you, Mr. Dyer. I’m Gabriel Castro.”
Enjoy Ad–Free Reading>>
Go
1/1
Chapter 28
Darren had never been a man of many words, and he usually went along with whatever Velma decided. Seeing the satisfied look on her face, he didn’t bother scrutinizing Gabriel and instead broke into a warm smile. “Looks like Emma has good taste in men. She even found herself a handsome one, huh?”
Emma forced a smile.
During dinner, Gabriel was nothing short of attentive. Emma’s plate was never empty of meat. He kept refilling it, caught bones in a napkin when she spat them out, and even swapped her water for warm water before handing it to her.
For a moment, she telt dazed. No man had ever cared for her like this. His gestures created an illusion so convincing that she almost believed she was deeply loved.
But she wasn’t about to tool herself. Lowering her gaze, she quickly forced herself to stay clear–headed.
After dinner, Velma deliberately gave them some time alone.
Emma and Gabriel sat on the couch. He had drunk a lot with Darren earlier.
Now, as Gabriel lounged beside her, his calloused fingertips gently rubbed against Emma’s hand. His long fingers traced along hers and parted them at the joints before lacing their hands together.
The alcohol only sharpened his usual chill. It made him seem even more distant, as if getting too close might pull someone into an abyss.
And when his gaze settled on her, those deep, unwavering eyes locked on her with such intensity that she couldn’t bring herself to meet them.
But Gabriel only seemed to find Emma’s embarrassment amusing. The corners of his lips curled into a playful smirk as he reached out and lightly pinched her chin.
“Why are you biting your lip? Is that your way of asking for a kiss?”
His teasing words sent a rush of heat to her ears. She looked up in shock, and her eyes widened with disbelief.
Emma’s eyes narrowed slightly, and she silently warned him that he had done enough. It was time to leave.
Gabriel gave her a sidelong glance before casually swiping a thumb over her lips. Startled, she parted her lips, only for him to take advantage of the moment and slip his finger inside.
Caught off guard, she bit down instinctively, and her lashes fluttered as a deep flush spread across her face.
Emma didn’t realize just how enticing she looked in that moment, but Gabriel did.
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he forced himself to hold back. He wasn’t in a rush to make her fall in love with him since he had all the time in the world. But she was so delicate that even the slightest teasing made her eyes turn red.
Gabriel knew better than to push his luck. Catching the cue, he rose to his feet, turned toward Velma and Darren as they stepped out of the study, and gave them a polite nod. “Mr. and Mrs. Dyer, it’s getting late. I’ll take my leave for today.”
Seeing how composed and respectful Gabriel was, Velma grew even more satisfied with him.
She quickly said, “You’re always welcome here. No need to be so formal next time.”
Her tone left no doubt–she already saw him as a future son–in–law.
Emma hastily ushered Gabriel toward the door, and her voice was laced with urgency. She was worried that if he stayed any longer, he might accidentally let something slip.” Mom, Dad, I’ll walk him out.”
Velma smiled knowingly. “Take your time.”
Young couples at this stage–holding hands, sneaking kisses, spending a little extra time together… There was nothing unusual about that.
Emma’s ears turned red. She bit her lip and gave a quick response before ushering Gabriel outside.
Watching them leave hand–in–hand, Velma sighed in contentment and looped her arm through Darren’s.
“Seeing Emma this happy is a relief. She spent years chasing after Frank with nothing to show for it. If she had kept holding on, it would have only brought her more pain.”
