Falling into Surrender © 2015 A. Zavarelli

Chapter One

Victoria

The morning sunlight filters through Gabriel’s curtains, bathing my cheek in warmth as I sprawl out across his bed. It’s a warm June morning, and all of New York is coming alive on the streets below. I’m still wrapped up in his blankets and going on very little sleep, but there’s a smile on my face as I rub my swollen eyes.

Last night, I dared to crack myself wide open. To unleash all of my demons and tell Gabriel the raw and unfiltered truth about Victoria Colletti. It feels like a piano has been lifted off my chest, and even if it doesn’t make anything better, I’m glad I told my story.

Before I can go seek him out, the man himself appears in the doorway, holding a phone to his ear. He’s wearing nothing but his black briefs, and when my gaze travels south, he cracks a smile and shakes his head.

“Hang on a minute,” he says into the speaker.

He saunters over to the bed and gives me an all too brief kiss before pulling away again.

“I didn’t expect you to be up,” he says. “It’s still early.”

“I know it’s still early.” I roll my eyes and throw my head back on the pillow dramatically. “So what are YOU doing up?”

“I’m just making a couple calls, and then I promise you’ll have my utmost attention.”

“Okay.” I shoo him off with a pouty face. “Go do whatever you need to do.”

He smirks and goes back to his phone conversation while I shuffle into the master bathroom. I’ve never been inside of it before, and I’m more than a little curious to see what it looks like. One of the perks of being upgraded to girlfriend status, I suppose. I get to sleep in Gabriel’s king size bed and use his bathroom.

I’m not surprised to find more gray tiles and décor, but the open stone shower adds a nice touch to the place. It has double shower heads and one of those sweet water proof stereos built into the wall. After flipping through the stations, I decide on one aptly called Girl Power.

Stepping beneath the hot spray, I let the water sluice over my body and wash away any remaining tension in my muscles. Wannabe by The Spice Girls comes on over the speakers and I do a little victory dance, belting it out like it’s 1996.

A moment later I’m wrapped in Gabriel’s arms, his chest vibrating with laughter. “Didn’t know you were a fan.”

“Are you kidding?” I say seriously. “This is my jam.”

He chuckles and pulls me in for a kiss, which I return enthusiastically by gripping his ass and pulling him against me. His erection is digging into my belly, and he’s making those sexy little groaning noises that I like so much. So I’m surprised when he pulls away and holds me at arm’s length.

“Not this morning baby,” he says apologetically. “We have a busy day planned.”

I look up at him curiously. “Doing what?”

“Just wash up quickly and we’ll go.”

“Really?” I frown.

“Believe me it’s taking every ounce of strength I have not to take you right now,” he says. “I promise this has nothing to do with what you told me last night.”

Just as my nagging insecurities rear their ugly heads, he squashes them down with those words. I relax into his touch and allow him to wash me, repeating the same process on him once he’s through.

After our shower, he tosses me another one of his tee shirts and a pair of sweatpants. The tee shirt isn’t a problem, but after I’ve slipped into the pants, I realize I can’t walk without holding them up around my waist like Urkel. Gabriel laughs at my dilemma and helps me roll them down, tying one of my spare rubber bands around the excess.

“It’s just till we get to your apartment,” he says.

“We’re going to my apartment?”

“Yes.” He nods, his expression turning serious. “You should check in with Alanna after last night, and I have something important to tell you both.”

***

When we get to my apartment, I’m relieved to find Alanna in the kitchen drinking a cup of coffee.

“Sorry I didn’t check in with you last night,” I say sheepishly.

“It’s okay.” She smiles. “I figured you were probably otherwise preoccupied.”

Gabriel stands back with an odd expression on his face, and I shoot him a questioning glance. He clears his throat, his gaze swinging between Alanna and I.

“Uh, I need to talk to both of you. You might want to sit down for this.”

I take a seat at the kitchen table and drum my fingers across the wood as I wait for him to start. He’s never looked so nervous before and it’s making me a little anxious in response. Especially since he’s been acting strange all morning.

“First of all,” he begins, “Alanna, you should know that Victoria and I had a very long talk last night. She told me everything about her past.”

Alanna’s hand tightens around her mug as she looks at me for assurance.

“Victoria?”

“Yes, it’s true,” I reply.

“Oh my God.” She lets out a relieved sigh. “That’s good. I was hoping you would.”

“You were? Why?”

“I just think that maybe he can help you somehow. He has more resources than we do, Toto.”

“Well, he can’t,” I snap, crossing my arms in frustration. “I only told him because I think he deserves to know the truth. But I won’t let him get involved…”

“I’m already involved,” Gabriel interjects. “Whether you like it or not, Victoria. And Alanna’s right, I can help you. You just have to trust me. But first, I have something important to tell both of you.”

I turn my attention back to him though I’m far from ready to let this subject drop.

“After you told me everything last night, I couldn’t sleep. This morning I had a friend run some background information. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to locate Eleanore, because it seems she is pretty good at hiding herself. And she has the means to do so now that her father’s passed away.”

“Of course she has money now too,” I groan. “That’s just icing on the cake.”

“A friend of mine is checking into it,” Gabriel continues, looking so hopeful I can’t say anything to rain on his parade. He’s grossly underestimating how good Eleanore is at this, just like everyone always has.

“But he did find something else this morning,” he says. “Something important.”

Alanna and I glance at each other, holding our breath while we wait.

Gabriel’s eyes dart towards Alanna as he explains. “Your husband Mitchell, well I don’t exactly know how to say this… but you don’t have to worry about him anymore. He was killed in the line of duty two years ago. A routine traffic stop that went badly.”

Wrong or right, his words fill me with relief. But something is off, because Alanna doesn’t look relieved at all. In fact she doesn’t even look surprised. She hangs her head in shame, and my stomach somersaults at the implication of that guilty expression.

“I already knew,” she whispers weakly.

“What do you mean you knew?” I demand.

I don’t want to believe that she would keep something like this from me. That she could lie to me like that.

She looks up at me with pleading eyes, silently begging for my forgiveness. “I couldn’t tell you.”

“But why?” I croak.

She casts an irritated glance in Gabriel’s direction as if this is his fault somehow. “I should have known you would have found out.”

“How could you not tell me this, Alanna? We’ve been running for years and…” Suddenly it hits me. The realization that Alanna doesn’t need to run anymore. All of her problems are solved. That’s why she let herself fall in love with Nathan. Why she’s been trying to convince me to stay.

“Oh, God.” I sink into my chair. “How long did you think you could keep this charade up?”

“I don’t know,” she says weakly. “I wanted to tell you, but I could never find the right time. I owe you my life, Victoria, I couldn’t just walk away from you. And I knew if I told you, there was no way you would let me keep running with you.”

“Well you were right,” I say softly. “I won’t let you run with me anymore. This is good news, and I’m happy for you, really I am. But it changes nothing for me.”

Alanna shoots a desperate glance at Gabriel, panic seeping into her features. He walks up behind me and cups my shoulders in his strong hands, managing to soothe me with even the slightest of touches.

“Victoria, I’m going to help you,” he insists. “And you will let me. We both care about you, and nobody is going to let you leave here by yourself. You don’t have to do this anymore. I can protect you.”

“No, you can’t!” I raise my voice in frustration. “You just don’t get it. She will kill you, Gabriel. She’ll kill Alanna, and anyone else who’s in her way. I cannot involve either of you. It’s not fair, but that’s the way it has to be.”

“I want you and Alanna to come stay with me,” he says softly. “You’ll be safe at my apartment.”

Alanna glances at me, her eyes imploring me to take up his offer.

“I don’t know,” I say, knowing full well that isn’t going to happen. “I need to think about this first. Everything’s moving too fast.”

Gabriel sighs, probably expecting nothing less from me. “Fine. You have two days to wrap your head around it, but you will be coming with me. I won’t give in on this Victoria. But in the meantime, I need you and Alanna to come with me this afternoon because I’m teaching you both how to shoot.”

***

We spend the afternoon at the shooting range, Gabriel patiently teaching us the ins and outs of handguns. He insists on us keeping a small handgun in the apartment for protection until I agree to stay with him. I don’t shy away from the gun because I’ve grown up around them. I already know how to shoot rifles, but I feel more confident knowing I can protect myself if I need to. Alanna takes a bit more practice considering she’s never shot a gun in her life.

Gabriel drops us both back off at our apartment later that evening. He tries to stay, hovering over me, but I regretfully tell him to go home and catch up on work. I need some time to figure all of this out. I still don’t want him getting involved, but after this morning’s bombshell about Alanna, I don’t know how much choice I have. I’m afraid if I leave Alanna here, Eleanore could still come after her. She knows we’re friends. She knows we’ve been running together for years. And I’m sure Eleanore is certain it would be one of the quickest ways to bring me to my knees. Going after someone that I love.

Chapter Two

Victoria

The next afternoon, Nathan picks Alanna up for the evening on the assumption that I’ll probably be busy with Gabriel. I haven’t heard from him yet today, and I don’t know if he plans on seeing me tonight or not. The thought of being without him, or Alanna for that matter, fills me with sadness.

This is what my life will be like again if I run. Completely alone. I’ve been mulling over Gabriel’s offer to stay with him though I’m not sure why I’m even considering it. I know he’s trying to be protective, and it’s a really nice offer, but deep down I don’t want it to happen under these circumstances. I love Gabriel, and our relationship has progressed further than I ever thought it could. The idea of having something real with him is torturous because I know it’s just an illusion.

Just as I’m contemplating my options, there’s a knock at the door, followed by the voice of the familiar delivery man. I open up and he hands over another gold box with a note card tucked carefully on top. When I sit down and take off the lid, I find a dozen red roses tucked inside.

Victoria,

Your favorite color is red, and you look beautiful in it.

My house 7:00 pm tonight.

Please wear the dress I gave you, I’m dying to see you in it.

Bring your camera.

And don’t worry, there will be no paparazzi… just you and me

Gabriel

My heart gallops inside my chest, wondering what he has planned for tonight. I completely forgot about the red dress stashed in my bedroom closet, and suddenly, I can’t wait to wear it for him.

The rest of the day drags on. I toy with the notion of exploring the city and taking some more photos. But Gabriel is still being stubborn about the whole safety issue. He even went as far as suggesting a bodyguard when he’s not around. The idea is absolutely ridiculous, and I told him as much. Eleanore isn’t stupid by any stretch of the imagination, and one man wouldn’t stop her from accomplishing what she sets out to anyway. I managed to convince Gabriel to hold off for just a couple more days while I consider the idea. When I pointed out that I haven’t even been in New York that long, and there’s no way she could have traced me here yet, he reluctantly agreed.

When six o’ clock finally arrives, I shower and carefully slip into the elegant red dress. The fabric feels soft and luxurious against my skin, and I can only imagine what it will feel like once Gabriel gets his hands on it.

I apply some makeup, opting for an old Hollywood glamour look with liquid eyeliner and the perfect shade of crimson lipstick to match my dress. I take the time to straighten my hair so that it falls in a sleek cascade down my back. And when I’m done, I slip into a pair of strappy silver stilettos to match the silver rhinestone detailing around the waist.

As I look at myself in the mirror, I have one of those rare moments where I actually like what I see. The dress is exquisite, with a deep open back and a high slit up the thigh, showing off just the right amount of flesh. It hugs my figure and makes my curves look soft and feminine. But I know as soon as I step onto the street this feeling won’t last. That little voice will be inside my head, questioning all of the things I dislike about myself.

Before I let that feeling take over, I gather strength in the form of several deep breaths and steel my nerves. I will not let those feelings win tonight. With one last twirl in the mirror, I leave my apartment behind, heading straight for the man that I love.

Downstairs, Paul is waiting for me at the curb, and he raises his eyebrows in surprise as he greets me. During the car ride to Gabriel’s apartment, the nerves grow a little bit stronger. I like the color red because it feels bold and powerful, but tonight I need it to serve a different purpose. The purpose of making me feel like the woman Gabriel sees when he looks at me. Easier said than done.

When I arrive at his door, I smooth out the fabric one last time before I knock. A moment later the door whirs open, and my chest squeezes at the sight before me. Gabriel is draped against the frame, wearing a crisp black tux and shiny black dress shoes. His eyes sweep over me in lazy appraisal as he ambles towards me in a predatory fashion. He pulls me inside for a slow, seductive kiss, effectively disposing me of all of my wits.

“You look exquisite.” He breathes against my ear.

I murmur incoherently as his cologne lingers between us, rich and warm and enticing in every way. He reaches for my hand and leads me down into the living area, and I follow like the puppet I am. I notice that the place has been cleaned up, all the broken furniture and glass replaced, and to my surprise the place feels much homier than before. The new furniture is gray but much softer with touches of blue sprinkled throughout.

Gabriel stops at an open space in front of the floor to ceiling glass windows, the city lights twinkling below us for the perfect backdrop. He retrieves a small remote from his pocket, hitting a couple of buttons to effectively dim the lights and bring the stereo to life around us. I look up at him questioningly, but he just gives me a sly smile as he wraps his hand around my waist like a proper gentleman. The soft beats of a familiar tune come over the speakers before I recognize the song. It’s Save the Last Dance for Me by Michael Buble.

“I’m not a good dancer,” I squeak as he begins to move.

“Just follow my lead,” he reassures me with a wink. “Like you always do.”

I close my eyes for a moment, allowing all of my tension to flee as I relax into the guidance of his arms. Our bodies move in easy synergy across the floor, the beat of my pulse quickening when I drink Gabriel in. He dances like he fucks, completely and utterly ruthless in his perfection.

“When I was at the charity event without you,” he says, “enduring Anya’s endless attempts at conversation, all I could think about was you in this dress. Dancing with me, watching your beautiful curves moving against my body. You were all I thought about that night. You’re the only woman I ever think about like that anymore. I wanted to have this moment with you and nobody else.”

Tears spring to my eyes as I nod in agreement. “I love you,” I whisper, squeezing him in my arms. “So much.”

He stoops down to ghost his lips across mine. “I love you too, Victoria. And it scares the hell out of me how much.”

I smile in complete understanding as the music comes to an end, plunging the room into silence once more. Gabriel takes my hand in his and grabs my bag from the entrance, pulling out my camera. He leads me down the hallway to his room, where he proceeds to spin me around in circles until I’m dizzy with laughter.

“What are you doing?” I try to hold back my grin as he sets me down on the bed and lifts the camera in front of me. He snaps a few shots in quick succession, like a complete pro. Figures.

“I love that smile,” he says.

I feel awkward and uncomfortable in front of the camera lens, but Gabriel doesn’t miss a beat. He leans down and kisses me hard until I’m breathless and needy with desire. Then he pulls back and snaps away shamelessly.

“I love that you aren’t afraid to show me how much you want me,” he says.

I groan and cross my arms like a petulant child. “Am I that transparent?”

He snaps a couple more shots before I try to swipe for the camera.

“And I love those beautiful red lips when you pout like that.”

“What are you doing?” I ask irritably.

“I want you to see yourself the way that I do.”

I look at him like he’s speaking another language I can’t comprehend. But wasn’t that exactly what I wanted during the ride over here tonight?

“Come,” he instructs me, holding out his hand.

I reach up and take it, and he leads me over to his dressing table, complete with a large mirror in front. He turns me to face the mirror and stands behind me, snapping another photo before I frown and try to turn away. He grips my chin, gently turning me back to face the mirror.

“Look at yourself, Victoria,” he commands. “Look how beautiful you are.”

“I don’t want to,” I croak. “It feels weird.”

He pulls my hair back away from my face and holds it in his hand in a makeshift pony tail, taking a moment to kiss my neck and just hold me.

“It shouldn’t,” he says gently. “I want you to learn how to be comfortable with yourself.”

I stare at my reflection, still feeling awkward, but knowing that he’s right. It occurs to me that I’ve never really felt completely comfortable in my skin, especially around Gabriel.

My eyes trace the lines of my short, curvy figure and I try to dislodge the lump of emotion in my throat. All I can see is pale skin, dark hair, and a heap of imperfections staring back at me. Eleanore’s words haunt me. Big nose, fat thighs, ugly duckling. I want to feel pretty, but it feels like an illusion. I try to turn away again.

Gabriel’s hands press my forearms onto the dresser before me, effectively arching my back into him. He skates his fingertips down the sensitive skin of my open back before he bends down and whispers in my ear.

“I’m going to fuck you, right here, like this. And I want you to watch, Victoria. Watch the way your body responds to my touch. Watch the pleasure that I receive from you.”

I swallow and try not to look too eager, but his hooded gaze is setting off all sorts of crazy reactions in my body.

“Do not close your eyes,” he commands. “Do you understand?”

“Yes,” I breathe.

“Good girl,” he purrs.

His hands leisurely stroke the silky fabric of my dress, caressing my waist, my hips, and then my butt. A shiver of delight runs through me as he places his palm on the skin of my lower back, pressing me flat against the dresser. Then he stoops down, gathering the fabric of my dress and inching it slowly up my legs and over my hips. He groans when he sees the black lacey panties I’m wearing, cupping the cheeks of my butt in his hands. He slides the scant material down my legs, lifting me to pull them off and spreading my legs at the same time.

I’m open and exposed as he sinks to his knees, pressing his face into my wet center. Without pretense, he grabs my hips and pulls me against his hot tongue. I watch myself mewling with pleasure as he licks and caresses me with perfect strokes. His head bobbing between my thighs has to be the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen, and it quickly sends me right over the edge.

I’m still gasping for air when he stands up behind me, ripping off his jacket and dress shirt. He unzips his pants and lets them fall to the ground below, revealing his muscular legs and throbbing cock. He takes the engorged flesh into his hand and strokes it twice before positioning himself behind me.

I watch his reflection as he presses against my back, his eyes hooded as he sinks inside of me. He takes his time, allowing me to expand around him as he grips my hips and kisses my neck. The minute I’m comfortable, he starts to move. I watch the transition from man to beast unfold before me, his lips parting, and his eyes flaring with molten heat. He pounds into me with unrestrained hunger, as if he can’t help himself.

I can feel his muscles contracting throughout his body, working against me as he grunts and nips at my ear. I cry out with every thrust, the pressure rising to a powerful crescendo.

“Come, Victoria. Come for me, now!” he orders. And at his simple command, the walls burst around me. I nearly collapse, but Gabriel catches me just as he shudders inside of me.

A moment later, he pulls me into his arms and unzips my dress from behind. It falls to the floor like a soft red cloud beneath me, and he scoops me up in his arms, gingerly placing me into his bed. I let my head fall back on the pillow as he removes my stilettos, massaging each foot with gentle fingers. And then he lays down beside me, staring softly into my eyes. He never takes his fingers off of me, trailing them up and down my waist until my collar catches his attention.

“I love that you wore this for me,” he says. “You have no idea how sexy it is when you do things to please me.”

“I like to please you.” My fingers brush the collar around my neck. “And I love knowing that it means I belong to you. I don’t think there’s anything sexier than that.”

A smile creeps across his beautiful lips, and it’s one of those rare moments I’m certain only I get to see. Gabriel Maddox, relaxed and happy.

“That’s good baby,” he rasps. “It makes me so happy to hear that.”

I take a deep breath, deciding that while we’re on the subject, I’d like to give voice to one of my nagging thoughts. “I like that it’s aesthetically pleasing to you,” I say. “But I want you to use it for its intended purpose too.”

He sits back hesitantly, his brow furrowing in concern. “Victoria, its intended purpose is to serve as a reminder of the fact that you belong to me.”

“Yes.” I roll my eyes. “As if I need reminding of that.”

“Perhaps it’s me who needs reminding,” he says flatly.

His words take me by surprise, and I thread my fingers through his on instinct, holding him closer.

“What do you mean?”

“I just mean that when I look at you sometimes, I still can’t believe how lucky I was to be the guy on the street that you crashed into. It could have been anyone, but it was me.”

“I think I’m the lucky one.” I smile shyly. “But I would hope that you’d know that, even when I’m not wearing a collar.”

His eyes darken, and for a moment, he looks far away. “I’m working on it.”

“Gabriel, I didn’t mean…”

“Victoria,” he interjects, “you have to understand that you’re very different to any of the women I’ve dated in the past.”

“You don’t need to tell me twice,” I retort in a biting tone.

He reaches for my chin and pulls my gaze back to his. “That’s a good thing, baby.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.” He glares at me. “Have you learned nothing tonight? I’m in love with you. I want you to get that through your head. And quit being so modest around me, you’re a very beautiful woman. The women I’ve dated in the past, they’ve got nothing on you. I didn’t even like them, let alone love them.”

“Then why did you date them?” I ask.

“They were there,” he answers honestly. “And they were convenient.”

Thinking about him with other women makes me physically ill, and suddenly I’m regretting even having this conversation.

“You have to understand that I grew up in a different world,” Gabriel continues. “One where people have everything, but they’re never happy. They put on pretenses, fake smiles, and they tell you what they think you want to hear. Nothing is genuine. Being in the position I’m in, I came to realize very quickly that women didn’t like me for who I was. They liked me for my name, and that was it. I was never interested in pursuing anything beyond a sexual relationship… until I met you.”

“I’m sorry, Gabriel,” I say softly. “I guess I never really thought about it like that.”

“You bring out the best in me.” He strokes his thumb across my cheek. “You’re the most honest woman I’ve ever met, and it’s refreshing to be around you.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

We lay in silence for a few moments as he pulls me against him, holding me in the only arms that can make me feel safe. We just had such a sweet moment and I don’t want to ruin it, but I can’t let go of the collar issue. I feel like a depraved animal asking for such a thing, but I can’t stop the image from playing through my mind.

“Back to our original subject,” I say in my best casual tone. “The collar. I want you to really use it on me, you know… during sex.”

He frowns, but I can see the heat in his eyes even as he speaks.

“I don’t know Victoria, it might be too soon. I don’t ever want you to feel like…”

I hold up my hand, stopping him mid-sentence. “See! This is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you what I did. It’s starting already. I’m not a delicate little flower that you have to coddle. I don’t want that and I know you don’t either. So please don’t treat me that way. I don’t want your pity.”

The muscle in his jaw ticks, his eyes darkening to a stormy shade of gray, and I realize I’ve woken the beast again. Part of me is happy, and the other part is wondering what I’ve gotten myself into as he stalks out of the room.

“Don’t fucking move,” he calls over his shoulder.

I hear him rummaging through something down the hallway for several moments before he reappears with some mysterious objects in his fisted hands.

“You want it rough?” he barks at me, eyes blazing.

I jump at his tone but nod meekly. This is what I asked for.

“Yes,” I whisper.

“Get on your knees,” he orders.

I do as I’m told, sinking to the floor below, my hands resting nervously on my thighs.

I keep my head down, watching as his feet circle around and stop behind me. “I think you forget who’s in control here, Victoria,” he says coolly. “Perhaps it’s time I reacquaint you.”

I nod in response, unable to find my voice. I’m not scared because I trust him implicitly. This is what I need from him. The part of him that can take me to the darkest places, but always bring me back. The part of him that makes it okay to like these things.

Gabriel’s breath is harsh as he fists his hand in my hair and gives me a brutal but all too brief kiss. When he pulls away, I’m left gasping for breath, and before I can even catch it, I feel the smack across my back. It burns into my skin, searing me with a mixture of pain followed by pleasure. The soft leather strands trail along my skin, pulling away before he swats me again.

“Shall I keep going?” he asks huskily. “Or will you remember why you’re being punished.”

I think for a moment and then realize my mistake. But I’m not ready to atone yet, and after all the emotional overload of the last week, I need to feel this. I hold back the words he’s waiting for me to say, and nod in silence.

Another smack against my skin. I moan and gasp for air as the smacks grow quicker and harder. I remain still as I take the blows, thriving on the nerves awakening in my body. I close my eyes, soaking up everything he has to give me until he stops and speaks again.

“Had enough yet?” he asks in a strained voice.

“I’m sorry Gabriel,” I whisper. I could keep going, but I know this is difficult for him. I don’t want him to feel like he’s hurting me.

“Very good,” he praises me.

He kneels down behind me, pulling my arms behind my back and securing them with strong leather cuffs. He repeats the process with my ankles before binding them all together with chains. When he stands, he has a long silver chain dangling from his palm. He reaches down and clasps it to the loop on my collar.

Moisture pools between my legs as he walks backward, extending the chain in his hand as far as it will go. The metal is pulled taut against my collar, making me feel every bit the depraved animal I am for wanting this scenario. Gabriel’s completely naked, his cock swollen and hard as his eyes burn into my flesh. The perfect male specimen. Rough, controlling, possessive. I revel in it, my eyes raking his body without any fear of retribution.

He lets the chain slacken for a moment, and then with a hard jerk pulls it backwards, effectively bringing me with it. I try to keep my balance with my hands fastened behind my back, crawling awkwardly on my knees to where he stands. He gathers the chain in his palm, effectively bringing my face up to meet his hard cock. I open my mouth greedily and take in the swollen head, tasting him on my tongue.

Gabriel makes a strangled noise in his throat and I groan with pleasure. I can’t use my hands for support so I bob forward with my mouth in an effort to take him in. He pulls the chain tighter, wrapping his large hand around the back of my head and urging me to take him deeper.

“Is this rough enough for your liking, Victoria?” he grunts. I nod in agreement, his brutal thickness lodged deep in my mouth.

His hips thrust towards me until he’s completely engulfed by my lips. He holds me there for several moments, and I try to contain my urge to gag. Gabriel strokes my hair while he stares down at me affectionately, his cock throbbing inside of my mouth. I can tell he’s enjoying this just as much as I am.

“I can never resist fucking that beautiful mouth,” he says roughly, sliding his shaft deep into my throat. I gasp for air, taking in a half a breath before he’s submerged completely. He pumps in and out of me, losing himself in the rhythm as he holds my head firmly in place.

I let him use me as he pleases, soaking up the sounds of pleasure that rip from his chest. Nothing has ever sounded sexier than Gabriel in the throes of ecstasy, and knowing that I was the one to bring him there.

When he pulls out I whimper, and he smirks as he steers my head lower. He presses my mouth to the delicate, soft sack at his thick root, and I flick my tongue against them. Licking them both, I suck each one into my mouth, nearly driving him over the edge. His muscles are tight, preparing for the inevitable explosion.

“Good girl,” he rasps.

His hand increases it’s frantic pace on his shaft while I assault him with my tongue. He starts to contract, yanking on the chain to pull my head back. Hot liquid bursts across my neck and breasts while he groans above me. When he’s finished, he releases the chain in his hand and walks to the bathroom.

He returns a moment later with a towel and looks down at me, still kneeling before him.

“You look so fucking beautiful covered in my come, I don’t even want to wipe it off.”

I smile up at him with hooded eyes, still hungry with desire. He hasn’t let me come yet and I’m needier than I’ve ever been before. He bends down and wipes my chest clean before unbinding the chains from my wrists and ankles.

“I’m not done with you yet,” he says in a firm tone. “You will continue to pleasure me until I’ve decided I’ve had enough, is that clear?”

“Yes, Gabriel.”

“And once I’ve given you all of my come, I may or may not decide to let you have your release, depending on how well you please me. Understand?”

“Yes, Gabriel.”

“Very good.” He grabs the end of the chain leashed to my collar, pulling it gently. “Now come with me my pet.”

He leads me down the hall and back into the sex room. It’s put back together, but there seems to be new furniture. I glance up at him questioningly but don’t speak.

“I still want to play with you in here,” he explains. “But you’ll be the only woman that has ever touched any of these pieces, and that’s how I want it.”

Relief floods over me at his words and my heart swells in my chest. “Thank you,” I say softly.

He pulls me over to the end of the new bed. It consists of a large mattress and a metal railed headboard and footboard at both ends. He folds me over the cold metal of the footboard, leaving my legs dangling towards the floor as my face rests on the mattress beneath. Then he bends down behind me, pulling my legs apart as far as they will go. He attaches a chain to each ankle and clamps them to the metal legs of the bed frame.

He repeats the same motions with the cuffs on my wrists, extending longer chains to the front legs of the bed. By the time he’s finished, I’m spread tightly in all directions, unable to move.

He walks back to the apothecary cabinet and retrieves something from one of the drawers before he returns. A minute later, I feel a wet metal object trailing down the crevice of my lower back, and I wiggle around in anticipation. Then he stops, pressing it against the tight entrance of my ass. My whole body tenses when I realize what’s happening. Gabriel’s never taken me here before.

“Relax, Victoria,” he says. “It’s not going to hurt if you relax.”

I try to do as I’m told, closing my eyes and just feeling the sensations. He pushes it inside of me gently, working it in and out until it’s fully rooted inside of me. He leaves it there as his hands move to my butt, caressing each cheek roughly. And then he stops. I wait for whatever’s going to happen next with shallow breaths.

A rigid hand swats my right cheek, and I let out a yelp. It’s not from the slap, but from the powerful sensations radiating from the metal plug inside me. I’ve never felt anything like this, so intense. I barely have time to wrap my head around it before another hand lands on my left cheek. And again. He spanks each cheek roughly, over and over, sending jolts of electricity throughout my body. And then he twists the plug inside of me, nearly sending me over the edge as I cry out.

“I told you it wouldn’t hurt,” he says gruffly. “I love seeing my handprints all over your creamy white skin. So beautiful, Victoria.”

“Thank you, Gabriel,” I whimper.

He reaches down and slowly works the plug around inside of me for a few more moments before he removes it.

“I’m going to claim your ass now.”

He leans down into me, pressing his erection against my back as his fingers dip into the swollen, aching flesh between my legs.

“You are so wet for me,” he groans. “That’s good, I won’t need to use any more lubricant.”

What?

His hard cock plunges deep into me, and I almost mewl with pleasure before he abruptly pulls it out again. And then I feel the tip. There. The place no man has ever gone before. He presses into me slowly, taking his time as he strokes my back. The pressure is almost unbearable for a moment, and I try in vain to push my hips forward, but I can’t move. He pauses, allowing me to expand around him while he kisses my shoulder.

“You are so fucking tight,” he says. “It feels amazing baby.”

His words and gentle caresses manage to soothe my frayed nerves, and I relax around him. He continues to inch himself deeper and deeper until he’s finally rooted all the way inside of me. It’s a strangely erotic feeling, being stuffed so full of Gabriel in such a forbidden place. It turns me on in a way I didn’t expect, and when he starts moving, foreign sensations burst from deep within my belly. The feeling of him rocking back and forth, igniting every single one of my nerves, is so intense I don’t know whether to cry or scream.

“Yes.” He crows behind me. “That’s it, angel.”

His hands find my breasts and he strokes both of my nipples while he fucks me from behind. It’s all too much. The pressure inside me builds rapidly, guttural sounds I don’t even recognize coming from my mouth.

“Would you like to come baby?” he asks as he thrusts into me again.

“Yes! Please, Gabriel!”

“Good girl.” His hand continues kneading my breast as he finger fucks me at the same time. Dark spots fill my vision as the orgasm tears through me, nearly making me faint in the process. I’m still throbbing around him when he growls, pouring his own release deep inside of me.

“Fuck!” he pants, collapsing beside me. “You never cease to amaze me, Victoria.”

I can’t speak, or even have a rational thought for that matter, so I just stare up at him with heavy eyelids. He kisses the crown of my hair and strokes my entire body before releasing me from my binds. I’m like a limp noodle, completely useless as he carries me back into his bathroom, setting me down into the bathtub. He goes about running the water and pouring in soap while I focus on not passing out. I’ve never experienced an orgasm so intense in my life, and it’s taking me forever to come back down to earth.

Gabriel climbs in behind me and pulls me to his chest while he massages my shoulders and back, kissing my temples softly.

“Are you okay?” he asks. “You haven’t said anything.”

“I’m more than okay.” I relax back into him. “That was… amazing.”

He breathes a deep sigh of relief, squeezing me a little tighter. “I’m glad that I was the one to give it to you.”

Chapter Three

Gabriel

As I pull away from the curb outside Victoria’s apartment, my cell phone rings. The number on the screen indicates it’s Allan Ricketts, the same detective I had it out with last week.

“Allan,” I answer briskly, “did you finally come to your senses?”

“Yes, Mr. Maddox,” he says in a contrite tone. “I’ve been working on a hunch, but I didn’t want to say anything before. Now I have something concrete for you.”

As much as I don’t want to take the bait, he has my attention. If it’s something concerning Victoria, I need to know about it, even if I do hate dealing with this scumbag.

“Fine, what is it?”

“I’m afraid this is a little bit more of a confidential matter,” Allan says nervously. “I’m going to need to meet you somewhere. I have some hard copy documents to give you.”

“Can’t you just fax them to me?” I snap.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Maddox, but not these. You’ll understand why when you see them.”

“Fine,” I agree. “Where do I need to meet you?”

“Well, it’s the weekend,” Allan says. “I’m at my apartment.”

“Text me the address. I’ll come now.”

When the text comes through, I debate just telling him to fuck off. The place is all the way on the other side of the city. But again, I think of Victoria, and I enter it into my GPS. An hour later I pull up in front of the dilapidated apartment building, thinking that it’s a perfect place for a roach like Allan to live. Still, I have to wonder what he does with all the money he makes from his steep fees.

The elevator is out of order when I walk in, so I open the door to the stairwell. No sooner do I step inside before something cracks into the back of my skull.

***

Victoria

I haven’t heard from Gabriel for two days, which is unusual. The way he was acting on Sunday, I expected him to be all over my case. I’ve been going stir-crazy in this apartment while I wait for his call.

My phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. It’s my boss Marvin from the courier company.

“Hello Marvin,” I answer less than enthusiastically.

“Victoria,” he greets me in a business-like tone. “I need you to make a delivery this morning, can you do it?”

I hesitate for a moment before answering. Gabriel isn’t going to like this, but right now, I don’t care. He’s too busy to give me a courtesy call or respond to my texts, and I need to get out of this apartment.

“Sure,” I agree. “I can be there in thirty minutes.”

I hang up the phone and quickly throw on some jeans and a hoodie. Before I head out, I toy with the idea of taking the gun with me. I know it will make the inevitable fight with Gabriel easier if I do, so I tuck it into the back of my jeans beneath my jacket.

When I walk into the living room, Alanna gives me a puzzled glance.

“I’m just going to make one delivery,” I explain. “I need to get out of this apartment before I go crazy.”

Alanna nods in understanding. “Okay, just be careful, babe. Gabriel’s got me twisted into a bundle of nerves now. I’ll feel much better when we are safe in his apartment.”

“Yeah,” I groan as I walk out the door. If that ever happens.

When I get to the courier company, my boss hands me a piece of paper with the address on it.

“You sure are popular.” He laughs. “I think it must be that rich boyfriend of yours. He told me not to tell you, so make sure you act surprised, okay?”

I smile in relief. He must be planning a surprise for me. I wonder curiously what it is as I walk down the street.

Twenty minutes later I’m staring up at two adjacent buildings. This business has a ½ address, and I can’t figure out where it is. I decide to walk down the alleyway, thinking it must be somewhere behind the two buildings. I’m expecting Gabriel to be standing there, but I don’t see him anywhere. I don’t see any buildings with the address on them either.

An uneasy feeling starts to creep into my belly, unfurling its black venom like a poisonous snake. The more I think about it, the more I realize Gabriel would never ask me to walk around in a strange place like this. It doesn’t feel right.

I turn to leave, but it’s already too late. Something slams into me from behind, plunging me into darkness as I crash to the ground beneath.

Chapter Four

Victoria

My tongue is plastered to the roof of my mouth and it feels like someone’s jammed a knife straight into the back of my skull. One quick glance around confirms that what happened before wasn’t a nightmare. I’m lying on a stone cold floor with my arms bound behind me, my forehead covered in blood and sweat. Bile rises in my throat as I try in vain to struggle loose from the ropes, but a hard boot to my ribs is quick to put a stop to that.

“Stop moving, bitch!” A man barks from behind me.

My mouth is duct taped and I try to speak, but everything comes out muffled. All I want to do is scream, but I know I need to stay calm. To figure out where I am and what’s happening. I’m not dead yet, so there has to be something I can do.

I glance around and take in my surroundings. This place looks strangely familiar, and it only takes all of a minute for reality to sink in. I’m in Gabriel’s cabin.

A renewed sense of dread washes over me as I flop my body over, craning my neck to look for him. The man who kicked me is standing in front of the door, watching me intently. It’s the same man who bumped into me in front of my apartment the other day, the one I got the weird feeling about. I have no idea what he could possibly want with me, but from the look in his eye, it doesn’t take much to guess.

I try not to focus on that as I continue to survey the room around me. Lifting my head isn’t easy, and the moment I do searing pain shoots through my skull. I whimper and try to suppress the overwhelming urge to vomit as my eyes land on the other side of the room.

My worst nightmare has come to life as I glance at the battered figures strapped into metal chairs before me. Alanna looks as though she is sleeping peacefully, but Gabriel is bleeding badly from the side of his drooped head. He looks as if he’s taken the brunt of this strange man’s wrath, and my heart squeezes at the sight. I don’t know what he wants, but the more I watch him, the more I realize he’s waiting for something. Or someone.

Almost as if on cue, the front door creaks open, and a voice behind me chills me to the bone. Sweetness laced with Arsenic, the most caustic woman I’ve ever known enters the room with a flourish.

Eleanore.

“Is the bitch awake yet?” she asks casually, her gaze swinging in my direction.

“Yeah, she’s awake all right,” the man retorts. “And already causing trouble too. When are you going to let me at her?”

My stomach churns violently at his implication, my breath coming out in hollowed gasps. I would rather die than let Eleanore do this to me again. But then I think about Gabriel and Alanna, the innocent bystanders in all of this. They’re only here because of me.

“All in good time, Allan,” my stepmother’s shrewd voice cracks my raw nerves like a whip.

As she approaches, her heels click across the hard floor like shotgun blasts. And instinctively, I know this is it. The end of the line for me, because there’s no getting away from her this time. And just as I suspected, she isn’t going to let me go down alone. I squeeze my eyes shut as tears flood my vision, threatening to turn me into a sobbing mess. She’s going to hurt Alanna and Gabriel to get to me.

In a sick twist of irony, I recall the time that Gabriel and I spent at this cabin not so long ago. How I told him about Orion’s fate, and how I thought the constellation had guided me to him somehow. And now, here I am, his own personal Artemis, unknowingly leading him to his death.

The whole situation is so fucked up I want to scream until my lungs are bloody. But I know it won’t do me any good. The expression on Eleanore’s face tells me as much. She’s finally got me right where she wants me, and there’s nothing I can do to change that.

“Did you really think you could get away from me so easily you foolish girl?”

I try to mumble a fuck you from behind the tape, but nothing intelligible comes out. Eleanore stoops down, and in one swift painful movement, rips the tape from my mouth. I tamp down the strong instinct to react to the pain, refusing to give her the satisfaction.

She simply laughs at my stiff expression. “Always trying to put on a brave face, aren’t we? Tell me, Victoria, don’t you think it’s time you paid the piper?”

“What are you talking about?” I hiss. “I’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve left you alone, so why can’t you just move on?”

“Oh you would say that,” she snaps. “After everything that you’ve done to hurt me. Making your father hate me… making the whole town think I was crazy.”

“You are crazy!” I yell, unable to stop myself. I know this isn’t the best way to approach the situation. She has the two people I love most in the world within her grasp. I know I should be logical, but right now I can’t. I hate her with the fire of a thousand suns.

“You think you are so tough don’t you?” she glances across the room. “We’ll see how tough you are after your friends wake up and you watch me slowly torture them to death.”

All of the blood drains from my face, and just like that, my temper is gone.

“Please, Eleanore…” I beg. “You don’t have to do this. Just let them go.”

She actually seems to consider it for a moment before busting into a hysterical fit of laughter. “No, I don’t think so, Victoria. But don’t worry, it won’t be all blood and gore. We’re going to have a little fun first. You see, I think I will make your angry boyfriend watch Allan here rape you repeatedly. Maybe your pretty little friend over there too. I haven’t really thought that far ahead yet.”

“Why are you doing this?” I plead, my voice cracking. “They haven’t done anything to you. You can do anything you want to me, but please let them go.”

“Tisk, tisk.” Eleanore smiles. “Where would the fun in that be? You deserve everything you get, you little whore.”

“How can you say that?” I try to reason with her, playing to any of her sane emotions. “You’ve been the only mother I’ve ever known.”

“Yes, how unfortunate for me.” She retorts sourly. “You didn’t know how lucky you were. You never appreciated me.”

The weakness in her eyes surprises me, but before I can say anything, she walks back towards the front door.

“I need to get some things in town,” she announces to the man standing guard. “You call me the minute they wake up, do you understand?”

He nods, and then as quickly as she entered, she’s gone again.

I need to figure something out, and fast. As I stare up at the ceiling, I hear incoherent grumbling from across the room. I crane my neck to see Gabriel stirring in his chair. He blinks his eyes open wearily, his expression filled with pain.

“Victoria,” he rasps. “How did they get to you?”

I glance up at the man at the door to find him picking his nail absently. He doesn’t seem to care that we’re conversing, so I decide to answer.

“I was making a delivery,” I reply.

His jaw grows rigid as his eyes darken with obvious frustration. “I gave you one simple fucking request,” he booms. “You just had to leave your apartment, didn’t you?”

“I didn’t know,” I snap back. “I thought it was a delivery for you. That’s what my boss told me anyway.”

His face softens a little as his eyes roam over me, taking mental stock of my condition. I can tell he wants to rescue me right now, but he can’t move an inch. Somewhere deep in the recesses of my depraved mind, I almost find it ironic.

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yes.” I nod. “I think so. My head hurts, but I’m okay.”

He looks so sad and forlorn, I can’t help the intense guilt that floods over me. This is all my fault. Tears spring to my eyes, and I try my best to hold them back, to be strong.

“I’m so sorry Gabriel,” I whisper. “This is exactly what I didn’t want to happen.”

“No,” he replies firmly. “Don’t think like that, Victoria. This is not your fault. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine.”

He casts his eyes to the floor and I try to make sense of what he’s not saying. But then he quirks his eyebrow as though an idea has just struck him. He glances at the man by the door and then strains in his chair to try to look out the window. What is he doing?

“Victoria,” he says calmly, “I just want you to try to relax, okay.”

The man at the door lets out a sarcastic laugh, shaking his head at our conversation.

“Think back on the last couple days, and how good they were,” Gabriel continues, his tone odd. “Think of all the things we did together. You, me, and Alanna.”

He seems to be stressing the last part. He’s trying to tell me something, but I don’t know what. I think over the last couple of days, mentally taking stock of our time together. I hardly even saw him. The last time I saw him was when he was teaching me how to shoot…

The gun. It was in my waistband before when I was taken from the alley. Is it still there? My body seems impossibly numb as I try to adjust on the floor without getting the attention of the man above me. I roll as flat as my bound wrists behind me will allow, wiggling my hips a little to press my butt to the floor. And then I feel it. The cold metal of the gun still inside my pants. How did they not find it? I shake my head because it doesn’t matter. I need to figure something out and quick. Eleanore will be back soon. As I try to wiggle my wrists behind me, the ropes make a slight noise, and it earns me another swift kick to the ribs from the man at the door.

“Don’t fucking move!” he growls.

Gabriel rocks violently in his chair, his face red with anger as I try to fight the overwhelming pain.

“I’ll fucking kill you when this is over Allan,” he bellows.

The man just gives him a pathetic smile, as if he already knows that will never happen.

“I’m going to fuck your little girlfriend here,” Allan announces. “Long and hard, right in front of you. Then you’ll watch her die a slow and painful death before it’s your turn.”

A sob escapes from my chest. I don’t want to cry, and I don’t even care that he said he’s going to rape me. All I can think about is Gabriel. If I can’t get free, he’s going to die… because of me.

“Shhh baby,” Gabriel tries to soothe me from his chair. “It’s okay Victoria, I’m right here with you.”

Chapter Five

Victoria

Over the next twenty minutes, I try to wriggle free from the ropes that bind my wrists. They are too tight. Way tighter than Gabriel would have ever bound me. And the more I move, the more they cut into my wrists. I can feel the sensitive skin burning as blood seeps from my wounds, but I don’t care. I need to do this. As Alanna begins to stir, my efforts become more fervent.

Eleanore asked Allan to call her back when they woke up, and now time is running out. I’m hoping for at least a few extra minutes, but as soon as Allan sees her moving, he picks up his cell phone and walks into the kitchen.

For the few brief moments he’s gone, I wriggle furiously, pulling at one of the ropes with my fingernails in an attempt to shred it. Allan comes back before I can get anywhere, and Alanna groans as she comes out of her drug induced stupor. She blinks her eyes a couple times before they quickly fill with terror. Before I can think of anything to comfort her, Eleanore slips through the front door.

Her heels click along the hardwood floors as she walks into the center of the room, taking stock of all the puppets at her disposal.

“Well, looks like the gang’s all here.” She muses. “Now the real fun begins.”

I still my wrists when her gaze turns to me, cold and deadly calm.

“Now Victoria,” she says. “You get to choose who I kill first. Your best friend, or your boyfriend.”

The word no tumbles weakly out of my mouth as I shake my head vehemently. It’s all I can manage, and this only seems to irritate Eleanore further.

“I think you seem to have forgotten how persuasive I can be.” She turns to look at Allan, waving him over. “Untie one of her hands,” she orders.

Though my fear is a real living, breathing thing at the moment, it’s overshadowed by a small glimmer of hope. If Allan unties my hand, I may have a shot at getting the gun.

Like a good little soldier, Allan stomps over and nimbly undoes one of my binds. He strings the rope back beneath me, dangling my bloodied wrist in front of Eleanore.

At the site of it, Gabriel snaps. “What the fuck do you want Eleanore?” he pleads. “I’m sure whatever it is, we can work something out…” his voice trails off and his eyes fill with desperation. “Just please don’t hurt her any more.”

Eleanore shoots him a stone-faced glare. “There is nothing you have that interests me. This…” She waves her hand around the room. “Is what I want. And as long as you play along with my game and follow my instructions carefully, I won’t kill her just yet.”

Allan kneels down on my free arm, effectively holding it in place as Eleanore hands him a giant metal tool that looks somewhat like a wrench. My stomach churns as I try to stay calm, taking in large gulps of air.

“Now.” Eleanore focuses on Alanna and Gabriel. “This is what we are going to do. I need you to listen carefully to my very simple instructions. I will ask you a yes or no question, and you will respond with yes or no only.”

Alanna glances nervously at Gabriel and then back to me, tears streaming down her face.

“If you say anything else, and I do mean anything else, even so much as one word,” Eleanore continues, “I will break one of Victoria’s fingers.”

Gabriel glares at her as Alanna sobs, trying to control her rising panic.

“Is that clear?” Eleanore asks.

Alanna nods meekly and Gabriel simply grunts before looking down at me with his most reassuring expression. I know he’s trying to tell me he won’t hurt me.

“Okay.” Eleanore smiles. “Let’s get started then, shall we?” She pulls a chair from over by the door and sits next to me.

“Alanna,” she hisses, “we’ll start with you. Victoria’s best friend. Someone she relies on and trusts with her every secret. Someone I’m sure she has come to think of as a sister.” She glances down at me with an icy smile. “What do you think Victoria here will think of you once she has learned of your betrayal?”

My face contorts in confusion as Alanna shakes her head violently.

“Let’s talk about Dallas, shall we?”

Alanna tries in vain to bury her face in her shoulder, blocking out everything around her as Eleanore’s voice rings through the room.

“I believe it was in Dallas four years ago, that you sold out your best friend for a little fix, wasn’t it?”

Alanna remains silent in response, and my whole face goes clammy. I don’t want to believe it, but she isn’t saying anything to defend herself.

“You were so desperate for your fix,” Eleanore continues, “that you willingly gave away Victoria’s information to the first bidder. But, by the time I had gotten there, like the true junkie you are, you had reneged on your side of the bargain. I wonder exactly what it was you told Victoria to get her to leave with you that night in such a panic.”

My entire body numbs as I recall the night in Dallas when Alanna came back to the hotel in a cold sweat. She told me that she had been recognized by her husband’s friend and we had to leave right away. How could Eleanore possibly know about that… if it isn’t true?

Eleanore grows tired of Alanna’s sobbing and claps to get her attention. “So junkie whore, tell her it’s true. She needs to hear it from you to understand what kind of friend you really are.”

I glance up at Alanna, tears brimming my own eyes.

“Yes, but… Victoria…” Alanna sputters.

“Tsk, tsk.” Eleanore wags her finger. “I told you, Alanna, very simple rules. What kind of friend are you exactly? Now I have to break one of her fingers.”

Alanna starts to blubber uncontrollably, but it’s no use. I turn my head away as Allan clamps the cold metal against my pinky. I’m sure nothing could hurt worse than the betrayal I feel right now, but I’m wrong. Faintly, deep in the haze of my own agonizing screams, I hear Gabriel swearing as he watches my finger being snapped in two.

After a few moments, the pain begins to numb courtesy of the adrenaline racing through my veins. I dare to hope that I can stay numb if this is going to be the kind of game Eleanore wants to play. Numb might be the only way I will survive.

“Now, Gabriel,” she says spritely, “I do believe it’s your turn. You seem much more intelligent than your female counterpart there, but we shall see.”

I don’t want to hear whatever it is she’s about to unleash on me. Not Gabriel. I try to block everything out as I tell myself he would never do anything to hurt me.

“So it’s quite funny,” Eleanore begins, “the other day while I was waiting outside of your apartment, at six in the morning no less, that I ran into Anya Petrovski as she was leaving your place.”

Gabriel’s jaw grows rigid, his eyes pleading silently with mine.

“Well, anyway, I had a nice little chat with Miss. Petrovski. She was quite forthcoming, actually. She seemed to have no qualms about disclosing the fact that she had stayed at your apartment the night before.”

My chest constricts as I wriggle beneath Allan’s forceful grip on my arm. I want to run. Far away from this place, from all of it. I can’t even bring myself to look at Gabriel as a fresh wave of tears runs down my cheeks.

“So?” Eleanore asks. “Yes or no, Gabriel.”

“Yes,” he says flatly.

On some level I secretly wish he had explained, even if it meant more broken fingers. But it doesn’t matter now. What explanation could there possibly be for Anya staying at his apartment? Especially given he knows exactly how I feel about her.

“So, Victoria, there you have it.” Eleanore sighs. “Your best friend and your boyfriend. Both have betray

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