Gabriel's POV
I listened to Isabella trembling breaths. I never knew she was claustrophobic and she always acted tough.
My heart melted watching her and I held her tightly whispering confirming words to her.
"It's okay, I'm right here," I assured her. My hands running down her back.
"I'm not leaving," I murmured, my lips brushing the top of her head. "I got you."
She didn't respond. She pulled my coat close, pushing her fingers in and holding tightly.
I smiled, sensing her warmth like it was the last good thing I would ever feel.
Slowly, her breathing got better and she moved.
I felt a little bad that she was not holding onto me as tightly as before.
Then, the lights flickered and turned on. The elevator began to move and soon the doors open.
She pulled away, and looked into my eyes. We stayed still for some seconds and she looked away.
She let out a shaky breath and I caught her chin with my fingers, not ready to stop whatever happy feeling in my heart.
"You okay?" I asked.
She gave a weak nod. "Yeah. I just...I just need to..."
Her voice shook and she turned her gaze pressing a button and stopping the door from closing.
I watched her walk out of the elevator disappointed. Her legs wobbled as soon as her heels touched the floor and she fell.
"Isabella!" I lunged, catching her before she hit the ground.
Her body went slack in my arms.
Damn it.
I scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her against my chest as I turned toward the hallway. A few employees gasped, but I ignored them.
"Get the car ready," I barked at my driver as I carried her through the building. "We're going to the hospital."
I didn't stop. I didn't care about the stares.
The only thing that mattered was the unconscious woman in my arms.
********
Hours Later
I listened to the steady beat of the heart monitor in the hospital room.
My eyes moved from it and rested on Isabella lying asleep on the bed.
She looked so small under the white sheets. Her skin had turned pale and she breathed gently.
I watched her closely, leaning back in the chair beside her. I slowly moved my hand touching her fingers. They were a bit cold and I warned them.
The doctor said it was nothing serious and she needed rest but I was still worried.
I smiled thinking of how gentle she looked despite her stubborn nature. She was strong willed and had a hard temper. I liked it.
I exhaled, and rubbed my hand over my jaw. Something was wrong with me. I had never cared for someone like this.
A small groan broke my thoughts.
My eyes snapped to Isabella as her lashes fluttered open. She blinked slowly, confusion clouding her gaze before recognition settled in.
"Ugh, what happened?" She asked.
"You fainted," I replied. She looked down and noticed my hand on hers. She pulled away immediately.
She groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. "oh God! Please don't tell me you carried me here?"
I raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh at her.
"Would you rather I let you hit the floor? You would make a good news."
She sighed dramatically. "This is so embarrassing."
I smirked. "It was adorable."
She shot me a glare. "Don't push it, Knight."
I chuckled, enjoying the return of her usual fire.
She sat up, wincing slightly. "I should go home."
"You're not going anywhere," I said.
She scoffed. "I feel fine. I can get a cab."
"I'm taking you home," I chipped in.
"No, you're not," she argued.
"Yes, I am," I answered.
She crossed her arms. "You don't own me, Gabriel."
I leaned forward, bracing my elbows on my knees. "Oh, but I do own the contract that just made us business partners. And as your partner, I have a responsibility to make sure you don't collapse in the middle of a meeting again," I blurted with a serious face.
She narrowed her eyes. "That is not how partnerships work."
I grinned. "It is now."
She let out an annoyed groan, running a hand through her hair. "You're impossible."
"And you're adorable when you're mad."
She sucked in a sharp breath, her cheeks flushing slightly. I caught the way her gaze flickered to my lips before she quickly looked away.
The tension between us thickened.
She knew it. I knew it.
But before she could fire another comeback, I stood and grabbed her coat from the chair. "Let's go."
She huffed but didn't fight me this time.
Smart woman.
********
Sterling Mansion
The moment we arrived at her home, Isabella shot me a warning glance. "No funny business."
I smirked. "I wouldn't dream of it."
The door swung open as I stepped out and she got down.
Her father was waiting in the doorway crossing his arms and
he glared at me.
"Your father doesn't look happy to see me," I whispered.
"You can't blame him. You took his company," she answered.
I chuckled lightly and helped Isabella to meet him.
"I see you've made yourself comfortable in my daughter's affairs, Mr. Knight," he said, his tone thick with unspoken threats.
I adjusted my suit jacket. "Business partners, Mr. Sterling. Nothing more."
His eyes darkened with suspicion. "Is that so?"
I smirked. "For now."
Isabella shot me a glare, clearly warning me to shut up.
Her father clenched his jaw but didn't push. Instead, he turned to Isabella. "Come inside."
She hesitated, then looked at me. For a moment, neither of us spoke.
Then, finally, she sighed. "Thanks for the ride, Gabriel."
I nodded. "Anytime, Bella."
Her eyes flickered with something unreadable before she turned and disappeared inside.
I watched until the door shut behind her, then exhaled slowly.
I should've left. But I couldn't.
I stood there, staring at nothing for seconds. I waited secretly she would come back out.
What is wrong with me? Why do I let you get to me?
Shaking my head, I turned and walked away and got into the car.
"Take me home," I ordered.
The driver nodded, and we pulled away from the Sterling estate.
***********
Knight Mansion – The Basement
The scent of blood lingered in the air as I stepped into the dark, cold basement of my estate.
My men straightened at my arrival, their expressions grim.
"He's still not talking," one of them reported.
I let my hand loosen my tie and I rolled my shoulders and walked to the iron door.
"He will," I said, my voice dropping an octave.
The door opened and I walked in.
His face was down and his body beaten with blood stains on his clothes.
"Let's talk," I said looking at the bloodied man in front of me.
The door slammed shut and he raised his face, looking at me with a swollen eye.