Chapter 27

The children’s hospital was a pleasant change, especially the abundance of donated flowers in every room. We visited several children, and Gabriel even read a story to a group in the play area. A certain sparkle lit his eyes as he picked up a little girl, attempting (and miserably failing) to braid her hair at her request. I had to step in. My heart fluttered when he gently cradled a crying infant, instantly calming the baby. I knew I was in trouble; Gabriel Whitlock possessed a hidden soft side, effortlessly concealed from the world, yet readily apparent to me.

He thought I didn't notice him discreetly retrieving his checkbook, scribbling an amount with several zeros, and signing it.

I knew I was in serious trouble when sleep evaded me that night, and I dreamt more of him sleeping beside me than of anything else. Though, a more physical dream would have been a welcome bonus.

It was also the first night I touched myself, thinking of Gabriel—the first time without him present.

I considered walking to his room, robe-clad, and asking him to fulfill his promise, but I chickened out at the last minute. My heart struggled to reconcile the fact that he was my husband for only a few more months, and I couldn't, wouldn't, allow myself to fall for him—let alone add sex to the equation. Sex that, I must admit, he was wonderful at.

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't. Not that night, at least. But I wasn't sure how much longer I could resist.

On Monday morning, I had my resignation letter printed. My two-week notice felt especially cruel, following Drew, the head of my department's, resignation.

After lunch, I visited Viktor's office.

"I wanted to submit my two-week notice," I said, handing him the letter when he gestured for me to enter.

His lips pursed. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect this."

"You did?"

"You're Gabriel's wife. Of course, he wouldn't let you work under me. Not with our history."

"Our… history?"

"Oh, he didn't tell you?" Viktor showed no apology as he added, "I'm sorry I mentioned it; it wasn't my place."

I nodded, offered a formal smile, and left, returning to my desk. I knew he was trying to goad me, and he succeeded. I knew Wales was a direct competitor of Whitlock, and Gabriel and Viktor often clashed, but I didn't know of any history that strained their relationship, or that they even had a relationship beyond work.

"So, you're actually leaving?" James peered from his desk.

I nodded, feigning a pout. "Husband's orders," I joked.

"I'd happily take my husband's orders if he were a hot billionaire with his own company," he replied.

I playfully swatted his arm. "Look how attached you've become in just a month. You'll miss me."

"I will." He sighed. "Maybe you can convince your husband to employ us both."

"Maybe," I joked. "But then Viktor would probably sue Whitlock for poaching employees."

James laughed. "I'm pretty sure there's no law against stealing employees; it just shows bad faith. And Viktor will understand. There's only one of me, after all."

I shook my head and tried focusing on work, though my thoughts kept returning to Viktor's comment. As we left the building, James invited me to dinner at his house that weekend (Steve was planning to cook). I was shocked to see a Mustang parked outside Wales' gate, and a familiar man leaning against it in a suit, impatiently tapping his foot and checking his watch.

"Oh my God," James exclaimed. I'm sure his mouth was agape, as mine should have been, but being married to this man had taught me to expect the unexpected. "He's your husband? He's so much hotter than you described."

"Gabriel!" I called softly, walking toward him. Gabriel straightened and strode toward me.

"Hey, babe," my husband greeted me loudly.

My eyes narrowed. Babe? He had never called me babe. (Except once, when…)

"Are you here for a meeting?" I asked, eyebrows still furrowed.

"No," he chuckled. Gabriel never chuckled. He rarely smiled, let alone laughed. "I'm picking up my wife from work. Do I need a reason?"

Before I could reply, he kissed me. I froze, and before I could process it, he pulled away.

I stared, dumbfounded. But he wasn't looking at me; he was looking past my shoulder. "Is that your friend, babe? Won't you introduce me?"

I exhaled, turning to James. This display was for James—to show him I was married and that Gabriel was my husband.

Was he jealous? He seemed jealous… This was fun. "Sure, Gabriel, this is James. In fact, James just invited us to dinner at his house this Saturday."

"I have a work dinner on Saturday night."

I pursed my lips to suppress a smile. "You can go to that. I can have dinner with my friend."

"James can postpone dinner."

"Oh, he doesn't have to," I said lightly. "You can join another time."

"No," Gabriel said sternly, turning to James, his gaze fixed on him. "You can postpone dinner, can't you, James?"

"O-Of course. Sunday works. My boyfriend is cooking, so I'll check with him."

"Your boyfriend, huh?" Gabriel said, looking at me.

I grinned, ignoring him. "Bye James, see you tomorrow."

James waved, told Gabriel it was nice to meet him, and left.

"You were jealous," I teased Gabriel as soon as James was gone. He glared.

"I should punish you for this, you know."

"You were the one who went all caveman, as if I'm your property."

"You are," Gabriel declared shamelessly. I rolled my eyes. "Now get in; we have to leave."

"Leave for where?" I asked, getting into the backseat as Gabriel entered from the other side. "I thought you came just to spy on me."

"Did you submit your resignation?"

"I submitted my two-week notice, Gabriel."

"You were supposed to resign."

"I did," I said firmly. "But I have to work for two more weeks."

"I thought you might say so," I heard him mumble.

"What?" I asked.

"I said, we never had a honeymoon."

I narrowed my eyes. "You didn't say that."

He ignored me, pulling two tickets from his jacket and handing them to me. They were plane tickets with our names. "These are tickets to Italy," I read, "For… tonight."

"It's honeymoon time, wife."

My eyes widened. "What?" I must have screamed; Gabriel's nose scrunched.

"Don't be dramatic. I didn't want to miss work for a holiday. But we have to; it's a wedding gift from my grandparents."

"But… Gabriel… it's for tonight!"

"I know. We're headed to the airport now."

"Gabriel… what?!" I hissed. "I… I have work. I haven't applied for leave. I can't just… go."

"Yes, you can. I have work too. I'm going. And about your leave, Alistair said he'll take care of it."

"Take care how?!"

"He's my grandfather, Freckles. He was the CEO of Whitlock and ruled the industry for over three decades. You think he can't arrange a leave for you?"

"And… clothes?"

"Luna packed for you."

"What about yours?"

"I packed for myself."

Gabriel simply looked around, processing what he'd just said. I was flabbergasted. I came from a middle-class background where I'd struggled financially. This wasn't my normal.

"Freckles, we're going on our honeymoon. I'm sure there are a few things more important than skipping work for a few days."

"Like what?" I asked, my thoughts still racing.

Gabriel didn't miss a beat. "Like having sex with me?"