I groaned.
“I’m a nervous wreck. This is what he does to me. This is ridiculous. Tell him I’m sick, that I got my period. Christ, tell him I severed a limb and I’m in the hospital. Tell him something so I can cancel this stupid dinner!”
“Like hell I will!” she yelled, placing her hands on her hips. “Get your butt out there!”
I didn't move. Not when Quinn hollered from my living room that Gabriel was here, or even when he peeked his head around the door, informing us how hot Gabriel’s ass was.
Kylie rolled her eyes and I was suddenly launched out of my bedroom and into the middle of my living room. My feet couldn't get their bearings and I was teetering on the ridiculously high Louboutins Kylie made me wear. I threw out my arms to try to balance myself, praying that the laws of gravity would be sympathetic to my situation and help me out.
The gods didn't answer.
It was too late.
My ass hit the floor with an almighty thud. My eyes instantly slammed shut and I was completely mortified. This was why heels of any kind should be burned.
A deep, sensual laugh had me opening my eyes, and I was greeted by the deep grey depths of Gabriel Black's eyes.
“Did you really just fall?” He chuckled deeply within his throat and offered his hand. I took it and was quickly pulled to my feet.
“No,” I said, wiping off the back of my dress and whatever dignity I had left, “I just attacked the floor.” I shrugged, peering up through my lashes.
“Backwards?” His brows furrowed as he let go of my hand more quickly than I’d have liked.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m freaking talented.”
He looked at me for a moment, tilting his head to the right ever so slightly.
“Are you high?” he asked, perplexed.
No.
But it sounded like a good idea right now.
“What? No!” I groaned. “Can we just get out of here before I embarrass myself further?” I caught Quinn in the corner of my eye, clearly checking out Gabriel from the back, his gazing lingering a little too long on his ass. “Or before he does?”
I pointed to Quinn over Gabriel's shoulder. He turned, tilting his head a little more as he gave Quinn the once over before thrusting out his hand.
“Gabriel Black.”
Quinn’s eyes almost bugged out his head as he stared down at Gabriel’s hand. Placing his hand in Gabriel's like the royalty he thought he was, Quinn giggled.
“Quinnlan Myers.”
I think Quinn may have just swooned. Oh dear god.
“Should we head out?” I asked, grabbing Gabriel’s attention.
“Of course.” He smiled warmly, turning back to my friends. “It was nice to meet you, Quinn.” He turned to Kylie. “I owe you one, Kylie.”
I rolled my eyes as his hand moved to the small of my back, guiding me out of my apartment.
“Do not trash the place, guys!” I yelled over my shoulder. “I’ll deal with you later, Kylie Jackson!”
We exited my apartment building with the sound of my best friends' laughter trailing behind us. One day, I might kill them. We moved in silence as we stepped out onto the sidewalk. I looked around the street, fully expecting to see Leo and the town car but they were nowhere to be seen.
“No Leo?” I asked, turning to him.
“Not tonight.” His voice rumbled in his chest as he guided me once more, stopping at a sleek black Mercedes.
“Wow.” I paused, running my fingers over the polished surface.
“My sentiments exactly,” he whispered behind me. I had a feeling he wasn’t referring to the car and it thrilled me, yet irritated the life out of me.
Opening the door, I slid inside and marveled at the softness of the leather. It always amazed me what luxury money could buy. Gabriel climbed into the car and started the engine. We drove in silence and I stared out the window, watching as New York drifted by in a sea of dancing lights as darkness fell upon the city.
Lost in my thoughts, I hadn’t realized we’d stopped until I felt a large, warm palm on my mid-thigh. The touch registered deep inside me, and was enough for me to turn to the man who confused me and turned my normal life upside down.
“You’re fucking beautiful.” He smiled, stepping out of the car and moving around to mine. Opening my door, I didn't have time to really process what he’d said until my hand was in his, pulling me from the car.
“Thank you,” I muttered, unsure how to respond to his statement.
His hand came to the small of my back once more, resting just above the curvature of my ass. A chill spread across my exposed skin as we walked through the open double doors of Illusion.
The first thing I noticed was the array of lights set in the middle of the ceiling. Different colors, sizes and designs of light bulbs lit up the vast space. It was unique and drew the eye instantly. The interior was modern, sporting leather chairs with glass tables, the dark wooden paneling surrounding the room giving it an antique feel.