I got distracted from my thoughts by a knock on the door and turned to see Gabriel standing there. I always thought the phrase tongue-tied was meaningless drivel, but it took me a minute to find my voice. He looked like a model. The black dress shirt with the top buttons undone, with matching slacks that fitted him like they’d been made for him, took my breath away. And I’d thought he couldn’t look better than he had in his tux.
“Don’t you look handsome?” His mom kissed his cheek and left my room where I’d gotten dressed, leaving the two of us alone staring at each other. “You’re staring.”
“I’m sorry, you look, whoa!” My cheeks heated at my gauche response, but I was literally without words.
“What’s that?” I’d only just noticed that he was carrying something in his hands because we’d both been staring at the other without talking for what felt like minutes.
“Come!” He walked me over to the mirror to stand in front of him before opening the velvet case and putting it down on the bureau. Inside, two sparkling diamond earrings looked back at me while he hooked the matching necklace around my neck. “This looks…” My hand trembled as I reached up to touch the cold gems.
“It’s your mother’s.” There was no holding back the tears this time as I ran my fingers over the necklace that I hadn’t seen in years. This is what had sent Becky over the edge, the thing she’d wanted most at the time and something I thought long lost. I didn’t even bother asking him where he’d got it from because I’ve come to learn that Gabriel does things my mind can’t even fathom.
GABRIEL
I should’ve left her hair down. That’s all I kept thinking as I walked beside her to the doors outside the ballroom. She hasn’t realized it yet, but I’ve hardly spoken two words since walking into her room earlier. It was taking everything in me not to make her go back upstairs and throw on a jacket or a shawl or something to cover up.
I didn’t realize the neckline would show off her cleavage like that, or that her hair would draw attention to her slender neck, or that the diamonds in her ears and around her neck would make her sparkle even more than the gems. The damn girl looked like she’d walked off the pages of some fairytale, and I’m having a hard time with anyone else seeing her like this.
I endured the drama of playing court to my sisters, which involved Gianna and me walking into the ballroom where the invited guests sat, arm in arm. She tried to disappear into my side when all eyes turned our way, but a quick squeeze of her fingers got her back on track. “You look amazing; that’s what everyone here is thinking.”
That seemed to settle her down a bit, and she calmed down once the spotlight was off us. I spent most of the evening attached to her hip while glaring at anyone who showed the slightest interest in her. Something she found great pleasure in but tied my guts in knots. If I’m this jealous, how in the world am I going to be able to let her go when the time comes?
While everyone else enjoyed the party, my mind was in hell. Each time some ass smiled at her, I felt like something was piercing my heart. I played a game of who would she choose among the young men that showed interest, and about an hour in, I had killed off half the male attendees in my head. Selfish as I am, the thought of anyone else taking my place leaves me cold.
Things took a turn halfway through the festivities when she said she had to go change for her dance routine. I’m a man of principles, but at that moment, I came damn close to telling her no. “You look nervous; you haven’t seen their outfits yet, either?” Lance, who was dressed pretty much the way I was, came to stand beside me at my place at the end of the hallway where I waited.
I was indeed very nervous about what my sisters would dress her in for this dance routine of theirs. Until now, it’s been kept secret, which only heightened my nervousness. Lately, it seems like they have their own agenda along with everyone else in this house, so I’m not putting it past them to put her in something they know would piss me off.
“I know why I’m nervous, but why are you so twitchy?”
“Why? You do know your sisters, right. Ten bucks say they’re half-naked. That’s why I’m up here, so I can knock their damn heads together before sending them to change.” He held up the large garment bag he’d taken from out of hiding somewhere.
“And what’s that?”
“You’ll see.”
GABRIEL
“I wish the fuck you would.” Gianna jumped a good foot off the floor at my outburst when she stepped out of the room ahead of the others. My vision blurred for a few seconds, and I was lucky I was leaning against the wall, or I might’ve fallen on my ass at the sight. I couldn’t even find my voice for another minute or so, too perplexed by what I was seeing.
I knew it, I knew they were up to some shit when they refused to show me what they were wearing for this dance number, but this, this goes beyond anything I could’ve imagined.
“Gabriel, what’s wrong?” She looked spooked and more than a little wary at my tone, but what the hell.
“What’s wrong? I’m going to wring your neck; that’s what’s wrong.”
“Look, here comes the other two and their entourage.” Lance huffed beside me.
“Gianna, what the hell do you think you’re wearing?” I reached for my jacket to cover her, only then remembering I wasn’t wearing one, and besides, I didn’t dare walk towards her, or I just might follow through with my threat.
My limbs started to tremble; I think I’m going into shock. I looked from her to my sisters and their friends, all looking like deer in headlights except for the twins who looked at me head-on. I glared at the twins, who didn’t seem to care one bit that I was about to lose my shit.
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” She looked down at herself and back up at me like she didn’t know what the hell. That mutinous look she’s been wearing more of late came over her face, and I geared myself up for a showdown. If she thinks she’s going anywhere looking like that, she must plan to end me because that’s the only way that shit’s going to happen over my dead body.
“What’s wrong with it?” I gritted out through my teeth. “You….”
“Hold it!” Lance grabbed my arm, pulling me back when I did start my approach. That’s a good thing because I might’ve crossed the line. She’s fucking naked. “Lance, close your got damn eyes.” Did he snicker?
“I knew they were going to do some dumb shit, so I’ve got us covered.” He held up the bag he was carrying before turning his attention to the twins. “Okay, you’ve had your fun, now go change.” Why isn’t he yelling?
“Wait, you knew they were going to dress like this?” He rolled his eyes.
“Of course not, but bruh, it’s the twins and Tasha; what did you think was going to happen?”
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with the way we’re dressed. You two need to climb out of the cave. It’s just a dance costume, not like we’re going out on the town, and even if we were, what’s it got to do with you two?” I ignored Anna and kept my gaze on Gianna.