Chapter 340: Unable to Look Away
Meeting Gabriel’s gaze, Alison felt her pulse thunder.
“Gabriel, tell me—who exactly are you?” she blurted, unease curling through her. He was definitely hiding something.
“I’m Gabriel Laroche,” he said evenly, then bent to brush a kiss across her cheek. “Stop overthinking. You started this—now you’re responsible for me.”
The words sent shivers through her. Standing before him in only her swimsuit, she felt her chest rise instinctively beneath his touch, the heat rushing to her face.
“Alison, I want you,” he murmured as she lowered her head, trying to escape his gaze.
“Stop it—the kids are right outside.” Her face burned hotter; she tried to pull free.
He turned her gently, tilting her chin up. “Say it—tell me you love me. Or I’ll take you right here…”
Was this his way of showing love—or just another form of control?
She bit her lip, her cheeks aflame.
“Say it—now.” His fingers tightened beneath her chin.
His lips crashed onto hers, the kiss edged with punishment.
“I love you,” she whispered into the heat of the kiss.
“How long?” he demanded softly.
“Forever,” she breathed.
Reluctantly, he drew back, his thumb tracing the moisture on her lips. “I’ll taste you again tonight,” he murmured.
“You’re impossible,” she whispered, blushing even deeper.
“Mommy! Godfather! Are you done yet?” Sophia called from outside the door.
“Almost—coming out soon,” Gabriel called back. Then he turned to Alison with a grin. “Hurry and change. Keep that one on.”
He zipped the swimsuit for her and lifted her coat, ready to help her into it.
“Gabriel, get out—I can dress myself,” she snapped.
“Don’t test me next time, or I really will take you right here,” he warned, his voice low and dangerous.
His identity, his motives—all of it—remained a mystery.
“Go! Watch the kids. If anything happens to them, I’ll never speak to you again,” she said, pushing him toward the door.
He only smiled, then walked out.
When she finally stepped out, Sophia and Ethan were already laughing with Gabriel as if nothing had happened.
“Wrap it up,” Alison told the attendant briskly.
“Mommy, why’d it take so long? Can we go now?” Ethan asked impatiently.
“Yeah, I’m ready,” she said, keeping her eyes lowered, unable to meet theirs.
“Mommy, why’s your face so red?” Sophia asked suspiciously.
“Oh, nothing. Let’s go,” Alison said quickly, grabbing the bag and heading for the exit.
“Mommy, wait up!” Sophia cried.
They set off once more.
Soon they reached the swimming pool, parking the motorcycle by the gate.
“Alison, take the kids in first. I’ll follow,” Gabriel said.
“Okay.” Alison took a small hand in each and led them toward the entrance.
“Godfather’s so cool—just like Daddy!” Ethan bounced beside her.
“Why?” Alison asked softly, her heart skipping a beat.
“They’re both strong!” Ethan said proudly.
By the time she’d bought the tickets, Gabriel was already inside the lobby.
The two kids spotted him and ran to him.
“Godfather, let’s go in!” Ethan cried.
“Sure,” Gabriel said, bending to scoop them up with effortless ease.
“Mommy, I’m changing with Godfather!” Ethan announced.
Alison looked at Gabriel, uncertain.
“Leave Ethan with me,” Gabriel assured her.
“Okay.” She nodded reluctantly.
“I wanna change with Mommy,” Sophia said, clinging to her hand.
Alison helped Sophia into her swimsuit, then changed into her own.
When they came out, Ethan and Gabriel were already splashing in the water.
“Mom, you’re so slow! Sophia, jump in—it’s so fun!” Ethan shouted, bobbing in a swim ring.
Sophia only hid behind Alison’s leg.
Alison sighed helplessly—she couldn’t swim either.