GABRIEL (Killer Book 2)

by Capps, Bonny

  I feel my cheeks flush when I place my hand in his. As he helps me into the booth, my eyes never leave his.

  He drags his fingers along my palm and releases my hand. I immediately miss his touch.

  Clearing my throat, I force a smile, “Yes, I am so sorry for my tardiness. Today has been insane. I’m glad to finally meet with you Mr. Smith.”

  “Gabriel, please.”

  I nod slowly as the server approaches us, “Good afternoon. My name is Chase, I’ll be your server. What can I start you off to drink?”

  Gabriel smiles, his eyes never leaving mine, “We’ll have two house chardonnays.”

  The server nods and turns quickly, leaving us alone.

  “Do you always take charge and order for others?” I say playfully, though I’m annoyed with his boldness. This isn’t a date, this is a business meeting.

  His eyebrows sit high on his forehead as a surprised look sweeps over his face, “When I’m paying, yes.”

  I laugh, “Who said you were paying?”

  The server places our glasses on the table before pouring the wine in each.

  “Are we ready to order, or do you need some more time?” Chase asks as mine and Gabriel’s gaze stays locked.

  “Yes, we will each have your Seared Sea Scallops with Chamomile Beurre Blanc.”

  I glare at him as our server once again disappears into the back, I’m apprehensive and defensive as my jaw tenses.

  “You like control?”

  Gabriel smiles as he takes a sip of wine. Placing it down, he leans forward, “I do.”

  I shake my head slowly, “While I appreciate your candor, I prefer to make my own decisions.”

  He arches an eyebrow as his eyes take on a frightening look, “You’re very rude, Dani.”

  I scoff, “Because I like making my own decisions? If that’s rude, guilty as charged!” I hold my hands up dramatically.

  A smug smile spreads across his face as he lifts his glass and swirls it around, making its contents resemble a hurricane.

  “Do you know what I love about wine?” He asks. I watch his lips, his voice is coated in something dark and ominous as he continues, “The smell, the taste, the body. How it can coat your pallet and linger for hours.”

  The way he emphasized each word was almost more than I could take. His tone never wavered as it coated each word with confidence.

  My eyes stay transfixed on his moving lips. I feel myself growing damp between my thighs as his sultry words sweep over every inch of my skin. I cross my legs to attempt to dull the throbbing in my core, but it’s no use.

  He smiles deviously as he polishes off his wine. Nodding towards the server he says, “Let’s get the lady some water. She’s looking a bit flushed.”

  I grit my teeth, “You are a pretentious asshole. I came here for business, not to wine and dine with a misogynist – and let me tell you, the fact that you are in fact a self-absorbed woman hater is glaringly obvious. I’m done here.”

  I begin to scoot from the booth, but he grabs my arm in a vice grip, “Ms. LeBlanc, we are here to speak business. I am a busy man. My schedule is packed full of important appointments. You’re lucky that I answered to your mediocre request when I have homes and buildings to build. However, I did so because I am a fan of the underdog – the ones who need people like me to shine. Now, Ms. LeBlanc, I will not tolerate your offensive name-calling any further. Clearly you are a strong willed woman, which I have nothing against – but I do not have time to cater to your bratty little remarks. If you would like my help, sit down, shut up, eat your food and drink your wine. One more snotty remark from you will lead to our deal being terminated and I will ensure that any other contractor worth mentioning will not give you a second thought. Are we clear?”

  My nose flares as I hold back every urge to slap the shit out of him. “Listen, you fucking prick, I will take my business elsewhere. I do not need you or any one of your fucking friends to make my show happen. You can kindly go fuck yourself!”

  He smiles in response as I try and yank my arm from his grip. He doesn’t let go, and my eyes snap back to his, “Get your dirty fucking hand off of me!”

  He chuckles as he releases me and holds his hands in front of him.

  I grab my purse and quickly scoot from the booth.

  “You’ll come back, Ms. LeBlanc. I can’t wait to meet again.”

  I stop momentarily, trying to determine if I should reply, but no other words are needed as I continue on my way.

  3

  "I always had the desire to inflict pain on others and to have others inflict pain on me. I always seemed to enjoy everything that hurt. "

  -Albert Fish

  I stand outside of the door as I listen to her moans. She’s coming to. Slowly.

  I swiftly turn and open the door. Smiling, I look up at her as she hangs, suspended by the hooks which pull at the pliable flesh of her back and legs.

  Her head is bowed as her black hair falls around her face.

  Natalie sits in her cage in the corner as she shivers and sobs. Soon, she will sleep forever now that I have another to take her place. She won’t fight me. She’s ready. After two weeks they are always ready. There is only so much that a human can take until they can take no more.

  I suck their soul from them with every hook; their spirit drains away in tiny red rivulets with each puncture wound.

  They eventually succumb to the euphoric state that the suspension leaves them in, they come to enjoy it. Just as they come to enjoy the whipping and the caning. The fucking, they love that the most, though.

  Once I remove the touch – whether it is pain or pleasure – that is when they break. Once they are in the cage for several days, they finally give into their longing to die.

  You may think that I am callous, but I’m not. These women are desolate. If I didn’t end them, then it would be death by a drug overdose or a razor blade to their wrists.

  I love them, I break them and then I end them. It makes it all easier in the long run – for them, not me. For me it only reaffirms how sick and twisted I am, seeking pleasure in such a bloody way. Unfortunately, unlike most psychopaths, I am more than aware of my transgressions.

  I look over at Natalie and offer her a kind smile, “How are you today?”

  Her once lively eyes travel up to meet mine as she grasps the bars of the cage, “Gabriel, I’m ready. Please, please.”

  I tilt my head to the side as I examine her trembling, frail body. I can’t imagine myself ever begging for one to end my life. Then again, I’ve never had to face what my victims have. We all have a story to tell, and sometimes the road that we follow leaves us shattered beyond fixing, abandoning us to live the rest of our lives in a state of disrepair.

  Sighing, I turn back to my newest victim. She was so lonely and beautiful, just like the rest of them.

  “Shyla, I’m so glad you’re finally coming to.” I whisper as I fist her hair and pull her face to mine.

  “W… what is g-going on, Gabriel?”

  I smile before pressing my lips to hers. Pulling away, I whisper to her, “Shhh. You need to stay calm. Don’t thrash around, because you’ll risk pulling the hooks from your skin. You wouldn’t want that, would you?”

  She shrieks as her eyes travel around the room.

  Yes, I imagine the first sight of my secret place would be frightening. I am a sexual deviant… a connoisseur of pain, if you will.

  Being a contractor, I had the means to make this place my very own. I can live out every single detail of my fantasies within these walls, thanks to my trade.

  It resembles a medieval dungeon. Numerous whips, collars and other toys hang from the heavy duty metal hooks. I have chains which hang from the ceiling in the center of the room.

  “This was your wish, Shyla. You said it yourself.” I pause as I step closer, “You said, “Sometimes, I go into the bathroom and stare at my wrists. I think about how it would feel as the blood drains from my veins.””

  �
��Oh my God.” She whispers, her eyes growing wide.

  I smile, “I’m going to help you. I’m going to make your wish come true.”

  4

  "People don't know me. They think they do, but they don't."

  -Andrew Cunanan

  I sit at the bar as I sip my Long Island Iced Tea. It’s been a long couple two weeks. That asshole was sure to follow through with his threat. Not one reputable contractor has called me back. It’s ridiculous. He was an absolute pig.

  “Hey! Sorry I’m late. The office was bat shit crazy today.”

  I sigh as my good friend Misty hops onto the barstool beside me.

  “It’s fine. I’ve had a crazy couple of days myself.” I murmur before taking another sip.

  Misty eyes me before she waves at the bartender and orders her drink.

  She rests an elbow on the bar and places her cheek against her palm, “Yeah, you look more flustered than usual. What’s up?”

  I let out a long exhale as I bury my face in my hands, “Ugh. I had this amazing contractor set up for the fall show. I met him for lunch and completely blew it.”

  Misty frowns, “Blew it? How?”

  I peek at her from over my fingers, “I called him a misogynistic, pretentious asshole.”

  “Dani!” Misty exclaims, “What in the hell did he do to warrant that?”

  I throw my straw from my drink and press the glass to my lips as I swallow the rest. I nod to the bartender for another.

  I turn and look at Misty, “He ordered my wine and then my food. He didn’t allow me to order. He came off as a complete asshole.”

  Misty scoffs, “So, let me get this straight, he ordered you food and wine and you lost your shit on him?”

  I cross my arms over my chest, “You don’t understand. There was something about him. He looked… familiar.”

  Her eyes delve into mine as she tries to read me, but before she can ask any questions, the bartender delivers her drink.

  Misty takes a gulp of her drink before pulling out her phone, “What’s his name?”

  “Why?”

  “Because I want to see what Mr. Controlling looks like.”

  I snort as I mock his name, “Gabriel Smith.”

  When she hits a button and places her phone to her ear, I gasp.

  “What are you doing? Misty!”

  She places a finger to my lips, “Hush.”

  “Hi, my name is Taylor, I’m Dani LeBlanc’s assistant. It seems that there was a misunderstanding between my boss and Mr. Smith. Is there any way that I can speak with him? Thank you.”

  She winks at me as my eyes bulge out of my head.

  “Hello, Mr. Smith. This is Taylor, Ms. LeBlanc’s assistant. Look, I just want to apologize, Ms. LeBlanc has just been under so much pressure lately.”

  She pauses as he responds, though I can’t hear him. I’m going to kill her!

  “Yes, I understand completely. She can be high strung at times. Look, I know you’re busy, but is there any way that we could meet? We are actually at Tony’s – I believe that is right down the street from your office.”

  She lets out a charming laugh, “Great. We will see you in ten!”

  “MISTY!” I exclaim as she ends the call.

  “What?” She responds slyly.

  I lean towards her, “That was not cool, Misty. Not at all.”

  She laughs, causing her voluminous blonde hair to bounce, “Come on, Dani. Have some fucking fun for once.”

  “I don’t like him. He’s a fucking asshole!”

  Misty takes a sip of her drink. “You don’t have to marry the guy. When is the last time you got laid, anyway?”

  “Here we go again.” I breathe out.

  Misty grabs my hands and pulls me from the stool. “What are you doing?”

  She looks back at me as she leads the way, “Getting you cleaned up.”

  I look at myself in the mirror. It’s a Wednesday night, so the bathroom isn’t too busy as Misty gets to work on my hair.

  She runs the hot iron over my dirty blonde locks as I watch her in the reflection. “Who carries around a hair straightener?”

  “Me. Duh.” She responds playfully.

  As I look towards my reflection, I contemplate what everyone has been saying. Maybe I am lonely. My blue eyes look tired. I’m too skinny from the lack of eating. I never have time for anything. I eat, breathe, and sleep fashion – but as I look over myself, I feel that I’ve lost a piece of myself while chasing my dreams. When I was a little girl, I would dress up my dolls beautifully. I would design their clothes and make them walk down their glittery, cardboard runways. All the while, I was covered in dirt from playing in the dust.

  “Dani… you need to take care of yourself. I’m only doing this because I love you. I want you to be happy. I’m not saying that this guy is long term, but he’s a start.”

  I sigh as I look over my shoulder at her, “I know. You’re right. I just don’t even know where to begin. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been on a date.”

  “Well,” She says as she gets to work on my face, “First thing is to not verbally assault your date.”

  Once done with my face, she begins digging around in her large purse, “Here,” She says, throwing me a small piece of bunched up black fabric, “wear this, and these.” She throws me lacy red panties and a matching bra.

  “What the hell?” I ask as I hold the little black dress before my eyes.

  “Always be prepared.” She says as a smile covers her face.

  She smacks my ass as she saunters out, “Now get dressed! I’ll see you at the bar!”

  I pull on the bra and panties before I pull the tags off. She just bought these, and they look expensive. I owe her one.

  I give myself several look overs once I pull the dress over my body. It barely ends right below my ass. If I bend over, everyone in this damn bar will get a show.

  I slip my red stilettos back on and take a deep breath before I emerge into the bustling bar.

  I immediately see the green of his eyes. They land on mine as soon as I exit the bathroom. The liquor did little to calm me earlier, and after all of the commotion, I’ve practically lost my buzz all together.

  So, I do what I do best. I pull my shoulders back, straighten my stance and walk confidently towards Misty and Mr. Asshole.

  Misty gives me a broad smile as she stands, “Well, I’ve got to get going.”

  I shoot her a look, “So soon?”

  She rolls her eyes dramatically, “Yeah, just got a text. Little Timmy hurt himself again. I’ll see you tomorrow!”

  Little Timmy? Liar! She’s single and childless like me!

  I watch her leave and my eyes travel back to Gabriel’s handsome face and green eyes.

  “You look ravishing.” He says, pulling the stool out for me.

  I cock an eyebrow as I take a seat, “Thank you.”

  “So, Taylor said that you wanted to reconsider?” He asks slyly.

  I narrow my eyes at him as I summon the bartender, “I’ll have another.”

  My eyes stay fixed on his as I smile smugly, proud to order my own drink, “Yes, I would like to reconsider, seeing as you have made sure that another contractor will not work with me.”

  “Enough business.” He says quietly.

  My eyes travel to his teeth as they bite at his lower lip.

  “Let’s talk about why both of us are really here.”

  I look into his eyes as I feel my arousal once more. This man makes me wet on the spot. It’s unnerving.

  “Why are we really here?” I stammer, feeling my face flush.

  He tilts his head to the side, “May I be frank, Ms. LeBlanc?”

  All I can do is nod haltingly.

  “I can tell you why I’m here. Do you see that hotel over there?” He pauses and looks towards the large window and my gaze follows, “I could easily get us a room overlooking the city. Right at the very, very top.” Our eyes meet once more as he continues, “I’m goin
g to take you there tonight. I’m going to tie you up, and I’m going to fuck you.”

  “You seem so sure.” I whisper, realizing that our faces are only inches apart as we pull towards each other, the force between us is becoming undeniable.

  “Because I know that some things are inevitable, Dani.” He responds as he reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

  A shiver shoots down my spine as his fingers creep up my leg, all the way to the hem of the black dress.

  “I… I…” I whisper through parted lips. Every fiber of my being wants his hands, his mouth and his body, but that fucking voice whispers to me.

  “You’ll always be mine, Dani girl. My beautiful, blue eyed Dani girl.”

  I grasp his hand and remove it from my thigh, “I’ve got to go. I’m sorry.”

  Quickly, I scoot from the bar as the tears rise in my eyes.

  I’m such an idiot! Always letting the past get the better of me, listening to that goddamned voice as it reminds me that I’m a worthless little girl who doesn’t deserve pleasure, she only deserves pain.

  “Hey!” He hollers behind me, but my feet quickly try and make their way towards safety. I can’t feel. If I feel, I’ll release the past from where it’s locked away in my mind, and I can’t. I can’t revisit the events that twisted me from the inside out.

  I suck in a breath when he catches me around the waist and pulls me into a vacant alley.

  “Hey.” He says softly as he presses my back against the cold, damp wall.

  I feel pathetic and weak as his chest presses against mine as he holds me in place with his strong body.

  Tears stream down my face.

  I can’t remember the last time that I allowed myself to cry, but this is out of my control. I feel out of control, the demons of the past wrap their long fingers around my heart, sinking their sharp nails into the beating organ.

  “I can’t do this.” I whisper, looking into his eyes.

  His eyebrows squeeze together as he runs a hand over my cheek, “Okay, let me at least take you home.”