I run my hand along the bottles, feeling their cool solidity. Behind this wall lies my greatest work, safely hidden away from prying eyes. For now.
16
AMELIA
Istir my cappuccino, watching the heart design dissolve into the foam while Maya studies me over her green tea. The afternoon sun streams through the coffeehouse windows, catching the fading bruise on my wrist where Gabe’s tie had been three nights ago.
“So, you’re seeing him again tonight?” Maya’s voice carries an edge I can’t quite place.
“Yeah.” I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face. “Fourth time this week. He wants me at his place by eight. Says he has something special planned.”
Maya frowns slightly, her finger tracing the rim of her mug. “Don’t you think things are moving pretty fast?”
“Fast is good. Fast is exciting.” I lean forward, lowering my voice. “Maya, I’ve never felt so... seen before. He notices everything about me.”
“That’s what worries me. The way he watches you. It’s...” She pauses, searching for the right word. “Intense.”
I laugh, remembering the way Gabe’s eyes tracked my every movement across his office. “Intensity is the whole point. You should understand that better than anyone.”
Maya’s hand freezes mid-air. “What does that mean?”
“You and Adrian? The way you look at each other like you’re sharing some dark secret?” I raise an eyebrow. “Come on, what’s really bothering you?”
“There’s something about Gabe and Adrian. Something underneath.” Maya’s fingers tighten around her mug. “The same way Adrian’s chocolates taste... empty. Gabe has that same quality. Like looking at a perfect painting where something essential is missing.”
“You’re being dramatic. Besides, didn’t you tell me to go for it with Gabe? Now suddenly you’re concerned?”
“I know, and I’m sorry.” Maya bites her lip. “It’s just—Gabe is... intense. Different from Adrian in ways I can’t quite explain.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Different how? You’ve seemed pretty comfortable with Adrian lately.”
“Adrian and I...” She pauses, weighing her words. “We understand each other. What I’m trying to say is that Gabe has his own... methods. His own code.”
“You’re not making any sense.” I study her face, noting the genuine concern in her eyes. “If you know something specific about Gabe, just tell me.”
“I don’t think he’d ever hurt you,” Maya says finally. “But his world is complicated, Amelia. Once you’re in it, everything changes. I just want you to be sure before you go deeper.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I’m a grown woman.” I check my watch. “I need to go. I’ve got to finish a sketch before tonight.”
She squeezes my hand. “Just promise me you’ll trust your instincts, okay? If something feels wrong...”
“I always do.” I give her a reassuring smile. “I’ll call you tomorrow with all the details.”
As I walk away, Maya’s warning echoes in my mind.
I pause at the corner and glance back. She’s still watching me; worry etched across her face. For a moment, I wonder if I should be more cautious. But the anticipation buzzing through me drowns out any hesitation. Tonight feels like the beginning of something extraordinary—dangerous, maybe, but I’ve always been drawn to the edges of experience. That’s where the most powerful art comes from.
Besides, I tell myself, I can handle myself. Can’t I?
That night,I stand before a sleek high-rise overlooking the river, double-checking the address Gabe texted me. The doorman nods as I mention Gabe’s name, directing me to the private elevator that requires a key card. My pulse quickens when the doors open directly into a spacious penthouse bathed in amber light.
“You found me.” Gabe emerges from the kitchen in dark slacks and a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, exposing strong forearms. A dish towel hangs from his waist, and the scent of garlic and herbs fills the air.
“Your other habitat?” I step inside, taking in the minimalist furnishings—all rich woods and leather, nothing superfluous.
“The responsible citizen version.” He takes my coat, his fingers deliberately brushing my neck. “Wine?”
I nod, wandering toward floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city like one of my paintings. “It’s beautiful.”
