Chapter 81
Lily
Lily knocked once before pushing open the door to Wendy's dorm, balancing a takeout bag in one hand and a soda in the other. The scent of greasy burgers and salty fries filled the small space as she stepped inside, shutting the door behind her with her foot.
"I come bearing food," Lily announced, setting the bag down on Wendy's desk. "And before you say anything, yes, I got extra fries because I know how you are."
Wendy sat cross-legged on her bed, hoodie sleeves pulled over her hands as she stared blankly at the wall. She blinked at Lily's sudden arrival, then exhaled a tired sigh. "Why are you here?"
Lily scoffed. "Uh, rude? I just brought you lunch." She paused, glancing around the dorm. "Why did you even leave the apartment?"
Wendy tugged at the hem of her sleeve, looking down. "Because you weren't there," she muttered. "And I didn't want to be around Mason."
Lily frowned, her stomach twisting with concern. "Did he say something to you?" She stepped closer, searching Wendy's face for any sign of what had happened.
Wendy shook her head, but her fingers tightened around the fabric of her hoodie. "It doesn't matter."
Lily wasn't convinced. Mason could be blunt, and Wendy wasn't the type to run unless something really pushed her.
"Wendy," she said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed, "What happened? I know you said you went to go see your mom."
Wendy didn't answer right away. Instead, she reached for the takeout bag, pulling out a box of fries as if the conversation wasn't happening. But Lily knew her too wellâknew that when Wendy avoided answering, it usually meant there was something she didn't want to say out loud.
Lily's chest tightened. Whatever it was, it wasn't good.
Wendy pulled a handful of fries from the carton and popped one into her mouth, chewing slowly. Lily did the same, though her eyes never left Wendy, watching her carefully between bites. The dorm was quiet except for the occasional rustle of the takeout bag and the hum of the campus outside the window.
"So," Lily said, forcing a lightness into her voice, "I was thinking about our Halloween costumes for next year," She laughed. "It's a bit early but I like to be prepared. Guess what we should dress up as."
Wendy arched her brow.
"Two peas in a pod!" Lily announced with excitement. "But make it sexy. Halloween is the only time of the year girls can dress up as slutty vegetables and not get called out for it."
Wendy let out a small huff of amusement but didn't engage, just kept eating.
"Wouldn't that be fun?" Lily asked. "And maybe we can go to New York for the weekend since Hallloween will be on a Saturday."
"Maybe," Wendy muttered.
"What are you plans for today?"
"Nothing."
"Tomorrow?"
"Don't know."
"Wanna come over and watch a movie or bake something?"
"No."
"Wanna go to the beach?"
"No."
Lily sighed and unwrapped her burger. She took a bite, chewing in silence before finally putting it down with more force than necessary.
"Okay, I give up," she said. "Wendy, you need to stop going back to them."
Wendy froze mid-bite, her fingers tightening around her burger. "That's not possible."
"Yes, it is."
Wendy shook her head, setting her food down. "I can't just abandon my mom." Her voice was steady, but there was something fragile underneath, like she was holding something together with sheer force of will.
Lily scoffed. "She's an adult. She can take care of herself. You are not responsible to raise her."
Wendy's jaw clenched. "You don't understand."
"No, I do understand," Lily shot back, her voice sharp with frustration. "I understand that she treats you like garbage, and you keep running back like you owe her something. But you don't, Wendy. You don't owe her anything."
Wendy looked away, her throat tightening. "It's not that simple."
Lily exhaled, running a hand through her hair. She knew this argument was going in circles, just like every other time they had it. And yet, she couldn't stop herself from trying.
"She doesn't deserve you," she said, softer this time. "And I hate watching you let them hurt you over and over again."
Wendy swallowed hard, staring down at the food in front of her. She didn't respond. Didn't argue.
And for now, that was the best Lily could hope for.
Wendy picked at the edge of her burger bun, her eyes fixed downward as she exhaled slowly.
"I know you're trying to help," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "I get it, Lily. But this... this isn't easy."
Lily crossed her arms, her frustration evident in the way she pressed her lips together. "I'm not saying it's easy. I'm saying you don't have to keep putting yourself through this."
Wendy finally looked up, her expression tired, as if she had already played this conversation out in her mind a hundred times.
"And you think I don't know that?" She let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. "Do you think I like feeling this way? Do you think I want to keep going back?"
Lily didn't answer. She just watched as Wendy took a deep breath, steadying herself.
"I can't just walk away," Wendy continued. "She's my mom. And no matter how awful she is, she's stillâ" Her voice caught for a second before she forced herself to finish. "She's still my problem."
Lily's chest ached at the way Wendy said it, like she was carrying something far too heavy on her own.
"She shouldn't be," Lily said softly.
Wendy shook her head again, forcing a small, weary smile. "But she is."
The room fell into silence, the only sound the faint rustling of the takeout bag as a fry tumbled onto Wendy's lap. Neither of them moved to break the stillness. The weight of their conversation hung between them, heavy and unshakable.
Wendy stared at the half-eaten burger in her hands before setting it down, suddenly losing her appetite. She exhaled, rubbing a hand over her face.
"Where were you last night?" she asked, her voice quieter now, but still carrying a hint of exhaustion.
Lily tensed, her fingers tightening around the edge of her sleeve. She hesitated, debating whether to tell the truth. Wendy was already dealing with too muchâdid she really need to hear this right now?
But Wendy noticed the hesitation. Her brows furrowed, and she turned to face Lily more directly.
"Lily," she pressed. "What happened?"
Lily swallowed hard. "It's nothing. I justâ"
"Don't do that," Wendy cut in. "Just tell me."
Lily sighed, looking down at her lap. Her voice was quiet, almost reluctant when she finally admitted, "Jake cheated on me."
Wendy blinked. "What?"
Lily forced a bitter laugh. "Yeah. With Alexa, of all people."
For a moment, Wendy just stared at her, like she was waiting for Lily to say she was joking. But when she didn't, Wendy's expression darkened.
"That asshole!" Wendy gasped. "Both of them!"
Lily let out a dry laugh. "Yeah. Pretty much."
Wendy clenched her jaw, sitting up straighter. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Lily shrugged, looking away. "Because you were already dealing with... everything." She gestured vaguely, not needing to elaborate. "I didn't want to pile my mess on top of yours."
Wendy huffed, shaking her head. "Lily, that's not how this works. We're supposed to tell each other everything, remember?"
Lily gave her a small, grateful smile, but there was something distant in her eyes. "I know," she murmured.
"I can't believe this," Wendy shook her head. "Alexa? My god......I had hopes for her."
Lily quietly nibbled on a piece of fry.
"What happened? How did you find out?" Wendy placed her hand on Lily's knee. "Tell me everything. Start from the beginning and don't leave out anything or I'll sit on you."
______________________
Theo and Daphne
Daphne sat with easy poise, her posture relaxed but polished as one of the potential investors animatedly described the new puppy he had gotten for his daughter. She smiled as he spoke, occasionally nodding while absently picking at her salad, more engaged in the conversation than in her meal. The soft hum of the restaurant surrounded themâclinking silverware, low chatter, the occasional pop of a cork in the distance. It was an upscale yet inviting atmosphere, the kind that made small talk flow effortlessly.
As she responded with a polite chuckle at something the man's wife added, a waitress appeared at her side, placing a glass of deep red wine in front of her with a warm smile.
"Compliments of one of our guests," the waitress said, tilting her head toward another table.
Curious, Daphne followed the gesture, her eyes landing on a middle-aged man seated a few tables away. He was sharply dressed, his salt-and-pepper hair slicked back, exuding quiet confidence. Their gazes met, and he lifted his glass in acknowledgment before rising from his seat and making his way over.
For a brief moment, something in Daphne tensed. There was an air about himâself-assured, deliberateâthat sent an uneasy prickle along her spine. The dim lighting cast shadows over his face, and for a heartbeat, she thought she might know him. An old client? A forgotten acquaintance?
Her grip on her fork tightened, her pulse hitching, but as he stepped closer, the details of his face became clear. No, she didn't know him.
Relief flickered through her, though she kept her expression pleasant, her demeanor effortless.
"Miss Dashwood," he greeted smoothly. "Congratulations are in order."
Daphne lifted a brow, offering a polite smile. "I'm sorry?"
"Your engagement," he clarified, watching her with measured amusement. "To Theo Silvano."
Daphne inhaled slowly, keeping her composure as she set her fork down.
"Word travels fast," she said lightly, the corner of her mouth lifting in a practiced ease.
The man swirled his drink, his gaze steady. "When Theo Silvano gets engaged, it's more than news. It's a statement." He took a slow sip. "And you must be quite the woman to have caught his eye."
Daphne's expression remained unreadable, but her voice was effortlessly pleasant. "That's very kind of you to say." A brief pause, just long enough to seem natural. Then, with a curious tilt of her head, she asked, "Forgive me, but have we met before?"
"Not you and I, no," he answered. He let the pause linger before adding, "But I know your soon-to-be father-in-law."
Daphne stilled for just a fraction of a second, then spoke again. "Luca?"
"The one and only." His smile widened, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
Daphne kept her own smile in place, but the subtle tension in her spine remained. Something about the way he said it sent an unmistakable ripple of unease through her.
"I don't want to keep you for too long," the man smiled and looked at the others at the table. "I just wanted to extend my best wishes to the Silvano family and to their newest member."
"Thank you," Daphne said, though her brain was racking up with questions.
But before she could ask them, the man turned and walked away.
_________________________
Lily
"So....yeah," Lily bit a fry. "That's the whole story."
Wendy's eyes narrowed as she looked at Lily, her voice low but firm.
"You're wrong about this, Lily," she said, her words carrying a sharpness that made Lily pause mid-bite. "What you're doing to Gabriel is messed up."
Lily rolled her eyes, setting her burger down slowly. "He doesn't want anything serious, Wendy. He tried to kiss me when I had a boyfriend remember? And he flirts like it's second nature. He doesn't care about hurt feelings. He doesn't want anything more than what we've got."
Wendy's jaw tightened, but she stayed quiet as Lily continued.
"And honestly," Lily sighed, setting down her half-eaten food, "Once he sleeps with me, he'll lose interest, and so will I. No one's going to get hurt in the end."
Wendy stared at her, her gray eyes widening like storm clouds on the verge of breaking.
"What?" she exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. "You're going to sleep with Gabriel? Are you insane?"
Lily's lips curled into a humorless smile as she muttered, "No. I thought about it. I don't think he'll be bad at it."
"That's not the point, Lily!" Wendy shot back, her voice cracking with frustration. "You're not even telling him the real reason why you broke up with Jake. You're lying to him."
Lily exhaled sharply. "It's not a lie! I was thinking about breaking up with Jake in New York because..." She hesitated for a second, her voice faltering just a little. "My crush on Gabriel was coming back."
Wendy shook her head, visibly angry.
"Are you stupid or just plain stupid?" she scoffed. "He's going to be so upset when he finds out the truth. This is not the way to start anything, Lily."
"I'm not starting anything with him," Lily frowned, arms folded across her chest. "Gabriel doesn't date girls. I'm pretty sure he won't care when he finds out about Jake and Alexa. He just wants to sleep with me. That has been is whole goal since he met me and his stubbornness is actually coming in handy. Alexa can't stand him, Jake hates him. He's literally the perfect guy for me to sleep with."
Wendy stared at her in shock. "You're making a huge mistake."
Lily leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping lightly on the edge of her cup. "I don't have any expectations of a serious relationship with Gabriel," she said matter-of-factly, her tone steady. "And from everything I know about him, he doesn't either. Look at his past." She shrugged, as if the answer was obvious.
Wendy's expression faltered for a moment, and she opened her mouth to argue, but Lily continued before she could speak.
"He doesn't date. He hooks up, but he doesn't stick around for anything else. I'm not trying to make this into something it's not." Lily met Wendy's gaze, her voice quiet but unwavering. "I'm not looking for love, and neither is Gabriel."
Wendy's eyes softened, but there was still a flicker of doubt. "But you're playing with fire."
Lily shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'm not expecting a happily-ever-after. I know the rules with him."
Wendy shook her head, "This isn't going to end well."
"It'll be fine!" Lily laughed. "Gabriel and I are just two people who want the same thing. No strings attached."
Wendy shook her head in disbelief. "You're being dumb," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "You're putting yourself in a position where you'll get hurt, and I don't think you even realize it."
Lily stood up and started cleaning up the table, tossing the remnants of their meal into the trash.
"Relax. It's not that deep," she said nonchalantly, wiping her hands on a napkin.
Wendy didn't seem convinced, but Lily wasn't listening. She grabbed her purse off the back of the chair, slinging it over her shoulders.
"I've gotta go home and get ready for my date," Lily said, her voice light as she adjusted her hair.
Wendy frowned, her eyes narrowing. "You're really going through with this, huh?"
Lily's lips curled into a teasing grin as she looked over her shoulder, her tone playful. "Oh yeah. I'm probably gonna lose my virginity tonight."
Wendy rolled her eyes, "Jesus."
Lily laughed. "I'll call you right after and tell you how it was."
"I'll put you on speaker with your brother," Wendy warned.
Her comment made Lily laugh harder. She walked to the door and pulled it open.
"Call me if you need anything," Lily said pausing at the door. "I can cancel with Gabriel if you change your mind and want to do something tonight."
"No, I'm good," Wendy replied.
"Since I won't be home," Lily smiled. "The apartment is empty. I think Mason is home."
"Get out," Wendy rolled her eyes.
Lily giggled as she slipped out of the dorm room and hurried toward the elevator. As she stepped into her car, she turned on the radio and put her sunglasses on. The music and the bright sunlight was almost soothing as she mentally prepared for the night ahead. Her mind was clear, focusedâthis was exactly what she wanted.
After pulling into the parking lot, she rushed inside, knowing she would most likely be running late if she didn't hurry.
Upstairs, the bathroom light flickered on as she stepped in, shedding her clothes in a hurry. The hot water hit her skin, and she sighed in relief, letting the steam fill the room as she grabbed her shaving cream. She moved quickly, her motions practiced, shaving her legs with a methodical precision. After rinsing off, she worked shampoo through her hair, the smell of rose filling the air as she massaged her scalp, letting the water wash away any lingering thoughts from earlier in the day.
Lily told herself not to stress too much about how she looked. After all, Gabriel didn't care about all the frills of a date. He wasn't looking for anything seriousâjust a casual fling. That was all this would be.
Still, as she stood in front of her mirror, she couldn't help but fidget with her hair, running her fingers through it as she mentally debated what to wear.
Don't overdo it, Lily, she reminded herself, trying to maintain the same cool, detached attitude Gabriel would have. Just pick anything. It's going to come off tonight anyways.
Making sure she had on a matching set of underwear and bra, Lily grabbed the first dress she saw in her closet. It was a simple white cotten sundress with little bows on the shoulders. Lily threw it on and smoothed down the fabric quickly.
White? She paused before the mirror. Virgine white...Bridal white...
A laughed escaped Lily at the irony of the situation. Could she be any more dramatic? Showing up to her cherry popping date dressed in virgine white.
Running back into the closet, Lily looked through all her dresses and outfits before finding a black dress Daphne had gotten her. It was simple, short, fitted, and unlike all the other floral dresses in her closet.
Lily quickly stripped out of the white dress and changed. She ripped off the tag and tossed it as she walked to the mirror.
Not bad, Lily smiled.
The dress wasn't too flashy, but it was enough to make Gabriel look twice. She admired how it hugged her curves and showed off her tan legs. The two halves of the bodice was tied in the front and the chiffon sleeves were flowy, making it fun and flirty.
Good enough, Lily nodded.
Checking the time and gasping, she quickly moved onto her vanity. Grabbing whatever was before her, she filled in her brows, applied a light coat of mascara and some lip stain.
No lipstick...Gabriel will smudge it, she said, dabbing her lips together and pulling back for the final look.
Mmm....
Lily stared at herself in the mirror. She was ready enough to head out but her cheeks still felt bare and her hands lacked their usual rings and bracelets.
Just a little more, she told herself as she applied a quick layer of blush and slipped on a ring.
But as she pulled back to look at herself again, she was unhappy with how incomplete she looked.
"Damn it!" Lily shouted as she rushed back into the bathroom and washed her face to redo her make up.
Why am I even doing this? She asked herself as she properly did her makeup. Gabriel doesn't care....I don't care!
But Lily couldn't stop. Her heart had begun to pound inside her chest and she kept checking her phone for the time or for any notification. As she moved on to do her eyeliner, she called out for her brother as loud as she could.
"Mason!" Lily shouted. "Help me with my eyeliner!"
Lily climbed onto her vanity to get as close to the mirror as she possibly could. She sat down on her folded legs and applied the thinnest layer with a tiny wing at the end.
As she finished, Mason casually strolled into the room, his usual laid-back energy the complete opposite of Lily's flurry of nerves. He raised an eyebrow as he stepped forward, pausing just a little to take in the sight of his sister perched on her vanity.
"Here," Lily said, thrusting the eyeliner toward him. "Make sure they match. Look at the left eye. This one has to be the same."
Mason glanced at her, an amused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"I'll try," he said with a small shrug, stepping closer. "Step down and sit somewhere."
But Lily, too wrapped up in her own head and the feeling of urgency, didn't move. She stayed perched, unwilling to give up the control of the situation.
"No, no, I need them to match exactly. Please, justâ"
Before she could finish, Mason took a step closer and gently placed his hand on her shoulder, giving her a look that said he wasn't going to argue anymore. His voice dropped into a teasing tone as he grinned.
"I'm not doing this while you're acting like you're about to explode."
Lily scowled at him but couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped. "You're so annoying," she muttered, rolling her eyes as he took the eyeliner from her. He leaned in to get a closer look at her face, his fingers careful as he started applying the liner.
His movements were precise, but as he finished the right eye, he leaned back, studying the result before looking at Lily.
"Better?" he asked.
Lily checked in the mirror, "No!"
Mason raised an eyebrow, his expression amused but also a little exasperated as he watched Lily's frustration mount. "What's wrong?"
Lily stared at her reflection, her lips pursed as she scrutinized her eyeliner. "It's fatter than the other side!" She clicked her tongue in annoyance, her hands raised as if pleading for it to somehow fix itself.
Mason leaned in, examining both sides with mock seriousness. "It looks fine to me." He glanced at her with a knowing smirk, clearly not sharing her level of panic over the situation.
"No!" Lily protested, shaking her head vigorously. "It's not fine. It's uneven!"
Mason sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. "You're lucky I love you," he muttered under his breath before taking the eyeliner back from her. "Alright, hold still this time."
"No, I'll do it!" Lily shoved him. "Thanks for nothing. Leave."
"What is it with girls telling me to leave my own apartment," Mason shook his head.
"Leave my room, idiot," Lily said, turning back to the mirror.
As Mason sighed and left the room, Lily's phone began to ring. She glanced down at her phone and saw Gabriel's name flashing on the screen. A spark of nervous excitement rushed through her as she swiped to answer.
"Hello," she said, her voice slightly breathless from the rush of the last few minutes.
"Hey," Gabriel's voice was warm and casual. "I'm downstairs, ready when you are."
Lily groaned, looking at her reflection once more. "I'm running late," she admitted, sounding exasperated. "I had an eyeliner emergency. It's a whole thing."
Gabriel chuckled, and she could practically hear the smirk in his voice. "Anything I can help with?"
"I doubt it," Lily said, climbing down from the vanity.
"Try me," Gabriel said. "Bring it down and I'll do it for you."
"You?" Lily asked skeptically.
"Yeah, why not?" Gabriel chuckled.
"I don't want to look like a racoon."
"I can't be that bad," Gabriel said. "Come down. And hurry, we're already a little late."
"Ugh, okay," Lily muttered, rolling her eyes. "I'm coming."
She hung up and quickly stuffed the eyeliner into her purse. With a frustrated sigh, sprayed on her favorite perfume and applied another coat of lip gloss before grabbing her purse and rushing to the door.
"Where are you going?" Mason asked from the living room.
"I'm going out," Lily said over her shoulder.
"With Wendy?"
"With Gabriel," Lily didn't want to stick around to explain anything. She slipped out of the apartment and ran into the elevator.
As the doors slid close, she used the shiny reflection on the door to adjust her appearance for the last time.
Calm down, Lily, she told herself and took several long deep breath.
Once the elevator arrived to the lobby, she tucked back her hair and stepped out of the building.
Lily rushed out of the building, the warm evening air hitting her skin as she stepped onto the sidewalk. She immediately spotted Gabriel standing by his motorcycle, the streetlights casting a soft glow on him. He was dressed in a black button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, the fabric clinging just right to his lean frame. His dark hair was tousled, an artful mess that somehow made him look even more effortlessly attractive.
Her gaze flickered to his face, and that's when she noticed itâthe small white bandage on the top right side of his forehead, just above his brow. Her steps slowed slightly, her brows drawing together in brief curiosity before she schooled her expression.
Gabriel turned just as she approached, his sharp eyes sweeping over her in an instant. His gaze softened, his lips curling into a slow, appreciative smile as he took in the sight of her. There was something warm and unguarded in the way he looked at her, a rare expression that made her heart skip a beat before she could even think to stop it.
Lily forced down the small flutter in her chest and gave him a knowing smile, tilting her head slightly. "You lookâ" she paused, her eyes flickering to the bandage, "âlike you got into a fight with a kitchen cabinet."
Gabriel huffed out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Close. But no." His smile widened as he met her gaze again, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "You look beautiful, by the way."
Lily felt a rush of warmth creep up her neck, but she simply lifted her chin, feigning nonchalance.
"I know," she teased, stepping closer.
"Black is my favorite color," Gabriel smiled.
"I had no idea," Lily chuckled as she rolled her eyes. She reached into her purse and pulled out the eyeliner, holding it up between them with a smirk. "Since you're so full of surprises, think you can fix this for me?"
Gabriel arched a brow, glancing between the eyeliner and her face before.
"You're lucky you're cute," he muttered, taking the eyeliner from her fingers.
Before Lily could react, he effortlessly wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her off the ground. A small gasp left her lips as he sat her down on his motorcycle, his touch firm but careful. The cool metal beneath her contrasted with the warmth of his hands as he steadied her.
"Hold still," he instructed, stepping between her legs as he uncapped the eyeliner.
Lily blinked up at him, suddenly hyperaware of how close he was. His fingers were steady as he tilted her chin up with the lightest touch, his other hand bringing the liner to her eye with ease. Lily held her breath as he traced the line carefully, his face mere inches from hers, the scent of his cologne and something inherently Gabriel surrounding her.
"There," he murmured after a moment, pulling back slightly to admire his work. His thumb brushed lightly under her eye, fixing a tiny smudge. "Perfect."
Lily exhaled, not realizing she had been holding her breath.
Lily blinked a few times before checking his handiwork in her phone's front camera.
"Impressive," she admitted. "Didn't know you had a hidden talent."
Gabriel smirked, twirling the eyeliner between his fingers before slipping it into her purse. "There's a lot you don't know about me, angel."
Lily rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Let's go before I decide to test how waterproof this liner actually is."
Gabriel chuckled, handing her the helmet.
"Wait," she said, realization dawning on her. "We're taking your bike?"
Gabriel tilted his head, amused. "Obviously."
Lily's nose scrunched slightly. "But I don't like your bike."
Gabriel placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. "That's harsh."
"I mean it," Lily insisted. "I have a perfectly fine car right over there. With doors. And seat belts. And actual protection if some idiot decides to cut us off."
Gabriel only smirked, stepping closer. "I promise you'll be fine," he said, voice softer now. "I won't let you fall. I won't let anything happen to you."
Lily hesitated, looking at the sleek black motorcycle like it had personally wronged her.
Gabriel sighed, then leaned in slightly, his voice taking on that low, coaxing tone that always made her pulse stutter. "Come on, angel. Just trust me."
Lily's jaw clenched as she debated for a second longer before exhaling sharply.
"Fine," she muttered. "But if I die, I'm haunting you."
Gabriel shook his head and laughed. He took the helmet from her hands, his fingers brushing against hers as he lifted it over her head. His movements slowed as he gently placed it on her, careful not to mess up her hair. Lily held her breath, feeling the warmth of his hands as he adjusted the straps beneath her chin.
His fingers lingered for a moment, tightening the buckle with deliberate care. Their eyes metâGabriel's dark and steady, Lily's wide and searching. The playful glint in his gaze softened into something more intense, something that made her stomach flutter unexpectedly.
"There," he murmured, his voice lower now, almost intimate. "Safe and sound."
Lily swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "Great," she said, trying to sound unimpressed, but her voice was a little weaker than she wanted it to be.
Gabriel smirked, clearly noticing. "Told you I'd take care of you."
Lily rolled her eyes, but her heart was racing as he climbed onto the bike and patted the space behind him. "Come on," he said smoothly. "Hold on tight."
Lily eyed the motorcycle warily, shifting on her feet as she tugged at the hem of her dress. "This is a terrible idea," she muttered. "I'm wearing a dress, Gabriel."
Gabriel, already straddling the bike, glanced back at her with an amused smirk. "So?"
"So," Lily huffed, "I can't exactly sit on this thing without flashing half the city."
Gabriel sighed dramatically before swinging his leg over and stepping off the bike. Before she could protest, his hands gripped her waist, effortlessly lifting her onto the seat. Lily let out a startled gasp, gripping his shoulders instinctively.
"Gabriel!" she scolded, but he just chuckled, steadying her as she wobbled slightly.
"Relax," he murmured, sliding his hands down to her thighs. He guided her legs apart, his touch firm but careful. "You need to open up a little more, or you're gonna be uncomfortable the whole ride."
Lily blinked, then let out a short laugh. "Are you seriously telling me to open my legs wide right now?"
Gabriel's smirk deepened. "I mean... if you wanna phrase it like that."
Lily shoved his shoulder, still laughing.
Gabriel swung his leg over the bike smoothly, settling into his seat as he pressed the ignition. The engine roared to life beneath them, the deep, powerful vibrations sending a thrill through Lily's body. She swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the seat, unsure of how to position herself.
Before she could overthink it, Gabriel reached back, his fingers wrapping around her wrist. Without a word, he tugged her forward, guiding her until her chest was flush against his back.
"Hold on," he instructed, his voice just loud enough over the rumble of the engine.
Lily hesitated, but as he gave her wrist a small squeeze, she finally slid her arms around his midsection, her fingers resting against the smooth fabric of his shirt. The warmth of his body seeped into her, the steady rise and fall of his breathing oddly soothing.
Just as she was getting used to the closeness, his hand moved down, skimming along her thigh before gripping it gently. The sudden touch made her breath hitch.
"Squeeze," Gabriel said, his tone softer now, coaxing. "Keeps you from sliding around."
Lily barely managed to nod as she pressed her thighs tighter against him, her heartbeat quickening. She wasn't sure if it was the adrenaline from the bike or the way Gabriel's hand lingered a second longer than necessary, but either way, she felt lightheaded.
Gabriel smirked over his shoulder, clearly aware of the effect he had on her. "Ready, angel?"
Lily took a deep breath, her fingers curling into his shirt. "Yeah," she said, even though her heart was still racing.
The wind whipped through Lily's hair as Gabriel accelerated, the powerful roar of the engine blending with the sound of the waves crashing along the coastline. At first, she clung to him tightly, her grip tense, but as they sped down the highway, something shifted. The fear melted away, replaced by pure exhilaration.
She threw her head back, laughing as the salty air kissed her skin, the warm glow of the setting sun stretching across the water in breathtaking hues of orange and pink. The sky was painted in streaks of gold, and for a moment, everything felt surrealâlike a dream she never wanted to wake up from.
Gabriel, sensing her excitement, smirked and revved the engine, picking up speed. The bike rumbled beneath them as they weaved effortlessly down the road, the ocean glistening beside them. Lily's heart pounded, but this time, not from fearâfrom the sheer thrill of it all.
"This is insane!" she shouted over the wind, her laughter bubbling up uncontrollably.
Gabriel tilted his head slightly, his voice laced with amusement. "Told you to trust me."
Lily shook her head but couldn't stop smiling. She tightened her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his back, letting herself get lost in the moment.
"By the way, where are we going?" Lily asked over the roar of the wind and engine.
"Have you gone to Isle Isabella?" Gabriel asked, leaning back against her slightly.
"No," Lily shook her head.
"We're headed there," Gabriel said.
Lily's brows lifted in surprise, but before she could ask any more questions, Gabriel skillfully maneuvered the motorcycle onto a ferry. The sudden change from open road to the steady hum of the boat beneath them made her grip him tighter for a brief second before she relaxed.
She watched as he cut the engine and swung his leg over the bike with effortless ease. The fading sunlight cast a golden glow over his features as he pulled out his wallet and paid for the fare, his movements unhurried, confident. Something about the way he handled even the smallest tasks so smoothly sent an odd flutter through her chest.
Gabriel turned back to her and reached for her hand. "Come on," he said, his voice softer now.
Lily took off her helmet and let him pull her along, weaving through the few other passengers until they reached the railing. The wind was gentler here, brushing against her skin as she looked out at the ocean stretching endlessly before them. The sun was dipping lower, setting the sky ablaze with hues of crimson, violet, and gold, its reflection shimmering across the water like scattered jewels.
She sighed, resting her hands on the cool metal railing, momentarily forgetting where they were going or why she had been so nervous before. It was just the two of them now, standing side by side with the scent of salt in the air and the world around them painted in warm, fading light.
Gabriel glanced at her, his expression unreadable as he leaned slightly against the railing. "Not bad, huh?"
Lily let out a soft laugh, still mesmerized by the view. "Yeah... not bad at all."
Gabriel shifted beside her, reaching into his pocket with a small, almost hesitant motion. Lily turned just as he pulled out a delicate white and purple orchid, the petals soft and fresh as if he had just plucked it that morning.
She blinked in surprise as he stepped closer, his fingers brushing her temple as he carefully tucked the flower behind her ear, securing it with a small hair clip he must have brought just for this. His touch lingered for a second longer than necessary, and when his gaze met hers, there was something almost uncharacteristically tender in his expression.
Lily swallowed, feeling her cheeks warm. "Where did youâ?"
"I grew it," Gabriel said simply, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile.
Lily stared at him, caught completely off guard. "You... grow orchids?"
He huffed out a small laugh. "I have a small garden. Mostly orchids and a few other things."
Lily tilted her head, studying him with newfound curiosity. Gabriel, the sharp-tongued, leather-jacket-wearing guy with a motorcycle... had a garden?
"Why did I not know this about you?" she asked, reaching up to lightly touch the flower in her hair.
Gabriel smiled, leaning in just a fraction closer. "You know now."
Lily's fingers lingered on the delicate petals, still trying to wrap her head around the idea of Gabriel tending to a garden. It was such a contrast to the reckless, brooding image he projected, yet the thought of him carefully nurturing flowers, watching them growâit made something deep inside her soften.
"I didn't peg you as the gardening type," she admitted, her voice quieter now, almost like she was afraid speaking too loudly would make the moment disappear.
Gabriel smirked, his eyes glinting under the golden hues of the setting sun. "What? You think I just spend all my time brooding in dark alleyways and picking fights?"
Lily laughed, crossing her arms. "I mean... maybe not all your time."
He chuckled, shaking his head before leaning back against the railing, his gaze shifting toward the horizon. The wind ruffled his already messy hair, and the sharp edges of his face softened under the fading sunlight.
"My grandmother used to love orchids," he said after a moment, his voice thoughtful. "She had a whole greenhouse full of them. When she passed, I took care of what was left. Figured if I kept them alive, it'd feel like a piece of her was still around."
Lily blinked, caught off guard by the quiet vulnerability in his words. She stepped closer, her shoulder brushing against his.
"That's really sweet, Gabriel."
Gabriel chuckled. "Thanks."
"Don't worry," Lily bumped his shoulder. "I won't tell anyone you have a soft side."
He turned to her then, his gaze locking onto hers in a way that sent a small shiver down her spine. Lily bit her lip, suppressing a smile as she looked away, her fingers absently playing with the orchid tucked behind her ear. The ferry rocked gently beneath them, the sound of waves lapping against the sides mixing with the distant chatter of other passengers.
After a few long seconds of silence, Gabriel's hand found Lily's. He laced their fingers together, her hand small and secure in his. The simple gesture felt more intimate than it should have, the way his thumb brushed over her knuckles, grounding her. For a brief moment, neither of them spoke, simply enjoying the quiet of the evening and the peaceful rhythm of the ferry cutting through the water.
Then, without warning, Gabriel slowly pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. He tugged her back against his chest, the warmth of his body radiating against her. Lily instinctively leaned into him, finding comfort in the solid, reassuring presence of his arms around her. The last traces of sunlight bathed them in a golden glow, and she could hear the steady beat of his heart against her back.
"I like the way you smell," Gabriel whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
Lily's heart skipped a beat. It was such a simple comment, but it made her pulse stutter.
"Thank you," Lily said quietly with a small smile.
Gabriel turned his head and moved his nose into her hair. He inhaled her until his lungs could hold no more air. Lily felt his arms tighten around her as she reached back and pushed her fingers into his hair.
"Your hair is so soft," she smiled.
"Soft enough for you to grab if you need to?" Gabriel chuckled.
Lily's breath caught in her throat at the suggestion, a playful laugh escaping her as she felt the warmth rise in her cheeks. The way he spoke, so casually and teasingly, made her pulse race.
"I don't know about that," she replied, her voice a little breathless.
The sensation of his hair under her fingers, so soft and warm, made it hard to focus on anything else.
"I can't imagine you needing to grab my hair, though," Gabriel murmured, his voice teasing. "You're not the type to lose control."
Lily let out a breath, fighting the urge to roll her eyes at his comment. "You don't know that," she teased back, her voice light but with a playful edge.
Gabriel's laugh was a soft, almost secret sound in her ear, and Lily felt it resonate through her. He turned his head and pressed a light kiss against her temple.
"Come on," he said, unwrapping his arms from around her. "We're about to dock."
As the ferry docked, Gabriel led Lily back toward the bike. He helped her get on and put on her helmet as the sound of the engine rumbling to life beneath them. Lily leaned against him once more and wrapped her arms around him as he guided them off the boat. The evening air felt cool on her skin, the sun having long since disappeared, leaving behind a canvas of stars.
Isle Isabella appeared before them like a hidden gem, its quaint streets lined with small shops and vibrant flowers. The island had a relaxed, almost magical vibe, with twinkling lights strung overhead and the faint sound of a guitar drifting through the warm night air. Gabriel revved the engine, and they were off, weaving through the narrow roads, the headlights of the motorcycle casting long shadows in the quiet streets.
After a short ride, they arrived at a charming restaurant perched by the water, the sound of live music floating through the air as a salsa band played passionately. The atmosphere was electricâcouples laughing and twirling under the stars, their feet moving in sync to the rhythmic beats. Gabriel parked the motorcycle and helped Lily off, his fingers brushing against her hand before he took it fully in his own.
Lily looked around in surprise, her eyes widening at the sight. It was so unexpected, so out of the ordinary from what she'd imagined for the evening. Gabriel's infectious smile tugged at her lips as he led her toward the entrance.
"Come on," he said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You can't come all the way here and not dance, right?"
Lily chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"I didn't think I signed up for salsa," she teased, though she felt a flutter of excitement she hadn't expected.
She was surprised by how naturally comfortable she felt in his presence, even in the face of something so unfamiliar. But then again, Gabriel had a way of making everything seem effortless.
"You'll do fine," Gabriel said, his grin widening as he led her inside. The live band continued to play, the music lively and infectious, drawing people onto the floor. Gabriel didn't let go of her hand as they neared the dance floor, his gaze locking with hers.
Before she could protest, he was already asking, "Dance with me?"
His voice was soft, but there was an undeniable edge of confidence in it.
Lily hesitated, her mind racing. She wasn't a dancer, not like this, but something in Gabriel's gaze made it hard to say no. He seemed so sure of himself, so sure of them, that it made her want to try.
"You'll have to teach me," Lily said, laughing a little nervously as she placed her purse on their table and tucked her hair back.
Before she could back out, Gabriel pulled her toward the dance floor, his big smile lighting up his face.
As they began to move together, Gabriel's hand on her waist guided her with a surprising level of gentleness. His steps were fluid, confident, and before long, Lily found herself swept up in the rhythm, laughing along with him as the music washed over them. She stumbled a little at first, but Gabriel's grip on her hand kept her steady, his presence anchoring her as they danced.
He pressed a light kiss to her temple as they twirled, his laughter mingling with hers.
"See? Told you you'd be fine." His breath was warm against her ear as he spoke over the loud music. His words were teasing but filled with an undertone of genuine affection.
Lily couldn't help but smile. She felt light, carefree, as if the world had narrowed down to just the music and the magic of Isle Isabella.
Lily was surprised at how much fun she was having, even though dancing wasn't something she usually enjoyed. She was lost in the moment, laughing and spinning as Gabriel twirled her. The atmosphere of the island, the soft whispers of the ocean in the background, and the warm glow of lights made everything feel surreal.
But after a while, she felt her legs starting to tire. Lily had to admit that she was out of her comfort zone. She pulled away gently, offering a playful smile.
"I need a break," she said breathlessly, her chest rising and falling with her quickened breath.
Gabriel laughed softly, his hands lingering at her waist before he nodded in understanding.
"Of course," he said, guiding her toward the edge of the dance floor.
They quickly made their way to their table. The sound of the music still floated in the air, but it was much quieter here, allowing them to hear one another without shouting. Gabriel pulled out a chair for her and gestured for her to sit. Lily gratefully sank into the seat.
Not long after, a waitress with a warm smile approached, handing them each a menu. Her voice was soft and melodic as she spoke to Gabriel in Spanish.
"¿Desean algo para comenzar?" she asked with a friendly smile, looking between the two of them.
"¿Qué me recomienda?" Gabriel asked.
Lily watched as Gabriel turned to the waitress, responding smoothly in the same language. There was a smoothness to his words, a natural cadence that made everything sound so much better than Lily had expected. His voice was deeper, slower, with a slight, almost imperceptible accent. Lily watched in awe as the exchange unfolded effortlessly.
The waitress smiled and nodded, looking toward the menu before her eyes landed on Gabriel again. "El ceviche de camarón es muy popular aquÃ," she said with a small wink. "Y si prefieren algo caliente, las empanadas de carne son deliciosas."
Gabriel nodded thoughtfully, his gaze flicking briefly to Lily before he responded. "Ceviche suena perfecto. ¿Y para beber?"
The waitress gave a knowing smile. "Tenemos una limonada especial de la casa" she said, then turned to Lily. "¿Y usted? ¿Algo para empezar?"
Lily, feeling a bit shy, glanced down at the menu, unsure, "Um...... Gabriel?"
Gabriel's eyes were already on Lily, his lips curving into a smile as he laughed.
Lily couldn't help her own laughter. "I don't speak Spanish." She said. "Help me."
Gabriel chuckled, his hand brushing across the table to rest lightly on hers. "She recommends the ceviche and the house special lemonade."
"Okay, got it," Lily nodded.
The waitress, waiting patiently, looked between them with a smile.
"I'll have the ceviche then and also the lemonade," Lily smiled at the waitress.
Gabriel turned to her, translating in his smooth, effortless Spanish. Lily felt her cheeks flush slightly, both from the way Gabriel made it sound so easy and how effortlessly he switched between languages.
"Thanks," she muttered, still a bit shy but grateful for his help.
Gabriel laughed softly, picking up her hand and giving it a kiss. "You're welcome, angel. Don't worry, I've got you," he said, his eyes dancing with amusement.
The waitress nodded and walked away, leaving Gabriel and Lily alone again. Gabriel leaned back in his chair, still smiling at Lily.
"I have to teach you Spanish," he said.
"Please do," Lily laughed. "And I'll teach you Italian."
"Say something in Italian," Gabriel smiled.
"What do you want me to say?" Lily chuckled.
"Anything," Gabriel shrugged.
"Okay...." Lily smiled to herself as she thought of the perfect phrase. "Mi sono divertita molto a ballare con te." (I had a lot of fun dancing with you)
Gabriel leaned in just a little closer, his eyes locking onto hers. The space between them seemed to shrink, the soft murmur of the surrounding chatter fading into the background. His voice was low as he whispered in Spanish.
"No sé qué dijiste, pero me gusta cómo lo dijiste, y eso me hace querer besarte," Gabriel smiled. (I don't know what you said, but I like the way you said it, and it makes me want to kiss you)
Lily leaned in closer, "Non so cosa hai detto, ma suona un po'.... piccante." (I don't know what you said, but it sounds a little... spicy)
"Piccante?" Gabriel chuckled. "I understood that. You said something was spicy."
"Spicy as in naughty," Lily corrected. "I said I don't know what you said but it sounded a bit naughty."
"How did you know?" Gabriel grinned.
"I know that look in your eyes no matter what language you speak dirty to me in," Lily smirked.
Gabriel's lips curled into a playful grin, his eyes dark with amusement. "Say something in Italian again," he urged, his voice taking on a softer tone. "I like hearing you speak it."
Lily, still feeling the rush of his earlier words, took a deep breath and smiled, trying to shake off the sudden nervousness.
"Grazie per il fiore. Ã bellissimo e lo adoro," she said again, the phrase rolling off her tongue a little more confidently now.
Gabriel's smile widened, his hand resting on the table, his fingers tapping lightly. "That sounds perfect," he murmured, his gaze never leaving hers. "And now I want to kiss you even more."
Lily's shoulders shook with laughter. Just then, the waitress returned, carrying a large try of food and their drinks. She set the dishes down with a smile and turned toward Gabriel.
"¿Todo bien?" She asked.
Gabriel nodded, thanking her with a smile, and Lily returned a polite nod.
As the waitress walked away, Gabriel's attention immediately returned to Lily. He gave her a teasing look as he picked up his drink, his voice low and full of amusement.
"Careful with the guacamole," he warned, his smile growing. "I don't want you burning your mouth. You can't handle spicy food... but you handle my spicy words just fine."
Lily raised an eyebrow, amused and slightly challenged.
Gabriel leaned in a little closer, his lips curling into a playful grin.
"I'm serious, angel," he said. "But hey, if it's too much for you, I'll always have another way to cool you down."
Lily laughed, feeling the rush of excitement in her chest.
"I can handle it," she said. She took a small bite of the guacamole, savoring the flavors before her smile faded slightly. "Okay, maybe you're right," she admitted, her eyes watering. "This is definitely too spicy."
Gabriel quickly handed her the lemonade and the ice water. Lily gulped down her drink and groaned as her mouth burned.
"Keep your hands off of this," Gabriel said, sliding the guacamole away from her.
Lily chuckled and sat down her nearly empty drink. She dabbed the corner of her eyes with her napkin and shook her head.
"Maybe you're the only kind of spicy I can handle," she laughed.
"That's good enough for me," Gabriel laughed.
Lily sat up straighter, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, her face now confident and ready for the next challenge. "Okay, I'm ready to try something else."
Gabriel picked up a forkful of his dish.
"Here," he said, holding it out toward her. "You've had your lemonade, now try something that's actually edible."
Lily raised an eyebrow, amused by his teasing. But she was curious and leaned forward slightly, taking the bite from his fork. As the flavors hit her tongue, she couldn't help but smile. The mix of savory and fresh, perfectly balanced, was exactly what she needed after the spicy guacamole disaster.
She chewed thoughtfully before meeting his gaze, her lips curling into a pleased smile.
"I like it," she said, the words coming out easy and genuine. "It's really good. What is it?"
Gabriel's eyes lit up with a subtle pride. "The chef's secret recipe," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Grilled fish. You're the first person I've ever shared it with."
Lily laughed softly, her eyes sparkling as she wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Well, I'm honored," she teased. "It's delicious. You have good taste."
Gabriel smirked. "You don't know the half of it," he replied, a playful gleam in his eyes as he watched her savor the bite. "Do you want to switch plates? I don't mind shrimp tacos."
"No, that's fine," Lily shook her head. "I like shrimp."
"Good," Gabriel grinned.
Lily took a bite of the shrimp, the flavors bursting in her mouth as the lively music from the dance floor shifted. The tempo changed, the beat faster now, and the clapping grew louder from the crowd.
Lily paused, glancing over toward the dancers, drawn to the movement and energy. The people on the floor were caught up in the rhythm, spinning and swaying in perfect unison.
After watching them for a few seconds, Lily cleared her throat and turned back to Gabriel. Her fingers tapped the edge of her napkin as she shifted the conversation.
"So..." she began. "Tell me about the last serious relationship you had."
Gabriel swallowed the food in his mouth, "What do you want to know?"
"How long was it?" Lily asked. "Why did you break up?"
Gabriel slowly nodded, chewing his food slowly.
"It lasted for about six months," he said. "We were in high school and we broke up because we were going to different colleges."
Lily nodded thoughtfully, her eyes fixed on him. "Sounds like it was just bad timing."
Gabriel nodded slowly.
"Yeah, I guess so," he said, his voice softening.
"And you haven't dated since?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I don't know," Gabriel said. "I didn't meet anyone since then who seemed... interesting enough to want to seriously date." He met her eyes, a trace of vulnerability flickering across his features before he masked it with his usual playful grin. "Guess I'm picky."
"Hm," Lily hummed.
"What about you?" Gabriel asked her. "How many long term relationships did you have?"
"Just one," Lily sighed. "And that was a disaster."
"I'm sorry about that," Gabriel said. "But I'm surprised you don't have a high school sweetheart or something."
"Nah," Lily shook her head. "I was too busy in high school making sure my grades were perfect and I had enough extracurricular activities to knock any college administrators socks off."
"I bet you excell in anything you put your mind into," Gabriel smiled.
"I can say the same for you," Lily returned the compliment. "But I get the sense that everything comes naturally to you."
"I don't know about that," Gabriel laughed.
Just then the waitress returned and looked at Lily's empty glass.
"Another one?" She asked.
"Oh, yes please," Lily nodded. "Thank you."
"Sure," the woman said, turning away.
"Wanna dance some more?" Gabriel asked.
Lily shook her head, "I don't want to get too tired for our.....extracurricular activities later on."
Gabriel threw his head back and laughed. Lily watched his as her own words made her cheeks blush and she couldn't help but laugh herself.
"Come on," Gabriel said, his luaghter slowing down. "One more dance won't hurt. It'll lossen up the muscles."
Lily chuckled as she let Gabriel take her hand and lifted her off her seat. The music swelled around them, lively and infectious, as Gabriel pulled Lily onto the dance floor.
The moment she stepped into his arms, he guided her effortlessly through the rhythm. Lily laughed as he spun her, the exhilaration of the moment making her heart race.
"You're getting better," Gabriel teased, pulling her close for a moment before twirling her again.
"Don't flatter me too much," Lily laughed breathlessly. "I might start thinking I'm good at this."
"You are," Gabriel murmured.
Before she could respond, a few onlookers clapped and cheered for them, and soon enough, others joined in. An older man approached with a friendly smile, tapping Gabriel on the shoulder.
"May I?" the man asked, extending a hand toward Lily.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow at her, silently asking if she wanted to. Lily grinned and nodded.
"Of course!" she said, taking the man's hand.
At the same time, an elderly woman tugged at Gabriel's arm, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"You're quite the dancer, young man. Dance with me."
Gabriel let out a good-natured laugh. "Yes, ma'am" he said, offering his arm.
The two pairs spun off in different directions, the air filled with laughter and music. Lily moved gracefully with her partner, giggling as he guided her through exaggerated, playful steps. Meanwhile, Gabriel twirled his partner effortlessly, making the elderly woman laugh with delight.
Between turns, Lily took occasional sips of her lemonade, enjoying the refreshing contrast to the warmth of the dance floor. The steady rhythm of the music, the twirling, the lightsâall of it made her feel a little floaty, like she was drifting on a cloud.
But soon, that floaty feeling turned into something hazy. Her steps felt looser, and her head started to feel light. She blinked, trying to steady herself as she swayed slightly.
From across the dance floor, Gabriel spotted her and quickly made his way over to where she stood. His warm hand suddenly found her waist, steadying her.
"Easy there, angel," Gabriel murmured. His playful smirk softened into something more concerned. "You okay?"
Lily let out a breathy chuckle, pressing a hand to her forehead. "I think... I think I need to sit down for a second."
Gabriel frowned, his grip firm but gentle as he led her off the dance floor. "Let's get you some water," he said.
As Gabriel guided Lily back to their table, she giggled, her steps light and unsteady. She swayed slightly, still caught up in the music, and tilted her head back with a bright, carefree laugh.
"I want to sing," she announced, her voice lilting with amusement. She cleared her throat and attempted to sing along to the Spanish lyrics floating through the air, but the words came out in a jumbled mess.
"La... la noche... bonita... uhh, something somethingâ" She dissolved into laughter, clutching Gabriel's arm for support.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, half amused, half concerned. "That was terrible," he teased, pulling out her chair for her.
Lily gasped dramatically as she plopped down. "You're terrible," she shot back, pointing a wobbly finger at him.
Gabriel smirked but then narrowed his eyes as something clicked in his mind. His gaze flickered to her nearly empty glass of lemonade. She had been drinking it all night without a second thought. His stomach tightened as realization dawned on him.
"Lily," he said slowly, leaning forward. "How many of these did you drink?"
Lily blinked at him, her smile lazy and dreamy. "Maybe four," she murmured, twirling the straw in her glass. "Or five or six...why?"
Gabriel exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Because, angel," he said, pushing the glass farther away from her, "I think your lemonade has alcohol in it."
Lily gasped, her eyes wide. Then she laughed, resting her cheek on her palm. "Ohhh, that makes so much sense. No wonder I feel all warm and fuzzy," she mused. She poked Gabriel's arm. "You should've told me sooner. I thought I was just really happy."
"I didn't know," Gabriel shook his head with a chuckle, but there was an unmistakable protectiveness in his expression. "No more lemonade for you," he said firmly, waving over a waiter. "And definitely no more singing in Spanish."
Lily hummed, swaying slightly in her seat. "But I was just getting good at it."
Gabriel rolled his eyes, but his lips curled into an affectionate smirk. "Yeah, sure. The best."
Lily continued to giggle as she placed her head down on the table. Gabriel quickly paid their bill and gathered her purse and their helmets. With a sigh, he crouched down in front of Lily.
"Ready to go home?" He asked.
"And lose my virginity?" Lily sat up slowly and held two thumbs up in the air. "Hell Yeah!"
Gabriel shook his head and scooped her up with ease. Lily's arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. She let out a surprised squeak before giggling against his shoulder.
"Gabriel," she mumbled, her voice muffled against his shirt, "you're like... really strong. Like, stupidly strong. Do you work out? Wait, of course you work outâyour arms are like... really nice. Like, unfairly nice."
Gabriel smirked. "Glad you approve."
Lily hummed dreamily, her fingers lazily tracing nonsense patterns on his shoulder. "I approve of a lot of things," she mused. "Like... your face. It's a very nice face. Sharp. Kinda dangerous. But also like... kissable? You know?"
Gabriel cleared his throat, tightening his grip on her as they neared his motorcycle. "Lilyâ"
"And your voice!" she cut him off, lifting her head just enough to look at him. "It's so deep. Like, sometimes when you talk, I forget what you're saying because I get distracted by how nice it sounds."
Gabriel bit back a laugh as he set her down carefully next to his bike. "Are you done?"
Lily swayed slightly, blinking up at him. "No," she said, very seriously. Then she tapped his chest with her finger. "Why aren't you kissing me?"
Gabriel stiffened, his smirk fading slightly. He stared at her, trying to decide if she would even remember this conversation tomorrow.
Lily groaned dramatically and threw her arms up. "Ugh, fine. But if you ever do kiss me, I just want you to knowâI totally called it first."
"I've already kiss you," Gabriel shook his head, chuckling as he reached for the helmet and placing it over her head, "let's get you home before you start declaring your love for me in the middle of the street."
Lily gasped. "Wouldn't be the worst thing in the world," she muttered, letting him secure the helmet under her chin. "You do have a really kissable face."
Gabriel rolled his eyes, but his grin lingered as he swung his leg over the bike. "Get on before I leave you here, drunk and rambling."
Lily huffed but climbed on behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she rested her cheek against his back. "You'd never leave me," she mumbled, her voice soft and certain.
Gabriel's fingers tightened around the handlebars.
No, he wouldn't.
"I think I'm going to fall," Lily said just seconds before she slid off the bike and fell onto the street.
"Shit!" Gabriel jumped off the bike. "Lily!"
Lily laughed uncontrollably. Gabriel let out an exasperated sigh as he crouched beside her, watching as she laid on her back on the pavement, giggling like this was the funniest thing that had ever happened to her.
"You think this is funny?" he asked, gripping her arms and pulling her upright.
Lily's head lolled slightly as she grinned at him. "A little bit," she admitted, stifling another giggle. "I justâ I told you I was gonna fall, and then I did! It's like I predicted the future."
Gabriel shook his head, muttering a curse under his breath. "Alright. New plan."
Before she could protest, he lifted her again, this time carefully placing her on the bike in front of him, her legs straddling the seat as she faced the rear of the motorcycle.
Lily blinked at him. "Wait, this isn't how people are supposed to sitâ"
Gabriel ignored her, gripping her waist and pulling her closer so she was pressed snugly against his chest. "You're gonna face me," he instructed, "and you're gonna hold onto me. Tight. Got it?"
Lily tilted her head, squinting up at him. "Like a koala?"
Gabriel smirked. "Exactly like a koala."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in.
"Kiss me," she smiled.
"No, you're drunk," Gabriel said.
"Kiss me!" Lily demanded.
"Baby," Gabriel sighed. "No, you're drunk."
Lily pouted, her brows knitting together as she clung to him. "But I want a kiss," she mumbled, her voice laced with a sleepy whine. "Just a little one."
Gabriel exhaled sharply, fighting back a grin. "You're impossible," he muttered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Lily hummed, pressing her forehead against his. "And you like me anyway?"
Gabriel smiled. "Yeah, I do," he admitted. "Which is why I'm not kissing you right now."
Lily groaned dramatically, leaning back against the front of the bike. "Ugh. You're so unfair."
"Trust me, angel," Gabriel murmured, tightening his grip around her waist and pulling her back as the bike rumbled beneath them. "You'll thank me in the morning."
Lily sighed, her breath warm against his neck. "Doubt it," she mumbled. But despite her protests, she nestled closer, letting his warmth lull her into a comfortable daze.
Gabriel chuckled, revving the engine. "Hold on, koala girl. Let's get you home before you start making more demands."
What now? LOL