"I'm glad you're just as eager as I am baby," he teased. "But sometimes I just want to cuddle you sex fiend. I'm starting to feel cheap."
Smiling at the joking pout to his tone Salene eyed the hotel and figured they were a pretty good distance away. Slowing her pace she fell back a bit until she was able to wrap the arm she was just pulling around her so they could walk slowly.
"Thank you," he exclaimed exasperatedly. “Let's just enjoy the stars and sounds of the waves… All the way to that door and then at which point it is my turn to be a sex fiend."
Salene gave a small laugh. "Umm let me ask you something," seeing that he was giving her his full attention she continued, carefully. "I know you said your boss and coworkers are arriving today, I'm just curious is it anyone I know?"
She needed to know if she was just overreacting or was there really any cause for alarm.
Narrowing his gaze, he looked at her suspiciously, slowing down to a halt in the middle the long pier. "Why?"
Biting her lip at the crisp tone, she hesitated telling him about Derek. The pressure from his unrelenting gaze, however, would not let up until she told him what she saw.
"Promise you won't get mad?" Salene clutched one of his large hands for added insurance.
"No," he growled impatiently. "Tell me Salene."
Letting out a deep breath her shoulders sagged. "I don't know why but I saw Derek along with the coworkers you said before that were coming."
The reaction was exactly what she feared.
"That son of a bitch," Gabriel's violent roar seemed to echo over the quiet bungalows and the serene waves. Turning around he began to stalk back towards the resort.
"No Gabriel don't." Salene tried to pull at his hand but easily snatched it out of her grasp.
"Fuck that, I have given that bastard one too many chances," he snarled. "I'm going to end this shit tonight."
This was not at all what she wanted. Frustrated with tears threatening to spill she stood on the pier.
"Please Gabriel," Salene could hear her voice crack.
So did Gabriel.
Stopping in his tracks, she could visibly see him weigh his options. Turning around he stared at her for a long moment with an unreadable expression on his face. Cautiously she stepped forward as if he was some great temperamental beast.
"Please, I didn't want to mention it to make you upset, I just…" Her voice trailed off, not sure he was listening. The low ambient lighting on the pier was really only enough to get to and from your bungalow and not much else.
Silently his shadowy figure walked back towards her closing the gap.
"You just what?" He questioned hoarsely. It was evident he was still very much angry about Derek's unexpected presence.
"It's just that he is starting to creep me out a little," she explained cautiously. "It seems he is always just popping up. Before I thought it was a little flattering but now it's just… Weird
For a moment Salene even wondered if he heard her, his hard angry face seemed to be chiseled from stone. Slowly as second, that felt like minutes, ticked by his face softened and he gave her a considering looked as one eyebrow arched.
"I will take care of Cipriani in the morning." Pulling her by the shoulders, he pressed her close, very close. "Let's clarify the part where you said you are "flattered" by Cipriani's attention."
Salene's heart skipped a beat as the grip on her shoulders tightened.
Gabriel made a "Tsk tsk" sound with his tongue. "I guess I'll have to teach you again from scratch sweetheart who exactly you belong to." The dark threat made her feel a tad faint.
She opened her mouth to defend herself, but he continued.
"Have you ever been spanked?"
Despite the slashing grin slowly spreading across his lips, his eyes were deadly serious.
***
Sitting in the closed out breakfast area they were using as a meeting space, Gabriel ignored the speech his colleague was giving. Lazily he let his gaze travel over the packet they were all given from the start, discussing how this hotel would be the first of many in the new brand they were launching. Gabriel was not interested right now he was only concerned with one thing—making sure Cipriani knew that he was done playing games.
When he left Salene this morning, he made a firm decision he was going to end this little obsession Cipriani was playing it. Pulling back the covers to inspect the damage he caused last night, Gabriel's whole body tightened when he still saw traces of his hand print on her bare ass. It took the power of God not to climb on top of the soft sweet woman and mount her from behind.
Unfortunately, Gabriel underestimated just how much of a pussy Cipriani was, not once did that piece of shit step out of his uncle, the vice president's shadow. Smiling ruefully Gabriel nearly laughed, like that would stop him. Since he couldn't draw his prey out Gabriel decided to walk directly into its den. Requesting a private word with the vice president, Gabriel told the older man in no minced words that he had every intention of beating the shit out of his nephew, and this would be Gabriel's last formality.
"I am glad you came to me about this Gabriel," the older man had an air of quiet distinguished authority about him, it was hard to believe he was even related to Cipriani. "I apologize I think I might have been negligent about Derek as of late. I've heard some rumors about his indiscretions, and I am ashamed to say I turned a blind eye. I should've considered it odd when he insisted on coming on this trip." Giving him a fraternal squeeze to the shoulder the man gave Gabriel a firm look. "Don't worry we value you too much Gabriel to let you deal with this nonsense, Derek will not be a problem anymore take my word for it."
Smirking Gabriel leaned back in his chair casually as the meeting was just about to wrap up. The VP must have said something because Gabriel could practically smell the fear running off the man. Part of him really hoped he would catch Cipriani alone as they took a short break from the meeting but the piece of shit went ghost, nowhere to be seen. Laughing to himself he walked back to his bungalow, inside his eyes immediately went to the bed that was made and empty. Scanning the perimeter, he found his prize sitting on the over water beach bed that jetted out onto the crystal blue ocean.
Jesus, she looked good. Silently he walked down the steps, he watched her silently reading in her simple white bikini.
"Hey there sweetheart," she put down the book she was reading when she heard him.
Peering over the back pillows, she gave him a narrowed eyed pout. "I'm not talking to you."
Smiling he sat down on the edge of the white plush beach bed letting his hand run up the curve of her calf. "Aww why my sweet?"
"You know why," she whined. "Last night… Last night you were too…too…"
Her embarrassment was evident as she stammered over her words.
"Rough?" He supplied helpfully.
"Yes." Her wide honey brown eyes went straight to his soul with her cute little pout.
Resting his hand on the warm curve of her knee he gave her a thoughtful look. "Do you want me to be more gentle?"
Immediately her sweet round face went from a pout to shock before settling into a coy smile. "Well….Not too gentle, just less punishment."
Unable to resist he grabbed both of her smooth knees and pulled her down until she lay flat on her back.
"Gabriel!" He ignored her cry of shock and pulled at the bikini knot behind her neck, exposing her beautiful full breast.
Dipping his head, he took one taut nipple into his mouth.
"I thou... Thought you had another meeting," she cried out no longer trying to stop him.
Stretching out alongside and somewhat on top of her Gabriel heard himself let out a groan at the feel of her hips arching against his. He needed her right now, fuck that meeting he could wait. Last night Gabriel could've sworn he heard her whisper "I love you," in the throes of her climax, but he could not be sure. Was it just wishful thinking on his part? Dear God, he needed to be sure, he needed her to say it again. If making her b
reak apart in his arms as he buried himself deep inside of her elicited that proclamation, then by God he was going to spend this trip making her come every chance he got until one of them fell into a coma.
***
That man was trying to kill her she was sure. Thanking every God known to man Salene watched in veiled relief as Gabriel left for another meeting this morning. Last night after he got back from a long day of walking the resort with his colleagues discussing business he came to bed like a man on a mission.
There was no doubt she loved the beast that he could be behind closed doors. The rough domineering attitude was exactly what she wanted. Salene craved the slight tinge of nervous fear he invoked. Although last night was different, it was as if he was wordlessly demanding something from her. Salene could only assume he was still thinking about Derek. She tried to assure him that he was the only one, but the strange searching look wouldn't leave his eyes.
Stretching her sore muscles, Salene sorted through her toiletry bag looking for her moisturizer. Taking out the large bottle of antibiotics the Doctor gave her after surgery she began to search deeper.
"Why do I put just everything in this bag?" Whispering to herself she became frustrated and started to pull out most of the contents to have a clearer search.
With her things strewn about the counter, Salene paused at the sight of a tampon. When's the last time she got her period? A pit of dread filled her stomach, flowering throughout her body until her limbs felt weak. Shakily she ran to her phone beside the bed and checked her calendar. The knotting feeling in her stomach deepened when she realized it should have happened by now.
"This can't be right," she whispered. Every day, every day she took the little blue pill at the same time.
Throwing on her blue sun dress and sandals, Salene grabbed a room key and left the bungalow. The long walk from the bungalows to the main resort was made in record time, heading directly to the complementary computer lounge. No this couldn't be right she thought as she nervously typed in her answers into an online pregnancy quiz. It’s too soon, too fast. Growing up in a big family Salene felt predisposed to wanting children herself and the thought of Gabriel being the father of her children made her whole being set flame. But now is just too soon, they were still getting to know each other, just the thought of his reaction made her hands shake even more.
Sitting back in her chair Salene stared at the quiz results in shock. The antibiotics she had been taking since the surgery nullified the effects of her birth control. Touching her stomach gingerly she thought of what Gabriel's reaction might be. Deep down she was confident he cared for her, but they have never ever discussed their relationship in the long term much less children.
Getting up she quickly went to the souvenir part convenience store next door. Scanning the incredibly small toiletry aisle Salene was surprised to find some name brand pregnancy test. The prices were exorbitant, but Salene didn't care grabbing two boxes she numbly went to the register.
The pretty attendant smiled at her. "Would you like for me to charge this to your room?"
"No!" Salene answered immediately she couldn't risk Gabriel finding out. Handing the attendant her credit card, Salene would happily eat the high cost.
"I am sorry we only take cash or charge to the room." The girl gave her an understanding smile
Fear and frustration were pushing her to the brink of tears, the little cash she did bring was back in the room, and it still wouldn't be enough for even one test.
"Here, charge them to my room." An arm reached around her handing the attended a key card caught Salene by surprise.
Turning around Salene was more than surprised to see Derek giving her a worried look. The sympathetic look in his eyes only made her eyes water more. Ringing up the items Derek handed Salene the discrete white paper bag carrying the test.
Walking back down the long pier towards the bungalow they walked in silence.
"Are you okay?" Derek finally asked.
"I don't know yet," She answered honestly. Right now her entire life hinged on these results.
After a moment of silence, he continued. "Do you not want kids?"
"I do," she wiped away a trailing tear. "But I don't know if…" Salene felt like her throat wouldn't let her say the words she feared most.
The warm pressure of Derek's hand on her shoulder blade made her look in his direction. Giving her a comforting smile he gave her a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. "Don't worry Salene, it's more than obvious Gabriel loves you I have a feeling he's going to be very happy."
"I hope so," she whispered in a low tone, more to herself than anything.
Reaching her door, Salene fumbled nervously with the key card.
"Here," Derek took the card from her hand. "Let me."
Walking into the room, Salene was so relieved to find it empty she felt faint. Seeing that she looked pale, Derek crossed the threshold allowing the door to close behind them.
"Salene! Are you going to be okay?" Worried Derek stepped closer with his hands out afraid she might drop any minute.
With a death grip on the bag, she nodded firmly. "Let me just take these tests."
"Do you want me to…" Derek looked unsure as he glanced around the suite.
"No! Please stay." Salene just couldn't be alone right now.
"Okay," still looking a bit uncomfortable he took a seat by the bathroom door. "I'll just sit here then."
Nodding she hurried into the bathroom. Reading the instructions carefully she sat on the toilet and proceeded with the steps. Snapping the tops onto each test, she laid both carefully down on the counter. Should she be praying, she wondered and if so what result would she pray for? Beyond emotionally exhausted she leaned against the door.
"Derek," she called out. "Thank you for everything."
The sound of the chair shifting muffled through the closed door. "You don't have to thank me Salene, it's the least I could do." He paused. "You know… For pestering you."
Salene smiled, at least he finally got the message she thought.
"I am actually happy I got to see you since I'll be moving to our Oregon office next week." He sounded a little resigned about the news.
Walking into his room Gabriel had to pause and blink at what had to be a mistake. Surely this had to be a fucking trick, right?
Sitting in a chair talking about his new transfer was Derek Cipriani. As if sensing his mounting anger Derek's head snapped in his direction losing a couple of shades of pigment when their eyes met.
Standing up fast Derek held out a hand. "Gabriel I was just…"
Pocketing his room key Gabriel calmly walked across the room towards the man. "You know when I think about it this is really my fault," he said thoughtfully interrupting Derek. "I should've taken care of you at your first offense. You see Salene calls me a Neanderthal but I've tried it her way, and I have to tell you, the results just aren't there. But don't worry I know one way to get to get through to you Cipriani."
By now Derek looked rightfully scared now that Gabriel was only a few feet away. "Wait, Gabriel let me…"
Gabriel's fist connected with the man's jaw sending him stumbling back into the wall behind him turning over the chair.
The door to the bathroom swung open just as Gabriel was about to reach for Derek's throat.
Salene could hardly process what she was seeing, Derek's bloody nose as he lay against the wall on the floor or the complete look of savagery on Gabriel's face.
"What are you doing?!" She screamed trying to step in front of Derek, she would not let Gabriel kill the man.
As if changing targets Gabriel's serious green eyes settled on her narrowing dangerously.
"Salene," he growled warningly, she could see him flex and un-flex his fist as he stood a few feet away, as if not trusting himself to come closer. "I swear to God I love you, but I will beat you do you understand."
The relief washed over her that nearly took the strength from her legs from beneath her closing the
gap between them she put her arms around the tense man.
"Do you really? Please tell me you mean that?" She didn't care how she sounded, weak or not she needed to know.
Gabriel gave her the most pained look, grabbing her around the waist he held her painfully tight nearly lifting her off the ground. "Salene how can you ask me that?” The normally arrogant tone was now filled with desperate anger that only made her want to kiss and soothe him. "I have been trying to show you how much I fucking love you every day. But if you think I am just going…"
Closing her arms tight around his neck Salene kissed him stopping his angry tirade. "I love you too."
Desperate (A Contemporary Romance) Page 20