When his breathing finally calms, he leans down and gives me a gentle kiss, smoothing my hair back as he stares into my eyes.
“Perfect.”
It’s the only explanation I get. The only one I need.
He undoes the chains and the cuffs, freeing me before he starts picking up the scraps of lace from the floor.
“Why do you buy them if you’re just going to rip them?” I tease, retrieving a few pieces myself.
He turns to me and grins. “That’s the whole point, beautiful. I like tearing things off of you. Especially things like that.”
I smile and shake my head, knowing that Gabriel is certainly one of a kind.
“I need you to go get dressed,” he says in a low voice. “Quickly.”
I retrieve my messenger bag from the entryway and make my way to the bathroom. It’s only then that I realize I’ve forgotten to pack a pair of panties. Of course. Well if nothing else, this night should be interesting. I slip into my dress and tame my curls before stepping back into the hallway. Gabriel is standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie when I emerge.
“Is that what you’re wearing?” he asks hoarsely.
I look down at my dress in confusion.
“Uh yeah,” I reply meekly. “Is that going to be a problem?”
A small smile creeps across his face and then relaxed laughter escapes him.
“You look absolutely beautiful in that dress,” he reassures me. “It just wasn’t what I was expecting.”
“Well, you didn’t say specifically what to wear.” I cross my arms in frustration.
He saunters towards me, taking me in his arms and kissing me sweetly.
“I’m glad you’re wearing it, believe me, I am. It’s just going to make it that much harder to take my eyes off of you tonight.”
“Well,” I retort. “Then you should probably also know that I forgot a pair of panties.”
“You’re killing me,” he groans, pressing his forehead to mine.
The familiar ding of the elevator doors carries down the hallway, followed by loud bellows of laughter.
“Who’s that?” I ask nervously, taking a step back.
He gives me a coy smile and pulls me back into his arms.
“I want you to meet two people who are very special to me.”
I look down at my dress in panic. Before I can protest, he’s tugging at my hand, dragging me along behind him.
He walks into view of the kitchen, casually pulling me up against his side. There’s a young man and woman sitting at the breakfast bar, staring.
Meanwhile, all I can think about is what Gabriel and I just did on that very breakfast bar.
Both of the strangers are openly gaping as Gabriel wraps his arms around my waist. The young woman stands, eyeing me speculatively. She’s of average height with a slightly round figure and long brown hair. The young man remains seated with a dumbfound expression as his eyes travel the length of my body.
I suddenly feel very much on display.
Gabriel interrupts the stiff silence. “Victoria, I’d like you to meet my brother Abel, and my beautiful sister Angelina.”
I glance up at him in surprise. I hadn’t realized they were his siblings. They look different than Gabriel, much different. While he stands there with his tall, beautifully sculpted body draped casually beside me, they seem much simpler in comparison. More down to earth, relaxed, and not at all like high society royalty.
I’ve often wondered why I didn’t see their photographs in the gossip columns. They always seem to single in on Gabriel, and now it’s apparent. They are just normal, everyday people… the kind of people I would hang out with. Whereas he apparently hit the genetic lottery. I glance back at them nervously, wondering what they think of me.
“Um, it’s nice to meet you.” I manage.
Gabriel leads me over to the bar… the sex bar… and pulls out a stool for me to sit down. I stare at the counter with a sheepish expression while he gives me a devilish grin. I attempt to swallow the lump in my throat and end up having a coughing fit. He pats me on the back, laughing loudly at his own little joke.
Yep, he definitely planned this. He walks around the bar and pulls a tray of cold cuts from the fridge, setting them on the counter. Next comes a round of drinks for everyone.