by S. Valentine
Gabi wiped her wet hair from off her forehead and slowly continued down the road staring at the blackness of the night before her. How had he looked at Eva? With anger, or with lust? She scolded herself for replaying the moment in her head. What was it they said about swinging? It could light a fire, but it could also burn the house down. The house had definitely burnt down, leaving nothing but ash to be swept away in the wind, gone, like it never even existed, probably like her relationship with Darion, to become a distant memory. She crumpled into breathless sobs. There was no point hiding it; she was devastated. Gabi walked on, wiping her sniffling nose and tear-stained face. When she noticed a taxi drive past, she lifted her arm to hail it down. It stopped. Gabi made her way toward it, taking a deep breath, and regaining her composure. She didn’t want the driver to see her in such a humiliating state.
“Gabi!”
She turned around swiftly. Darion. He was drenched. The rain dripped from his hair, his face, and his clothes. She was unable to read his expression until he was before her. His eyes were red and puffy. He looked worn out, tired, like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.
“Gabi.” He stepped toward her, leaving a small gap between them, concern etched on his face. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Why did you leave?”
“Why did you?” Her tone was thick with rage and jealousy.
“I don’t know if you know, but that was my bitch of an ex-wife in there,” he said through clenched teeth. “We were discussing the club. I didn’t want her anywhere near you.” He ran his hand through his hair, clearly frustrated, and then he took in a shaky breath. “I have some bad news.”
Could it get any worse? She was silent, willing him to continue.
“She’s back in town,” his voice shook with emotion. “For good.”
Gabi felt her heart twist. Definite deal breaker. “I can’t do this anymore, Darion.” She shook her head vehemently. “I can’t handle any of it, I’m sorry…it’s over.”
Darion looked up, clamping his jaw shut, as if willing himself not to break down. “I love you, Gabi. Isn’t that enough?”
Before she knew it, Darion pulled her into a tight embrace, crushing her body against his, as if he never wanted to let her go. His fingers gripped the material of her dress. She stumbled back a step as he balanced his weight on her, like he no longer had the energy to stand. He was openly showing his vulnerable side, his weaknesses, his obvious fears of being alone, but he also demonstrated his fears of being attached.
In a sense, he’d opened up to Gabi, slowly learning how to love again, and she was taking it away from him. Feeling her throat tighten, and sadness sweep over her, Gabi hesitantly hooked her arms around him. They remained entwined for a moment in silence.
Darion eventually pulled back, cupping her face in his hands. “Don’t do this, Gabi. I can’t be without you,” he said sternly. “I’ll do anything.” Gabi studied his face for any signs that he was being insincere. He wasn’t. Anything? She wondered if that meant giving up swinging and selling The Black Door.
When his soft lips met hers, kissing her tenderly, she reciprocated. His kisses grew firmer, holding so much passion and so much love.
He squeezed her tightly again, his fingers gently stroking her hair. Gabi screwed her eyes shut. She breathed in his delicious, intoxicating cologne, cherished the feel of his soft face pressed against hers, relaxed in his protective arms, and listened to the sound of his pounding heart against her own. And she realised there was nowhere else she’d rather be.
Although Gabi had no idea what the future held, and it frightened her, she knew one thing—she loved Darion more than anything in the world. At times, even though she contemplated leaving him, she knew she couldn’t go through with it. The feelings of lust, love, addiction, and passion wouldn’t go away.
For a moment, she almost felt like they could get through it all—one day at a time.
And then she felt someone’s presence. Slowly blinking her eyes open, she saw Eva. Gabi felt a jolt of fear run through her body, all the air leaving her. Leant against the wall, her arms folded across her chest, Eva’s eyes examined her carefully, the kind of inspection that was meant to unnerve. Her lips curled into a small, secret smile, a look that told Gabi she was in for a big surprise.
She was back to claim what was hers—The Black Door, and Darion.
Book Playlist
Nine Inch Nails–“Physical”
Bruce Springsteen–“I’m on Fire”
Nine Inch Nails–“Closer”
Steppenwolf–“Born to be Wild”
Robert Palmer–“Addicted to Love”
Whitesnake–“Still of the Night”
Muse–“Supermassive Black Hole”
Rolling Stones–“Satisfaction”
Kid Rock–“So Hott”
Five Finger Death Punch–“The Bleeding”
In This Moment–“Adrenalize”
Danzig–“She Rides”
Linkin Park–“Crawling”
Linkin Park–“Waiting for the End”
Three Days Grace–“Animal I Have Become”
Arctic Monkeys–“Do I Wanna Know”
Interpol–“Turn On the Bright Lights”
Evanescence–“Going Under”
Evanescence–“Bring Me to Life”
Massive Attack–“Angel”
Muse–“Uprising”
Nirvana–“Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Cranberries–“Zombie”
Sneaker Pimps–“Spin Spin Sugar”
Serge Devant–“Addicted To Love”
Acknowledgements
To the readers, thank you for reading the first book of The Black Door trilogy. I hope you enjoyed it, and will continue to follow Gabi and Darion’s journey because it definitely isn’t over. There are a few surprises in store!
A big thank you to all of my family, especially my mom and dad; my sisters, Annastasia and Angelique; and my brother, Michael. You all support me in whatever I do! Not to mention my friends.
To the wonderful authors, bloggers, and readers who I connect with daily online, you make the journey that more enjoyable. To those who reviewed my book, I made it the best it could be with your help. You’re the best! And, of course, my gratitude goes to the wonderful Limitless team!
About the Author
S. Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors’ for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which, in a way, will always be home.
Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper for their lifestyle and fashion section. Her other interests include reading, shopping, enjoying a nice glass of wine, and watching shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl, and SATC. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.
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Author’s Note
If you liked this book, it would absolutely make my day if you could please leave a review on Amazon. If you send me the link to your review, I will enter you into my monthly prize draws to win other eBooks and prizes! My author page is: www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor
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