It was hard to tell with the amount of bustling traffic, but for a second, I could have sworn that I spotted a hooded figure watching me from across.
They retreated into an alleyway, blending with the rest of the passersby.
I chalked it up to my eyes playing tricks on me and went back into MacGregor.
CHAPTER 42
Glorious Victory
Gabriela
In the two weeks leading up to the Panthers’ championship, Hunter was busier than ever. If he wasn’t occupied with school and football games—home and away—then he was spending that time with Luna and me. However, he was always so exhausted that our dates consisted of either hanging out at my place or his and often calling it an early night.
“Once all of this is over”—he yawned as we cuddled in bed—“I’ll take you out on a proper date.”
Though I loved a good party and an occasion to step out in my best attire, I enjoyed our cozy home dates immensely. There was something heartwarming in cooking for one another, watching TV with our Luna, working on our newfound artsy hobbies, and finishing the night wrapped up in each other’s arms.
My lips skimmed his stubbled cheek, pressing a kiss on the high point. “And where will you be taking me?”
“Anywhere you want, Gabby.” His tone was soft and tinged with sleep. He tucked his face in my neck and I tightened my arms around him, embracing him like I was his protector. Hunter might be bigger and stronger than me, yet oftentimes I found myself wanting to shield his pure soul from the eyes of this horrid world. Hunter hugged me back and I combed my fingers through his washed strands. I trimmed them the slightest bittonight to remove any dead ends so his hair remained healthy as ever. “But I…I was thinking of taking you to that upcoming masquerade ball.”
He must have overheard me telling Anna and Layla that I wanted to go. “Really?”
“Really.” He nuzzled my skin with a series of lazy kisses. “I’ve never cared to go to these kinds of events until you.”
Because I made him want to be seen. Tenderness unfurled in my chest. “I would be delighted to go with you.”
“And you’ll probably need a new gown so you can go shopping next week with my card,” he rasped. “Make sure you buy me a tie, doll. I want to match.”
I grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Gabby?” He was just about to doze off, slumber pulling at his lids and his deep voice slurring adorably.
When I was faced with this version of Hunter, I sometimes forgot that this was the same sinful, tattooed, alpha man who fucked me raw in various positions until I was screaming loud enough to have the neighbours knocking on our door, asking if we were okay.
“Yes,bello?”
“Tell me a dream of yours,” he whispered. “Something you want to accomplish in the next fifteen years.”
I asked him that same question weeks ago at Club Azul and his answer was imprinted inside of me. Gazing at the glow-in-the-dark Pegasus constellation on the ceiling, I pondered how to best say my truth. Finally, I whispered, “I want to be with you, Hunter. You’re my happily ever after.”
But he didn’t hear me.
His body had gone slack as he succumbed to a peaceful sleep, his arms curved around my body as if he was worried I’d drift away from him.
I wished I could muster the courage to tell him how I really felt. How I loved him, how he was the center of my world, how he was my moon and I was his tides, forever gravitating towards him. But still, an invisible force kept the words rooted deep in my core. Maybe it was irrational, but I was aware that it was the overthinker in me—the one who wanted to do everything perfectly right. And most importantly, the one who wanted to give Hunter a love confession that he would remember for decades to come. This kind-hearted man had waited so long for me. It was the least he deserved.
I kissed Hunter’s forehead and eventually fell asleep too.
A few days later, we were on our way to meet Hunter’s family.
“I was right,” I said as he pulled his car into a circular driveway. “You really are a prince.”
The Warren mansion was colossal, located in a gated community on the East Side. An imposing residence that screamed old money and was straight out of a fairy tale, with a manicured lawn and hedges, limestone fountain, and spotlights leading up to the front stairs. There, both his sister, Heidi, and his mom, Hannah, awaited us with eager anticipation.
Hunter stepped out of the Jag and rounded the front to come to my side. He grabbed the flowers, the box of chocolates resting in my lap, and extended a gloved hand for me.
I ambled out in my six-inch stilettos and Hunter kissed the side of my head. “Ready?”
