A fated encounter

The evening was pleasant, despite the February wind and the upcoming storm.

Gabriella was wearing an elegant dark blue dress with her hair up and sapphire earrings. She held a glass of champagne in her hand and walked elegantly around the guests.

The house was large and Victorian. There was even a ballroom. She generally preferred more unpretentious buildings, but this one had made her fall in love even as a child. She loved visiting her uncle, because of the thousands of corners where a small child could hide from the adults. The smell of old but well-kept furniture, the beautiful garden with thousands of herbs, and the observatory in the north wing. All this made her feel like a princess and imagine dragons and princes.

Now that she was older it was not uncommon for her to visit her uncle who often threw parties. Or rather, he often asked Gabriela to supervise them. But she didn't mind because every second spent in the house made her happy. Here were her last memories of her parents and the last time she heard her mother laugh. Oh, how she loved and missed that laugh. She was grateful to the house for keeping this memory which brought it back every time.

Letting herself be submerged in the lovely memories, didn't notice the man watching her. Sebastian was captivated by the woman and admired her beauty. Her thoughts were far away because she didn't flinch when a lady nearly bumped into her while trying to get around her poodle. He smirked. He was intrigued by the strength that radiated from her, the confidence in her posture. It seemed like the large rooms and the old style were a part of her. Then it occurred to him that this might be the niece the owner was talking about.

From their conversation, he had the impression that he was talking about some old lady who only thought about her dusty rooms and the sale of her tapestries. Not for the dazzling beauty. He left his empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter and walked over to her.

- A wonderful house - he muttered in a low voice that sent shivers down her spine.

- Agreed- she answered, trying to overcome the shock that her body experienced when she felt him so close to her. The man was tall and handsome and his eyes portrayed a sharp intellect. Her curiosity peaked. What was his occupation? How did he come to be here and was his interest in the occult as the many others here, or was he here for the connections? He seemed intelligent and charming. She would not mind having a few laughs with that man. there was just something else in his gaze that intrigued her - I'm sorry, I was deep into thought.

- Yes, I noticed - he smiled at her, almost perfectly reading her thoughts. Let's see, shall we? - So I decided to come and find out what was so preoccupied with you that you didn't notice the poodle incident.

- Accident?- she was surprised and looked around to find some indication on the subject. Not finding any, she directed her attention back to him. Was he just teasing or was she missing something? - is everyone okay?

- Yes, - he laughed, amused. - just a startled dog and his slightly irritated owner.

- Ah, Mrs. Figg - now she understood the joke - Unfortunately, Toto is always angry.

- Do you know them? - he didn't care, her presence alone was enough for him. She was captivating and her animated reactions were enchanting. He could tell that listening to her talk would provide plenty of good times.

- Of course - Gabriela confirmed - Frequent visitors to my uncle's celebrations.

- Ah, your uncle,- he declared, as if confirming his suspicions - so you are the niece.

- Apologies - she said and held out her hand - Gabriella Mago - Looked at her hand and slowly slid his bigger one into his. The moment their fingers touched it was like an electric current ran through them. She felt a stirring of air and a warmth that enveloped her from head to toe spreading light through her veins. Her consciousness whispered "There you are" and left her breathless. Even though it only took a second, it was as if she had been enjoying her sensations for a century. The magical energy that she had been suppressing until now seemed to burst through her body and bring her to the brink of escape. It was like she was a teenager again, but the power of her hormones had returned to a hundredth magnitude. Only constant training and the power of her mind prevented her from exploding into pure energy. And then it all settled back into normalcy.

She could tell that he would be someone important to her. Perhaps even her soulmate. On the other hand, the last few weeks things have been too messy and maybe this "coincidence" was not one at all. Perhaps some caution before acting is preferable.

- Sebastian Vero - he replied and continued to squeeze her hand gently, trying to shake off the energy that had erupted between them, though unlike her, all he felt was a slight tingling in his fingers and pins and needles down his spine, - Well, Gabriella, what is a beautiful girl like you doing in this place - he asked teasingly trying to regain his composure. This lovely witch had captivated all his senses and he drank in the energy between them to his heart's content.

- I helped my uncle organize it. The house needed some pick me up - Gabriella admitted, still pondering on their connection, besides the sexual attraction, of course. She had never reacted to a man in such a violent way before. She hoped he hadn't noticed that and continued to take deep breaths to keep calm.

- You speak as if it were a living being - Sebastian wondered, and without notice, he began to make circular motions with his thumb on her palm.

- It's somewhat - she admitted and gently pulled her hand away from his. That was enough physical contact at the moment. Any more and she would be incapable of making rational decisions. Sebastian frowned for a moment as if he hadn't noticed what he was doing until now.

- An interesting point of view - he answered thoughtfully.

- Every building has a soul I think - she added, trying to explain - Take my apartment for example. It's nice and I feel good inside. I sleep, eat, and work there and when a person visits, they understand my essence. Everything there is an embodiment of my soul and artistry. However, when I come here, I feel at home and as if a load has been lifted off my shoulders.

- It's like you've found your soul mate - Sebastian said, wondering where that thought came from. He never believed in soul mates.

- Yes, something like being in love - she confirmed seriously.

- Have you been in love? - he asked, wondering why he hoped the answer would be negative.

- Many times - she said with a smile that made him cringe - but never with a man - she added, amused at his reactions - And you?

- And I never in a man - he playfully answered her, but the expectation in her eyes made him add - there was a moment when I thought, but it turned out that I was wrong.

- It's unpleasant when that happens, isn't it - she asked quietly, looking down.

- Indeed - he added, - but sometimes it's even nicer to know you were wrong. - This allows you to judge the truth from the lie in the future.

- And do you manage to find the truth? – she asked, staring into his eyes. They both felt like they were no longer sticking to their original conversation.

- Almost always - he answered - And what do you prefer?

- Sincerity is always in fashion with me - she said.

- I agree with everything you say - he added without waiting for her to finish.

- What if I say that I like you? she asked.

- Then I am obliged not to contradict you! - he smiled at her and raised her palm for a kiss.

- What a gentleman - she said and moistened her lips. That was some next-level flirting she was not used to but she was not to back up. Something was making her feel bold and reckless. En excitement coursing through her veins. A feeling rocking her body she could not deny. And why should she? It was safe, the night was enchanting and the man was gorgeous. Why not have a great time?

- Only when it's worth it - he said, his lips still against her palm. Their eyes didn't separate as he tickled her skin with his breath. Her eyes misted slightly and she let out an inconspicuous sigh. He didn't miss the soft sound and found it utterly enchanting.

- Sebastian dear! – a low scream was heard, barely perceptible by the human ear which made them both jump a little. – Dear! - exclaimed a luscious blonde who settled between the two and threw herself on the man's neck - We haven't seen each other in ages! Are you still collecting money and enemies without picking?

- Claudia - he said looking at the lady a little annoyed by the interruption. His gaze went from the uninvited guest to Gabriela and back. He was hoping to continue their battle of wits further. She was quite stimulating, but as this was a gathering interruptions were to be had.

- Oh dear - she turned around as if she was noticing the woman next to her for the first time - You must be Gabriela Mago, right - she said looking at her, without an ounce of interest.

- Yes, a pleasure - said, Gabriela, noticing this Claudia person's obvious marking of territory. It would be quite amusing if she was not that gorgeous.

- But of course, we don't know each other - said the lady - I'm Claudia Bishop - an old friend of Sebastian - dragging the word "old" in a fashionable style.

- Well, not that old - he added politely, knowing how to play the game. His mind was occupied with finding a way to remove her presence as quickly as possible without forcing her to use the highs of bat communication she so often used.

- But, of course, what a gentleman - she exclaimed coquettishly. - My father does business with Sebastian - she said, talking to Gabriela, but fixing her little greedy eyes on him.

- I have a business relationship with your father - he confirmed, noticing Gabriela's mood. She was about to excuse herself soon if he didn't finish this soon - And how is he? – he asked politely, looking for a reason to get rid of her. And Gabriela seemed to either not notice his problem, or did not want to help him - We haven't seen each other for several months - why did he say that? Now she would ramble for ages. He wanted to smack himself on the head.

- But of course, since you're so busy expanding your empire - she added and turned to Gabriela - this handsome man here is the most powerful businessman on the coast and one of the most desirable bachelors in the country. He owns Vero Group Industries, a company that deals in almost everything from medical developments to aeroplanes. And that mind wrapped up in a wonderful package - added Miss Bishop, squinting her eyes demonstratively, and, as it seemed to many presents, her invisible claws into him - Perhaps you would like to go somewhere soon to rest - she suggested - so much work and no fun doesn't bode well for a young man like you. I know of a wonderful villa only two hours from here that I would love to show you - she said, the other two not missing the message.

- Well - But Sebastian was looking at Gabriella. The sense of intimacy was gone. She looked at the two and decided to get out before she was challenged to a duel for this young 'marry a millionaire' project.

- I'll leave you two to catch up. - she said at last - I have duties as a host - she told the woman and then, without taking her eyes off his, she added - It was nice and I hope you have a great time tonight - Smiling she set herself to move.

- To me even more - he whispered to himself and promised himself to find her later, as soon as he managed to escape from the clutches of Miss Bishop.

Well, that was nice while it lasted, she thought to herself. Not sure why she was disappointed. It's not like they were dating. They had known each other for only a few minutes and of course, he had other people in his life. It didn't seem like they were that close, but yet again she knew that women like Miss Bishop would get what they wanted sooner or later. Oh, this was frustrating, she thought and decided to put this behind her.