Chapter 29 - Anna
Since leaving the Capstone, Gabriel hasn't said much. On one hand, I wish he would tell me about Luca, and on the other, fuck that prick. I just hope Gabriel wasn't the cause of something that could come back to hurt him.
My body is doing that weird burning, tingling sensation again as I breathe in his cologne. It's almost like it makes my body instantly yearn for the source of the aroma. He steals a few glances at me, and when I catch him, I smile.
Overall, I feel a strange sense of calmness. Actually, the only time I get nervous is when I remember the gun hidden in my purse.
I can't let him find it, no matter what.
The car slows, and Gabriel waves to a guard.
"Wait, you live here?" I ask, surprised. "This is one of the fanciest communities in all of Chicago. Don't, like, most of the Cubs players live here?"
I see a slight smirk on his face. "A few."
As we drive down the street, all I see are stately homes and perfectly manicured lawns—and I thought the Capstone was high-end.
I knew from his file that Gabriel was wealthy, but this is on a whole other level.
As Gabriel's car glides to a stop in front of a large mansion, I'm stunned. It's easily the biggest one I've seen thus far. The grandeur of the place is almost intimidating.
Gabriel kills the engine and turns to me. "Welcome to my home. Your home, Sofia," he says, his voice low and smooth.
My home?
I feel my body move from tingling to aching at his words, fully caught up in his charm.
He steps out of the car and comes around to open my door. He offers his hand to help me out, and his touch weakens me.
He opens the door and guides me inside.
We enter a lavish foyer with marble flooring and a large chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Off in the distance, I see a grand staircase leading up to the second floor. The walls are adorned with paintings depicting scenes of villages, everyday life, and castles.
Gabriel's hand rests possessively at the small of my back as he leads me further into his domain. Every fiber of my being is attuned to him, the subtle firmness of his fingers, the way his gaze lingers on me.
We enter an open-air kitchen, and I'm struck by the sheer size of the island in its center. It's big enough to host a small party on. We walk toward it, and Gabriel pulls out a high-backed stool for me to sit on. His hand slides across my waist as I sit.
I reluctantly set my purse on the counter next to me.
The smell of fresh garlic fills the air. I can't make out what it is, but it smells heavenly.
"Are you cooking something?" I ask, looking at the stove.
He smiles.
"No, Lydia is. Ah, here she is now," Gabriel says and points behind me.
I turn to see an older woman standing in the entry with a gentle face and a large grin.
Lydia steps forward, her welcoming smile never wavering.
"Lydia, this is Sofia. Sofia, this is Lydia," Gabriel says as he introduces us.
"Sofia, it's a pleasure to meet you," Lydia says with a soft voice that carries the hint of an accent I can't quite place. She extends her hand, and as I take it, I feel a sense of comfort in her gentle grip.
"Very nice to meet you as well," I reply with a smile.
Gabriel moves away from us, his attention drawn to something on his phone. I watch him for a moment, his eyes focused in concentration, before Lydia gently clears her throat and draws my gaze back to her. She gestures toward the stove where several pots are simmering away.
"Now, it won't be ready for a bit, but if you're hungry now, I can make you something?" she asks and walks around the island.
I was a little hungry, but I think the sudden move from the hotel to here, Luca's actions last night, and now being free of him for some unknown reason were keeping me too on edge. Oh yeah, and the small weapon hiding in my purse.
"No, not right now, thank you. But that does smell good."
I look back over at Gabriel, who catches me looking and pockets his phone.
"Lydia," he says, "please make sure Sofia's needs are taken care of. Show her around, make her feel at home. If she needs anything, act as if it was coming from me," his voice is firm, leaving no room for argument.
"Of course, sir," Lydia responds with a smile. "You sure I can't fix you something to eat, dear?" she asks again in a warm tone as she drapes a cloth over her shoulder.
I shake my head, a small smile playing on my lips. "Maybe later, Lydia. I'm fine, really, thank you."
Gabriel steps closer to me, his presence filling the space around me. His fingers brush lightly against my jawline, and his eyes search mine with an intensity that could burn everything in its path. "Let me show you to our room, Bella."
I find myself lost in his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. "Okay," I breathe out.
He leans in, the warmth of his breath tickling my ear as he murmurs, "Follow me."
I follow him up the winding staircase, and at the top is a mahogany bookcase, full of all types of books. I scan some of the spines, ever trying to be observant, and see Shakespeare, Dickens, and Homer.
"Have you read all these?" I ask, breaking the silence since leaving the kitchen.
He stops to turn and look at me. "Yep, all of them."
"Wow, and what is your favorite book?" I ask as we continue walking down a long hallway.
"Paradise Lost," he says without hesitation.
I press him further, my curiosity running wild. "And why is that?"
He pauses, turning to face me. "Because, Bella, Milton manages to make the reader sympathetic to the devil. And I find that... intriguing."
In that moment, I'm reminded how consumed I am by his dark allure, unable to resist the dangerous temptation that this enigmatic, powerful man possesses. Maybe he's my Milton.
"Just ahead," he says and turns to continue walking.
We arrive at two double doors that he pushes open. I step into a very large room. There's a desk, couch, chairs, and a fireplace.
"You have a living room in your bedroom?" I say and laugh.
He smiles and says nothing.
I observe the floor-to-ceiling windows, slightly open, the breeze making the white curtains dance ever so gracefully. I walk over and peek my head into his bathroom.
Unbelievable.
Large walk-in closet, huge tub with tiles surrounding it, and a shower with three heads.
"This is nice, Gabriel," I say and walk over to the bed.
"This bed is huge. And the wrought iron headboard, nice touch, Mr. Fancy."
"Do you like it?" he asks, coming up behind me.
"Obviously. I don't think I've ever seen a bed so large."
"It's custom."
I run my hand along the duvet. It feels soft and inviting, and like most things in this home, expensive.
I feel Gabriel press into me and hold me tight. "This is where you'll sleep. Every night, next to me. Never any place else. Never with anyone else."
I lean my head to the side and close my eyes. He seizes the opportunity to gently run his tongue up and down my neck, mixing in little kisses.
A moan escapes me without thinking, and I can feel his cock stirring in his pants.
I open my eyes, and the first thing I see is a luxurious tufted chair, and I get an idea, the only thoughts my body will allow.
I need to taste him.