Page 73 of Fragile

As I walked across the polished marble lobby, my heels clicked against the floor, the sound in line with the beat of my heart. Adrenalin pumped through my body, but it felt good. My fingers were curled around Gabriel’s strong arm and I felt like a Queen being escorted to her coronation.

My mouth had watered as I’d left my bedroom and saw him in the black tuxedo. He had a body that was built to take away your ability to speak. Flashbacks to the night he had taken my virginity constantly swirled around my head.

I was so happy and tonight I felt beautiful. There was only one word to describe how Gabriel had watched me as I’d glided towards him at the apartment; hungry. His eyes had devoured me, drank in every part of my body where the dress he bought me hugged my skin. I had never felt so confident and he was a big part of the reason for that feeling.

We’d spent most of the day in bed, Gabriel had shown me how to take him into my mouth and I had loved how much pleasure I had given him.

As well as sexual enjoyment, we had connected in other ways. We spoke about my parents and I had shared more details about their deaths than I had with anyone else. Gabriel was so understanding, dragging me into his arms at one point and saying how sorry he was.

Sometime after lunch, I was allowed to leave his bed and I slipped out of his room and had a bath, thoroughly looking forward to the Charity Ball.

I’d bumped into Asher on my way out of the bathroom who explained that Gabriel had said I was his plus one to the party and that he didn’t have to go. He also used the words, “So you and Gabriel are fucking now?” I’d cringed at that one but he’d been cool about it. “Can’t say I’m surprised,” he’d said. “It was definitely on the cards. I remember him warning all his friends off you.”

I’d thought of those words as I’d started to pretty myself before my mirror. My eyes were drawn to the red dress he had bought me. Was that all we were? Fucking? The thought made me a little sad but I would rather have that than nothing. It was like Gabriel had suddenly filled a void.

As we’d left the apartment, both dressed to the nines, Gabriel had behaved like such a gentleman, showering me with compliments before making a cheeky aside about how we didn’t have to go and that we could do other things. I needed no explanation as to the ‘other things’ as the way his eyes ate me up told me exactly what he’d had in mind.

I felt slightly nervous knowing that I would be meeting his parents. Gabriel had explained that his dad wasn’t well but hadn’t gone into huge detail. When he’d spoken of Garrett Knight he clammed up and so I knew he wasn’t ready to share more than he already had about that relationship. That was fine. I could wait.

“Are you ready?” Gabriel whispered against the shell of my ear as we came to the top of the grand sweeping staircase. The bannisters were covered in flowers and fairy lights and the music trickled through the glass double doors in front of us. They were both open and with a uniformed member of staff who held a clipboard.

“Leonie?” he repeated gently, stopping just outside the door, and turning me towards him. I looked up into his eyes, noting how his face softened as I took in his handsome features. His face was freshly shaven and smooth and I longed to run my fingers across his strong jaw.

“Yes. I’m ready,” I replied with a smile which he returned.

“You look beautiful. Just relax and be yourself,” he advised in a soft voice. I nodded my head in agreement. I was about to meet the mighty Garrett Knight and knew part of those nervous knots twisting in my belly was because of that.

Strong fingers slid around my waist and he turned us both in the direction of the main

ballroom. He was so in control; a proper alpha male and I loved it.

“Gabriel Knight and Leonie Smith,” Gabriel informed the lady who was holding the guest list.

It didn’t take her long to find us. “Good evening, Sir and Miss. Welcome to The Royal Horseguards. Drinks are being served in the Champagne Bar which is just on your

left. Have a good evening.”

People spoke to him with such respect and why wouldn’t they, he was a Knight. Gabriel was so charming as he thanked her and we walked into the room.

The main ballroom was huge with stunning chandeliers, mirrored walls, and oak panelling. There was a large dance floor in the middle where people stood with their drinks in hand, chatting and laughing. The music was coming from a harpist who was set up on the stage at one end of the room.

Surrounding the shiny dance floor, there were tables with white cloths, dressed for dinner and arranged with stunning floral designs. No expense spared I would have said.

“Do you want a drink?” Gabriel asked as we walked into the Champagne Bar. A server was standing by a circular table in the middle of the room which held bottles of fancy-looking fizz.

There was a bar to the right, with several members of bar staff waiting on customers.

The chatter and music entwined and I thanked Gabriel as he took two champagne flutes from the waitress and handed me one.

“What do you think?” he said with a sweep of his arm.

“It’s stunning. I’ve never been to anything this lavish before,” I said with a glance

around, taking in all the stunning dresses worn by the women and how crisp the men looked. I imagined there were some powerful people there. I took a sip of my drink, my eyes watching Gabriel over the rim of the glass. As a couple of people came behind us, we moved to the side to stand near a poser table.

I smiled up into Gabriel’s face. “If it makes you smile like that, you may have to accompany me to more of these things. I don’t usually enjoy them but…” his voice trailed off.

“But?” I prompted, placing my glass down.

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