Chapter 305: A Momentary Daze
“Mmm, Jack? Is that you?” Alison asked. Her lips left his reluctantly as she gazed dazedly at his face. She rubbed her eyes, murmuring, “Jack?”
“No.” The cold voice remained. He paused at her question.
Staring into her blinking eyes, he abruptly stood up. His rationality returned just in time.
He gasped for breath, regretting he had nearly lost control.
If he had taken her, she would hate him when she woke.
“No—you’re Jack.” Her hands clutched his arm, refusing to let go.
She tugged at him, shaking him. “Jack, please hold me…”
His jaw tightened. His reason steadied.
He picked her up, strode to the bathroom, and kicked the door open.
He twisted the faucet—cold water roared out.
Then, without warning, he seized her in a deep, punishing kiss.
The icy spray drenched them both, extinguishing the alcohol that clouded her mind.
“Mmm…” She gasped, snapping fully awake.
“You… you bastard!” Without thinking, she bit down hard on his lip.
Gabriel winced, tasting blood, and yanked her away.
“Who the hell are you calling a bastard?” he barked.
“You… why did you kiss me?” she demanded, trembling—whether from cold or fear, she couldn’t tell.
“I kicked you out! But you came back, clinging to me and begging for it!” Gabriel’s voice was rough, the edge of restraint gone.
“I…” Alison blinked, trying to recall, but everything blurred into fragments.
“I’m sorry. I mistook you for someone else, so…” She blushed furiously.
“So that’s your excuse for throwing yourself at a man?” he shot back.
“No, it wasn’t like that. I really didn’t mean to. I had too much to drink.” Alison stammered.
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to talk to you.”
She flicked her wet hair aside; her teeth were still chattering.
Water dripped from her disheveled hair, soaking her clothes. She looked utterly bedraggled.
“Talk about what? I don’t think we’re that close,” he said, voice flat.
“Gabriel, don’t be like that. I know you’re not a cold man. I came to warn you—stay away from that stuff. It’ll ruin your life.”
“Huh?”
“Really. I studied nursing. I’ve seen withdrawal destroy people. It’s not too late—you can still quit.”
“Thanks,” he muttered. “But that’s my problem. I’ll handle it. You can leave now.”
“Gabriel, I—” She faltered, confusion and shame washing over her.
She realized, I feel something for him… the same way I once felt for Jack.
Snapping back to herself, she pushed him away and bolted toward the door.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come. You’re right—we’re strangers, and we’ll never cross paths again!”
She grabbed the handle—locked.
No matter how hard she pulled, the door wouldn’t budge.
Gabriel approached silently and unlocked it with a sharp click.
“Alison,” he said coldly, “I told you—I don’t like women who don’t respect themselves. Don’t let me see you again.”
Alison bolted out, whispering as she went, “Gabriel… I’m sorry.”
The words had barely left her lips when the door opened again.
An arm reached out, pulling her gently back inside.
A blanket, a towel, and a set of loose-fitting men’s clothes were handed to her.
She froze for a moment. “You… you knew I’d be back?”
“Because it’s cold outside,” he said curtly.
“Go change in the bathroom. After that, leave. You haven’t wronged me, but don’t bother me again.”
“No… I’ll change right here,” she murmured, voice trembling.
He picked up a cigarette from the table and strode toward the door.
“Gabriel, wait,” she called as he turned away.
“What? Hurry up,” he growled hoarsely.