Chapter 80
Lily
The early morning light filtered softly through the blinds, casting a golden glow over the room. Lily stirred, her body heavy with lingering exhaustion, the warmth of the sheets and the faint scent of Gabriel surrounding her. For a moment, she didn't move, her mind still hazy, caught between sleep and wakefulness.
Gabriel's slow, steady breathing beside her filled the silence. He was still asleep, his dark hair messy against the pillow, his bare chest rising and falling with each breath. Something about seeing him like thisâso unguarded, so at peaceâmade her chest tighten in a way she didn't quite understand.
Carefully, she slipped out of bed, the cool air brushing against her skin as she straightened up. Her dress from last night lay crumpled on the floor, but instead of reaching for it, she grabbed one of Gabriel's t-shirts from the chair nearby, pulling it over her head. It smelled like himâclean, warm, a mix of his cologne and something uniquely him.
She paused, adjusting the oversized fabric against her frame, before her gaze drifted to his desk. A few framed photographs sat there, barely noticeable in the dim morning light. Curiosity got the best of her, and she took a step closer.
One photo in particular caught her eyeâGabriel as a kid, standing beside a tall man with sharp features and the same dark eyes. His father. There was something striking about the way they looked together. Another photo showed Gabriel, slightly older, his arm slung around the same man's shoulder, both of them mid-laugh.
Lily swallowed, a strange emotion tightening in her chest. Seeing these pieces of his lifeâof the boy he used to beâmade something inside her soften.
Shaking the feeling away, she turned and padded toward the door, stepping quietly into the dimly lit hallway. The house was still, the air thick with the quiet of early morning. She made her way toward the bathroom, her bare feet against the hardwood floor the only sound as she walked.
For a moment, she let herself breathe, let herself feel the weight of the night before settle in her chest. She wasn't sure what it meantâwhat any of this meantâbut for now, she didn't want to think about it.
Lily had barely taken a step out of Gabriel's bedroom when a door down the hall creaked open. She froze.
Alexa.
Stepping out of her room, Alexa halted mid-stride, her dark eyes widening in shock. Her gaze flickered over Lilyâher messy hair, her bare legs, the unmistakable fact that she was wearing Gabriel's t-shirt.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them was thick, charged with something unspoken but electric.
Lily felt her pulse quicken, but it wasn't from nervesâit was from anger. The betrayal, the humiliation, all of it crashed back into her like a tidal wave. Seeing Alexa standing there, stunned and speechless, made something dark and vengeful coil inside her.
Alexa's lips parted, her voice coming out barely above a whisper. "What... what are you doing here?"
Lily tilted her head, her smirk slow and deliberate. "What does it look like?"
She took a step forward, watching with satisfaction as panic flashed across Alexa's face. Lily didn't miss the way Alexa's throat bobbed, her arms tightening around herself like she was bracing for impact.
Alexa opened her mouth, then shut it again, at a complete loss for words.
Lily let the silence stretch between them, letting Alexa see her, letting her realize.
She wanted her to feel itâto feel just a fraction of what she had felt when she learned about the betrayal.
"Something wrong?" Lily asked, feigning innocence.
Alexa's jaw tightened, "Did you.....did you sleep with my brother?"
Lily gave her one last lingering glance before brushing past her, the scent of Gabriel's cologne still clinging to his t-shirt as she walked down the hall and to the stairs.
For the first time since everything fell apart, she was the one with the upper hand. And she was going to enjoy every second of it.
As Lily walked down the stairs, Alexa was right behind her, following her, her footsteps sharp and quick. Lily could hear the barely restrained anger in the way she moved, in the way her breaths came out a little too forceful.
By the time Lily reached the kitchen, Alexa was right there, standing just a few feet away, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
Lily ignored her. She took her time, opening a cabinet and grabbing a glass, then filling it with water from the fridge. She could feel Alexa's eyes boring into her, feel the heat of her fury radiating through the silence.
Lily took a slow sip of water, purposefully dragging out the moment.
"Lily," Alexa snapped, her voice low but sharp. "Did you sleep with my brother?"
Lily lowered the glass, wiping the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. She didn't answer. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, letting her lips curl into a slow, knowing smirk.
Alexa's face darkened. "Are you serious right now?"
Lily exhaled, setting the glass down on the counter with a soft clink. "Don't worry so much, sweetheart" she said, her voice almost bored. "Your brother's a big boy. We didn't do anything he didn't want to. I promise I didn't take advantage of him."
Alexa's jaw clenched. "What this is? Some kind of revenge?"
Lily finally met her gaze, her expression unreadable. Then, with a slow sigh, she leaned against the counter, arms folded loosely.
"Yes," she replied. "That's exactly what this is."
Alex's eyes narrowed.
"You slept with my boyfriend and now I sleep with your brother," Lily continued. "I'll weave myself into every part of your life so that you have to see my face every single day and know what you did to me and what a horrible person you are, Alexa."
Alexa's breath hitched, her face paling as Lily's words cut through the air like a blade. The kitchen felt colder, the silence between them stretching thick and suffocating.
Lily tilted her head, her smirk slow and deliberate. "I was supposed to be your friend," she continued, her voice eerily calm, almost sweet. "I trusted you. And you threw me away like I was nothing."
Alexa's hands tightening into fists at her sides. "Lilyâ"
"No." Lily's voice was sharp, final. She took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with something dark, something Alexa had never seen in her before. "You don't get to explain. You don't get to apologize. You chose this. And now, you get to live with it."
Alexa's eyes burned with anger. "Gabriel's going to find out," she hissed. "I'll tell him exactly what you're doingâhow you're using him just to get back at me."
Lily let out a laugh, low and cruel, tilting her head as if Alexa had just told the funniest joke in the world.
"Go ahead," she taunted, stepping forward. "Tell him. And I'll tell your Mommy what a whore her little princess really is."
Alexa's breath caught in her throat, her fingers curling tightly against the marble countertop.
Lily's smirk deepened. "Oh, and let's not forget Gabriel. Should I tell him how you spread your legs for Jake while pretending to be my best friend? Should I tell him what kind of backstabbing, two faced, cheap snake you really are? What do you think Gabriel will do to Jake after finding out he kept his little sister as a side piece to fuck on call while in a relationship with the girl he wanted to be with?
Alexa flinched, her face twisting in frustration.
Lily wasn't done. She leaned in just enough for her voice to drop to a whisper, her words laced with icy amusement.
"Or maybe I'll start with something smaller," she smiled. "Like how I know about your little sticky fingers and all the things you've stolen since the last time I got you out of trouble. Or how you cheated your way through half the semester." Lily feigned a thoughtful expression. "I wonder how Mommy will feel when I send her a long bill for all the things I paid for you and bought for you because you were my best friend."
Alexa's nostrils flared, her body stiff with rage. "You wouldn't."
Lily shrugged. "Try me."
For a long moment, they stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Alexa's jaw tightened, her nails digging into her palms.
Alexa took a slow, measured breath, her eyes dark with fury. "You're messing with the wrong person, Lily," she said, her voice low and venomous.
Lily only smiled, the kind of smile that wasn't meant to comfort but to taunt. "Am I?" she mused, tilting her head. "Because from where I'm standing, you and Jake are the ones who should be worried."
Alexa opened her mouth to snap back, but before she could, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the stairs.
Gabriel.
Lily reacted instantly. In a flash, her expression softened, her entire demeanor shifting. She reached for Alexa, pulling her into a sudden, warm embrace.
"Oh, Alex! You have no idea what a relief this is," Lily said, her voice just loud enough for Gabriel to hear as he approached. "I was really worried you'd be upset about Gabriel and me. I didn't want to lose our friendship. That's too important to me."
Alexa stiffened, her breath hitching as she realized what Lily was doing.
Lily pressed her cheek to Alexa's shoulder, lowering her voice to a whisper only she could hear. "Play along. Or I will ruin you."
Alexa swallowed hard, her entire body trembling with barely contained rage. Lily felt it, relishing the power she held in that moment.
Gabriel entered the kitchen, his sharp gaze flicking between them. "What's going on?" he asked, his voice rough from sleep.
Lily pulled back from Alexa with a beaming smile, her eyes wide with feigned excitement. "Just girl talk," she said sweetly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Alexa was just telling me how happy she is for us."
"Gabrielâ" Alexa tried, her voice laced with urgency. She turned toward her brother. "Lily isâ"
Before she could finish, Lily suddenly let out a sharp hiss of pain, knocking the glass of water off the counter. It shattered on the floor, but all attention was on her as she clutched her arm, wincing.
Gabriel immediately moved, stepping around her, his anger momentarily replaced by concern. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice softer now, but still edged with tension.
Lily looked up at him through her lashes, as if she were unsure whether to say anything. Then, ever so slowly, she let him remove her hand from her arm.
Gabriel lifted the sleeve of his shirt that she was wearing, revealing the bruises beneath. His breath came out in a sharp exhale, his hands curling into fists.
Lily hesitated for just a moment before exhaling shakily. "It's nothing," she murmured, her voice soft, almost reluctant.
Gabriel didn't buy it. His jaw clenched as he traced his fingers over the darkening bruise on her arm. The unmistakable imprint of fingers stood out against Lily's smooth skin.
Gabriel's eyes flickered up to hers, searching. "Who did this?" he demanded, his voice sharp with barely contained fury.
Lily hesitated again, biting her lip as if debating whether to tell him. Then, with a reluctant sigh, she admitted, "Jake..."
The room went eerily silent.
"He....he grabbed me too hard last night when I..." Lily whispered.
Gabriel's expression shifted instantly, his entire body tensing like a predator catching the scent of blood. His grip on her arm tightened slightlyânot enough to hurt, but enough to show just how livid he was.
"I'm going to bash that fucker's head in," he growled, his voice low and lethal.
Behind them, Alexa stood frozen, her breath catching as she watched the scene unfold. She knew Lily was playing a dangerous game, twisting the situation in her favor, but she also knew Gabrielâand he wouldn't stop until Jake paid for this.
Lily's eyes flickered toward Alexa, amusement flickering in their depths despite the feigned vulnerability in her posture. Her lips curled in the faintest smirkâjust enough to let Alexa know that she was winning.
Lily's fingers wrapped around Gabriel's wrist before he could turn away. "No," she whispered, her voice soft but firm. "Please, just forget about it."
Gabriel's jaw clenched, his body rigid beneath her touch. His hands were still balled into fists at his sides, his breaths coming in sharp, uneven bursts.
"Forget about it?" he repeated, his voice thick with disbelief. "He fucking hurt you. You think I'm just going to let that slide?"
Lily squeezed his arm tighter, stepping closer, her wide eyes searching his face. "I don't want this to turn into something bigger," she murmured, knowing Alexa was watching the whole thing. "Please, Gabriel. It's over."
He exhaled sharply, running a frustrated hand through his hair. His entire body buzzed with the need to do something, to make Jake answer for the bruises on her skin. But Lily was looking up at him with those big round eyes and pleading, and damn it, he didn't want to upset her more than she already was.
Before he could respond, the front door creaked open, and Carmen stepped inside, setting her keys down with a tired sigh.
She froze the moment she took in the scene before herâLily standing in the middle of the kitchen wearing Gabriel's shirt, Gabriel's face twisted in frustration, and Alexa standing stiffly in the background, her expression unreadable but tense.
A sinking feeling settled in Carmen's stomach.
Her gaze flickered between her children, landing on Alexa, who looked seconds away from either storming out or exploding. Then back to Gabriel, who was still tense, his jaw locked. And finally, Lilyâstanding so close to Gabriel, her fingers still curled around his wrist.
Carmen swallowed, dread creeping up her spine.
"Oh, fuckin damn it. Are you two fighting again?" she asked, her voice laced with exhaustion. "Gabriel, tell me you didn't sleep with another one of Alexa's friends."
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Wendy and Mason
Mason stirred, the emptiness beside him in bed dragging him out of a hazy sleep. His arm reached out instinctively, but the sheets were coldâWendy had been gone for a while. He forced his eyes open, blinking against the dim glow of the bedside clock. His body felt heavy with lingering exhaustion, but something about the quiet unsettled him.
Pushing himself up, he shuffled out of the bedroom, his socked feet moving sluggishly across the floor. As he neared the living room, the sharp edge of Wendy's voice cut through the silence, shaking with barely restrained desperation.
"Mom, pleaseâjust listen to me," she pleaded, her voice cracking.
Mason slowed his steps, his pulse picking up. Over the receiver, Amanda's voice shrieked back, so loud even he could hear it. He couldn't make out the exact words, but the fury in her tone was unmistakable. Wendy flinched, gripping the phone tighter, her knuckles white.
"No, that's notâ" She choked on the words, inhaling sharply. "I didn't know heâplease don't do this."
Mason watched her, something twisting uncomfortably in his chest. Wendy always held herself together, always masked her emotions with indifference or sarcasm. But now, she looked small, fragile, like she was barely keeping herself upright.
The moment her eyes landed on him, she stiffened, her body going rigid.
"Mom, I'll call yo back."
In one swift motion, Wendy pulled the phone away from her ear and ended the call. The silence that followed was deafening.
Mason stared at her, watching her gaze darkened.
"Why the hell did you call the cops on my father?" she demanded.
Mason's jaw tightened, but his voice was steady when he said, "Because he hurt you."
Wendy let out a sharp, humorless laugh, her hands shaking as she shoved her phone into the pocket of her hoodie. "So you called the police and tried to have him arrested?" she snapped.
"It was either that or I broken his fuckin hand," Mason said.
"This isn't your damn business, Mason!" Wendy shouted.
Mason took a cautious step forward, searching her face, but all he found was raw, burning fury. "Wendy, heâ"
"No," she cut him off, her voice rising. "You have no idea what you're doing. You don't know me or my family. How dare you interfer in our family matter?"
Mason's patience snapped like a live wire. His hands curled into fists at his sides, his chest rising and falling with barely restrained anger. "How dare I?" he echoed, his voice rough with disbelief. "Are you serious right now, Wendy? He hurts you. He hurts your mom. And you justâwhat? Pretend it doesn't happen? Let him keep getting away with it?"
Wendy scoffed, a sharp, bitter sound. "Oh, right. Here comes Mason, playing the hero. Thinking he's gonna swoop in and save the broken girl from her terrible life." Her lips curled into a smirk, but her eyes were wild with anger. "Well, newsflash, I don't need you to do shit for me."
Mason's jaw clenched so tight it hurt. "This isn't about playing hero," he ground out. "It's about stopping a man who treats you like punching bags instead of his damn family."
Wendy took a step toward him, her face inches from his, her breath ragged. "And what do you think happens now, huh?" she snapped. "You think the cops will just take him away and everything will be fine? That my mom will suddenly wake up and thank you? That I'll be grateful?" She let out another sharp, humorless laugh. "You have no idea what you've done."
Mason's pulse pounded in his ears. "You should be pissed at him instead of at me."
Wendy's hands trembled at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. "Get out," she said, her voice suddenly low, shaking with something deeper than anger.
Mason stared at her, breathing hard. "Wendyâ"
"Get out!" she screamed, her voice cracking.
"This is my apartment!" Mason yelled back.
"Fine," Wendy stormed towards Lily's room. "I'll leave."
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Lily
The clinking of silverware against plates filled the thick silence at the breakfast table. Carmen sat at the head, her sharp eyes darting between her children with quiet suspicion. Gabriel, arms folded, leaned back in his chair, his gaze locked onto Alexa with quiet intensity, as if daring her to say something. Across from him, Alexa sat stiffly, her fingers curled around her fork, but she hadn't taken a single bite of her food. Instead, her attention was fixed on Lily.
Lily, on the other hand, looked perfectly at ease. She lifted her coffee cup to her lips, taking a slow sip before setting it back down with an almost delicate grace. The tension in the air was suffocating, but she didn't let it rattle her. Instead, she turned toward Carmen, offering a soft, reassuring smile.
"You don't have to worry about anything, Cramen," Lily said sweetly. "I spoke to Alexa before I told Gabriel how I felt about him." She reached across the table, gently resting her hand on Alexa's. "She's okay with us dating."
Alexa's fingers twitched beneath Lily's touch, her grip tightening on the fork.
Carmen crossed her arms, her lips pursing slightly. "Is that so?" Her tone was neutral, but her skepticism was evident.
Lily nodded, her smile unwavering. "Of course. I would never do something like this without talking to her first. She's too important for me. Our friendship will always come before any boys." She turned to Gabriel. "Sorry, Gabriel."
"Alexa?" Carmen looked to her daughter. "You've been very quiet."
Everyone at the table turned their attention toward Alexa. Lily tightened her hand over her's and squeezed, her nails digging into Alexa's flesh.
"Alexa....." She said softly. "Say something....did you....change your mind?"
Alexa tried to pull her hand away but Lily turned it over and entertained their fingers together.
"If you don't want me to do this, I promise you, I will never see him again," Lily said. "I like him...but I can't be happy knowing you're upset."
Hearing Lily's words, Carmen's eyes softened. She uncrossed her arms and sat forward ever so slowly.
"If only all the other girls had been such good friends as you, Lily," she said. "It would have saved these two and me a lot of headaches."
Lily gave a small shy smile before her eyes flickered back to Alexa.
"Alex?" She waited.
"Come on, baby," Carmen said, reached out and rubbing Alexa's arm. "Lily's a good girl. You know she's not like the other. Come on. Say you're okay with them dating."
Lily watched Alexa like a hawk. Her sharp green eyes glistened like a serpent. Every time Alexa tried to pull her hand back, Lily's hold tightened.
"Alex," Gabriel spoke for the first time since sitting down for breakfast. "Look....I know we've had our differences and I'm sorry for all the times I messed up your friendships......But I like Lily and I know she won't be happy if you're upset."
The smile on Carmen's face widened slowly. She turned from Gabriel to Alexa.
"Come on, baby," she said. "You two are too old to be fighting over friends now. Come on."
Alexa forced a tight-lipped smile, her stomach twisting. She could feel Gabriel's stare burning into her, waiting for her response. Every muscle in her body screamed to call Lily out, to wipe that smug little look off her face. But she knew better.
So she swallowed hard, dug her nails into her palm beneath the table, and nodded.
"Yes?" Lily's face lit up. "Really?"
Alexa nodded again, "Yes."
Lily's face lit up like sunshine. She hopped out of her chair and rushed over to Alexa's side and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I love you, I love you, I love you," she squealed. "You're the best!"
Alexa felt her body recoil from Lily's touch but she couldn't react. She sat still as her brother and mother smiled at her. The pride in Carmen's eyes was something Alexa hadn't seen in a long time. Her heart squeezed but it was short lived as Lily moved her lips to whisper into Alexa's ear.
"This is just the beginning," Lily giggled. "I'm going to bury you alive, princess."
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Wendy and Mason
Wendy ran after her mother, her vision blurred, her breath coming in sharp gasp as she followed her down the hall sof their grand estate.
"Mom, pleaseâjust listen to me!" she begged, her voice cracking as she reached for Amanda's arm.
Amanda whirled around, eyes blazing with fury. "Don't you dare touch me," she snapped, ripping her arm away. "Do you have any idea what you've done? What that boy and his sister has done?"
Wendy flinched, swallowing against the lump in her throat. "IâI was just tryingâ"
"Trying to what?" Amanda spat. "Destroy this family? Ruin everything? You ungrateful little brat." Her face twisted in disgust. "You're just like him. Selfish. Useless. Always making everything about you."
Tears spilled down Wendy's cheeks, but Amanda didn't stop.
"I stayed with Tom for you, Wendy. For you!" Amanda's voice shook with rage, her words like knives slicing through Wendy's chest. "I could have left. I could have had a different life. But I sacrificed everything so you could have a family. And this is how you repay me?"
Wendy shook her head frantically, her heart pounding against her ribs. "Mom, that's not true. Iâ"
"Shut up!" Amanda screamed. "You ruined my life the second I had you."
Wendy didn't flinch at her mother's words. She couldn't. She'd heard them too many times beforeâeach variation of the same hurtful, venomous line drilled into her over the years.
You ruined my life the second I had you. The words felt like a reflex to Amanda now, a go-to for when things went wrong, when she needed someone to blame.
Still, they hurt. They always did.
Wendy's chest tightened, and for a moment, she thought she might suffocate from the sting of them. Her hands trembled at her sides, but she kept her head high, determined not to give Amanda the satisfaction of seeing her break.
I'm used to this, she told herself. This is nothing new.
But it was, in a way. Every time Amanda said those words, it cut a little deeper, chipping away at something Wendy couldn't quite defineâsomething fragile inside her that still, against all logic, hoped her mother might see her one day.
But Amanda wasn't looking. She never looked.
Wendy wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand, her throat tight with the effort to stay composed.
You ruined my life...
It echoed in her mind like a broken record, and she fought to push it away, to ignore the weight of it, even though it felt like it was sitting right on top of her chest.
"You ruined everything, Wendy," Amanda repeated, her voice colder, harder. "Our marriage fell apart after you came into this word. I fell apart."
Wendy clenched her jaw, her heart aching with a mix of resentment and sadness, but she said nothing. There was nothing left to say
Amanda scoffed, shaking her head. "You think you're so much better than me? That you know better? Well, congratulations, baby. You've finally made sure we have nothing."
Wendy stared at her mother, unable to speak, unable to move. The tears kept falling.
Amanda's eyes burned with fury as she took another step toward Wendy, her voice rising to a fever pitch.
"You think you can just fix everything, don't you?" she hissed, her face twisted in a mask of anger. "If Tom divorces me because of your stupid choices, we will end up with nothing."
Wendy's heart pounded in her chest, each word like a slap across her face, but she stayed silent. She knew better than to argue when her mother was this far gone, this full of rage. It was always the sameâAmanda never wanted to listen, just to blame.
"You stupid, stupid girl," Amanda shook her head. "When are you going to learn that this is how it has to be if you want to keep having all these nice things?"
The words hung in the air, cutting through Wendy like a blade. Her body felt frozen, her throat tight as she fought to swallow the lump of emotion threatening to choke her. She stared at her mother, not able to speak, not able to move. She just let the words wash over her, because she knew there was no point in saying anything back. No point in trying to make Amanda see.
The tears kept falling, but Amanda didn't even look at her, didn't even flinch. She just turned away, her footsteps echoing in the silence between them. Wendy stayed rooted to the spot, staring after her mother, the sound of her departure louder than any insult could ever be.
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Lily
Lily stood in front of Gabriel's dresser, slipping the straps of her dress over her shoulders. The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. She had just pulled his oversized shirt off, leaving her in nothing but her underwear for a fleeting moment before she tugged her dress into place. Just as she reached behind her back to adjust the zipper, the door open.
Gabriel stepped inside, his presence filling the room in an instant. His dark eyes landed on her, and Lily froze, her fingers stiffening against the fabric. Heat flooded her cheeks as she spun around, instinctively clutching the front of her dress as if that could somehow shield her from his gaze.
For a brief second, Gabriel just stood there, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a smirk curved his lips as he leaned against the doorframe.
"Are you...shy, angel?" He asked.
Lily pushed down the tightness inside her chest as her fingers began to struggle with the zipper. She clicked her tongue, fighting to push the damn thing up while keep the dress from slipping off.
Gabriel pushed off the doorway and walked over to her. His hands lande don her hips and he pulled her against himself before pushing her hair aside.
"Where's the girl from last night?" He leaned down to whisper in her ear. "The one who was ready to stab me if I didn't sleep with her?"
Lily's face burned hotter. "Shut up," she muttered.
Amusement danced in Gabirel's eyes. "No, really," he teased, tilting his head. "She was so bold, so demanding. Now she's all shy? Interesting."
Lily scowled but refused to meet his gaze. "I'm not shy."
Gabriel chuckled, low and knowing. His fingers brushing against her back as he caught the zipper. He moved slowly, deliberately, his knuckles grazing her skin as he slid it up.
Lily's breath hitched, her pulse stuttering. She kept her eyes trained on the floor, pretending like his touch wasn't sending shivers up her spine.
Gabriel leaned in just enough for his lips to brush the shell of her ear. "That's what I thought." Then, with one final tug of the zipper, he stepped back, smirking. "All done, angel."
Lily turned to glare at him, but the look in his eyes told her he wasn't the least bit intimidated. If anything, he was enjoying this far too much.
"You're so damn cute when you act like you don't like me," he said, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek.
"Cute?" Lily's nose scrunched up. "I don't want to be cute."
Gabriel laughed, "What do you want to be?"
"I want to be hot," Lily said. "I want to be the girl at the party who everyone looks at when she walks into the room. I don't want to be the sweet innocent girl that shocks people when she curses."
Gabriel hummed, his lips brushing against her temple as his arms tightened around her waist. He began to sway with her as if slow dancing to whatever tune was playing in his head.
"Oh, but that's exactly why you drive me crazy," he murmured. "You don't even realize how much attention you already get."
Lily scoffed, tilting her chin up defiantly. "Guys don't look at me the way they look at Alexa or Wendy....Only......you do."
Gabriel smirked, shifting so that his mouth hovered just over her ear. "You want them to look at you the way I do?" His voice was low, smooth, curling around her like warm honey.
Lily swallowed, her fingers gripping his arms where they rested around her. "Maybe."
Gabriel chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "Then let me tell you something, angel." His hands slid down to her hips, pulling her flush against him. "The moment you walk into a room, every guy wants you. They just don't know if they have the guts to try." He brushed a kiss against the side of her jaw. "And now, they will see me standing behind you, and they will know they don't stand a fucking chance."
Lily's breath hitched, her pulse hammering against her ribs. She wanted to roll her eyes, to tease him for his arrogance, but the truth wasâhe made her feel like the most desired girl in the world. And that was far more intoxicating than the fleeting glances of strangers at a party.
Still, she wasn't about to let him win this easily.
She tilted her head, a slow, teasing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "So what you're saying is... you're my problem?"
Gabriel's smirk deepened. "I am your problem. And your solution."
Lily pretended to consider that, her fingers trailing down his arms before resting lightly against his chest. "That sounds awfully possessive."
Gabriel leaned in, his breath warm against her lips. "That's because it is." His hands tightened on her waist, keeping her close and he stole a kiss. "Don't tell me you don't love me."
Lily rolled her eyes, though the flutter in her stomach betrayed her. "I love winning," she countered.
Gabriel grinned. "Then go ahead and win, angel. As long as you knowâ" he dipped his head, his lips grazing hers, sending a rush of heat through herâ "I'll always be right behind you, making sure no one else thinks they can."
Lily's pulse pounded in her ears. For all her talk, for all her teasing, she was completely, hopelessly caught in his pull.
She let her fingers slide lower, ghosting over his stomach before stopping at the waistband of his sweats.
"Guess we'll see about that," she whispered.
Gabriel's breath hitched, his grip on her waist tightening. His smirk faltered for just a secondâjust long enough for Lily to know she'd gotten to him.
His eyes darkened, his voice dropping to something rough and dangerous.
"Careful," he murmured, his fingers skimming up her spine. "You keep teasing me like that, and we'll never make it to our date tonight."
Lily tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Is that supposed to make me sad?"
Gabriel chuckled, low and full of promise. "No," he said, his thumb brushing over the curve of her hip.
A shiver ran through her and she leaned in closer.
"Why can't we just skip the date?" She asked. "And get to the other things....the fun things."
Gabriel's gaze sharpened, his lips curling into a tight smile that barely concealed his amusement. He held her gaze, his voice steady but with an edge that made it clear he wasn't going to back down.
"No," he said firmly, his hands slowly sliding away from her hips, creating distance between them.
Lily raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she leaned in just a little closer, her breath warm against his ear.
"Why not?" she asked, her voice low and teasing. "I've been on enough dates, Gabriel. I'm ready for what comes after the date. Don't you think it's time we skipped all the formalities?"
Gabriel chuckled, the sound rough but controlled, as though he was trying to keep himself in check.
"You think I don't want that?" His voice was barely a whisper, his eyes darkening with desire, but there was something more in his expressionâsomething that said he wasn't going to let her rush him.
He took a step back, folding his arms across his chest. "You want to skip ahead, but patience, angel... That's part of what makes it worthwhile." His eyes flickered to hers with a challenging glint. "I've been patient with you, haven't I? Let's see how you handle a little more waiting."
A surge of frustration mixed with the undeniable desire that pulsed through her made Lily want to stomp her feet. She didn't think he was going to make her work for it so hard. She exhaled slowly, narrowing her eyes at him.
"So you want me to wait? To play this game your way?" Her voice softened. "You're just going to keep me on the edge and make me beg for it?"
Gabriel didn't flinch. His smirk grew, his eyes tracing the curve of her lips. "I think you'll enjoy the wait, angel," he replied smoothly. "And when it happens, it'll be that much better."
Lily pressed her lips together, feeling a mixture of desire and defiance rise within her. But for all her teasing, all her boldness, there was something in his eyesâsomething that told her this was a game she wasn't going to win just yet.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Fine," she muttered, her voice softer now. "But it better be worth it, Reyes or I'm suing."
Gabriel's laugh rumbled through the air, deep and warm, as he glanced at Lily with a teasing smile.
"Alright," he said, his tone light. "Now, let's go. I'll walk you out to your car.'
Lily raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mischievous smirk. "You can't even drop me off?" she asked, half-pouting. "I thought we were past the point of playing hard to get."
Gabriel's smirk deepened as he shook his head, his gaze turning just a little more serious. "I've got something to do," he replied, his voice smooth but laced with something Lily couldn't quite place. "But I'll be on time to pick you up tonight."
He moved toward the stairs, stepping in front of her to lead the way. Lily followed him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Lily's gaze flickered to the living room. There, sitting on the couch, were Alexa and Carmen, chatting casually. Alexa's gaze snapped toward Lily as soon as she appeared, and for a brief, fleeting moment, Lily felt the familiar surge of irritation stir deep inside her chest.
Her mood soured almost immediately, but she kept her expression neutral, not letting any of her annoyance show. Instead, she forced a smile, walking into the room with a sense of cool composure.
Gabriel followed her, his hand brushing her shoulder briefly before he stepped back, letting her approach the others while he walked out to the front yard.
Lily paused just long enough to make sure Alexa saw her, then she tilted her head slightly, a playful glint in her eyes as she spoke, her voice bright but edged with something else.
"Hey, you ready?" she asked, as if the previous tension between them had never existed.
Alexa's gaze narrowed slightly, "For what?"
Lily's smile remained in place. She leaned against the doorframe casually, crossing her arms, her posture confident. "For shopping, of course. I could use some help picking out a few things."
Alexa blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden offer. She looked at Lily, her expression unreadable for a moment, then glanced over at Carmen, who had been quietly observing the exchange from the couch.
Alexa's jaw tightened, and for a split second, Lily could see the gears turning in her head. Finally, after a pause, she spoke, her voice cool, but still tinged with curiosity.
"I'm not sure I've got time for that," Alexa said. "I'm meet someone."
Lily's eyes sharpened at Alexa's words, the sharp edge of suspicion creeping into her thoughts. She had heard that tone before, the one that indicated Alexa wasn't being entirely honest. She held her ground, forcing a nonchalant smile, though her mind raced.
"Oh? Someone special?" she asked casually, the question hanging between them with just the right amount of challenge.
Alexa's smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, as if she was enjoying the game they were playing.
"Remember that guy from last night?," she said coolly, her eyes glinting with a subtle edge of defiance.
Lily's gaze didn't falter. She could already sense where this was going. She wasn't going to let Alexa get away with itânot this time. She took a step closer, her posture assertive.
"I'll drop you off," Lily's smile widened. The words dripped with just the right amount of insistence.
A brief flicker of uncertainty crossed Alexa's face, but it was gone in a flash, replaced with a tight smile that barely masked her irritation.
"That's fine," Alexa said, her voice cutting through the tension. "I have a long day planned."
Lily didn't back down. She kept her tone light but unwavering. "And I'm sure your plans can wait. You can always meet him later. After you've helped your best friend get ready for her date, right?"
Before Alexa could respond, Carmen, who had been silently observing the exchange, cleared her throat. Her sharp eyes shifted between the two girls, then landed on Alexa with an air of finality.
"Alexa, go with her," Carmen said, her voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight of authority. "You can meet your friend later."
Alexa blinked, clearly taken aback by the sudden shift. She had expected a different reaction from her mother, but Carmen's words were final.
Carmen's expression softened slightly, a motherly tone creeping into her voice as she stood up and walked toward the door. "Go ahead, Alexa. It's not every day your brother's date asks for your help. Make her feel like she's got a friend."
Lily didn't hide the small triumph that flashed across her face. Alexa's jaw tightened again, but she didn't protest. Instead, she shot Lily one last, knowing look before walking toward the door, her movements stiff but reluctant.
As the two girls stepped outside, the warm morning air brushed against Lily's skin, and she felt a brief moment of peace settle over her. Gabriel, who had been waiting near the porch, walked over with his usual easy confidence, a soft smile playing on his lips. His eyes found Lily's almost immediately, and without hesitation, he leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her lips.
The kiss was brief, but it was enough to make Lily's heart skip a beat. There was something about his touch, something that made everything feel right, even with Alexa's lingering presence just behind her. When Gabriel pulled away, he kept his hand resting lightly on her waist, his fingers grazing her side in a way that made Lily shiver.
Carmen, who had been watching them from the door, couldn't help but grin at the sight of her son and Lily. She could tell how much he cared for her. There was an undeniable warmth in her smile, though she tried to mask it behind her usual calm demeanor.
Alexa, on the other hand, was standing back, her eyes narrowing slightly as she watched the couple. The sight of them together clearly unsettled her, and it wasn't long before she couldn't hold her tongue.
"Lil'," Alexa interrupted, her voice sharp with curiosity, "Why'd you break up with Jake? You never mentioned it. I know last night was crazy but what happened?"
The question hung in the air between them, sharp and pointed, and Lily's expression flickered for just a moment. She hadn't expected the question, and she wasn't quite sure how to answer it without giving too much away. Her gaze flicked to Gabriel, but he was silent, watching the scene unfold with an unreadable expression.
Carmen raised an eyebrow, "Jesus, Alexa. Now's not the time for this-"
"It's okay, Carmen," Lily said, leaning against Gabriel. "It's nothing private."
Alexa arched her brow, her eyes full of challenge to see if Lily would really stumble and play her ace before the game even had a chance to get off the ground.
"I caught him messaging another girl," Lily said, letting out a sigh. "And then I caught him with her at a party too."
Carmen's face darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line as she crossed her arms. There was a certain sharpness in her expression, a quiet but unmistakable disappointment.
"Dios mÃo," she muttered again, shaking her head. "What an idiot."
Beside Lily, Gabriel remained silent. His jaw was tight, his brows still furrowed as his grip on Lily's waist subtly tightened. He wasn't looking at anyone in particular, just staring ahead as though replaying the words over and over in his head.
Lily felt the shift in his energy, the quiet storm brewing beneath his skin. He wasn't one for loud outburstsânot in moments like thisâbut the tension in his body told her heart flicker with worry.
Alexa, for once, didn't have anything smug to add. Her lips parted slightly as if she might say something, but she hesitated, her gaze flickering to Lily's before quickly looking away. She knew exactly who Lily was talking about, and the weight of it hung between them like an unspoken challenge.
"Who was it, girl?" Carmen pressed again. "Did you know her?"
Lily let out a slow breath, her gaze still fixed on Alexa. "Alexa and I both knew her."
Carmen exhaled sharply, muttering something under her breath in Spanish. "Some people are just not raised right."
"No," Lily agreed, tilting her head slightly, her voice steady but laced with something colder. "They're not."
Gabriel's fingers flexed against her waist, but still, he said nothing. His silence was heavier than words. Lily could feel it in the way he held her, in the way his thumb traced idle, tense patterns against her side as if trying to ground himself.
Carmen sighed, rubbing a hand down her face. "Mija, I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that."
Lily offered a small, dismissive shrug, but it wasn't entirely convincing. "It's over now."
Gabriel finally spoke, his voice low and even, "Yeah. It is."
He didn't say anything else, but Lily knew that if he ever ran into Jake, the conversation wouldn't be nearly as civil.
"Ready?" He asked, holding her hand.
Lily nodded and then looked to Alexa, "Come."
Alexa exhaled sharply, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Unbelievable," she muttered under her breath but didn't move.
Carmen arched a brow at her, arms still folded in a way that said she wasn't going to entertain any backtalk.
"Alexa," she said, her tone firm but patient.
Alexa huffed dramatically before stomping toward the car like a petulant child, yanking open the passenger door and sliding in with an exaggerated sigh.
Lily, on the other hand, took her time, turning back to Gabriel with a small smile. "I'll see you later?"
Gabriel's hand cupped her jaw, his thumb brushing over her cheek before he leaned in, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her lips. It was gentle, soft, but there was a weight to itâa silent reassurance, a quiet claim. When he pulled away, his eyes lingered on hers, searching, but he didn't say anything else.
Lily smirked. "Don't miss me too much."
Gabriel scoffed, shaking his head as he stepped back. "Drive safe, florecita."
Lily slid into the driver's seat with an easy smile, shutting the door with a quiet click before turning the key in the ignition. As the car rumbled to life, she barely had time to pull out of the driveway before Alexa let out a harsh, humorless laugh.
"You're insane, you know that?" Alexa's voice dripped with contempt, her glare sharp enough to cut. "You're a psycho bitch."
Lily didn't even blink. Her fingers tapped lazily against the steering wheel, her gaze fixed on the road as if Alexa's words barely registered.
Alexa's eyes narrowed, her tone turning acidic. "You really think Gabriel doesn't see what you're doing? He's not a fucking idiot. He knows you're just using him as a rebound."
Lily finally spared her a glance, her expression infuriatingly unreadable. Then, with a slow, deliberate shrug, she turned back to the road. "So?"
Alexa blinked, momentarily thrown off by Lily's indifference. "So?" she repeated, voice sharp with disbelief. "That's all you have to say?"
Lily's lips curled into the faintest smirk, her grip tightening around the wheel. "Yeah. That's all."
Alexa exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You're seriously messed up. Gabriel is going to kill youâ"
"Alexa," Lily cut her off smoothly, her voice almost playful. "Don't stress. After our date tonightâafter I willingly and so lovingly give him my virginityâhe won't care."
Alexa's head snapped toward her, eyes blazing. "You're insane."
"And you're a backstabbing whore," Lily countered, her voice devoid of emotion.
Alexa inhaled sharply, but Lily didn't give her time to respond.
"Why are you doing this?" Alexa finally asked, her voice quieter now, but still edged with frustration.
Lily sighed, tilting her head slightly as if bored by the question. "I told you. I'm going to be everywhere in your life, every step of the way, so that whenever you're with Jake, you'll remember how much you hurt me."
Alexa swallowed, but she wasn't backing down. "And what about Jake? He didn't hurt you?"
Lily let out a soft, almost amused hum. "Oh, don't worry. I have my plans for him too."
Alexa exhaled, looking away, as if trying to process just how deep Lily's vengeance ran.
Lily smiled, the air in the car suddenly feeling suffocating. "Now, enough about you and your pathetic loser. Tell me Gabriel's favorite color."
Alexa shot her a look. "What?"
Lily laughed lightly, like they were discussing something trivial. "What's his favorite color? What should I wear tonight? Any idea where he might take me? I hope it's Heaven's Gate."
Alexa froze. Her posture stiffened.
Her voice was low when she spoke, slow with disbelief. "He did not..."
Lily's smirk widened.
Alexa's breath hitched. "He took you to Heaven's Gate?"
Lily let the silence stretch, savoring the way Alexa's face paled just slightly. Then, with a slow, calculated tilt of her head, she mused, "Maybe I'll make him fuck me there." She turned to Alexa, eyes glittering with mock sweetness. "That's kind of romantic, don't you think? I mean, your parents got engaged there. We can add more memories to the place."
Alexa stared at her, mouth slightly open, searching for something to say. But nothing came.
Then, finally, she breathed, "Wow. Wow, Lily. I would have never guessed just how fucked in the head you are."
Lily snorted, flicking on the turn signal. "Oh, shut up."
The tension in the car thickened like a storm brewing on the horizon. Alexa's glare was razor-sharp, her hands balled into fists on her lap as she let out a bitter laugh.
"You know what, Lily?" she sneered, her voice laced with venom. "You're pathetic. A spoiled, selfish little bitch who's throwing a tantrum because someone took her toys."
Lily's grip on the steering wheel tightened, her knuckles turning white.
Alexa wasn't finished. "You think you're so fucking smart, playing these little games. But the truth is, you never deserved Jake. You were just a shiny new toy for him, something easy and convenient. And the second he got bored of you, he threw you away like the clueless little girl you are."
Lily's jaw tensed. A slow burn spread through her chest, anger bubbling just beneath the surface.
Alexa leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a cruel whisper. "And guess what? Gabriel's going to do the exact same thing. He'll get tired of youâjust like Jake did. Because deep down, you're nothing but a little child, inexperienced and boring. A fucking placeholder until he finds someone who actually knows what she's doing."
Lily's foot pressed harder against the gas pedal. Her breath came quicker, her hands gripping the wheel so tightly it felt like she might snap it in half.
Alexa smirked, sensing she had hit a nerve. "Face it, Lil'. You're not enough. You never were. And you're out of your mind if you think you're going to be able to keep my brother around for long. I can't' wait to see the look on your face when he drops you like a stupid little bugâ"
Lily's teeth clenched, her anger flaring into something dangerously close to hatred. She didn't just want to hurt Alexaâshe wanted to burn her whole fucking world to the ground.
Lily's pulse roaring in her ears as Alexa's words rang through her head like a siren. Without thinking, she jerked the wheel to the right, the tires screeching against the pavement as she swerved onto the highway shoulder. The car lurched to a stop, dust kicking up around them.
Alexa barely had time to react before Lily threw the car into park and turned to her, her face eerily calm despite the fire blazing in her eyes.
"Get out."
Alexa scoffed. "What?"
Lily leaned in, her voice dangerously low. "Get. Out. Of. My. Car."
Alexa crossed her arms, her smirk returning. "No. Don't be fucking ridiculous, Lily. I'm not walking in the middle of nowhere because you can't handle the truth."
Lily's lips curled into something between a smile and a snarl. "Fine."
Before Alexa could register what was happening, Lily shoved open her door and stepped out. The next thing she knew, Lily was yanking open the passenger door, the hot air rushing in around them.
Alexa's eyes widened. "Lily, don't youâ"
But Lily did. She grabbed Alexa's arm, her nails digging in just enough to make a point, and yanked her out of the car with a force that sent her stumbling onto the gravel.
Alexa caught herself, whipping around in disbelief. "Are you fucking serious?"
Lily stood over her, chest rising and falling with steady, controlled breaths.
"Call your prized trophy," she said coolly, before turning on her heel and climbing back into the driver's seat. "Tell him I dropped off his trash by the side of the road."
Alexa stormed up to the window, slamming her palm against it. "Lily, don't you dare drive offâ"
But Lily had already thrown the car into gear. Without another glance, she hit the gas, leaving Alexa standing there, dust swirling around her as she disappeared in the rearview mirror.
________________________
Gabriel
Gabriel leaned against his motorcycle, arms crossed, his jaw tight as he watched the gym doors with cold, unblinking focus. Every time the doors opened, his fingers twitched with anticipation. He had been waiting.
Finally, Jake stepped out, running a towel over his sweaty face, completely unaware of what was coming. Gabriel pushed off the motorcycle, his movements smooth and controlled, like a predator closing in on its prey.
Jake barely had time to register the figure approaching beforeâCRACK.
Gabriel's fist collided with his jaw in a brutal, unforgiving punch. The force sent Jake stumbling back, his towel slipping from his grasp as he reeled from the unexpected blow.
"What the fuck?" Jake gritted out, shaking off the dizziness. His fingers grazed his jaw, eyes narrowing in fury.
He lunged, throwing a punch of his own, but it barely clipped Gabriel's head. It was weak. Sloppy. Gabriel didn't even flinch. Instead, he hit him againâharder this time. A sickening thud echoed in the quiet afternoon as Jake staggered back, his back hitting the cold brick wall of the gym.
Gabriel took a step forward, standing over him, his voice low and seething.
"That," he said, shaking out his fist, "was for hurting Lily."
Jake glared up at him, chest heaving, but Gabriel wasn't done.
"And this," he swung again, his knuckles slamming into Jake's ribs, knocking the wind out of him, "is for putting your fucking hands on her."
Jake groaned, clutching his side as he slumped against the wall. Gabriel took a breath, rolling his shoulders back, his eyes dark with warning.
"If I see you around her," he said, voice deadly calm, "you won't be getting back up."
Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Jake gasping in pain under the hot California sun.
PSA: Rose will have her own book....You might not like Lily but remember not everyone is perfect....sometimes, we're a bit fucked up in the head.