Falling into Exposure (Falling 2)

“Better drink up.” He grins at his sister.

I glance over at Abel, who’s still gaping at me.

He’s younger than Gabriel, and you’d think the poor kid had never seen a woman in his life. Although, this dress probably has something to do with it.

I try not to think about it as I reach for a cold cut and pop it into my mouth. But then Angelina squeals in delight, scaring the ever loving crap out of me.

“I love her already!” she proclaims.

My eyebrows shoot up in confusion as Gabriel erupts with laughter. “And why is that my darling sister?”

“Look.” She points shamelessly. “She actually eats!”

The whole group erupts in laughter, officially ending the awkwardness of the first meeting. I have two glasses of wine and am regaling Angelina with my story of how I met Gabriel when he disappears into the kitchen again.

Angelina takes the opportunity to lean closer, whispering conspiratorially in my ear. “You are so different to his usual taste in women, and I mean that in a good way.”

I smile weakly at the awkward compliment. I do not want to think about Gabriel with other women.

“And I can tell he is gaga over you,” she continues. “I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. He can’t take his eyes off you.”

“Really?” I smile dreamily. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Well, apparently neither can Abel,” Angelina adds humorously. “I guess you could have your pick of the Maddox men.”

Abel scowls at Angelina, and both of us burst into laughter as Gabriel returns.

“What’s so funny?” he muses.

“Just how Abel hasn’t stopped eyeballing your woman all night,” Angelina replies.

Gabriel smirks as he walks behind me, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Sorry, Abel, but she’s all mine. Now quit fucking staring at her.”

Angelina checks her watch and frowns. “I guess we should get going huh?”

Gabriel nods and I stand, wondering why they’re leaving so soon. They haven’t even been here for thirty minutes.

“She really is beautiful, Gabriel.” Angelina gushes as she looks over my dress. “I would die for that figure of yours.”

“Well, we all have our own ways of punishing mom,” Abel retorts, his voice laced with sarcasm.

I can’t hide the confusion on my face as Angelina smacks him in the arm.

“Yes, and mine is by eating too much, apparently. Forever reminding her of the society could-have-been.”

“Nonsense.” Gabriel leans down, kissing Angelina on the cheek. “You are beautiful, baby sister.”

I feel my heart warm at the endearment. This Gabriel is so unlike any I’ve ever seen before. He’s bringing me into his life, introducing me to his family, and showing me a whole new side of him.

“Alright,” Abel grumbles. “Let’s go, please. I want to get this shit over with.”

Gabriel nods and grabs me by the hand, pulling me towards the elevator. “Um, are we going somewhere?”

“Yes.” He grins. “I’m dragging you along to one of my parents boring dinner parties. We’re all going.”

Chapter Twelve

Victoria

In the back of the limo, I curl into Gabriel, listening as he bickers with Angelina. They are making bets about who will piss their mother off first, which isn’t inspiring much confidence about our little trip.

I have no idea what to expect tonight. I can’t even remember the last time I met a boyfriend’s parents. But from everything Gabriel’s told me about his family, I feel like it’s important that I be there for him tonight.

The car pulls into the circular entryway of the Maddox home, and I stare in shock. Home is too loose of a word, really. It’s definitely a mansion. Large and over the top with luxurious gardens and fountains out front.

“Ready or not, here we go,” Gabriel whispers in my ear.

We’re greeted at the door by a servant dressed in a black tuxedo. He gives us a stiff greeting and leads us down a long hallway in silence. Abruptly, Gabriel comes to a halt beside me as a tall, thin blonde woman comes screeching down the hall.

“There you are!” she whines, exasperated. “You know how important this is, couldn’t you at least have been on time for once!”