Rose POV
- What are you doing here?
I asked him quite annoyed. He looked at me and closed the door, he was now wearing his shirt and pants again and I was wondering when did he had time to change?
- Im taking you back to your workplace
He said simply, I averted my gaze to the window and soon the car started moving. I tried to ignore him but something was drawning me to him, pulling me to hug him and comfort him as he seemed sad. I don't know why I was feeling that but I wasn't going to fall for this even though I felt bad to know my words hurt him but he was the one that hurt me first! After a few moments of silence i felt his gaze on me but I ignored it.
- Im sorry
He said softly and I turned to look at him, did I heard him right? Was he really apologizing? He mustered a small smile glad that he got my attention at least.
- Im sorry i didn't knew how offending this word felt for humans.
He apologized again and I crossed my hands in front of my chest.
- What even made you think it was a good idea to bring it in the first place?
He sighed heavily and looked to the window, I thought he wasn't going to answer but as I was about to turn back to look on the window myself he answered:
- The women I talked to used it to describe they were called like this by the ex Lord, they never really explained what it meant only that he used it to call his women, his mistresses like this.
I looked at him not sure if I should believe his words but the looks in his eyes seemed honest so I let out a sigh.
- At least now you know and hopefully you're not gonna use it again.
I said on a more understanding tone. He chuckled and said playfully:
- Don't worry I've learned my lesson!
I smiled at him, somehow I just couldn't stay mad at him and the look in his eyes made me believe he was telling the truth and he won't repeat his mistake. I went back at looking outside the window on my side now the silence didn't felt as awkward or pressing as a few moments earlier.
- Does that mean I'm forgiven?
He said hopefully as I turned to look at him, I stared for a few moments thinking then I answered with a smile:
- I guess I can forgive you this time.
His eyes captured my attention for a few moments as I felt the urge to touch him and get closer to him, I was drowning into his eyes but then I came back to my senses and broke the state of daze I was in tugging a strand of my hair back over my ear and turned to look at the window once again.
After a few more moments of silence he spoke again:
- Why are you working as a waitress?
He asked me curiously and I answered without looking at him:
- As I said the other day some of us need to work to afford a comfortable living
- What about your family? Isn't it wealthy enough to assure you a comfortable living?
I see where he's going now, he was curious about my family. I sighed and answered still not looking at him:
- Let's just say we are not on the best terms at the moment
It was all I told him trying to be as vague as possible I just really didn't wanted to talk about it.
- And why is that?
He continued asking so this time I looked at him and I told him in my most serious tone:
- I don't want to talk about it
He nodded his head in understanding and stopped asking me more questions on the subject. I was glad he wasn't pushing it, I didn't knew him very well and I don't trust easily especially after the roller-coaster of emotions from earlier I was planning to be vigilant.
- So what happened with the ex Lord after all?
I asked him after a few minutes of silence as I felt it was too quiet and i had so many questions but I felt comfortable asking him hoping he'll answer at least some of them.
- I've killed him
He said simply watching outside the window on his side and I looked at him hoping for some more details. After a few moments he turned to look at me and continued:
- I didn't really had a choice, I tried to talk to him and suggest he redeems himself but he didn't wanted to. He even attacked me so i had to defend myself and I had to.
-Oh I see, It must have been a hard decision for you but don't worry he deserves it, he was horrible.
He seemed affected by the memory and I felt the urge to comfort him so I did tried my best with my words. He looked at me and smiled and that made me smile back at him I did understood him, the ex Lord was indeed a danger and it was best that he was no longer in the picture so he couldn't hurt any more people.
- So then why did you stayed anonymous?
I couldn't help but ask, if he killed the other Lord then it meant he was no longer in danger.
- I was busy fixing everything he ruined and trust me it was a lot to fix, still is. Homes, families, lives. We still try to find those poor women homes and families so we could send them back but not before helping them with their traumas. They are deeply disturbed and afraid.
I looked at this angel in front of me but I didn't saw the powerful being he is, I just saw a troubled man trying his best to fix something that someone else broke and I felt my heart aching for him. I was starting to admire him and appreciate his efforts to make this town a better place after everything it went through but he still had so much to work. I wanted so badly to comfort him I even started reaching my hand for his arm but I just pull it back slowly I can't let my guard down just yet.
- Then all those malevolent beings started creating havoc and coming out from the shadows hurting people, feeding of their energy, fears, troubles even attacking innocent people and I had to deal with that as well like it wasn't already a lot to deal with.
He said with a sigh, that's when I understood that he didn't had time to fool around and make appearances and go to interviews when there was so much he needed to do.
Gabriel POV
I looked at her as she stared at me with understanding and sympathy, I noticed her attempt form earlier and I was really hoping she will go all the way through but she pulled her hand back almost afraid to touch me, she seemed a kind and just girl but very shy. That was alright we had time to get to know each other better and I already had a plan in my mind and I was determined to get closer to her no matter how long it will take.
After a few more minutes of silence I decided to bring the subject from earlier again and to explain to her why I needed her help.
- These creatures are more and more stronger and dangerous I just thought to ask for your help as you seem a just and fair person who would protect the innocents just like we would. I didn't thought everything will take such a turn.
I said the last part slightly amused thinking at the outcome and she chuckled, it sounded just like cute bells ringing in my ears.
- What can I say I tend to be quite surprising
She said in a playfull manner that had me smiling even more. I enjoyed this side of her and even though I was very surprised and unprepared when she got angry I was pretty sure I could bear with that side of her too.
- So would you please join me and help me protect the innocent and put this creatures back into their place?
I decided to ask hopefully that she would give it a chance. She seemed to be deep in thoughts debating her answer and thinking carefully at her choice.
- I promise I'll treat you fairly as a partner and equal taking in consideration your opinion each and every time. I will also not drain you and make sure I don't exhaust or push you over the limits and I'll also protect you with my own life.
I added letting her know I was going to keep that promise.
- You promise?
She asked me focusing her entire attention on what I was going to say.
- I promise
I said determined after a few moments she smiled brightly at me and said
- Very well it seems we have a deal then.
I reached my hand expectantly for her to shake it. She looked at my hand for a few moments then she shook it sealing our deal. I felt the sparks reaching my very being and I did not wanted to let go of her but she pulled it back averting her gaze. Was she feeling the sparks too? If she did it meant I wasn't the only one feeling the pull but something was telling me she won't confess if I asked. All i know for now is that I was longing to touch her again and that's when i accidentally brushed my hand over her arm.
Rose POV
After I shook his hand I felt the tingles all over my body and I just had to pull my hand away I still don't understand what's with those tingles and this pull towards him and i had to keep my guard up. I was looking outside the window as we passed buildings in a blur but I only thought at this weird tingles that appear everytime he touches me. As I was lost in those thoughts I felt the tingles ignite once again as his hand brushed softly over my arm and i looked at him trying to understand what was he doing that's when I've meet his eyes that captured me again with their Sapphire sparks, I was drowning into his eyes as he was staring into mine and I felt my cheeks starting to warm up, I tried to break free but I felt captured and then I noticed how he put his hand over mine I felt the tingles wrapping my entire body and making me relax, for whatever reason I wanted to lay close to him but I didn't moved.
We stayed like that for a few minutes when I finally managed to break free and I glanced at his hand covering and holding mine. I tried to pull away but he was holding me firmly so after my failed attempts I decided to let it be, it wasn't anything inappropriate and in fact it didn't even bothered me so I relaxed and went back at looking outside the window. I felt him relax as well and just enjoying the silence that surrounded us, it was that pleasant silence not the awkward or deadly one and we stayed like that for the rest of the ride.
Soon the car went to a stop and I've seen the restaurant so once we stopped I opened the door and went out of the car blushing deeply.
- Thank you for the ride
I told him as I turned around, he smiled sweetly and answered :
- It was my pleasure!
Then I gently closed the door and walked inside. After I got inside I took a glance out and noticed the car starting and taking off once again. The boss was at the counter and he saw how I came out of the car, he was still looking in the direction where the car was just a few moments ago and turned to face me.
- What were you doing in the Lord's car?
He asked me baffled and confused.
- The Lord wanted to see me, he sent 2 guards who took me earlier and then he insisted to bring me back.
I answered him politely.
- Why did he wanted to see you?
The owner asked me puzzled.
- Im sorry but I can not disclose you this information sir, it was a confidential conversation.
He didn't needed to know about my deal with the Lord or the private conversation we had. The owner kept quiet then dismissed me to get back to work so i went to the lockers and started changing back to my uniform, it was almost noon and the restaurant was about to fill but when I got to the lockers Lucy joined me instantly.
- Rose I'm so glad that you're back! I thought they're not gonna let you go anymore.
Lucy said hugging me tight I could see she was very worried.
- I told you they won't hurt me
I said winking at her.
- So did you meet the Lord? How is he? How does he looks like? Is he handsome? Why did he wanted to see you? Hows the mansion?
My friend started assaulting me with questions, i chuckled seeing her enthusiasm and I finished changing.
- He just wanted to talk and yes he's very handsome. Also the mansion is very beautiful.
I said blushing slightly at the thought of him, he was indeed handsome. That did not go unnoticed by my friend who started teasing me:
-Oooh someone has a crush on the Lord?
She said winking at me and I got even more red.
- What!? No, there's no crush! I just know how to appreciate a handsome specimen.
I told her in protest and she started chuckling.
- If you say so lovebird
She continued in a teasing tone with a huge smile on her face.
- We need to get back to work, is already lunch, is gonna get full.
I said trying to change the subject and gently pushing her back to the room. After that I focused on my work serving the clients and cleaning the tables. When we got our break at 1 pm while we ate, I described to Lucy what I've seen in the mansion and she looked at me in astonishment.
- Are there handsome angels?
She whispered to me with curiosity and looked at me expectantly. I chuckled and I answered her still in whispers.
- Yes there are a few very charming guards
I told her with a wink and she chuckled. After we finished our break we got back to work waiting for our shift to end.
Gabriel POV
After I left her at the restaurant I told the driver to wait until she gets inside, I wanted to make sure she was safe before I leave so after she entered the front doors the driver started the car, it was already lunch and I had so much to do. I had to visit an orphanage to talk with the director about the necessities required and I was going to see how are the chidren truly treated so my visit was not announced. On the way there though I couldn't help but think at the sweet girl who occupied the now vacant sit beside me. I could still feel her energy weakly but It was there, I was more than happy that she let me hold her hand it felt so relaxing and right. Now we were allies and I was planning to move her in my mansion in case I'll need her close by and i was pretty sure I will, the thought that she'll be living under the same roof with me made me so thrilled and excited that meant more chances and occasions to see her and hear her sweet voice that felt like honey on my soul.
Soon enough I arrived at the orphanage and I made my way to the front door knocking gently. After this I have an interview and I decided I'll attend it this time, the world needed assurance with all those crazy creatures creating havoc, they needed to know I am here and i was going to protect them and it wasn't like those creatures didn't already knew about my presence in town and who I am.
The heavy wood door opened and the woman in charge of the kids appeared behind that door, Melanie was in her 40s yet she seemed still strong and she was an amazing kind human, her dark locks were falling on her shoulders while the rest of the hair was caught in a simple ponytail, her brown with green edges eyes stared into mine surprised, she had a slender frame and a gentle voice. She loved children and she loved to sing them lullabies before sleep.
- Mister Gabriel what a pleasure to see you again, did you came to visit?
She greated me in her gentle voice, i smiled at her and I answered:
- Indeed I'm here to visit and to check the place and its occupants.
She stepped aside motioning me to enter.
- Come in please, the kids will be so happy to see you again!
She said with her voice filled with kindness and joy. I have visited the place before, 2 weeks ago to be exactly and I found out one of the younger ladies in charge here mistreated those already unfortunate souls. I made sure to punish her and she's never again allowed around children or orphanages after fulfilling her prison sentence.
Melanie leaded the way to the living room where the kids were gathered and the moment i entered I was surrounded by them so I kneeled on one leg to be on the same level as them. I was covered by little hands hugging me and bombarded with lots of questions.
-Mister Gabriel! Mister Gabriel! Did you brought us any gifts?
Flynn, a little red haired boy with sparkling baby blue eyes asked me, he was only 10 years old but he was too adorable so I had to pat his curly hair.
- Have you all been good kids?
I asked them playfully and my question was meet with a chorus of yes. I chuckled amused, I love kids with my whole heart they have such a kind of innocence in their eyes as they haven't yet been corrupted by the world they live in and witnessing the cruel fates that brought them here made my heart ache for them.
- That's very good little ones! I'm very sorry I've been quite busy lately and I did not had the chance to visit any shop but I promise that next time I'll bring something for each and everyone of you.
They all smiled widely and started telling me some of the happenings that took place since I last visited then another lady called them to eat lunch so while the kids went off racing I got up and watched them softly as they walked away. I did wished one day I'll be blessed with my own little ones and a loving partner when suddenly the sweet little human invaded my mind and I thought how would it be to have our own family. Melanie looked at me with a knowing feeling while I was daydreaming and even blushed at the thought.
- Mister Gabriel, you should really find a suitable lady to share your life with I'd really love to see you with your own children and I'd gladly be their nanny.
Melanie said with a smile snapping me out of my thoughts and I looked at her surprised then I chuckled.
- I'll definitely contact you Melanie dear when that will be the case but for now i have other important matters to take care of.
- Whos the lucky lady?
Melanie asked me curiosity filling her voice
- Pardon me?
I looked at her stunned.
- So there is a lady
Melanie said with a mischievous smile. I chuckled amused
- What makes you think so?
I asked leaning to match her eye level
- I know that look Mister Gabriel, that is the look of a man in love. This old lady had seen it so many times I can recognize it with ease.
She said with a knowing smile, she was like a mother to me, at which I sighed with a smile.
- Im not yet sure if she's the one for me
I said with a hint of sadness that did not go unnoticed by Melanie.
- Well Mister Gabriel think this way, what does your heart tell you? If she's the one for you your heart will know.
Her words made me think carefully, what did my heart told me? I was definitely going to take the advice and pay attention to what my heart said but now I had to finish with the business I came here for so I went to talk with the director. He was in his office so I went straight there and knocked, the voice on the other side told me to enter so I did.
Valen is a man at 45 years old, tall and a little on the chubby side, with slick chocolate brown hair and chartreuse green eyes, hes usually a good and down on earth person but sometimes tends to be quite violent when angered. I suggested him to solve this problem and he works with it since then, I remember when I first visited 2 weeks ago and how one of the kids angered him with too many questions, he was about to hit the poor child when I stopped his hand in his tracks and he immediately retreated and cowered under my imposing gaze explaining to me about his problem afterwards.
He was sitting on his chair reading some documents but the moment he saw me he got up and greeted me with a handshake:
- My Lord what a pleasure to see you again!
- Valen, a pleasure as well!
I told him in my friendly manner.
- Please have a sit
He said motioning to the chair in front of him. I sat down and got into business mode.
- I have received your request of requirements for the orphanage.
I said simply getting straight to the point. He left a sigh of relief and we started talking about the necessities required for the childrens comfort, new beds, clothes, furniture as well as a bigger dining room and kitchen as the number of kids was increasing receiving a transfer from a ruined orphanage in another part of the town caused by the ex Lord insolvence and indifference.
After we finished talking and making sure everything is at their place I left the orphanage as I had an interview starting at 2:00 pm, an entire hour of questions that I needed to answer facing a noisy and exhausting human lady.
As I got back into the car I sighed in frustration, there was still so much to do and i didn't even had my lunch today that's when it hit me, Rose was working at a restaurant so after the interview I could go and have something to eat there, I was hoping I'll make it before the end of her shift so I could take her home and help with her things as she was gonna stay with me at the mansion. Thinking at her I started feeling a deep longing to see her and hear her voice once again. Soon I got to the terrace of the Cafe where the interview was going to have place.
When I arrived most of the crew and the woman who was going to put the question were already settled waiting for my arrival, everything went quiet the moment I got out of the car as their gazes turned to look at me and the reporters started with the wave of questions. It was way too noisy so i took a deep breath and I gestured with my hands for quiet letting my powerful aura surround those people as a reminder that I'm being serious, it went quiet under my imposing gaze and I made my way to the chair reserved for me with my hands hold in front of my chest in a royal manner. I was going to answer the most important questions and reassure people they were safe.