“She?”

“Yes, she.” Turning us around, I catch the moment Tero comes in with a box with the animal’s meal inside. We pass by each other, him smiling at Gabriella and my little painter curious as ever is trying to look around me, but I don’t pause until we’re inside the elevator shaft and the door is closed. “I know you have questions and I promise to answer them soon, but that back there is very important. It’s more than an opening night surprise. She’s my special gift to you.”

“That sounds insane.”

“Sometimes a little insanity is a blessing, Gabriella. Just like I never expected you, but you’ve knocked me down and have overtaken my world. Something I will never regret.”

29

Gabriella

I

can’t get his words out of my head.

Their meaning and the heavy conviction that leads to one word: love.

It’s been brewing, growing—consuming my world since we met outside of the cafe a few weeks ago, and while it makes no sense, I’m unable to deny it. To myself. To him. Because there’s this undeniable pull that both throws me off my feet while helping me find an inner balance I’ve been missing.

And all because of him. Theodore Astor.

Being with him—just standing in his presence makes me feel at home, a warmth I’ve never felt before. Not once. Not with anyone. There’s just something about Theo that pulls me in, and I don’t fight it—him—the tight binds that both tethers and scares me.

It’s also why I’m currently arguing with the man, holding my ground. Arms crossed over my chest; I’m meeting his hard stare with one of my own while his jaw ticks. “Yes.”

“No.”

“Not up for debate, Mr. Astor.”

You’re right.” He steps into my personal space, crowding me against the front door of my home. He thinks I’m here to pick up clothes, while I’m here to stay. To get back to work, because I have a show to prepare for and a life that needs to carry on.

I’m not going to hide. I’ve done nothing wrong.

The police themselves have been patrolling the nearby area the last few nights, and nothing. No snakes. No threats. No bodies. And with the extra officers surrounding the neighborhood, I doubt there will be.

I can’t allow myself to think otherwise.

“You’re giving in that easily?” He doesn’t move back when I give him my best bitch brow; instead, I’m given a smirk. His eyes alight with humor. “What’s the catch?”

“Then I’ll stay over.”

“You want to—”

“I’m going to, sweetheart. Not a question.”

“But what about...?” His lips against mine silence me, eradicate any question or concern. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s slept over or that we wake up in the same bed. And if I’m being honest, the idea of him being here just in case does make my heart flutter.

Theo cares.

Maybe as much as I do.

“Fine,” I say just as he nibbles on my bottom lip, dragging his teeth across the kiss-swollen flesh. “But—”

“But nothing, Miss Moore.” Another teasing bite. “Open the door for us.”

“Okay.” Shakily, I turn, rubbing myself against his muscled chest and abs. I don’t miss how the area I touch clenches, how he sucks in a hiss through his teeth. It takes me longer than it should to put the key in the lock and turn the handle, but I’m too busy enjoying the feel of him. His harsh breaths. His manly scent. Eventually, I do, though, and step inside with Theodore close behind. “Is there anything you want to do tonight? Have you eaten yet?”

“No and no.”

“Are you hungry?” I don’t know the fine details of his diet, but I’m sure adjusting won’t be hard. I’m not a picky eater. “Can I cook for us?”

“That’d be nice, but I’m perfectly fine with vegging out and ordering in, too.”

“Unacceptable, Mr. Astor.” He follows me to the staircase’s first landing where I turn to face him, using the added height to face him head on. I’m almost nose to nose. Almost. “Let me spoil you a bit. What would make your mouth water tonight?”

“You.” No hesitation. There’s no stopping nor hiding the way my nipples tighten and thighs clench, the way my chest rises and falls at a faster pace nor the way he takes in each change, his pupils dilating until there’s very little of the amber left. He’s a beautiful man, and I’m susceptible to his every charm as if God created him for me. “All I will ever want in this life is you.”

“I want you too.” My own truth.

“But you’re not ready yet.” Theo takes a step closer, his lips hovering just a mere inch from my own while his arms wrap around my back. I’m held against him, trapped chest to chest and a harsh shiver runs down my body and onto his. “I know you’re a virgin, sweetheart, and as much as I want to devour you, I’ll wait. We have our whole lives. What’s a little more time?”

“You want to wait?” I ask incredulously, because isn’t he supposed to jump at the chance to break my hymen? To make me his. There’s also no denying my disappointment at this, because while a part of me agrees to wait, that it’s the right thing until we get to know each other better, the other wants to spread her legs in offering like a whore.

“Why the surprised face?” he asks, tracing my top lip with his tongue before flicking the bottom one. “I don’t need to take the cherry between your legs to own you, because I already do.” Theo swallows hard and closes his eyes, nostrils flaring while pulling me impossibly closer. Holding me a little tighter. “No one, not even God himself can break us apart, Gabriella. We are meant to be.”

“How can you be so sure?” Even though I feel it too, I have to ask him. Because this has been sudden and my life has been insane lately, but more than that, I can’t stop thinking about him. Wanting him close to me or wondering if he thinks of me like I do him. “Why me?”

“Only time can explain those questions, but I’ll be next to you as we uncover each answer.” Nodding, I try to explain my views when he shakes his head and pecks my lips once. “Why don’t you go take a shower and I’ll take care of dinner? It’s getting late, and I’d rather relax with you for a bit before we head to bed.”

“I really wanted to cook for you.”

“And you’ll have plenty of time to do so, but for tonight I just want to hold you close.”

“Okay.”

“Good girl.” Another gentle sweep of his lips and then I’m settled back on the first step while he moves back. “I’ll be here when you finish.”

“I’ll be back in a bit, then. Order whatever you’re in the mood for.” I turn to leave, and my right foot is on the second step, when his hand grips my elbow. It surprises me and I look back, scrunching up my face in a confusion that dies off the second our eyes meet again. The look he’s giving me is one of a painful hunger, but before I can ask, I’m yanked against his chest.

The contact is blissful and more so is the way he lifts me up with one arm beneath my butt, forcing my legs around his hips. Hips that thrust forward a second later and my eyes roll back, his cock flexing against my core. Right against my clit and a rush of electric heat settles on my bundle of nerves, pulsing, needing more.

“My apologies for leaving you wanting, sweetheart.” His voice is gravelly, fingertips digging in as he lowers us slowly onto the stairs. The wood is cold beneath me, a sharp contrast to my heated flesh. It feels good, but nothing can compare to his lips on my neck, littering the tender area with sharp nips and open-mouthed kisses. “You might not be ready for more, not all of me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t satisfy you. I’m always here to give you what you need.”

“Theo, I—”

“Let me take care of you...please.” His hands unbutton the pants Meera gave me, pulling them over my hips before tossing them somewhere behind us. Thank God they were a gift with the price tag attached because I’m not wearing panties, a sight that makes him growl—those amber eyes turn darker. I’m bare and slick and swollen. “You’ve been like this all day? Without underwear?”