Page 175 of The Bonus

Amusement flashes across Gabriel’s face as he looks him up and down. “Okily dokily.”

Oh hell… What does that mean? It’s a Ned Flanders reference, Gabriel is calling him Ned Flanders. Ahhh… Abort mission…

I widen my eyes at Gabriel. Behave fucker.

Gabriel stands tall, his feet wide, back straight and dominance oozing from every cell.

“Gabriel is an old friend from New York,” I splutter.

“Not quite a friend, though,” Gabriel replies. “Am I?”

“Who are you?” Jack smiles all excited like.

“I’m the twins’ father.”

Jack stares at him as he does the math. “What…what brings you to Greenville?”

“My family.”

“Your children,” Jack corrects him.

“My children and Grace.”

“But Grace is with me.”

“Not for long.” Gabriel’s eyes hold his in a silent dare.

Jacks face falls.

“I’ve moved to Greenville to get my girl back,” Gabriel announces.

“You’ve moved here?” Jack whispers, unable to hide his dismay.

“Stop it, Gabriel,” I snap. “Be nice.”

“Oh…but I am being nice. I’m letting Jack know of my intentions. Being underhanded is not my style, you know that, Gracie.”

Jack stares at Gabriel, horrified. He’s probably never met someone as aggressive in real life before, not many people have.

Gabriel’s eyes hold Jack’s. “All’s fair in love and war…right, Jack?”

Jack stares at him, speechless.

“May the best man win.” Gabriel gives me a slow sexy smile and then he glances at Jack. “Good luck, Jack…you’re going to need it.” He turns and saunters off into the crowd as we both stare after him.

That was the most egotistical display of power tripping in the history of the universe.

And it was fucking hot.

Oh god…my face is fuchsia red, my pits are sweaty, and damn it, why is that man’s ego so out of control?

Poor Jack.

“I’m so sorry. Ignore him,” I stammer. “He’s…a, Gabriel is a different kind of man.”

Jack is still staring after him, if I’m being honest I think it turned him on too.

He drags his eyes back to meet mine. “Can I see you tonight?”