47
47
After everything that had happened, Matthew knew they needed a break a moment away from the danger, the mysteries, and the weight of the silver key.
Gabrielle deserved that much.
So, as the sun set over the city, casting a golden glow through their windows, he turned to her with a small, knowing smirk.
“Get dressed,” he said. “We’re going out.”
Gabrielle blinked at him, surprised. “What? Where?”
“It’s a surprise,” he replied smoothly, stepping closer. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “But I promise, you’ll love it.”
A slow smile spread across her lips. “I do love surprises.”
Half an hour later, they were walking hand in hand through a quiet part of the city. Matthew had taken her to an elegant rooftop restaurant, the kind with soft music, candlelit tables, and a breathtaking view of the skyline.
Gabrielle looked stunning in the evening light, her eyes reflecting the glow of the city beneath them. Matthew couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“You went all out,” she mused, glancing around at the intimate setting.
“You deserve it,” he said simply, pulling out a chair for her. “After everything, I just wanted tonight to be about us.”
She softened, reaching across the table to take his hand. “I love that.”
The dinner passed in an easy rhythm—soft conversation, stolen glances, and the occasional brush of fingers. The tension of the past few days melted away, replaced by something warm and unspoken between them.
At one point, Gabrielle playfully stole a bite from his plate, grinning when he raised an eyebrow at her.
“You don’t even like that,” he teased.
“I just wanted to see if you’d let me,” she admitted with a laugh.
He leaned forward, his voice low. “I’d let you take anything from me.”
Her laughter faltered, her breath hitching at the intensity in his gaze. The air between them shifted, something deeper settling in.
After dinner, Matthew took her by the hand and led her to a secluded spot on the rooftop, away from the other guests. The city stretched out below them, lights twinkling like stars.
“This is beautiful,” Gabrielle murmured.
“Not as beautiful as you,” he replied without hesitation.
She turned to him, her eyes searching his. “You always say things like that so easily.”
“Because they’re true.”
A soft breeze brushed past them as he cupped her face gently. “You’re my world, Gabrielle. You always have been.”
Her eyes shimmered with emotion, and she stepped closer, resting a hand on his chest. “You’re mine, too.”
He leaned in slowly, giving her a moment to stop him if she wanted to. But she didn’t. She tilted her head up, closing the space between them as their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss.
It wasn’t rushed, or desperate—it was slow, deep, and full of unspoken promises.
When they finally pulled away, Gabrielle let out a breathless laugh. “You know, if you keep kissing me like that, we might never leave this rooftop.”
Matthew smirked. “That’s not a bad idea.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “Let’s go home before we cause a scene.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist as they left, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Whatever you want, love.”
And as they walked into the night, wrapped in each other’s warmth, for the first time in a long time—everything felt perfect.