Seven
The Past
I’d read somewhere that the eyes are the windows into the soul. Staring back at me in the car that day, there was no sight of my mother’s soul; just two deep pools of emptiness. I hadn’t even been able to reach her to close her eyes; I was trapped by the seat belt and part of the rear door which had caved in, successfully pinning me.
There was also no movement from my father, he was still sitting in the front seat with his head rolled to one side; I could smell the blood though and taste it in my mouth, the metallic taste was sharp against my senses.
Talking of souls; the sight of my parent”s dead bodies would leave a lasting scar on mine; a scene which would haunt me for the rest of my days.
My breath hitched as visions of the car rolling over with me and my family trapped inside; the screams and the pain. My stomach churning as I try to steady myself, protect my body from the twisting metal…
The Present
My eyes shot open and all I could make out was a ceiling; one that wasn’t totally unfamiliar. Blinking; my senses slowly started to return, that disorientation fading as I realised—I was in bed, but the sheets were not mine.
The masculine scent enveloping me filtered into my thoughts before his words did. “Good morning,” a voice I recognised as Gabriel’s began. Swallowing nervously, my fists clenched the covers as I struggled to push myself up against the pillows.
My throat was scratchy as I scanned the uber-masculine bedroom and noted the large bed in which I was lying. A wave of panic shot through me and I glanced around for the owner of that deep, throaty sound. It vibrated through my entire body and reminded me of what had happened between us; the kiss.
My mouth dropped open in surprise as our eyes locked, a twinge of nervousness trickling into my conscience.
“Don’t worry. You’re safe,” Gabriel said in a soft reassuring tone. My eyes focused on his large frame as he uncurled it from its position on the large chair by the window. The same place I had seen him sleeping during the night. So, it hadn’t been part of my dreams. I felt a surge of appreciation but it was smashed away by the truth that I had slept in Gabriel’s room last night. Under his very nose. OMG thank goodness I didn’t snore, at least, I didn’t think I did.
He moved towards the bed and lowered his big, solid body onto the mattress. It dipped, making my stretched-out legs roll toward him under the covers. My heart rate accelerated as he leaned further into my personal space.
I noticed Gabriel’s hair was mussed from sleep but he looked glorious, even though he was dressed in last night”s clothes.
He raised a hand and pushed a lock of hair behind my ear as I shuffled back slightly, pulling the sheet and glancing down at my body.
“Relax. I didn’t touch you,” he stated at the same moment that I realised that I was still fully dressed. Well in the tiny top and shorts anyway.
I shook my head, “Sorry, I mean, I didn’t think that.”
“Whatever. You may be good and I may be bad, but I have a feeling that we have the same moral code. I may be downright impossible and immoral, but I’m no rapist.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I was just trying to get my bearings.”
A ghost of a smile passed across his face, “No offence taken. You have reason to have been worried. But I prefer my women conscious.”
Gabriel certainly didn’t tap dance around his words. “Indeed,” I replied, starting to relax.
He cleared his throat, his eyes watching me like he wanted to see inside my head and find out what I was thinking; his gaze blazing across at me was so intense.
“Well, I think that’s the first time I’ve caused a woman to faint.”
My nose scrunched up. The gravity of the situation sat heavily on my shoulders. So, I had fainted or if you want an even more embarrassing description; swooned. Mortification flooded my insides before I realised that he was blaming himself for it.
Processing those words I said, “No, it wasn’t you.” Why did my voice sound so weak and small? My stomach grumbled my reply and Gabriel’s eyes flickered towards that area.
“It was a joke. I know it wasn’t me and under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t complain about a beautiful woman falling at my feet. However, this is not one of those times. When did you last eat?” His question held an edge to it like he was annoyed and I suppose he had every right to be, being the one who had to catch me and carry my undernourished arse to bed. I was surprised he had taken me to his room though and not my own.
“Why did you bring me in here and not put me in my bed?”
“Stop avoiding the question and answer me?” He was so direct and bossy, borderline rude but he got away with it. The man could probably get anything out of me, he had one of those faces that could melt any poker face. Did they teach him that in Law School or Bad Boy School? Who knew?
I thought back to the last time I had eaten as I turned away, my gaze glancing around his bedroom. How I suddenly wished I was in there under different circumstances.
The room was large, with a wall of mirrors which I assumed would be wardrobes, there was a door open which was ajar and led into the bathroom. There were a couple of leather wingback chairs under the window, including the one he had fallen asleep in, a large TV mounted on the wall and shelving which contained loads of serious-looking books. A table and office chair sat in the far corner and then there was the bed, definitely a king-sized one, it dwarfed me and I’d only taken up one side. The other side was still neatly made and so Gabriel hadn’t joined me. I was taken aback by his gentleman-like and caring behaviour. The décor was silver, black, and grey.
I inhaled before turning back to face him and he shifted, placing his muscled arms onto the bed, one hand planted on either side of my duvet-covered legs, caging me in.
“I’m not a patient man. Stop sulking and answer the question,” he stated arrogantly with an arched eyebrow.
“I get you’re not a patient man but if you were a good man, you’d see I’m embarrassed and change the subject.”
“Who said I was a good man?” Gabriel taunted with a lip curl. And of course, he had a point.
My shoulders slumped back as I accepted defeat. “Yesterday lunchtime, but it’s fine. I’m used to going without food as I never dance on a full stomach and I’ve never fainted before.”
“Yesterday lunchtime? And you worked a full shift into the early house?” His temper crackled and he shoved off the bed and onto his feet, turning away, dashing his hands down his face. The way he rolled his shoulders and bent his back slightly as if trying to stretch his muscles suggested he’d had an awkward sleep. That didn’t surprise me taking in his size against the average-sized armchair.
I pulled the covers further up my body as if trying to protect myself from his wrath. He was pissed off and I hated that I was the one to cause that and smash away his early softness. Something I had never seen from him.
He paced for a second and I opened my mouth to speak but bit my lip as he turned back to face me; glaring down with a cross expression.
“Here’s what we”re going to do. You’re going to stay put and I am going to make you breakfast. I’ll then serve it in here, and you will eat every single bite. Are we clear?”
His instructions split me in two, half of me was annoyed that he thought he could dictate to me and the other turned on that he did.
“If you don’t, you won’t like what happens,” Gabriel threatened, looking down his superior nose.
I leaned back against the pillows, the fabric smelling of him. “Fine,” I replied in a huff of defeat. “But then I need to get up and get showered. I’m already late for class.”
I watched as Gabriel loomed over me, folding his arms across his chest, and casting me an unimpressed look. “You’re going nowhere. I’ve called the school and told them that you are sick today.”
I surged forward, “What? Gabriel, you had no right,” I panted. He moved like lightning, uncrossing his arms and taking a step towards the bed, half leaning over me.
He placed a hand against my chest and gently pushed me back against the pillows. “I had every right Leonie. You passed out in my fucking arms.” The guy had a point of course. As he straightened, his comment brought my thoughts back to the kiss and it was suddenly like the elephant in the room.
Pursing my lips, I watched as Gabriel rubbed the back of his neck with his fingers. Oh dear, he was probably sore all over from sleeping sitting up and it was all my fault.
Smoothing my hair back, I tilted my chin and whispered, “You kissed me, Gabriel, maybe that’s why I fainted?” Those words just spilt from my lips before I could snatch my breath back. Why the hell had I brought that up?
His lip curled, “As much as I like to think that I steal the breath away from women, it had nothing to do with that. You’re clearly starving yourself. You need to keep your strength up and follow a proper diet. Not some stupid fad, diet shit. Fuck me, you’re so slender, I could probably bench press your entire body weight.”
There was a moment of silence and our gazes remained locked. I knew he was right. I’d been foolishly neglecting myself and all for a showcase that I wasn’t even being paid for.
I pursed my lips, forcing some sense into my head.
“You’re right and I’m sorry I’ve been so much trouble.”
“Don’t apologise, just relax and let me fix you something to eat.”
“OK, and thank you.”
Gabriel nodded his head in acceptance of my words but he didn’t smile; at that point, I couldn’t read that expression but something had shifted between us. We had been strangers before and now that gap had closed slightly.
I watched him, my eyes roaming over his broad shoulders in the tank top and how the joggers fit so snuggly against his mouth-watering backside.
Gabriel paused with his hand on the door before turning to face me.
“I should apologise, for the kiss I mean,” he husked, his eyes like two pools.
I gave him a soft, half-dreamy smile. “It’s fine, let’s just chalk it up to a moment of madness. One that we won’t be repeating.”
He leaned against the door frame. “OK. You’re probably right. We don’t want to complicate things.”
I felt a whoosh of sadness but managed to hide it as the silence stretched between us.
“Why don’t you go and get showered and change and I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
I nodded my thanks. Pushing off the doorframe, Gabriel left me alone, which gave me time to collect my thoughts. The kiss had been so thoroughly devastating and yet had been so easy to dismiss. For him anyway, I was still reeling from the feel of his mouth against mine.
My main question was, what would have happened if I hadn’t fainted?
After showering and changing into fresh jeans and a black hoodie, I joined Gabriel in the kitchen. He had directed me to one of the stools and served me croissants and orange juice.
Gabriel said he wanted to take me to lunch, but I guessed he had an ulterior motive. After we’d eaten, he explained that he had to shower and then had some work to do and that he wanted me to meet him outside the building at one. No excuses.
Later that morning, after speaking with my foster parents for around an hour, I got ready. Even though I knew it wasn’t a date, I brushed my hair and left it loose. Slipping on ballet flats, I headed out of my room and took the lift to join Gabriel just before one. I’d also spent some of the morning stretching and still felt stiff but I pushed on.
The Range Rover was parked against the curb in front of the building; its paintwork glimmering in the sun.
As I stepped through the doors, Gabriel was leaning against the wall beside the entrance texting. I cleared my throat and he looked up from his phone. His eyes did a quick assessment before he said. “Right on time, I must say, I’m impressed. I’ve rarely experienced good timekeeping from a woman.”
I smiled. “But I’m not just any woman,” I pointed out.
“That you’re not,” he agreed warmly.
It was a bright, warm day and Marco came around the front of the car from the driver”s side with an expectant look on his face. I noticed he wore his signature black trousers but was dressed down in a navy T-shirt, showing his muscled, hairy arms. He was big and beefy and clearly worked out, but his top showed the possible hint of a beer belly beneath.
He stepped towards us, his gaze directed at Gabriel, awaiting his instructions.
“Talk a walk, Marco,” Gabriel said as he led me towards the car. His hand was on the bottom of my back as he guided us forward.
“Sir,” Marco replied with a respectful nod and he threw what I assumed were the car keys over. Gabriel caught them mid-air and reached past me to open the door.
“Where will he go?” I questioned, wondering what Marco would do whilst we took the car.
“I couldn’t give a shit really but I imagine home. I gave him the day off.”
Gesturing with one hand, he then said, “Ladies first.” His tone was deep and smoky, generating a warm feeling at such chivalrous behaviour.
“Thank you,” I whispered, climbing up onto the plush leather seat, a spark of pleasure shooting directly into the pit of my stomach. The car was as usual alarmingly clean inside.
Gabriel closed the door with a soft click and walked around the front of the vehicle, his eyes never leaving mine through the glass.
Once he had folded his large body behind the wheel, he started the engine, checked his rear-view mirror, and pulled out into the traffic. The vehicle purred like a tiger and I attempted to keep my gaze ahead instead of checking him out. With his dark colouring, he looked delicious against the cream leather of the seats. Gabriel was wearing a dark grey button-down tee and black jeans. His biceps flexed when he changed through the gears and I was surprised my mouth didn’t start to water. Being a dancer, I was used to men with muscles but none were as stacked or as virile as this man.
We spoke briefly, but the traffic was heavy and Gabriel was clearly focused on finding a better route. By the way he was white-knuckling the steering wheel, I also didn’t want to distract him so I looked out of the window. The roads were congested and I wasn’t sure how experienced he would be driving in London. From what I had seen so far, Marco usually ferried him everywhere.
The faint scent of his aftershave was also strangely distracting and I felt myself stealing a few glances when he was negotiating his way through a patch of roadworks. A pulse flickered in his jaw as he concentrated and I found it fascinating to watch. Gabriel must have sensed that I was watching him and he caught me, but I quickly looked away.
I clenched my hands in my lap, feeling hot. Whether that was due to me being caught ogling or the heat in the car, who knew? I sensed the air conditioning was on but it suddenly felt like a furnace. My eyeballs also started to itch, probably a reaction to said air con.
As we sat in traffic, my eyes continued to roam out of the window. We were on the edge of Soho, where the expensive shops were and as I twisted in my seat, I started to window shop. I loved looking at all the fancy clothes in the boutiques, the mannequins fashioning garments I would never get to wear. Suddenly a flash of deep red caught my attention and I leaned forward in my seat and pushed my face towards the window.
“Oh wow, that’s amazing,” I blurted before I could tug the words back. This caught Gabriel’s attention.
“What?” he said, shooting me a cursory glance. The gown stood out and he must have seen it straight away. A smile tugged his lips.
“Ah, yes. The red dress. Very nice. I didn’t have you as the type to be overly into fashion.”
Some girls would have been offended by those words but not me. I lived in jeans and a tank top. I wasn’t used to nice things. Would I buy them if I could afford them, probably.
“I’m not really and would never have any reason to wear something like that, but it’s stunning.”
Gabriel nodded his head. “Well, I imagine you’d look amazing in it.”
I wasn’t expecting a compliment and it made me feel slightly nervous. I mean, it’s not like I wasn’t used to them. I was, in spades, just not from him. The traffic suddenly started moving and the red dress was forgotten.
Thankfully the journey didn’t last long. Gabriel drove us both to an Italian restaurant called Felice’s on the edge of Soho. He parked the car on the road by the pavement in front of the building in a bay labelled for VIPs.
“Are you allowed to park here?” I questioned as I walked around the back of the car to join him on the pavement. Gabriel shot me a withering look but remained silent, his lips twitching. He thought my question ludicrous and of course, he would, he was a man who lived by his own rules.
The sun kissed my face as once again, we walked side by side and Gabriel steered me by placing his hand gently at the bottom of my spine. I wondered how it would feel to have his arms around me; like we were two lovers on a date. And of course, that is exactly what this wasn’t.
We took a couple of steps onto a raised section. There was a sweet decked terrace which sat in front of the glass-fronted restaurant. It was sectioned off from the pavement and other businesses on either side by potted hedging. Several tables were still available, they were all covered by umbrellas to protect the guests from the sun. Glassware and cutlery were set against crisp white tablecloths.
Out of nowhere, a member of staff appeared dressed in a smart-looking uniform.
“We’ll take a table on the terrace,” Gabriel said to the ma?tre d”. He nodded and gathered up a couple of menus, leading us over to the far corner of the decking. It was also away from the other guests and felt quite intimate, sitting under some trees. My heart raced in my chest as Gabriel pulled out a seat for me. Smiling my thanks, I lowered myself onto the cushions as he moved to the chair opposite.
As I lifted one of the leather-bound menus, a waiter appeared by our table with lightning speed. I struggled to focus, as I was still processing the fact that Gabriel had pulled out my chair. Another gentleman-like gesture. Maybe this was how he behaved in public; nice and well-mannered and then saved the brooding stuff for indoors? I batted off the mean thought, considering he was being so nice to me. It almost felt romantic, which was rich. I had initially assumed that sweeping women off their feet would not be part of Gabriel’s genetic makeup; maybe I was wrong.
“What can I get you both to drink?” our server questioned. I lowered the menu I had been perusing, my eyes falling on Gabriels from across the table.
Before I could order sparkling mineral water, he took control. “We’re also ready to order,” he replied without having even lifted his menu from the table. I snapped my mouth closed. OK then.
The waitress smiled with a nod and raised the tablet she was holding.
Gabriel drew my gaze as he questioned, “Are you a vegetarian?”
I ate meat but didn’t consume much of it for dietary reasons; protein was heavy to dance on. I shook my head.
“Good,” he replied before turning his attention to our waitress. As he looked up at her, the wattage of his smile increased. The way she was staring at him could have been considered rude if this had been a date. I watched as Gabriel made a joke and she giggled whilst fluffing her hair. I didn’t even catch what he’d said beneath the veil of annoyance I was suddenly trapped under.
Dragging my jealous eyes away, I went to lift the menu again but stopped when Gabriel suddenly said. “We’ll both have the fillet steak, well done with salad and a glass of Chateau Lafite.”
My heart did a tap dance in my chest. I didn’t want steak, especially as I had also had breakfast that morning, but my mouth didn’t appear to be working. I felt overwhelmed by his actions and unsure whether I should contradict him or not. If I said anything, wouldn’t that embarrass the waitress? I bit my lip.
It took me a moment or two to recover but when I did, I realised that it didn’t overly bother me. I was such a ditherer when it came to ordering food and Gabriel had just made the situation easier. And I liked steak, I just didn’t eat it often.
As the waitress took the menus from us, I realised that I’d probably buried that smidge of feminism I had inside me for good.
“We’ll also have mineral water and two glasses.”
“Yes sir,” the flushed girl replied as she thumbed in our order. Gabriel’s face inched back towards mine, his expression giving nothing away. There was no question to check whether I was happy with his choice or apology for what could be considered overbearing behaviour. My thoughts raced, did he do this sort of thing with other women or only the ones who passed out from hunger in his arms?
Pursing my lips, I toyed with what to say. Should I comment on his outlandish act or just accept it and move on? It wasn’t like I was offended, not really.
On autopilot, I shot him a strained smile and Gabriel’s eyes moved to my lips, “Problem?” he questioned.
I knew I had to say something, he was a shrewd man and would have seen I was surprised by his actions, “No, no problem, but what if I didn’t like steak?” I pointed out, my eyes roaming over his chiselled features.
“Nonsense. Everyone likes steak,” he said flippantly. “Plus, you need a good meal inside you. I won’t tolerate you starving yourself Leonie.” His tone left no room for negotiation.
Leaning back in my chair, I drank in the man who sat opposite me. He was so tall and imposing, even though he was sitting down. I liked the fact that he had taken me to lunch, even though I knew I shouldn’t read too much into it. Before I could stop myself, I shifted forward slightly and placed my arms on the table in front of me. I had his full attention now, something I imagined was rare for members of my sex. Oh, don’t get me wrong, Gabriel would probably shower the females in his life with plenty of interest, but I couldn’t imagine that fell outside of the bedroom much. Not if what Ash said was true. Gabriel Knight had one use for women and that was solely sexual.
“You need brain food, once we’ve eaten, I have someone I’d like you to meet. You need to change jobs and I can assist you with that.” Gabriel stated.
“Why are you helping me?” I couldn’t stop the words from leaving my mouth, the thought of Gabriel’s true intentions being ‘getting me in the sack’ at the front of my mind.
He shrugged his large shoulders and then silence fell between us as our infatuated server appeared supposedly to check something with our order. They then full-on flirted for at least two minutes. I batted off the desire to fold my arms across my chest and pout.
“Thank you. Sorry, what’s your name again?” Gabriel questioned the girl. My goodness, the look on her face was priceless. She stared down at him like he was a rockstar or something.
“Eleanor,” she replied with a bright smile. As he nodded his acknowledgement, she walked away, her body language suggesting she’d hit the jackpot and I felt another surge of jealousy. Drat, that emotion needed to do one fast; I couldn’t afford to get all gooey-eyed over this man.
“My apologies, I got distracted. What did you say?”
“A pretty distraction too,” I volleyed back.
“What?” Gabriel said, looking confused.
“The waitress,” I explained with a flick of my head in her direction.
Realisation spread over his face and he shrugged nonchalantly, “If you like that sort of thing.”
“You don’t think she’s pretty?”
“She’s OK—but she has nothing on you,” Gabriel said softly, his eyes roaming appreciatively over me. He spoke in code but I knew what he meant. My insides ignited at the compliment, especially as he sounded so sincere.
The need for him to say more nice things stirred in my belly. I was desperate for him to repeat himself, and shower me with praise. “What did you say?”
Heat stung my cheeks as Gabriel shut me down with, “You heard.” His lips inched into an amused, knowing smile.
Lowering my eyes, I swallowed before lifting my chin with a grin, “Thank you I guess.”
“You blush like a schoolgirl.” Gabriel’s brow threaded as he tilted his head to one side. “Surely you know the power you have over men?”
“Not really,” I replied, a twinge of nerves fluttering in my gut.
Gabriel leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table, “And that only makes you more appealing.”
Now we were getting somewhere and the nerves started to dissolve as my confidence was stoked. “So, you admit you’re attracted to me.” I watched him from beneath my lashes as I started to enjoy myself.
He steepled his fingers before arching an eyebrow, “Of course. I’m neither blind nor dead.” The way he said that sentence forced another surge of pleasure to hum through my body. I ate him up with my eyes. My gosh, he was sinfully good-looking, even with that faint scar which only added to his looks.
Regarding him thoughtfully, I clasped my hands together. “Which brings me back to my question of why you are helping me.”
His next words were drawn out; the deep timber of his voice rolling across my bones, “Why do you think?” My heart skipped a beat.
I desperately tried to stop the palpitations thumping through my chest. Dashing a hand across my hot cheeks I replied, “I guess if you find me attractive, it has something to do with that?”
Gabriel shot me a mock wounded look, dropping his arms and placing a hand flat against his chest, his posture softened, “Can’t I just be helping you out of the goodness of my heart?”
“No. You already told me you don’t have one,” I pointed out, recalling that he reminded me of that on several occasions.
Gabriel lowered his arms to the table again, his eyes drilling into mine across the space, “I think we both know which part of my anatomy is the driving force behind any of my good deeds, Leonie.”
I watched through eyelids which now felt quite heavy as he raised one hand and ran his thumb across his bottom lip, his face full of contemplation.
My spirits sank slightly. Squaring my shoulders, I attempted to make my tone as firm as possible, “So to show my appreciation, you think I’m going to sleep with you? What if I don’t find you attractive,” I stated tartly.
This caused him to lower his hand, the renewed grin on his face emphasised his masculine features as his eyes glistened with a sexual challenge, “I think we both know that you do. Actions speak louder than words. You know that.”
My brow threaded but I managed to make my mouth move; one of us had to bring it up again, “You mean when you kissed me?”
His lips curled sardonically and he shook his head slowly, his gaze forceful, “No. When you were eye-fucking me in the car.”
My mouth made an O, but no sound came out so I cleared my throat nervously. “It’s never going to happen Gabriel.”
He rolled his massive shoulders before leaning back in his chair and saying, “We’ll see.”
The confidence in his tone was unbending, power bleeding from every pore. And with those two words came a feeling of weakness. If this man decided to turn on the charm and seduce me, how could I fight it? Even before that kiss, my body craved his touch. But I had to be strong and fight the attraction. Any chink I showed to him would make me vulnerable, something he would no doubt exploit. Gabriel had probably broken many hearts, but I couldn’t allow mine to be next. I wasn’t ignorant, I recognised that I had started to develop feelings for him, but loving someone like Gabriel Knight would surely be like a death sentence. Something I had to avoid at all costs.
I jumped slightly as the annoying waitress appeared with our drinks. She placed the glasses out neatly, her gaze only wavering from the hunk sitting opposite me so she didn’t spill anything. It was a good thing she didn’t hang around long; at least her ovaries would remain intact. Another hint of jealousy forced me to pick my glass up and take in a mouthful.
“Easy. That’s a strong drink you little lush; a fourteen percenter,” Gabriel said with a quirk of his head. I knew he was teasing and I lowered my wine glass and watched him over the rim.
“You ordered for me, remember,” I explained with an unimpressed look.
“You’re supposed to sip it, roll it around your mouth and then swallow,” he pointed out with a grin.
He was so much classier and worldly-wise than me, making me feel very much like the school girl he’d accused me of being.
Our gazes remained locked as we sat in silence until a different waitress appeared with our food. I wondered where the other one was, probably playing with herself in the toilet. I shook off the out-of-character thought. The steak looked amazing and my stomach growled its delight.
As we tucked into our food, the atmosphere slowly shifted, almost like a truce had fallen between us, one that I so hoped would last. Gabriel was so much easier to talk to when he wasn’t being purposefully angsty. The way he ate was mesmerizingly slow and sultry, that movement of his Adam’s apple as he swallowed stirring something inside me. It was unique as most men I knew ate so fast, almost inhaling their food.
We spoke mainly about my dance course and when my timetable would allow me to work. Our discussion was mainly job-based with Gabriel explaining that he had received several offers for apprenticeships from some law firms in the area. I asked him why he didn’t want to work for his father.
“When I make it, it won’t be on the coattails of that man,” he informed me. I wanted to ask him about their relationship but he cut me off by changing the subject to my foster parents.
As I placed my knife and fork on my plate, feeling sated, Gabriel’s expression softened as he said, “Asher told me about your real parents. I just wanted to say I’m sorry. That must have been tough.”
I still found it hard to speak about them but considering the sincerity in his tone, I forced myself to not clam up and managed to squeeze out, “Thank you. Yes, it was tough but my foster folks made it easier.”
Before he could respond, a man appeared by our table. He was wearing a chef’s outfit minus the hat. “Gabriel my boy. When Eleanor said someone had ordered two glasses of my most expensive wine, I had to come and see who it was. I might have known it would be you.”
He was accented and I watched wide-eyed as Gabriel pushed to his feet and they both embraced in a bearhug, smacking each other on the back.
The man pulled back, “It is still your favourite, yes? Felice’s has good taste.”
I remained seated, not knowing if I should stand until they both turned to peer down at me. “And who is this stunning girl,” the man I now knew as Felice said. I rose to my feet to greet him.
“Felice, this is Leonie. A friend of mine,” Gabriel explained. “Leonie, this is Felice. His wine-tasting sessions are the reason I found out about the Lafite you sampled.”
I raised my hand for Felice to shake but he ignored it and pulled me towards his body, before kissing both my cheeks. He wasn’t much taller than me, with grey hair and a moustache. His warm personality was infectious.
“Lovely to meet you,” I said softly. The way he looked me over wasn’t sexual, more like how a proud dad would look, but there was a glint of keen interest of something else in his gaze.
“Likewise. What did you think of the wine?”
“It was lovely, it really complimented the meal.” I almost wanted to bite my tongue off. I probably sounded like a moron, knowing nothing about such things.
I could feel Gabriel’s eyes on my face and wondered if my cheeks were bright purple, they felt like they were.
“So, what brings you to my establishment? I take it you’re not just here for my magnifique cuisine?” Felice questioned, replacing his beaming expression at my rooky comment.
I turned to Gabriel, wondering what was coming next. His expression had changed and his tone was now all business.
“I’m here for a favour actually,” he began. This caused Felice to purse his lips and bob his head in agreement.
“If you have both finished, we could step into my office,” Felice said with a sweep of his arm.
“We’re done and so that would be good.” Again, Gabriel decided for me. Not that I would have eaten a dessert after all that meat.
As Felice walked ahead and we followed, I could feel Gabriel’s hand at the bottom of my back again. His touch was soft but purposeful as he led me behind the Italian man.
Once we arrived in Felice’s office, he closed the door and motioned towards a leather sofa. Stepping away from Gabriel, I sunk into the seat.
Gabriel didn’t sit, he leaned against the arm of the chair and regarded Felice thoughtfully. The other man was perched on a well-littered work desk.
“So how can I be of help my friend,” he began.
My eyes roamed around the office, taking in the computer, filing cabinets and the wall of security cameras which showed several areas of the restaurant.
The truth of Gabriel’s treat, if you could call it that was then revealed. Gabriel explained that I was looking for work and that he wanted Felice to give me a job. The two men discussed me like I wasn’t even there; Felice’s gaze shifted back and forth between us as he digested the discussion. From his expression, he was clearly going to honour every request Gabriel made.
“She’s inexperienced but eager to learn. I heard you’re hiring and thought you’d like to give her a shot,” Gabriel explained.
“Well, she’s certainly easy on the eye,” Felice bellowed. I felt my neck reclining into my shoulders in embarrassment.
As the men shook on everything, I pushed to my feet, attempting to hide my indignation at being so easily manipulated. Anger was boiling through my veins. But you know what they say, you give an inch and people take a mile. This felt more like a trip to the moon.
I thanked Felice as he welcomed me on board and informed me of the rate of pay, start date, and shift pattern. I was in shock, having had everything arranged without muttering a single word. Ordering food for me was one thing, but monopolising my life was another.
Gabriel must have seen that I wanted to say something and shot me a look.
“I need to give notice at the club Gabriel,” I pointed out, feeling uncertain, like a duck out of water.
Felice looked puzzled as Gabriel replied, “We can discuss that in the car.”
He shut me down so briskly that Felice put in, clearly sensing an atmosphere. “I am looking forward to working with you, Leonie and don’t worry, we look after our own here,” he stated.
I plastered on my best smile and thanked him as he gave me a welcome pack. I then followed Gabriel out of the office.
He gave a waiter his credit card at the bar and I stood there like a mute, waiting and feeling totally pathetic.
Once we were in the car, I opened my mouth to air my concerns, but Gabriel made me start as he leaned across the gearstick and pulled my seatbelt across my body. Heat jetted into me as his arm skimmed across my breasts and I snapped.
“You know, I can do some things for myself,” I bit out, twisting in my seat to face him, the angriest I had been in a long while.
He sighed heavily and leaned his head back against the headrest. He’d aborted his intention of starting the car, clearly deciding it best to deal with me before he was driving.
Gabriel turned his head towards me.
“Well?” I stropped, crossing my arms over my chest, feeling anxious.
“Well, what?” he said in a tone that suggested he was talking to an unruly teenager.
“What the heck happened in there?” I was almost speechless. Surely that wasn’t normal behaviour?
“I got you a job. One with class and less chance of you getting groped every day. So, lose the tone, you should be thanking me,” Gabriel stated loftily, looking down his nose at me.
“You could have spoken to me about it first. Who are you to decide where I work?”
“A friend who cares about your safety maybe?”
“So, you’re a friend now. I must say that’s not the message you gave me when we first met,” I huffed.
Gabriel took a deep breath and I could see a mixture of emotions cross his face. “I get it, I was a dick and I’m sorry. See this as my way of making it up to you.”
I bit the bullet as he was suddenly too good to be true, “What do you want?” I folded my arms and turned towards him with my brow raised.
His expression shifted, his eyes dropping to my shoulders and back. “Now that’s a loaded question,” Gabriel said with a smirk.
I narrowed my eyes and shot him a look that said I was being serious.
He exhaled noisily. “Come on, you can’t say you’re enjoying working in a seedy club?”
“I don’t, but at least I made that decision,” I replied.
Gabriel turned toward me in his seat and I was blasted with the full power of his charm. “Look, we got off on the wrong foot. This is my way of making it right. If you don’t like working for Felice, quit and go back to the dive. How’s that?”
He was clever, a master of manipulation. He turned the tables so easily and now I felt ungrateful. My shoulders slumped and I didn’t miss the twinkle in his eye. He knew he’d won.
“Fine. But I’m not sleeping with you,” I replied tartly, dropping my hands to my lap.
Gabriel looked at me like I was clinically insane before stating, “I wasn’t asking you to. Forget what I said before, I was just dicking about.” He then raised his hands in surrender, adding. “I know I can be a cock at times. But if you carry on living with us, you’ll have to get used to it.”
Gabriel, now thoroughly pleased with himself, turned the key in the ignition and we set off back to the house.
I spent that entire journey, knowing that he was right. I shouldn’t have been working at Aquarius, but I’d been desperate. Felice’s was so classy and nice and I should have been excited to have the opportunity, but that niggle I felt didn’t disappear.
There was still that bad taste at the back of my mouth that I had somehow obligated myself to this man. And after that glimmer, I had witnessed in his eyes when I’d admitted defeat, I had a feeling that he was going to make me pay for it in some way.
I had to be on my guard. Gabriel Knight knew I was attracted to him and would no doubt use every trick up his sleeve to ensure he got what he wanted.