Silken Chains: Dark Mafia Romance, page 8
Gabriel leans in, and his eyes look intense but measured. "Bella, I understand that this life, my world, might seem dangerous from the outside. But we run a tight operation, and the real danger doesn't typically touch us."
I can't help but scoff. "How so? What makes you think you're immune to—"
"We're not like the other cartels you hear about," he cuts me off, his voice firm. "We're smaller for a reason, more insulated. I could go into the details, but that's not why we're here."
I study him, catching the caution in his tone. "Okay, then, what do you want from me?"
A warm smile blooms on his face. "I want us to continue to get to know each other. Don't cut me out so quickly."
I throw my head back in disbelief. "Gabriel, I can't. I can't bring whatever you're involved in into my life. Or worse, into the lives of my family."
He leans in closer, trying to meet my eyes. "Bella, the risk to you and your family is minimal. You're more likely to be involved in a car crash than for anything to happen to you because of me."
I roll my eyes incredulously. "You say that as if it's true. As if you really believe it."
"Because I do." He locks eyes with me, and for a second, I almost want to believe him, too.
I stare at him, but my mind is elsewhere. I'm transported back to his family's hacienda, where his presence thickens the air. I can almost smell his cologne mingling with the fresh scent of the gardens outside. This vivid sensory memory sends a shiver down my spine. My heart picks up its pace as if he's right there, as close as he was then, enveloping me in the warmth radiating from my skin's surface to the depths of my soul. I feel a magnetic pull toward him—a physical and emotional allure, transcending any attraction I've felt before. It's confusing and overwhelming but undeniably compelling. I take a deep breath, trying to center myself back in the present moment.
"Why me, Gabriel?" My voice carries a vulnerability I don't try to hide. "Of all the women you could have, why me?" I look into his eyes, waiting for his reply.
Gabriel reaches across the table, and his eyes never leave mine. I hesitate for a moment but place my hand in his. "Because you are you," he says softly. "You're gorgeous and smart. But it's that independence that turns me on. You're not someone who needs saving, Bella. You're fierce."
His gaze intensifies, becoming almost palpable. It feels like he's undressing me with his eyes, seeing beyond the surface, straight to the core of who I am. His fingers brush over my skin, sending an electric pulse through me that awakens a dormant but intense desire. My heart races in response, and my chest rises and falls rapidly with shallow breaths.
"I desire you in a way I've never desired anyone else," he says as if reading the unspoken questions racing through my mind. His words hit me like a tidal wave, and I'm consumed by a desperate need to feel more of his touch, to be closer to him.
Three servers elegantly waltz over to our table, each carrying a small platter. They set down an assortment of appetizers: tender beef tartare with a quail egg yolk perched on top, a duo of oysters served with a mignonette sauce, a plate of truffled arancini, and delectable risotto balls that promise a burst of flavor. It's a spread fit for a foodie's dream.
As the server retreat, I immediately take a huge gulp of wine to calm my racing nerves. My hand trembles slightly as I place the glass back on the table. I force myself to look away from Gabriel and focus on the appetizers. "This looks incredible," I say, my voice barely more than a whisper.
I can feel Gabriel's eyes on me. There's fervent desire there, almost tangible in its intensity. Part of me wants to give in, to lean across the table and feel his lips on mine. But I can't. Not now. Instead, I reach for a piece of arancini, letting the rich, truffled flavors temporarily distract me.
We chatter through the main course, each plate seemingly better than the last. This time, another bottle of wine appears a white that pairs well with the seafood risotto. We steer clear of heavy topics, discussing everything from travel to hobbies. I can feel myself start to relax, though whether it's the wine or just the evening's atmosphere, I can't tell.
After dessert—a decadent chocolate soufflé that rises like a little tower of temptation—I manage only a few bites before admitting defeat. "I'm stuffed," I declare.
Gabriel grins. "I'll take that as a compliment to the chef."
We leave the restaurant and start walking. The soft glow of streetlights illuminate the streets. I'm keenly aware of the bodyguards trailing us, but their presence no longer bothers me.
As we approach the car, I turn to Gabriel. "Thank you for an incredible evening. The food was exquisite."
His eyes meet mine, and there's something soft there, a warmth that sends a shiver down my spine. "It was my pleasure, Bella."
The car ride back to the hotel stays quiet, and our tension remains tangible but unspoken. When we arrive, I hesitate before exiting the car. "Would you like to have a drink at the bar?" I ask, surprised by my boldness. "I'm not ready to say goodbye yet."
He smiles a slow-spreading grin that reveals the depth of his pleasure. "I'd love to."
The atmosphere in the bar is a mix of chic and cozy. Soft jazz music wafts through the air, and the dim lighting casts a golden glow over the leather seats and polished tables. I slide into a booth, and Gabriel sits across from me, a respectful distance away.
"What will you have?" he asks.
"Two sour appletinis, please," I tell the waiter. Gabriel orders a scotch, neat.
As the first sip of my cocktail touches my lips, a wave of boldness washes over me. "I have to admit, I'm confused," I begin. "I really like you, Gabriel. A lot."
He leans in a little, and his eyes search mine. "And that confuses you?"
"It's not just that. You've gone out of your way twice now to find me. It's different than my ex, but still... it's a lot to process. I get that you are trying to be grandiose with your gestures, whereas my ex was creepy, like trying to attack me."
Gabriel takes a sip of his scotch, seeming to savor the taste and the moment's weight. "I understand," he says softly.
"And then there's your family's... business," I tread carefully around the words. "I have no idea how to feel about it."
He places his glass down. "That's fair. It's not something most people have to consider in a relationship."
"I can't make a decision, not yet at least. I came to L.A. for an interview and must focus on that first." I finish my second appletini and feel the warmth spread through my veins, loosening the knots in my stomach.
Gabriel nods, and his eyes never leave mine. "Then focus on your interview, Bella. No pressure, no timeline. Just know I'm here, and when you decide, I'll be waiting."
My heart races, and I can't help but wonder if this is a risk worth taking. But for now, the unknown will have to wait.
Chapter Eleven
Gabriel
My pulse quickens as I watch Bella, and her eyes glow softly in the dim light of the hotel corridor. "May I walk you to your room?"
She glances over her shoulder, undoubtedly aware of the guards who've discreetly followed us.
"They'll wait by the elevator and the stairwell," I assure her quickly.
"All right," she agrees, her hand slipping into mine.
Electricity surges through me, making my heart race. There's hope as we step into the elevator. Once we reach her floor, we walk unhurriedly to her room, but the tension thickens with each step.
We pause before her door, and her gaze drifts to the floor. I can't have that. Tenderly, I lift her chin, and my lips find hers in a soft, lingering kiss.
"Goodnight, Bella," I whisper, pulling away and preparing to leave.
She suddenly grips my arm, turning back to glance at the elevator. "No," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want you to go. Not yet."
My heart soars at her words, and a smile breaks free. "Are you sure?"
She nods, and her eyes lock onto mine as she rummages through her small purse for her key. With a soft click, the door unlocks. She steps over the threshold, and I follow closely behind. The door shuts softly behind us.
The atmosphere inside Bella's hotel room thickens with anticipation, fueled by the flickering city lights filtering through the window. She kicks off her shoes and moves gracefully toward the glass, her silhouette framed by the skyline. My eyes remain fixed on her as she slowly sheds her clothes, each piece falling to the floor, amplifying the pressure in the room.
When she finally turns to face me, she's a vision, and her skin looks radiant in the moonlight. I'm drawn to her like a moth to a flame, and I can barely contain myself as I take her in my grasp. My hands crush against her curves.
"You're so fucking beautiful," I whisper, my voice trembling with awe. Spurred by her raw beauty, I let my lips devour hers hungrily while simultaneously enticing her body into submission. My fingers dance upon her softness until I feel the wild thunder of pleasure pulsing through her veins.
Her breath hitches as she bites down on my bottom lip, and her fingertips dance hurriedly over my body as she urgently rips off my clothes. She's ready for me now, and her hunger matches mine beat for beat.
Bella looks at me with ravenous eyes. The intensity of her gaze makes my cock pulse in anticipation. "You are like a god," she gasps, running her hands all over me, tracing every inch of my body with admiration. She wraps her lips around my shaft and starts to suck hungrily, causing an intense pleasure that radiates through every part of me. Her tongue swirls and caresses me as I arch my back and lean on the glass for support. I moan out loud, and my hips push into her mouth, begging for more. And she doesn't deny me as her head bobs back and forth, fulfilling my desire.
I pull her up and kiss her fervently before carrying her to the bed. I lay her down on the sheets and am about to enter her when she stops me with a hand on my chest. "Wait. Do you have a condom?" I take a deep breath, trying to regain control, my body still trembling with desire. "We can finish this and talk later, or we can talk now?" I say to her in a ragged voice, struggling with the unexpected turn of events.
I sit back, my breath ragged, my body pulsing with unfulfilled desire. Bella props herself up on her elbows, and her breathing matches mine in intensity. Her round breasts beckon me.
"So, we're talking now?" I say, trying to reel in my emotions.
"Yes, let's talk. I'm not on birth control, and I don't intend to take any risks," she says, her words crisp, weighted with importance.
I nod, understanding the gravity of her words. "I get it, Bella. I'm clean. Listen, I had a vasectomy a few years back. I've seen what my world can do to people and families. I won't bring a child into this, not with the expectation that they would have to walk the same path I've walked." I'm surprised I admit this out loud. I've not told anyone.
She looks at me, and her eyes search mine. For a moment, I'm not sure what she's thinking. Then, swiftly, she rises and straddles my lap. Her lips find mine in an urgent kiss as if she's trying to tell me something words can't express. Our desire momentarily halted, ignites once more.
My grip tightens around a handful of her hair as I force my way into her tightness. She gasps in surprise at the sudden pressure, and I pause to savor her body's reaction. In response, she arches her back, pushing her breasts forward until they are right beneath my mouth. As her nipples harden underneath me, I am drawn by their pinkness, like a bee is drawn to nectar. I lean down and draw one of them in with each tongue circle. A spark of electricity shoots from my fingertips into my palms as soon as they contact her skin. My grip tightens in response to the feeling coursing through me; it is almost painful but not quite an indescribable sensation, much like what I feel every time our bodies meet.
I turn up the heat by touching her hard nipples and gently pinch each one as I twirl them between my fingers. Her moans fire my desire until I'm moving with ripping intensity, pushing the girth in and out, burying myself further into her depths with every thrust. The sound that comes out of me is almost animalistic; raw desire clings to the edges and makes them tremble. "Fuck," I drawl.
The heat that was there before has become an inferno. Her slender body meets me every time I enter, begging for more, urging me on in waves of ecstasy. I pull her head back and whisper in her ear. "You're mine."
"Yes, Gabriel," she breathes. "I'm yours." Her body feels soft in my arms, and her legs wrap securely around me as I plunge into her repeatedly. She grinds in between, and my lips find hers again. We kiss deeply as our connection completes with every thrust of our bodies against each other.
Anchored to the spot by Bella's embrace, unable to break free even if I wanted to, I lift her and take a step forward so her back is pressed against the glass and resume my passionate exploration of her mouth. Every curve of her body is just where I want it, but my hands revel in filling them with her full breasts. They are firm, round natural peaks, begging for more than a cursory touch, and the sound that escapes when I bite them tells me I've found heaven on earth. I slowly move down her stomach until I reach my goal; her wet pussy beckons me. She gasps when I gently separate her folds, reveling in her warm, slick, and incredibly welcoming pinkness. Desire overwhelms me as she grinds my teasing tongue. Our eyes meet once more before hooding over with lust. I suck and finger her creamy center. Her moans grow as she holds onto my head tightly. I move my finger quickly over her gorgeous clit in circular motions, and she groans louder and louder as she thrusts against my hand. "You!" she demands. "I want you inside me."
I get up and slide into her sopping-wet pussy. Her heat sucks me in. "Fuck!" I groan. I barrel into her, and she meets the pressure, grunting. I hold her tight, thrusting hard into her center. Her tits bounce, and her hard nipples call me. I suck her hard as I enter her over and over. Her moans and tightness are too much. We come together in an explosion of sensation that leaves us both breathless. It's blinding hot, overwhelming in its intensity.
I carry her back to the bed. I reach for tissues to wipe us down and lay next to her. Her breathing slows down, and she rolls over to meet my gaze. "You're so beautiful," I say.
She smiles. "And you, you're perfect." She kisses me and lays her head on my chest. "I've only done this twice before. And it was never like this."
I might be jealous that I wasn't the first. But damn, she really lifted my pride. "That was nothing, Bella."
She grins. "Is that so? Well, I guess I'll let you stick around and show me more."
My heart races with excitement. "I promise you will not regret this."
She smiles and leans in to kiss me. I love feeling her naked body against mine. I can feel myself throbbing with desire again. But her head lies on my chest again, and a soft yawn escapes her. Bella starts to drift off, breathing deep and even. I run my fingers softly through her hair. I know I can't stay as long as I want to. I gently shake her awake. "Bella, I can't stay the night. But I'll be back first thing in the morning. Get some rest," I whisper, kissing her forehead tenderly.
She gives me a sleepy smile and nods as her eyes close again. I get up, pick my clothes from the floor, and head to the bathroom to freshen up. After dressing quickly, I take one last look at her, peacefully asleep, and leave the room.
Paco waits for me outside the door, his face unreadable but his eyes glinting with a knowing smile. He says nothing as we head for the elevator. Inside, I can't help but relive the evening in my mind as I gaze at my reflection in the polished stainless steel—intimate and genuine, a powerful reminder of what could be.
The elevator reaches the lobby, and we step out. As we head to the car, I can't help but smile. Bella has yet to learn that my family owns Garcia Enterprises, where she's interviewing. I've had no hand arranging her interview, but I'm rooting for her. And not just for the job.
Before I can slide into the car, Paco holds the door open and locks eyes with me. "You should call your brothers," he says, the urgency in his tone catching my attention.
I nod, getting into the car. The partition stays up, giving me privacy. I dial Diego's number, and he picks up on the first ring.
"Gabriel, where the fuck have you been? I've been trying to reach you," Diego snaps, his voice tinged with irritation.
I quickly check my phone, surprised. "That's strange. I don't have any missed calls."
"Well, figure it the hell out. You skipped the conference call, and now Don Antonio is livid. He can't reach you either. Get this: his fiancée's daughters ratted us out to their mother, and now he knows you weren't in the meeting."
I suck in a deep breath, feeling my pulse quicken. I need to sort out what's happening with my phone and what mess unfolded during that meeting. "What happened, Diego?"
Diego sucks in a deep breath. "They have all these grandiose ideas for the engagement party. I didn't see the problem in agreeing as long as they're footing half the bill. But the youngest, I can't even remember her name, balked at the idea. Said our father should pay for everything. I told her if we're planning, we should share the costs. Marco suggested splitting it five ways, which seemed fair. But they weren't having it, man. These women are gold diggers, and I can smell it from a mile away."
I rub my temples, piecing together how everything went south. "All right, I get it. Leave it to me. I'll handle it."
A brief pause passes by, and Diego sighs. "Fine, but sort it out soon. Don Antonio's fuming and I don't want to be in the firing line because you were MIA."
"Understood," I say, hanging up. As the car starts moving, I lean against the seat and my mind races. I've got some major damage control to handle. Still, all I can think of is Bella sleeping peacefully, utterly unaware of the brewing storm. I also need to figure out what is wrong with my phone.
Chapter Twelve
Gabriel
Sucking in a deep breath, I dial Don Antonio's number. The call connects on the first ring, and the terse voice on the other end makes it abundantly clear how irate he is. "You finally decided to call?"
"I had other matters to attend to," I retort, cautiously skirting the edges of my father's temper.
