Chapter 27 - Anna
The sound of the door handle turning jolts me awake, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. My hand instinctively reaches for the gun tucked beneath the cushion, but I freeze as I recognize the broad shoulders and familiar silhouette.
"Gabriel," I breathe out, relief flooding through me even as I try to wake up. "You're okay."
He kicks the door shut behind him and walks over to me.
“Please pack your things," he say as he stands over me. His eyes flicker to the bedroom and then back to me. "I'll wait."
I sit up slowly, trying to regain some semblance of control over my mind as I wake up and fully process what’s happening.
"Pack my things?" I ask. "Am I not coming back here?"
He shakes his head. "No."
"I, um, okay," I say, rubbing my face.
Gabriel turns and heads to the bar to sit. I use this time to slide the gun out from under the cushion and slip it behind my back.
I stand and walk to the bedroom, keeping my back turned away from him. I’m sure it looks awkward, but it beats him seeing it.
I enter the room, grab my purse, and, looking back to make sure he’s out of sight, shove the gun inside and bury it under my makeup and wallet.
Gabriel clears his throat, and I turn to see him standing in the doorway.
"Two things, Bella," he says, staring at me with his darkened eyes. "One, you're done with Luca. You’re going to be staying with me now, and that includes coming to my home for full-time protection. And two, anything and everything that Luca gave you stays here."
I’m stunned.
Hundreds of questions run through my mind. Where is Luca? How did this happen? What did Gabriel do? Why is this happening now?
"Well, that would just be my purse. I mean, honestly, it's all from him. Even these clothes," I say, motioning up and down to my outfit.
A burst of air shoots out of his nostrils. "Stay here," he says and leaves.
"Wait," I say, following him out of the room. "When will you be—"
The door shuts, and he’s gone.
Shit.
I walk slowly back into the bathroom, splash some cold water on my face, brush my teeth, and tie my hair back, leaving a few loose strands down the sides of my face. Just as I finish, I hear the door open again, and Gabriel enters the room with a bag.
"You can wear these," he says, placing the bag on the bed right next to my purse.
"What is this?" I ask, walking over to inspect the bag.
"Clothes from the shop downstairs," he says.
I open the bag and see the same yoga pants and a white shirt I’m wearing. I pull out the pants and hold them up.
"These are the same ones I have on," I say.
"No, they're not. I bought those," he says and walks over to me, slides his fingers into the side of my waistband, and pulls my pants down. "He bought these."
Gabriel's command stirs a heat deep within me. Without breaking eye contact with him, I slip out of the yoga pants.
Gabriel watches me closely as I step into the new pair, and I can feel his gaze on my body like a physical touch.
"The shirt, too," he says.
"Okay, are you just trying to get a view?" I ask, trying to lighten the mood.
He smiles, and I can see him relax a bit. "With you, always."
I take the shirt out and change into it, and when I’m finished, he nods and motions for me to follow him.
"What about Luca?" I ask, my voice steady despite my nerves.
"Nothing else here?" he asks, ignoring my question.
I grab my purse and shake my head. "No, I don’t think so."
"I will replace anything you need if you forget something. Just check for anything sentimental."
Hmm, that's nice of him to think that way.
"Just you," I say, smiling.
We make our way out of the hotel room, and I look back one final time to take it all in. I don’t know why, but I do.
As we walk down the hallway, Gabriel's hand rests on the small of my back, guiding me forward. I can feel the weight of the gun in my purse as if it’s an anchor I’m dragging with me, despite its efforts to pull me back.
We enter the elevator, and as we descend, I ask again. "What about Luca?"
He spins around quickly and comes in close next to me, his frame towering over me.
"From this moment forward, you are never to ask about or mention his name ever again. Your only concern will be the new life we’ll have moving forward," he says, brushing the strands of hair out of my face. "You're mine, Sofia. I'll protect and provide for you from now on."
His intensity startles me, and I nod, unable to form words. The elevator dings, and the doors open. Gabriel takes my hand, leading me through the lobby and out to his car. He opens the door for me, gently guides me into my seat, and shuts the door.
His scent in his car overtakes me and flusters me at the same time. My mouth becomes dry, and as he slides into the driver’s seat, I lick my lips to moisten my mouth.
The car starts with a rumble.
"I'm taking you home, Bella."