51

AUDREY
Gabriel’s eyes gleamed, a smile curved on the sides of his lips, and the tension on his shoulders relaxed. “Oh, angel. Are you sure?”
I searched for his eyes. “I am. Because there’s no one else, I want.”
He moved close to me and brought me into his arms, squeezing me tight in his body. “God. You don’t know how glad I am to hear that.”
Because I fell in love with you, too, Gabriel. I mentally confessed. Then I saw a hint of tears pricking his eyes, and I could already tell that he felt the same. I knew Gabriel Stark loved me, too, even if he didn’t say it. He smiled briefly, making him look younger than he really was. He brushed his thumb on my cheek.
“But my angel, there’s something you don’t know yet about me.”
“I’m all ears, Gabriel.”
“I didn’t mean to hide it from you.”
“Is that serious?”
“Very. You might run away from me.”
I touched his face. I couldn’t imagine myself not being near him, much more running away. “What is this? A secret child?”
He chuckled. “No.”
“You have a disease?”
I shook my head. “I’m very healthy, Audrey. You probably know that by now.”
“You killed someone? Molested a child?”
He laughed. “No. What are you thinking?”
“You’re into bondage?”
“I could never imagine you being helplessly tied up, Audrey. I’m not into such a thing.” His voice strained. “When we have sex, I’d give you equal control in bed.” He cupped my face. “You will feast on my body just like I would with yours, but it doesn’t mean I’ll be soft with you.”
I ran my tongue over my lips, and I felt a slight tickle in my core. I was already squirming against my thighs. His words alone were affecting me.
“I fuck very hard, Miss Hopkins,” he went on, “you should expect that now.”
“I see.” I blew out a sharp breath. I suddenly felt so hot. “Then I will listen to whatever you say. You said there’s no end, remember? How could I run away?”
He kissed my forehead. “You can’t because I will chase you,” he promised. “But I need to tell you about it before everything else. I’m just not ready.”
“I understand.”
“But I think we should come out before I lose myself. I’ll introduce you to everyone.” He grinned sweetly at me. “At least to my family.”
“Are you sure—”
A knock from the door interrupted. “Gabriel, are you there?” It’s a female’s voice.
Gabriel looked at me and strolled towards the door. I fixed myself and sat adequately. He then pulled the door open. His younger sister appeared at the doorstep. She slightly slipped a peek inside and grinned when she saw me.
“I knew you were here,” she said.
“What do you want, Maya?”
She laughed softly. “It’s time for the toast. I think you and your girlfriend should come downstairs now.”
I stood up and paced toward the two siblings. I noticed Maya’s dark blonde hair was shorter now. She grinned at me again. “You must be Audrey. My brothers told me about you.”
“Hello. Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maya.”
I reached out a hand to her, but she hugged me instead. “You’re gorgeous, Audrey.” She released me. “I wouldn’t wonder why Gabriel is so smitten.”
“Thank you. You too, Maya, and I love your hair.”
“Really?” Her eyes dazzled. “My boyfriend didn’t see it yet because he can’t be here tonight. I hope he loves it, too.”
“Boyfriend?” Gabriel crossed his arms. “You just broke up with… whatever his name was—”
“Martin.”
“Martin. And now you’re dating again?”
She rolled her eyes at her brother. “He’s an asshole, just like what you said, but Ray is different. I swear, he is.”
“Ray? Ray Summers.”
“Yes, that one—I mean, yes, Ray. We’re pretty new.
“Seriously, Maya? His father is Dad’s competitor,” he scolded.
“He doesn’t care. I don’t care. What’s wrong with that?”
“The last time you broke up with your boyfriend, you were crying your eyes out. Don’t come running to me if Summers hurt you, Maya. I’m telling you. But if he hurts you, I will kill him,” he warned. I saw Gabriel as an overprotective brother too, which I find adorable, of course. I secretly smiled.
“Whatever you say! I’m not a child.”
“Does Coulson know?”
Maya shook his head. “Don’t tell him yet. You know Coulson.”
Gabriel messed up her hair. “Ah, so you’re not afraid of me now, huh?”
“I am! Ugh! Not my hair!” she complained, stepping back. “But you just seem kind to me because your girlfriend—I mean Audrey is here. You’ll eventually find out anyway.” She looked at me. “Audrey, isn’t my brother so bossy?”
I laughed and shrugged. “Very,” I whispered.
“See, see? She thinks so too!”
“Hey!” Gabriel reacted.
Maya and I shared a laugh.
“Dad’s waiting for you two downstairs. Please don’t tell them about Ray yet. Please, Gabe?” Maya pleaded.
Watching them, I suddenly felt envious, knowing I could never have this kind of relationship with my brothers now that Samuel was gone. It must be so nice to become a part of their family.
Gabriel sighed, pressing the points of his temple. “Fine, fine.” He held my hand, entwining his fingers with mine, and we all went downstairs while Maya started talking to me about Ray and how they became a couple.