Page 19 of Fragile

I dug out some fresh underwear for the morning and my favourite tee which I slept in. It was plain black with Rick and Morty on the front and was soft due to the number of times it had been washed.

After briefly checking my phone, I set my alarm for six in the morning, grabbed my wash bag and went in search of the bathroom.

As I was brushing my teeth, I could hear voices and a couple of doors closing. When I’d left Asher’s room, the living room had been quiet, suggesting that Gabriel’s friends had left, but I could hear the TV on faintly.

After finishing off my bedtime routine, I peered out of the bathroom and then legged it to my bedroom. It was deathly quiet and dark; there were now no lights on in the corridor.

I listened with my head against the inside of my door. From the sound of it, everyone had gone to bed which wasn’t surprising considering it was almost midnight.

Pulling a pillowcase out of one of the bin bags, I pushed the pillow inside and plumped it. I then drew out my old blanket and wrapped it around my body. I’d make the bed up properly the following day when I was back from class.

As I lay there on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, I felt excitement and adventure thrum through me. Living there would be a new chapter in my life and one I was seriously looking forward to.

I just hoped Gabriel accepted me and got to know me for who I was, rather than how I looked.

I closed my eyes and his face was the last thing I saw.

*****

My alarm went off at six and it took me a moment to realise where I was. My disorientation was soon replaced by a burst of energy and I rolled off the bed and went to look out of the window; the view of London was fabulous. My last apartment had faced the graffiti-covered wall of the next building. I relished the change and was determined to make it work.

My throat felt quite dry and I decided to nip to the kitchen to fetch a glass before starting my usual morning routine. Surely no one would be up yet?

I peeked out of the door and down the corridor and could see there appeared to be no sound or movement coming from the living area. It wasn’t like I would be walking around in my underwear; I had my T-shirt on and it covered my thighs.

As I set off towards the living space and kitchen, I glanced fleetingly at Gabriel’s closed door.

Once I got to the kitchen, I didn’t need to put the light on as the windows let a good amount of sun in due to the blinds not being drawn. I could smell the faint aroma of coffee. Maybe one of the boys had already left?

As I glanced around the area and started opening cupboards in search of the glasses, I noticed there was a laptop on the dining room table and several books were open. In the living room, popcorn was strewn across the floor.

I temporarily shelved my need for water and quickly tidied up the space. There were three recycle bins next to each other and I deposited several beer bottles in one and the waste in the other. It only took around ten minutes and I was pleased that I’d had the chance to be helpful before anyone got up.

As I continued my search for a glass, I noticed the coffee machine on the side. The light to signal the pot warmer was on, suggesting someone had made the coffee fresh that morning and a kick of panic set in.

Quickening my pace, I wandered over to the far end of the kitchen and opened one of the top cabinets where I found mugs and glasses. Unfortunately, the glasses were on the top shelf and I knew I’d struggle to reach them. I wondered fleetingly if Asher was up.

As I stretched up onto my tiptoes to retrieve a glass, I felt the hem of my T-shirt lift slightly. Realising the movement exposed my bottom, I snatched a cup which was closer and then lowered myself onto my feet; closing the cupboard door quickly.

“Good morning, kitten,” a deep voice said, causing me to whip around, heat flooding my cheeks. Drat! My pulse raced at the unexpected interruption. Oh, my goodness, had I just flashed Gabriel Knight my arse?

“Gabriel,” I panted, one hand flat against my heaving chest. His gaze slammed into mine. He was leaning against the kitchen counter with a cup of steaming liquid in his hand. Of course, the coffee!

Gabriel wore jogging bottoms and no top; his arms were corded with thick muscle and his chest was mouth-watering, the V surrounding his abs disappeared into his pants. He certainly worked out and was clearly a morning person as he looked bright-eyed and fresh. I could see his hair was still damp from the shower. I pushed away the dangerous thoughts that were suddenly induced.

“You made me jump,” I said in a whisper-shout. My heart was hammering against my ribs.

“Clearly,” he replied in a silky voice, one dark eyebrow raised. He looked sinfully good-looking and way more relaxed than I felt at that moment. Even though my bed had felt like I was sleeping on a cloud, I wasn’t really a morning person; my hair was a mess. I probably looked like I’d been resurrected.

“Coffee?” He said, raising his mug towards the percolator. I didn’t fail to note the amused twist to his lips.

Swallowing away my initial shock and smoothing down my hair, I smiled. “No thanks, I don’t drink it. Caffeine isn’t good for you.” My tone came out much firmer than I had intended, almost preachy; like I was telling him he shouldn’t drink the stuff.

The curl of his lip shifted into a lopsided smile. “Ah, of course. Your body is a temple and all that.”

I frowned, my eyes briefly moving over his wide shoulders. “Isn’t yours?” I attempted to keep my focus off his man nipples. His chest had a slight smattering of dark hair.

He took a sip of coffee, watching me over the rim before he replied, “Not really.”

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