I froze in my seat, suddenly feeling warm all over. I remained silent, stupefied and baffled at his compliment. The fiery warmth ablazed on my cheeks, creating a red powdery tint from being flustered.
I was relieved because the lights were a bit dimmed, the disco ball was the only source of light emitting.
"Uh, t-thank you..." was the only thing I replied as I tried to recover. I straightened my body as I coughed the clog inside my throat.
I thought he'll sit properly as well, but I was wrong when he held my wrist tightly yet gentle.
"Dance with me..." he uttered.
Before I could even refuse his offer, he already pulled me softly from my seat. He's too strong and dominating that even though he's just gently leading me to the dance floor, I just can't get out from his grasp—or maybe I chose to not get out from his grasp. He can surely hold me effortlessly, even my heart seconds the motion.
Because of the big crowd on the dance floor, no one noticed us coming to the center. Despite that, I still felt anxious.
Gabriel held my hand tightly, while the other hand sweeped up my side, fingers flexing over my ribs. I shut my eyes with anticipation.
He stared down at me, it might be such cowardice, but I can't bring myself to meet his eyes.
"Are you feeling nervous?" he murmured.
I shut my eyes and shook my head, I pushed myself away to give distance, but the pressure of his warm hand on my back makes me tremble.
"I've been thinking that... I have a huge impact on you," he spoke in a stern voice.
I bit my inner lip, lashes fall down to my feet. He's right, he has a big impact on me especially now. But I don't want him to think that his hunch is right so I tilted my head upwards and looked straight at his face despite my heartbeat deafening my system.
"I don't think this is very professional, Mr. Magnus."
"I'm not being professional with you at all," he said, the corner of his lips curved in amusement.
"What would I be to you, then?" I asked with a frown.
I don't know where I got the strength to meet his eyes when I knew my heart was still in chaos.
"I just want to be with you tonight, it's as simple and as complicated as that," he answered sweetly.
He held my back tightly and brought me closer to him. The scent from his gray suit invaded my nose as our proximity left no visible gap.
Left with no choice, I closed my eyes shut as I leaned on his shoulder. His strong arms seemed very protective as it wrapped around my frail waist. There was a sense of security... of home.
My body swayed in movement of his. I flowed with him and dance like we used to, like we own the night, like there's no prying eyes on us—like there's no one but us.
"They are watching us..." he almost whispered to me.
I immediately shut my eyes open, flinching at his touch and setting a distance between us. But before I could even do so, his warm arms pulled me closer.
"Mr. Magnus!" I exclaimed and made a startling move to step out.
"Hey, relax..."
He only pulled me closer, as if there's still space to occupy. His arms lingered at the small of my back.
My eyes flew around the dance floor, the others were still dancing, unbothered by anyone while the others were in their tables, amusingly watching the former dance.
I saw Marcus watching us from their seat, curiosity flashed in his deep dark eyes. I gulped as my eyes met his. What will he think of Gabriel and I now? It's impossible for him to not be suspicious, especially now that he saw how we danced.
"Gabriel, let's go back to our seat. Marcus saw us!" I frantically said.
His pale brown eyes darkened into black. "What the others think of you should not be your business."
My eyes widened, I had to blink a couple of times just to absorb what he said.
"Please, Gabriel..." I said in a low, cracked voice.
He sighed heavily. "Let's go home, its late..." he mumbled and pulled me out of the dance floor. Instead of going back to Marcus' table, he brought me at Reisha's direction to properly bid goodbye.
Their conversation was inaudible for the only thing I heard that time was the deafening thumps of this chaotic little heart.
I didn't realize that we're already inside the car because of being absentminded. I just can't help but to worry about what Marcus might say about what he witnessed. I'm sure that his interrogative stares means something, and that something made me anxious.
I faced Gabriel who's smoothly driving his car, his expression was not even tainted by a bit of worry.
I closed my eyes tightly, took a deep breath, and turned to him completely.
"Gabriel..."
His eyes shifted on me, his dark gaze brought havoc to my innards.
"It's alright, you have nothing to worry about," he said and tapped my head gently.
My eyes automatically closed softly as all the worries and uncertainties melted into his touch.
What's wrong with me? Why did his simple gesture gave me this warm, fuzzy feeling inside my stomach?
His only removed his hand on my head after we arrived at my apartment. He turned the engine off while I removed the seatbelt that was wrapped around me. After I did, I faced him.
"Thanks for the ride," I said in a low tone.
He ran his free hand through his hair in a manly way. I bit my lips before averting my eyes away from him.
The streetlights flashed and the wind came smoothly, it felt cold. Seconds past before I decided to hold the door handle.
"I had a great time with you tonight," he mumbled to me.
I turned red. I knew I did. My face rivaled the rose-pink hue of my dress. I wanted to face him again but I was too much of a coward to do so.
"You're welcome... sir," I muttered under my breath.
I opened the door of his SUV, but before I could even step onto the rough surface of the road, I felt his warm palm covering my wrist.
I looked back at him. He instantaneously caught my check, his fingers resting below my ear. I sat there, stunned in both fear and excitement.
I hesitantly looked up at him. I want to open my lips but I can't. His blazing eyes scorched through my soul as the streetlights dimmed its light, darkening our vision.
He puffed out a heavy breath, jaws clenching tightly. "I knew we cross the line... but I want to taste you so bad, like a deceitful sin..." His voice was low and husky.
"Gab..." I whispered, not even so sure why my voice sounded out of breath.
Before I knew it, he yanked me to him and covered my mouth with his in a hungry kiss. We kissed like we invented it—not innocently, it was fiery, passionate, and demanding.