Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen

*Gabriela*

I couldn’t sleep.

Tossing and turning, I couldn’t seem to get Enzo out of my mind. Even though we didn’t interact much today he had always been right there in my line of vision, always seeming to be looking in my way. Half of the things Ernesto and Orlando were telling me went in one ear and out the other. There were even times I had to have them repeat themselves.

It was a bit humiliating to say the least. Especially when Orlando caught me staring at Enzo, who by chance wasn’t looking at me at the time and he smirked with knowing eyes. He sure was a perceptive brat for a seventeen-year-old. I would have to be more careful around him in the future.

And throughout dinner Enzo purposely sat next to me while Domenico kept looking back and forth between us. Most likely since there had been more room on his side than mine with Maria and her family present. Only Charlie had been sitting next to him with chairs available in between.

After dinner they asked me to join them in the study, but I had declined since I needed to gather my thoughts. But now I was lying here wondering what was going to happen now. Were they making plans of what is to become of me? Has my father reached out to them yet? Was he still looking for me?

I have yet to be told anything and I felt after everything that’s happened, I deserve to know at least something. The more I laid there, the more I thought I should ask. Not even caring that it’s past midnight.

I needed an answer now or I wouldn’t be able to get any sleep at all. With that thought in my head, I quickly jump out of bed and head straight for Enzo’s room. I knew exactly which one it was since nearly every night I stayed in the past, I couldn’t help myself but sneak in there and roam around.

I even once or twice fell asleep in his bed. Thankfully, I was never caught.

As soon as I came to his door it didn’t register that he may already be asleep. But I saw a light turned on underneath the frame and sighed in relief. And before I could lose my courage, I raise my hand and knock on his door, holding my breath waiting.

I didn’t have to wait long as it swings open and my entire body freezes at the sight before me, my heart hammering in my chest. I couldn’t help raking my eyes down his amazing, beautiful, sculpted torso of smooth tan skin. My mouth was literally watering as I wanted to drool staring at this god like specimen before me.

I nearly jumped him right then and there until his voice rings out, stopping me from doing something incredibly stupid.

“Gabby? What are you doing here? It’s late, I thought you would be asleep by now.” He leans forward, and oh my god he smelt so good, looking down the hallway with a frown.

“I couldn’t sleep.” Was the only thing I could come up with.

He looks to me with skepticism but pulls away from the door. “I was just pouring me a drink. Want to join me?” He asks.

I hesitate. “Are you offering an underage person to drink with you? I’m not quite twenty-one yet you know.” I smirk a little with an upraised brow.

He grins as he says, “I won’t tell if you won’t.”

My smile grew as I walk through the door and as soon as I passed, he quietly shuts it with a soft click. My nerves wouldn’t leave me as I slowly look around acting like I’ve never been in here before. He brushes by me and heads toward to the little bar that was near the large window showing the fields and mountains beyond, leaving me with delightful little shivers in his wake.

“So, was there a specific reason you came knocking on my door or were you really not able to fall asleep and wanted to just bug me?” He asks pouring us a small glass of Bourbon.

I noticed he wasn’t putting a shirt on as he hands me a glass and stands there taking a sip of his own. Staring right at me he watches as I carefully take a sip. The instant burn to my throat made me want to gag, but I held myself. I see him smile.

“You’ve never drank before, have you?” He chuckles.

“Yes, I have!” I quickly scoff in annoyance. “Just something…not this strong.” I mumble the last part, making a face at the golden-brown liquid in my hands.

“If it’s too strong, then I can take it back.” He goes to do just that, and I quickly evade his hand.

“No, it’s fine, I can handle this much.” I took a huge gulp, wishing that I hadn’t.

Regretting it to the core as it burned, making me cough.

“That…was a little too fast. You should take it slow, especially if you’re not used to it.”

He comes up to me, takes the glass from my hand and sets them both down on the little table near his bookcase that was against the wall. He then faces me once more.

“So, tell me Gabby, why are you really here?”

I was beginning to feel a little relaxed. “I was curious if you would tell me if you had heard anything from my father.” I state truthfully.

An eyebrow raises as he watches me. Feeling the heat from his gaze, I start to walk around a little. “Just wondering if he’s pissed off or not, I guess.” I shrug.

“Do you care if he is?” He slowly follows me, crossing his arms against his bare chest that was hard to not look at, the hard chest I’ve dreamed of touching one day with my bare hands.

“Not really.”

We stay silent for just a few moments, then he asks me, “I get the impression you’re not much of in a hurry to head back to New York anytime soon.”

I stop near his bed, lightly picking at the wood frame of his headboard. “Would I have been given a choice if I really wanted too?”

“You know the answer to that.” He walks to the other side, not once taking his eyes off me.

I wasn’t sure if it was the way he was looking at me, the low lighting giving off a calming atmosphere or the fact that the alcohol was starting to make me feel a little lightheaded, but I was feeling warm, relaxed, and a little brave.

Not thinking on it too much, I turn and sit right down on his bed, then plop backwards closing my eyes with a happy sigh. Spreading out my arms wide I say,

“Well, since I’m not allowed to go anywhere guess I’ll just stay here and do whatever to my hearts content.” I sigh blissfully.

I feel the bed dip and with my heart racing I don’t dare to open my eyes. But I could feel him close to me, feel his breath just right over my face, letting me know he was leaning over me. And then his voice whispers huskily and so close to my ear.

“Gabriela, just what exactly are you trying to accomplish here?”

Trying my best to calm down at the way he stated my full name, I whisper, “Nothing, just wanted to talk.”

“Look at me.” He demands making me do just that.

I gasp slightly at the piercing brown eyes staring right into mine, his face so close. And what he says next was completely unexpected, that I wasn’t sure that I even heard him right. But it made all my insides flutter with anticipation and need.

“If you plan to stay longer, I can’t guarantee what will happen next between us. Because right now, I’m trying very hard to hold myself back. So, if you don’t leave right now, I will do something you might regret later.”

Staring into those beautiful eyes, not wavering from them once, I strongly, boldly state, “I definitely will never regret it.”