Chapter 19

" Beautiful..... so very tempting I almost can't help it, " I added, my eyes on her lush lips. And I can see the shock on her face. Which means I have to take a step back or else she just might break off everything, and I can't risk that happening. So I reluctantly let go of her and reach for the mug again, hoping that it'll provide a momentary distraction. 

" I'm gonna go freshen up, " she said as she stood to leave. Her voice shaky in a manner I found quite appealing. She's so easily affected by just the simplest touch, and that's new to me. Almost makes me think that she might be a virgin but of course not. A girl her age, that just doesn't happen anymore. Because if it's true, then she might just be more tempting than I had originally thought. 

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Layla's POV 

I Want the thoughts of him to stop. And I want to forget what he had told me while we were at my place. 

But I can't. I can't stop trying to figure out what exactly it is he meant. And the way he was looking at me.... something isn't adding up here. It could be my imagination but I doubt it. I just hope that I'm never going to find myself in the same situation ever again. Where I'm alone with him. 

His presence does something to me, I can't explain exactly what is is because I've never experienced anything like it. But whatever it is, it scares me. A lot. 

I follow him inside the restaurant. Feeling way under dressed in my simple jeans and plain black T-shirt. But if anyone is looking at me then I wouldn't know since I'm not looking at anyone. 

Gabriel stops at a table and pulls out a chair for me, asking me to sit. I finally look up and notice Arden. Dressed in black jeans and a grey T-shirt. He stands and kisses my cheek before I sit. A simple action but I can't help but blush. And when I look up I find Gabriel staring at me rather oddly. 

Just what exactly is his deal? 

" I see you guys finally decided to show up, I've been waiting for almost two hours. "

" Oh don't exaggerate, and I can see that you kept yourself busy. "

Gabriel gestured to the almost empty bottle of wine on the table and Arden shrugged. 

" I had to do something to pass the time, and coffee doesn't posses the same ability to give me patience that wine does. "

" Look at you, trying to make an excuse for your drinking problem. Not to worry Arden, I accept you just as you are. "

" Jerk! "

For a while I'm sure that they don't even remember that I'm around as they talk back and forth. It sounds more like an argument but something tells me that that's just how they communicate with each other. It's actually kind of cute just how close they are. 

" Anyway, enough about you Gabriel, in case your self centered mind has forgotten, we have company. "

Gabriel scoffed, then he gestured for the waiter to come over. 

" How can I forget, I brought her here you fool, "

The waiter comes and Gabriel orders without even looking at the menu. The the waiter asks Arden what he wants and he shakes his head, saying that he's good. Which is the same exact thing I'm planning to do. 

" Arden Gustov as I live and breathe! Did you just say that you're not hungry? Are you not feeling well? " Gabriel asks, acting petrified as he reaches forward to touch Arden's forehead in an attempt to check his temperature. But Arden slaps his hand off and scowls at him. 

" You know what? I've changed my mind. I'd like...... " he takes the menu from the waiter and goes through it. Then he gives it back immediately after and smiles. 

" Yes... I'd like a glass of poison to be poured on whatever the hell it is my dear friend here just ordered. "

I want to laugh. But I restrain myself, which is hard to do especially once I see the horrified look on the waiters face as he turns to me. But I shake my head and say that I'm okay. The last thing I want is for him to hand over a menu with names I can hardly pronounce. 

" Nonsense, she'll have a scallop soshimi with Meyer lemon confit and bring us a bottle of your best vintage wine along with it. " Gabriel said. His eyes once again on me. 

The waiter leaves and we begin the discussion. It's basically just like Gabriel had said. But then he gives me a little piece of information that I was not at all expecting. 

" And you will be required to stay with us throughout the course of our agreement. The damn paparazzi are always on my case and it would help the matter to our advantage if they spot you two together more often. "

He said it like it was no big deal as he ate another forkful of his meal. I thought differently. That's not something I'm comfortable with and nothing in the entire world will make me agree to it. 

" I think I prefer to stay at my own place, " 

I've barely eaten up any of the food. But now I'm suddenly not hungry anymore. Just how can they expect me to stay with them at their house. Even the thought of it scares me.

" Don't tell me you're scared Layla, " Gabriel said. A smile creasing his features and I see a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

" No, I'm just... I'm not comfortable with that, "

" Then you don't have to, it's all up to you. " Arden assured me with his hand on mine. And I feel a rush of relief, which only lasted for a second before Gabriel made it disappear. 

" I'm afraid this is nonnegotiable, she HAS to stay with us otherwise she won't be able to learn everything she has to. And have you forgotten that you're supposed to be a married couple? There are people probably people trying to find out as much about her as they can right now simply because she's here with us. "

I cautiously look around and true to his word, I can see that most of the other people in the restaurant were staring at us before they pretended to be looking away. But I can't stay with them, it's just... wrong. Especially now with how everything is starting to go with Gabriel. And after I say no the second time, he gives me time to think me over before coming to a decision. 

" Oh and I hired a professional photographer to take your wedding photos. Nothing grand, just a couple of shots in a make-believe civil court AKA my office. Be there at eleven tomorrow. " 

This is all getting too real but I did agree to help and I won't back down from my decision. So I just nod as he lays down the entire plan. 

" And don't worry about what you'll wear, I'll take care of it. " he adds. 

I take in a deep breath. And after he's done, he starts engaging in another conversation with Arden. Which I'm okay with since it gives me time to think. Though one thing is for sure, I will not be staying with them. No matter what! 

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Gabriel's POV

I have everything set up in my office to mimic what I presume is a civil court. Even went the extra step and ordered some flowers to beautify the place. Now my office looks like a goddamn floral shop but I suppose it's worth it. Blue roses, I'm not sure those are supposed to exist but it's what I asked for and they were delivered. 

Perks of being rich I guess. 

Though the real flower still hasn't shown up yet .

Arden is seated at my desk in his Armani exploring social media. I don't think he even remembers why he's here in the first place. The officiary I hired to conduct everything is set, and so is the photographer. 

Now all that's left for this marriage to get started is well,.... the bride. 

I knew I should have gone and picked her up myself, but I feared that Arden would start to suspect something. He knows me too damn well. I decided to wait for a little longer, then I run out of patience and grab my car keys ready to go and look for her. 

But just as I'm about to do so, the door opens up and in she walks. 

It's completely remarkable how her innocent charm is always able to strike me each time I see her. 

She mutters an apology for being late, says something about being stuck in traffic and Arden assures her that it's okay. 

" You should go get ready. Your dress is already in there and Tasha here will assist you with your make up, " I gesture to the make up artist I thought wise to hire exclusively for her. She's supposed to be the best one there is. I had her fly over here just for this.