CHAPTER 31 #2
After handing over my keys to the valet, a doorman held open the door for us and I escorted Gabriela inside, my hand skimming down her back until it rested at the small of it.
My possessive gesture didn’t go unheeded by my date.
I wanted everyone within a ten-foot radius to know she belonged to me. Just as I belonged to her.
Gabriela didn’t mind my caveman tactics. The playful wink, coupled with her small smirk, was proof enough. She liked my territorial side as much as I liked hers.
Upon entering, a number of people greeted us.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Morgan Huxley and Tom Prescott.
The former glared at Gabriela. I gritted my teeth.
My girlfriend, thankfully, remained unbothered.
My teammate, finally noticing his date’s improper behaviour, turned his head in our direction with confusion to inspect what had her undivided attention.
Tom’s family, similar to mine, also rubbed shoulders with the affluent individuals present here tonight.
Therefore, I often saw him at events like these.
But we seldom conversed off the field and I wasn’t about to engage in small talk now.
Tom smiled at me and I gave him a nod of acknowledgement, albeit glacé in nature, and turned to Gabriela.
“What would you like to drink?” I asked.
“Champagne, please.”
My nostrils flared at her teasing expression. Indubitably, I would never forget how much my girl enjoyed champagne.
I snagged a flute from a waiter walking around the foyer and handed it to her with a kiss on the cheek. “How does it feel?”
“How does what feel?” she returned, daintily sipping her drink.
I curved a finger around the shell of her ear, pausing to touch the long diamond earring adorning her lobe. “To once again be the most beautiful woman in the room.”
The grin that broke over her face reminded me of the first rays of light touching the dark sky when the sun broke over the horizon. “I’ll never get tired of hearing you call me beautiful.”
“Good. I’ll never get tired of saying it.” I kissed her bare shoulder. “Let’s go find our seats, hm?”
The minute we entered the banquet hall, I recognized a few of my dad’s old entourage.
The Warren family remained a name on the guest list every year, for we were generous with our donations and my dad had once conducted business with more than half of the people present in this venue.
Gabriela and I paused to shake hands and speak with some of my dad’s friends.
They reminisced over past anecdotes that speared a flurry of nostalgia—any mention of Kyle Warren did—and asked about my studies, my football season, and the stunning redhead hanging on my arm.
Gabriela was a natural, charming the men and stroking their egos. They, in turn, told me that I was a lucky bastard to have scored such a smart girl.
I wasn’t even going to deny it.
My goddess of victory was a million-dollar vision to behold in that green dress that wrapped around her tight little body like a clingy lover, her silky hair waterfalling down her back, and all those jewels—especially that impressive snake necklace—glinting under the light of the massive chandeliers above us.
My mouth watered. What I wouldn’t give to taste her right now.
I wanted to drive us back home so I could tie her to my headboard and fuck her thoroughly, all night long, the way we both desperately needed.
But that would have to wait. This wasn’t just a formal date, but a glimpse into my world. I wanted Gabriela to see this facet of my life so she knew what to expect moving forward. Sometimes, I had to attend these events, and I would like her to come with me whenever possible.
There wasn’t a single doubt in my mind that Gabriela would seamlessly fit into this part of my world.
We ate a three-course meal, we mingled with our friends present tonight—Cade, Ella, Darla, and Dacia—and now we reached the auction portion of the evening.
My palm coasted over Gabriela’s thighs, wishing her dress had a slit so I could touch her bare skin…
and feel the heat between her legs. I bet I could make her come in a room full of people with a few brushes of my fingers and some dirty words hushed in her ear.
My little exhibitionist would enjoy the hell out of that.
But I supposed that wouldn’t be very cultured of us, considering our friends were seated at the same table.
Gabriela broke away from her conversation with Darla, sensing I needed her attention. “What is it, Hunt?”
“When the auction begins, I want you to tell me what you want,” I said. “I’m going to get it for you.”
A sibilating inhale whistled through her parted mouth. “Really?”
“Anything, doll.” I punctuated my statement with a peck to her lips.
My sassy neighbour smiled excitedly. “Okay.”
Then her eyes trekked over something beyond my shoulder and the happiness drained out of her demeanour.
I followed her line of sight.
My jaw clenched.
Franco.
Her ex-boyfriend.
He wore the standard waiters’ uniform, planted behind the empty bar. His own expression was slightly dumbfounded and uncomfortable. Like he’d been watching me and Gabriela interact for quite some time now and didn’t like what he saw.
My neck bore a visible red lipstick stain from when she’d kissed me earlier.
Even from far away, I could tell he zeroed in on the mark and hated it.
Good.
Fucking prick. I wanted to go over there and punch him into oblivion.
Hurt him for how he hurt my Gabriela with his disgusting words, a shaft of trauma I knew she still carried.
And though a physical altercation wouldn’t eradicate the past, it would give me satisfaction to see his nose bloody and broken.
Had we been in a secluded spot, far from the prying eyes of the public, I would have done it. Last week, I meant it when I told her I wanted to teach him a goddamned lesson.
Gabriela snapped her face away from Franco, dismissing him like he was shit at the bottom of her six-inch stilettos. Unworthy of even being seen by her. Insignificant like a dust mote floating in the air.
I was proud of her and showed it by draping my arm around her shoulders and kissing the side of her head. She closed her eyes on an exhale, leaning into me.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yes. He doesn’t matter and he can’t hurt me anymore. I have you now.”
My chest swelled with pride at her progress. She was healing. “You’ll always have me, Gabby.”
The last week was gruelling in terms of studies and football. But despite the multiple stressors, it had been one of my best ones yet.
Because I finally had Gabriela. She was mine in every way that mattered.
Heidi and my mom were stoked that we were dating now.
They were eager to meet Gabriela and I promised them I’d arrange a time for us to have lunch or dinner.
I just wanted to run the idea by my girlfriend first. Not because I thought she’d be spooked out that we were moving too fast, but as a courtesy.
I was confident in her feelings for me.
I may have fallen for her first, but it was clear she was falling for me too.
“I adore you,” she murmured our three-word confession.
Heart racing, I murmured back, “I adore you too.”
The auction began shortly, yanking our attention to the front stage, where a charismatic woman in a gold dress spoke from the helm of a podium, starting with the usual introductions.
The first item was unveiled and the bidding process ensued. I treasured the exhilaration in Gabriela’s eyes as she watched the scene unfold. When an item she wanted was up for grabs, she whispered in my ear and like a dutiful boyfriend, I outbid everyone in the room.
A wine-tasting tour.
A pair of tickets to an upcoming pop star’s concert.
A signed hockey jersey from one of her favourite players on the Montardor’s Ravens.
And then came an arresting painting, a beautiful rendition of Hero and Leander. It depicted the priestess in her light tower, watching her mortal lover swim to her before tragedy fell upon them. Save for a single R signed at the bottom of the anonymously donated canvas, the artist was unknown.
Gabriela gasped and clasped my wrist, giving me a pleading look. “Hunter, I want it. Please. It’ll mean so much to me.”
I’d have bought it without her even asking me. It was a tangible piece of our history.
The auction started at a mere five thousand dollars. I raised my paddle with my bid.
Gabriela waited with bated breath.
“Five thousand dollars for Mr. Warren,” the auctioneer said in the microphone with an upbeat tone. “Anyone else for—”
“Ten thousand dollars,” Dacia bid out loud, raising her paddle.
I remained calm, upping my bid to, “Fifteen thousand dollars.”
“Twenty-five thousand dollars.” Dacia tried to appear her usual ice princess cool, but I caught the subtle hint of worry in her frame.
Unfortunately for her, I would be taking this piece home. “Fifty thousand dollars.”
The auctioneer’s voice sparked with jubilance. “Wow. Fifty thousand dollars. Does anyone want to top that? Going once, going twice—”
Darla frowned and grabbed her sister’s wrist, speaking to her in a quiet tone. Dacia mumbled back something inaudible. I was ready to up my bid as high as needed, but it was too late. The Hill sisters missed their window and I was declared the recipient of the painting.
“Sold! For fifty thousand dollars to Mr. Warren.”
The little squeal Gabriela emitted filled my insides with pure joy. I grinned as she turned my head towards hers for a series of kisses. “Oh, Hunter.” Kiss. “Thank you.” Kiss. “Thank you.” Kiss. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Gabby. It was my pleasure.”
Gabriela ran her fingers over my stubble in adoration. I knew how much she liked the trimmed beard I sported. “God, you’re so handsome.” She planted kisses all over my jaw. “And sweet. And cute. And I can’t wait to go home and show you my appreciation, bello mio.”
Fuck, I melted at her praise even as I chuckled at her cute aggression. “Is that so?”
“Yeah. We have other plans for tonight, don’t we?”
Like her sitting on my face for starters.
I kissed her again. “Yes, we do, baby.”