48

48
48
Gabrielle had always been good at reading Matthew. Even when he was centuries old, impossibly composed, and nearly impossible to catch off guard she knew him better than anyone.

Which was why, as they lounged on the couch the next evening, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was… off.

Matthew was distracted. His mind seemed elsewhere, and while he still held her close, there was a flicker of something behind his eyes.

Secrets.

Gabrielle leaned against him, absentmindedly tracing circles on his hand. “You’ve been acting weird today.”

Matthew, who had been absently flipping through a book, tensed for just a second before schooling his expression. “Weird?” he repeated, playing innocent.

She narrowed her eyes. “Yes. Weird. You keep looking at your phone, you zone out, and when I ask what’s wrong, you change the subject.” She tilted her head, watching his reaction. “Are you hiding something from me?”

Matthew let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re imagining things, love.”

“Am I?”

She sat up, crossing her arms, giving him a look that said she wasn’t going to let this go.

Matthew sighed dramatically, closing his book and leaning in closer, his lips just inches from hers. “If I was hiding something, don’t you think I’d be better at it?”

Gabrielle huffed. “That’s exactly what someone hiding something would say.”

He smirked, brushing a kiss against her temple. “You’re overthinking, darling.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I don’t believe you.”

Matthew only chuckled and pulled her back into his arms, clearly trying to distract her.

Gabrielle let it go for now, but she wasn’t done investigating.

Julian leaned against the bar at Matthew’s office, watching as his old friend paced back and forth, clearly stressed.

“So let me get this straight,” Julian said, sipping his drink. “You, the Matthew Gorvell, one of the most feared and respected vampires in existence—are afraid to propose to your wife?”

Matthew shot him a glare. “I’m not afraid.”

“Uh-huh.” Julian smirked. “Then why are you acting like a lovesick fool?”

Matthew exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. “Because it has to be perfect.”

Julian raised an eyebrow. “Trust me, mate, Gabrielle would say yes even if you proposed to her over takeout in your sweatpants.”

Matthew gave him an unimpressed look. “That is not happening.”

Julian laughed. “Alright, alright. So what’s the plan?”

Matthew pulled out a small velvet box from his pocket, opening it just enough to reveal a stunning ring—classic, elegant, and perfect for Gabrielle.

Julian let out a low whistle. “Not bad. And how exactly are we pulling this off?”

Matthew smirked. “That’s where you come in.”

Julian groaned. “Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?”

“Because you are.” Matthew clapped a hand on Julian’s shoulder. “Now, here’s what I need you to do…”

Gabrielle lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought.

Matthew was definitely up to something.

And she was going to figure out what it was.

She turned to his side of the bed, where he had just climbed in beside her. “You sure you’re not hiding anything?”

Matthew smirked, pulling her close. “Positive.”

Liar.

But as he kissed her goodnight, Gabrielle let herself melt into his embrace, deciding she’d uncover the truth soon enough.

Little did she know, the truth was going to be far better than she ever imagined.