Sinking Deep (GL)

CHAPTER 26

Ah, that was the reason for his absence during the Silvestre tradition last night.

An important business meeting?

"Oh, I see. That's alright," I replied, making my way back to my desk. He settled onto the couch as I resumed my place behind the desk.

"Did you sleep on this couch?" he gestured to the couch.

"No, I slept in the room," I replied.

His brows knit as he looked at me. "Really? Then why's that door has a lock?" pointing at the door.

His sudden question caught me off guard, and I struggled to come up with a plausible response. My heart raced as he continued to gaze at me, awaiting my answer.

"I... I locked it because I ordered some coffee, and I was going to step out to pick it up. I wanted to make sure the room was secure," I stammered, even though I knew I was bending the truth. But it was all for her sake.

"Ah, I see," he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I believe you."

I exhaled a shaky breath, relieved that he seemed to buy my explanation, even if it wasn't entirely accurate.

"Why are you here? There's no class today," I inquired, trying to shift the focus.

"I noticed you weren't at your mansion, so I thought I'd come here to check if you were around," he replied.

I gave a slight nod and offered him a smile.

Eventually, he rose from the couch. "Are you going to get your coffee? Let me walk you out. I need to leave too for a meeting with a client," he explained, leaving me slightly puzzled.

A client? Since when was he involved in business?

"Sure," I agreed, stepping towards the door. As I step towards the main door, a faint movement on the doorknob caught my eye.

She's awake. My heart skipped a beat.

Gabriel didn't seem to notice as he briskly walked ahead, waiting for me outside.

"I'll be right back," I silently promised, my thoughts consumed by her presence.

I stepped out of the room and joined Gabriel, who was waiting for me. He extended his hand with a warm smile, a silent invitation I felt compelled to accept. We began walking down the hallway together, his grip gentle yet firm.

"Any important plans for this Sunday?" he asked, his fingers intertwined with mine.

"No, nothing specific. Why?" I replied as we entered the elevator.

"I've come across a great spot for a date. How about we go on a date this Sunday?" he proposed, his tone light.

Internally, I wanted to decline his offer, but practicality pushed me to agree. It was just a one-time thing, after all. Rejecting him would cause unnecessary tension, and accepting might even turn out to know him well.

"Sure," I agreed, a small smile forming.

"Sunday it is," he chuckled.

Upon reaching the gate, my ordered coffee awaited me. I was relieved it was sealed, preventing him from seeing the quantity I'd ordered - a precautionary measure to avoid his questions.

"Take care, see you," Gab bid farewell before driving away.

Left holding the paper bag, I entered the building and headed to my office. Upon opening the main door, however, I was met with resistance from the other side.

"Could you wait for damn a moment?" I exclaimed, a bit exasperated by her impatience.

As the door swung open, Jael stood before me, rubbing her eyes sleepily.