Chapter 31
Gabriel arrived downstairs right on time the following evening.
Emina had just finished applying her lipstick when his message popped up on her phone. Even now, it still didn’t feel real She hadn’t expected to step into a new life this quickly.
She closed her eyes briefly and pushed down the emotions swirling inside her.
Outside, Gabriel leaned against the car door with his arms crossed. His expression was calm and unreadable, but when he saw her approaching, something flickered in his eyes. It was gone almost as soon as it appeared.
His gaze lingered just long enough to make her uneasy, so she tugged at the hem of her skirt, suddenly feeling self–conscious. “Is this dress too much?”
He could sense her hesitation.
She wore a black mini–dress that barely skimmed her thighs. Her dark hair fell in soft waves, and her makeup was more refined than usual. After years of dressing to match Frank’s preferences, she was finally making choices for herself again, but the unfamiliarity of it unsettled her.
Gabriel’s gaze darkened. “No. It looks good.”
Relief washed over her, though she kept it to herself.
To her surprise, he walked around and opened the car door for her.
She hesitated for a moment and was slightly caught off guard. Then, pressing her lips together, she murmured, “You don’t have to do that.”
He gave her an unreadable look. “What, have the men in your life never been this courteous?”
The words struck her harder than she anticipated.
Ever since Lea’s return, Frank had stripped away every ounce of warmth he had once given her. If Lea couldn’t drink at social events, Emma had to take her place. If Lea was tired, he’d leave Emma stranded at banquets. Again and again, she had been cast aside without a second thought.
Her fingers tightened slightly, and she said, “No. Let’s go.”
As soon as they were seated, Gabriel pulled out a blanket and draped it over her legs.
She glanced at him in surprise, but his expression remained unreadable. “You can dress up, but staying warm matters too.”
A flicker of warmth passed through her chest, and she stared at him as she felt momentarily caught off guard.
The gathering was taking place at the most popular upscale bar in Steistan. When Emma stepped inside with Gabriel, the once–rowdy private room fell silent as every gaze turned to her.
Someone gasped and said, “Damn, Gabriel, your taste is on point. We’ve known you for years, and this is the first time you’ve introduced us to a woman.”
The others quickly chimed in with enthusiasm and said, “Nice to meet you, miss.”
Emma’s cheeks flushed, and she sheepishly rubbed the tip of her nose.
Gabriel remained unfazed and casually pulled her onto the couch beside him in a laid–back manner.
One of his close friends, Oscar Field, leaned in eagerly. “Miss, how about a game of cards?”
Emma blinked in surprise and waved her hands. “Oh, I don’t know how to play. You guys go ahead.”
“That makes it even better,” he teased as he shot Gabriel a mischievous look. “That’s what makes it fun. Right, Gabriel? You love hazing the newbies.”
Of course, those “newbies” were always guys.
Gabriel gave a slow, unreadable smile and then turned his gaze to him. “Try scaring her and see what happens.”
There was a faint protectiveness in his tone, so Oscar wisely shut his mouth.
Gabriel turned to Emma, his voice low and laced with indulgent reassurance. “Don’t worry. Just play. If you lose, I’ve got you covered.”
A chorus of cheers erupted. “Oh, hell yeah, Gabriel! We’re going to give you a hard time tonight, and you can’t blame us for taking advantage of her.”
For once, the group had a rare opportunity to turn the tables on Gabriel. Usually, they were the ones getting crushed, but tonight, they were eager for payback.
