Chapter 336: I Want Daddy
“Gabriel, tell me what happened,” Alison murmured, her fingertips brushing the faint scratch on his neck.
“My weakness is in Emmy’s hands,” he said with a crooked smile, lightly pinching her nose. “So naturally, I’ve got to stay close to her.”
“What weakness?” she asked, curiosity flickering through her eyes.
“Guess,” he teased, one brow arching playfully.
“Did she find out you helped me with those photos?” she asked after a pause.
“Yeah,” he admitted. “Are you still mad at me?” He reached out and pinched her nose again.
“Then how did you get those fingernail marks on your body?” she pressed, refusing to let it go.
He met her gaze and said softly, “Silly girl… does that really matter so much to you?”
“Yes,” she said firmly, locking eyes with him. “I care.”
“She was in withdrawal,” he explained. “There were no drugs left, so she clawed at me.”
“Oh, so that’s what it was,” she said, nodding slowly—yet unease coiled in her chest as she recalled that scene at the theatre, the closeness between him and Emily.
“What?” He smirked. “Did you think she and I were… playing some kind of sex game?”
“Hey! How dare you,” she shot back, cheeks flushing. “Emily’s Rock’s fiancée—you shouldn’t have even been sitting beside her at his concert!”
“That marriage’s just a deal,” he said coolly. “Rock’s marrying Emily to get what he wants, and Emily’s marrying him so she can stop running errands for the Polar Bear Alliance.”
Alison’s thoughts wandered to the heavenly piano melodies that had poured from Rock’s fingertips. She couldn’t believe that someone so pure, so gifted, could crave the Polar Bear Alliance’s power. His mother, at least, had never cared for such things.
“Alison, stop overthinking,” Gabriel interrupted gently. “Go rest. Weren’t you taking the kids swimming today?”
“And you?” she asked, glancing at him guiltily—remembering she’d already invited Aidan the night before. “Are you coming?”
“Can’t,” he said, shaking his head. “I’ve got things to handle. Go with Aidan.”
“Gabriel… are you really part of the Polar Bear Alliance?” she asked hesitantly.
If he was, then helping her meant betraying Matthew—and that was dangerous, even reckless.
“Of course I am,” he said easily. “I’ve been with them long enough. And everything I told you today? Forget it.” He pinched her nose again, teasing but firm. “You know what to do now, don’t you?”
She shook her head faintly, confusion flickering across her face.
“Then listen,” he said, brushing his fingers across her cheek. “Rest. Take the kids swimming. Forget everything else I’ve said—because if you don’t, I can’t promise they’ll be safe.”
When she didn’t answer, he glanced toward the window. Dawn was breaking.
He sat up, stood, and walked to the balcony where his clothes hung.
“Gabriel, don’t go out like that!” she protested, flustered at the sight of him half-dressed. “Wear Jack’s clothes. You’re about the same height—they’ll fit.”
Gabriel paused mid-step, half-turned toward her.
She hurried to the wardrobe, pulling out a crisp new outfit—one Jack had never worn.
“Gabriel, here—” she began, turning—only to find him already behind her, silent as a shadow.
The sudden nearness made her jump. “Ah! Gabriel, you scared me!”
“Give it,” he said quietly, holding out his hand.
“Gabriel… how do you always sneak up like that?” she asked, heart still racing.
“I flew,” he teased, chuckling.
“Yeah, right,” she muttered. Watching him pull on the shirt, her hand moved on instinct—she began fastening his buttons herself.
They were so close their breath mingled, the air between them warm and heavy.
“Alison, I’m leaving,” he said quietly, turning away the moment she smoothed the last button.
“Not even a thank-you? How cold,” she muttered, pouting—her heart sinking at the thought of him leaving.
“Thank you… for buttoning my shirt?” he teased, laughter rumbling in his chest.
Her face flamed. “Of course not!” she snapped.
“Then what are you thanking me for?” he teased again, eyes glinting.
“I already handled the photo problem,” he murmured, pulling her close until her chest met his. “So… how are you going to thank me?”
She froze, words caught in her throat—unsure whether to push him away or whisper his name.