Chapter 9: Seduce and Slip Away

Gabriel's POV

"No, Gabriel." She shook her head, the motion a little wobbly. That champagne was sneaking up on her, no doubt.

"Luna, you're tipsy," I said softly, gripping the steering wheel tighter to keep my hands from wandering over to her side of the car.

"I'm not drunk." She crossed her arms like a stubborn kid dodging bedtime. "And I don't want to go to your mansion."

I bit back a grin. Even buzzed, she was battling that pull between us. "Fine, then we'll go to your apartment."

"No," she shot back too fast, then frowned, like her own words had tripped her up.

"No mansion, no apartment," I teased, merging onto the highway toward Ashford Estate anyway. A cool breeze slipped through the cracked window, and I saw her shiver—then her cheeks flushed deeper. Damn, that champagne's afterkick was hitting her hard now, turning her from composed to adorably off-kilter. "You're really boxing us in here, baby."

"Don't call me that," she mumbled, but the pink creeping up her neck screamed otherwise.

I pulled up to the estate's entrance and cut the engine. Leaning in close, I let our breaths mix, my nose brushing her cheek. Her pulse jumped under my gaze—God, she still reacted to me like fire to gasoline.

"Gabriel Ashford," she said, pressing her hands to my chest in a weak push, "take me home."

I smirked against her skin, reaching over to unbuckle her seatbelt. The click echoed like a promise in the quiet car. "There you go. No more restraints."

Her green-gray eyes locked on mine, swirling with want and wariness. When she didn't pull away, I took it as my green light.

I hopped out, circled to her door, and scooped her up bridal-style before she could blink—one arm under her knees, the other cradling her back.

"What the hell are you doing?" she gasped, her arms instinctively looping around my neck.

"Being a gentleman," I said, kicking the car door shut with my heel.

Luna's face was flushed—booze, proximity, or both? I carried her straight through the mansion to the master suite, then into the adjoining bathroom. The alcohol's haze made her cling a little tighter, her body pressing against mine in ways that stirred up memories I'd buried deep.

I set her down gently on the wide marble counter between the dual sinks, her legs swinging like a kid's. She looked so damn small and vulnerable there, it twisted something protective in my chest.

"Stay put," I murmured, turning on the bathtub faucets. Hot water gushed in, steam rising and fogging the air, turning the room into our own private sauna.

When I turned back, her eyes were glued to me, tracing every move. I stepped between her knees, caging her in with my hands on the counter beside her hips. Our faces were inches apart—I could count her freckles, feel the heat radiating off her skin.

"You shouldn't look at me like that," I whispered, my voice dropping low.

"Like what?" she breathed, barely louder than the rushing water.

"Like you want me to devour you."

She reached out, pushing up my sleeve and trailing her fingers along my forearm. It was innocent, but fuck, it sent sparks straight to my core. The mirror behind her showed us like a perfect, heated snapshot—her petite frame swallowed by my broader one, my head dipped toward hers. We fit. We always had.

The steam curled her hair at the ends, softening her edges, making her look even more irresistible. The tub filled, and I reluctantly stepped back to shut off the water. Helping her down, I guided her to the edge.

"Can you handle this solo?" I asked, my tone rough with restraint.

She shook her head, then nodded, all mixed up. "I'm not sure. This kindness... it's drowning me."

I tucked a damp strand behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her cheek. "Call if you need me. I'll be right outside."

I kissed her forehead and forced myself out, shutting the door. Leaning against it, I dragged in deep breaths, my body screaming for more.

Just then, Luna's phone buzzed on the sofa. The screen flashed "Sophia Calling" with a pic of her grinning best friend.

I hesitated, then picked up. "Hello?"

A beat of silence, then Sophia's voice, bright and assuming. "Luna? Girl, where'd you disappear to? The party's still raging!"

"It's Gabriel," I said, keeping it casual.

"Oh my God—Gabriel? Wait, is she okay? She vanished from the party, and I've been blowing up her phone—" Her tone flipped from worry to shocked glee, like she'd just won the lottery. "Holy crap, you're with her? At your place? This is amazing! Tell me she's fine!"

"She's good," I assured her, smirking at the excitement in her voice. "Just overdid the champagne. I brought her here to crash safely."

Luna's voice floated from the bathroom. "Gabriel? Could you grab me some clothes?"

"On it!" I called back, then to Sophia: "Gotta run."

She laughed, all bubbly mischief. "Oh, I bet you do. Have fun, you two—don't do anything I wouldn't!"

I hung up and rummaged through my closet, grabbing a white velvet sleep shirt I'd snagged in Milan, picturing her in it even back then. It'd hit mid-thigh, soft and tempting.

Knocking softly, I said, "Luna? Got something for you."

The door cracked open, her slender arm slipping out. I handed it over, letting my fingers graze her wrist deliberately. She inhaled sharply, yanking it back inside.

Grinning, I sank onto the bed's edge. Minutes later, the door swung open. Luna emerged in the shirt, hair damp and tousled, droplets tracing her collarbones. The fabric clung just right, hinting at curves that made my mouth go dry.

"It fits," I rasped, voice gravelly.

She tugged at the hem, barely mid-thigh. "Are we really alone here?"

That question ignited filthy thoughts. "Dangerous territory, Luna. Makes me imagine things I shouldn't."

Kneeling before her, I slid slippers onto her feet, one by one, my hands warm on her skin. Looking up, I was struck—her wide eyes, damp hair framing her face like a siren. I pressed a kiss to the top of her foot. "Luna, I was born to worship you."

Her lips parted, breath shaky. "Gabriel, if you keep this up, saying no is gonna be impossible."

Rising, I towered over her, heat crackling between us. "Would giving us another shot be so bad?"

Our stares locked, the air electric. I could've claimed her mouth again, stripped that shirt off and lost myself in her right there. But I reined it in, brushing a chaste kiss to her forehead instead.

"Goodnight, darling," I whispered. "Sweet dreams."

I turned and headed out, feeling her confused glare on my back. As the door clicked shut, a pillow thumped against it.

"You absolute bastard! You did that on purpose!" she yelled, voice muffled but fiery.

Leaning against the door, I chuckled. She was spot-on—I had. I wanted her chasing me this time, not just reacting.