Once Upon A Time(52)

“Gabriel, you’re my client,” I whispered, the hurt in my voice audible.

“I know.” He stood, stepping towards me, a growl rumbling in his throat. “This wasn't supposed to happen.”

The huskiness in his voice sent shivers throughout my body, as it always did. A small gasp escaped my lips as he threaded his fingers between mine, pulling me towards him. His lips moved to the sensitive flesh beneath my ear as he placed a soft kiss against my skin. I felt the burn instantly, as if he’d left his mark on me.

“Prince Charming doesn’t exist, Payton,” he whispered against my neck. “But I do.”

He kissed my neck softly one last time before releasing my hands and walking right out my door.

After a beat, I threw myself onto my sofa with a deep sigh. What the hell just happened? He’s falling for me and I knew, I knew I was falling for him too. Fear gripped me. This couldn't happen. Even if my job wasn't standing in the way, my heart was. I didn't want to allow myself to be weak again but Gabriel was breaking down those walls that had been impenetrable for years.

The apartment door opening pulled me out of my own head as Quinn walked in, looking at me expectantly.

“What?” I groaned.

He laughed softly, joining me on the sofa.

“Nothing. I was just wondering where lover boy went to in such a hurry.”

I groaned again. This was a mess.

“He’s falling for me,” I whispered, unable to look at my best friend.

“And you’re falling for him.”

My head whipped around at his comment. I stared my best friend in the eyes and tried to find something to throw back at him, to deny it and tell him I was incapable of loving another person after my heart was already scarred from Cam.

“Sweetie, it’s written all over your face,” he added, wrapping his arm around me and pulling me close.

I rested my head on his shoulder and just stared, not concentrating on anything in particular as I tried to find solace from my friend.

“It’s okay to fall for him, Pay,” he whispered, placing a soft kiss against my hair. “I understand how important your job is and how much it means to you. I understand Cam did a real number on your heart, enough for you to believe there’s no such thing as fairy tales and Prince Charming. But what’s life without a little risk?”

I sighed deeply. My job meant the world to me but as I sat cuddling the one man I knew would never hurt me, I realized seeing, talking, arguing and laughing with Gabriel was beginning to mean far more than my job ever could.

“I pushed him away, Quinn,” I whispered.

“If he’s truly falling for you, it doesn't matter how hard or how far you push, he'll always come back for you. And that, right there, is the definition of Prince Charming.”

There it was, the truth in all its glory and I didn't have a single argument against it.

I woke sometime later in my bed, groggy and disorientated. I must have fallen asleep on Quinn sometime after the truth finally rang through my ears, and for the first time in a long time, I finally believed.

Turning, I grabbed my cell from my bedside cabinet and checked the time. 3am. Ugh.

Tomorrow was the start of the opening night preparations for Alpha. Deciding to forgo more sleep, I jumped out of bed and got dressed. I threw on some sweats, a hoodie and my chucks. I placed my hair into a messy bun and grabbed my notes and pen from my dresser, throwing them into my purse as I made my way out of my room.

I needed my head in the game. I was going to show everyone just how good I was at my job in the hopes that, if I finally let Gabriel in, maybe Kate wouldn't fire me. Wishful thinking but it was a step forward at least.

Reaching for the door knob, I startled as I heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. Turning, I furrowed my brows as I took in the person standing in my hallway, clad in only a pair of black boxers that did nothing to particularly hide what was underneath.

“Good morning, Payton.”

Luca’s British accent washed over me and I was confused as to why the hell he was in my apartment.

“Uh. Did you break in?” I asked, my stupidity clearly the outcome of the lack of sleep.

He chuckled quietly.

“No, I've been here since I carried you to bed.”

Um, what?

“Sorry.” I paused, shaking my head. “I’m confused. Am I still asleep?”

He rolled his eyes.

“No, you’re definitely awake, tiger. I came back with Kylie and found you and Quinn asleep on the sofa. I woke Quinn but none of us had the heart to wake you so I carried you to bed… then Kylie.”

That explained why he’s standing in my hallway in nothing but a pair of boxers but it didn’t explain why he’s awake at 3am.