't take my eyes off Gabriella, even if I tried.
"It's okay to blink," Ares said, laughing. "She's not going to disappear." He leaned against the countertop and acted indifferent, but I knew who his eyes were fixated on. "Do you know what I find amusing, though?"
I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. "What?"
"How you were denying the obvious and made it seem like relationships were completely off the table for you."
"Is that right?" I smirked at him. "Would you like to know what amuses me?"
"I feel like I already know what you're going to say, but sure, let me hear it."
"How it's clear as fucking day that you're attracted to Rivera, but you keep trying to fool yourself and everyone around you into thinking that you despise her."
"The term despise is putting it lightly, and I'm not attracted to her, you insolent prick. She's not even my type."
"Yeah?" I laughed, folding my arms across my chest. "Be sure to say that a little louder because she's coming this way." He scoffed again, turning around to order a drink.
"Ladies," I said with a smile, but my eyes were glued to Gabriella.
Amala gave me a side hug and then made eye contact with Ares. I watched the scene unfold, trying to contain my laughter.
They glared at each other, neither of them uttering a single word. I stepped away from the counter, holding my hand out for Gabriella to take.
"Do they always look at each other like that?" she asked softly as I pulled her closer.
"Like what? Like they're about to commit murder?"
She laughed softly, nodding. "Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking."
"They have a history of animosity." I interlocked our fingers. "Would you like something to drink? Vodka, perhaps?" I grinned when she pursed her lips to hide her smile .
"You remember," she murmured.
"I remember a lot of things about you." She held onto my forearm with her free hand. "What you wore at Kehlani's wedding. The length of your hair when we quite literally knocked into each other. Your drink of choice."
She stared into my eyes with those hazel eyes of hers and it was like everything else around ceased to exist. "Are you trying to make me fall for you?"
"I'm just being honest, but is it working?"
"Yes." We were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Of course, the culprit was Ares.
"Do the two of you need a room?" He smiled widely, but Amala managed to wipe that smile off his face in no time.
"If you're feeling lonely just say that, but don't deprive other people of clearly sharing a wholesome moment together."
He grimaced, gripping his glass tightly. "Do you ever stay quiet or must you always fill the air with useless, nonsensical thoughts?"
Before the argument could escalate, I intervened, stepping forward and placing my hand on Ares' shoulder. "I think we need some fresh air, don't you agree?" I asked sternly.
He slowly turned to look at me. "Yeah, I agree."
"I'll be right back for that drink." I smiled at Gabriella to which she reciprocated the action. "Wait for me."
Unfortunately, she didn't wait for me. Gabriella was currently elsewhere, talking to the same man I saw her with outside of her office building. I clenched my jaw, walking closer to her with slow, purposeful steps .
I loosened the buttons of my jacket as I approached them. "Gabriella," I said lowly, and I watched her face fall. "Are you done?"
The man looked at me, but I wasn't paying attention to him. "We were still talking," he said sarcastically.
I turned to look at him and that's when she stepped forward. "I'm done. We're done," she said quickly, but it was too late.
"What the fuck did you just say?" I asked the man. Gabriella's eyes widened and so did his. I could sense his nervousness. My blood boiled at this point and I was itching to punch him in the damn throat.
"I-I'm sorry, man. It was a joke." She grabbed onto my arm, but I easily stepped past her, standing toe to toe with the audacious bastard.
"A joke?" I looked down at him, clenching my fists. "I didn't know we had a comedian in the building tonight." He stammered backwards. "Would it still be a joke if I fucked you up in front of everyone in this vicinity?"
"Nicolas," Gabriella warned. "Please don't do this, not here."
I kept my gaze on him, glaring. I was conflicted, torn between wanting to ensure I didn't upset her, but also tempted to break this man's jaw.
"I'll tell you this once and only once. Stay the fuck away from her. Next time, nobody will save you." He scurried away, walking faster than I've ever seen possible.
"What is wrong with you?" Gabriella whispered. She pulled me to a far corner, away from listening ears. "Why would you behave like that?"
I was tempted to wrap my hand around her throat, but refrained. "This is the second time I've seen you with him, that’s twice too many. Does he think he stands a chance?"
"No, he's just an acquaintance. "
"Oh, just an acquaintance. Is that supposed to reassure me?" She pursed her lips, folding her arms across her chest. "Aside from that, he decided to make a joke with me, as if we're old friends."
She looked away, furrowing her eyebrows, so I grabbed a hold of her chin. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you, Gabriella."
"This is an important event, Nicolas, but you clearly don't care about that. You don't care about me or the people you work with because these are your colleagues."
I squeezed her face with a little more force, making her gasp. "The fact that you'd even insinuate that I don't care about you is really insulting." I stepped closer. "You're so lucky we're in public right now, because if we weren't, I'd bend you over my knee."
She glared at me, her chest heaving slightly. "That fire in your eyes, hold onto it for now because I'm going to extinguish those flames and then feed it again. It'll be an endless cycle for you and I, because I want you to realise that you are mine. Forever."
"You seriously infuriate me. You know just how to get under my skin," she spat.
"That may be the case, but you love it, don't you?" I leaned forward. "Admit it. Say you love it."
She shook her head, making me chuckle darkly. "That's okay, I'll have you repeating it like your personal hymn by the end of the night."