by S. Valentine
So he had been using Wendy to get information on her. She knew he’d cheated on her with Wendy when they’d been together. He’d lied about it for months before finally confessing. He had obviously recently reunited with her. How dare he attend her wedding after all of the hurt he’d caused her?
Lawrence’s eyes widened when he saw her, having caught the rage on her face.
“What’s he doing here?” she asked Wendy, her tone sharp.
“He’s my date,” Wendy announced proudly. “Gabi, meet Lawrence.
“I already know him,” she spat. “He’s my ex-fiancé.” She shook her head in disgust. “So you’ve been using Wendy to find out information about me and Darion to torment me with?”
Stunned, Wendy’s brows shot up.
“Get out of here before Darion comes over, or I assure you it won’t be pretty,” she warned through clenched teeth.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Darion was beside her in seconds. His face reddened. His expression turned murderous. He stepped closer to Lawrence, towering over him. Gabi waited for Darion to threaten him, but instead his fist smashed into his jaw. Lawrence tumbled from the impact. Darion grabbed him by the collar and forced him to his feet. His arm drew back as if to land another blow to his face. Gabi yanked him away forcefully.
“Stop,” she cried out. “He’s not worth it.”
Lowering his arm, Darion punched Lawrence full blast in the stomach instead. “That’s for treating this woman like shit, for cheating on her, belittling her, harassing her, hitting her, and for thinking you’d be welcome to her wedding.” He pushed him firmly, causing Lawrence to topple to the ground again. “I suggest you get out of here,” he warned, his tone icy. “Now. Or believe me; you won’t be getting back up.” A sinister smile surfaced and Darion’s irises flashed dangerously. He meant every word.
Lawrence, the coward that he was, glanced at Gabi one final time before darting off in the opposite direction. “You married that?” he yelled, his voice nothing short of astonishment.
Gabi folded her arms across her chest. She could bet money on it she wouldn’t see or hear from Lawrence again.
“Sorry about that, Gabi, but he deserved it.”
“This time I think you’re right.”
“I’m so sorry,” Wendy mumbled. “I had no idea he was your ex-fiancé. I slept with him a while ago, and he recently got back in touch.” She paused. “He used to casually ask questions about Darion. I just thought he respected him or something. Gabi, I would never have told him anything had I known.”
“Did you tell him Gina was pregnant and Darion could have been the father?”
She nodded meekly. “I was the only person Gina had told. As I believed Lawrence didn’t know either of them, I didn’t think it was a big deal when it came up in conversation.” The distress was apparent on her face. “Me and my big mouth.”
“It’s okay,” Gabi soothed. “You weren’t to know what his motives were.”
Gabi was about to return to the party when another surprise appeared. Her mouth dropped.
“Oh fuck,” Darion muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
Eva sashayed toward them in high platforms, her black hair flying out behind her. Wearing black leather trousers and a low cut white vest, she looked her usual over-the-top self. In her arms was a huge present.
“Before you go mad,” she said quickly, glancing at Darion, “I’m not here to cause any trouble. I heard you were getting married and I wanted to congratulate you, and here’s a peace offering.” She thrust the gift to Gabi. She then studied the room through the open door. “You did a good job, Daz.” She nodded in appreciation. Then she turned to Gabi. “You could have made a little more effort on the dress, sweetheart.”
“It was a surprise wedding,” Gabi said sternly. “Not like you’d know anything about romantic gestures.” She smirked. “Which is why I’m here and you’re not.”
“Don’t get your garter in a twist. Take care of him.” She winked.
“I have every intention of doing so.”
Eva’s attention moved to Darion. “You always could pull off a suit.”
Darion tilted his head back, looking down his nose at her. “Leave, Eva.”
“Don’t worry, I’m going. I just spotted a cute blond.”
Before Gabi could inform her it was Lawrence, her ex-fiancé she was referring to, Eva strode off. As far as she was concerned, Lawrence and Eva were suited. They could ruin one another’s lives for all she cared.
Curiosity got the better of her and she tore open the gift. She wouldn’t have been surprised if it was a malicious type of gift to ruin their day. Her brow furrowed in confusion when she held up a painting. She ran her hand over it, admiring the different colours in the waterfall. It looked costly.
“She probably wants us to hang this in our home…like we need a daily remind of her,” Gabi spat.
As she took hold of Darion’s hand, he grimaced, letting go.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” He snaked his arm around her waist.
Studying him in his suit, his hair now a little dishevelled and his knuckles swollen and bloody, Gabi shook her head in amusement. Bad-boy Darion Milano, as protective over her as ever. He’s so fucking sexy, she thought, biting back a grin. She couldn’t wait to have him all to herself later. She had a surprise in store for him too. She was wearing a red, see-through lace corset, complete with matching underwear and a garter on her thigh. She’d stain her lips with Max Factor’s Chili Red shade to complete her racy look. She planned to make it a night to remember.
When they were inside the restaurant again, she noticed the dance floor was busy. Others were still sitting around drinking, eating, and talking. Everyone appeared to be enjoying themselves. Gabi paused when she noticed Gina at a table, surrounded by kids who were scribbling and painting pictures. Preston was on her lap, and beside her was Johnny.
“Hi, Gina.”
Gina smiled sheepishly, and her brows rose. She gave Gabi a look as if to say, I’ve got him back. Gabi was thrilled for her. She placed the painting down Eva had given them, and grabbed a crayon.
“Hey, kids, you want to colour this?”
They all screamed in unison and began attacking it with crayons. Straightening her posture, Gabi turned to Darion.
“Are you done?” he asked, an amused expression on his face.
“Yes.” She nodded. “I think I am.”
“Let’s get this first dance over and done with,” he said, a hint of playfulness in his tone.
“I thought you didn’t dance.”
“For you, I’ll do anything.” He nuzzled her neck before biting her ear roughly.
She yelped.
“You owe me big time, though. And I can think of a lot of ways you can make it up to me.” He winked and smoothed down his sleeves. Gabi flushed with pride. He was stunning.
“I Want To Know What Love Is” by Foreigner came from the speakers, and the guests returned to their seats. Darion stared at Gabi intently, the admiration apparent. He held out his hand. Her heart squeezed painfully in her chest at how much he meant to her. Butterflies formed in her stomach and she inhaled deeply. Entwining her fingers with his, she allowed him to lead her to the middle of the dance floor. The lights dimmed, and all attention was on them.
Darion’s arms slid around her waist, and he pulled her into his body. His lips were close to hers, his stare intense. They swayed from side to side, Darion guiding her along the floor. Gabi pursed her lips, impressed with his moves. He had obviously been attending lessons. As she listened to the song lyrics, it may as well have been Darion singing it, for every word suited him.
“I can’t believe you pulled all of this off. Everything is perfect.”
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“It couldn’t be better.” She ducked her head to examine every little bit of him. “You look so handsome.”
“And you look sexy in that dress.”
&nb
sp; “Did you ask my dad for my hand in marriage?” she joked.
“I did.”
“What?” She gasped. “Really?”
He nodded. “I was on the phone to them for about an hour.”
“You really do surprise me.” She was silent for a moment. “And the holiday you booked? Is that our honeymoon?”
“Yes, Gabi.”
She rested her head on his shoulder and squeezed her eyelids shut to trap in the tears. He tightened his hold on her, as if he never wanted to let go. Never in a million years had she expected Darion, a man afraid of commitment, a man who rarely did romance, and ran when times got tough, as did she, to have organised a wedding which was everything she had ever dreamt of.
When the song ended, guests surrounded them, congratulating them, and dancing close by. Her mom and dad were spinning around, giggling, as were Darion’s parents, seeming closer than she had ever seen them. Lexi had dragged Samuel to the dance floor, Travis was holding hands with Dion and Odelia. Lennie was downing shots with Wendy. Mallory and Suzie were stuffing their faces with cake, whilst Steve and Marcus were talking. Marnie, Tiana, Tara, Addilyn, and Raina were seated at the bar. Carl, Johnny, Derek, and Reece were outside smoking. Kalli and her family were surrounding the DJ booth requesting songs. Gabi couldn’t wait to mingle with them all, and enjoy what would be a long, lovely evening. One she wished would never end.
She turned back to Darion. His palms slid down her spine to her buttocks, causing her body to tingle in pleasure. Then he captured her mouth in a kiss. When it got faster, firmer, she felt the stirrings of lust.
“Let’s sneak off somewhere.” The smooth tone of his voice was provocative. A naughty glint appeared in his eyes.
“Darion, people will wonder where we are.”
“It’s all part of the excitement…darlin’.” His lips curled upwards. “I want you now.”
“Let’s try and get through one evening without giving in to temptation.” She giggled.
Gina appeared, and placed Preston into his arms. Before Gina could step away, Darion grabbed her by the wrist.
“Family time.”
The considerate person that Darion was, and not wanting Gina to feel left out, he ensured he, Gabi, Gina, and Preston danced together, like the unplanned, but perfect little family they were.
Chapter
Forty-Four
Darion
“Darion?” His dad tapped him on the shoulder. “Can I have a word?”
Confused, and a little anxious at what his dad wanted, Darion handed Preston to Gabi, and excused himself. He hoped for his dad’s sake that he wouldn’t say anything to spoil the day. As his dad took him to the side, Darion studied him for a moment. He was wearing a grey suit, and he looked smarter than he’d ever seen him. He was glad he’d made an effort. He hadn’t been sure his mom and dad would even attend the wedding, especially it being his second time around. When he had married Eva, they had fled shortly after they’d exchanged vows, and hadn’t seemed interested at all. At the time, it had broken his heart. He’d wanted them to be pleased for him on what was meant to be the happiest day of his life.
“Everything okay?” he asked his dad, and cleared his throat. “Have you eaten? Drank?”
He nodded briefly, his gaze flitting around the room. “You did well.”
“Thanks.”
An awkward silence hung over them for a moment. Luca’s head dropped and he scratched his neck, before facing him again. “I…um…never did congratulate you on The Black Door,” his tone was croaky, and not confident as Darion had been so used to hearing. “I didn’t like what it represented. I guess I just didn’t want you to have the life I did, drinking it away and sleeping around.” He paused, “And I never did congratulate you on your first wedding. I knew that woman was wrong for you, but there was no point in telling you because at the time, you wouldn’t have believed me.”
Darion swallowed.
“It’s better late than never…but congratulations on the new club. I hear it’s doing well.”
Darion inhaled as a lump formed in his throat.
“Congratulations on the baby. I don’t doubt your abilities to be a good dad. I know you’ve learnt from my mistakes.”
Darion pushed his hair back with his palms, fighting hard to suppress the emotions that were building inside.
“Congratulations on getting married…this time to the right woman.” He reached out and clasped hold of Darion’s trembling hand. Then he placed his other hand on top. “I’m sorry I was too much of a drunken loser to say it, or realise it before, but I’m real proud of you, son.”
He offered him a weak smile and walked away. The burning of tears lingered on his lower lids. He watched his dad say something to his mom, who looked over at him. Her features softened and her lips turned up slightly. It was as if she were telling him she was proud of him too, that she was sorry for everything.
Darion turned his back on the crowd of people. A single teardrop strolled down his cheek. He hastily wiped it away, annoyed he hadn’t been able to stop it. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment to regain his composure. He’d waited forever to feel loved by his parents. They hadn’t been proud of the lifestyle he had previously led, and he didn’t blame them. But now they were proud, and that was all that mattered. They were also holding their hands up to the fact they’d failed as parents. He only hoped that now they’d start to make things right. It was never too late to change your ways, and Darion, of all people, knew that. Taking a deep breath, he slowly confronted the crowd.
He was faced with the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It didn’t matter that she wasn’t obviously sultry, that she didn’t have the confidence Gina did, or the experience sexually that Eva had, or the need to keep pushing boundaries like the women in the playrooms. She was already content with what she had. It was as if he alone, and what he offered, was enough. For the first time, he actually believed he was enough. For Gabi, for Gina, for Preston. And Gabi was more than enough for him.
He approached her at a leisurely pace. As Gina took Preston from her and began spinning around, Gabi was left alone. Her hands linked together, and she fiddled with her nails, which he knew she did when she was nervous. She had never looked so pure, so extremely tempting. So this is what it felt like: loving someone so much it hurt, that you couldn’t imagine them not being in your life, that every low you experienced was worth it to experience the highs. He was ready to start a new chapter as a father and husband. Who knew? Maybe now he could even sleep without nightmares jolting him awake. He was finally at peace—with the world and himself.
When he was before Gabi, he secured his arms around her, and began moving to the music. He focused on her the whole time. They were unable to stop admiring and grinning at one another. He stroked a blonde strand of hair from her face. Her big, brown eyes were shimmering under the spotlights. Leaning in, he seized her face with his hands. He closed his lids and pressed his lips tenderly against her temple, then across her cheeks, until he found her mouth. It was a soft, sensual kiss and he lingered longer than necessary to express his love. His tongue slipped in and caressed hers, sliding against it. He kissed her until his lips were sore and swollen, and he couldn’t breathe. So absorbed in one another, it was as if the crowd had vanished and it were only them in the room.
When he tore away, he saw her face was lit up with happiness.
“I thought you said life isn’t like the romance books and movies I fill my head with,” she whispered.
His lips curled upwards. “This time it is.”
“I love you, Darion.” The sincerity was apparent and he believed she always would.
“I love you too, Mrs. Gabriella Milano.”
Sometimes when things are falling apart, they may actually be falling into place.
Epilogue
One year later
Gabi kicked the door shut with her foot and placed the bag of baby stuff on the counter. Tightening her hold on the little girl
in her arms, she kissed her forehead repeatedly. Earlier Gabi had enjoyed a coffee at a play centre with Gina, Mallory, Suzie, Dion, Kalli, and their children. It was their Saturday afternoon ritual.
Just as she was about to prepare a bottle of milk for Aurora, the door creaked open. Turning around, she smiled at the most handsome man she’d ever seen—her husband. His face lit up in equal appreciation. He strolled toward her, pushing up the sleeves of his crisp, white shirt.
“How are my beautiful girls doing?” He planted a soft, lingering kiss on Gabi’s lips, then stroked Aurora’s dark hair.
“We’re good,” Gabi responded. “And how’s Daddy?”
“All the better for seeing you.”
“Where’s Preston?”
“Asleep on the sofa.”
Gabi carefully placed Aurora in his arms. She watched as he carried her into the living room, mumbling sweet words in her ear. Her heart swelled. He was brilliant with Aurora and Preston. He’d been in the office at Retox earlier, and she knew he was tired. The long hours never affected his quality time with his babies. He enjoyed every single second. After Gabi made up a bottle, she joined Darion.
“Want me to feed her?”
He shook his head. “I’ll do it.”
She handed him the bottle with a grin. “How was work?”
“Busy.”
Retox was still thriving. Gabi no longer even cared it was near The Black Door, for Eva had left not only the club, but Westhaven. She’d ended up with someone deserving of her cunning ways—Lawrence. Rumour had it when she wasn’t up to mischief; she was blowing Lawrence’s money on shopping sprees. They deserved each other.
“Are your mom and dad still okay to babysit later?”
Darion nodded. “Odelia will be there too.” He placed the bottle in Aurora’s open mouth.
Gabi reached over and squeezed his free hand. She was glad he was closer to his parents. Ever since the wedding they’d put in an effort to visit him more, including the bar.