Page 6 of Vile Pucker

Ridiculous.He couldn’t even see me through the glass.

Other people started to clamber out of his car, all giggling college-aged women with long hair and big tits, as Gabriel lit a cigarette, the burning tip illuminating his face for a brief moment in the darkness.

His cheekbones were high and sharp, and his face had such perfect even symmetry that for a moment it felt almost uncanny valley. Like he couldn’t be real.

“Get that,” he ordered as he opened the trunk, snapping his fingers at the women, and stretching his arms in the air with unconcern.

Just the sight of him ordering the other women around was enough to piss me off, the way they shot nakedly lustful glances at him, and the inches of flat and toned abs he was showing as he stretched, raising massive arms into the sky.

There were other men too, all tall, but none as big as him, ranging around him in respectful clumps.

Lucian rose to his feet, glass in hand.

“Don’t let his size alarm you,” he repeated. “He can’t help how tall he is. It’s often startling to people at first, but you are getting a chance to prepare yourself ahead of time.”

My indignation grew.

“I’m not afraid oftallpeople,” I said as they walked up the steps of the manor.

“In here, son,” Lucian called. “Come have a glass of wine.”

The door opened, and the newcomers poured in.

Gabriel’s arms were around two beautiful women, both hanging off his biceps and squealing at how easy it was for him to carry them.

Inside, he somehow looked even more massive, the lean strength of an athlete but with broad powerful shoulders, dressed in a black T-shirt and black pants with big boots.

Now what should I say first?

I’m looking forward to becoming your stepmother?

But I didn’t have a chance. His eyes flicked around the room as he entered it, and when they came to me. . .they stopped.

And they didn’t move on.

They stayed on me, steady, unblinking, dark.

Gabriel dropped both women to the ground with such an abrupt thump that they staggered.

“Putherin my room,” he said, jerking his head toward me. “I’ll come up after I get a drink.”

For a moment I could not comprehend what he was ordering.

Or that he meant me.

“Pardon?” I asked, when I saw everyone staring at me.

“Take her to my room,” he said again as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. It was only when Branby moved behind me thatI felt panic. What an awkward situation, but I had to correct this misunderstanding immediately.

“I’m—not going to your room! I’m here with your father!”

Gabriel tipped his head back and drained the entire amber-colored glass.

“I said I want you in my room.”

“She’s here to help you play on the Steelblades,” Lucian said, in a quiet voice. “This is Dr. Lark Lindeth.”

Suddenly, irrationally, I wished he hadn’t said anything.