63 Date Gone Wrong
Claire texted Gabriel throughout lunch letting him know a meeting time and place, as well as reminding him to wear something comfortable.
She felt bad for not sending him this information earlier, but Gabriel was quick to respond that he was looking forward to the evening and that it wasn't an issue.
Claire decided to forgo her lunch to catch up on the missed work in the morning, and so that she could leave early enough.
"Hey, Claire-bear." Zoe appeared at the end of the day.
"What's up?" Claire asked worriedly.
"Do me a favour and tell your husband that you like his ass," Zoe said with a smile.
"What?" Claire looked confused.
"Your husband is worried that his ass is not to your liking."
"Is that what it was about earlier?" Claire asked as she blushed.
"It's kind of Mark's fault. He implied that butt pads that you recommended were because Gabriel's ass was flat."
"Poor Gabriel." Claire snickered. "I'm guessing that you didn't tell him that we're going roller skating?"
"No. That'll be boring." Zoe laughed.
"Thanks for giving me a heads ups on this." Claire hid her face as she kept laughing.
"Now… what do you think of his butt?"
"Zoe, stop, please." Claire laughed in embarrassment.
"Oh, you like it." Zoe sat in a chair opposite Claire. "I mean, I approve." She smiled. "Hasn't he been named the sexiest man alive some time ago?"
"Maybe…" Claire laughed into her sleeves as she laid her head in her arms.
"I'm sure that you know of it."
"Three years ago…" Claire hasn't stopped laughing.
"So, how is it to be married to the sexiest man alive?"
"He lost that title to some tv star." Claire laughed. "I'm married to the ex-sexiest man alive." Claire straightened out, wiping her tears. "Oh my goodness… I still can't believe that this has happened."
"But, you must admit that he's attractive."
"I'm not denying it." Redness reached Claire's ears.
"You sweet innocent child," Zoe said with a smile. Gina walked in.
"Am I missing something?" Gina asked with worry.
"I was just telling Claire that she should compliment her husband's butt," Zoe said with a smile. Gina chuckled at a reminder of earlier.
"I see." She sat down on the chair beside Zoe.
"Also, I'm trying to work out if Claire finds him attractive or whether there's something wrong with her."
"And what's the conclusion?"
"She's beetroot red and trying to avoid the conversation. What's your deduction?"
"She does find him attractive but she's too prude to say it out loud."
"There's nothing wrong with his looks," Claire said shyly.
"So, what do you like the most about his looks?" Gina asked as she leaned back.
"Hmm…" Claire hesitated. "His smile."
"Oh no." Gina opened her eyes wide. "She likes him."
"His smile?" Zoe laughed. "Okay, Prudence."
"He has very adorable dimples," Claire said, ignoring Zoe's remark.
"Aww… that's so sweet." Gina squealed.
"Hang on, are you serious?" Zoe asked as she suddenly turned serious and straightened in the chair.
"Yes." Claire nodded.
Zoe looked at Gina knowingly.
"Well, I'm happy for you." Zoe smiled as she leaned toward Claire and tapped the back of her hand. "I'll be going, I have a date tonight myself." She announced and hurried out.
"A date?" Claire shifted her gaze to Gina.
"She didn't want to tell me either." Gina shrugged. "How did yesterday go?"
"Great." Claire smiled.
"Is that why you overslept?"
"I think so. I cried myself to sleep afterwards. It was mentally exhausting."
"Don't overdo it," Gina said worriedly. "Don't push yourself over the edge."
"I'll be fine," Claire said with a smile. "Sorry to be that kind of a person, but I need to get going." Claire smiled as she started tidying her desk. "This is probably the shortest working day I've ever had."
"That's not a bad thing. You don't need to work 12 to 18-hour days to be recognised and do well. At least, you're learning to delegate a bit better."
"True." Claire nodded. "Even though tomorrow will be a long day." She sighed.
"Enjoy yourself tonight and let me know how Gabriel gets on." Gina smiled waving Claire goodbye.
Claire rushed back to her hotel room, worried that she hasn't been able to move yet, and she knew it wasn't long before Moore senior's henchmen will make a move.
She changed into jeans and a sweater, readying herself for a second date with Gabriel. She was feeling excited and nervous. She wasn't sure how much he'd like her idea for a date, as she planned something that she always dreamed of.
She hurried towards the meeting spot near the local park, carrying a backpack with her. She waited impatiently for Gabriel as she arrived a little too early.
She smiled widely as she saw him walking toward her, and Gabriel reciprocated the smile as soon as he noticed her.
He tried his hardest not to speed up or even run towards her.
"You look stunning," Gabriel said as a welcome at which Claire laughed nervously. "What's the plan for tonight?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"It's a surprise," Claire replied happily.
She grabbed his hand and led him down the street towards the food vendor. "Dinner will be later so let's get something here before our first activity." She informed Gabriel as she ordered some kebabs with cheese and sauces. She passed him a box filled to the brim and a bottle of water. "It's about time for your medication, isn't it? You shouldn't be taking it on an empty stomach."
Gabriel smiled, feeling slightly overwhelmed with the care and attention that Claire showed to him.
They sat down at a picnic table nearby and started eating.
"I wasn't sure how serious you were about the butt pads," Gabriel said with a smile. "After some being teased by Pattison, I've decided that it's best to assume it was a joke."
"It mostly was." Claire smiled back at him. "And I've heard that the guys poked fun at you earlier, and made you feel rather insecure. I'm so sorry."
"It's not the first time that Mark tried to wind me up." Gabriel waved his hand.
"I still can't work out your relationship with Mark."
"Well, in public we're all professional. In private, we're friends. He was never particularly afraid to speak up, but since you came around he is becoming a little unbearable." Gabriel laughed. "You have a bad influence on him."
"Me? Never!" Claire laughed. "It must be Zoe."
"I thought so, too, but I've heard a few stories about your adventures recently that convinced me that you're the bad one in the group."
"Really? What did they tell you?"
"I might've heard that you've had some great time trying to do somersaults without spilling a drink, or that you've been climbing a tower of chairs."
"Now you know all of my secrets." Claire smiled. "I'm sure that you've done your share of silly things."
"Hardly," Gabriel said truthfully.
"Really?"
"I come from a family that really values appearances over anything else. I don't think I ever did anything that could stain my image."
"Besides marrying me, I assume." Claire looked down.
"That's hardly a stain on my image, Claire." Gabriel smiled.
"I don't come from an affluent family and frankly, I do not bring a huge fortune. I don't think anyone else would approve of me"
"You are well-educated. There were no scandals in your past. No questionable financial gains. You are talented and people-oriented. You can move within my circles without standing out too much. You're kind-hearted. You are the most desirable wife for someone like myself." Gabriel started listing. "You're the most intelligent person I've met. You're interesting and intriguing."
"I'm glad that you didn't bring birthing heirs and my fertility up this time." Claire teased him.
"I'm sure we can talk about it in the future." Gabriel winked.
"If we had a child they might be exactly like you," Claire said in a sweet tone.
"Aww… really?" Gabriel straightened out on the bench.
"And that's exactly why I'm never having kids," Claire said with a wide grin.
"Wow." Gabriel managed to utter as he inhaled some water. "Is it because of my flat ass?"
Claire blushed at his comment.
"Take your medication, we need to get going." She changed the topic instead.
Gabriel did just that, smiling at her with his mischievous smile.
Claire led him through the side of the park and pulled him inside the large concrete building.
"Oh no," Gabriel said under his nose. "That's not good."
"Why?"
"I've never in my life had roller skates on."
"Don't tell me that you're afraid." Claire smiled at him. "Besides, I'm here to catch you."
"I should've brought the butt pads." Gabriel laughed as he changed his shoes to roller skates.
Claire was proficient enough to go onto the rink without any issues, yet Gabriel held tightly onto the side of the fence.
Claire laughed at him trying to balance and failing.
"Are you planning to stay by the fence all evening?" Claire asked him.
Gabriel scowled at her, letting go of the fence within moments, lasting maybe twenty seconds upright before he flopped on his bottom.
Claire skated towards him. She offered him her hand. As he tried to get up, using Claire as a support and help with balancing, he fell forward onto Claire, both falling to the ground. Claire laughed hysterically even if her bottom was sore. Gabriel started laughing as he ended up on all fours just above Claire.
"Are you okay?" Gabriel asked her with worry.
"I should've brought butt pads for myself," Claire said through the laughter. She pushed Gabriel's chest, trying to get him upright, eventually succeeding. He tried to move toward Claire to help her up but he ended up on his knees. Claire managed to get herself up again.
Gabriel managed to get up using the fence as his help. Claire offered her hand to him, and he gripped it tightly.
"Don't try to run. Move your feet in the v-shape and bend your knees and small steps." Claire advised him. Gabriel nodded, slowly working out his rhythm, continuously jerking his hands up as if he was preparing himself to land on his face, barely saving himself on a few occasions.
They both laughed, as Gabriel kept losing balance, knocking Claire off her feet several times. The disco music was playing in the background and lights were flashing colourfully.
"I think you're bruised enough now," Claire said carefully as she helped Gabriel up again.
"I'm not sure. I think I can take a few more falls." Gabriel responded with a smile. "I think there's about an inch or two left on my ass that isn't going to be blue tomorrow. I can't leave it like that."
"We can always come back some other day. I rather you be able to sit down for the next part." Claire smiled.
"Thank goodness." Gabriel laughed. "I was just pretending so that you don't think I'm a weakling."
"I wouldn't." Claire smiled as she pulled him towards the exit. "You've lasted longer than what I've anticipated."
"I'm glad." Gabriel laughed, taking the roller skates off with a sigh of relief.
They left the building, Claire leasing Gabriel towards the park. She stopped by a small store on the way, picking up a basket.
"Am I allowed a hint?" Gabriel asked impatiently.
"Absolutely not." Claire shook her head.
They walked deep into the park when Gabriel spotted an area lit up by hundreds of firelights between the trees and a few poles, and a huge white screen. Claire pulled him to the centre of the hill, with the best view of the screen, yet out of the way of other people that were sitting on the blankets. She dug a blanket out of the backpack she had, laying it on the grass. Gabriel sat beside her when she started taking food and drink out of the basket. "Now, drinks are all non-alcoholic. I've got some beer but also a few types of fizzy drinks."
Gabriel smiled as he accepted everything that Claire passed him. The lights soon switched off and a movie started on the huge screen.
They were both grazing on the picnic foods, whilst watching a movie under the starry night.
Claire shifted closer to Gabriel, as he put his arm around her back.
"Do you have any idea what's going on?" Gabriel asked partway through the movie.
"No." Claire shook her head. "I lost a track of the plot about ten minutes ago."
"I've lost it within the first five minutes but I didn't want to admit it." Gabriel smiled down at her.
"I thought that it sounded nice when reading about it. They've praised the director for his visionary style and they've described the movie as a fanciful comedy with an exquisite charm and a lighthearted fantasy. Many reviews mentioned its dreamy and quirky style."
"I mean, visually it is rather interesting. But I have no idea what's going on."
"I do love the music," Claire whispered, closing her eyes and resting her head on his shoulder, listening to the changing melody. "I do love how carefully it has been selected to enhance the mood of the movie. How it seems to change from melancholy to that carefree twinkle."
"Yeah." Gabriel nodded, as he still looked down at Claire's face. She was smiling gleefully.
Gabriel looked down at her long eyelashes, slightly upturned nose, and lips. His eyes stopped on the latter, his mind wandering further than he'd ever admit, dreaming of touching them and wondering how soft they'd feel. Gabriel pushed his thoughts aside as Claire re-opened her eyes, watching the movie again, allowing himself only to gently pull her closer.
"If you don't like it, we can go," Claire asked worriedly.
"I don't mind it," Gabriel responded quickly, worried that she'd want to cut the night short.
"Are you sure?"
"I can pretend to be cultured and say that I've watched it if it ever comes up in a conversation."
"Then you should be actually watching it instead of me." Claire smiled.
"Oh, that's unfortunate," Gabriel responded, still unwilling to look away. However, within minutes his medication started taking a hold of him as he started to feel drowsy. He started to struggle to keep his eyes open. Claire noticed it quite quickly, wriggling herself out of his arm. Gabriel looked at her worriedly.
"Lay down." She instructed.
"I'm fine." Gabriel lied. Claire didn't care for his response, gently pulling him down. To Gabriel's surprise, she stretched her legs out placing his head on her lap. Gabriel didn't even try to fight it as he felt ecstatic over being this close to her. The comfort of being so close to Claire made him fall asleep.
It was now Claire's turn to watch him and muse at his stunning face. She carefully started playing with his hair as she watched the movie.
As the credits started rolling, Gabriel opened his eyes abruptly, smiling instantly at Claire.
"How are you feeling?" Claire asked softly.
"I'm so sorry," Gabriel said with a slight yawn.
"But, how are you feeling?"
"Much better," Gabriel admitted.
"That's good." Claire continued playing with his hair. Other people left one by one leaving them alone in the area. "What are you thinking?" She asked as she noticed Gabriel's distant gaze.
"This is the most beautiful night I've ever seen."
Claire looked up at the clear sky.
"Yeah." She nodded, looking back at Gabriel who was staring at her.
"I didn't mean the stars…" Gabriel reached his hand out and moved Claire's hair out of her face.
"Aren't you a charmer?" Claire laughed.
"In your smile, I see something so much more beautiful than the stars."
Claire turned all red in embarrassment.
"Is it my turn to compliment you now?" She asked with a nervous chuckle.
"Maybe."
"Let's see…" Claire thought for a moment realising that she wasn't brave enough to say out loud anything that crossed her mind. Instead of saying anything, she leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on Gabriel's forehead. His eyes glimmered in excitement.
Claire couldn't look away, unsure whether it was his dimples or his eyes that she wanted to look at more. "I'm afraid that it's getting a little late."
"I hate time."
"You hate time?"
"I wish it could stop right now so I can enjoy this moment forever."
"I'm afraid that it doesn't work like that."
"And it s*cks." Gabriel declared, slowly sitting up.
Claire started to pack the bits back into the basket with Gabriel's help.
They've started walking back out through the empty and dark park, holding hands.
Gabriel silently walked with Claire, hoping that he can at the very least walk her back. Claire didn't protest as she dreaded the moment that they were approaching so quickly, the moment they were to say goodbye.
They've walked through the city, towards the hotel where Claire stayed, falling more silent as they neared the end of the night.
Claire froze suddenly as she noticed at least five men in black suits by the entrance of the hotel.
Gabriel squeezed her hand as he recognised that she felt anxious.
"Are you okay?" He asked quietly. Claire hasn't responded as her eyes widened.
"It's her!" One of the men shouted as he spotted her, pointing his index finger at Claire.
"F*ck," Claire uttered, dripping the basket and turning around and running as fast she could, pulling Gabriel with her. "Quick." She said towards him. Gabriel didn't ask any questions, trying his hardest to keep up. Claire pulled him through the back street, only to realise there were more men in suits behind the building. "Sh*t." She uttered, quickly turning in the opposite direction, running as fast as she could.
"Shall I get my bodyguards?" Gabriel asked between his breaths.
"There's no time. We need to lose them first." Claire decided. She pulled him further away from the city centre, running alongside the riverbank. "Can you keep up?" Claire asked him worriedly. Gabriel nodded. His breath was unsteady. He tried not to speak and concentrate on running. The sweaty pearls showed up on his forehead.
Claire pulled him suddenly to the right. Gabriel was surprised that they had run towards the Alexandria Estate.
"George!" Claire shouted towards the men on the stairs that Gabriel previously saw when he dropped her off. The slightly older man in the seemingly drunken state stood up and pointed Claire towards the side door. Claire nodded, rushing towards the door that was on the ground floor on the side of the building that she used to live in. The door was unlocked as she pushed Gabriel inside. She pushed him to the ground by the wall, signalling him to be silent. She squatted beside him, pressing her head into his side and closing her eyes.
"What's the rush, gentlemen?" George's voice could be heard through the closed window.
"Was there a young woman, in her twenties, here?"
"Haven't seen anyone besides yourselves all evening," George answered in his slurred speech.
"Her flat was in that building. Search the area." The man ordered. They've heard footsteps past the window and just outside the door. Gabriel put his hand on Claire's shaky hand, watching in absolute fear as the shadows appeared underneath the door. Thankfully the men continued, disappearing a few minutes later. It was another twenty minutes of silence before Claire let out a sigh of relief.
The door opened and the older man walked in.
"They're gone." He smiled. His face was flushed, and his nose was maroon kind of red.
"Thank you, George." Claire dropped to the floor, her legs shaking as she was trying to steady her breath.
"Anything, Claire." George smiled. "I haven't seen you for so long that I thought that they've already got you."
"No, not yet." Claire shook her head. "Are you okay?" She asked Gabriel who was beyond pale.
"I thought that you were just watched. Why did they try to get you?" Gabriel asked with a shaky voice that barely escaped his lips.
Claire laughed hysterically, trying to stop herself from having a full meltdown.
George looked at Gabriel suspiciously.
"Who are you?" He asked sharply.
"I'm sorry." Gabriel stood up on his wobbly legs. He reached his hand out for a handshake. "Gabriel Moore."
George didn't shake his hand, looking at Gabriel with pure disgust.
"George, he's alright," Claire said as she tried to stand up.
"He's a Moore," George said angrily as he looked back at Claire.
"I know." Claire nodded. "But, he isn't the one chasing me right now," Claire said with a weak smile.
"Why is he running away from them?" George asked with a raised brow.
"Because he was with me," Claire said, not knowing the answer.
"Be careful, Claire," George asked worriedly.
"I am way past that." Claire waved her hand dismissively.
"I know you won't like what I'm going to say," Gabriel said as he looked at Claire.
"Probably not." Claire shook her head. "But also you weren't the one trying to get me just now so I think I'll be alright."
"You need bodyguards," Gabriel said sternly. "They're starting to act. This is not a good sign. I've tried to stand back when you were solely followed, but I can't anymore."
"Not a good sign?" George laughed. "It's a miracle that they didn't shoot at Claire without a second thought."
"I know." Claire nodded. "They must've been wary of Gabriel."
"Claire…" Gabriel looked at her with even more worry.
"I know, Gabriel." She nodded. She paced away in contemplation.
"I'll double all of the security. I'll make sure that you have a security manager on standby at any time, and bodyguards when you're out of the house. Let me help you. Let me protect you."
"Isn't he…?" George looked at Claire. "He looks like…"
"Yeah." Claire nodded at George. "He is." She answered his question before he composed it.
George still scowled at him.
"What am I?" Gabriel looked at them without a full understanding of the situation.
"George is flustered by the fact that you're Michael Moore's son," Claire explained.
"No." Gabriel shook his head. "Don't." He waved his finger at her. "I have nothing to do with that man."
George looked at Claire who shrugged back at him.
"How's Leanne?" George decided to change the subject.
"Mum's good. Still alive." Claire smiled at him.
"Cecilia got in touch with me. She said that she's ready to meet you." George smiled.
"Yeah, I'm due to see her next week." Claire nodded. "Do you want me to pass anything onto her?"
"Just that I miss her very much," George said with watery eyes.
"Of course. I'm sure she knows that already though." Claire agreed.
Gabriel was pacing across the room, agitated that Claire hasn't given him any answer yet.
"I don't know what to do," Gabriel admitted as he stopped and looked at Claire.
"What do you mean?" Claire looked confused.
"If you don't accept the security and the bodyguards, I don't know how to keep you safe," Gabriel said with despair in his voice.
"Claire's been keeping herself safe for over seven years," George grumbled. "She's been doing this long enough. She doesn't need a pretty boy to keep her safe."
Claire laughed at George's eagerness to stand up for her.
"It's okay George." Claire tapped his arm. She hugged him. "I'll try to see you soon enough. And once it's all over, mum would love to see you and Cecilia again."
"Of course, take care," George responded. "If you need help, you know where to find us."
"I know." Claire waved to him and she grabbed Gabriel's arm, pulling him out of the small apartment. Gabriel was still flustered. He was getting angry at how little awareness he had of the situation, and Claire's unwillingness to share it with him.
"Let's walk towards the Red Bridge," Claire said to Gabriel. She held onto his arm, feeling that he was very tense. "Thank you. And I'm sorry for not answering your questions. I need to collect my thoughts before I say anything stupid."
"I am very worried for you Claire," Gabriel said through his gritted teeth. "I hate not knowing." He clenched his fists and tried to wriggle himself away from Claire. The first drops of rain fell.
Claire hesitantly let go of his arm. Gabriel started walking faster, swearing under his nose.
"Gabriel?" Claire said his name anxiously behind him.
"I need a moment," Gabriel said as he looked around. "I'm losing control and I feel like I'm boiling over." He growled. Suddenly, heavy rain trickled down.
"Gabriel…" Claire said his name again. He was about three meters in front of her, still swearing and growling. He looked around at her again, his face was twisted in anger.
Claire wasn't sure what to do to calm him down as she felt anxious. She froze on the spot. She stared at him blankly.
Gabriel stopped himself. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He tried to cool off before exploding.
"Claire, I am trying," Gabriel said as his lip quivered. "I want to keep you safe. I want to protect you. I am angry that you're not letting me. I am angry that even though I share so much with you, you still shield yourself from me. I want to be your pillar and your shield." Water trickled down Gabriel's face. Their clothes were all soaked within moments.
"I know." Claire nodded. "I know, Gabriel." She walked up to him. She reached her hand and moved the wet streak of his hair from his forehead, then she moved her hand onto his cheek. "You have all the right to be angry at me for not telling you anything. I am not ready to tell you everything just yet. I am not ready for you to hate me." She whispered, looking into his blue eyes that showed his agony.
"I can never hate you," Gabriel responded, closing his eyes again.
"Are you sure?"
"I love you, Claire," Gabriel said softly, his anger dissipating now completely, solely replaced with sadness and pain of being absolutely powerless.
Claire tiptoed and while Gabriel still had his eyes closed, she planted her lips onto his, moving her hand to the back of his head, grabbing onto his short hair. Gabriel tensed up at first as he was taken by surprise. Then his body relaxed and he put his hands on her back, gripping her tightly, lifting her off the ground, so that she was at his level. The kiss awoke a fire within Claire that she never felt before. Even if the evening was cold, she felt the heat spread through her. Not only a desire but a need to hold onto Gabriel forever. His lips were salty, warm, and soft. His kiss was tender and delicate as if he was afraid that one wrong move would shatter her.
Claire didn't want to stop, she didn't want to let go. It was the worst pain to let go. And as soon as their lips separated, she longed for more. It was a torment like no other, yet, she smiled at Gabriel with pure glee and happiness. Her chest felt like exploding.
"I might need a bodyguard," Claire said carefully after a few moments of silence, still being held up by Gabriel. "But I cannot tell you who I'm trying to escape just yet. I promise to tell you everything soon though. I just need a few more weeks at most."
"Come home with me," Gabriel said softly, pressing his forehead against hers.
Claire moved her hand caressing his cheek.
"Okay." She said with a nod. Gabriel chuckled as happy tears escaped his eyes. "I think you can put me down now." Claire reminded him. Gabriel slowly put her down, unwillingly letting her go.
"I'm sorry." Gabriel wiped those happy tears from his eyes. He took out his phone and called for the driver, standing beside Claire, holding her hand. "It should be five minutes at most," Gabriel informed Claire after he disconnected.
"I should probably apologise on behalf of George," Claire said quietly. "He's very wary around new people."
"It's fine. He helped us evade these men. I can't hold it against him." He rubbed his face as he felt a headache coming on. "Do you need anything from the hotel room?"
"No." Claire shook her head. "I didn't have anything valuable left behind. I was planning to check out last night but I was too tired and I overslept this morning. It's my fault, really."
"Don't be silly." Gabriel laughed. "How can this be your fault?"
"This wouldn't be an issue if I didn't go back to that hotel tonight."
"Is that what you were doing? Switching hotels to lose the tail?" Gabriel asked curiously.
"More or less." Claire shrugged.
"How long for?"
"Only about ten days, "Claire admitted. "Don't worry, it wasn't that long."
"Stop telling me to not worry."
"Why?"
"Because I am not going to ever stop worrying about you. And if you continue, I'll need to find a way to punish you for being ridiculous."
"Punish me?" Claire laughed. "How?"
"I'll kiss you," Gabriel grumbled. "Every time you tell me not to worry, I'll kiss you."
"That's a horrible punishment." Claire laughed.
"How else could I punish you?" Gabriel asked as he raised his brow. "The biggest punishment for you seems to be my presence."
"Indeed." Claire teased him, still watching him carefully, watching as water dripped from his jaw, how his soaked clothes were clinging to his skin, how his hair stuck to the sides of his face. She looked down at his large hand wrapped around hers. She smiled.
"When you've promised me some fun tonight, I don't think I expected quite anything like this." Gabriel laughed.
"You see, I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie." Claire joked. "It won't be fun if my life weren't in danger."
"I slightly wish we stopped the fun at the park."
"Oh, was the kiss that bad?" Claire asked worriedly, not willing to admit that it was her first kiss.
"It was so good that I feel like I'm having a heart attack. It's either that or because of all the running I've done. I'm not sure which one is worse for my heart." Gabriel put his free hand on his chest.
"You didn't try to kill anyone today. I'm proud of you." Claire said carefully.
"Yeah." Gabriel laughed. "I'm sorry for losing control."
"You didn't." Claire shook her head. "The issue isn't that you're angry. You have all right to be angry. Getting angry is normal." Claire looked at him with a warm smile. "But, you were able to tell me that you're angry, and why."
"I wasn't going to walk away."
"I know." Claire rested her head on his arm. "If you wanted to walk away, you would've. Walking three meters in front of me so that you get the space to calm down is not walking away."
"I'm still working on this." Gabriel sighed.
"I know." Claire nodded. "I know that it's not easy."
"I know that it's not easy for you to come with me and agree to the bodyguards."
"I'll manage. But I do have some terms."
"Yeah?"
"There will be few times when I will require to leave the house alone and I want you to respect that. Otherwise, I'm happy to comply."
"I don't think I'm in a position to dictate to you what you should do," Gabriel admitted. The driver pulled up and they've quickly got in the car.
