Eleven
The following week was full on. I’d worked my notice at Aquarius and it had taken a while to sort all the paperwork for Felice’s, but I was now officially an employee. My training was going smoothly and I felt part of the team immediately.
Concerning our relationship, I didn’t push things with Gabriel and took every day as it came. I was careful not to appear like the clingy female I knew he would hate. At the back of my mind, Gabriel was my boyfriend, but I kept this to myself. I knew he didn’t like labels and as long as he didn’t see anyone else whilst we were sleeping together, I was fine with not acknowledging that there was an us.
I performed in the showcase and received my first standing ovation. As I had stood there, drinking in the applause, my eyes had fallen on Asher and the empty seat next to him, filling me with a moment of sadness. Gabriel had said that he couldn’t make it but then when I got to my dressing room, there was a bouquet of roses and a signed card.
You were amazing, well done, G x.
My tummy had flipped. The ink was still wet, and I partly wondered how he’d gotten backstage but then reminded myself, Gabriel was a resourceful man. Nothing was off limits. During my second routine, I had thought I’d spotted someone at the back of the room, by the door, watching me. The flowers validated that it must have been Gabriel and the fact that he’d made the effort smashed away any trace of sadness. That niggling worry that our relationship was only based on sex had faded.
I spent most of my time between class and my job at Felice’s and everything was going well without drama. Asher had gotten used to Gabriel and me being more touchy-feely, telling us to ‘get a room’ a couple of times but we kept the heavy stuff more private. My friendship with Ash was still strong although we didn’t see each other as much as he spent most of the time at Mark’s. This, however, provided Gabriel and me with more time alone.
I didn’t stop in Gabriel’s room every night as we’d agreed that it was important to have our own space. I was pleased with that, as I didn’t want things to fizzle out so soon. The fact that we were sort of seeing each other but already living together felt like we had jumped a step and so it was important to remain grounded. If I got ahead of myself in respect of our relationship, I knew he would pull away.
That old moody Gabriel was gone and in his place was someone that I could be myself around. It was almost like he had been guarded on purpose at first, but had now had let himself free. He was still bossy and controlling but I knew this was part of his makeup. He was that way with his friends too. And what a fun bunch they were, I’d been invited to one of their games nights and had thoroughly enjoyed myself. They were all characters and full of spirit, spending most of the time taking the piss out of each other and I had become closer to Max. Something I guessed Gabriel wasn’t happy about. I’d heard something from one of the guys about Max and Gabriel seeing the same woman at once until a death glare from Gabriel had forced those words to dry up in Luca’s throat.
At the weekend, Gabriel had caught me downstairs in the lobby, having just returned from work and he’d blindfolded me with his tie. He’d been dressed in a suit which fitted him perfectly, to the point where I imagined every woman at his workplace would be drooling over him. Gabriel was working for a company called Preston Jones, on various legal cases.
That evening he had escorted me to the basement in the lift and my stomach bubbled with giddy excitement at what was to come. To say he was a control freak, Gabriel could be considerably unpredictable.
When we got to the room next to the gym, he took the blindfold off and gave me the biggest surprise ever.
The old room that I sometimes used as a practice space had been refurbished into a dance studio; with spring-loaded floors, mirrors down one side, a barre, and a speaker system.
I was blown away and I couldn’t thank him enough. He’d also had the studio fitted with a phone and emergency lighting so that I’d never get caught in the dark again. It must have cost a fortune.
There was now no doubt about it, Gabriel Knight held my heart in his hands, and I embraced our time together. We didn’t walk hand in hand or go on many dates, but the time we spent together was priceless. Occasionally he would pick me up from work and take me out to eat, it was fantastic, almost like a real relationship.
Whenever that lump appeared in my throat due to those unspoken feelings between us, I swallowed it down. I knew he cared about me and for now that was enough.
My dance classes were going well but I’d had to work hard. The director of the next showcase suggested I write to a few agencies and invite them to the show. He said I was making solid progress and asked me what my ambitions were. I did speak about the Royal Ballet and he said that with more practice, there was no reason why I wouldn’t be ready.
I was looking forward to a week off during half term as Gabriel had mentioned taking me away. It would be a break we both needed. As well as work, I knew he was stressed about his father, even though he wouldn’t talk about it. Where Garrett was concerned, he was still a closed book.
One day at school, I bumped into Samantha Keller who was in the bathroom crying.
She was really upset, and it didn’t take much pushing for her to tell me the problem. Sam was pregnant.
I gave her a sympathetic ear and she explained that it was her boyfriend’s baby and that they had been together for well over a year but that they weren’t ready for children.
“I’m going to have an abortion. I’ve thought long and hard about it. It wasn’t an easy decision and Jack feels the same way. I’ve managed to book the procedure, but it means I have to rest and cannot dance for at least a week. I’ve already missed so much school and work due to morning sickness. The club have already threatened to kick me out. I’m supposed to be dancing there on Friday or that’s it. I’m screwed.”
I listened intently, wondering if there was any chance that I could help, and that’s when I made a slight error of judgement.
As soon as I said those fateful words of whether there was anything I could do, Sam asked if I’d cover her shift at the club. “I only have two numbers. I could teach you the routines and you could cover for me. Then I’d keep my job. Please Leonie?”
I’d thought long and hard about it. It was only two numbers and there wouldn’t be any nudity she’d said.
I checked my rota on my phone, and I had that night off from Felice’s so there was no reason not to help out. I was a dancer and used to wearing very little. I would be on stage and would be safe. They had security. So what? No one needed to know. I knew at the back of my mind that Gabriel would flip if he knew, but it was my life and my decision.
I embraced my inner adventurer and decided to help. What could go wrong?
Friday night came and I texted Asher and Gabriel to say I was doing a favour for a friend, covering their shift at work. So, I wasn’t lying, not really.
Sam had gone through her routines with me; the moves were raunchier than I was used to, with lots of tits and ass but I quite enjoyed the style. It was something new for me. I had always been told that I needed more passion and to let go. Especially if I ever wanted to play the black swan, where the choreography was less tame than that of the white. I decided to use it as a learning experience.
Unfortunately, I received a message from Gabriel who had obviously decided to surprise me by giving me a lift home that night. I wasn’t where I should have been.
I’m outside Felice’s and you’re not working tonight. Where are you?I could feel a tone in that text as I read it, but I refused to feel guilty. Yes, we were friends, with benefits as they say but he wasn’t really my boyfriend.
I decided to ignore the message instead of digging a deeper hole, but as I made my way into the dressing room my phone kept going off, so I put it on silent. The girls there had been briefed by Sam that I would cover her routines and they were very welcoming which was a relief.
It was also great to see Trevor on the door and although he was pleased to see me, he wasn’t impressed that I was covering Sam’s shift.
As I got changed into a red corset top, French knickers, and stockings, I checked my reflection in the mirror. I didn’t necessarily like what I saw, but it was sexy. I left my long blonde hair down, put red lipstick on and then went to check my phone. At that point, I couldn’t wait for it to be over and was looking forward to getting back to the boys. Maybe we’d watch a midnight movie or something.
It was hot, and I fanned my face with my hand and waited for my first routine, my heart crashing against my ribs.
Was it wrong that I was partly excited to be performing there? Maybe it would help me to embrace my inner temptress, a different side of me that I could introduce Gabriel to in bed later that night.
Gabe
Leonie was fucking ghosting me, and it pissed me off. When I went to Felice’s to surprise her, imagine my shock when she wasn’t even on the rota to work that night. She had lied to me; the one thing I couldn’t forgive or didn’t usually was being lied to. Fuck, where was she?
The thought of her with another man seeped into my veins like fucking poison. I’d kill him, strike that cut his balls off, feed them to him and then kill him; either way, it wasn’t pretty.
I called Asher and Max to ask if they knew anything and both did the opposite of calming me down. Ash was blasé and annoyed that I’d interrupted his date with Mark and Max told me to stop being a possessive stalker boy. The fucking twat. He didn’t realise that Leonie and I were fucking and therefore I had certain rights. Knowing where she was for a bloody start.
I drove home in the blackest of moods, wondering if she would be there. Looking all innocent and inviting. My dark side pushed to the surface as I thought of all the ways I could punish her for her deceit. Things had been going so well and I trusted her, had allowed her close and into my life and now I was partly regretting that. I always said I would never let a woman close enough to mess with my head.
I’d also had Kinlan breathing down my neck again, his two goons having picked me up for another discussion about my future. To the point where I told him to fuck himself. I was doing everything in my power to piss both him and my father off. A bit of a dick move considering my father’s health but fuck it, it was an end-of-the-tether situation.
As I drove through London, my gut churned, what if she was hurt? As I drew my mind back to that assault on the Tube weeks ago, I became more agitated.
Turning to head back towards Soho, the screen on the dash of the car lit up and my phone started ringing through the handsfree, it was Max.
“What’s up?” I said, narrowly missing a cyclist. Where the fuck was he going by bike at night? I checked the time; it was almost ten thirty.
“I’ve found her but you’re not going to like it?”
His words caused my heart to thrash in my ribcage, almost as if it were trying to get free. “She’s fucking someone?” I replied, grinding my molars.
“No. God your imagination is messed up. How the fuck would I know that unless I was there. Although of course you know I like to watch,” he said, I could tell he wore a smirk.
“Max,” I warned, my voice deathly low.
“She’s here at Aquarius and fuck me she looks hot.” Steam had to be coming out of my fucking ears.
“What the fuck is she doing back there?” I shouted into the space of the car, pushing my foot on the pedal, and changing direction.
“How the fuck should I know?”
I jammed my hand on the horn as I swerved close to a car, I was literally seeing red.
“Has she seen you?”
“Nope, I’m in my usual booth at the back. She’s getting some interest, you wanna get your arse down here fast,” he suggested, like that wasn’t exactly what I was trying to do. At that particular moment, the city that never sleeps could do one, the traffic was a nightmare.
“I’m keeping an eye on her. She just finished one set but I think she’ll be on again, the girls usually do a couple a night. The crowd are going fucking nuts. She looks pretty amazing; you should be proud.” Was the fucker on glue? The thought of other men leering at her made me want to put a bullet in someone.
“So, she’s on stage? Dancing?” disbelief and horror coated my insides.
“Yes, she’s looks great though, you don’t have to worry.”
“Stop trying to cheer me up. I’m outside,” I growled, ending the call and parking half across the pavement.
The veins in my neck felt like they were going to burst as I jumped from the car and stormed over to the entrance. There were three big fuckers out front, and they blocked me as I attempted to go into the club.
“You alright mate? You sure you’re in the right frame of mind to visit this establishment,” the older one said.
“What the fuck does that mean?” I snarled, my nostrils flaring as I attempted to hold on to my temper. Smacking one bouncer in the face was straightforward but taking on three was another matter.
“Maybe you should calm down a bit first. We don’t allow trouble here.”
I cleared my throat and attempted to appear more relaxed, but it was a struggle. So, I went with honesty.
“My girlfriend is dancing here tonight, and she shouldn’t be. She doesn’t belong here, no offence,” I said to the older one, he looked fatherly, and so I was hoping he’d get what I was saying.
“Girlfriend?”
“Yes. She’s doing a favour for a friend,” I said, waving my arms around to highlight my point. God knew why.
His nose scrunched as he frowned and then realisation pooled into his crabby features.
“Ah, little Leonie.” His gaze switched from wary to tranquil.
So, he knew her name. I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved or pissed off.
“Yes, that’s right. Leonie. I’m here to take her home,” I said gruffly. I so wasn’t used to humbling myself, but I needed them on my side if I was to get into the building.
“Well, who are we to stand between a man and his old lady?” grandad said. I found it interesting that he called her my old lady, a sign that he may be part of an MC (motorcycle club) which is where the term was coined. He wasn’t wearing a cut with his colours, but he wouldn’t have been as he was in uniform.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
The old dude then put a hand on my shoulder and whispered, “I’m Trevor by the way and you must be Gabriel?”
My brow threaded that he knew about me. “That’s right.”
“Go get our girl,” he said gruffly. I decided not to break his fingers. Good of me considering he’d called her ‘our’ girl.
I gave him a brief nod and turned to the entrance. It was showtime.
The other two bouncers opened the door and after one last look at the infamous Trevor, I walked as calmly as possible into the establishment. The smell of alcohol, mustiness and rancid perfume hit me in the face.
The dive was rammed with an assortment of people from all walks of life. Designer brands mingled with Primark. The place reminded me of why I didn’t do people.
My rage increased as my feet stuck to the floor. My Leonie was here in this shit hole and I hated that. What the actual fuck. I was losing my mind, I so needed to purge the girl from my system.
As I walked through the lobby where there was a counter to check coats, I took in the seedy colour scheme. The fact that this place did private showings was the main reason Leonie shouldn’t have been anywhere near it.
As I entered the main function room, it was full, tables were scattered around with booths at the back, there were two bars, part of a dance floor and then a stage at one end.
My eyes searched for Max; he’d said he was in a booth at the back. Fuck knows why he came here; he was way too classy. Or maybe he wasn’t. Pussy would clearly be on tap in a place like this.
I could feel women of all ages sizing me up and I went to the bar and ordered a beer hoping to blend. The clothing I was wearing was probably worth more than the bartender made in a month. It was funny as I’d never thought of myself as a snob up until that moment.
As I ran my credit card over the reader, I spied Max in one of the booths to the side. He wasn’t alone. Two women were with him.
“Fuck it,” I said to myself and chugged the bottle. I needed courage for what I was about to see.
Max saw me and waved me over wearing a triumphant smile and I reluctantly joined them.
The bleached blonde with huge tits shuffled over so I could push myself into the seating. Their table was full of empty bottles which suggested they’d been there a while.
“Annette and Lolly, meet my best mate Gabe,” Max said, now slurring. I knew he was pissed as he never called me that. I wasn’t sure what was going on with him lately, he seemed to be partying way too much. If it had been anyone else, I would have said trouble with the love life, but Max didn’t have one of those. Or did he?
“So did I miss her?” I said, totally ignoring the two giggling girls. What the fuck was Max doing, he usually went for women with at least some class.
“No. Well, yes and no,” he said with a stupid look on his face. Now was not the time for him to be useless.
I shot him a glare. “Well, which is it fucktard?”
Max’s smile faltered but wasn’t replaced by anger. He cleared his throat and rolled his shoulders. He was clearly too pissed to register that I had disrespected him. You didn’t name call where Max was concerned or he rearranged your face, fact.
My expression must have told him to rewind as he quickly answered, “She’s back on for another set soon. Be ready for your cock to get hard.” He then leaned over and grabbed one of the blondes by the hair. I watched as he pretty much pushed his tongue into her mouth. That was weird. He so wasn’t himself. He was usually a charmer, not one to be so forceful with the ladies.
The girl liked it though and so I knew I shouldn’t give a shit. He also lifted one hand and palmed her tit, just as the music started to change. Nice.
I held my breath and pulled my gaze away. Something was going on with my friend, but I didn’t have time for his shit.
And then, she appeared. Leonie Smith, my Leonie, wannabe ballerina. She was on stage before me in her fucking underwear. And not just any underwear, a red corset that pushed her tits up. I was losing my sanity fast.
Max released the girl and eyed the stage. “Told you.”
I went to shove to my feet, but Max pushed me back with a hard arm across my chest. He shot me a warning look and cocked his head towards all the security that was lurking by the stage. Security, that had a front-seat view of Leonie’s cleavage I might add.
Sitting there, my blood continued to boil and then some as Leonie started to dance. It was the most exciting and erotic thing I had seen. Forbidden and exhilarating, her body gyrating as she shifted her hips and waved her behind towards the audience who all cheered and whooped. Although her outfit was tacky, Leonie looked good enough to eat.
All the blood in my body rushed to my cock but I had to concentrate, I couldn’t get a boner now, not with all these people watching the reason for that. The fact that they were probably experiencing similar reactions pissed me the hell off and I flipped.
As I shoved to my feet, I heard Max mutter. “Here we go.”
I could feel him at my back as I sauntered down the steps to the lower level, my destination, the stage.
Max was trying to get me to change my mind, but he still shadowed me, my wingman as always.
As I got to the stage Leonie saw me, her mouth dropping open, and she stopped dancing. She looked so fucking screwable. I wanted to take her mouth with mine and never come up for air.
I motioned for her to come to me with the crook of my finger. Unfortunately, this caused two security guys to do the same.
It then got out of hand as I lunged forward and snagged Leonie’s wrist, almost pulling her off stage. Thrusting myself forward, she fell over my shoulder, the wind whooshing from her small frame. I clamped my hand over her thighs, so she didn’t slide off.
The guy to my right tried to step in and I pulled back my free hand and punched him in the face as hard as I could.
“I don’t think so sunshine,” I heard Max mutter before he lamped the other guy.
Our gazes caught as a full-on fight erupted around us. Other men and women were suddenly on their feet as chaos erupted.
I took off out of the club like the devil was after me, glancing briefly back as I got to the door into the lobby to see Max in all his glory. He had three guys on him at once, but I wasn’t worried. Out of all my friends, he was the one who could look after himself. He stood egging them all on with his shirt half ripped, his tattoos screaming tough fucker and basically, milking the action. I had a feeling that he wasn’t just fighting for the sake of it, there was more violence than usual in him. So, in a way, I’d done him a solid.
I got out into the cool night air and received a grin from a passing Trevor who must have been running towards the action. I still didn’t like the dude.
Leonie was now beating me with her fists. It felt like someone was throwing bread rolls at my back. Even though I could hardly feel it, I slapped her arse cheek hard, once. She jolted in shock, and I was sure her gasp was a mixture of surprise and pleasure. I gave her another tap for good measure, and she squirmed against me. Hmm, maybe my sweet little Leonie was into spanking. Who knew right?
My temper had started to cool now she was in my arms but as I got to the car, I placed her on her feet none too gently. Opening the back seat, I then stuffed her inside and slammed the door. Leonie fell sideways, her suspender-clad legs flailing. As I climbed behind the wheel, she attempted to leave the car, her face flushed and her hair everywhere.
Starting the engine, I met her shocked gaze in the rearview mirror. “Child locks are a bitch, aren’t they?”
She opened her mouth to speak but I interrupted, “Don’t. I am so fucking angry with you right now.” Her lips slapped closed, and the bastard in me imagined them wrapped around my cock as she begged forgiveness for lying to me.
I then placed my arm around the back of the passenger seat and reversed off the pavement, aggressive waves bouncing off me.
There was silence. No words from Leonie who sat in the back with her arms folded, staring out of the window. Her cute little nose was in the air, she was ticked off at being manhandled out of the club.
I was getting the silent treatment for my caveman behaviour, but did I give a shit. Nope. I wanted to kiss the hell out of her until her lips were bruised, branding her mine.
As the car ate up more and more of the road, I couldn’t wait to get her home for what would be for her, the wake-up call of the fucking century.
Leonie
I felt a mixture of guilt and fear, and also a twinge of sadness that I may have ruined my relationship, whatever that was, with Gabriel. Annoyance bubbled in the pit of my belly as I realised Max had sold me out. How the heck was I supposed to know he’d be there? Aquarius didn’t seem like his scene, but it appeared I didn’t know the guy at all, not really. As I thought back to the Charity Ball, he made girls cry and that was never good in my opinion.
The silence in the car was almost suffocating, Gabriel didn’t even turn the radio on. As we stopped at what felt like every red light in London, his eyes flickered to mine in the mirror. His stare was intimidating, and I knew I was going to get it in the neck or other places. The latter thought caused a twinge of excitement to thrum through me, just as it did when he had smacked my bottom; several times!
Shivering, I rubbed my arms. I was in the back of the Range Rover in my underwear so no surprise there then. My bag and phone were back at the club.
“Are you cold?” Gabriel suddenly said and I nodded, and he started to fiddle with the heating dials. At least he wasn’t going to leave me to freeze to death.
“My bag and keys and everything are in the changing rooms at the club,” I pointed out, my voice scratchy.
His eyes burned into me through that mirror again, “Assuming Max doesn’t spend the night locked up, I’ve messaged him to collect all your shit.”
I nodded, my eyes roaming over Gabriel’s white knuckles as he gripped the steering wheel. Of dear he was cross and of course, he would be. I hadn’t exactly lied about tonight but I hadn’t told the truth either. What was it they said, lying by omission?
“I’m sorry,” I said.
Gabriel fixed his eyes on the road again. His next words caused a dart of giddiness to power through me.
“You’re going to be.”
Stifling a sneaky little smile, I shut up and looked out of the window, not knowing what my fate would be and now more excited about it than scared. Yes, I’d fucked up tonight, but I was back with Gabriel now, which is where I had wanted to be all night. Favours be damned. Oh dear, I hoped Sam didn’t lose her job because of me.
Gabriel parked the car and climbed out, helping me down from the backseat. He took his jacket off and draped it across my shoulders.
“Won’t you get clamped?” I said, studying the no parking zone Gabriel had stopped the car.
“I really couldn’t give a shit,” he replied as he took my hand in his and tugged me along. Gabriel’s fingers were still gentle as we walked into the building, past the doorway where we’d first met when he had been such a wanker. It was amazing how things had changed between us, and I so hoped that I hadn’t messed things up.
We rode the lift in ominous silence.
“Is Asher in?” I asked in a small voice.
“I have no idea. Let’s hope not. I’m sure you don’t want an audience.” Again, another zip of pleasure hit me. This twisted side to me was a surprise but then I was still so new to sex, how could I have known exactly what I liked? I would certainly embrace whatever Gabriel dished out as I knew he’d never hurt me. He could be an overbearing bastard, but he wasn’t that type of man.
We got into the apartment and Gabriel dropped the car keys on the kitchen counter with a loud chink.
Here we go. He turned on me, all bristling male fury and I had to take a few steps back, suddenly feeling exposed in the sexy lingerie.
His hot eyes roamed over my body, he was so tall, and commanding. I was surprised I didn’t melt into a puddle in front of him.
Stand up to him, that strong confident woman inside of me yelled, attempting to climb from her cage. You let him throw you over his shoulder like a movie from the seventies, that type of behaviour is not acceptable today, she chanted. But did that count when you enjoyed it?
“So?” he questioned, folding his arms. His eyes were hooded.
I cleared my throat and checked out his stance warily. He looked like a tiger before it pounced. Tugging his jacket to cover my body to provide some armour against his piercing gaze, I slowly walked a few steps toward him. Gabriel was leaning back against the kitchen counter. He looked uber fit and my body started to gravitate towards that strength.
I got within touching distance, and he said, “You’re brave.”
My mouth fell open as heat shifted between my thighs. I was immensely attracted to the bossy side of his, I realised I probably always had been.
“I told you that you were done working at the club. So, what the fuck is going on?”
Mirroring his stance, I lifted my chin proudly and folded my arms. “Since when did you think you had any say in my life, Gabriel?”
He bit out a laugh, but it wasn’t one containing any genuine humour. “Since right now. Dancing in your underwear for a bunch of dirty old pricks is not going to do your CV any favours when you”re trying to get into the Royal fucking ballet is it?” Gabriel paused to drag in a huge breath and then released it through his nose. Like a dragon breathing fire. “I can’t believe you’d sell yourself out like that. Have you no self-respect?”
“It wasn’t about that. I was doing a favour for a friend.”
“In a strip club?”
“It’s a gentleman’s club,” I reminded him, dropping my arms.
“Same fucking thing, Leonie.” Gabriel dashed a hand of frustration across his face. “Fucking Aquarius.” The gesticulation of his arms echoed how annoyed he was.
I raised mine in frustration.
“You have no right to be Gabriel.” Oh dear, how I wished I could snatch that one back. My words caused him to lower his hands and shove off the counter. He prowled towards me and I used everything inside me not to shy away. As I said Gabriel’s behaviour could be unpredictable.
“No rights? OK then. Fuck it. I’ll be a paying customer. I’ll give you five times what you make in one night. You can dance for me. A private showing,” he sneered, and the enjoyment factor of our quarrel started to drain away.
“What?” I said, shocked but this turn of events.
Gabriel loomed over me, startling me by yanking his jacket down my arms. Once he had the garment free, he threw it onto the sofa, leaving me standing there in the underwear I had danced in.
He took a few steps back to get a better view of my body, his eyes eating me up.“Come on,” he said with a swing of his hand in my direction. “Dance for me, show me the good stuff.” Gabriel dragged his gaze away as he rooted for his wallet. Withdrawing it from his jeans, he pulled out a wad of notes. “Do I tuck your tips into your knickers? Is that the way it’s done?”
And now I felt cheap, which was exactly what he was trying to achieve. “Now you’re just being crass,” I replied, the need to run to my room, powering through me.
“Even better, why don’t you just strip for me? That’s what all the other dirty fuckers in there would have been thinking. How does it feel to know that most of the men in there will be at home now, jerking off whilst thinking about your face.”
“Stop it,” I shouted, my eyes starting to water up with tears. He was making me feel dirty and I wrapped my arms around my waist. How could he have treated me like such a princess one minute and a slut the next? Because you’re standing there in fucking trashy underwear and have just been shaking your arse for a bunch of strange men.
And the penny dropped. He was right. I was a dancer, a ballerina. I should never have been in that club in the first place. There was no excuse, if I had needed money in those early days, I could have asked my foster parents. But I’d been so pathetic and reliant on other people for so long, I had needed to try and make it on my own. And now, my behaviour had pushed Gabriel away. I full-on sobbed.
“I don’t want you near that place anymore. It isn’t you,” he said, his voice having softened. I looked up at him through misty eyes, I was so fucking confused.
“You’re acting like a jealous boyfriend or something,” I blurted, but I knew my resolve would crack with every step he took in my direction.
Gabriel moved closer and ran a hand down my cheek, collecting some of the moisture there. “We live together. I care about what happens to you, kitten.” My spirits lifted a smidge as he used his nickname for me. But I also felt the need to hurt him like he’d hurt me. I would not be the victim here. I felt my body accepting his warmth.
“You have a funny way of showing it,” I pointed out with a sniff, and he smiled.
He ran his tongue over his front teeth before he replied. “Come on, why don’t you have a shower, and I’ll show you all the different ways in which I care for you, Leo.”
The fact that he shortened my name which he hardly ever did told me everything was OK. He had made his point, not in the best way possible but I cared about Gabriel despite his flaws.
I placed my hand into his outstretched one and we walked down the corridor towards our bedrooms. I really wanted to melt into him, but I needed to shut that down.
When we got to his door, Gabriel turned and smiled down at me. It was a look so full of sexual promise.
“You look tired but I can wake you up.”
I nodded, feeling sad in the aftermath of our argument. I had hoped those days were over.
“Or we could just skip the shower and go to bed? You’re going to get hot and sweaty anyway,” Gabriel pointed out smoothly, planting a kiss on my nose.
I weighed up my options. I so wanted to be with him but I knew I couldn’t allow myself to just fall in bed with him after what had happened. That reoccurring thought that this thing between us was only physical would be refuelled by those actions. I was a person, not a blow-up doll. If I adopted the behaviour of jumping when he snapped his fingers, he would always expect that.
I needed to be strong.
“I’ll have a shower but I’ll sleep alone tonight if you don’t mind,” I replied with a slight smile. I didn’t want him to think I was still angry, exhausted was more like it.
I could see that he wasn’t happy, but I had to stick by my decision. A muscle in his jaw ticked.
“Are you sure?” Gabriel whispered, stepping further into my personal space, and sweeping a finger down my nose. It was an affectionate gesture but I knew what he was trying to do.
My breasts suddenly felt heavy in the corset and his eyes dipped to my chest. It was almost like he knew how he affected me.
“You look incredible in this, but I was kind of looking forward to removing it.”
I swallowed. It would be so easy to give in but I needed to prove something; not necessarily to Gabriel but to myself.
His breath was on my face and I longed for him to touch me.
“You’re sulking,” he husked, lowering his hand to skim it across the skin above my stockings.
“I’m not sulking. It’s just been a crazy night.” I fizzed in the place where he touched me. It was a light caress but I felt the force of it like thunder.
“Are you sure you don’t want to make it even crazier? I want to make you cum with my mouth.” My pulse skyrocketed and I took a step backwards to put some distance between our two bodies but Gabriel was having none of it. He moved with me and his hands fell to my waist.
“I need you tonight,” he husked as I stared up into his perfect face.
He touched his nose against mine before he crushed my mouth with his.
The kiss was explosive, his tongue pushing into my mouth, devouring me. It was a masterful, erotic kiss meant to entice and I was almost lost; my hands were in his hair whilst his strong fingers dug into my hips. I could feel he was hard against my stomach and warm heat arrowed between my legs. Gabriel was taking no prisoners as his hands moved and cupped my bottom, pulling me against him as he ground his cock against me.
It was over almost before it started as Gabriel suddenly drew back, with a passion-torn expression.
“Sorry, I’m being needy and that’s not me at all. You go have your shower and get some sleep.”
I was surprised he’d stopped, if he hadn’t it would have been much longer before I’d caved. What can I say, my body was a slave to his.
“If you’re sure,” I said, almost changing my mind. I hoped he didn’t think I was giving him the cold shoulder.
He chuckled, “Oh I’m far from sure. I should get a fucking medal for restraining myself. You look as sexy as fuck in that outfit. It’s a shame you can’t keep it,” he husked, motioning towards the corset with a flick of his eyes. They were dark with desire and his smile was wolfish. I glanced down, no longer feeling cheap in the clothing.
“But it’s fine, I can just get myself off whilst thinking about you in it,” he grinned.
“Gabriel,” I scolded, bearing in mind what he’d said about other men doing just that.
He held his hands up in mock surrender. “I’m joking. Go, enjoy your shower before I change my mind.”
I needed no other offer, and I leaned up, planted a kiss on his lips and moved away.
“Oh, and Leonie,” he called.
“Yes?”
“Dream of me.”
And I knew that I would.
*****
After my bath, I still felt so drained. I wasn’t used to arguments, especially one as heated as the one I’d had with Gabriel earlier. I was proud of myself for resisting him as I had needed some time out. Gabriel appeared to be at the forefront of my every waking thought and I didn’t want to lose myself in him completely. I also didn’t want him to think he could just click his fingers and get what he wanted all the time. And then there was my body; I was also feeling quite stiff. Having class all day and then dancing a different technique had taken its toll.
I was dazing in and out of consciousness, wearing one of Gabriel’s old T-shirts and enjoying the way the cotton was soft against my body when I heard a thump. Checking the time on my phone, I could see that it was three in the morning. The witching hour, my mother would say when she’d read me scary stories as a kid.
THUMP. There it was again. I glanced at my door, the noise coming from way beyond there. Maybe Gabriel was getting a drink or Asher had come back from Mark’s?
Peeling back the covers, I slowly climbed out of bed and went to the door of my bedroom. Anxious knots continued to wind in my belly. Something was off.
The apartment was now deathly quiet, and I wondered if I’d dreamt the sound that had awakened me. I was a light sleeper, having lived for six months with Simon so close, I got used to keeping one eye open.
Slowly pulling the door open, I tiptoed outside, my eyes squinted as I attempted to see down the corridor. I could hear a shuffling noise and felt another flicker of unease as none of the lights were on. That was odd.
Taking a deep breath, I made my way across the floor, my eyes roaming over Gabriel’s door which was slightly open. Maybe he was up and in the kitchen, although if that were the case, why no lights?
I concentrated on putting one bare foot in front of the other, tugging my tee to check it covered my bottom. I should have pulled on a robe as tackling an intruder half naked probably wasn’t the best way to go.
A sliding noise suggested a drawer was being opened and my anxiety jumped up a notch. I then felt a surge of sheer panic as strong arms snaked around my body, dragging me back against a rock-hard chest. My cry was cut off as my attacker placed a hand over my mouth and I was helpless. Struggling, the grip was like a vice and my feet left the floor as I was pulled backwards.
I attempted to free myself against the strong bands wrapped around my body as I was carried backwards into Gabriel’s bedroom.
My feet hit the floor as I was released and spun around, my back meeting the wall, my mouth momentarily free before being trapped again. Relief pooled into me as I stared up into Gabriel’s stern face with wide eyes.
He had me pinned against the wall, his expression deadly serious, his palm still over my mouth. He placed a finger from his other hand against his lips, instructing me to remain silent and I nodded my head in agreement. Shit, what the hell? Did we have a burglar?
After a beat or two he lowered his hand and glanced towards the door. I kept my mouth shut, feeling so much better now I wasn’t alone. Gabriel must suspect we had an intruder too. Part of me hoped it would be Asher and we could all laugh about it in the morning but I knew that wasn’t the case.
My heart was thumping in my chest as Gabriel moved away, his expression ordering me to stay calm and silent.
I watched, feeling helpless and scared as he circled the bed and opened the drawer of his bedside table, his eyes never leaving mine. He turned away briefly, and my gaze flickered towards the direction of his hand.
When he drew a gun from the drawer, I thought my heart was going to stop. OMG, he had a fucking gun. My mouth fell open in shock. Gabriel’s eyes shot to mine, and he slowly shook his head, once again motioning for me to remain quiet.
In horror, I watched as he slid the top of the gun back, probably so it was loaded and ready to fire, he then shoved it into the back of his jeans and turned away. The butt of the gun peeked out from the waistband, sitting at the base of his bare back.
Gabriel’s shoulder muscles rippled as he tugged on a shirt, pulling the hem over the weapon to conceal it. Half buttoning it, he then approached me with an intense expression.
Panic beat inside my chest like angry fists against a wall. My breathing became ragged and I shook my head at him as he made a move to the door. I didn’t want him going out there. He could get hurt. Gabriel approached me with a reassuring expression as we both remained silent but tried to communicate with just our eyes.
He then placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and then slid the door of the mirrored wardrobe I was standing next to open.
Horror hit me as he clasped my other shoulder and started to gently manoeuvre me sideways towards the space.
I raised my hand in panic as Gabriel flicked his head to motion for me to get into that small, dark space that was the wardrobe.
Flashes of being trapped came back and I opened my mouth to cry out but Gabriel shifted quickly, jamming his hand over my mouth again and then physically placing me in there.
Raising his free arm behind my head, he shifted some suits along the rail to give me space and then positioned me beside them, his eyes never leaving my face. I could see he was sorry and that he felt this was the only option. He knew about what had happened to my parents after we’d had the blackout.
Moving his hand, Gabriel placed his lips against mine, the kiss an instruction to do as I was told. He then pushed his mouth close to the shell of my ear and whispered, “I’m sorry. But please, stay here. No matter what you hear. Do not come out until I come and get you. Nod if you understand.”
I nodded.
Gabriel then took a step back and I watched as he slid the door closed and shut me inside.
Sliding my back down the wall behind me, I fell to my bottom and lifted my knees. Try not to panic!
Squeezing my eyes closed, I sat there alone and waited for it to be over—thoughts of Gabriel with a gun, infecting my thoughts.
Seeing a gun had been a shock and those same two questions kept coming back to torment me. Who the fuck was Gabriel Knight and what the hell were we doing?