Chapter 32 - Handled with Care

Twitchy and restless Valerie sat in the backseat of her boyfriend, slash, fiancé's rental. She kept bouncing her leg, biting her lower lip getting more worked up as they got closer and closer to her family house. She jumped when she felt a hand upon her thigh, glancing aside she met Gabriel's reassuring smile. He didn't speak up, when she peeked over her shoulder she understood why.

"Are you okay, Miss King?" Ethan asked, back to his usual teasing self, "You look a little out of sorts."

She sunk back in her chair, trying to calm down. Gabriel gave her a firm pat against the knee and then pulled away, focusing back on his driving. Gabriel was never a reckless driver, focused on his target and aware of his surroundings. It was a shame he didn't drive himself around town, but then again she got it. People like Ethan and Gabriel didn't have the liberty to do simple things as driving themselves from and to work. It was their safety and the safety of those around them which was at stake. It was a pity because she could think of a thing or two which she wanted to do to her sexy as sin fiancé in a car as sleek as his rental.

"Miss King?"

She sighed, "I'm perfectly fine, Ethan." She threw back at him, "Just needed a minute."

"Or forty." He mumbled, she still caught it though, "You've been acting like this ever since we got on the plane. Getting engaged is a good thing, is it not?"

She inhaled deeply, "It is."

"Then why so anxious?"

She smiled and then peeked over her shoulder again, meeting his steady gaze. The words didn't need to be said. She was aware that if she didn't remind Gabriel about his words when she was drunk out of her mind the engagement never would have happened. He would have let it pass and let their relationship flow naturally. It was her who decided to play her little chess game again, despite having an opponent like Ethan Hunter. The man was dangerous, yet kindhearted and warm. He confused her, he was the reason why she was jumpy in the first place.

"It's going to be okay." Ethan reassured her firmly, "I promise."

She sat back in her chair and let out an exhausted sigh, all the pent up frustration leaving her body. Gabriel didn't understand Ethan's words, which was expected. It was a secret between Ethan and her, and just now he reassured her that it would remain their little secret.

"You chatty with Amanda?"

She heard Ethan shift in his seat, she didn't need to peek at him to know he was grinning like a madman. He always did when things got interesting.

"I am, actually." He told his friend, amusement clear in his voice, "Amanda and I share recipes and update each other about our lives."

Of course they did, she predicted that when Amanda and Ethan met for the first time. They were both warm people, Ethan was just more cynical considering the way he grew up.

"Great." Gabriel muttered, "Ethan just started dating Rachel, but already claimed the spot of best son-in-law."

Valerie smiled, placing her hand upon his thigh, "Ethan doesn't compare to you."

Gabriel laughed, "Thanks for the reassurance, Valerie, I think that one just destroyed Ethan's self-esteem."

They both glanced at the man in question, he didn't seem hurt by her words though. He grinned back in response, letting them know he didn't mind at all. Gabriel quickly focused his attention to the road again while she got more comfortable. All teasing aside Ethan got Gabriel's back no matter what. Ethan decided she was what made Gabriel happy so he'd be on her side. Her whole plan wouldn't explode in her face. It might be time to give into them, actually letting her guard down because Gabriel was made her happy too. A happily ever after with Gabriel Starr meant to let Ethan Hunter into her life as well. Right now that didn't sound bad to her at all.

***

Valerie sat at family's dining table, watching carefully as Ethan entertained both her mother and father with his anecdotes about the big city and the projects Hunter and Starr completed. He was charming, wrapping her parents around his finger like he did with his clients whenever he pitched their ideas. Such a dangerous man he was. Yet he no longer made her anxious. She sipped her tea, clutching the cup in her hands and watching him work his magic. It did surprise her when he met her gaze and smiled at her, a smile which actually reached his eyes. It completely threw her off her game when he shared the following...

"And on that note I do believe Gabriel and Valerie have more wonderful news to share."

Her heart sank to her stomach then, lowering her guard around that man proved her wrong. She got punished for it.

"Oh?" Her mother looked excited, "Do share, honey, we're all ears."

Her father looked just as curious, "Yes, please do share."

Underneath the table Gabriel reached for her, giving her knee a squeeze. Not out of reassurance though, this time he needed her as back-up. She placed her cup down, straightening in her chair while clearing her throat. Across from them Ethan observed them, an entertained spectator he was. She'd pay him back for this stunt sooner or later. Smiling she met the gaze of her mother and then shifted her attention to her father.

"Gabriel and I are getting married."

Silence ascended in the room, everyone sharing awkward looks before Amanda cleared her throat and met her gaze. The awkwardness had left her and a genuine smile spread across her mother's face.

"That is wonderful news, honey, I mean it was unexpected so we all needed a moment to process it. But-" She got to her feet and held her arms open, "Come here, I need to hug it out." She laughed.

Valerie got to her feet and walked into her mother's open arms, letting the woman hug her. She returned the hug, feeling the warmth and comfort her mother offered her. It was nice and made her visibly relax.

"We should pop open a bottle, I mean my daughter is getting married." Her father laughed and got to his feet as well, leaning in to kiss her head, "I'm happy for you, honey." He then focused his attention to Gabriel.

Valerie didn't get to watch them bond since Rachel and her mother fawned over her, sharing their happiness. It had been awkward at first, but the rest of their evening was filled with laughter and smiles. They popped open a bottle and shared a drink or two. Gabriel did keep a close eye on her alcohol consumption. He let her know once or twice that he'd intervene when he thought she was going overboard. He didn't want to go through another weird Valerie moment. She wasn't a complete lightweight, it had been the circumstances which drove her to behave like that. Gabriel just wanted to be sure and she didn't blame him. So she let him be overprotective. She rather liked that side of him. Never would she admit it to him, he'd go on and on about her being attracted to dominant men. Giving him that power would promise her pleasure of the highest form, but her body still remembered the last time he did that. Gradually giving it up to him in would be better for her sanity.

***

Valerie was getting ready for her morning, it was the last day of their weekend at her parents' house. Her mother and Ethan planned a festive dinner to celebrate a lot of things. Her engagement being of the highest priority. She was finishing up her make-up when she noticed another presence behind her. Glancing away from the tall mirror she spun around to meet her fiancé's gaze.

"What's wrong?"

He took her in from head to toe, the expression on his face unreadable. She twisted the cap back on her eyeliner and carefully stepped to him.

"Gabriel?" Concern seeping into her tone.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, "You're beautiful."

She returned his hug, "Thank you." She tossed her eyeliner upon her bed and then tightly wrapped her arms around his waist again, "What's wrong?"

She closed her eyes and focused on his touch, his hand trailing up her back and giving the nape of her neck a firm squeeze.

"What's wrong is that I want to fuck you right now." He told her without holding anything back, "You look proper and pulled together and there is the little fact that we're in your parents' house." He exhaled and gave her another squeeze, "So it's a problem." He muttered.

"I think that's our first concern." She placed her hand against his chest and pushed at him, creating some distance between them, "We're not doing that here." She whispered, her cheeks heating up as she remembered every little detail of what Gabriel could do to her body, her body betraying her by preparing for that pleasurable promise, "No way." She muttered, "Not happening."

The smirk that spread across Gabriel's face told her he knew she was convincing herself, not him. Her body was to blame for that. The wetness which soaked her lace panties causing her to press her thighs together while her breathing picked up and her heart raced.

"So not happening." She whispered once more, the resolve she had breaking.

Gabriel stepped to her and grabbed onto the back of her head, leaning down yet not quite kissing her like she thought he'd do, "Don't worry, Valerie, I'll make sure to keep you quiet." He then covered her mouth with his, pushing his tongue in her mouth and kissing her deep. She was lost then.

She ended up on her back on her bed, her dress pushed up to her thighs while her panties pushed to the side and Gabriel ready to push into her. She inhaled deeply when he covered her mouth with his hand and then pushed deep inside her, his movements painfully slow. She placed her hand on top of his while her other hand held tightly onto his shirt on his back. The only sounds which were heard were their heavy breathing and the wetness between her thighs whenever he pushed in and out of her. He kept true to his promise, keeping her quiet while they tried to orgasm in a record of time so no one would question where they were. Somehow they managed to do it, only afterwards Gabriel had to pull her together so she'd be proper again. Though she didn't look it, her relaxed and chilled out behavior made Ethan guess what transpired between them without much effort. He kept his words to himself, but every once in a while threw them a teasing look. All she could do the entire night was lean into Gabriel and let it all happen.

***

They were enjoying dessert, a splendid tiramisu which Ethan prepared when a loud knock caused them all to fall silent. They shared a look, obviously her parents didn't expect the company. Her mother smiled and got to her feet.

"I'll just see who it is."

Her father didn't let her walk out alone, he followed her and made sure Amanda was safe and sound. It was a small town so Valerie didn't expect the worst and from the looks of it her company didn't either. Rachel leaned into Ethan and shared a laugh with him, he must have whispered something to her. The way her cheeks got rosy told Valerie what Ethan just shared with her sister. It woke her up fast. She pulled away from Gabriel, smiling while she focused on her dessert instead.

"I just need to talk to her!"

Valerie frowned while her sister got to her feet, looking like someone just told her she was no longer allowed to wear her red colored lipstick.

"Declan." She whispered.

That got Valerie to tense up too. Gabriel grabbed onto her arm, the question in his eyes causing her to speak up quick so everyone was informed before all hell broke loose.

"Her ex." She quietly told Gabriel and Ethan, watching as Rachel made her way to the front door to join their parents, "She dumped him for Ethan."

"I see." Ethan straightened up, "I should probably keep an eye on her."

"I assume Declan isn't too happy since it all ended abruptly."

"Why speak up now though?" Gabriel asked as Ethan also left the room, "Doesn't it feel odd?"

She couldn't agree more, "He probably knows Ethan is in town.'

"So his target is Ethan not Rachel." Gabriel got his defenses up as well and got to his feet, holding his hand out to her, "Come, we should have his back."

She didn't hesitate for a second and followed Gabriel out of the room. She let go of his hand when they were greeted by the sight of Declan holding onto Ethan's collar and screaming things at him. Her father tried to defuse the situation while Rachel just demanded of Declan to back off and go home. Gabriel didn't have the patience Ethan and her father had. He intervened, pushing the guys apart while he stood protectively in front of his friend.

"Sometimes things don't work out, be the bigger man and walk away." Gabriel told him.

Declan narrowed his eyes on him, but unlike a second ago he didn't look like he could murder someone.

"Gabriel Starr." Declan stated.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow at him, "Yes?"

Declan straightened his jacket, twisted his cufflinks to get them back in place and pulled himself together in matter of seconds. The side of his lips curled up, giving him a devilish look which she had to admit didn't look too bad on him.

"Wish we met on better circumstances."

"Same." Gabriel still had his guard up, "You know what, let's go for a drink in town. I assume you're familiar around here."

Declan looked surprised, "Seriously?"

Gabriel couldn't be more serious, she knew when he was shifting gears and got all professional about things. Gabriel turned the situation to work in his favor and pulled Declan together so her family could enjoy the rest of their night. That man who didn't show his warmer side with words still showed her the kindest man he could be. She loved him.

"Yeah, sure." Gabriel glanced her way, "I won't be late."

She responded with a smile, "Don't worry about it, I'll pack your things as well. Take all the time you need."

He smiled back at her and then focused on Rachel's ex again, "Let's talk."

They left the house without another word, it caused everyone to look her way. She didn't have it in her to explain Gabriel's reasoning. If they didn't get it they didn't know the real Gabriel Starr. Gabriel wouldn't want her to explain things so she kept her words to herself. She trailed her eyes to Ethan, he nodded and then focused on being the charming guy he was. Like her Ethan got it, they made a great team, the three of them. No words between them was needed, they got each other just by watching their moves. It was frightening at first, but slowly she understood that it could be beautiful too.

She made her way to her bedroom and collected their things, packing their bags while Gabriel focused on defusing the situation without any casualties. Slowly, she'd give herself to him without holding anything back. He'd handle her with care, she was certain of that.