Page 91 of Gabriel

I hated that smirk.Liar, you love that smirk.

“Shut up,” I hissed to myself while every nerve screamed at me to turn around—to ignore the pull—but I couldn’t. Not tonight.

I adjusted my grip on the mug. Nobody sane would drink coffee in the evening, but who in the hell was sane on this yacht?

Certainly not me.

I finally knocked and cracked the door just enough to slip inside, the soft thud behind me sealing the space between us.

Gabriel was sprawled on the bed like a painting someone forgot to cover up, one eyebrow arched in lazy amusement. Almost as if he’d been expecting me.

His dark hair was still damp, strands clinging to his temples, a confirmation he’d taken a shower.

“Elira just left,” he said, confirming my thoughts.

He’d changed into fresh jeans and a plain white T-shirt—both laid out in advance, thanks to me. A fact I should probably not be proud of. And yet, here we were.

His sharp, unreadable eyes locked on mine. He looked way too handsome for someone in such a compromising position.

Yummy,my brain supplied unhelpfully.

“Is my favorite jailer back to keep me company? Unless you’re up for more…” Gabriel drawled, his eyes bright with amusement.

I leaned against the doorframe, aiming for casualness. Although the heat curling low in my belly betrayed me.

“Are you offering your body, Santos?” I joked.

He smirked and shifted slightly on the bed, cuffs glinting in the lamplight. “My body and soul are yours, Amara. Surely I’ve made that clear?”

I wanted to give in right then and there, but thankfully I still retained some of my brain cells.

“Feeling lonely?” he continued in a husk that made my thighs tremble. “Or just bored of your own chaos?”

“Maybe a little of both.” I stepped forward, eyes not dropping from his.

His laugh was warm and maddeningly genuine.

“You know we can start slow. I’m a patient man. Maybe we start with kissing.” His tongue darted out, licking those full lips. “I quite liked kissing you.”

My cheeks flared with heat. I never blushed except around him.

“Do you flirt like this with all women?” I asked.

“No.” He tilted his head with a lazy grin. “Only you. Maybe that makes me crazy.”

“Or you like the view.”

That sharpened his smile. “Definitely the view.”

I took another step, close enough now to feel the heat radiating off him. My fingers brushed the cool bite of the metal cuffs.

“Are these staying on till the end?” Gabriel murmured.

“We’re nearly there so… probably.”

He nodded, then narrowed his eyes. “Why don’t we make the rest of our time together worthwhile? We can make the best out of these bindings.”

I scoffed. “Don’t tell me you’re into that kinky shit.”