Isabella's POV
"Gabriel, don't," I begged, as his face got closer. My breathing changed and became uneven, and my heart raced wildly.
What was this man doing to me? I could barely think straight.
Hate him! You're supposed to hate his guts!
His scent filled my nose and his annoying arrogance was overwhelming.
"Can you please get your hands off me?" I asked, my voice pleading.
"I didn't know you could beg," he responded.
I should have known this meeting wouldn't end without him getting under my skin.
"Go on a date with me," he said.
"I don't take orders from you," I retorted.
"Oh, but you do." he said and I gulped. "And if I remember correctly. I became your boss today."
"You're such a jerk," I said, finally pushing him off.
"Agreed," he answered.
"Just one date," he offered.
"Is that you asking or are you forcing me?" I asked.
He smiled. "I'm asking, Isabella. Please, go on a date with me."
I was shocked. Did he just beg? Or was he trying to get another chance at sleeping with me?
I wasn't going to make another mistake. Last night shouldn't have happened. I had only intended to tease him but I found myself enjoying every bit of it and going beyond my plan.
"No," I answered.
He rolled his eyes, holding me still. "Isabella," he called softly. The way he called my name made my heart melt.
"My answer is no. I don't want anything to do with you," I said coldly and moved away from him.
I hastened my pace, happy to see the door when his hand pulled me back.
"Isabella," he called, this time with power. His deep voice sounded stronger and I shook.
"You're very bad at running," he said and I froze.
"I know you can feel it, Bella," he continued, taking steps toward me as I moved back avoiding his closeness.
"I…I don't," I stammered, blinking as his eyes locked on mine.
"Really?" He asked. My back instantly touches the wall.
"Yes," I answered coldly but my body was failing me.
"I am done here. Now, get out of my way!" I snapped, trying to push against his chest. It was like trying to move a wall.
Gabriel didn't budge. Instead, his hand slid down, grazing the side of my waist. His touch sent a shiver through me, an uninvited, unwelcome reaction.
He smirked. "That's funny, considering how you reacted to me last night."
"That was a mistake," I answered, almost stuttering.
"Was it?" He said calmly, tracing a slow, torturous line up my arm with his finger. "Because I remember you begging for more."
I gasped, my hand flying to slap him, but he caught my wrist easily. His grip wasn't tight, just firm enough to remind me he was in control.
"You're enjoying this," I spat.
"Yes, a lot." His voice dropped lower, like a caress. "And so are you."
I hated how my pulse quickened at those words. He was toying with me, pushing my limits, testing how far he could take it.
His thumb brushed over my wrist, and my breath hitched. My body betrayed me, responding to his every touch.
I needed to get out of here. Or I would lose my mind.
I pulled my wrist free and moved away from him. I needed the distance before I lost my mind. "That won't happen again," I forced out.
Gabriel simply chuckled, shaking his head like he knew something I didn't. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
He reached out, but instead of touching me again, he extended his hand.
"Looking forward to working with you, Miss Sterling."
I blinked. That was it? After all that teasing, he was just going to act like nothing happened?
I hesitated before slipping my hand into his. His hand felt warm, and strong. I let go, but his hands held on for a second longer and finally released mine.
Then, he smiled and left the room. My cheeks turned red. I looked at the empty room, confused about what to do.
Damn him.
*********
A Week Later
It was nearly impossible to avoid seeing Gabriel at the office, but I didn't stop trying. I had succeeded for a week and hoped to continue until he got tired.
I always took a different way anytime I saw him. I was quicker before he could make a move and disappeared like the end.
I had a ton of excuses ready anytime I heard his voice get closer and I created more in my free time.
I knew I was acting childish, but it was better than having to deal with a racing heartbeat every second I was close to him.
Until, my luck ran out. I was done for the day and was rushing to the elevator to make it out of the office before Gabriel came out. He had been visiting my company consistently without a break and I wondered if he didn't enjoy staying at his anymore.
I pressed a button and the elevator's door opened letting me in. I walked in, my mind filled with a lot of different things, and the door closed. Just then, the elevator door opened and I froze staring at Gabriel.
He walked in, acting like he didn't know me and I groaned mentally. Suddenly, the space felt smaller and suffocating.
I maintained a blank expressionless, looking at the elevator's door and counting the numbers hoping to get out as soon a s possible, but it was awfully slow.
"How long do you intend to keep running from me?" He asked. His voice took me by surprise.
"Run?" I asked, masking my nervousness. "Why would I run?"
I crossed my arms. "I have better things to do."
"Liar," he answered.
I exhaled sharply. "Why do you have to be such a pest?"
"A pest?" He asked, looking amused. He stepped closer and I instinctively moved back until my back touched the elevator's wall. "Only when you make it this fun."
I opened my mouth to snap at him when the elevator suddenly shook.
The lights blinked and finally went out.
"Ah!" I gasped.
It was dark and my stomach twisted. I was scared of the dark and didn't like being in a limited space.
"No, no, no…" I mumbled.
Then it shook again and I screamed. The wall felt like they were closing in and the air became thin.
I panicked, shaking and my legs wobbled. Before I could stop myself, I stumbled, and fell into Gabriel's arms.
He caught me instantly, holding my waist and keeping me steady.
"It's okay," he murmured, his voice calmer. "It's just a minor malfunction."
I held my clothes tightly, finding it difficult to breathe. My hands started shaking and I got scared.
"Isabella," Gabriel's spoke softly. "Just breathe."
I tried, listening to his voice as the darkness pressed in.
His arms tightened around me, grounding me. "It's okay. I got you."
I didn't know why, but hearing him talk made everything better. I controlled my breathing.
The elevator shook again, and I whimpered.
Gabriel pulled me closer, his body comforting mine.
I lost track of how long we stood there holding each other. I had my face buried in his chest and his arms wrapped around me.
For the first time in days, I wasn't running away from him.