Gabriel POV
I invited her with us, we were going to drop her home and she accepted wholeheartedly. We made our way to the car when Elijah also arrived and i saw the look Lucy threw him, she didn't liked him very much and I could understand after the way he behaved with her best friend. There was one thing very clear about Lucy If you mess with her friend you mess with her and she won't take it lightly.
I opened the door for the girls and they made their way inside followed then by me and lastly Lucas and Elijah. Lucas was sitting between Lucy and Elijah while me and Rose on the seats facing them. The moment Elijah appeared I could feel the tension rising and Rose getting nervous. I really wanted them to get along but Elijah was behaving like a child so I needed to think at a different way to approach this situation, when I made him apologize to her I felt very well the hostility he still has towards her and that he wasn't honest but Rose just wanted to get it over with and not deal with him anymore at that moment. I was very disappointed and displeased I wasn't dumb, I know Elijah well enough and he can't fool me.
The ride was kind of quiet as Lucy engaged in a conversation with Lucas and Rose did her best to avoid looking at Elijah while I was holding her hand to help her keep calm, soon we arrived at Lucy neighborhood and we left her in front of her building. She waved goodbye to Rose as the car took off again and Rose gave her a soft smile then she took off her phone and started scrolling with her free hand.
The silence was starting to feel quite awkward and seems like Lucas also noticed and decided to ease this strange tension by starting a small talk while Elijah was just staring outside the window.
- How was your day miss Rose?
He asked warmly and her attention was snapped to him.
- It was quite exhausting, many clients today well that until lunch when someone came and made sure to make me spend the rest of the day serving him
She said with a chuckle putting accent on "someone" while glancing my way and I smiled proudly, I didn't regretted any moment. Lucas also looked my way with a curious expression.
- Really? May i ask who was this someone miss Rose?
Lucas asked hopeful and Rose only turned her head towards me smiling softly.
- Well you already know I'm sure of it but I have to thank him again for giving me a little break, he's a great client who doesn't complain of anything.
She gave me a soft smile that definitely said "thank you" and I felt very satisfied and happy at the thought that I made her day easier. Elijah attention went on us as he looked at me with big eyes and asked:
- Wait, you spent the entire afternoon with her? Alone in one room?
- Yes and I don't see anything wrong with this.
I answered him without a second thought while Rose watched confused of Elijah reaction.
- My Lord! You can't, she's a stranger!
Elijah said clearly displeased by the news
- Whats wrong Elijah? Can't i have a meal with my ally? She's not a stranger, she's our ally and It was a pleasure to be with her the whole afternoon.
I stated firmly while Elijah threw her a cold glance
- My Lord please we don't even know if she's trustworthy!
He said calmly but clearly not happy that I was alone in her presence.
- She is trustworthy.
I stated as Rose's attention went from me to him and back as she followed our conversation, I could feel her getting nervous when he said she's not trustworthy so I slightly gripped her hand to reassure her.
- But My Lord...
- Enough Elijah!
He started but I cut him off, we won't have this discussion here making her feel uncomfortable. I'm not a child and I'm more then capable to choose with who I spend my time. Elijah swallowed his words and went quiet again, I could feel his displeasure but he won't disobey me.
There's was brief glint of guilt in her eyes probably because she didn't liked being tge reason why I was having an argument with my loyal subordinates.
- I'm sorry...
She whispered in a small shy voice that made my heart break, it wasn't her fault it was my choice and I don't regret it.
- Don't be, you did nothing wrong. It was my choice and I don't regret even a single moment.
I told her smiling warmly and patting her head while Elijah scoffed silently keeping his gaze outside the window and Lucas looked at us gently.
Soon we arrived at the mansion so after the car parked I got out helping Rose as well and I leaded her along the hallways. She walked silently admiring the decor it will take a while fir her to get used to this new place and finding her way back to her room so I was more than happy to be her guide until then.
- Rose?
I said trying to get her attention and she looked at me curiously waiting for what I had to say.
- I'm sure you're happy that your friend will visit tomorrow, is that correct?
- Yeah I'm sure Lucy will love all this elegant decor.
She said with a chuckle
- Seems like your friend have high class taste
I said amused as well but also glad to hear that
- So was the place decorated like this when you came or dis you decorated it?
She asked curiosity shimmering in her mesmerizing eyes.
- This place was always extravagant I just made a few changes.
I answered her recalling the day I entered this mansion.
- Oh a few changes? Like?
She seemed very interested I this subject so I didn't mind telling her more details.
- You see the day i entered this place, there were many uh disturbing paintings.
I told her recalling the dirty paintings and pictures of those poor women in erotic positions. He made them pose like that and made pictures of them even if they were uncomfortable, it was very clear in many of the pictures that the womens smiles or expressions didn't reached their eyes.
- Disturbing paintings?
She asked still with curiosity and I left out a sigh running my hand through my curls trying to find an explanation which won't sound too weird or explicit.
- Yes very disturbing images. Remember those women he took?
She nodded her head waiting for me to continue.
- Well there were some images of them in erotic positions or very revealing ones as well, there were also bloody paintings with wars or hunts and some portrets of his, some well showing him in all his "glory".
I told her trying not to remember all that disturbing images I made sure to burn.
- Oh I see, what a sick twisted guy.
She said more for herself but I couldn't help the chuckle as I heard the disdain in her voice.
- What happened with that images and paintings?
She asked looking up at me.
- I burned them. They were a shame for the arts domain and a horror for the eyes.
I stated simply with no regrets, I didn't regretted at all that I did burned them, they were indeed a shame for the art domain and not so pleasant for the eye especially for someone like me who love art and creativity. He was parading the poor womens in such position like they were some pets or trophies making them feel ashamed for being shown in such states.
- Well you definitely saved a lot of innocent eyes from being ruined by simply glancing at them.
She said jokingly with a chuckle and I was glad she felt so comfortable with me to even use a joking tone. Her state made me chuckle as well.
- I did indeed and I'm glad I saved your eyes as well from that horror.
I told her in a playfull manner.
The walk towards our wing of the mansion was a pleasant one with us just casually chatting and feeling good in each other company, I knew I'll have to start her lessons about all those species very soon but I was planning to give her a nice weekend before all those start.
Soon it was dinner time, unfortunately i didn't had the time to cook today because I had some paperwork to solve after I left her in her room but the good part is I managed to solve them so that meant less work for tomorrow. I went to the kitchen and took the tray with our dinner, we had Za'atar Chicken Cutlets With Cabbage Salad and I thought she's definitely going to like this.
I arrived a her door and knocked gently waiting for her permission as I didn't wanted to intrude into her privacy and I heard her sift footsteps approaching then the door opened and revealed her small frame as she looked up at me with curiosity, she seemed as she was just relaxing sitting in her bed.
- I thought you be hungry is dinner time
I told her smiling brightly
- Is okay I'm not really hungry but thank you for you're concern
She said shyly and I turned more serious
- You need to have dinner, a healthy human needs 3 meals a day. May I come in?
I stated in a matter of fact tone as she sighed and went on the side motioning me to enter so I smiled warmly again happy that she understood. She reached fir the tray but I hold it higher as she gave me a puzzled look.
- Is your free time I'll do the serving
I told her firmly but warmly so she would understand I won't take a refuse then I motioned to her to sit and she obeyed. I places the plates in front of the armchairs and the orange juice next to the plates then I sat down myself and we bith started enjoying our food. She seemed quiet focused on her plate but I just wanted to hear her voice again in this silence.
- Do you like working as a waitress?
I asked her with curiosity as she looked up at me and shrugged her shoulders
- Is not really my passion but is fine i guess, at least it helps me affording a living. Mister Anthony was kind enough to offer me at least a way to provide for myself.
She answered casually, It seemed she worked just because she had too and that was quite sad so i couldn't help asking:
- What is your passion then?
She looked down plastering a small smile like she was recalling a long forgotten memory
- I like baking cakes and decorating them
Her smile soon vanished like the cruel reality seemed to sneak in and she left out a deep sigh continuing:
- But I guess I won't be able to ever get somewhere with that...
- Why do you think so?
I asked curious, she kept her gaze into the plate playing with a chicken piece.
- Because I don't really have the time for this nor I afford the necessities.
She then continued eating and I understood she didn't wanted to talk about it anymore so i dropped the subject for now. I continued doing small casual conversation with her until we finished then she helped me to put the plates and glasses back on the tray, I was preparing to leave as she was walking behind me to open the door but before opening the door I turned around as she looked at me confused and I leaned kissing her forehead then I wished her a good night as she stood there stunned gently touching her forehead. I chuckled amused as I was about to open the door myself but she hurried to open it for me, our hands brushed slightly and i felt the tingles. Before stepping out I turned to look at her on more time smiling at the still stunned girl watching the floor then I turned and left as I heard the door closing gently behind me. I got into my room after I left the tray and I decided to have a shower then I'll sleep so I went to the bathroom, opened the door, I left my clothes on the hanger and took my time washing away another day of hard work preparing for a new one. As I finished I covered with a towel the lower part I got out and I found myself face to face with a very shocked Rose. Her cheeks went red like fire and she turned with her back.
- Sorry, sorry I didn't knew there was someone else here! But what are you doing here in my bathroom!?
She started apologizing panicked but I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped me.
- The bathroom is adjoined to both rooms so theoretically you're in my bathroom
I answered her in a playfull manner but I felt her getting even more embarrassed
- Oh so that means I should have asked for your permission to use it. Im sorry I didn't knew
She said deep in thoughts forgetting for a moment the situation we were in then she apologized again:
- Sorry sorry I'll leave now!
She said panicked again and before she could make a step forward I caught her hand, the tingles surrounded me and I felt her getting even more shy.
- No need I finished here, I just need to take my clothes
- W-well why don't you?
She asked shyly stuttering and It made me amused again.
- Would you be so kind to handle them to me? They're right next to you.
She went even more red if possible but she stretched taking them from the hanger freeing her hand from my grip then she hold them for me keeping her eyes away on the side to the floor. She was too adorable and I couldn't help the smile that formed, I took the clothes and left towards my door but before I left I made sure to stop and tell her:
- Dont worry you don't need my permission to use it, is yours as well
And with a last smile in her direction I went out. I changed and sat onto the bed still thinking at her cute flustered face.
Rose POV
I stole a glimpse with the corner of my eye as he left out the door, his back was looking just as great at his front. I felt his impressive body before when he hugged me but is totally something else to be able to see it and damn I can say those angels have really well build bodies definitely showed how much they trained to be in such a perfect condition. I just wanted to have a small shower before going to sleep I never expected I'll find him in such a state and the way he seemed so fine with that! Well he's definitely not shy like me and well who would be when they got such good looks?
I recomposed myself and took a shower, he wasn't going to show up right? I mean he said hes finished and I even made the poor angel get out of his own bathroom before getting the slightest chance to take his clothes on, I felt so bad for that and I knew I should do something for him as a sign of my most sincerest apology maybe i can bake something for him tomorrow. Yes thats what I'm going to do!
I took my time in the shower letting the water wash away my embarrassment from earlier and relaxing my tired back then I changed in my pj's and went into my room climbing in my bed after I dried my hair, I texted to Lucy until he brought dinner and now I texted her good night. I checked my Facebook for a bit more then I put my phone to charge on the bedside next to me and laid down trying to sleep and praying that the nightmares will leave me alone tonight. As I was tossing around trying to fall asleep the image from earlier popped up into my mind and I blushed again it will definitely take a while until I can get this out of my head and then I started wondering if all angels look so good. With him as the new Lord of the town now if the other girls and womens knew how charming he is as that shirt and that robe are covering well that good looks they will be even more determined to get into his bed. For some reason that made me sad, there were so many gorgeous womens out there ready to satisfy all his needs and requirements and what if one day he allows one of those womens to be by his side and to share the rest of her life with him? Will I be able to get to terms with that? Will he just simply forget I even exist? I am overthinking too much I needed to go to sleep so I turned around to face the fireplace and I glanced at the door he came through last night something was pulling me, drawning me to go there and sleep into his arms making sure he won't forget I exist, my heart and soul were yearning for him. Why was I feeling that? is this weird pull I keep feeling the one that makes me desire his company so much? I felt that something stirring inside me again and i heard a faint voice telling me to go to him but I ignored it and closed my eyes listening to the fire dancing and soon I drifted to sleep.
I was again in my old room it was so dark and i just knew the nightmares won't spare me tonight either. Soon footsteps started approaching and the dark silhouette that keeps haunting my dream, that horrible monster who almost took my purity, that ravished my clothes back then tearing them off me without a care turning a deaf ear to my pleadings and screams, he was a dark silhouette with piercing and haunting forest green eyes and the creepiest smile surrounded by darkness as his pace fastened my eyes filled with tears and the warnings I threw at him kept coming but falling on deaf ears that's when a light appeared behind that monster, the light grew in second and took the form of a man soon the man looked like Gabriel but in a white robe, he was glowing like a star and his light spread faster and faster making this dark figure turn to mist and vanish with a scream. My savior stood there In his place looking at me with his warm expression then he started retreating in the air but I didn't wanted him to leave so I started getting of the bed I was in trying to rush but stumbling on my feet to stop him but he was getting higher and higher so I started pleading with him:
- Please don't leave! Please please just stay with me!
I was pleading and crying and he reached his hands in a hug invitation but I couldn't reach him as his figure was pulling further and further away and i feel on my knees with tears I my eyes and my hand reaching to him pleading a last time:
- Please, Gabriel, don't leave me!
But the light vanished and I woke up as a hand was softly shaking me and then I heard his voice.
- Shhh is alright, I'm here Rose I'm not leaving you.
My eyes were glued to him as tears kept falling, I was in a sitting position gasping for air and he sat there next to me gently patting my shoulder. Then he reached his hand and wiped away the new tear sliding on my face and I finally got back to my senses.
- Gabriel?
I asked unsure, was I still dreaming? He seemed to notice my confusion and smiled sweetly
- Yes is me
He answered and changed his position sitting in bed next to me hugging me to his chest. The tingles surrounded me and I left a deep sigh slowly relaxing in his arms. I took a deep breath taking in his smell of lilies and something else, it felt like sandalwood but it did wonders to me. Then his words from earlier replayed in my head so I looked at him and I asked as he was looking at me:
- How did you knew I was telling you to not leave me?
He left out a chuckle clearly amused by my question and then answered:
- You were talking in your sleep
His laugh was music for my ears as it sounded so nice to me then I got shy and a little embarrassed.
- W-What did i said?
I asked him and he smiled patting my head
- You were just pleading with me to not leave you.
I left my gaze to the blanket blushing furiously and I was glad it was too dark for him to see my expression right now.
- Do you want me to stay with you tonight too?
He offered and I nodded my head I really did hoped he would stay because he's chasing away my nightmares and all those bad memories I buried but still haunts me.
He easily got under the blanked without letting go of me then he gently pulled me down with him keeping me close to his chest and hugging me by the waist. I wasnt a big fan of body contact but with him I felt relaxed and at ease, I felt safe so I didn't tried to free myself I just snuggled into his chest and closed my eyes, I didn't even knew when I fell asleep.
Gabriel POV
She fell asleep in a matter of seconds as she snuggled closer to me and didn't tried to fight to free herself from my arms. I looked at this cute girl sleeping peaceful into my arms. I was woken up by that same nagging feeling from last night but this time I just knew it was because she needed me so I didn't wasted any second and got up from my bed to check on her, I passed the door that connected our rooms and I found her tossing and trembling again while crying uncontrollable so I approached as quietly as possible and I sat down next to her patting her gently to comfort her, it seemed to work fir a few moments but then she started crying again and then she started mumbling something I course quite make out until her last phrase, that phrase sounded so clear she called my name pleading with me to not leave her. I was surprised at first but I felt a surge of joy washing over me as I heard her calling for me. It made me smile so I gently stroke her shoulder attempting to wake her up and ironically she woke up as I said I won't leave her, she looked at me like she wasn't sure if she's still dreaming or awake but I could see the hurt in her eyes clearly. Does she really think I would leave her? Even if everything finally falls unto place I can imagine my life without her in it, there was no way i would leave her ever again.
I patted her head and kissed the top of her head then I closed my eyes too, she was resting peacefully so now knowing that and having her in my arms i could rest peacefully too. Honestly it felt so much better when I was having her in my arms and the sleep came easier and faster so i drifted to sleep as well.
It was 10 in the morning when i felt her starting to move so her movement also awoke me, I opened one of my eyes as she was stretching cutely just like a cat and when I felt her moving her head I closed it back curious of her reaction, she was supporting herself with one hand on my chest and I could feel her gaze on me she didn't made any other move for a few minutes so I decided to open my eyes slowly and i gave her a bright smile, her cheeks started to warm up and she averted her gaze.
-Morning sunshine!
I greeted her happily, I felt rested and in the best mood possible
-M-Morning
She answered back and I felt even more happy. I was still holding her but she didn't seemed to mind so I hugged her close to me as I felt her getting flustered. I wanted this moment to last longer, it was Saturday and she didn't had to go to work so I wanted to enjoy every moment of this morning.
- How did you slept sunshine?
I asked her as i started playing with one of her golden strands. She seemed surprised but she recomposed herself and answered:
- Actually pretty good, how about you?
The second part sounded more shyly.
- Like a baby
I told her with my brightest smile and she chuckled. We stayed like that for half an hour enjoying the silence and each other company with me playing with her hair as she sat quietly relaxed but with a slight blush on her cheeks. Then we got up and I mindlinked the chief asking her f breakfast is ready as she went to refresh herself first. She stopped a few moments in front of the bathroom door remembering someone and I smiled looking at her and knowing exactly what but then she took a deep breath and disappeared into the bathroom. I snapped my fingers and curated my night gown to my shirt then I made the bed and sat into the armchair waiting for her. Today I had to meet with some of my subordinates for a worrisome report that needed my attention and I regretted that i didn't had the chance to make her the tour properly but at least i could show her where the kitchen was in case I'll miss lunch. Soon she came out all refreshed and looked at me with a puzzled expression but I noticed she was actually looking at my clothes, she seemed to want to ask something but didn't knew how so I waited for her to find her words and when she did she asked me with her voice full of confusion:
- How do you change so fast?
I chuckled amused this girl succeeded every time to surprise and amuse me.
-Magic
I simply answered her with a playfull smile. She seemed to want to ask more but I got up and after I patted both her shoulders I went to refresh myself as well. Then I came back to her room as she was now changed into her pink blouse with cherry blossoms and the simple plain black pants she usually wears, she really needed a better wardrobe, she was brushing her hair în front of the mirror and u started to approach when there was a knock at the door so I changed the direction and opened the door which revealed one of the servants girls, she was small with a long wavy auburn hair and baby blue eyes, she was a young human in her 20s, the girl was holdning a tray with waffles and trembles slightly as she meet my gaze. My eyes to tend to seem like lightning and very imposing so I understood her reaction. I smiled at her softening my expression and I took the tray as she hurriedly went back so I closed the door and pit the tray I'm the table.
- Rose come have breakfast!
I told her firmly but warmly turning in her direction and she left the brush making her way towards me. We ate the waffles and enjoyed the wild strawberries tea.
- How so you like your tea?
I asked her making casual conversation and also trying to get to know more of her.
- Sweet, 3 spoons of sugar
She said seemingly a little embarrassed with a nervous smile
- If that's how you like it there's no need to be embarrassed about it
I told her with a warm smile.
- Really?
She looked at me with curiosity
- Of course, in fact I have a sweet tooth too!
I told her in a whisper winking as she smiled brightly
- That's good to know!
After breakfast I took her with me and I showed her where the kitchen is, the entire staff already knew who she was and that they need to treat her with respect as I wont tolerate anyone bullying and disrespecting her.
- And here is the kitchen dear Rose, feel free to come here if you are hungry.
I told her as she looked at the kitchen.
- This place is really big, it will take me a while to get used
She said nervously
- Well you can also ask one of the guards to lead you wherever you need if im not around
I told her reassuringly patting her shoulder. I couldn't help the need of touching her once in a while but I enjoyed every touch. Then we went to the main entrance to greet and welcome Lucy, I have sent Lucas with a car to pick her up and he mindlinked me that they are going to arrive in a few moments so we waited for their arrival with Elijah on my left side and Rose on my right beside me trying to avoid Elijah as much as possible.
The car entered the gates that opened for them to pass and closed back behind them as the car approached and stopped in front of the stairs on the alley with the left side of the car facing us. Lucas got out first and came around opening the door revealing Lucy. He hold his hand for her like a true gentleman and she gladly took it getting out as a true lady with elegance and nobility as i heard Elijah scoffing behind me at the sight and I threw him a sharp glance.