Page 39 of Blood Lust

“Mafia-ing?”

My deadpan stare didn’t phase him.

“I’m free for the day. I thought maybe we could go out.”

My ears perked up at that. “Out?”

“Yes. I wanted to take you somewhere.”

Torn, because I really had a lot to do, I debated. Then I rationalized that I could work a longer day tomorrow and the next day to catch up. “Okay….”

“Get ready,” he instructed as he swatted my ass playfully. “Dress casually.”

I gave him a devilish grin that promised retribution and went to do as he said. Then we took the SUV to the Sheraton by the river where we went to the top of the building and out onto a helipad.

“Gabe?” I asked with a frown.

“Shhh,” he said as he grabbed my hand, then guided me to the waiting helicopter and up into the seat. Before I knew it, we were airborne, and though it was terrifying, it was incredible.

“Where are we going?” I asked him through the headset we’d been given when we got in and buckled up.

“You’ll see” was his cryptic reply.

I shot him a narrow-eyed gaze, but it was more in fun than real annoyance. Eagerly, I returned my attention to the window. He took my hand, and I gripped his tightly, choosing not to analyze what any of it meant.

“Lake Geneva?” I guessed by the direction we flew and landmarks we went over. I’d been there a few times over the years, but mostly with friends of friends.

“Maybe,” he teased with smiled when I looked to him for an answer.

This lighthearted Gabriel reminded me of the man I met in Texas. I cast a glance at him and wondered what it would’ve been like if we had different circumstances.

In a whirlwind, we landed on what appeared to be a private pad, exited the craft, and walked up a manicured lawn to a classic Georgian-style mansion. It was a beautiful property.

“Who lives here?” I asked when we reached the stone patio.

“I do.”

“Huh?” I asked as he entered a code on the keypad and opened the door.

It was about ten thirty in the morning, and there was a scrumptious platter of fruits, rolls, and in a warmer, eggs and bacon. “I thought you might be hungry,” he offered as he gestured to the display.

My heart nearly burst at his thoughtfulness.

“We can eat on the back patio,” he suggested.

We each made a plate, and he showed me the way out.

The view was stunning, and it took my breath away. We were up on a bluff overlooking the water and surrounded by lush trees. It was quiet and peaceful and made it possible to almost forget what we had left back in Chicago.

Light conversation as we enjoyed the food made everything seem so normal.

After we ate, he gave me a tour of the home. He’d recently purchased it, and I wondered how much he had forked out for it. He kissed me in almost every room. They were only light brushes of his lips to mine, but with each one, I wanted more. By the time we went back outside, I was wound up tight and convinced he’d strategically planned it that way.

We took a leisurely stroll around the museum-worthy grounds, through walking trails, and along cool covered pathways before we paused at various water features.

“It’s beautiful here,” I murmured with my arms crossed around my waist. The wind off the water blew cool despite how warm the day had been. It caught pieces of my hair, blowing them in across my face. Too busy enjoying the beauty, I didn’t bother brushing them back.

“It is,” he agreed. I glanced over my shoulder at him, but he wasn’t looking over the water. He was looking at me.

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