Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno)
Page 12
“I’m sure you’re tenacious enough to work it out.” Professor Wodehouse’s expression changed into what could have been a smile. It was difficult to tell.
“Tenacious enough to work what out?” Katherine’s brisk voice interjected.
She and Graham moved closer to Julia to join the conversation.
“Commuting across the pond. Mrs. Emerson is at Harvard while her husband is at Edinburgh next year,” Wodehouse explained.
Both Graham and Katherine looked at Julia.
Before she could answer, Gabriel appeared, having divested himself of his Harvard crimson. “Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming.”
He kissed Katherine on the cheek and shook hands with the others.
“Julianne,” Gabriel murmured. His blue eyes radiated warmth and concern, relief and desire.
Julia wanted to embrace him, to hold him tightly and find safety in his arms. But there were too many peering eyes.
Gabriel moved, taking her hand in his and stroking his thumb across her knuckles.
He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a lingering kiss against her skin, his eyes fixed on hers.
“Soon,” his lips whispered.
Julia felt her skin heat.
He released her hand and placed his own protectively at her lower back, then turned to Professor Wodehouse. They exchanged a few remarks before he and Graham excused themselves.
Julia took hold of Gabriel’s elbow, eager to tell him what had just transpired, but they were interrupted by a group of faculty members.
Gabriel introduced Julia and Katherine and they exchanged pleasantries. As the reception wore on, Katherine fell into conversation with an old friend and Gabriel introduced Julia to more people than she could count.
Finally, they stood by themselves in a corner.
Gabriel leaned forward, his lips hovering near her ear. “Miss Mitchell?”
“Yes?”
Gabriel’s breath whispered against her neck. “It’s time for our meeting.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Gabriel opened the door to a small office, which was situated on a deserted corridor on the main floor of the college. He stood aside to let Julianne enter, and closed and locked the door behind them. “They gave me a key to this room so I could store my regalia.”
The office boasted floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on two walls and a large window that looked out onto the quad. Gabriel crossed to the window and pulled a sheer curtain over it, shielding them from passersby.
His regalia was packed away in a garment bag that hung carefully on the back of the door. His briefcase sat forgotten on a leather chair, next to a floor lamp. Light shone in through the sheer curtains and so Gabriel didn’t bother with the lamp. He strode toward Julianne, engulfing her in his arms.
“We don’t have much time.” His voice was a whisper, as if the very walls were listening. “I’m supposed to go back upstairs for interviews. I’m sorry.”
“You did a great job. The audience reacted well to your talk. Katherine was very pleased.” Julia was feeling off-balance in the wake of her conversation with Professor Wodehouse. She was a little worried her plans would get back to her supervisor before she had the chance to speak to her directly.
Gabriel tightened his embrace, burying his face in her exposed neck.
“I saw you holding your own with Don Wodehouse,” he spoke against her skin. “I think you’ve acquired a fan.”
“He scares me.” She inhaled Gabriel’s scent—Aramis and peppermint.
“I think he scares everyone.” Gabriel kissed her neck. “But he’s a man. Why wouldn’t he want to talk to the prettiest girl at the reception?”
Gabriel’s hands sought her face and he lifted it, looking down with warmth into her eyes. “You are so beautiful.”
She smiled shyly. “Thank you. I was hoping you’d like the dress. I packed it thinking I’d wear it to one of the parties.”
He moved back, surveying her appraisingly. “A goddess in green.”
His lips met hers before she could reply, his kiss firm but reverent. For a moment, at least, he didn’t move. His mouth simply pressed against hers.
Julia reached up to wind her arms around his neck.
Gabriel’s lips whispered across hers, pecking the corners of her mouth. He kissed and retreated, kissed and retreated, almost as if he were tasting a fine wine and wished to savor it. Their bodies pressed together. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too.” Julia resisted the urge to broach the subject of next year. She hadn’t had a chance to describe her conversation with Professor Wodehouse.
“I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you to my office.” Gabriel traced a single finger down her neck.
She turned and kissed the edge of his hand.
“Take down your hair,” he whispered.
Julia obliged, deconstructing her hairstyle. She withdrew pin after pin, placing them on his desk.
Gabriel grew impatient.
“Let me,” he said gruffly. He brushed her hands aside and drew long, searching fingers through her waves of chestnut hair.
She closed her eyes.
It was an intimate thing, she thought, to have Gabriel touch her hair. She sighed contently.
“Were all these items really necessary?” Gabriel grumbled, holding up what he thought was the last pin.
“Yes.” Julia patted her hair, finding a few stray pins he had missed. “They were.”
“The effect was stunning.” He combed her hair with his hands so it cascaded about her face. He touched her neck again. “The door is locked.”
His eyes met hers as his hand dropped to the zipper of her dress. He eased it down her back, never breaking eye contact.
The green material gathered at her hips and she leaned forward, exposing her full cleavage, as she tugged the dress off.
“Allow me.” Gabriel knelt, bringing her hand to his shoulder for balance. He helped her step out of the dress and placed it carefully on the edge of the large, heavy desk.
“You’ll ruin your suit,” Julia murmured, her hand still on his shoulder.
“Fuck the suit.” Gabriel sat back on his heels and stared.
Julia wore an elegant black satin-and-lace basque, paired with gossamer underwear. Garters and black silk stockings encased her legs. On her feet she wore the high Christian Louboutin heels Gabriel almost worshipped.
A low oath escaped his lips. “I was not expecting this.”
“Surprise.” Julia felt conspicuous, although Gabriel’s reaction was more than she had hoped. She withdrew her hand and placed it at her hip. “I was thinking we’d celebrate back at the hotel.”
“I’m not waiting. Hang the interviews.” Gabriel broke eye contact so his gaze could roam her body. Julia’s breasts were very full and almost overflowing the top of the basque. But the garment flattened her stomach and accentuated her small waist. In high heels, her legs lengthened and she was a great deal taller.
Gabriel’s hungry perusal made her feel powerful.
She preened, pushing her hair back from her face.
“I’m speechless.” He touched the curve of her hip, stroking the skin just above her stocking. “You’re a siren. Will you pose for me? So I can photograph you?”
“Not now.” She leaned forward and grabbed his tie, pulling him toward her. Her lips hovered over his. “You know, it’s been six weeks since Clare was born, and I was cleared by Dr. Rubio before we left. So . . .” She arched her eyebrows.
Immediately, Gabriel was on his feet and divesting himself of his suit jacket and tie, casting them aside. He crushed her to his chest, his mouth fused to hers, as his hands rested on her barely covered backside.
Gabriel brought his hips to hers and she moaned at the sensation, feeling him rise beneath his trousers.
“Then you’ll have to be quiet.” Gabriel kissed her deeply and lifted her onto the desk.
“I can’t be quiet, not with you touching me like this.”
Gabriel smirked and spread her legs, stepping in between them and pressing himself up against her.
Julia hugged his hips with her knees, her high heels grazing the backs of his thighs. “I’ll stab you. Maybe I should take them off.”
“No fucking way.” Gabriel’s voice was hoarse as he lifted his hands to cup her breasts. He touched and stroked, passing his thumbs over her nipples until they grew taut. He peeled back the covering from her left breast and bent his head, kissing and tasting the round, full flesh.
Julia ground herself against him, her heels spearing his trousers. She bit the inside of her mouth, in order to stay silent.
His mouth closed on her nipple, gently, but he did not draw.
Julia pulled his dress shirt free. She began unfastening his buttons.
Again, Gabriel grew impatient and pulled the shirt over his head, throwing it onto the chair.
He bared her other breast in preparation for his mouth, worshipping her other nipple.
Her hands coasted up and down his bare back, urging him on.
Without warning, his hand rummaged behind her and fastened on a letter opener.
“I’ll buy new ones,” he rasped, as he flicked the letter opener between her hip and the edge of her panties. The silk ripped cleanly. He repeated the motion on the other side, placing the letter opener in his teeth as he withdrew the silk from between her legs.
Her eyes darted to his as she sat on the edge of the desk, legs wrapped around his hips, breasts bared and now fully exposed.
He grew still, letter opener between his teeth.
He removed the letter opener and put it on the desk. “I didn’t scratch you, did I?”
She shook her head.
He loosened her legs from his waist and knelt before her, his hands reaching back to cup her behind. He pulled her toward his mouth.
Julia rested her weight back on her hands as Gabriel kissed the insides of her thighs—light, unhurried kisses.
He drew the skin of her upper thigh into his mouth and pulled.
She shuddered.
With his shoulders, he spread her legs still wider, and nuzzled her center. His mouth grazed her up and down and back and forth before he introduced his tongue.
Julia screwed her eyes shut as Gabriel began to feast.
He kept his own leisurely pace as he licked and nipped. Then finally, he stroked her with his tongue with quick, repetitive moments and she clenched, legs shuddering and insides fluttering.
He continued to taste her as her tremors receded and then he withdrew, looking up at her with a very pleased expression.
She sagged back on her arms, a wide smile on her face.
Gabriel wiped his face with a tissue and proceeded to unfasten his belt. He removed his trousers and black boxer briefs before standing in between her legs again.
“I don’t have a condom.” His hands rested on her knees.
“I came prepared.” Julia leaned over to pick up her purse and quickly withdrew a condom. “But I started taking the pill a couple of weeks ago.”
Gabriel took the condom from her and ripped it open with his teeth. “Just in case the pill isn’t effective yet.” He rolled the condom onto himself, swiftly and efficiently.
She widened her legs. An invitation.
Gabriel brought their bodies together, his strong arms winding around her back. He nudged between her legs, his mouth finding hers.
As he kissed her deeply, he slowly slid inside.
It was an exquisite fullness she’d missed. It had been so long since they’d been joined this way.
Gabriel cursed as he was fully seated inside her. “This may be quick.” He sounded as if he were in pain.
She squeezed his hips with her legs. “I’m ready.”
Gabriel didn’t need any further encouragement. He stroked in and out, continuing to kiss her, his thrusts growing progressively rougher.
“Are—you—okay?” he managed to say, his lips dropping to her collarbone.
“Hurry.” She tugged at his hair, urging him on.
Gabriel’s movements quickened and he lifted his mouth to hers.
She welcomed him and his tongue swept inside her mouth.
A few more thrusts and she felt her pleasure crest. Her grip on his shoulders tightened as she signaled her orgasm.
Gabriel continued moving inside her, anchoring her to his body with his arms. He came with an expletive, stilling.
She held him close as he released.
Gabriel’s head slumped to her shoulder and he exhaled loudly. She pressed a kiss to his hair.
They were both quiet as their heart rates decreased and their breathing slowed. Julia nuzzled his ear with her nose.
“You’ll catch cold,” Gabriel whispered.
“Not if you continue holding me.”
He chuckled and kissed her shoulder. “Sorry about the underwear.”
“I can’t bring myself to care.”
“That’s my girl.” Gabriel pulled back and kissed her tenderly. “My beautiful, smart girl.”
He disengaged from her body and swiftly disposed of the condom. Then he retrieved tissues, attending her first before seeing to himself. He retrieved his suit jacket and placed it around Julia’s shoulders, while he redressed.
He gave her his naked back as he lifted his dress shirt.
“Gabriel!” She covered her mouth in horror.
He strained his neck, looking over his shoulder. “What?”
Julia pointed to the scratches and scrapes her heels had wrought above his backside and across his shoulder blades. She winced. “I’m sorry.”
“I’m not.” He flashed a grin that rivaled the sun. “I wear my love scars with pride.”
She cringed, for she regretted marring his skin.
He lifted her chin with a single finger. “We wound one another, but we can also heal one another.” He lowered his gaze. “The healing I received from you is perhaps the most important of my life.”
“Gabriel,” she whispered, grasping his arm at the wrist.
He kissed her. “I’m sorry I have to go. They’ll be looking for me upstairs.”
“I need to get back to the hotel to feed Clare. I only left two bottles with Rebecca.” Julia hopped down from the desk but nearly fell over when her right heel hit the floor.
“Steady.” He wrapped his arm around her waist as she tottered on her heels. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” She brushed her hair behind her ears and lowered her eyes, pulling up her basque to cover her breasts. The numbness in her right leg had returned and so she’d almost turned an ankle as she tried to stand. But she wasn’t going to tell Gabriel about it—she didn’t want to worry him, especially not at such a critical time for him as this.
“Are you sure?” He lowered his head so he could look into her eyes.
She flashed a quick smile. “Of course.” She picked up her dress and he helped her step into it.
Gabriel zipped up her dress. “Our hosts are planning another dinner this evening. I’ll call you when I know the details.”
“I’m not sure I can make it. I may need a nap after what we just did.”
Gabriel grinned wolfishly. “I’ll call you anyway. And if you’d rather stay in, that’s fine. I’ll detach myself as soon as I can.”
He began cleaning and tidying the desk, placing the letter opener in the center, almost as if it were a souvenir. He looped his tie over his neck but didn’t bother tightening it. “Maybe you and I can visit the pool toni
ght. Or the spa.”
“That would be nice.”
At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. “Professor Emerson?”
Gabriel stilled. “Yes?”
“You’re wanted upstairs, sir,” the male voice called. “Eleanor Michaels from the BBC is looking for you.”
“I’ll be right there.” Gabriel gave Julia a look of consternation.
She covered her mouth to smother a laugh.
“You go,” she whispered. “I’ll wait until the coast is clear, and then I’ll lock the door behind me.”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes heavenward and shook his head.
She groomed him quickly—straightening his tie, adjusting his suit jacket, and smoothing his hair. She took a tissue and wiped his face clean of lipstick.
He turned around in a circle, extending his arms wide. “Am I presentable?”
“Delectable.” She sighed longingly. “The BBC will love you.”
“I love only you.” He kissed her firmly and retrieved his briefcase and garment bag. Then he slipped into the corridor, careful to only open the office door a crack.
Julia waited until the footsteps receded. And then she collapsed in a chair, fanning herself with both hands.
Chapter Twenty-Six
A few days later
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Come in.” Cecilia Marinelli’s lightly accented voice responded to Julia’s knock.
Julia opened the door and stuck her head inside the office. “Hi, Cecilia. Do you have a minute?”
On seeing Julia, Cecilia’s expression shifted. She nodded stiffly and gestured to Julia to enter.
Julia was puzzled by her reaction. She stood awkwardly, until Cecilia finally invited her to sit down.
Cecilia was petite, with bright blue eyes and short dark hair. She was from Italy, originally, and had arrived at Harvard the same year as Julia.
“I thought you were on maternity leave.” Cecilia removed her glasses and set them on her desk. She did not smile.
“I am. I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute.” Julia clasped her hands in her lap, feeling nervous.