Stuck Up

Isabella's POV

I ran to my room, ignoring the maids greetings. I couldn't let them see me like this. I looked guilty as hell. 

I ran quickly through the stairs and into my room, closing the door behind me. 

I was panicking. How could I have been so stupid to do that? Why did I tease him? And had sex with him?

Oh my God! Isabella, you're such an idiot!

I loved the sex. He knew how to make my body shudder. Only thinking about it made my legs wobble. 

I slapped my head over and over trying to find a way to blame the champagne, but I couldn't. I owed up to it. I was horny and I did it with it.

But was it just that? Sex and nothing more. 

Ugh, what's wrong with me?

I looked at my door and rushed to lock it, leaning against it and exhaling. 

Slowly, I rose and walked into the bathroom, staring into the vanity mirror. It was large and I watched my breathing rise as I saw my reflection. There was hickey all over my neck and breast. 

"Oh no," I murmured. "How am I going to hide all of this?"

I was always calculated and logical and yet I had lost every ounce of restraint with Gabriel. I groaned, dragging my fingers through my tangled hair before shaking my head.

I needed to pull myself together.

Getting out of my dress, I stepped into the tub and washed my body clean. I was trying to clean any memory from last night. 

********

"Nothing happened last night. You are going to forget about it," I repeated to myself again before stepping into Sterling Tech. 

I was close to my office and was about to enter when Dad appeared right in front of me. 

"There you are," he said, walking up to me. I smiled nervously expecting an earful of lecture, but he didn't.

"I just got a call from Knight Industries. Gabriel has agreed to let us have a thirty percent split and partnership and he wants you as the leader."

I smiled nervously remembering the deal and quickly schooled my expression, pretending to be surprised. "Really? That's unexpected."

My father nodded, his face filled with relief. "I know. I thought he'd push for more, but it seems he's willing to be reasonable."

Reasonable.

If only he knew.

My mind drifted further to last night, unable to hear anymore words my father spoke. 

The sound of my own moaning filled my ears and the feel of Gabriel's hands on my thighs, his lips tracing kisses on my neck and his warm breath on my skin. 

My cheeks turned red and I struggled to remain composed. 

"Isabella? Are you listening?" My father's voice snapped me back to the present.

I blinked. "Yes, of course. That's...great news, Dad."

He gave me a proud smile. "I knew you'd handle this well. You should be there for the meeting today when we finalize the agreement with Gabriel."

The meeting. I couldn't. I wouldn't be able to look Gabriel in the eyes after knowing what we did. 

I panicked, looking for an excuse. One strong enough to help me out of this situation. 

Dad tapped my shoulder before I could come up with a solid lie. "This is important, Isabella. Be there."

Damn it. I was so screwed.

I forced a nod. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."

He patted my shoulder again before walking away, leaving me standing there frozen, and feeling like a prey. 

*******

I focused on work, signing different documents and reading them. Then, I got tired and began staring at the remaining documents. 

I thought of possible ways to avoid Gabriel while tapping my pen on the desk. Each new idea looked better than the previous. 

What if I faked an emergency? I could pretend to be sick. No, Dad's not going to believe that. Isabella, what are you doing? Be bold!

A knock on the door snapped me back into reality. 

"Come on," I said calmly. 

My assistant peeked in. "Miss Sterling, the meeting with Mr. Knight is about to start. He's arrived."

"So soon," I gasped. "Ehem, thanks. You can leave."

I swallowed hard and watched her leave the room. I grabbed my tablet and took a deep breath then exhaled before leaving the office, heading toward the conference room. 

My eyes locked with his immediately I stepped in. He didn't smile. His face remained stern watching me as I walked towards a seat. 

Throughout the meeting, I kept stealing glances at him and tried my best to focus.

It felt like he was watching me without even trying. The executives tried to argue more on getting leverage and Gabriel quickly shut them down. 

I kept watching the drama unfold, staying quiet all through. The meeting continued and I was exhausted. I just wanted to leave as soon as possible. 

I quivered as a hand touched my laps from under the table. My eyes darted and Gabriel turned his gaze to me. He smirked, and returned his focus to the meeting while his hand moved up my thigh. 

Why would he?...

I gulped, as his hand moved higher. I tapped his hand trying to regain control of my thoughts and I caught him smiling from the corner of my eyes. 

Finally, the meeting ended and Gabriel signed the document pushing it slowly to me. I signed, and the executive exchanged handshakes and began to leave. 

I stood up, ready to escape, because I didn't want to be with him anymore when his voice stopped me. "Isabella, I want to talk to you."

The last executives left and I gulped. Dad hesitated, looking between the two of us. "Is there a problem?"

"Not at all. Just a few clarifications I need to discuss," Gabriel answered calmly. 

Dad looked at me, trying to read my emotions. "Are you okay with this?"

I forced a smile. "It's fine, Dad. I'll catch up with you later."

He nodded, giving Gabriel a warning glance before leaving the room. 

The moment the door shut, the air changed.

I turned around, facing him. "What do you want, Gabriel?"

He stood up slowly, his eyes dragging all over my body as he walked closer to me. 

I stepped back, but he followed coming closer. 

I looked for a way to escape and took the chance the moment it appeared, but it was a trap. 

He had me pinned against the wall in seconds, with his hands on my waist. 

I gasped. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" 

"Getting your attention," he said boldly. He leaned in, his face inching closer to mine. "You've been avoiding me all morning. Why?" 

I tried to escape, pressing my hand on his chest and pushing him away but he wouldn't move. 

"I'm not. Why would I avoid you?" I lied. 

"Is that so?" He asked and got closer. His lips almost touching mine. "Why don't you look me in the eyes?"

I blinked, trying to act tough and I raised my gaze, my eyes finally meeting his. 

"Isn't that better?" He asked. 

I remained speechless, frozen. This wasn't going according to my plans. Why was I acting like a love sick teenager?