Chapter 13

After the conversation with Ryan, I realized I had never been in control of my own life. I had been passed from one person to another, never truly belonging to myself. Gabriel was now my keeper, and I was nothing more than a possession. But I was also in grave danger, and I knew that maintaining Gabriel's favor was crucial to my survival. I had entered a world where power and loyalty were everything, and I was just a pawn. Trying to escape would be foolish, especially considering Gabriel's background. My best chance at survival was to cling to his favor and hope for the best.

I spent the next few hours lost in thought, my mind reeling with the implications of my situation. Despite everything, I couldn't bring myself to hate Wu. He had taken care of me, even if his motives weren't entirely pure. As the evening drew to a close, I finally worked up the courage to leave my room. It was a few minutes past 8pm, and I felt a sense of unease as I stepped out into the hallway.

As I stepped out into the hallway, I was immediately struck by the luxurious decor that surrounded me. The walls were painted a soft, creamy white and adorned with elegant artwork. Plush carpeting in a rich, dark gray color covered the floor, muffling my footsteps as I walked.

To my left, I saw a spacious living room with a sleek, black leather sofa and a massive flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The room was dimly lit, with only a few table lamps casting a warm glow. Ahead of me, the hallway stretched out, lined with three doors, each leading to a bedroom. I assumed the largest door, at the far end of the hall, belonged to Gabriel. The door to my room, where I had spent the past week, was to my right. I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and curiosity, and began to explore the apartment in search of Gabriel.

As I walked into the living room, I took in the modern decor. The room had high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The dark hardwood floors were polished to a shine, and the walls were painted a crisp white.

The furniture was sleek and contemporary, with a black leather sofa facing a large flat-screen TV. A wet bar stood off to one side, and a baby grand piano added a touch of elegance to the room. The space felt luxurious, but understated.

I stood there for a moment, taking it all in. The room seemed designed for comfort and relaxation, and I couldn't help but feel a little out of place.

As I explored the apartment, I came across a kitchen that was sleek and modern. The cabinets were a crisp white, and the countertops were made of dark granite. A small island in the center of the room provided extra counter space.

Next to the kitchen was a gym with a few pieces of exercise equipment and a mirrored wall. The room was simple and functional.

A short hallway led to a library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The room was quiet and cozy, with a comfortable armchair in one corner.

The study was a small, straightforward room with a wooden desk and a leather chair. The lighting was subdued, with only a few lamps to illuminate the space.

Finally, I found a relaxation room that was designed to be calm and peaceful. The room had a few plush cushions and a wall-mounted water feature that created a soothing background noise.

I searched the entire apartment, but Gabriel was nowhere to be found. The silence was eerie, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I decided to retreat to the comfort of my room and take a bath.

As I opened the closet door, I was surprised to find it filled with an assortment of luxurious clothes. The fabrics looked expensive, and the designs were sleek and modern. I felt a sudden urge to try them on, but I restrained myself, not wanting to risk Gabriel's wrath.

Why did he have a closet full of women's clothes, anyway? I pushed the thought aside and grabbed a plush robe instead. I headed into the bathroom, which was connected to my room.

The bathroom was a serene oasis, with soft lighting and warm, beige marble tiles. I filled the tub with warm water and added some bath salts, watching as they dissolved and released a calming fragrance. I slipped into the water, feeling my muscles relax as I soaked in the warmth.

I thoroughly washed myself, paying special attention to the parts of my body that ached from the past week's events. The warm water was soothing, and I felt my muscles relax as I soaked in the tub for close to an hour. I closed my eyes, letting the calmness wash over me, and breathed in the sweet scent of the bath salts. The warmth seeped into my bones, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy.

Eventually, I got out of the tub, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I wrapped the plush robe around my body, feeling the softness of the fabric against my skin. As I walked into the room, I realized I didn't have any spare clothes. Against my better judgment, I grabbed a silky nightgown from the closet and clean underwear from the dresser. The nightgown felt luxurious against my skin, and I couldn't help but wonder if Gabriel had prepared these clothes for me.

I heard noise in the hallway and guessed Gabriel was back. I hastily wrapped my damp hair in a towel and rushed out of the room, hoping to catch him before he retired for the night. "Gabriel," I called out as soon as I stepped into the hallway.

He was approaching his room, his hand reaching for the door handle. He turned to face me, and our eyes met. I took in his features, mesmerized by the piercing emerald green of his eyes, which sparkled with warmth. His rough, voluminous black hair was perfectly messy, framing his well-sculpted face. His sharp jawline and prominent cheekbones gave him a chiseled appearance, while his full lips curled into a gentle smile.

I felt my gaze linger on him for a moment too long, and I cleared my throat, breaking the spell. "Betty?" He looked genuinely surprised, his eyebrows rising in inquiry.

"You came out," he exclaimed, his face lighting up with a bright smile. He strode towards me, his long legs eating up the distance. Before I knew it, he had enveloped me in a warm hug, his arms wrapping tightly around me. His chest was solid against mine, and I felt the heat of his body seep into me. He held me close, his face buried in my hair, and I felt a sense of security wash over me. For a moment, everything else faded away, and all that mattered was the warmth of his embrace.

As I stood there, wrapped in Gabriel's arms, I felt a shiver run down my spine. His proximity was unnerving, yet I couldn't deny the physical attraction I felt towards his face. It was a strange, conflicting sensation.

I pulled back awkwardly, trying to break the spell. Gabriel's arms relaxed, but he didn't let go completely, his fingers wrapping gently around my elbow instead. I looked up at him, and his face still shone with warmth, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Can I talk to you?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the vigorous pounding in my chest.