Falling into Exposure Page 8

  I bolt to the door, nearly tripping over my own feet on the way. After I collect the gold box from the courier, I turn around to find Alanna smirking from the couch. I can’t even find it in me to care. There’s no hiding my feelings for Gabriel at this point.

  I pull the familiar white note card from the top, inspecting it eagerly.

  My place.

  4:00 pm.

  Wear this, but bring a change of clothes, please.

  Gabriel

  Geez. That isn’t even an hour from now. That means I have forty minutes to get ready and be downstairs. Talk about being at his beck and call. For a moment, I actually toy with the idea of showing up late, and it sends a delicious tingle down my spine. Gabriel hates waiting, and there would surely be punishment involved. But ultimately, I decide for the sake of my already sore lady parts, I better just go get dressed.

  Once I’m in the privacy of my own bedroom, I peek inside the box. Inside lies what, at first glance, appears to be a giant pair of fishnet stockings. But as I pull it out and hold it up, it takes the form of a full fishnet bodysuit. I don’t even know how to begin to put something like that on.

  After ten minutes of struggling to get into the thing, I’ve finally achieved my task. Only then do I realize it’s completely crotchless. And how very little it holds to the imagination.

  It doesn’t actually cover any of my body up, just accentuates it with small strings woven delicately over my naked flesh. I can’t believe Gabriel wants me to go outside in this thing. Even covered with my infamous trench coat I’ll still feel completely naked underneath. And after the incident with Anya on the street, I’m not sure if that gives me such a thrill now.

  I dig through my shoe collection, hoping to find something that will match. I end up settling on a trusty pair of black stilettos. They seem to go with just about everything. Hell, the shoes are so sexy I could probably get away with wearing nothing but them.

  After shrugging into my coat, I put some mousse in my hands and tousle my hair. I spend about five minutes on my makeup, which is all I can manage.

  Next on the agenda is a change of clothes. I don’t know what Gabriel has planned for afterwards, but I end up opting for one of my sexy black dresses. It was an impulse buy, and one that I haven’t had time to wear yet. It’s a little more daring than I’d normally wear, with just a strip of fabric covering my breasts and sheer strips of fabric throughout. It shows off the flesh around my waist as well as my entire back. I figure that since it will just be me and Gabriel, it’s the perfect opportunity to break it in.

  After I’ve gathered my clothes into a messenger bag, I open my nightstand and quickly snap the beautiful diamond studded collar around my neck.

  ***

  When I arrive at Gabriel’s he’s waiting for me just inside the door. I barely make it through before he pounces on me, removing my coat as he kisses me fast and hard.

  He walks me backwards without a word, his hands everywhere on my body. I bump into the breakfast bar, and he scoops me up and splays me out across it.

  I’m gasping for air, trying to get my bearings from hurricane Gabriel when I see him pulling out some leather cuffs and chains. Before I even have a chance to ask what he’s doing, he’s attaching the cuffs to my wrists and ankles.

  He threads the connecting chains under the breakfast bar and attaches them on the other side, pulling them tight. I’m bound and completely spread eagle on the middle of the bar as he stares down, admiring his handiwork.

  Without a word, he climbs up on top of me, straddling my hips as he sucks my nipples through the delicate lace material. I arch up into his touch, rattling the chains as I do. Gabriel groans, nipping through the material with his teeth and pulling, effectively tearing it.

  He frees both nipples, the shredded lace leaving just enough skin exposed for him to lick and suck my breasts. Which he does thoroughly, curling his tongue around each one and gently nipping them like he can’t stop himself.

  I so badly want to reach up and touch him, but I’m bound, and I can tell he’s enjoying my natural instinct to attempt to move.

  He grazes his way down my naval and across my pubic bone, showering me in kisses before he lands at his intended destination. He buries his face deep between my thighs, rubbing his nose along the wet seam and inhaling, his eyes darkening.

  “You smell so fucking good,” he grunts, plunging two fingers inside of me.

  I cry out as his tongue starts to lap at my clit, wiggling my hips as he eats me like a man possessed.

  I feel my muscles tightening, contracting, stringing me so tight I’m going to snap. My toes curl and my head falls back before it hits me. A bolt of lightning through my core, electrifying every nerve ending as I explode around him.

  I scream like a mad woman from the force of emotion raging over me. Gabriel’s eyes are feral with lust as he pulls his engorged cock from his pants, plunging it inside of me.

  His movements are frantic and wild as he rocks into me. He’s ripping and tearing the lace from my body with primal sounds emanating from his chest. His hands are everywhere, his teeth, his tongue, his lips. The only thing I can see is his glorious hard body moving against me, taking what he needs from me without apology. And I want to give it to him.

  As he reaches the last remaining remnants of the lace around my collarbone, he sees the collar around my neck, and his expression changes. I didn’t think it possible, but he turns even wilder as he grips my hips in his hands, bottoming out inside of me.

  And then he’s coming, shuddering inside of me as his head falls back and his lips part. He’s rocked back on his heels, looking utterly wrecked and beautiful, his large body looming over me, but still connected.

  When his breathing finally calms, he leans down and gives me a gentle kiss, smoothing my hair back as he stares into my eyes.

  “Perfect.”

  It’s the only explanation I get. The only one I need.

  He undoes the chains and the cuffs, freeing me before he starts picking up the scraps of lace from the floor.

  “Why do you buy them if you’re just going to rip them?” I tease, retrieving a few pieces myself.

  He turns to me and grins. “That’s the whole point, beautiful. I like tearing things off of you. Especially things like that.”

  I smile and shake my head, knowing that Gabriel is certainly one of a kind.

  “I need you to go get dressed,” he says in a low voice. “Quickly.”

  I retrieve my messenger bag from the entryway and make my way to the bathroom. It’s only then that I realize I’ve forgotten to pack a pair of panties. Of course. Well if nothing else, this night should be interesting. I slip into my dress and tame my curls before stepping back into the hallway. Gabriel is standing in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie when I emerge.

  “Is that what you’re wearing?” he asks hoarsely.

  I look down at my dress in confusion.

  “Uh yeah,” I reply meekly. “Is that going to be a problem?”

  A small smile creeps across his face and then relaxed laughter escapes him.

  “You look absolutely beautiful in that dress,” he reassures me. “It just wasn’t what I was expecting.”

  “Well, you didn’t say specifically what to wear.” I cross my arms in frustration.

  He saunters towards me, taking me in his arms and kissing me sweetly.

  “I’m glad you’re wearing it, believe me, I am. It’s just going to make it that much harder to take my eyes off of you tonight.”

  “Well,” I retort. “Then you should probably also know that I forgot a pair of panties.”

  “You’re killing me,” he groans, pressing his forehead to mine.

  The familiar ding of the elevator doors carries down the hallway, followed by loud bellows of laughter.

  “Who’s that?” I ask nervously, taking a step back.

  He gives me a coy smile and pulls me back into his arms.

  “I want you to meet two people wh
o are very special to me.”

  I look down at my dress in panic. Before I can protest, he’s tugging at my hand, dragging me along behind him.

  He walks into view of the kitchen, casually pulling me up against his side. There’s a young man and woman sitting at the breakfast bar, staring.

  Meanwhile, all I can think about is what Gabriel and I just did on that very breakfast bar.

  Both of the strangers are openly gaping as Gabriel wraps his arms around my waist. The young woman stands, eyeing me speculatively. She’s of average height with a slightly round figure and long brown hair. The young man remains seated with a dumbfound expression as his eyes travel the length of my body.

  I suddenly feel very much on display.

  Gabriel interrupts the stiff silence. “Victoria, I’d like you to meet my brother Abel, and my beautiful sister Angelina.”

  I glance up at him in surprise. I hadn’t realized they were his siblings. They look different than Gabriel, much different. While he stands there with his tall, beautifully sculpted body draped casually beside me, they seem much simpler in comparison. More down to earth, relaxed, and not at all like high society royalty.

  I’ve often wondered why I didn’t see their photographs in the gossip columns. They always seem to single in on Gabriel, and now it’s apparent. They are just normal, everyday people… the kind of people I would hang out with. Whereas he apparently hit the genetic lottery. I glance back at them nervously, wondering what they think of me.

  “Um, it’s nice to meet you.” I manage.

  Gabriel leads me over to the bar… the sex bar… and pulls out a stool for me to sit down. I stare at the counter with a sheepish expression while he gives me a devilish grin. I attempt to swallow the lump in my throat and end up having a coughing fit. He pats me on the back, laughing loudly at his own little joke.

  Yep, he definitely planned this. He walks around the bar and pulls a tray of cold cuts from the fridge, setting them on the counter. Next comes a round of drinks for everyone.

  “Better drink up.” He grins at his sister.

  I glance over at Abel, who’s still gaping at me.

  He’s younger than Gabriel, and you’d think the poor kid had never seen a woman in his life. Although, this dress probably has something to do with it.

  I try not to think about it as I reach for a cold cut and pop it into my mouth. But then Angelina squeals in delight, scaring the ever loving crap out of me.

  “I love her already!” she proclaims.

  My eyebrows shoot up in confusion as Gabriel erupts with laughter. “And why is that my darling sister?”

  “Look.” She points shamelessly. “She actually eats!”

  The whole group erupts in laughter, officially ending the awkwardness of the first meeting. I have two glasses of wine and am regaling Angelina with my story of how I met Gabriel when he disappears into the kitchen again.

  Angelina takes the opportunity to lean closer, whispering conspiratorially in my ear. “You are so different to his usual taste in women, and I mean that in a good way.”

  I smile weakly at the awkward compliment. I do not want to think about Gabriel with other women.

  “And I can tell he is gaga over you,” she continues. “I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. He can’t take his eyes off you.”

  “Really?” I smile dreamily. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  “Well, apparently neither can Abel,” Angelina adds humorously. “I guess you could have your pick of the Maddox men.”

  Abel scowls at Angelina, and both of us burst into laughter as Gabriel returns.

  “What’s so funny?” he muses.

  “Just how Abel hasn’t stopped eyeballing your woman all night,” Angelina replies.

  Gabriel smirks as he walks behind me, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Sorry, Abel, but she’s all mine. Now quit fucking staring at her.”

  Angelina checks her watch and frowns. “I guess we should get going huh?”

  Gabriel nods and I stand, wondering why they’re leaving so soon. They haven’t even been here for thirty minutes.

  “She really is beautiful, Gabriel.” Angelina gushes as she looks over my dress. “I would die for that figure of yours.”

  “Well, we all have our own ways of punishing mom,” Abel retorts, his voice laced with sarcasm.

  I can’t hide the confusion on my face as Angelina smacks him in the arm.

  “Yes, and mine is by eating too much, apparently. Forever reminding her of the society could-have-been.”

  “Nonsense.” Gabriel leans down, kissing Angelina on the cheek. “You are beautiful, baby sister.”

  I feel my heart warm at the endearment. This Gabriel is so unlike any I’ve ever seen before. He’s bringing me into his life, introducing me to his family, and showing me a whole new side of him.

  “Alright,” Abel grumbles. “Let’s go, please. I want to get this shit over with.”

  Gabriel nods and grabs me by the hand, pulling me towards the elevator. “Um, are we going somewhere?”

  “Yes.” He grins. “I’m dragging you along to one of my parents boring dinner parties. We’re all going.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Victoria

  In the back of the limo, I curl into Gabriel, listening as he bickers with Angelina. They are making bets about who will piss their mother off first, which isn’t inspiring much confidence about our little trip.

  I have no idea what to expect tonight. I can’t even remember the last time I met a boyfriend’s parents. But from everything Gabriel’s told me about his family, I feel like it’s important that I be there for him tonight.

  The car pulls into the circular entryway of the Maddox home, and I stare in shock. Home is too loose of a word, really. It’s definitely a mansion. Large and over the top with luxurious gardens and fountains out front.

  “Ready or not, here we go,” Gabriel whispers in my ear.

  We’re greeted at the door by a servant dressed in a black tuxedo. He gives us a stiff greeting and leads us down a long hallway in silence. Abruptly, Gabriel comes to a halt beside me as a tall, thin blonde woman comes screeching down the hall.

  “There you are!” she whines, exasperated. “You know how important this is, couldn’t you at least have been on time for once!”

  Her voice is shrill, and the way that Gabriel rolls his eyes immediately tells me this is his mother.

  “Mother, we’re here, aren’t we? Quit nagging please, and don’t be rude. I brought a guest as you can see.”

  “Fine.” She throws her hands up in defeat, glancing in my direction. “You must be Victoria,” she says sourly.

  “Yes, hello Mrs. Maddox it’s nice to meet….”

  She cuts me off with an exaggerated wave. “Come on, we don’t have time for this. Everybody is waiting.”

  My mouth slams shut in shock as Gabriel gives me an apologetic smile. He’s definitely brought me into the lion’s den. We follow Mrs. Maddox down the hall and into a large sitting area filled with other guests.

  Angelina and Abel make a beeline for the bar on the other side of the room, and Gabriel wraps his arm around my waist protectively. I glance around, noticing several other couples who aren’t paying us any notice. But when I see a familiar face glowering back at me, I freeze. Anya Petrovski is here, whispering something into Mrs. Maddox’s ear. They both glance in our direction before sauntering our way.

  My heart kicks against my chest in protest, my palms growing clammy in her presence. I don’t know what it is about this woman that I find so intimidating, but I don’t want to be anywhere near her.

  Gabriel glances down at me, concern marring his brow. “What’s wrong?”

  I shake my head, unable to speak.

  “Gabriel, darling!” Anya purrs as she leans in and kisses his cheek with a wicked grin.

  My head is spinning, and I hate that mischievous gleam in her eye. I try to pull away from Gabriel, to excuse myself to the powder room, but his
grip tightens around me like steel.

  “Anya,” he says coolly, shooting his mother a disapproving look. “I didn’t know you would be here tonight. This is my girlfriend, Victoria.”

  My heart lurches at his choice of word, and Mrs. Maddox laughs nervously.

  “Oh, I completely forgot you were bringing a friend, Gabriel. I invited Anya to keep you company, silly me.”

  “I’m sure you did forget,” Gabriel says, “that I was bringing my girlfriend.”

  Anya’s face sours as he repeats the word, and inside I’m doing a little victory dance. But still, I can’t help but feel a stab of disappointment as his mother eyes me disapprovingly. It’s obvious who she wants Gabriel to be with, and it isn’t me.

  Gabriel leads me over to the bar, pouring me a glass of wine and himself a whiskey. “I’m going to need this tonight,” he sighs.

  Several minutes later a servant appears in the door, announcing that dinner is served. Mrs. Maddox ushers us all into the dining room, and I belatedly realize I still haven’t seen Mr. Maddox.

  “Where’s your father?” I whisper.

  Gabriel shrugs. “Who knows. Working… fucking his secretary, your guess is as good as mine.”

  Ouch. Okay, I’ll stay away from that subject. We find our seats at the dining table and I take a long pull of my wine as a hot plate of food appears in front of me.

  “Don’t worry about Anya,” Angelina whispers beside me. “My mother is determined to shove her in Gabriel’s face. But he isn’t interested in her like that. And after tonight, I think it’s safe to say he only has eyes for you.”

  I smile and clasp her hand. “Thank you.”

  “What are you two whispering about over there?” Mrs. Maddox hisses.

  Angelina smiles at me and then winks. “Oh, we were just talking about Gabriel’s new business venture, mother.”

  Her jaw nearly drops to the floor as Gabriel groans beside me.

  “What new business venture?” an older man sitting next to Gabriel asks.

  “I’m starting up my own software company,” Gabriel replies coolly. “It’s in the works right now.”