Chapter 25

Someone gently shakes me awake later in the evening, and I wake up. My eyelids flutter open to discover Gabriel with a tray standing there. I gently sit up and exhale a breath of satisfaction as my body no longer aches. He takes a seat on the bed in front of me, our legs crossed. As I watch him stir the spoon inside the soup and tear a piece of bread, I move my hair towards one side. I allowed him feed me as I leaned forward, my eyes shining at the explosion of flavors. "This is fantastic. Did you manage to make it?" I inquire, to which he merely responds with a nod before offering me more.
Instead of eating a small portion of the soup and then abandoning it, as I had done for the preceding several days, I finished the soup and bread. After placing the tray downstairs, Gabriel returns to the room and offers me some medication. I try not to burst out laughing at just what a mother hen he is. "Are you sure you might not get back home?" When he scoops me up and sets me upon his lap in bed, I inquire. I could feel him slapping my neck with his head. "I completed the majority of the tasks I needed to perform today." "What exactly do you do?" I scowl at him, remembering I'd never asked before.
He gives me a light shrug and hands me a glass of water, waiting for me to complete it before speaking. "I own enterprises and hotels all throughout the world, as well as other businesses." When he puts his arms round my waist, I nod, resting back on his chest and shutting my eyes. Even though I'm ill and probably look bad enough to frighten little children away, this is great. I watch as he takes the remote and switches on the TV, scrolling through the channels till he discovers a movie which both of us can see.

The following day.
When the sunshine that has managed to sneak through the curtain hits on my face, my eyelids flutter awake. I yawn and turn over, only to discover an empty spot beside me, the blankets ruffled and pushed back, indicating that Gabriel had risen before me. Before eventually getting up, I sigh contentedly as I stretched like a cat on the bed. I enter the bathroom wearing a bundle of garments and lock the door and turning on the shower and entering under the warm water spray. I walk out from the shower then dry myself, wrapping my hair in a towel and putting on my clothing, a pair of black pants and an over-sized beige sweater, after swiftly washing myself and massaging shampoo into my hair. After drying up my hair, I put it up in a sloppy bun and put on a pair of flats and heading downstairs to the delicious aroma of dinner. I feel invigorated after that shower, not entirely recovered but much better than yesterday. Last night, I slept like a baby; maybe it's the bed, maybe it was Gabriel, but it motivates me want to sleep this every night simply so I can sleep blissfully. My mouth drops as I walk into the kitchen walking through the open door and see Gabriel's naked back, muscles rippling as he switches off the burner. I take a couple steps forward and observe his back tensing and then releasing. "Good morning, sweetheart. Hungry?" "Starving. Do you require assistance?" As he turns about with a dish of waffles, I inquire.

"Could you assist me in completing these?" He grins as he takes my hand in his and leads me towards the kitchen counter. I'm about to take a seat when I'm immediately yanked onto Gabriel's lap. With a shrug, I nestle into his arms, knowing he'll continue to glare and snarl at me before I accept to sit upon his lap. Trust me, I've tried previously and learned from my mistakes.
"Bring it on, Perez." I teasingly take a knife and fork before tucking further into waffles he lays on my plate.
Gabriel responds with a playful growl, his nose skimming down the entire length of my neck and breathing deeply, something I find strange but choose not to mention anything. I spread Nutella on one before stuffing it with fruits, tearing a chunk off, and biting into it. "Wow! You're a fantastic chef." He mumbles his gratitude you before diving in with a fork. "Do you think you're feeling better?" "Yes, Doctor," I said. I tease, sipping my drink.
He chuckles, his arms tightening around me and his lips brushing over my ear. "As far as you're my gorgeous patient, I don't complain playing doctor." Before pounding my chest, I choked on my juice. I push him slightly, glaring at him, because he so readily turns everything into a sexual innuendo. Before lifting a forkful of waffle onto my lips, he chuckles and kisses my burning cheeks. My lips curl around the silverware as I open my mouth and gaze squarely into his eyes. I close my eyes while my tongue rushes out to kiss my lips, moaning quietly to agitate him.
He moans, biting his lower lip as his fingers burrow into my waist, making me grin at the outburst.
My gaze is drawn to his teeth, which are chewing at his lower lip, prompting heat to travel throughout my lower body.
I turn back to enjoy my breakfast, pouring more syrup into the stack while taking a mouthful, smiling innocently.
When I've picked a book to read, he invites me outside to the bench after breakfast. He takes my legs and sets them on his lap, massaging my ankles absently as he sits down. I smile cheerfully as I read a book and turn the page. I'm quickly engaged in the author's universe, my eyes soaking up every word.
"Are you serious?" I mutter under my breath, slamming the book down on my lap then crossing my arms. "Stupid." When I look up, Gabriel is grinning at me, his eyebrow lifted in surprise. I sigh and roll my eyes. "Lucy ends up with Clayton while she's supposed to be with Nick!" We exchange stares before Gabriel leans back in his chair and bursts out laughing. As I observe him, I grin softly, his face devoid of any tension or anxiety, as it has always been. He appears to be at ease, and I'm glad it's while he's with me.
He returns my stare and bows his head, his eyes bright with amusement. "Perhaps it'll improve as the narrative progresses?" "No," I say, sighing. "Kayla, a classmate, had already spoilt everything for me. I just had no idea who it'd be." I pluck at the hem of my sweater, muttering. "Mi amor, it's simply a tale." He chuckles and pulls me onto his lap. (My love) I sigh irritably. "However...she should have been with Nick, he's ideal!" "I've had enough of him." He growls and presses his lips firmly against mine, offering me a foot kiss which only he can offer. I chuckle as I shove him away. "You're envious of a fictional character?"
He doesn't respond, instead glancing at the book and muttering under his breath, which makes me laugh further at how ridiculous he is. "You're so adorable." "I am not attractive. I'm a man, and males aren't really attractive." He frowns and puffs his chest out slightly. I lay my head upon his chest, rolling my eyes. "I'm not sure why I like you so much, you're such a geek." Before I understand what I've spoken, there's a brief pause, and my eyes widen. When he doesn't respond, I feel him motionless under me, forcing me to close my eyes tightly. Amanda, you're a moron! Take a peek at what you've accomplished! When I pull back and notice him looking at me, I flush.