She snapped out of her daze, sitting up straighter. “S-sorry, did you say something?”
Luna rubbed her head against Gabriela’s neck, sensing her need for emotional comfort.
I handed her the glass and while she drained the water within seconds, I repeated in a vain effort, “I said I’m thinking of adding a painting to my dining room wall or a bookshelf in my living room. Thoughts?”
“Yes to both.” She deposited the glass on the counter. “An abstract or landscape painting and a dark-coloured bookshelf will definitely tie up the apartment nicely.”
“Noted.” I tipped my chin towards her empty glass. “Do you want more?”
“No.” She gulped. “But can I have some of that whiskey?”
“Of course. Help yourself.” I pushed the bottle closer to her. “Is there anything I can do for you? Anyone I can call?”
She poured herself two fingers. “I’ll text my parents and friends soon. You and Josh have already done enough for me. Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank us. Not for something like this.”
A faint smile curved her mouth. As she daintily sipped her whiskey, I walked around the island to take a seat next to her. At this proximity, I could smell her perfume and it brought forth memories of last night.
After I came back home from the party, I spent a long time in the shower, using my fist to fuck myself in her honour. Whenever I closed my eyes, all I saw was her sensual body on the dance floor, all I heard was her little noises, and all I felt was her fingers diving into my hair, her lips staining mine red with sinful kisses, her greedy tongue twining with mine, and her quick pulse fluttering under my hand on her throat.
“Hunter?”
It was my turn to snap out of my daze. I cleared my throat and angled my body towards hers, mildly ashamed for being unable to let go of that kiss. “Yes?”
I realized even sitting down side by side, I towered over her. She had to tip her head back to gaze at me.
God, she was so beautiful, with her blue eyes, rosy lips, little black dress, and a white bow holding half of her hair up, the rest of it trailing down her back.
“About last night—”
“Coast is clear!” Josh hollered, cutting off Gabriela as he entered my apartment. “Luckily, there’s no other damage. My crew should be here shortly. But, Gabby, you can’t stay here anymore. It’s not safe.”
Gabriela sighed, as though finally registering the magnitude of her situation. Someone was taunting her—someone who most likely meant her harm—and now she couldn’t stay here. “Yeah, I know. I’ll stay with my mom for a bit.”
“You should tell your dad ASAP.” Josh perched his hip against the counter where we sat and returned her gun. “And when you do, tell him to get in contact with me.”
Gabriela nodded. “I will.”
“Good. In the meantime, I’ll keep you posted if we find anything else on our end.”
“Thanks, Josh.” She downed the rest of her whiskey, wincing slightly at the burn. “I should get going now.”
Josh fished out his keys from his pocket. “I’ll drive you.”
Knowing this was my chance to spend more time with Gabriela, I cast Josh a meaningful glance. “Actually, I know you have to meet up with Layla soon for date night, so…” I turned my focus to Gabriela. “I can drive you instead.”
Gabriela hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I stood up. “Josh, I owe you one for today.”
I owe you for a lot more than helping me move.
Josh smirked, understanding the double meaning. “Anytime, man.”
CHAPTER 5
Nothing More Than Platonic
