Page 24 of The Bonus

I cross my arms and glare at the back of the doors. I have never been so infuriated.

“You’re an asshole,” I spit.

“I have been told that once or twice.”

“Per hour, no doubt,” I fume. “And just what the hell makes you think you can ejaculate inside of me without asking? How selfish can you be? I probably have an STI now.”

“I always wear condoms; trust me, you do not have an STI,” he snaps. “And I know you’re on the pill. I just…I couldn’t help myself.”

“How the hell do you know I’m on the pill?” I fume.

“I see them in your purse all the time, and on occasion, I even look at where you are in your month.”

“What?” I explode.

“Well, some days you hate me more than others and I want to know why.”

“Because you’re an asshole, Gabriel. That’s why I hate you more on some days. Today being a prime example.” I can hear my angry heartbeat in my ears. “I don’t even know why I’m here with you.”

“But you are here.”

“I was ambushed.”

He does smile this time, and it’s like waving a red flag in front of a bull.

“I’m not one of your bimbos, Gabriel.”

“I am well aware of that.”

“So why bring me here?” I huff.

I want answers, all of them. Start talking, motherfucker.

He stands silently as if contemplating my question and the elevator doors give a soft ding as we arrive at the floor. They open and my heart drops.

Fuck.

The elevator has opened up straight into his apartment, or should I call it an…Italian Colosseum.

He steps out of the elevator but I stay still as I look around.

I’m too shocked to move.

“Out.” He grabs my hand and pulls me out of the elevator, and I stumble forward.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I look around.

Jeez.

I always knew that Gabriel Ferrara had expensive taste, but this is next level. The walls are a soft hue of gold. The ceilings are sky high, and huge dark wooden archways interconnect the rooms. The arches remind me of something you would see in an historic church or something. Grand and oversized.

The furnishings are all beautiful dark wooden antiques. Huge navy and maroon Aubusson rugs are on the dark timber floors. Beautiful artworks in huge gold gilded frames are hanging on the walls.

It’s like a step back in time to a king’s palace or something.

“Welcome to my home.” His eyes twinkle with pride.

Suddenly, I remember the mission. That’s right, I hate you.

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