Although he was as kind as ever, Gabriel drove us to his penthouse quiet and pensive. A few days ago I would’ve pushed and prodded, feeling that I just had to know what was laying in wait behind those brilliantly blue orbs. I still felt the urge burn like a hot coal in my mind. I didn’t like Gabriel’s unhappiness nor did I like the inevitability of his thoughts.
However, I would give him the space he graciously had given me. It was the least I could do for my darling Gabriel.
I reached for his hand. He squeezed mine once and we spent the entire trip hand in hand, silent but connected. We arrived at his new building rather quickly, traffic thankfully deciding to remain smooth and incident-free. Hand still held securely in his, I made another ride up another elevator and wondered where my life was bound to go next.
When we entered the foyer I realized I’d already started on a new journey.
Gabriel showed me the small platform and watched silently as I circled it in curiosity. I looked across the space between and asked, “What’s this for? Did you buy a statue recently?”
A mischievous expression danced across his handsome face. “No, not quite. I did acquire something marvelous though.”
Cocking my head, I asked innocently, “What?”
Gabriel moved closer. His hand caressed my back. “You, sweetest Emma.”
I felt tightness in my chest. Fear edged closer, neatly puncturing my bubble of confidence. Was I just his newest possession, something to be acquired and then forgotten? Studying the most beautiful man in my world, I needed to ask.
“How do you see me?”
It was the perfect question for the perfect scenario. Gabriel came to me, kissed me gently and then took me by the hand. He led me to his bedroom and produced the filmy Grecian style gown as if by magic.
“I saw this Munich and simply had to have it for my goddess.” Gabriel carefully placed the gown at the foot of his brand-new bed. He held both of my hands in his and raised them to his lips. “Can you do something for me, Emma?”
Confidence rebounded, burying the unwanted fear long enough to answer immediately. “Anything.”
“Let me show you exactly how I see you.”
“All right.”
Gabriel undressed me slowly, carefully. Each possessive stroke of his hand claimed me has his. Each kiss on my exposed skin promised me eternity. Staring ahead at the window, seeing the sky and sun, I felt my veins course with elation. I would not be forgotten.
My love nuzzled my belly, kissing the soft skin on my h*ps and thighs with reverence. He stripped me nak*d, circling me with hunger and something akin to worship. I didn’t have to wonder if my expression mirrored Gabriel’s.
He retrieved my gown and bade me to hold my arms up. Obedient, I waited as he slowly slid the gossamer creation over my body. When I was about to speak, Gabriel placed one finger across my lips. He waited until I nodded my head in agreement.
Another trial of trust. No questions.
He led me out of the room, down the expansive hallway, and back into the foyer. No words passed between us when he stopped before the pedestal. Gabriel simply held my hand and waited for me to infer what he wanted me to do.
I didn’t have to ask. I already knew.
I put my foot onto the smooth surface, fully prepared to climb up without assistance. Gabriel put pressure onto my thigh, a subtle command to stop. He then placed his hands onto my waist and lifted me up.
Now perched on my pedestal, blindfolded and wrapped in yards of ribbon, I thought the question again—where was my life with Gabriel going to lead next?
And how will we get there?
I didn’t know but I was ready. I shed any lingering traces of doubt like an old skin and prepared for the next stage in my life. I didn’t know all the answers and was bound to stumble, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was that I had finally listened to my heart.
I loved Gabriel Gordon and always had. Nothing could change that and nothing could keep me away from him.
I felt my expression lighten with joy. I couldn’t wait for what came next! I didn’t fear my future with Gabriel anymore and I didn’t see any other obstacles to stand between us and our unconventional romance. We were in love and together. What more could I ask for?
My lips curved into a slow smile. Gabriel swore he would never let me go. I finally felt the same. And because of that we were fully free.
“How are you feeling, Emma?”
“Wonderful. Better than good. Divine.”
“And that’s what I was waiting to hear all day. Thank you, my dearest love.” His hand squeezed my ankle. “I promised you a date, didn’t I?”
“I remember something about a date,” I answered coyly. “I also remember saying I was going to cook for you when you got back.”
“That is something I haven’t forgotten. Would you mind saving that for me next week though?”
“Okay.” I had to admit that I was a little disappointed. I loved how much Gabriel loved me doing the domestic goddess thing for him.
“Don’t pout, my love. Not when I want to keep my word to you. I say we have enough time to squeeze a date in this weekend, don’t you think?”
“Aren’t we on one?”
Gabriel snorted. “Hardly! I promised you a date where we’d go shopping, have lunch, go to a museum, have dinner—”
“See a show, go out for drinks, and then bed. Where we’ll then fall asleep after an hour or two of vigorous sex.”
The laughter was heavy in his voice. “Your memory is a force of nature, Emma! Remind me to watch my words and never promise more than I can give.”
“Of course, Mr. Gordon,” I assured him sweetly.
“Thank you very much, Ms. Adams.”
I enjoyed our bantering, especially when we were like this. I wished I could see his face or at the very least, lean down and kiss him. “It’s still early. We can drive uptown and start our shopping.”
“No can do, baby.”
“Do you want to do something else instead?”
“I can take you out around town any time. I promised you a proper date and a proper date is what you’re going to get.”
“Meaning?”
“Your bag is in the trunk for a reason, Emma.”
I’d completely forgotten about it. “I thought that was an overnight bag for me to stay here with you.”
“Nope. Our flight leaves…well, whenever I want it to. Are you ready to be set free, Emma?”
“No, not really. Can’t I stay like this?” I answered truthfully. I wasn’t quite ready to leave my pedestal and I also wasn’t ready to share Gabriel with the rest of the world.
“Well, my dear girl, I have influence and pull, but I doubt I can carry you through the airport bound like this without getting arrested.”
I imagined the smirk on his face. “Oh, that’s too bad.”
“Indeed. We should be able to completely disregard the rules of society, but we do what we must to blend, don’t we?” Gabriel’s strong hands lifted me up and over his shoulder. “Just a little longer, Emma…”
I’d gone from goddess to trophy of war. While I loved being adored from afar, this I liked even better. I wondered if I could interest him in incorporating this position in a future game. I hoped so.
I rested my head on his back while he carried me down what I imagined was the center hallway. Gabriel soon set me down. My toes sank into a luxuriously-soft carpet, verifying that we were indeed back in the master suite. I stood patiently while he went through the painstaking task of undoing my ribbon bindings.
When the last bit fell away, I felt a sudden, ominous warning. Unconsciously I moved closer to Gabriel. He instantly took me in his arms and calmed with sweet murmurs. I shook off my apprehension and hugged him tight.
“What is it, Emma?”
“Nothing, Gabriel. I just got a little superstitious. That’s all.”
He was silent for a moment and then he said, “Remember what I said, Emma? I won’t lose you again. Not for the world. You’re safe with me.”
“I know, Gabriel.” I knew it so why did I get so scared again? I calmed myself with It’s just going to take time for you to not have to have control over every little thing. It’ll get better.
His fingers unknotted the blindfold. I winced, expecting light to pierce my eyesight uncomfortably. Nothing happened. The room was dark, Gabriel having drawn the blinds over every window sometime before. My lover’s thoughtfulness never failed to move me. Gabriel was always so sweet to me. Always.
I reached for him, not wanting an inch to separate us. “I love you, Gabriel.”
Surprise flipped his smile before deep pleasure shined brightly in his arresting gaze. “I love you too, Emma.”
Unable to completely banish my uneasiness, I asked with uncharacteristic vulnerability, “Nothing will ever tear us apart, will it?”
“Never!” Gabriel swore, ruthless clench in his jaw affirming his sincerity.
I tightened my arms around his waist and rested my head against his chest. We stood there for a long time, unwilling and unable to let the other go.