12 comments/  12598 views/  25 favorites

Diavolo

By: LevanaHyll



Just something different I wanted to try unrelated to my sci-fi series.

*************

Prologue

Gabriel entered the dimly lit room. Machinery whirred and blipped. His sweet grandmother lay in a nest of wires and tubes, her silver hair a frothy halo around her head.

She looked so frail, this woman who'd raised him with an iron fist. She'd wiped his nose, swatted his behind when he misbehaved, and soothed his fears when the nightmares had threatened to overwhelm him.

She'd been his rock, his fuel, backing him up in his crazy dreams of stardom until they became a reality.

Touring had been bittersweet, having to leave her behind, until tonight.

Guilt assailed him as he approached her. Always accustomed to seeing her so strong, it felt so wrong seeing her here now...like this.

Her eyes fluttered open, revealing the startling blue within. She blinked them closed again and smiled weakly.

"Mijo," she sighed in Spanish, calling him son, as she always did.

He took his baseball cap off, tossing it on the unoccupied chair to the right of the bed and bent over the railing. Gripping the hand she offered, he gave her a kiss on her pale cheek.

"Save your strength, ma," he whispered. "You're going to need it. I got another tattoo."

Her eyes snapped open, her lips pressing into a scowl.

Ah. There was the old girl he knew and loved.

Gabriel smirked. She'd thrown a fit the first time he'd gotten ink. Of course, most likely it was because he'd only been sixteen at the time.

Since then, he'd sleeved both arms, had wings inked into his back, as well as started some fancy scrollwork across his chest.

Straightening up, he lifted his black t-shirt, exposing his belly button.

His newest addition, a black lined tribal in the shape of a sun surrounded the scar of the long ago severed connection to his mother.

His grandmother's frown faltered.

"And what does this one mean, mijito?" she asked sadly.

Gabriel looked at her through the fall of jet black hair that had slid over his shoulder to cover half his face.

"Black sun. It's me. So different from you and my parents."

He had a picture of his mother. She had been blond and blue-eyed, just like his grandmother. Apparently, they had ancestors that hailed from the Netherlands before settling into Spain. His father, Brendan Brinks had also been blond and blue-eyed, but neither Gabriel or his grandmother ever mentioned him.

"You look so much like your father," she said in a soft voice.

Gabriel's head snapped up, giving her a perplexed stare. Maybe her meds were confusing her, but the pale blue eyes that stared at him were as sharp and lucid as ever.

"Right," he deadpanned, blinking at her.

She scowled at him through the oxygen mask. "Don't contradict me, Gaby."

His eyes rounded as he shook his head, "But I di—"

She waved her hands dismissing what he was about to say. "Sit. I need to talk to you."

"Ma, it's late. You shouldn't wear yourself—"

"Sit I said," she snapped angrily, and promptly broke into a fit of coughing that had Gabriel yanking the empty chair closer to the bed.

His heart was in his throat as he gripped her hand and gaped at her. "okay-okay, I'm sitting. Ma, please."

About to ask her if she needed water or a nurse, she finally calmed and sighed.

He held her tiny hand in his much larger one and stroked it. She closed her eyes and breathed for a moment.

As time passed, he thought she'd drifted off to sleep.

Tears blurred his vision and he ducked his head, ashamed of his moment of weakness. He just wasn't used to seeing her so defeated. The doctor said it was her heart. She was almost ninety years old and the prognosis wasn't good. She was the only family he remembered ever having, the memory of his dead parents a foggy memory he only had nightmares about.

Gabriel would be completely alone if...when she died.

"I was your age when I had your aunt Paulina."

The sound of her speaking again startled him and he gripped her hand tighter. She never spoke of his auntie Paulina. That was even more taboo than talking about his dad, Brendan Brinks.

"She was such a beautiful child, but your grandfather's family spoiled her rotten. She looked just like Francisco, bless his soul. Right down to his dark brown eyes."

She looked lost in her own thoughts, a smile playing about her thin lips. He petted her hand some more and listened intently. Whatever she had to say was obviously important if she was dredging up the memory of his aunt Paulina and grandfather.

"Five years later I had your mother. She looked more like me. Of course your great grandmother wasn't too pleased about that and always favored Paulina. Rosalina never let that bother her. She was such a good soul, that one. Always putting others before herself. She was good and self sacrificing, always. It's what won Daniel Montoya over."

Gabriel's eyes widened. "Who?'

His grandmother continued as if not hearing him. "He was a fancy rich man, tried to seduce her as she attended him in the hospital. She'd been a nurse back then, but never fell for his playboy ways." The old woman laughed. "Ah, but he was persistent. He wooed her for almost half a year. By the time she finally let him kiss her for the first time, the man was head over heels for her. They dated a while and he proposed quickly. Rosalina brought him home and he sure was a looker. Had Paulina green with envy." Her expression grew angry. "That one...always with an eye for the rich ones. Daniel was both filthy rich and sexy as the devil."

"Ma, are you talking about the Daniel Montoya, owner and CEO of North Star Records?"

"I'm talking about..." she began to cough again, flailing her hands at him when he stood to adjust her oxygen mask.

A nurse walked in and rushed to her side. "Anna Maria, you shouldn't tire yourself by talking so much," she scolded gently adjusting the amount of meds dripping into the IV.

His grandmother glared at the girl, but the nurse had eyes only for Gabriel at the moment.

Gabriel frowned. He was used to females fawning over him, but didn't enjoy it when the female's attention should be centered on his grandmother.

Anna Maria Arroyo's eyes fluttered closed after a few seconds and Gabriel knew a moment of panic.

"Ma?' he held her hand tighter, "What's wrong with her."

"It's just a sedative," the nurse, whose nametag read Amber, said with an over bright smile.

His grandmother was squeezing his hand again. He looked down at her. She was whispering something.

"Ma?" he crooned leaning close.

"The trunk in the attic. The key...it's in that old jewelry box your grandfather made me."

Gabriel breathed in her sweet scent. She always smelled like baby powder and rose water, only now it was mixed with the sanitary scent of the private hospital he had her in after her mild heart attack two days before.

Again, he kissed her cheek when she sighed, sleep overtaking her.

Shaking his long hair back, he pulled his ball cap back on before grabbing the leather jacket he'd discarded on the dresser by the door.

The nurse darted in front of him, her chest sticking out provocatively as she twirled a strand of her dark blond hair around a finger.

"Don't worry about, Anna Maria. I'll take really good care of her." She said as he shrugged back into his jacket..

Gabriel tipped his head to the side, licking his lips. Her eyes followed the movement hungrily. "I don't doubt that for a moment, Amber. Thank you. She means the world to me."

Amber's eyes widened when he said her name. She looked as if she were about to melt into a puddle at his feet.

He gave her a lop-sided grin and walked out.

The drive to his childhood home didn't take long. He drove out of the city into the suburbs. Quiet had descended upon the stately neighborhood with its tall oaks lining either side of the street. The night air rustled the trees as he pulled into the driveway of the two-story stone colonial. The automatic light over the garage door winked on as the door slid open. He rolled his Audi R8 Spyder into the enclosed garage and waited for the garage door to close again before stepping out. The car's automatic security system blipped twice as he walked toward the door that would let him into the entry between the kitchen and pantry in his grandmother's house.

Sharmane was waiting near the door wearing a loud pink fuzzy robe with matching slippers and bright green curlers in her hair.

The housekeeper's big, dark-brown eyes blinked at him expectantly.

"How is she doing, Mr. Gabriel?' the elderly black woman asked wringing her fingers together.

Gabriel shoved his hands in his pockets, desperate to get to that key and unlock that mysterious trunk his grandmother had mentioned. He just didn't want to be rude to the poor woman. After all, she cared for his grandmother in his absence.

"She's stable, Sharmane. I went straight from the airport to the hospital and talked to the doctors. They have her sedated and are doing everything they can."

Sharman crossed herself and called upon the good Lord Jesus. "I've been praying for her speedy recovery for the past two days. She just don't listen to reason, Mister Gabriel. Always wantin' to be weedin' and rakin' the leaves in the front and back yard..." 

Gabriel gripped her large arms and squeezed. The woman went silent hanging on to his every word. "I really appreciate everything you do, Sharmane. I really do."

Her eyes grew suspiciously bright before she sniffed and stood straighter. "Are you hungry? I can fix you up somethin' right quick."

Gabriel laughed softly. "No, Sharmane. It's really late and I just want a shower and bed. You wanna help me out with that?" He waggled his brows at her making her grow flustered.

Sharmane sputtered and waved her hands at him, giving a good belly laugh. "Oh, you don't change, do ya? Such a rascal, you are. Go on," she chuckled, waving him off. "Go on with your randy self. Don't be flirtin' with me. I'm old enough to be yo mama now."

Gabriel grinned playfully at her. "Yeah and I bet you could teach me a load of things, eh?"

Sharmane swatted at him as he sauntered past. "You big tease. Go on now, git."

He heard her chuckling and muttering "Lawd-have-mercy" to herself as he traversed the area between the formal dining room and living room to the stairs.

Taking them two at a time, he ascended the stairs to the second floor. His grandmother's room was the first door at the top of the landing to the left.

Opening the door, he clapped his hands once to activate the lights.

Soft golden light bathed her room, making the brass bed gleam. Her room was done in shades of cream and white with dark wood furniture. A dark purple bedspread covered the large king-sized bed and lacy Priscilla curtains covered the windows to either side of it.

Striding past the bed, he went straight to the dresser, with its big ornate mirror hanging on the wall behind it.

She didn't have much on her dresser, just an old photograph of his mother to the left, in an antique frame, a smaller picture of him when he was about ten-years-old in front of that one, a porcelain lamp to the right, and in the middle of the dresser was the big wooden jewelry box his grandfather had made her.

He'd never looked through her things, and felt a little strange doing so now, but his curiosity burned. What did she mean by saying he looked so much like his father. He looked nothing like his father. He didn't even look like his mother.

He opened the lid to the ornately carved box, focusing on the picture of his grandmother and grandfather when they were young just inside the lid. Both blond and blue-eyed, Gabriel looked like no one in his family. His eyes rose to the mirror before him.

His complexion was dark, naturally tanned and his hair was like a raven's wing, jet, almost blue black. His nose was sharp, not snub, his lips full over a squared jaw. His eyes were a startling shade of green surrounded by black lashes that just made them stand out more.

Looking back at his fair-faced grandparents, he shook his head, once again wondering if he'd been adopted.

Shuffling around his grandmother's feminine baubles, he found the old key he was looking for at the bottom of the box.

Gripping it tightly he made his way out of the room and into the linen closet a ways farther down the hallway. Pulling down the cord to the attic, he stepped up the old wooden ladder after having flicked on the lights from a switch near one of the shelves.

The attic was pretty big, and relatively spotless. It was hot though, the heat from the prior day's summer sun still radiating within.

The floorboards squeaked under his footfalls as he approached the area where he knew she kept various trunks.

She had traveled much when she was younger and collected many things. Most were packed away in boxes.

He noticed a trunk with his mother's initials carved into the lid. He knew it wasn't locked because when he was younger he always looked through the items within it. There were photo albums with pictures missing, most likely the ones with his father. There were baby shoes, some clothes, a few necklaces and hats, and an old eight by ten picture of his mother in a wedding dress with his aunt standing next to her. That picture had always bothered him. Auntie Paulina was giving his mother a sly sideways glance with a slight smirk on her lips. His mother had looked beautiful in the photo with her simple white gown, but there was a sadness in her eyes the belied the smile on her face.

Sighing, he moved the trunks around a bit and stumbled on his old toy box. It was shaped like a pirate's chest and had a big padlock on it.

Frowning, he vaguely remembered telling his grandmother to get rid of his childhood toys. She'd had a garage sale about fifteen years back to help a family down the street when they'd lost all their belonging in a fire. He could have sworn she'd brought this whole chest down.

He snorted, shaking his head. It would be so like her to hold onto it for sentimental reasons.

Eying the padlock and the key he held, he knelt and tried the lock.

It opened with a snick. He set the antique looking lock aside.

Nothing prepared him for what he found within.

There was an enormous box with a beautiful wedding gown inside. It wasn't the one in the picture of his mother.

Who's bridal gown had this belonged to? His aunt? Why would it be here?

Sifting through the mounds of aged tissue paper, he found a leather-bound diary, tied closed with a red ribbon. Gabriel's eyes widened when he noticed a ring threaded through the ribbon. His jaw went slack when he saw the size of the rock on the dainty ring. The thing had to be at least ten carats and worth a fortune.

What the fuck!

Below the box were stacks of letters bound in ribbon, the same shade of red as the one holding the diary closed.

"Daniel Montoya," Gabriel read. "What the hell?" he gasped.

The only Daniel Montoya he knew, was the CEO of North Star Records, the company that was currently negotiating with his band mates and manager for a big recording deal. And that guy was a year younger than Gabriel's thirty.

Good-lord! Had his mother been involved in a romance with Daniel Montoya's father, the original owner and founder of North Star Records?

Below the stacks of letters, he found another diary. This one was all frayed and dog-eared.

He opened it and began reading,

March 4, 1982:

Today I died. The man I loved with all my heart just married my sister, Paulina. I am devastated.

I can't believe Daniel would do this to me, and yet, I believe when he told me it was all a misunderstanding. The night of our betrothal I'd promised him I would finally give myself to him. I really wanted to wait until our wedding night, but I could not resist any longer. His kisses were drugging and the feel of him...

Gabriel made a face. He really didn't want to know his mother's sexual fantasies with some other man—or any man for that matter.

Skimming down a few more lines past the erotic drivel, he read:

Paulina kept our glasses full the whole time even though I was not accustomed to drinking. When I grew dizzy she generously helped me up to her room because my bed was covered with gifts from all our guests. It was only when I'd awoken, did I realize I'd gone back on my word to wait for Danny in my room.

A month and a half later, just two weeks away from our wedding, Paulina declared she was pregnant and that my Daniel was the father.

He swore to me that she'd tricked him. That she'd waited in my room, naked, and had allowed him to take her, pretending to be me in the darkened room, kissing him the whole time. He'd been drunk too and had tried to convince the woman he thought was me that perhaps we really should wait, that he wanted our first time to be special. Paulina just continued to kiss him. In the morning he'd awakened alone and confused, thinking he'd dreamt the whole incident.

But the nightmare was true. My love had lain with another and then Paulina threatened to kill herself. I didn't know she was also so very smitten with him. She cried and cried until my mother and I feared for her mental health.

Daniel, the honorable man that he is married her today in a small gathering at the magistrates office. She begged me to be witness after begging for my forgiveness. How could I not. She is after all my little sister.

So, though my heart is broken, I will endeavor to put all this behind me and go back to school for my masters degree in nursing. My dear friend Brendan Brinks is helping me fill out the paperwork for my scholarships. He is so sweet. I know someday the pain of losing Daniel will lessen, though right now I feel as if my heart has been torn out of my chest and sliced into a million pieces.

Gabriel slammed the diary closed. His heart raced and he blinked in the dimly lit attic. His mother had been in love with someone else? Memories of a long ago night echoed in his memory. His father storming into his room and screaming at his mother. He gripped her, shook her, slapped and kicked her. Gabriel had been terrified. His dad had always been cold and distant with him.

He remembered his mom struggling with his dad and a loud bang going off. A gun.

A dark-haired man had run into his room where his mother now lay bleeding on the floor. She'd pulled his father down with her when she fell and was still trying to get the gun away from him.

The dark-haired man fought with his father, knocking him out.

After that, his grandmother had picked him up and ran from the house with him. He'd never seen his mother or father after that. They'd died. Apparently his father killed his mother before being shot by the dark haired man who had also been fatally wounded in the tussle.

Gabriel ran back down the stairs, wondering why his grandmother had waited until now to talk about this.

His body shuddered when he realized the only reason she did so now was because she probably thought she was close to dying and needed to get this off her chest.

Stepping into his old room, he turned on his computer and did a search on Daniel Montoya Senior.

His eyes went round and he tapped on images before sucking in a ragged breath.

He was staring at an older version of himself.

He was without a doubt Daniel Montoya's son, which meant his aunt Paulina had been married to the man and...Daniel Montoya II was his half brother.

Why did he never know this?

His grandmother was too frail to drill with questions. He would have to seek the answers in the hundreds of letters and the two diaries up in the attic.

Tapping in a new search, he drew up the pictures of Daniel Montoya II.

He looked to be about Gabriel's age, with short dark brown hair and light brown eyes. He was dressed in a sharp Armani suit and had a shy looking young blonde anchored at his elbow.


Diavolo Ch. 02



Due to the fact that a friend of mine started quoting scenes from the Princes Bride because of the original surname I'd picked for Gabriel and his brother, I decided to change it because I couldn't write it without thinking of the Spaniard who was out for revenge against the man who killed his father. Hope this doesn't confuse too much, but we've gone from Montoya to Montenegro. Sorry about that.

***********

Pop Tart was a little fluff of nothing. When the windblown blonde had stalked out barefoot from Ariel's house, muttering under her breath and fighting with the Vera Wang knock off, Gabriel had reluctantly felt intrigued. He hadn't recognized her right away in the dark until she'd turned and widened those baby-blues at him in fright.

There had been a number of pictures of Daniel Montenegro II posing with the girl, but there really hadn't been any information as to who she was. For the most part, the record label mogul was usually by himself.

But now, here she was...looking up at him as if he were Satan himself.

Where the hell had she come from? What was she doing here amidst the circus of fans and groupies that always trailed Diavolo?

Despite the clingy dress that showed what a great body she actually had, she looked as out of place as a nun in a whorehouse.

He rushed through the back gardens toward the building that housed the pool. Ariel had shut down the exterior lights in hopes of keeping people out of the gardens, but the pool was lit.

As he rushed through the winding trail to the pool house, he could see shapes in the dark. People in various stages of undress were everywhere, doing very nasty things. Overhead, a helicopter buzzed about like an annoying mosquito. They weren't close enough to identify, but close enough to make Gabriel think paparazzi.

Sprinting up the three steps leading to the pool house's entrance, he strode beneath an impressive archway between two ivy-covered columns. It felt as though he'd suddenly been transport back in time. The pool house was more like a Roman palace with a lake in the middle. Replicas of famous sculptures surrounded the twenty by forty-five-foot pool. Blue lights glowed prettily beneath the surface of the water, making shimmering reflections crawl along the vaulted ceiling with its frescos of tiny cherubs floating overhead. He strode past the array of chaise lounges, tables, and chairs, straight to the main bathroom at the end of the pool area. As soon as he walked in, the automatic lighting came on, bathing the enormous bathroom in soft golden light.

He continued to the tub area set back in a large circular room past another archway.

The walls were made of rough stone, and the floor a smoother version of the same stone. Four, thick, ancient-looking columns surrounded the circular bathtub. Looking more like a small, in-ground pool, it measured at least ten feet in circumference. Water swirled and foamed within the monstrosity. Above the sunken bath, held aloft by the columns, golden light highlighted the cupola with its paintings of more angels.

Gabriel strode by the bath to the back wall, where he set the girl down on a bench within a sculpted-out niche in the wall.

She settled back against the array of satin and brocade pillows to watch as he retrieved one of the many rolled up towels near the edge of the pool.

Gabriel unrolled the snowy-white towel and dipped it in the warm swirling water. Kneeling at her feet, he proceeded to lift her injured left foot and press the towel to the bottom of it. He dabbed at the drying blood a few times before lifting her tiny foot to see the damage.

It was just a small puncture wound oozing a drop of blood as he looked at it.

"You'll live," he murmured, his voice echoing in the vast bathroom.

He looked up at her. Her hands were fisting the material of his shirt in her lap, a scowl set firmly on her face. She'd probably look really pretty if she smiled, but, right now, he didn't care much for the suspicious way her eyes were narrowing on him.

He cleared his throat. "What's your name?"

"Abigail," she replied primly.

He kept his eyes on her face, resisting the urge to checkout her legs. "Nice to meet you Abigail," he returned softly, keeping his expression blank.

Her brows drew together a little more and her lips pressed into a firm line.

Gabe could tell she was struggling with some serious internal monologue and decided to stay mute just to make her squirm a little more.

Her eyes darted to his hands, which were still holding her foot as she took a deep breath.

When she tried to draw her foot away, he gripped it tighter, and raised a brow at her, curious to see what she'd do then. Her prickly reaction to him had him intrigued and somewhat amused. Pop Tart was interesting...different.

"You're seeing my sister," she blurted—hurled the words at him, actually, quite venomously.

Gabriel released her foot as if it were a poisonous snake and stood.

He wasn't really seeing Mikayla Brown. She was sort of stalking him, but she was fun and the guys from the band had grown attached to her.

Abigail leaned forward, her eyes bugging out of their sockets at him. He almost wanted to recoil. "You need to stop immediately," Abigail demanded haughtily.

What?

Abigail clenched her fists with determination, her neck stretching up farther toward him. "You need to stay away—far away. Leave her alone—now!"

Gabriel snorted, letting his eyes flick over her. Who the hell did this chick think she was? He really hadn't been too interested in Mikayla, had only gone as far as letting her kiss and feel him up, but he sure as hell didn't like anyone—aside from his grandmother, of course—telling him who he could or could not see.

Abigail shot to her feet, keeping her weight off her left foot. She barely came up to his chin, but tipped her pert little nose up at him defiantly.

"Mikayla's engaged to Daniel Montenegro II. They're going to get married and he doesn't deserve this callous lack of respect. He's a good man," she snapped at Gabriel, her eyes gleaming as if she were possessed, "honorable, and good, and sweet."

So...Abigail wasn't Daniel's girlfriend, but the way she talked about his half-brother, he could tell she felt something for him. Gabriel wasn't sure why, but that bothered him more than knowing Mikayla was Daniel's actual girlfriend.

"I'm not forcing Micks to be with me,' he growled at her.

Abigail's nose rose even higher. "Good. Then you will just walk away from her," she ordered with that haughty tone that was quickly getting on his nerves.

"What?" he laughed incredulously. "Listen, lady, Micks is the one who won't leave me be, and even if I were to keep her at arm's length, she'd just go off with another one of the guys from the band." Abigail winced and he felt a perverse satisfaction at pointing at how slutty her sister really was. "She obviously has an itch her fiancé is unable to scratch."

The slap took him by surprise.

"You are a pig," Abigail hissed.

She gasped when he gripped her arms and hauled her against his chest. He'd never been slapped in all his life, and now he was pissed...and, weirdly enough, suddenly turned on by the little minx.

She stared up at him, her sweet mouth gaping like a fish out of water, big eyes dropping down to his mouth.

It was then he realized he was baring his teeth at her like a rabid dog. He needed to let her go...just open his fingers from around her delicate arms and step back...but it was not easy when she felt so amazing against him.

Well—shit...he wanted to kiss her.

Abigail licked her lips, her eyelids drooping half closed as another shudder went through her.

Yes.

Gabriel's head began to descend.

"Ey, am I interrupting something?"

The sound of Angelo's voice snapped him out of his daze.

What the fuck had he been about to do? Kiss the chick who'd just slapped him and demanded he stay away from her crazy, psycho, stalker sister?

He let her go so suddenly, she actually stumbled away from him looking dazed.

Gabriel turned on his heel and stalked toward Angelo.

"Micks has been looking all over for you," the blond drummer said, his eyes darting from Gabriel to Abigail.

"I'm leaving," Gabriel snarled out as he strode past the bewildered man.

"Leaving? But the party's just getting started," Angelo called out behind him.

Gabriel did not stop. A few minutes later, he was making his way out of Ariel's place, expensive tires screeching as he took the curve of the driveway too fast.

Flicking on the sound system in the car, he shifted into a higher gear as Alice In Chains' Check My Brain came on.

Days after discovering he was Daniel Montenegro's first-born son and heir to half the man's empire, his grandmother had been released from the hospital. The last leg of Diavolo's European tour had come to an end and Gabriel had just felt undecided about what he wanted to do.

Michael, the lead guitarist and founder of the band, and Gabriel were working on new songs for their next production and their first CD was in the top ten across the US.

His grandmother had asked him if he'd found his mother's things in the attic. Gabriel had asked her why she'd never said anything before.

She'd just looked away and shrugged, looking very old and tired of a sudden, saying that there had been no point.

Gabriel had left it at that, for now. He wanted to concentrate on his career as a singer and songwriter rather than pursue the riches some stranger had consequently left him. That would come later. As co-owner of North Star Records, he would need to know allot more about running a business than he knew now—which was nothing.

Of course, that had been before some snobby little girl had slapped the shit out of him and called him a pig.

Gabriel cursed and took a turn too sharply, coming within inches of the edge of a dangerous precipice. The waves below slammed against the side of the cliff face, spraying the road with a fine sheen of mist.

He shifted down and tried to get a grip on his emotions. He wasn't going to let that girl press his buttons.

Just as Layne Staley was singing—"when she sang, I answered the call"—his phone began to ring, interrupting the song and his dark thoughts.

Gabriel frowned when the car's computer announced Mikayla calling.

Gritting his teeth, he tapped the control button on the steering wheel to accept the call.

"Gabe?"

"Mikayla," he answered.

"Where are you?"

He could hear the hesitance in her voice. "Heading down Route 1," he answered coolly.

After a few seconds of tense silence, "look, you don't understand a thing. I'm practically being forced to marry this man," she exclaimed, obviously angry.

"Micks, there is nothing between you and me. Whatever you do in your private life is no business of mine. We're just buddies," he said with bored indifference.

"But I love you, Gabe," she suddenly wailed.

Gabriel wrinkled his nose. "You don't even know me, Mikayla. What the hell are you talking about?"

She sputtered a moment before hissing, "you know you want me, Gabe. No one makes you feel the way I do. You said so yourself."

Gabriel grimaced. He'd actually told her that one night he'd been drunk. Grief over his grandmother's health plus finding out about his messy twisted past had made him maudlin one night and he'd driven all the way to Ariel's house. Mikayla was lounging out with the guys in their rehearsal studio and he'd pulled her aside to drown himself in her kisses a while. She'd wanted to go further, but he'd restrained himself. His grandmother had taught him better than that.

"Micks, marry your rich boyfriend and give him lots of pedigree babies," he replied, feeling tired and bored.

Just as she began ranting off a string of expletives, he cut off the call.

The music blared again and he tapped the controls on his steering wheel to change to the song. Breaking Benjamin's Blow Me Away came on now as he settled back to drive, hands gripping the wheel tight.

What was Abigail getting out of all this? What role was she playing in this little play of lies and infidelity?

Gabriel let out a long hard breath through his nose. She looked so innocent with her scrubbed face and prim façade, but she had the heart of bitch.

He touched his face where it still stung. No doubt, he'd have her pretty little handprint there to remind him of her existence for the next few hours.

He cursed again and tapped the control on the steering wheel.

"Call Diamond," he snapped.

Once again, the music ceased and the sound of a phone ringing sounded.

After two rings a sultry feminine voice purred, "Gabe, baby, how are you?"

"Diamond. I'm fine. Sorry if I interrupted anything..." he looked at the car's clock. It was barely past nine.

"Don't be silly, sweetheart. You know I'm always available for you."

Gabriel grimaced at her suggestive purr. The band's manager had been trying to weasel her way into his pants for the longest time. Unfortunately, for her, Gabriel never mixed business with pleasure.

"Right," he answered a bit hesitantly. "Thanks. I just wanted to know what's been discussed with the rep from North Star so far."

"Oh..."

Gabriel could almost imagine her putting on her business manager mask and fluffing out her fake blonde hair.

"They haven't really said much. I submitted the requests Michael and Rafe asked for in the contract and Mr. Montenegro hasn't answered yet. I'm pretty sure they'll accept, but I believe he's been away on business for the past couple of weeks. Why do you want to know?"

Gabriel bit his bottom lip. He wasn't about to spill the dirty family secrets to her. "Just wondering. Have you spoken to Mr. Montenegro directly?"

Diamond sighed out in exasperation. "Well I've tried, but that pesky assistant of his always has an excuse to keep him from answering any of my calls directly. She keeps patching me through to a representative."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. So much for trying to find a way to talk directly with his half brother. He thought that maybe he could set up a meeting through Diamond.

"Where are you? I'm just opening a bottle of wine and it's such a beautiful night. Why don't you come over?"

"I'm heading home to my grandmother. Sharmane said she wasn't doing so good today."

He hated lying like that. His grandmother was as strong as ever after having been released from the hospital months ago, thank God. He just wasn't in the mood for anyone's company at the moment.

"Oh, Gabe, I'm so sorry to hear that," Diamond said softly. "Would you like me to contact a friend of mine? She has an agency that provides caretakers for sick people. They're completely certified and licensed nurses."

Gabriel grinned. "Not unless I want my grandmother and Sharmane to put my balls in a sling. Granma thinks she's just fine and doesn't want anyone else fussing over her. Sharmane would feel insulted having someone else look after my grandmother."

Diamond laughed. "Fine. Do you want me to come over? I can bring my wine?" she purred suggestively again.

Gabriel cringed. "Wow...soundssss really tempting, but I've got allot on m mind right now, and I need to work on some personal stuff—"

"Is that girl still stalking you, Gabe?"

Gabriel winced at the way the woman's tone turned venomous.

"Mikayla's harmless, Diamond."

"I've got a bad feeling about her, Gabe. I keep telling you to stay away from her. She's just a little gold digger."

Probably.

Gabriel wondered if Diamond knew that the chick was engaged to Daniel Montenegro II.

"I'm sure you're right, Diamond. Don't worry. I don't plan on getting involved with her, okay?"

The woman sighed in obvious relief. "Thank goodness."

"Talk later, Di."

He didn't wait for her to say anything else and cut the call.

"Call Bromberg," he told the car's communication link.

Seconds later, his lawyer picked up.

***

Her sister wasn't speaking to her. After calling her every indecent name Abigail had ever had the misfortune to hear, Mikayla had stormed off, dragging Angelo with her, and leaving Abigail to fend for herself.

Lucky for Abigail, Ariel had driven her back to the Montenegro estate.

Marjorie Brown had listened dispassionately to Abigail as she narrated the entire humiliating incident.

Her mother didn't care though. The only thing important to her was that Mikayla was no longer seeing Gabriel Raven, lead singer of the rock band called Diavolo.

Was that even his real name?

She doubted it. It sounded like a stage name.

Abigail still had terrible dreams where he dragged her against his hard body and pressed his lush mouth against hers.

She'd awaken sweating, clenching her thighs together against the terrible ache she constantly experienced since setting eyes on him. Her mother was right. The man was a demon and he'd cast some sort of lustful spell on her.

Abigail steeled herself against such traitorous carnal longings by praying fervently until peace invaded her mind, body, and soul.

Daniel had returned from his trip abroad, but Abigail as of yet hadn't seen him.

The mansion seemed abuzz with activity today. Fresh flowers bloomed in vases everywhere, and the wait staff polished and dusted everything until it gleamed.

Abigail strolled out to look at the gardens just beyond the balcony of her new room.

She'd had the wait staff move her things to a more modest room on the first floor by the gardens, unaccustomed to so much space and luxury. Her new room was still too big for her tastes, but at least it didn't feel so overwhelming as the four room suite she was in before. It had a breath taking view of the enormous weeping willow that stood near the center of the garden maze.

As children, Daniel, Mikayla, and she had played hide and seek there amidst the tall, perfectly trimmed bushes and flowers. It had always been her favorite place and refuge.

She took a bracing breath filled with the fragrances of exotic blooms and walked down the steps into the garden itself.

Abigail needed to think. She felt confused and anxious...and she wasn't sure why. It was as if she felt something...something very big was looming before all of them.

Heading in the direction of her favorite hiding place, she twirled a stray strand of her hair around one finger. Her bun was firmly in place except for a few tendrils that had somehow managed to escape with the ocean breeze.

That same breeze plastered her long grey dress to her legs as she walked along the grassy path.

She thought of Mikayla and her anger at having spooked Gabriel away, but her sister still hung around with the other band members, just as Gabriel had said she would.

Why? Why did her sister need to do that when she had such a good man who wanted to marry her and take care of her?

Abigail blinked the sting from her eyes. She'd once thought she was Daniel's true love, but it had only been a silly childish crush to him.

She pushed her glasses up her nose with one finger and sighed. She couldn't blame him though, and she didn't. What hurt the most was that her aunt and mother had sent her away to all-girls boarding schools, apparently to groom her to be Daniel's wife, and she'd turned out to be too boring for him after all.

Mikayla was more exotic and thrilling. She'd attracted not only Daniel, but Gabriel Raven as well...Gabriel, of the green eyes, beautiful face, and magnificent body.

Abigail hugged herself when she felt her nipples tighten under her Maidenform bra to keep from shuddering. Goosebumps broke over her flesh instead.

She really needed to stop thinking about that man. Her body reacted violently to any thought regarding him, and Abigail did not like that.

Finally, arriving at the little gazebo tucked beneath the willow in the middle of the maze, Abigail stumbled to a halt and gasped when she saw Daniel standing with his back toward her.




Diavolo Ch. 02



He must've heard her because he was suddenly whirling about to pin her with his dark enigmatic eyes.

Daniel was as handsome as ever with the breeze tousling his short chestnut-colored locks.

She absorbed and drank in the familiarity of him—the firm lips, the noble brow. This man, who'd once been her childhood infatuation, only stirred warm feelings of affection. The Armani suit he wore was impeccably cut and tailored, accentuating the breadth of shoulders and trim hips. He was almost as tall as Gabriel.

She felt her face flush hotly at the thought of Gabriel and the memory of how he'd yanked her against his hard body.

Oh, would she ever forget that devil's spawn? Her mother had been right...and—oh-god—he was Daniel's half brother too!

"Abigail?" Daniel's eyes narrowed on her.

She plastered a fake smile on her face and walked toward him. "Daniel. How nice to see you again."

He grinned, but his smile didn't really reach his troubled eyes.

"How are you?" he said reaching for her hands. Gripping them warmly, he kissed her knuckles, before staring intently into her eyes.

She swallowed and looked away, feeling terribly guilty for some reason. Maybe it was because she'd never gone beyond holding hands with Daniel, while Gabriel...

"Is there something you want to tell me?" he asked softly.

Horrified, Abigail snapped her gaze back to him.

He was no longer smiling, but watching her.

Abigail stepped back, her hand coming up to her throat. "What do you mean, Daniel?"

Daniel's straight brows drew closer together. He cleared his throat, eyes darting down to his feet before he reached into the pocket of his jacket to retrieve his cell phone.

After tapping the screen a few times, he turned it over in his palm to show her.

Abigail squinted at the grainy pictures before she sucked in a ragged breath. There were about six of them. The first showed a very compromising picture of Gabriel, with his arms around her and her sister's dress up over her backside. What was worse was that he was shirtless and her hands were all over him. Her left leg was bent, almost straddling his thigh. They looked like they were having sex, or about to. The second picture showed Gabriel pulling his shirt on her, and then the third looked as though he were pulling her against him, almost kissing her. She knew it was when he'd pulled her dress down. The last three pictures just showed him picking her up and heading into the pool house.

"Oh-god," was all she could whisper pathetically.

Daniel tucked his phone back in his pocket, his eyes soft now as he regarded her. "Abigail, I'm sorry I had to show you this, but it shocked me, especially since you'd expressed your desire to take up a religious vocation."

Abigail did not know what to say. She was mortified. Her image was plastered all over the internet linking her to Gabriel...something her younger sister had managed to avoid.

"Don't get me wrong, Abby. I'm thrilled you decided to find..." Daniel looked dubious for a moment, "...someone in your life..."

She wanted to scream and rant that she was in no way involved with that infuriating man, but the pictures were so damning. How would she explain it all to Daniel without exposing her sister?

"Just, be careful," he continued after a while. "You are far too precious to be any man's plaything."

Her face flushed hotter at his pointed look. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but just shook his head and looked away.

Abigail gulped. What must he think of her? That she'd allowed Gabriel to bed her? The mere thought had her wrapping her arms over her chest as a shudder wracked her form again.

"I have a very special guest arriving today, Abigail. I certainly hope you will be present for my first dinner back home with the family after being away for almost a month."

"O-of course," she blurted, nodding, unable to meet his eyes anymore.

"Good," he replied curtly, "I'll see you then."

As he walked off, she sat numbly on the bench of the gazebo.

Her entire reputation was ruined. People would see her and think she was...a harlot. She'd never even kissed a man...not even Daniel.

She stared at her aunt's prized rose bushes trailing up the side trellises of the gazebo. The riot of red reflected off the small pond that wrapped around the back of the gazebo. Leaning over the whitewashed railing, she gazed at the array of Koi swimming lazily beneath the cool water. The ends of the willow trailed within the rippling depths of the shallow pond as fluffy white clouds floated across the bright blue sky overhead.

Everything looked so perfect and peaceful...so at odds with how she felt. Inside, her thoughts were a riot of turmoil. She hated that her mother had used her to save the likes of Mikayla from making a mockery of her engagement with Daniel. Hated that her sister couldn't appreciate having a fiancé as special as Daniel. He certainly didn't deserve someone like Mikayla. She was beneath him.

She hated that Gabriel had to be so disturbing attractive, and how she couldn't seem to stop shuddering or aching everywhere with the mere thought of the man.

Daniel had never evoked such terrible carnal desires as Gabriel. It was just wrong and sinful.

After what felt like hours, Abigail rose from her perch within the gazebo. The sun was already setting and casting long shadows in the maze.

She wound her way back to her balcony and entered her room.

Mikayla was waiting for her, pacing furiously next to the white iron bed sitting in the middle of the room.

Her sister's hair looked as though she'd run her hands a million times through it, all mussed and wild.

Abigail stopped abruptly at the French doors when her sister pinned her with a murderous glare.

"You fucking little whore," she yelled. "You wanted Gabriel all to yourself, didn't you?"

Abigail recoiled. "Mikayla, I only want what's b—"

"Shut-up, you conniving little slut," Mikayla shouted stomping toward her.

Abigail yelped when her sister gripped her arm tight, her nails digging into her skin painfully. She pulled her other arm up defensively, fearing Mikayla would slap her. She looked ready to tear her eyes out.

"Mikayla, please! Mom just wanted me to speak with him—"

"But you fucked him too, you little tramp," Mikayla snapped, striking out.

Abigail managed to turn her face in time, but Mikayla's nails scraped part of her cheek and throat.

Next, her sister grabbed her hair.

Abigail cried out and tried keep her sister from doing too much damage, but the blows made her head spin and ears ring.

After a while, their mother joined the fray and tried to separate them.

It took her mother and two other maids to pull a screeching Mikayla off Abigail.

Abigail wiped the blood from the corner of her lips and stared horrified at her sister. She looked like she was possessed.

Her mother was yelling as well, but Mikayla was screaming like lunatic, completely lost to her rage.

Marjorie pulled her hand back and slapped her daughter hard across the face.

Mikayla finally shut up, staring daggers at her mother as well.

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Abigail's mother finally spoke. "I cannot believe either of you. Fighting like bitches in heat over a mongrel."

Her mother stared at them, back and forth, her breath coming in ragged pants.

Mikayla shook the maids off her angrily. After giving Abigail one last blistering glare, she stalked out of the room.

Marjorie smoothed one shaking hand over her blond bob, trying to gain her composure.

Abigail rushed to her nightstand to retrieve a tissue and dab at her eyes and nose.

"Be off now," her mother shooed the maids. Both women beat a hasty retreat, giving Abigail baleful stares over their shoulders as they closed the door behind them.

Abigail stared at her mother. About to tell her it was all her fault for letting Mikayla do as she pleased since she was born, Marjorie cut in. "I am so disappointed in you."

Abigail stared at her in shock.

Her mother sniffed and turned walking toward the door. "Your aunt and I had such high hopes for you, Abby, but your behavior is inexcusable. I hope you don't intend on continuing to sleep with that—" Marjorie wrinkled her nose in disgust.

"I've never slept with anyone," Abigail exclaimed. "I swear!"

Her mother pursed her lips and stared down her nose at Abigail. "Dinner is at seven. Daniel has invited a guest. Let's hope whoever it is hasn't seen your vulgar display on the internet."

***

At a quarter to seven, Abigail was ready for dinner. She'd dressed in a knee length golden brown dress with a square neckline and big black buttons running down the front. Donning a nude pair of pantyhose and dark brown pumps, she pulled her hair back in a simple ponytail. Lastly, she put on a pair of pearl earrings Daniel had given her on her sixteenth birthday.

Hearing a soft knock, Abigail pushed her glasses up her nose and rushed to open her door.

The sight of Daniel leaning against the doorframe surprised her. He looked distracted again until he realized she'd opened the door. Straightening to his full height and offered her his arm with a slight smile.

"Would you allow me the honor of escorting you to greet our guest when he arrives?"

Abigail blinked at him, stupefied. Why would he want her to stand with him to greet his guest? Wasn't that Mikayla's job now?

Daniel's smile grew. "Mikayla will meet us in the foyer. She's putting the finishing touches on her makeup."

"Oh," Abigail replied.

Swallowing a gulp of pure nerves, she accepted Daniel's arm.

He felt solid beneath his sharp pinstripe suit. The scent of some wonderfully exotic cologne teased her nose. Daniel felt so safe, so familiar.

Her entire life had come apart since she'd come back. Clearly, thinking she could smooth things over had backfired terribly.

Looking up at Daniel, the way he carried himself, with such assurance and gentleness had her blinking back tears.

Poor, sweet Daniel. If anything, perhaps she'd spared him some humiliation despite tarnishing herself in the process.

They walked down the mansion's left wing corridor until they reached the main hall with the spiral staircase just beyond the grand foyer.

Mikayla was just coming down the stairs wearing a white dress with some lace lining the plunging neckline. A long necklace of crystals glittered down the front of her body and her red curls bounced with each angered step she took. At the moment, Mikayla's eyes were staring daggers at Abigail.

When she reached Daniel, Abigail had to look away in humiliation as her sister wrapped her arms around him and kissed him hard and deep, moaning throatily.

Daniel cleared his throat and touched his lips, clearly trying to see if Mikayla's red lipstick was smeared all over his mouth.

"Don't worry, baby. It's kiss-proof," she giggled, batting her lashes at him.

Daniel looked flustered and nodded, adjusting his tie. "Of course, Mikayla."

A rumbling sound caught Abigail's attention. It sounded as if a beast were approaching the house.

"Ah! That must be our guest," Daniel said smiling broadly now.

He looked genuinely excited.

She frowned when he took her arm again and led both her and Mikayla outside.

Abigail gaped as the loud Harley roared around the circular driveway.

Its rider wore ripped jeans and a leather jacket with matching gloves. His boots had many straps running up the front with gleaming metal buckles glinting at the back of his calves.

She stared, her mouth hanging open as the rider stopped and turned the purring machine off after putting down the kickstand. He swung one powerful looking leg over the bike and proceeded to remove his black helmet.

Before he even shook his long black hair out, Abigail already knew it was Gabriel. His hair flowed around his shoulders in wild abandon, and his rugged jaw was shadowed with a day's growth of beard. He looked dangerous, foreboding...regal. Green eyes flashed at her, burning her where she stood. Had Daniel's grip on her arm not tightened, she might have fled as he stalked like a predatory beast toward her.

Daniel gave her a perplexed stare just before stepping forward and shocking her by grasping Gabriel in a hard hug.

Gabriel frowned, as if confused also. The moment he stopped looking at her, Abigail was able to tear her eyes away from him to look at her sister. Poor Mikayla looked sick, as if she were about to swoon.

"Allow me to introduce you to my fiancée," Daniel was saying.

Mikayla's face paled even more, but she stuck her hand out as Gabriel grasped and shook it, his eyes cold and distant.

"And, of course, you already know who this is," Daniel was saying gesturing to Abigail

Oh-no!.

Again, that predatory gaze ensnared her.

Gabriel walked right up to her as she weakly offered her trembling hand.

He bypassed the hand and wrapped one arm around her waist and the other around the back of her neck.

Abigail was barely able to draw in a shocked breath when he dragged her against him and covered her mouth with his.

Good-god!

As if the feel of his lips on hers wasn't enough, he slid his tongue into her mouth completely shocking her...his tongue!

Her knees immediately gave way beneath her as he assaulted her mouth and pressed her close.

She'd always imagined her first kiss in a romantic setting, a candle light dinner, a walk in the garden, or perhaps along a moonlit beach. She'd imagined it would be sweet, tender, making her sigh. Certainly, no tongue involved the first time!

Gabriel's kiss offered Abigail none of that, except making her heart race and her legs grow weak. Again, that incessant pounding between her legs began. It had her moaning until she came to her senses, remembering that her sister and Daniel were still present.

Oh-no!

Embarrassed, she struggled against Gabriel. Their lips separated with a wet pop. He was fisting her hair, which he'd yanked free of her ponytail.

Alarmed, Abigail twisted her head around only to discover they were alone.

Her nipples tightened when Gabriel slid his mouth down her throat with a growl, the roughness of his stubble giving her goose bumps.

"S-stop," she hissed pushing against his chest.

He suddenly reared back, staring at her throat. "What the fuck, Abigail! Who the hell hurt you?" he practically roared.

His anger took her by surprise. She blinked rapidly, her hand coming up to where Mikayla had scratched her earlier.

He pulled her hand away and traced the angry lines. Trying to cover them with makeup hadn't worked, obviously. His green eyes snapped to hers, his kiss-swollen lips pressing into an angry line.

"As if it were any of your business," Abigail snapped. "My sister and I had a disagreement."

His gaze softened. "Oh."

That's all he had to say? Abigail struggled for him to release her, but he held on, his gaze skimming over what he could see of her appreciatively. "Let me go. What are you doing?'

"I was greeting you," he replied.

The breeze blew a swath of his dark hair against her cheek. It smelled so good she almost leaned close to rub her face against in it.

Almost.

Instead, she shook her head as if she'd just walked into a spider web and glared at him.

He laughed, a low seductive sound that made her toes curl.

Oh—how she loathed the devil.

He touched the black rims of her glasses with one fingertip. "I like these...fucking sexy."

Abigail slapped his hand away, appalled at his randy behavior.

He just bit his lower lip, eyes twinkling with mischief. "I think we'd better go inside before your family starts talking about us."

Abigail's face flushed. He was baiting her. He must've seen the pictures too.

"Why are you here? What are you up to?" she demanded.

His eyes grew cold again and he released her. His grin widened. "Why so scared, Pop Tart?"

"Stop calling me that."

"Fine, baby—"

"Don't call me that either." She just barely restrained herself from stomping one foot in agitation. "Explain why you're here?"

His smile died and a cruel light gleamed within his eyes. "I've come to claim what's mine," he said through gritted teeth.

Abigail felt herself pale. Her hands clasped together under her chin as she stared at him, eyes wide. "Please," she begged, thinking of Daniel. He couldn't do this. Gabriel's eyes narrowed. "You can't do this to Daniel. He's done nothing to the likes of you."

Gabriel suddenly gripped her arms and got into her face. "Why do you care so much for Daniel?" His lips twisted into a sneer. "Are you in love with your sister's boyfriend?"

Abigail yanked her arms from his grasp. "No. I just care very much for him. He was a very dear friend to me since we were children."

Gabriel snorted in disgust. "You had a crush on him."

Abigail clenched her teeth. "Shut -up. You know nothing about me."

Gabriel stepped into her personal space again. "He's a fool. He picked Mikayla over you, didn't he?" Abigail gasped when his hand tangled in her hair again, drawing her lips a breath away from his. "Mikayla thought to play with me and toss me aside for her rich boyfriend. Maybe I want revenge, Abigail."

Abigail shook her head, unable to tear her eyes from the smoldering green of his. Her heart sank. Was that why he'd made a production of kissing her? "Daniel had nothing to do with this."

If anything, the smoldering rage in his gaze burned hotter. "How can you defend that bastard? He ignored you."

"He didn't ignore me," she snapped before she realized what she was admitting to.

"So then he dumped you for her," Gabriel growled.

Abigail glanced behind her and wriggled free of his grasp. Looking back at him, she lifted her nose. "I decided I wanted to be a nun."

Gabriel's eyes went round...for at least three seconds before he threw his head back and laughed.

Abigail gripped the lapels of his leather jacket and tried to shake him silent. It was like trying to shake a sturdy tree. "Be quiet. How dare you laugh at me!"

Gabriel wrapped his arms around her again. "Baby, the Kardashian's are more fit to be nuns than you."

Abigail tried to rear back, offended by his words, but he cuddled her close. "I can feel and see the passion in you, Abigail."

"Stop this behavior this instant. Release me," she demanded pushing against his chest.

He let her go, and crossed his arms over his impressive chest. "Fine. You decide. Either you play along at being my girlfriend for a while or I tell Daniel everything."

Abigail stared horrified up at him. "W-what? B-but why? What could you hope to possibly gain by this absurd pretense?"

He just shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets as he stared at her through narrowed eyes.

"It's up to you," he challenged. "You either walk with me into that house, or you walk in behind me to pick up the pieces of your precious Daniel," he finally spat with disdain.

Abigail stared after him, mute, as he brushed past her toward the door.

Would he dare?

In a panic, she rushed after him, gripping his arm to halt him before he entered the ornate double doors of the mansion. He looked down at her and gripped her hand, hauling her in after him. "I'm not sure I'm glad you changed your mind. I just might spill the beans anyway, you know."

About to tell him off, she bit her tongue instead when she caught sight of her mother coming down the stairs. Marjorie Brown's blue eyes were wide as she took in the sight of Gabriel holding onto Abigail's hand.

His boots sounded loud as he crossed the room to where Daniel and Mikayla stood.

Mikayla just stared blankly at the huge vase of flowers under the crystal chandelier in the middle of the foyer. Daniel smiled at Both Gabriel and Abigail as he slipped his arm around Mikayla's waist.

"Marjorie, I'd like to introduce you to Gabriel Brinks, better known as Gabriel Raven, lead singer of Diavolo. Gabriel, this is a very important person for you. Marjorie Brown is Abigail's mother."




Diavolo Ch. 02



Marjorie had stopped at the bottom of the stairs, gaping at Gabriel. He stepped closer to her and took her hand. "It's a pleasure, ma'am," he murmured as he kissed her knuckles.

Marjorie just gaped at him. After a while she seemed to have found her voice when she asked, "And why would I be an important person to this—" her eyes flicked over him coldly, "gentleman?" she finished.

Gabriel grinned at her. Or, at least that's what Abigail supposed he was trying to do. Unfortunately it came out like a vicious snarl. "Because I've come to ask for your daughter's hand."

What?

All eyes fell upon Gabriel.

He was taking this revenge thing too far. Abigail felt faint. She tried to yank her hand from Gabriel's, but he held it in a vise grip.

Meanwhile, her sister looked like she wanted to kill both Gabriel and Abigail. Daniel was grinning in absolute surprise and joy, and her mother...her mother looked as though she'd swallowed a frog.

"Well," Daniel began exuberantly, "This is certainly a surprise. Frankly, I was worried when I heard of your acquaintance with our dear sweet Abby."

Gabriel's demeanor changed drastically. He squared his shoulders and wrapped his arm around her waist possessively. "And why would my acquaintance with dear sweet Abby worry you?" he finished through gritted teeth.

Daniel chuckled, nonplussed by Gabriel threatening demeanor. "I worried that perhaps you didn't have good intentions toward her. I will be honest. Abigail is a very special girl. You won't find anyone sweeter," he grinned, oblivious to Mikayla's killing glare. "I just happen to have the other Brown sibling." He finally looked at Mikayla, who switched her glare for a big fake smile. "She is the most precious, sweet thing to me."

Her sister walked into Daniel's arms. He gave her a one armed hug and grinned at Abigail and Gabriel. "Let's go into the dining room. I'll have the staff open our best wine for this occasion. We must celebrate. When are you planning on announcing your engagement, if you don't mind my asking?"

Abigail followed alongside Gabriel in a daze.

"Well, Baby and I still haven't discussed all the details of our engagement, but I guess we'll have to do it soon. Right, sweetness?"

She just looked at him with wide eyes. How was she supposed to reply to that?

Daniel laughed. "It was a bit of a whirlwind thing. I didn't even know until this morning that Abby had come back home, and now this. It was quite the shock."

"Yeah," Mikayla finally piped up. "Who would've thought Abigail would ever get married."

***

She looked pale and shaky, but things had gotten so far out of hand, he hadn't the slightest idea how to stop the lie from growing bigger.

Engaged?

Christ—what had he gotten himself into?

Mikayla's barb had made Abigail wince. His ex-stalker was very vindictive and Gabriel suddenly realized he didn't like it one bit.

Abigail was his to torment only.

Turning disdainful eyes to the younger sister, he sneered. "I don't know why you'd think Abigail wouldn't make a good wife for anyone. She's not like the typical women that hang around me and the band looking for an easy lay with a rock star."

Mikayla's face went beet red, and her mother choked.

"How did you meet Abigail?" Daniel questioned, one brow rising at the both of them.

Next to him, Abigail stiffened and began to open and close her mouth in that adorable way that reminded him of a fish.

"We met at a party she and her sister attended. Mikayla was trying to get her to have some fun, and Abigail ran into me. Best night of our lives, wasn't it, babe?"

Daniel face turned red this time, and he cleared his throat before nodding and gesturing they follow him and Mikayla.

"I'll go see if Paulina is ready," Marjorie blurted before making her escape up the grand staircase.

That woman had acted as if she'd seen a ghost...or maybe the devil himself when Daniel introduced her to him.

Had that woman also known his father?

He hadn't had much opportunity to talk with his younger half brother. Gabriel's lawyer had taken all of the documentation Gabriel had and contacted Daniel.

Two days later, he'd received a call from Daniel's assistant requesting he come directly to North Star Records. The infamous Daniel Montenegro II wanted to schedule a personal meeting with him.

Expecting hostility, Gabriel was surprised when Daniel had welcomed him warmly, his eyes gleaming with genuine curiosity.

They'd talked for hours.

Daniel had the opportunity to go over the letters and diaries, and even had his own lawyer review the legal documentation their father had drawn up years ago.

There was no denying they were brothers.

Daniel expressed his regret about Gabriel's mother and felt appalled his mother had been the cause of so much grief.

He'd insisted both Gabriel and his grandmother move into the Montenegro estate.

Gabriel, of course, had declined. He had his own place and was content to remain there for the time being.

He'd felt a little guilty knowing he'd let his brother's girlfriend suck him off a few times aside from the other stuff she done, but he'd never gone after the girl. She'd stuck to him like Velcro one night in Vegas after a show. If anything, it was Angelo's fault for giving her all their numbers and keeping her abreast of where they were all the time.

Pulling out a chair for Abigail, he frowned when Daniel pulled the chair next to hers for her sister.

"Gabriel," Daniel began, "Would you do me the honor of occupying my father's chair?"

Both girls gaped at Daniel.

Gabriel looked at the imposing chair at the end of the table. With a grin, he nodded and turned. One of the butlers immediately pulled the chair out for him and Gabriel sat slowly.

Cold seeped up his legs as he thought of his father.

Looking down the center of the table, he stared at Daniel as he took up the chair at the other end of the long formal dining table.

"Normally, there are ten seats, but since it's just us, I requested the table be shortened to six places for tonight. My mother and Marjorie will be joining us shortly."

Daniel turned to the head butler and ordered a bottle of wine.

Appetizers were passed around as the butler came back with the prized bottle.

"I think we should give the honor to our guest of honor," Daniel said gesturing to Gabriel.

The butler approached him with the bottle and a glass.

The bottle was presented to Gabriel for his inspection. 

A nineteen-forty-five, Romanée-Conti.

Gabriel's hands began to sweat. It wasn't everyday he was privy to opening a sixty-year-old bottle of rare red wine. The thing had to have cost a fortune.

He looked at Abigail. She was staring at him as if he were about to murder a puppy.

Well, here goes to celebrating his fake engagement to Pop Tart.

Gabriel nodded to the butler, who proceeded to pop the vintage bottle open.

Abigail began to fan herself.

He just stared at her as the butler poured the first taste.

It was much like tasting a woman for the first time. Like tasting Abigail.

He took the glass and swirled the liquid, appreciating the color and body. The rich, deep, red glowed beautifully in the soft candle light. He gazed at Abigail over the rim of the glass.

Beautiful color rose up her throat to suffuse her cheeks...so beautiful. He couldn't believe he'd once thought her plain. He was out of his mind.

Keeping his gaze locked on hers, he sniffed the wine's fragrant bouquet. His mouth watered in anticipation, the scent already making him heady.

Slowly, bringing the glass up closer, he opened his lips and let a bit of the liquid spill in.

Abigail's pupils dilated and he could see the pulse in her throat hammering wildly.

She felt it too...as much as she tried to portray a prim demeanor. She played down her looks, but it only incited him more.

Abigail finally tore her gaze from his. She struggled to catch her breath, her composure. Her face was still flushed, gloriously rose all over. He did that to her. But why? Did he frighten her? Did he stir her blood they she did his?

Yeah. This was insane. He barely knew the chick. He needed to put the brakes on whatever it was she was stirring in him, before he ended up a statistic like his dead parents.

Footsteps had him sitting up straighter.

He already knew who approached.

Gabriel stood when Daniel stood. Two butlers rushed forward to pull out the remaining chairs.

Turning to his right, Gabriel stared at the woman responsible for the nightmare that had befallen his mother and real father...Paulina Montenegro.

The woman was tall, slim, and elegant. Her blonde hair was pulled back from her face and she wore a simple black knee-length cocktail dress that accentuated her lovely figure. He knew she had to be in her mid to late fifties, but she was still beautiful. Not a single line marred that face. Apparently, no emotions had ever etched themselves into that cold unfeeling countenance.

Her dark eyes stared at him intently, a predator sizing up a rival. She didn't fool him though. He could see the horror in those eyes even though her face remained a blank mask.

"Mother," Daniel began, "Meet Gabriel. Gabriel, this is my mother, Paulina Montenegro."

Gabriel approached her. Nearly black eyes flicked down the length of him, taking in his attire.

Oh-yes. He'd dressed specifically for her tonight. No Armani suit for this bitch.

"Ms. Montenegro," he said taking her hand.

Watching her face as he leaned over and pressed a kiss he loathed to give to that fragile white hand, he saw her eyes widen slightly, heard her breath hitch just the tiniest bit.

Slowly, he released her and straightened, allowing the disgusting knowledge that his aunt desired him to settle into his mind. Another thing he'd despise about her. Another weapon he'd use against her in his bid to destroy her.

He would not rest until he avenged his parents.



Diavolo Ch. 03



Paulina couldn't keep her eyes off him, though he could tell she tried to be discreet. Her face looked wooden, pale, but her eyes...those black orbs glittered full of poison, hatred...there was so much malice in those eyes.

During dinner, Daniel regaled them with tales of his many trips around the world, searching for budding new musicians and singers. North Star Records dealt mainly with non-mainstream music. What they lacked in the way of famous pop recording artists, they made up for in an abundance of renowned orchestras and symphonies as well as single artists and singers.

"I'd like to branch out and expand our repertoire. It's the reason my people have been in contact with your representative," Daniel was saying as he dabbed at his lips with a crisp white napkin. He grinned at Gabriel, his light brown eyes twinkling. "I promise not to mix tonight with business, but later on I cannot promise anything."

Gabriel tried to smile back at him. Lifting one corner of his lip was almost too much effort.

"Ah," Paulina finally spoke up, her eyes boring into Gabriel's, "what type of instrument do you play?'

Gabriel leaned back in his chair, his chin lifting fractionally, "I play keyboard, any string instruments, and percussion."

The woman's eyes flicked over him coldly, "Oh, so you read music?"

Daniel chuckled. "He reads and composes, mother."

Gabriel narrowed his eyes at her, almost tempted to add that he could add and subtract too.

Mikayla snorted, "Mother made us take music lessons when we were younger. It was just so boring. I'd rather just listen."

Gabriel focused on Abigail. "Do you play anything?"

Before she could answer, Paulina stated, "Abigail is quite an accomplished pianist. Naturally not quite as talented as my son, Daniel, but it is a joy to listen to her."

Abigail blushed under his scrutiny. Mikayla only rolled her eyes and sulked, her eyes darting from him to her sister.

"She also has a lovely singing voice," Marjorie Brown added with an indulgent smile at her eldest daughter. Abigail began to imperceptibly shake her head, but her mother pressed on, "perhaps later, she can allow us the pleasure to hear her perform something."

Abigail's mouth opened in dismay, her eyes imploring her mother.

"That sounds like a great idea," Gabriel said, his eyes never leaving Abigail's face.

When Paulina cleared her throat, he reluctantly glance her way. Whereas before, the woman's expression was devoid of any outward emotion, now, her lips were pressed together tightly and her brows much lower over her eyes.

Gabriel cocked his head at her, daring her to say anything about his obvious display of interest in Abigail.

"Mother," Daniel began, steel in his tone, "Gabriel has asked Marjorie for Abigail's hand."

Paulina slammed her napkin down on the table. All the females started in their seats. Abigail lowered her eyes to her folded hands in her lap, Mikayla sat back, her eyes keenly interested in what her future mother was about to say, and Marjorie had her hands clasped against her chest, her eyes staring beseechingly at Paulina.

Paulina remained silent a long while, just glaring at Gabriel. She finally sat back in her chair, spine completely stiff and straight, and lips pursed. "And how do you feel about this, Abigail?'

Gabriel's attention flew to Abigail's face, his fists tightening to either side of his plate.

She looked at him over the rims of her glasses, the sweet red hue covering her cheeks intensifying. Whatever she saw in his face made her cringe more.

Damn.

"Well," she began, her voice so soft and low it was a miracle if those sitting at the opposite end of the table even heard her, "we still haven't discussed this fully."

Paulina's blistering gaze swung back to Gabriel before going back to Abigail. "I thought you were seeking a religious vocation?"

"Well," Gabriel interrupted, a tad scathingly, "now she's obviously found something better."

Paulina's cold gaze settled on him once more, her nose lifting infinitesimally. "You consider yourself better than God?"

Gabriel grinned, but didn't answer. Paulina's eyes narrowed a bit.

Dinner trudged on with various courses. Each plate had a minute amount of food, artfully arranged on the Montenegro estate's fine porcelain china.

A second bottle of wine that probably cost more than a hundred grand was opened like nothing.

Gabriel wrinkled his nose at the silver cup of sherbet he was being served.

He'd change all of this crap for a heaping plate of his grandmother's cooking. They'd gone through four courses and he was still starving.

Abigail was nibbling at her food. She took dainty little bites and chewed, lips sealed tight, eyes on her plate.

He thought of the kiss he'd given her. Seeing the horrified look on Mikayla's face had pleased him. He felt bad for his idiot half brother. He'd never been engaged or had a formal girlfriend, but the day he did, he'd be pissed if the chick fucked around behind his back.

His eyes focused on Abigail's soft lips.

That kiss...she'd been so hesitant...so shocked. Fuck. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear it might have been her first.

Jesus Christ. That was impossible. She was in her mid twenties. First kisses were for preteens and high schoolers.

Where the hell had these people had this chick stashed away?

Ah...the convent.

Jesus.

Leaning back as they cleared away his fourth dish and brought a fifth, he huffed a sigh of frustration. She was too innocent for the likes of him. His first woman had been older—a sexually ravenous freak who'd taken advantage of his young stamina while he was in his teens.

That lasted for a long time until the band started taking off, and then she'd turned into a jealous psycho.

He frowned down at his steak as he cut into it angrily.

Okay, he was getting off point here. There was nothing between him and Abigail. He wasn't sure why he'd kept up the pretense there was something between them...why he'd kissed her.

He smirked.

Fine. He'd kissed her because he wanted to antagonize Mikayla and Abigail looked totally kissable shivering at the sight of him. Hell, that alone had been quite a turn on.

Chicks always pounced on him. They didn't flush beguilingly and look at him as if he were a great big hungry panther and they a succulent little mouse.

Abigail's wide blue eyes rose to his shyly. Her flush intensified as her lashes fluttered over her cheeks.

He hardened in his pants. Interesting reaction. Completely stupid too.

He finally tore his gaze from her and concentrated on finishing this unsatisfying dinner.

The butler poured him another glass of wine and he gulped it down, uncaring that he'd just swallowed a mouth full of something that probably cost more than his treasured Fatboy outside.

The torture continued for an hour more until they finally stood and proceeded to the main parlor.

The room was enormous, two stories high with glass panes looking out to vast gardens and a view of the setting sun. A balcony hugged the front and left side of the room, giving a glimpse of the second floor to one of the manor's various wings. The white marble floors gleamed beneath an array of sumptuous rugs. Expensive art hung on almost every wall and vases filled with blooming flowers decorated almost every table.

The large fireplace, only one of the breath taking focal points in the room, had an arrangement of red roses bursting within.

Paulina excused herself a moment as Daniel sat at the Steinway and played an impressive piece for all of them.

Gabriel sat on the edge of the cream-colored leather couch and waited.

So far, the subject he'd wanted to broach had been cautiously avoided, due to the presence of the Brown women.

Gabriel was anxious to speak with Paulina and Daniel though.

He wanted to see Paulina Montenegro's reaction when she found out his father had left him half of everything.

Everything—fucking halfsies!

He wasn't remotely interested in the obscene amount of wealth around him. He'd still continue to live in his beach house, but he was interested in starting some kind of charity for homeless people and maybe free music schools for young kids in the city. So much more could be done with all this wealth than pamper this pack of wolves around him.

His eyes fell on Abigail again.

She was different. She wasn't like them. He could see it in her eyes and the way she acted. Pop Tart was a simple girl with simple tastes.

Christ. A sane man could lose his heart to a sweet girl like her.

He could almost imagine her wearing one of his shirts at the house, walking barefoot out onto the back deck that overlooks the beach.

Her hair would be loose, the breeze toying with its golden waves. He'd entice her into the woven hammock he had tied beneath a cluster of coconut trees near the glass doors to his bedroom.

He'd kiss her again, feel the satin texture of her pretty legs, press his chest against the softness of hers, feel her nipples harden into sharp little points against him.

Light clapping had him tearing his gaze from Abigail to look at Daniel. He'd finished his fancy piece.

Not bad playing. Now he wanted to see the man play something from Dreamtheater.

Gabriel snickered at the ridiculousness of it.

Daniel was watching him, and his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. Why was he so touchy? Did he not like the way Gabriel devoured his spurned ex with his eyes? Daniel might have been stupid enough to drop Abigail for Mikayla, but Gabriel didn't have a stupid bone in his body. Pop Tart was going to be his.

Paulina swept into the room as Daniel stood.

"If you ladies will excuse us, my mother and I would like to speak with Gabriel in the study."

*** 

Abigail didn't dare look at him anymore. Good Lord! The man had stared at her almost all during dinner. He alternated between predatory observations of her every movement to volatile glares at auntie Paulina.

What had that been all about?

Abigail had decided the best thing to do was simply not look anymore...at anyone. Keep her head low and escape the first possible opportunity.

She was still reeling about him announcing their engagement.

Why? Why was he doing this? Why had he chosen her to sacrifice? She didn't deserve to be treated this way—a pawn to whatever Machiavellian scheme he was plotting.

What Mikayla had done was deplorable, of course, but now he was involving the rest of the family.

Daniel was keenly interested in signing his band onto North Star Records. Auntie Paulina, though she appeared neutral on the subject, would most likely not agree. She hated what she termed as the devil's music.

Abigail had even seen her look of extreme displeasure when Daniel mentioned that Gabriel's band was called Diavolo—devil in Italian.

Abigail wondered about that. Why had they picked that name?

She shuddered. Perhaps they were devil worshipers.

Oh-holy-mother-of-God! She'd kissed a devil worshiper!

She peeked up from beneath lashes to see Gabriel, Daniel, and her aunt walk toward the study adjacent to the living room.

Gabriel's shoulders were broad, his dark hair coming just between his shoulder blades.

Though dressed like a Hell's Angel, he looked authoritative, imposing.

This charade had to end. She needed to leave. Go back to Italy and the safety of the convent before she lost her soul.

The devil with the feline green eyes and midnight hair would certainly tempt her into a life of debauchery. Oh, she would resist, but still, she feared his arduous charm would eventually overwhelm her. She wasn't accustomed to being accosted by men. She wasn't accustomed to men-period!

Brutal fingers gripping her arm and hauling her up snapped her out of her dismal pensive mood.

Her mother and sister flanked her and drew her out onto the terrace.

"What is the meaning of this?" her mother demanded swinging her about to face her.

Mikayla stood almost between them, her eyes blazing.

Abigail cringed and gulped. "Um...well...we're engaged...I guess."

Marjorie opened her mouth, but Mikayla cut in enraged, "that's bullshit! You never even knew of Gabriel's existence until last week."

Abigail was out of words or ideas to explain. Anger surfaced now. She wasn't one to lie and that was what she was being forced to do...all this to protect Daniel from being hurt by Mikayla's behavior.

"Fine," Abigail finally snapped. "If you want to know the truth, he threatened to spill all to Daniel." Abigail stepped into Mikayla's personal space and continued despite her sister's defiant glare, "He'll tell Daniel and probably aunt Paulina all about your illicit affair. He might even take your shame as far as the media. Everyone will know how you've cuckolded poor Daniel," she finished on a sob.

Her mother gasped, horrified as she stared from one daughter to the other.

Mikayla lifted her nose, "he wouldn't dare."

Abigail clenched her teeth as her sister smirked at her.

"I knew he wouldn't be interested in you." She laughed, her eyes flicking over Abigail with insulting superiority. "As if."

Abigail felt her eyes smart with the onset of tears, but she refused to let herself seem weak before her much prettier sister. There were more important things than outward beauty, and Abigail had never been vain in her life anyway.

Marjorie Brown grabbed Mikayla's arm and yanked her around. "Listen here, young lady—"

"Ow," Mikayla complained with a pout, trying to wrench her arm from her mother's vise grip.

Marjorie would not relent though. She went nose to nose with a now cringing Mikayla and hissed, "I have been living with Paulina Montenegro for many years now. I've sacrificed my life to remain by her and am not going to let you ruin all that for me, you little tramp."

Abigail's eyes widened. Mikayla sputtered.

Marjorie continued, clearly not done with her tirade, "you seduced and tempted Daniel between your legs, took him from your sister, now you keep him."

"I never seduced him and, for your information, we've never fucked. Daniel is too uptight and antiquated to manage such a feat. That's why I went after Gabe. A girl needs a good fuck every once in a blue to stay sane."

Abigail grimaced. Her mother winced and released Mikayla's arm in disgust.

Mikayla only laughed. "Look at you two. The saint and the old maid—"

Her mother sputtered. "I will not permit you to disrespect me—"

"Oh, stuff-it, lady," she sneered, turning on her heel to flounce off.

Marjorie rubbed her temples, eyes closed in frustration.

Abigail wringed her fingers. She wanted to leave. This was not her mess...but...poor Daniel. There had to be a way to convince Gabriel to back down.

He was famous and had to have hoards of women following him. Why was he so obsessed with Mikayla? Why was he so angry with her deception?

"So he's using you?" her mother asked folding her arms over her chest.

"He said he wanted revenge."

Marjorie's eyes widened. "Revenge? Just because Mikayla...but that's absurd."

"I know, mother. I don't understand myself."

Her mother sieved a well-manicured hand through her bob and took a few steps toward the outdoor fireplace. "He can't. If word of this becomes public..." She turned around suddenly, eyes wild, "We'll be ridiculed. Your aunt won't stand for this. She'll throw me out and I have nothing, Abigail."

Abigail turned her face away, unwilling to hear her mother's rant again.

"You talk to that man, Abby. Dissuade him from this scandalous pursuit. Make him listen to the voice of reason."

Abigail closed her eyes as her mother took her hands and squeezed. "I'll try, mother. I promise."

"Abigail, I know you've always been a good girl, darling, but perhaps in this instance you need to leave your piousness aside and take a more...drastic measure to insure this man forgets your sister and her promiscuousness."

Abigail blinked her tears back, staring at her mother in disappointment. "You want me to lose my virginity to keep you from becoming destitute?"

Her mother dropped her hands in angered exasperation. "Really, Abigail, I cannot believe you've taken your antiquated beliefs this far. I know a woman shouldn't delve in immoral behavior, but you're almost in your thirties for Christ's sake. Surely, at least one lover wouldn't have been frowned upon even for curiosity's sake."

Abigail gaped at her mother. Her own mother was telling her she should...Oh, it was too horrifying to contemplate.

She turned away, unable to bear the shame of looking at her any longer. "I'll do the best I can," she repeated in a dead tone, even to her own ears.

Her mother squeezed her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "I am relying on you, sweetheart."

She heard her mother's footsteps fade away and she was now alone on the terrace.

A warm breeze caressed her, played with her loose hair. Reaching back, she gripped the loose ends and sighed. Her hair-tie was somewhere out in the front entry.

Her life was slowly coming apart.

First, Daniel had fallen for Mikayla instead of her. Her heart had been so broken, she'd actually become physically ill for days. Always having been a bit too rounded in the hips and thighs, she lost so much weight her college professors had asked her if she was sick.

As the time passed, she'd been content to imagine Daniel happy. It was all that mattered. Love wished no ill and she certainly didn't begrudge Daniel his happiness, though she was completely broken inside.

And now this. Gabriel.

He had to be dealt with. He needed to go. She would not allow dear sweet Daniel to suffer because of the wiles of two selfish people.

*** 

Gabriel sipped his glass of cognac, his eyes never leaving Paulina's face. Daniel went on about the benefits of branching out their genres of music to expand their recording enterprise.

"What do you think, Gabriel?" Daniel was saying.

Daniel was quiet a moment before leaning back in his armchair and crossing his ankle over his knee. "That sounds reasonable, but I leave those kinds of discussions to my band manager. My real purpose for coming here has nothing to do with Diavolo."

Daniel nodded and sat back in his chair too, his shoulders squaring out. He looked into his own glass of liquor as if for inspiration.

"And to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" Paulina asked, one brow lifted.

Gabriel reached into the inner pocket of his jacket and retrieved a copy of one of his father's letters to his grandmother. He stood and sauntered over to her. Those black eyes scanned him thoroughly, embarrassingly thorough. He tossed the letter unceremoniously onto Paulina's lap and stood before her, hands on hips.

Paulina, her elbows resting on the arms of her chair, pressed her fingers together forming a steeple. Her eyes stared at the letter as her lips tightened into a frown.

Gabriel's patience was wearing thin when she simply said nothing for the longest time.

Finally, she raised her head and stared at him fully again. "How much do you want?"

Gabriel frowned at her. "I don't want your filthy money."

Her lips twitched, almost smiling. "You look like you need it. How is my mother? Is she still alive?"

Rage detonated in Gabriel's heart. Were she not a woman he would have slugged her. As it was, he barely restrained himself from throttling her anyway.

"Anna Maria Arroyo is alive and well," he hissed.

A brief flicker of emotion, a blink, and it was gone, too fleeting to gage or ponder. Paulina just nodded. "She favored your mother always over me. Blamed me for what happened, though I was nothing more than a victim."

She blinked innocent eyes up at him, but he knew better.

Gabriel snorted. "Victim? I read her diary. I know exactly what happened."

Paulina's face went red with rage. She stood, letter in hand and faced Gabriel, shoulders back and hands fisted. "Lies. She couldn't bear knowing Daniel preferred me after all, and did her best to lure him away."




Diavolo Ch. 03



Just as Gabriel was about to give her a scathing retort, Daniel stepped in.

"This is all terribly misfortunate, but rehashing the past cannot fix the damage already done. Mother, Gabriel is in his right to feel angry over this situation. He grew up without our prestigious name and all it entails. Had my father been alive, I'm sure he would have rectified this situation."

"This situation has no rectification except to put a price on it," Paulina spat, her eyes blazing as she looked from Daniel to Gabriel. "And, as for this," she shook the envelope in front of them before striding to the fireplace in the study. "This is what I think of this rubbish."

Daniel made a sound of dismay as he darted forward, even too late, to rescue the smoldering letter from the flames of the hearth.

Gabriel gripped his shoulders to halt Daniel's momentum, his eyes on Paulina's smug face though. "Don't worry about it. It was just a copy."

Paulina's smug expression slipped a bit. "State once and for all what you want and then kindly leave my home."

"Mother," Daniel snapped, expression scandalized.

Gabriel released Daniel and stood straighter.

What did he want? Certainly not to just walk out and leave this bitch here, pleased with herself.

"Well for starters," he began crossing his arms back over his chest, "I want what my father intended me to have." He stepped closer to Paulina. She stood her ground and tossed her head back defiantly. "Half," Gabriel spit out.

Her eyes literally glowed with rage. "Over my dead body," she answered through gritted teeth.

"That could be arranged," Gabriel seethed before Daniel stepped in and pushed them apart.

"Enough," Daniel barked.

Paulina looked like a snake about to strike. "You heard him. He had the audacity to threaten me. I should call the authorities."

"Go ahead," Gabriel dared. "I can almost hear the paparazzi that followed me here buzzing overhead. They'd certainly love to see a line of cop cars pulling up outside. It'll be a great intro for my tell-all interview."

Her eyes widened and face grew pale. "You are an abomination."

Gabriel just laughed in her face.

"Let's discuss this in a civilized manner, shall we?" Daniel said, adjusting his tie. He looked at his mother angrily. "I do not want to judge, but I think Gabriel is owed some sort of recompense for all that has happened. It couldn't hurt to allow him to learn the ropes at the company and perhaps even be part of the board."

Paulina made a disgusted sound and stepped around them. "Do whatever you want."

Gabriel watched her stalk out of the study, enraged that she'd backed off. He wanted to continue to tear away at her. Let her see that as much as she'd tried to come between his father and mother, their love had been too strong. He was the proof of that.

Daniel was clearing his throat. "Forgive my mother. She's a very strong willed woman."

"Forgive her? Did you read through that diary?" Gabriel said incredulously.

Daniel straightened, his face impassive, and in that moment, Gabriel hated him too. "Look, Gabriel. There was no excuse for whatever she did—"

"She stole my father from my mother!"

Daniel scowled. "Now neither of us were alive at the time and we shouldn't make rash judgments."

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

Daniel lifted his hands in a placating manner. "I understand your anger—"

"No you don't," Gabriel snapped. "You understand nothing. You've lived all your life in this palace, waited on hand and foot like a fucking prince, oblivious of my mother's existence—oblivious of my and my grandmother's existence."

"And what fault do I have in that," Daniel answered calmly. "I was not responsible for the conditions into which I was born, anymore than you. I'd like to resolve this situation in a manner that is suitable for all involved."

Gabriel looked his brother up and down. Why did he have to be so level-headed and calm and collected?

Gabriel's emotions were just boiling inside him. He wanted to hit something, wanted to rant and yell, but the person responsible for all his rage had walked out like a fucking queen.

Gabriel turned, running his fingers through his hair. "I need to think." Truth.

"I understand," Daniel replied, the epitome of tranquility and wisdom.

Gabriel clenched his fists. There was nothing more he could do.

"Look...I'm sorry I lost my cool."

Daniel clapped him on his shoulder a slight smile on his face. "I don't hold it against you. This must have been quite a disturbing shock for you to find out about your real father." He dropped his hand and turned with a sigh, walking a few steps away, head bowed. "I've heard that my—" He quickly rectified with an apologetic look over his shoulder aimed at Gabriel, "our father was quite the ladies man back in his day." Daniel turned again, eyes pinned on Gabriel. "Did you know he came from a family of renown musicians in Spain? Some of our ancestors played for the kings and queens in Europe. I'm told that our own father once sang for the pope himself before he journeyed here to America. He was an accomplished opera singer." Daniel grinned. "You must have inherited your amazing voice from him."

Gabriel looked away feeling...strange. His father—his real father was a stranger to him. He knew nothing of the man except that he'd founded North Star Records, and from the talks around the dinner table that night, they also had a vineyard and a rose farm. 

I'd like to say goodnight to Abs before I leave," was all he said.

"Of course," Daniel replied, his smile dying completely. "About Abigail...she really is a very...innocent girl. She grew up abroad. My mother sent her to the finest girls schools in Europe."

Gabriel hardened all over again imagining Abigail in a schoolgirl's uniform, pigtails, and her glasses. Holy shit!

"I believe she was quite enamored with me, but Mikayla..." Daniel's gaze grew far away, his eyes glassy, "Mikayla has captured my heart like no other."

Gabriel tried not to scoff. Instead, he stepped up to Daniel and said in a low voice. "Don't worry about Abigail. I think I'm man enough to fix her broken heart."

Daniel winced and blinked a few times. "She's been through allot. I never meant to hurt her. I didn't think she'd continue to harbor her girl's crush after so many years. I don't understand this sudden association with you, but please don't just use her and—"

"I won't," Gabriel snapped. "I know a good thing when I see it."

They regarded each other for a few seconds before Daniel nodded and offered him his hand. "Fine. I'll have one of the wait staff fetch Abigail for you. She might have retired for the night." Daniel looked at his watch. "We've been in here for three hours."

"Let me find her. Just tell me where her room is."

Daniel's eyes grew hard. "If Abigail wants to invite you into her room, I'll let her decide for herself. She's not the type of girl who indulges in pleasures of the flesh."

Gabriel almost smirked. Daniel was an uptight nerd. No wonder Mikayla was creeping around on him, not that that was a good excuse for her slutty behavior though.

"Whatever," Gabriel replied with an indifferent shrug.

Daniel narrowed his eyes briefly before gesturing for Gabriel to follow him back out to the living room.

He nodded to Gabriel and left him waiting in the softly lit room.

With a sigh, Gabriel removed his jacket and walked over to the piano.

Like a lover calling to him, he sat at the bench and caressed the keys.

Slowly a melody seeped from his fingertips, poignant and haunting.

Soft hands slid over his shoulders, over his pectorals and abs.

Gabriel shuddered at the contact until a lush mouth skimmed over his left ear to poke a naughty tongue into his ear hole.

Gabriel shoved to his feet, gripping Mikayla's wrists to glare down at her.

"I miss you, baby," she whined.

"Buy yourself a vibrator," Gabriel sneered.

He grabbed her hand when she tried to slap him and laughed in her face.

"Fucking asshole. You're so pathetic trying to use my sister to get back at me."

"Use? I'd never use a girl like Abigail."

Mikayla laughed, tossing her head back. "Please. You couldn't possibly be interested in the likes of her."

Gabriel rested his hands on his hips. "Why not? She's fucking hot with her blond hair and blue eyes."

Mikayla looked aghast. "She's a little prude. You couldn't pry her legs apart with a crowbar."

Gabriel lowered his face inches from hers, "Yeah. That's the part that excites me the most. No one's ever had her...until me of course."

Mikayla shoved him away, her eyes flashing. "You're a pig. Go on...do that idiot the favor, but you'll be running back to me when you get bored."

"Don't count on it," Gabriel snorted.

"I hate you," she hissed. "I swear—you're going to be sorry you did this to me, you bastard."

Gabriel just smirked.

She flounced away. That's when he noticed Abigail standing under the archway between the hallway and living room. As Mikayla moved past her, the younger sister shoved Abigail against the column.

Gabriel started in surprise at Mikayla"s aggressive behavior toward her sister. He even took a step toward Abigail before restraining himself. Mikayla kept walking away.

Abigail rubbed her shoulder before slowly making her way toward him, eyes on the floor.

"Daniel said you wanted to speak with me."

Gabriel felt his anger ignite again. The fucker could go to her room but barred him.

He swallowed his anger, hands itching to touch and hold the shy girl in front of him. "I just wanted to say good night."

Abigail nodded. "Of course."

He stepped closer and she took a tiny step back. Never one to back down, he stalked her until her back met the column.

Big blue eyes stared at him from behind cute glasses.

Yeah. She was different from his usual status quo. He liked that she was real...that she was...sweet and untainted. He was curious to get to know her better.

"How'd you like to go into town and get something to drink?"

Abigail stared up at him in horror. "I've never ridden a motorcycle."

Gabriel smiled. "You don't know what you're missing."

She shook her head, her face taking on a stern look. "Those things are dangerous."

Gabriel stepped right into her personal space. "That's what makes it more exciting, Abigail." She shuddered, her eyes huge. Those little shudders of hers were going to be the death of him. "Don't you like excitement?"

Her breathing grew labored and she licked her lips, shaking her head vehemently.

Unable to resist, Gabriel spread his fingers over her throat softly, tipping her head up to his as he lowered his head to hers. "But I excite you. Don't you like feeling excited like that?"

Her only reply was to puff out a little breath. Her pulse hammered wildly at her throat. He could feel it beneath his fingertips. Hot color raced up into her face and her pupils grew wide.

Fuck. She was as turned on as he was.

He swept his lips over hers, learning their softness. He'd been too rough the first time, letting his anger rule him. Now, he wanted to savor her.

Again, he let his lips brush over the petal softness of hers. She trembled and whimpered, her eyes fluttering closed as her lips parted.

Gabriel slid his hand to the back of her head and gripped her hair lightly, pulling her head back and exposing her throat to him. He used his body to press her against the column, letting her feel what she did to him, how worked up he was for her. She stiffened and brought her hand up as if to push him away.

He let his tongue slide into her mouth. She made a strangled surprise sound at the back of her throat.

Gabriel stroked her tongue with his, coaxing it into play. She was shy, but it only made him hotter, made him gentle his efforts to coax her out of her shell. Her fingers tightened on his black Apocalyptica t-shirt and she began to respond.

Holy-shit! His blood sang in his ears before pooling all in his groin. He throbbed like a sore tooth and felt uncomfortable. His other hand lowered from its perch at the dip of her waist to cup her sweet derriere.

To his disappointment, she shot out of his embrace like a jumpy cat.

"I'll have you know, Mr. Raven, that I am not easy. So, I'll thank you to please keep your hands in their appropriate place," she snapped, gloriously riled.

Such passion. She might be uptight now, but he'd be willing to bet his manhood once worked up, Abigail would be pure fire in bed...and he'd be the first to find out.

Hell yeah!

"And stop looking at me like that," she demanded with a shaky voice.

Gabriel quirked a brow at her. "Like how?"

She cupped her throat, something he realized she did allot, especially when she was worked up and nervous. "I can almost see your perverse machinations in your eyes."

He grinned now, liking how she expressed herself, so refined and proper. He bit his lip feeling himself twitch in his pants. "It's hard not to."

She frowned, as if confused, before her face smoothed to stoic endurance. "Nice try. Perhaps I pose a challenge to you, but that's all I guess I am, and I'm not willing to sacrifice myself to appease some passing fancy for a playboy rock star!"

Ouch. Gabriel frowned. "You don't know the first thing about me, Pop Tart."

She bared her teeth at him, and he imagined her nipping him with those pearly whites. "Stop calling me Pop Tart! What does that even mean?"

He laughed. That's what his grandmother nick-named his eighth grade teacher. Miss Harper hated his refusal to cut his hair. Back then, it reached his waist. His grandmother wasn't enthused with his choice either, but since he'd been a straight A student, she at least respected his choice of self expression and didn't bother him too much about it.

Abigail's glasses were similar to Miss Harper's, or, like he and his friends used to call her behind her back, Miss Harpy, but sweet Abby looked nothing like the hook-nosed shrew that tried to make his life impossible when he was a kid.

"It's my pet name for you," he said, his voice coming out really deep. He began stalking toward her slowly. She retreated just as slow, eyes going round. "I love Pop Tarts. Know what my favorite flavor is?"

"N-no," she answered breathlessly.

"Cherry," he growled, and licked his lips as he let his gaze blaze over her.

She was still wearing the same dress. He wanted to rip it off her and take her right on that damned Steinway behind them.

Her hands came up, landing on his chest. "Stop it! Maybe that type of aggressive lustful behavior works on the other type of women who frequent you, but it won't work on me."

A challenge he would only be too pleased to take up. He smiled down at her. "You've got me all wrong, Pop Tart. I know more than you think, how different you are from the other chicks who always make a play for me. I like you." He stressed the word like, and hoped his eyes conveyed the heat he felt every time he looked at her. "And I'd like to get to know you better." He shrugged. "After all, you are my girlfriend."

Abigail's mouth dropped open. "Yes. About that...I...I'm confused as to what you hope to gain with this pretense."

Gabriel wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. "Who says it has to be pretense?"

He tried to kiss her again, but she shrugged out of his hold and stood with her back to him.

"I don't know what type of game you're playing, but I don't appreciate being used like this." Her voice was so soft and defeated, it tugged at him deep in his chest.

Tamping down his raging lust, he conceded that she had a point. He really liked her, would fuck her in a heartbeat, but she deserved better than that. What if she were right and it were just the fact no one ever touched her that had him all worked up? He'd hate to hurt her especial since Daniel had already broken her heart.

The thought of Daniel had him getting angry again. Daniel had been too stupid to keep her, but Gabriel was going to get to know her.

"Sure you don't want to ride with me? We can go to this little place not far from here. They've got the best fried fish and fries," he said sidestepping the topic of using her.

She shook her head and stayed with her back to him.

Gabriel wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her to the foyer. "At least see your boyfriend out then, woman."

She accompanied him stiffly to his bike. Overhead, he heard the familiar sound of helicopters off in the distance, not close enough to worry about at least.

Leaning on the seat of his Harley, he pulled her between his thighs and cocked his head at her pout.

"I can always stay if you invite me to spend the night." At her outraged gasp, he hastily added with a grin, "We don't have to do anything, Abs. Haven't you ever slept with a man?"

"Of course not," she retorted, scandalized.

Gabriel laughed. "Not even when you were a kid with Daniel?"

Her face changed and he realized he'd just stuck his foot in his mouth. Stupid-stupid rock star. "Hey," he said trying to cuddle her closer. He'd never considered himself a jealous man, but in that instant he wanted to punch Daniel in the face. "Abigail, I'm sorry. I'm an idiot." He still wanted to know if she'd ever slept with Daniel, damn-it. "Let me help you forget that douche-bag."

She pushed against him, her pretty face angry now. "Release me. I know how you intend on making me forget."

"Really?" Gabriel crooned. "How?" he goaded now. She blushed and turned her face away.

He used both palms to cup her cheeks and bring her shy gaze back to his face. "Let's make a deal. I promise not to pressure you into having sex with me and you promise to give me a chance...give us a chance. Let's get to know one another, Abs. I mean really know each other. I meant it when I said I liked you, and I'd like to get to know you better."

"You won't ever try to..." Her eyes closed for a second before opening again to stare deeply into his. "You won't keep trying to seduce me?"

Gabriel smiled and shook his head slowly. "Sorry, babe. I'm only a man. I can't promise you that. I promised not to pressure you, not stop completely, baby."

She tried to turn her lips away from his when he dipped his head again. His lips lingered at the corner of her mouth and he fought the grin that threatened to spread over his face when she trembled with a little breathy moan.

He whispered against her lips, "Do you like me too, Abs? Maybe just a little?"

Her eyes were still closed, and he heard her gulp hard. Soft pouty lips parted on a sigh. Very minutely, almost imperceptibly, she nodded.

"Say it, Abigail," he hissed close to her lips.

Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, touching his own and sending his mind reeling with want, but he steeled himself against ravaging that sweet mouth.

"Y-yes," she whispered, her eyes opening to reveal the fire within. "Yes. I like you, Gabriel."

It was his turn to tremble. His heart pounded in his ears and in his groin. He brushed his lips across hers, in the sweetest of kisses and backed off. Her lips followed him, parted, begging, but he kept himself in check. Tonight he'd leave her wanting more...aching as he was aching.

"Goodnight, Abigail," he said releasing her to pull his jacket back on.

She stepped away from him, her eyes watching his every move.

Once he put his gloves and helmet on, he switched the ignition and revved his machine. She gave a startled little leap back and he smiled. He'd have her on his bike before the month was over. That was a promise to himself.

His grandmother would definitely like her too.

The thought was sobering. He'd only ever brought one girl home to his grandmother. Six months later, Alexandra had confessed she was a lesbian and had wanted to lie with a man at least once before she made up her mind completely. He kind-of figured something was up. The girl knew more about cars, bikes, and chicks than he did. They'd stayed good friends after his initial temper tantrum, but he'd never brought another girl home to his grandmother.




Diavolo Ch. 03



Abigail wrapped her arms around herself, biting her lower lip.

"What's your number? Can I call you tonight?"

She shook her head. "I don't have a cell phone."

He shook his head, disappointed and reached into his pocket. "Here."

He handed her his phone.

"What's this for?" she asked looking at him baffled as he handed her his Galaxy.

"Duh, to call you," he answered. Her eyes widened and before she could utter another word, he revved his Fatboy and peeled rubber around the circular driveway.

He had another phone. The one he used to conduct business. The one he'd given her was only for his grandmother, band mates, and the few really close personal friends he had. Tomorrow he'd just get himself another personal use phone.

He slowed down at the front gates, giving the massive metal monstrosities time to swing open for him and continued on his way out onto Route 1.

*** 

Abigail stared at the huge phone in her palm incredulously. The crazy man had given her his phone.

She stared at it a few seconds before touching the screen in wonder. It blinked to life. The screen saver was a picture of the emblem of Diavolo, an electric guitar on fire with the word Diavolo written out in fancy script across it. The bottom of the screen read "slide to unlock".

She stroked her finger across the words and the screen changed. Now, there was a picture of Gabriel, shirtless and grinning, hugging an adorable old woman.

Abigail couldn't help but grin herself at their big smiles.

The woman was tiny, blue eyes twinkling, her white hair wrapped in a thick braid that formed a crown around her head. She was very pretty and sweet looking.

There were various colored squares at the top of the screen. One said gallery and she tapped it.

An entire page of pictures popped open. 

Walking slowly back to the house, Abigail tapped the first one.

It was a picture of a bunch of music equipment. The next one had a black woman, hair in bright green curlers and hands held out to the camera with a scowl. She looked like she hadn't wanted her picture taken.

Abigail snickered. That Gabriel was such a rascal.

She flicked to the next picture and it showed Gabriel seated at a piano, very pensive. The light of a window was shining over the front of his face bringing out the subtle red highlights in his dark hair. His long lashes shuttered his eyes, but he still looked so beautiful. What was he thinking about in this picture?

The next picture was him still sitting at the piano, obviously a few seconds later, smirking and saluting whoever took the picture with his middle finger.

Abigail shook her head, despite her smile. Such a naughty boy.

His eyes were so green and looked so striking with his tawny complexion and dark hair.

Like a sexy pirate of old, Gabriel's appeal robbed her of her common sense. She couldn't believe she'd let him stick his tongue in her mouth...twice, and she'd...she'd mimicked his strange but inciting behavior.

How wicked of her. Did people kiss like that all the time?

When he'd left, he'd kissed her again, but achingly sweet. Her heart had thundered in her chest and her knees had wobbled. She wanted more...more of how he'd kissed her earlier, but he only feathered his strong wonderful lips over hers, leaving her throbbing and achy everywhere.

The next picture wasn't a picture at all, but a video.

Abigail recognized Angelo and Ariel, but the other two men with guitars were strangers to her. Both had black hair. The big burly one's locks reached just a bit past his shoulders. The man was huge with a pleasant face and light brown eyes. The other one was shorter and slim, but with a nice build. His hair was longer, coiled with tight curls that looked like dreads. His eyes were dark and his smile devilish.

They were playing their music, a dark driving tune that made Abigail's stomach flutter. Their music was very...sexual. There was no other way to describe it. It made Abigail feel things she'd never allowed herself to feel before.

Gabriel held the microphone stand with two hands, his long legs spread, eyes piercing as his voice bewitched her. He poured his soul into the song, mesmerizing her. His voice was so powerful, his entire stance...so manly.

This was the man who'd just kissed her senseless...the man who'd also seduced her sister.

Abigail tapped furiously at the screen to stop the video.

She was an idiot and felt disgusted with herself. God only knew what revolting things he'd done to Mikayla with that same mouth. The mere possibilities had her gagging.

Uttering a curse for the first time in her life, she rushed back to her room. A cold shower was in order to rid her body of these immoral inclinations.

*** 

Rob Zombie's Demon Speeding blasted in his ears from the little Bluetooth speakers in his helmet. His hard-on had finally begun to wilt, but thinking of Abigail's kisses didn't let it fade completely.

He hadn't felt this excited since Mrs. Torin had felt him up when he was in high school. He used to mow her lawn. Afterwards, it was more than just her outside garden he tended to.

Grinning, he shifted to a higher gear, his bike taking the sharp turn on the road beautifully.

The night was crisp, the air cool, filling his jacket with a strong current that amped his senses. There was nothing like riding his Harley, topped only by Abigail's kisses and performing onstage before thousands.

If things worked out for them, he'd take her on their next tour. He wanted the world to see the classy chick he was dating now. Everyone thought musicians only dated trashy strippers and porn stars, but Gabriel would show them his tastes were more elevated.

Bright lights came up behind him. He looked at his speedometer. He was doing ninety-five. Glancing at his rearview mirror, he could barely make out the shape of the black SUV behind him because of its long beams glaring in the bike's mirrors.

Whoever it was, was too damned close for comfort...and getting closer.

An uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. His hands began to sweat as he slowed a bit. The SUV kept pace with him.

Maybe he was being paranoid.

Another curve was coming up and then a straightaway. After the curve, he'd pull over and let the asshole by.

Shifting down again as he coasted into the curve, leaning the bike sideways, his adrenaline picked up once more as he literally felt the heat of the SUV at his back.

Jesus.

The fucker's bumper slammed into the back of his precious bike, sending Gabriel into a skid...right over the guardrail of the road.

He flew through the air, letting go of the bike and praying that it didn't crush him as they tumbled. His body crashed into the unforgiving cliff-side and he screamed when he felt his ribs crack. Metal crashed and glass broke. The Harley's lamps winked out as they continued to roll down the steep cliff. Oh-God. The sound of the ocean was deafening, but before he fell into its lethal embrace, his leg twisted in the wrong direction, the horrifying pain seizing him and, blessedly, rendering him unconscious.



Diavolo Ch. 04



She couldn't sleep. Abigail tossed and turned, every once in a while she'd glare at the phone Gabriel had given her accusingly. After closing the photo gallery earlier, she'd set it on her nightstand.

She hadn't expected him to call her soon, but it was already past midnight. How far away did he live anyway?

Can I call you tonight?

His deep gravelly voice haunted her, the memory of his lips and hands sent a cascade of goose bumps over her skin and an uncomfortable clenching throb low in her belly. Abigail hugged herself, clenching her thighs against the ache with a frustrated moan.

"Oh, what have I gotten myself into," she huffed, reaching for the phone again.

As soon as she touched it, it flickered on. With a sigh, she drew her finger over the screen and tapped the gallery again.

Slowly, she scrolled through the pictures until sleep finally did claim her.

Gabriel came to her like the wet dream he was. His mouth clamped over hers as he pressed his body into hers. Again, she felt that obscenely large bulge he had in his jeans press against her abdomen. His kiss tasted like salt water and she gripped his hair to push him away.

Gabriel stared down at her in the darkness.

"Why are you all wet?" she asked as he dripped seawater over her.

His cold fingers traced the contours of her cheeks before moving away from her.

She watched in confusion as he straightened, realizing he was truly soaked down to his biker boots.

"Gabriel?"

He looked sad, the dim moonlight illuminating half of his beautiful face.

Without uttering a single word, he turned on his heel and walked out through the open glass doors of her terrace.

"Gabriel," she called following him out.

Thick fog rolled across the terrace, enveloping him until he was nothing but a barely distinguishable silhouette.

Fear gripped her for him. Where was he going? Why was he soaked to the bone?

"Gabriel, please. Come back. Gabriel?"

Her bare feet descended the terrace steps, but instead of encountering soft grass at the bottom, she winced when her toes touched asphalt.

Through the thick mist, she heard the faint rumble of Gabriel's motorcycle. She could almost make out the shape of it as well as him sitting astride. The headlamps glowed through the fog like a beacon. Loud music cut through the fog.

"Gabriel," she called out again.

As she approached, she heard the sound of another vehicle speeding closer.

He just sat there, his bike idling, as if waiting for her.

There was so much mist, the other person wouldn't see him in time.

Abigail began to run. Or, at least she tried. Her legs felt sluggish.

"Gabriel," she cried out, "get out of the way. There's—"

The vehicle smashed into him. Abigail watched, horrified, as the bike skid across the road, sparks flying, and then he sailed over the guardrail in slow motion. She screamed, did her best to reach the now broken guardrail.

The debris the Harley had left behind littered the steep incline. Furious waves pounded the rock a few scant feet from where Gabriel's body lay, twisted and broken.

Abigail sat up in her bed with a terrified gasp. Her heart was pounding against her ribs as she cupped her throat and tried to get her frantic breathing under control.

The sky was already brightening with the first rays of sunlight visible through the glass doors of her room.

She pressed trembling fingers against her mouth to stifle the little sob that was threatening to bubble up her throat.

It had only been a dream.

The sound of loud rock music made her yip in fright, her eyes darting to the phone on her nightstand.

Gabriel?

She knocked over a glass of water in her haste to answer it. There was a picture of Angelo, eyes wide and tongue lolling out of his mouth on the screen with the word Retard underneath.

Abigail frowned and tapped the green phone symbol on the screen.

"H-hello?" she answered shyly.

There was silence for a few seconds.

"Well, shit. Abigail, is that you, sweetheart?" Angelo's gruff voice slurred.

She swallowed. "Um...yeah."

He muttered under his breath and Abigail could make out the sound of rustling bed sheets. "Well I hope I'm not interrupting anything, but tell that horny son-of-a-bitch he'd better call his granma before she has another heart attack."

Abigail's adrenaline shot back up as she shifted to sit at the edge of her king-sized bed. "B-but I don't know where Gabriel is," she blurted.

Angelo moaned, as if stretching. He sighed out loud. "What? Baby, put that idiot on the phone, will-ya."

"Angelo, Gabriel isn't here with me."

Again, silence for a long while. "Why do you have his phone?"

Abigail stood, her hands trembling again. "He said he wanted to call me, but I don't have a phone. He gave me his, but he never called me."

Angelo let out a foul word under his breath. "Listen here, baby-doll. I'll call you in a few minutes, okay?"

Abigail nodded before realizing he couldn't see her. "Yes-yes. Please. Please call me back." She left out the fact that she was scared

The phone went dead and she stared at the screen with a frown.

There were four missed calls. Heart pounding, she tapped on the missed calls symbol.

All four calls were from Mamá. His grandmother?

Abigail looked around her room. It was only half past six in the morning. She'd never be able to go back to sleep. She had planned to go into the nearest town and find a nice church she could attend, but with this mess with Gabriel...she'd have to do it later when he turned up.

He was fine. He had to be.

She went into her bathroom, taking the phone with her. Jumping into the shower, she cleaned up quickly. Wearing a simple white button-up blouse and a pair of faded jeans with black flats, she was in the process of pinning her hair into a bun when the phone sounded again.

It was Angelo.

"Did you find him?" she blurted.

"Eh...no, sweetums, but I'm on my way to pick you up. You decent?"

Abigail snatched her glasses off her bureau and slipped them on. "Uh, yes, but where are we going?"

"We're all meeting up at Mike's place."

"Okay," Abigail said already grabbing a purse. "I'll be out front."

"See you in a few minutes. I'm almost there."

She hadn't eaten, but doubted she could down anything with her stomach tied in knots as it was.

There wasn't much movement within the house, just a few of the cleaning staff moving about, dusting, and placing fresh flowers in the vases.

Abigail rushed through the front doors, making her way up to the driveway. The air was cool and crisp. The slight breeze rustled the trees in front of the mansion as she neared the end of the driveway. Farther down the road, she spotted a black Audi Q7 approaching.

Her eyes strained, searching for the familiar red Ferrari, but the SUV stopped in front of her instead.

Angelo got out and approached. "Hey, sweet stuff," he said grabbing her in a bear hug before leaning back.

Today, he wasn't his usual smiley, flirty self. Abigail bit her lower lip as he proceeded to open one of the back doors for her.

Her eyes widened when she saw the elderly woman pictured with Gabriel sitting near the other door.

"Hey, Abs. This is Gabe's granma, Ana Maria. Ma, this is Abigail. She's Gabe's new girlfriend."

Abigail felt her face flame with shame at the lie. She wasn't Gabriel's real girlfriend, but the woman's eyes welled up, her gnarled hands were already reaching for Abigail as she climbed into the vehicle next to her.

"Oh," the woman cooed in wonder, "but you're so beautiful. You look like such a sweet girl."

The tears spilled over softly lined cheeks from startling blue eyes. Abigail was pulled into a warm embrace before the woman pulled back to look deeply into her eyes.

"Gabriel gave you his phone, yes?"

"Um..." she nodded, unsure what to say.

The woman smiled and wiped her tears with a nod.

Abigail noticed another man in the vehicle. It was the dark-haired, slim guitarist. He reached a hand back to her, his dark eyes piercing. "I'm Rafael Diangelo. Nice to meet you."

Abigail nodded as he squeezed her hand in his larger calloused one.

The SUV was already moving. Abigail strapped herself in just as the sound of a phone chirped merrily through the sound system.

"Mike, what's up," Angelo said after tapping a button on the steering wheel.

"Got a call from Diamond. Head to over to Kaiser," said a very deep bass voice over the speakers.

Abigail stiffened, her eyes going round. The hospital. Next to her, Gabriel's grandmother closed her eyes and made the sign of the cross.

Abigail reached for Anna Maria's hand. She gripped it tightly, giving Abigail a tight-lipped smile.

"He is a strong boy. I have faith he is fine," the woman said with conviction.

Abigail just nodded. Good-God, what had happened?

The call was cut without another word, Angelo accelerated, turning off Park Avenue onto Third Street, and then onto Laguna Canyon Road.

All was quiet during the drive. Anna Maria rested her head against the back of the seat. She was a delicate woman with fair complexion. She wore a light blue dress with a cream-colored sweater over it. Square-toed loafers in beige matched the little coach handbag tucked next to her. She hadn't let go of Abigail's hand.

"How did you meet my grandson?" she suddenly asked, looking at Abigail.

Abigail swallowed before answering. "At Ariel's house."

"I wanted her for myself, but she went and picked Gabriel, Ma," Angelo piped up from the front. "Go figure," he scoffed.

Anna Maria smiled and shook her head. "Ah, she is a smart one then." Gaze going back to Abigail, she added. "You did good to stay away from this one. He's crazy."

"Ma," Angelo whined, looking back at her with hurt puppy-dog eyes.

"Keep your eyes on the road," the older woman scolded.

Next to Angelo, Rafael chuckled.

Again, they were quiet, except for Angelo who tapped his fingers restlessly against the steering wheel of the Audi.

It took almost twenty minutes to reach the large hospital.

Abigail's hands began to sweat as Angelo let them out before the main entrance. Rafael pulled on a baseball cap and sunglasses before stepping out and opening the door for Abigail. Angelo helped Anna Maria out on the other side. Overhead, helicopters flew, one seemed to be hovering just over the hospital.

"I'll park this and find you guys inside."

Rafael nodded, but he was already on the phone with Mike.

Abigail took Anna Maria's arm and they made their way inside. The lobby was enormous and cool. A guard made his way toward them and spoke in a low voice to Rafael.

The uniformed man led them to an elevator toward the back of the lobby after signaling to the attendants at the reception desk.

They went up three floors before exiting. Glass lined one side of the corridors, giving a panoramic view of the city around the hospital. The floors gleamed and the lighting was pleasant. Halfway down the corridor a tall, dark-haired, lumberjack type man started toward them.

Abigail recognized him from the video. He had thick, straight brows that almost touched over his short blunt nose. Piercing golden eyes scanned each of them, pausing on Abigail before finally settling on Rafael. Abigail got a sense of authority from him despite the ponytail, faded Kiss t-shirt and jeans.

"What happened? Where is he?" Rafael asked immediately as the big man's arms swallowed up Anna Maria in a bear hug.

His golden eyes flicked curiously over Abigail again before he looked at his brother and answered. "I heard they're bringing him in right now. Helicopter."

Abigail's heart sank remembering the chopper hovering over the hospital outside.

Michael continued, face grim, "Looks like his bike skid on the stretch just past El Moro Canyon Road. He went over the guardrail there. They found him about a half an hour ago."

Abigail's mind reeled. She'd dreamt about he accident. Gabriel had even come to her. A shudder of fear crept down her spine. As if sensing her distress, Anna Maria patted her forearm where she had it gripped.

Angelo suddenly came up to them, a little out of breath. "What the hell happened? Security had to escort me up the back way. Said there's a veritable circus setting up outside in front."

Michael frowned at him. "Looks like Gabe lost control of his bike past El Moro. Went over the guardrail."

Angelo was bouncing around on his feet. "Shit. Was he drinking?"

"He had a little wine with dinner at the Montenegro estate, but he seemed fine when he left," Abigail volunteered.

The tall guitarist nodded. "He isn't an irresponsible drinker." He stuck his big hand out to Abigail then with a tight smile. "I'm Michael Diangelo, by the way."

Before Abigail could say anything, Rafael hit his forehead. "Where are my manners? This is Abigail, Gabe's girl."

Abigail smiled as Michael's hand swallowed up hers in a firm handshake.

"Nice to meet you despite the circumstances," he said with a nod.

A very thin girl with bespectacled huge grey eyes and light brown hair approached them.

She held a steaming mug of coffee and had two boxes of Kleenex under her arm. Swaddled in a long, grey sweater, dark blue skinny jeans, and black suede boots, she ambled toward them staring at Abigail with an unsure smile on her face.

"Erica, this is Gabe's new girl, Abigail," Michael said. "Abigail, my girlfriend, Erica."

The girl's friendly expression fell, her eyes growing bigger as she quickened her pace toward Abigail.

Her boxes of Kleenex thudded to the floor as she gave Abigail a one armed hug.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said before hugging Anna Maria also.

Michael bent over to pick up the boxes of tissues for the girl.

Her enormous eyes went from Anna Maria to Abigail. "We're just waiting for the doctors to come out and let us know what's going on. Diamond is here somewhere too." Erica craned her neck to look around their little group, up and down the corridor.

"Come-on. Let's go into the waiting room before someone recognizes us," Michael muttered, gesturing to the left.

They shuffled into a smaller waiting room with gleaming bland, off-white floors and beige seats.

"Diamond?" Angelo grimaced. "Who called her?"

Michael huffed out a breath, shoving his hands deep into is pockets after setting the tissue boxes on a seat next to them. "She actually notified me first. The police called her to let her know they'd found Gabe. Someone reported the accident at one of the gas stations along the road. They had to fly him out via helicopter here."

"Do you want some coffee?" Erica asked, looking hopefully at Abigail and Anna Maria. The older woman declined but Abigail accepted.

"Mike, take this. It's too cold anyway," she said handing the still steaming mug to Michael.

Abigail frowned at the steaming cup of coffee. Michael just shrugged and began to sip it gingerly. The girl looped her arm through Abigail's as if they'd been best friends for years and led her to another alcove with coffee machines and snack dispensers.

After a few minutes, they both had fresh mugs of coffee and were back on their way to the third floor waiting room.

Abigail made herself comfortable next to Gabriel's grandmother. Erica handed her hot cup of coffee to Michael and excused herself to the restroom.

Minutes turned into an hour. Abigail couldn't help noticing how nurses kept walking past the lounge, staring curiously at the band members of Diavolo. One particularly young nurse skittered in and asked for autographs. She giggled and gushed, staring nervously over her shoulder until a stern-faced older nurse appeared and glared at her. The young girl, called Heather, snatched her sheet of paper, and scurried out, head ducked in mortification. The older woman, obviously the head nurse, apologized to the band members for the girl's impropriety.

The guys chuckled to themselves after she left, except Michael. He shoved to his feet and stalked out of the waiting room. Rafael and Angelo looked at one another before heading after him too. Just as they were on their way out, Ariel sauntered into the room, looking like he'd just rolled out of bed.

"Just got the message. Where is he? Is he okay?"

"I think Mike's gone to find out," Angelo said grabbing the bass player's arm and dragging him in their wake.

Abigail twisted her fingers in her lap. Erica hadn't come back from the rest room, and Anna Maria was very quiet, her eyes on the flat screen in the corner of the room.

Abigail finally gave the television screen her attention and gasped. They were showing an aerial view, apparently, of where Gabriel's accident had occurred. There was a tiny picture of him in the corner of the television. The rest revealed a steep, rocky incline, pieces of motorcycle scattered everywhere. Just like in her dream.

Abigail blinked back her tears and gave a sideways glance to the woman next to her.

Anna Maria reached over, her eyes never leaving the television, and patted Abigail's hand. "He'll be fine. You'll see," she said softly.

A tall blond woman swept into the waiting room, her hazel eyes fell first on Anna Maria, and then Abigail. Her smile looked forced as she glanced back at Anna Maria and rushed over to greet the woman. Behind her, the rest of the band members of Diavolo followed.

"Anna Maria. So good to see you. You look wonderful," the woman said enthusiastically.

"My grandson?" was all Anna Maria said.

"He's resting. The doctors have a few papers for you to sign. I tried to convince them that I could sign too, but they insisted it had to be a family member." The woman shook her head and laughed bitterly. "So ridiculous. We're all like family anyway."

"No doctor has spoken to me about my grandson yet."

"Well," the woman smiled, "I'll go get one for you."

Anna Maria stood. "No. I want to see my grandson. Now."

The woman sputtered, her eyes darting to Abigail coldly.

"Diamond, this is Abigail," Michael stepped in. "She's Gabriel's new girlfriend."

If anything, the woman eyes grew colder. Her eyes flicked over Abigail dismissively. "Really?" She laughed, looking back at Michael. "Seriously, how could you guys bring Gabriel's flavor of the week here, and with Anna Maria present."

Abigail felt her face go hot. About to excuse herself, and sit back down, Anna Maria gripped her arm and glared at Diamond. "Do not refer to my grandson's girlfriend in such a disrespectful way. Now, tell us where Gabriel is."

A tall man with sharp grey eyes and a thin nose walked in. The nametag on his pristine white lab coat read Dr. Klein. He approached them immdiately, the overhead lighting glinting off his swinging stethoscope and bald head.

"Morning folks," he said shaking everyone's hands before focusing on Anna Maria. "I assume you're Mr. Brink's family member. Michael told me you're his grandmother."

Anna Maria nodded and Abigail could see the worry she'd manage to squelch until now surface in her eyes. "How is my Gabriel?"

"He's doing fine considering he fell from a cliff."

Abigail's heart stuttered before racing in terror. As the doctor continued, she hung on to every word.

"He was lucky the tide was receding and landed on the beach below. We have him sedated right now. He's suffering from a concussion, as well as various fractured ribs, collarbone, and his right femur. We put his leg in traction for now and have him resting in his room. He seems very confused and doesn't remember what happened, but hopefully he'll regain his memory soon."

Anna Maria closed her eyes. "He has amnesia?"

"It's a symptom with concussions. We x-rayed him from head to foot and he doesn't have any skull fractures. The helmet he was wearing apparently saved his life otherwise I don't think he would've survived the fall."

"Can we see him?" Michael asked.




Diavolo Ch. 04



The doctor looked around at their group and nodded somewhat reluctantly. "Sure. He's out right now, and we are limiting his visitors so he won't over exert himself. He needs lots of rest until he heals."

Michael gestured to Anna Maria and Abigail. "Let them see him first. We'll go in two at a time for just a little while."

Abigail looked at Diamond. The woman looked like she wanted to kill her, her face mottled red in fury. Michael ignored the woman's hateful expression and steered Abigail and Anna Maria back out to the hall.

They turned down another corridor and headed toward the doors at the end. Two burly men stood in front of the doors, their faces like chiseled stone.

Abigail took in their black suits, sunglasses, and pronounced frowns and thought they looked like bodyguards.

Stopping before them, Michael turned to lift a brow at Diamond.

The woman's gaze darted to Abigail before she smiled at Michael. "Now, Mike, are you sure it's a good idea to let her in? I mean. Would Gabriel even remember who she is?"

"Tell your gorillas to step aside," Michael ordered.

Diamond took a deep breath, her eyes blazing as she stared defiantly at the band's lead guitarist. Blinking rapidly, she nodded at the two men who immediately stepped aside. One of them even opened the door.

Anna Maria looped her arm through Abigail's and led her into Gabriel's room.

The verticals in the room were opened only a crack, diffusing the glaring rays of the morning sun. The curtain around the bed blocked the view from the door.

When they walked around the curtain, Anna Maria let go of her arm and approached her grandson.

Gabriel lay, slightly reclined in the hospital bed. His right leg was suspended from a strange contraption rigged to the end of the bed. He had a thick bandage around his forehead and his right arm was in a sling across his bare chest. Wires and slim plastic tubes were everywhere. He had an IV stuck into the left side of his throat, white discs stuck on his chest with wires connected to a heart monitor, another big white clip attached to his left index finger, and an oxygen tube secured beneath his nose. As she watched, a band wrapped around his left bicep began inflating, measuring his blood pressure for a few seconds, before it emptied out with a soft hiss.

Thick, black lashes rested against his cheeks. One side of his face was black and blue and there were angry patches of bruising all over his magnificent chest.

Anna Maria fussed with the white sheet draped over his lower half, before smoothing back the long lengths of his dark hair caught on the scruff of his handsome face.

The older woman tutted in disappointment. "He needs a shave, and a good bath."

Abigail could tell he was completely naked beneath that sheet. His grandmother tucked it around him, complaining about how cold the room felt and how they hadn't provided him with at least a hospital gown.

Anna Maria stroked his face again, tenderly, before leaning over and kissing his cheeks and muttering a blessing.

Abigail watched her make the sign of the cross and mark little crosses over Gabriel's forehead, lips, and chest. She left her hand over his heart and bowed her head in prayer.

Abigail crossed herself as well and placed her palm on his knee.

Almost immediately, he moaned, making Abigail break out of her reflective prayer.

Both women stared expectantly at him as his head rolled slowly side to side.

"Hijito," Anna Maria whispered.

Gabriel blinked his eyes open a crack and looked at her.

His grandmother smiled and stroked his face, giving him another kiss. She spoke to him in Spanish, but he just closed his eyes again.

Abigail watched his throat work as he swallowed.

"Gaby, look. Your girl is here too."

Anna Maria moved back and gestured for Abigail to move closer.

Heat suffused her cheeks, and her heart took off at a gallop as her eyes drew over the rippling mass of masculine brawn prone before them like an erotic feast. Sweat made the center of her back and palms clammy even though the room was pretty cold.

"Don't be shy, chica," Anna Maria smiled, a twinkle in her blue eyes. "Come give him a kiss."

Abigail almost shook her head, but the sweet old woman looked at her so expectantly.

Oh-God—she gulped loudly.

She moved forward, her eyes staring at Gabriel's bare chest. Even banged up, bandaged and with wires connected everywhere, he was glorious. His pecs were meaty, arms ropey, and abs hard-looking and chiseled. His hair spilled a little over both shoulders and looked as though he still had little particles of sand clinging to the inky strands.

Sexy scruff darkened the lower half of his face, highlighting his soft, lush lips. Looking at that mouth made Abigail quiver with the memory of his kisses and feel of those scratchy whiskers nuzzling into her throat. She hugged herself, almost afraid she'd succumb to the temptation of just stroking him everywhere.

"Don't be afraid," Anna Maria was saying sweetly with a smile. "Go on and give him a kiss, hijita."

Abigail felt her face grow hotter.

Moving closer, she puckered her lips, and bent, pressing them daintily to his.

Oh-so magical. Heat suffused her entire being at the contact, and that delicious throbbing grew again.

He shifted, eyes fluttering open a bit to look at her.

Abigail just stared back before stuttering out a timid "h-hello."

He blinked slowly, his brows drawing close over his nose, and pursed his lips. "Pop Tart?" he whispered.

Abigail's eyes welled. "Yes. Pop Tart. How do you feel? Are you in pain?" She looked at his leg with a frown, before turning back to him, letting her hand stroke down his left arm.

"What the hell happened to me?" he frowned, voice hoarse.

Abigail bit her lip. "Don't you remember anything?"

He closed his eyes. "I was supposed to go up to Laguna."

Abigail blinked. "You did. You had dinner with us, and," did he remember their kiss? A lump lodged in her throat. "You gave me your phone."

His eyes fluttered open again and he frowned at her. "I did?"

She nodded, unable to look him in the eyes anymore. Rummaging in her purse, she pulled the big phone out and showed him. "I guess you want it back now."

He just stared at it. "I gave you my phone."

He didn't remember, and she just wanted to die of mortification. "You said you wanted to call me, but I don't own a cell phone, so you gave me yours."

His eyes closed again. "Geez, Pop Tart. Everybody five and up owns a cell phone."

She kept the fact that for the last nine months she'd been cloistered in a convent in Florence, Italy to herself. "I'll just put your phone on the nightstand by your bed. I imagine you'll need it."

"No," he said, his frown deepening. "Hold on to it for me. Please. I have another one anyway."

He had two phones?

"I don't think I should—I mean...are you sure?" she asked, the hand clutching the phone hovering over the nightstand.

His eyes had closed and he never answered. She debated as to whether she should leave it by him anyway.

Anna Maria patted her arm. "Put the phone away. I'll have one of the boys get him another one."

Abigail nibbled her lower lip/ "Oh, I don't know. He just doesn't remember and I feel uncomf—"

"Nonsense," Anna Maria insisted, moving Abigail's hand toward her purse again. "Put the phone away. I'm too old to visit him everyday anyway and this way I can call you too to see how he's doing."

Abigail had to remember to close her mouth. "Oh, okay," she murmured, slowly letting the phone drop in her purse again.

The more she tried to untangle herself from the situation, the deeper she sank.

Anna Maria smiled. "You stay here with him, I'll go get Michael."

Abigail was about to decline, but Anna Maria was already making her way out.

The others wanted to see him too, but only two people were allowed at a time.

To her surprise, Michael and Erica came in.

She smiled at them and moved away from the bed. "I'll go outside and wait."

Michael shook his head. "You're his girl. You have every right to stay."

Erica was already leaning over the guardrails to give Gabriel a peck on his cheek.

This time he didn't stir.

"Oh, poor Gabe," she was saying. "Michael, aren't you going to say hi."

Michael made a face at her. "He's out cold."

Erica pouted down at Gabriel. "Anna Maria said he'd opened his eyes when Abigail kissed him."

Michael snorted. "I am not kissing Gabe."

******* 

Rafael, Ariel, and Angelo filed in after Michael and Erica left.

Gabriel remained asleep the whole time. A nurse came in, took his vitals, and checked his IV.

After she left, Angelo grinned at the other two. "Quick, one of you two knock me out and call that pretty thing back here so she can give me mouth to mouth."

Ariel snorted and Rafael just shook his head saying, "Ang, she was totally checking me out."

Angelo grimaced. "You? You're crazy. She barely looked at you, Rafe."

A knock at the door had them all turning to see Diamond walking in. "Time's up boys," she said in a quiet voice with a dulcet smile aimed solely at the band members.

Angelo walked over to Abigail. "You staying awhile?"

"I don't think I should," she answered truthfully. She wanted to though.

Diamond sauntered over to Gabriel. Abigail watched the woman place a red-clawed hand on his chest and caress him possessively. "Of course you shouldn't, honey," Diamond said very sweetly. "I can take you home if you like and you can come back tomorrow. There's really nothing any of us can do here anyway. We'd just be in the hospital staff's way."

Abigail swallowed, watching Diamond stroke Gabriel as if he were a cat. 

"I brought her, so I'll take her back." Angelo was saying. "Let's go, Abs. See you around, Lady Di." Angelo tossed over his shoulder as he put his hand at Abigail's back. 

Abigail nodded at the buxom blond, who smirked at her. Her face heated up as she saw the female's hand trail slowly down beneath the sheet covering Gabriel's groin.

Something inside Abigail snapped and she suddenly turned, stalking back to the grinning woman.

"What are you doing?" Abigail demanded.

To her satisfaction, Diamond's face turned red, her eyes wide. "What do you mean?"

Abigail looked pointedly at the hand she'd now withdrawn to rest at his bellybutton. Standing with her back ramrod straight, Abigail lifted her nose. "You should be ashamed of yourself. He's unconscious, and in a delicate state. How dare you take advantage of this terrible situation to molest him."

Angelo had come up behind her, placing his hands at Abigail's shoulders. The other two men stood at the foot of the bed, eyes darting from one woman to the other.

Diamond's mouth had dropped open, eyes glaring with pure hatred. "How dare you," she hissed, shaking.

"Now, ladies," Angelo admonished nervously. "Now's not the time for a catfight."

Rafael crossed his arms over his chest with a grin. Ariel rocked nervously side to side on his feet, eyes wide with an expression of dread on his face.

"This woman has no right to speak to me this way," Diamond said in a low but forceful voice, her eyes boring into Angelo's. "Get her out of here. From now on, she's not allowed in this room. She's banned."

Abigail knew she had no say in the matter, but she was shocked when the band members came to her defense.

"You can't do that," Rafael snorted.

Angelo nodded in agreement. "Abs is Gabe's girl. She has every right to be here."

Ariel remained silent, but he was glaring at Diamond and shaking his head.

"Gabriel is my responsibility," Diamond stated, looking at all of them. "You all are. As your manager I need to look out for you."

"That shouldn't include sliding your hand under the sheets to fondle your client while he's unconcious," Abigail said haughtily.

Diamond gasped in outrage. "You're out of you mind. I was only adjusting his sheet."

"You were touching him under the sheet. I saw you. That's just wrong, and disrespectful."

Diamond tipped her nose up. "I'm not going to argue with the likes of you. Kindly leave, or I'll have the guards at the door remove you. Don't bother bringing her back, Ang. I'll be speaking to the hospital staff to have her banned from the premises."

Abigail didn't wait for Angelo to escort her out. She turned angrily on her heel and stalked back out to the corridor.

"Abs, wait up," Angelo called after her.

She was so angry she hadn't realized she had no idea where she was headed.

Angelo and the others caught up to her a few feet from the waiting room. Michael came out, his eyes questioning when he saw her expression.

"You've got to do something about, Diamond," Angelo was telling Michael."

Michael's face became serious. "What happened?"

Abigail turned away, embarrassed about her outburst. These people had been around Gabriel probably for years, including Diamond.

"M-maybe I overstepped my boundaries," she stuttered, embarrassed now. "I'm so sorry for my rant in there."

Rafael snorted. "That's bullshit. You didn't do anything wrong."

Erica wobbled her way into the group on her high-heeled boots.

"What happened?" Michael insisted looking curiously at all of them.

"Diamond felt Gabe up under the sheets and Abs and her had words," Rafael snickered.

Erica gasped, her big eyes bulging even more. "That bitch!"

Angelo added, "and she wants to keep Abigail from seeing Gabriel now."

"Well she is your manager," Abigail conceded hugging herself. The thought of Gabriel finally revealing she was nothing to him terrified her. She'd look like such an idiot to everyone, a fake and a phony.

Michael's lips flattened as he crossed big muscular arms over his brawny chest. "Don't worry about Diamond. She's harmless. I'll talk to her. No one is going to ban you from seeing Gabe."

"I-I don't want to cause any problems," Abigail began.

Michael lifted his huge hands, shaking his head adamantly. "No problem at all. She's our business manager. That's all. This isn't her problem, or her place to say who can or can't see Gabe."

Abigail stared wide-eyed at the big man. He really looked annoyed. It surprised her how readily they backed her up. Had they been this nice to Mikayla too?

******* 

Gabriel opened his eyes. He was in a hospital room, his right leg hanging from a contraption rigged at the foot of the bed. The room was dim, but he could see sunlight pouring in through the cracks in the verticals over the large window to his right. He had a dull ache in his head and it hurt a little to breathe.

What the hell happened to him?

He turned his head and frowned in further confusion. Pop Tart. She was sitting in a plush armchair near the bed to his left, asleep.

Honey blond hair was pinned behind her head, but a few strands were loose against her cheeks, looking soft and silky and totally touchable. She wore a long grey dress and a white sweater over it. The glasses perched on her cute, upturned nose hung precariously to the side, and she was emitting the sweetest snores he'd ever heard through plump, parted lips.

Gabriel smirked, before quickly sobering.

What was she doing there and what the fuck happened to him?

His memory was murky. Last thing he remembered getting ready to go to the Montenegro estate up in Laguna Beach.

He lifted his left hand and winced at the dull ache in his chest. His right arm was in a sling across his chest. His fingers gingerly felt the bandage wrapped around his head and dread filled him. Had they shaved off part of his hair? The bulk of the bandage was over his left side of his forehead.

Just before waking he'd been dreaming. He'd been kissing Abigail. Had he kissed Abigail? Did he ever get to the Montenegro estate? He kind of remembered seeing Abigail and his grandmother earlier. Abigail told him he'd given her his phone. The memory was foggy and his head was aching.

A nurse walked in with a cart and smiled brightly at him.

"Hello, Gabriel. I'm Jeanie."

He grunted and watched as she came closer. She retrieved a white, plastic, rectangular bag. "Oops. Time to change this out," she grinned bending over.

He watched in silent horror as she detached a similar bag full of yellow fluid and replaced it with the new empty one.

Gabriel held his breath and lifted the sheet over his lap to stare horrified at the plastic tube impaled into the end of his dick.

"Oh-hell-no. Get that thing out. Please," he croaked.

The nurse pouted. "But you can't get out of bed. It's to help keep you comfortable."

Gabriel dropped the sheet and shook his head. Big mistake. His headache intensified. With a moan, he pointed at her. "Take it out."

Abigail rose, much to his embarrassment and stumbled sleepily to his side as she shoved her glasses up her nose with one finger.

"Gabriel, you're awake," she said with her sweet breathy voice.

"He wants me to take the catheter out," Jeanie told her.

Abigail's eyes went round behind her glasses, and her face flushed beautifully. Gabriel was willing to bet his face was redder than hers, judging from the amount of heat he felt in his own cheeks.

He scowled at the nurse. "I like to see the doctor who's attending me."

The nurse's eyes widened as she nodded. "Yes, sir. I'll see if he's available. Excuse me."

Abigail placed her hand on his left shoulder before sliding it across his chest to the strap of the sling. "Calm down, Gabriel. It's there because you can't get up yet."

Gabriel's entire body ached and he leaned his head back with a groan. Abigail petted him some more. It felt good, so he groaned again so she'd keep it up.

"Oh-God. Are you in pain? There's a button thingy there with morphine. Maybe you should press it."

Gabriel perked up and blinked at her. "Did you say Morphine?"

She bit her lower lip and nodded, picking up the little remote by his left hand to show him.

He wrapped his hand around hers and pressed the button on the remote.

Immediately a warm melting sensation infused his body, pushing the achy pains away.

"Abby," he sighed.

She leaned closer and he fixated on her lips. He wanted to kiss her. Had he kissed her before? Damn memory lapse.

"Tell them to take this thing out of me. Look," he muttered lifting the sheet.

Or at least he tried to. Abigail gripped his hand and shook her head. "That's okay. The nurse will get the doctor and they'll take care of it."

Gabriel grinned, loving how her pupils dilated and her breathing became a little agitated

"Don't you want to take a peek?" he teased.

Her mouth opened and closed as she sputtered. "Oh-no. No, please."

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Why not?" he teased. "I just want to show you what they've done to me."

Her grip tightened on his hand, keeping him from peeling back the sheet and exposing himself. "Oh, hon, I can imagine. No need to show me, really."

******* 

His pupils grew until they'd swallowed up most of the luminous green of his eyes. Eyes heavy-lidded, he licked his lips, staring at her mouth hungrily.

Abigail felt breathless, like prey trapped by a predator. The sheer power of him drew her closer until she heard someone clearing their throat behind her.

Springing away from Gabriel guiltily, she turned to face the solemn faced doctor and nurse.

Her face flamed as he looked from Abigail's face to her hand holding Gabriel's almost right over his most private of places.

She snatched her hand away and walked to the foot of the bed.

Dr Klein approached. "The nurse tells me you want the catheter removed."

"Yes," Gabriel hissed. "Immediately."

The doctor smiled and nodded. "Very well." He approached and pulled out a penlight to check Gabriel's eyes as the nurse busied herself with the placement of gloves.

Abigail turned abruptly and almost ran out of the room.




Diavolo Ch. 04



Out in the corridor, the two guards that stood sentinel at Gabriel's door barely paid her any mind. She walked to the elevators and went down to the lobby, thinking of getting some air outside, completely forgetting the mob of people stationed in front of the hospital for the past two days since Gabriel's arrival..

A large group of people stood at the front desk talking loudly.

Some of them held cameras and microphones. Abigail's eyes widened and she turned to go back into the elevator, but the doors had already closed.

"Darn," she whispered, casting a wary glance over her shoulder.

One tall, blond woman turned, expression frustrated and angry. Her eyes clashed with Abigail's and narrowed before widening in recognition.

Oh-no.

Abigail turned again and tried to make her way to the stairway, in hopes of escaping the mob of reporters, but the blond woman and a chubby cameraman intercepted her.

"You're the one! You're the girl from the pictures!" the woman exclaimed grinning broadly. Her voice carried over to the front desk, drawing the attention from the others.

Before Abigail knew what was happening, she had a microphone shoved in her face as the woman leaned closer.

"How is Gabriel? Is it true he's paralyzed?"

Abigail opened her mouth in horror. "What? No. He's—"

"Miss, are you his new lover? Are you moving in with him?"

Abigail blinked as more people swarmed her. "I..."

"Are you breaking up with him now that he's a paraplegic?"

"He's not paralyzed," Abigail exclaimed, panic gripping her as they started to push and shove, trying to get closer.

"There she is," someone was shouting. "That bitch. Gabriel is ours."

Abigail's eyes gaped as a hoard of angry looking females with posters claiming love for Gabriel flowed in from outside.

The guards posted at the entrance were trying to get the crowd under control.

Abigail just wanted to escape.

One of the security officers made his way to her and helped move her to a pair of swinging doors near the main desk. Other guards intervened and kept the mob from following them.

From down the corridor, Angelo came running, worry etched on his face.

"What the hell happened? Abs, what are you doing down here?"

Abigail was fanning herself as Angelo steered her away from the doors. "I just wanted some air."

"Oh, hon, why didn't you take the back way, the way we came up?"

Her legs were still trembling as he led her to one of the lounges on the first floor. "I forgot. I'm sorry. I just wanted some air."

Angelo shook his head. "Everybody knows Gabe is here, sweetheart. The price of fame. We gotta sneak in and out now."

Abigail blinked at him. "Yes, I know. I'm sorry." She apologized again. "Th-there are women out there who look like they want to kill me."

Angelo grinned. "We've got a few psychos for fans, Abs. They just think you're some glorified groupie trying to gain all the limelight for yourself. They don't know the truth."

Abigail flinched. The truth? The truth was she was a fake. If it weren't for Anna Maria's insistence she remain close to Gabriel and keep her informed of his progress, she wouldn't even bother to come anymore. Today was the first day in the past two days Gabriel had come awake fully. She'd been hoping he'd forgotten about that diabolical scheme for revenge. She wanted no part of it anymore. This life wasn't for her.

The memory of how he'd almost pulled the sheet down to expose himself had her flushing beet red again. She wasn't used to such behavior. She was just a plain, quiet, boring girl, completely out of her element.

Raking a deep cleansing breath, she squared her shoulders and looked Angelo in his big blue eyes. "Take me home, please."

Angelo's golden brows pinched together. "Eh...it's still early. You sure?"

She nodded. "Yes. Please."

She was quiet all the way back to the house. Angelo had the music on, and the sunroof open. He chatted incessantly until he pulled up in front of the Montenegro house. Abigail reached into her purse and placed Gabriel's phone in the cup holder between the seats before reaching over to hug the drummer. "Goodbye, Ang," she sniffed, and then dashed out of the SUV.

He was persistent. She heard him call out to her, the brake being pulled, and a door opening. Abigail ran as fast as she could right into the house and all the way to her room. Locking the door behind her, she raced to her bathroom and locked herself in there as well.

She didn't know if he followed her inside, but it didn't matter because he wouldn't know where her room was located. She was sure Mikayla would never tell him.

Mikayla. Maybe she'd go to visit Gabriel instead. Abigail frowned. Oh-God! What if Mikayla started up with Gabriel again?

She buried her head in her hands. It wasn't her problem. She was tired of being the one to fix everything. Her mother had gone through her trust fund, leaving Abigail virtually penniless. Luckily, she'd taken a sizable chunk out and put it elsewhere.

Going back to Italy would have to wait. She didn't want to spend every last dime traveling back and forth.

The best thing to do was get herself a small used car, rent a little studio apartment, and try to find a job. More than anything, she wanted as far away from the Montenegro estate and its inhabitants as possible.

Having decided, she rose from the glossy marble floor in the bathroom and peeked out into her room.

Everything was quiet. It was still early so she decided to get a little car first. She'd need transportation in order to find a job and an apartment. Last thing she wanted was her dysfunctional family finding her and bringing their problems to her doorstep again.

Carefully, she tiptoed back out into her room and switched on the little white laptop perched on a small table by the glass doors to the balcony.

******* 

Night was falling. Michael had come around to see him, but there was still no sign of Abigail.

"So you really don't remember the accident?"

Gabriel took a deep breath. "Not really. I went to dinner at the Montenegro estate. Paulina threatened me, Micks threatened me, and I got the feeling my half brother was laying it on a bit too sweet. Something about that didn't seem sincere to me."

Michael's golden eyes bore into Gabriel's as he scratched his chin, face grim. "And you said you blackmailed Abigail into pretending to be your girlfriend?"

Gabriel grimaced. "Blackmail is such an ugly word, Mike."

Michael snorted. "But that's what you did. Are you nuts? Why'd you do that?"

Gabriel closed his eyes in frustration. Where was she anyway? Some fake girlfriend he had. "I don't remember."

Michael snorted again. "How convenient. That poor girl's been here by your side for the past two days religiously. I'm the one who picked her up this morning. If I'd have known you were using her—"

"I'm not using her," Gabriel snapped and the regretted it when his head began pounding.

He reached for his morphine remote, but Michael yanked it out of his reach.

Gabriel glared at him.

"It's not like you to mess with a nice girl, Gabe."

"Geez, Mike, I'm not messing with her. I just want to get to the bottom of this mess with my parents."

"A lot of good it'll do you if your six feet under."

Gabriel's eyes narrowed at him. "You think one of them tried to kill me?"

"You drive like a demon sometimes, but you're good at it. How many times have you taken that curve by El Moro?" Michael shook his head slowly, eyes blazing. "Try to remember that night, man. I really think someone else was involved in that accident."

Gabriel looked at his suspended leg, tapping the clip on his index finger against the metal railing to his bed. He only remembered pieces of that night, getting ready, riding there, dinner, the expensive wine and then the meeting with Paulina and Daniel. He remembered Mikayla telling him he was going to be sorry, and...that's it."

"Give me your phone a sec."

Michael frowned but handed over his phone anyway.

Gabriel pulled up the messages and tapped: Pop tart where r u?

He clicked send to his personal number and then stared at the phone waiting.

"Did you lose your phone in the accident?"

Gabriel shook his head and was about to answer when Michael's phone dinged.

Gabe:

On my way snookums.

Michael was peering over his shoulder and chuckled. "Snookums?"

Gabriel also frowned at the nickname, but tapped: Baby why'd you leave?

He stared at the phone for three minutes until Michael sighed. "I gotta go before Erica freaks on me. She hates being alone and I gotta score points before the next round of touring."

Gabriel grimaced, wondering how long it would take for him to recuperate from a broken leg.

The door to the room hissed open an his heart began to pound in anticipation.

"Snookums, I'm here," Angelo announced opening his arms wide as he approached Gabriel with his lips puckered for a kiss.

"Fuck," Gabriel grumbled tossing Michael, who was laughing, back his phone. "Why the hell do you have my phone, Fucktard?"

Angelo smirked and dropped Gabriel's Galaxy on the bed by Gabriel's left hand. "Abs put it in the cup holder before she hightailed it into the house."

"Why'd she do that?"

Angelo shrugged. "I don't know, man. I think she got really spooked by all the press and groupies outside."

"Give her some time, she'll calm down," Michael reassured. "I'll go get her tomorrow for you."

Gabriel wasn't satisfied with that. "Why didn't you insist she stay with the phone? Now how am I going to contact her?" The thought that she might decide to up and leave had him feeling frustrated and anxious, especially since there was nothing he could do.

"I tried to follow her inside," Angelo explained, "but that girl can run fast, and I'm not a runner, I'm a drummer. Besides, that Paulina woman came out and threatened to call the cops on me. She fucking told the chauffer to toss me out. Fucking Edvard, man. You believe that? That asshole listens to rap music." Angelo's face twisted into a moue of disgust.

A light rap on the door and a nurse peered around the curtain.

"Visiting time over, boys."

A sense of loss filled Gabriel. He was tuck in the hospital until God knew when and had no way of getting in touch with Abigail. It was late and he didn't want to disturb his grandmother. Now he'd be completely alone until the next day. He felt helpless.

Michael patted his shoulder. "You get Skype on that thing?"

Gabriel nodded.

"Talk later then," Michael said.

Angelo leaned close, lips pursed for a kiss.

Gabriel cringed in the bed, glaring at the crazy drummer. "Get the fuck outta here before I hit you in the face with my bedpan."

Angelo straightened, trying to keep a straight face. "No love, geez!"

Gabriel shook his head with a disbelieving smirk as Ang winked and turned to leave.

"Nighty-night, Snookums."



Diavolo Ch. 05



I've gotten quite a few emails asking me to post a little faster, and I really appreciate the enthusiasm. I realize how frustrating it must feel to have to wait so long for each chapter, but I really don't want to rush this story and quite possibly ruin it. I feel that at least every two weeks to a maximum of one month should be a good time frame to churn out good chapters. I can write as I feel the inspiration come to me, let it simmer, and then go back and edit. I feel like chapter 4 came out so much better than the others due to the fact that I went back reread from the beginning and made the right adjustments. I also appreciate any corrections anyone might feel I need to make. I've already changed the coconut trees to palm trees because someone pointed out there are no coconut trees in California and I took them at their word. I do plan on publishing this so your help/comments is vital probably more so than the actual voting. Again, Lit is taking off votes, most often than not the score actually goes up, so please don't double vote. Lit deletes those scores. It's not fair to me or other writers here. Thank you.

************

Abigail acquired a used car and then stopped at a shop and purchased a cell phone. The attendant had showed her an entire wall of technological wonders, way too complicated for her impatient simplistic mind to grapple with. She'd walked out with a small white phone and a basic understanding of how to deal with its functionality.

Back outside, a shiver of apprehension had her gazing repetitiously over her shoulder. The eerie feeling of being watched followed her all the way to where she'd parked her cheery red, 1999 Volkswagen Beetle.

Slipping quickly into her new car, she closed the door and engaged the locks, breathing out a sigh of relief.

Hands gripping the wheel tightly, she glanced through all the mirrors before looking skyward, remembering Gabriel's mention of paparazzi in helicopters. It's how they'd managed to get her picture that first night with him.

The sky overhead was a brilliant blue with only one or two insignificant clouds making it picture perfect. No helicopters.

Starting the car she'd affectionately christened as El Chapulin, she glanced at the clock and headed for Irvine.

She'd considered never returning to the hospital, but the memory of Anna Maria's pleading eyes to keep an eye on Gabriel wouldn't leave her be.

Somehow, she'd get the woman's number and call her after checking in briefly on Gabriel. Then she would go apartment hunting.

Her new car had only cost her a little over three thousand dollars and the phone only twenty-five with a monthly based plan of fifty dollars which included unlimited everything.

She felt proud of her accomplishments thus far. Excitement on her upcoming apartment hunting had her grinning like an idiot as she checked and adjusted the mirrors of the car.

Switching on the radio, she eased into traffic. A soft sigh escaped her as her thoughts returned to Gabriel. What unpleasant scenario awaited her today? She hadn't gone the day before needing a little time away from the circus of attention he drew, though staying away hadn't been easy either. He invaded her every waking thought.

Abigail was accustomed to a quiet, simple life. As beautiful and enigmatic as Gabriel was, his lifestyle was far from alluring for her. She would never be able to actually be with a man like him, an adored rock god. It was too much for her.

The sound of a haunting melody and equally mesmerizing voice had her turning up the volume of the radio. The man sang of love, its heartache, and complications, the loneliness of it when it wasn't returned fully. His voice was so heartrending, so powerful and full of anguish, Abigail's eyes misted over, her nose growing itchy.

By the end of the power ballad, she was actually sniffling, loving the song and the hair-raising whine of electric guitars that made it more enthralling. It had moved her and she gasped when the DJ jovially announced that it was Diavolo's latest hit.

He went on to mention Gabriel's accident, and how he and millions of fans hoped for a speedy recovery.

It took her about twenty minutes to finally make her way to the familiar imposing medical center. Having prepared before hand, Abigail tucked her blond braid under a floppy hat and switched her glasses for a dark pair of sunglasses. She made her way to the emergency room entrance and the familiar guard that always helped her and the band members make it to Gabriel's room.

She smiled at the guard. For a brief second he only scowled at her, but then he flinched, his eyes going over her sundress-clad figure before rising to her dark glasses again.

"Ms. Brown?"

Abigail nodded, feeling very self-conscious. She'd bought the baby-blue dress on a whim, loving the delicate lace around the elastic shirred bodice and the little tie up straps. The skirt flowed from an empire waistline to mid-calf. She paired it with a pair of low-heeled, white espadrilles, and a white crocheted sling bag.

"Right this way, miss," he replied once again regaining his professional composure.

All seemed quiet, almost back to normal except that she noted the increased amount of security just about everywhere. On Gabriel's floor, the nurses at the station eyed her with a frown as she walked past. There was shouting at the end of the hall and Abigail wondered briefly who the problematic patient was. Some people just couldn't handle being sick and cloistered in a hospital. She used to make frequent trips with the nuns at the convent to hospitals and even jails to visit the unfortunate.

As she neared Gabriel's door, she realized in dismay that the shouting emanated from there.

The guards were still at the door and stepped aside to allow her to enter.

The scene that greeted her made her mouth gape.

Gabriel stood, fingers wrapped around a metal walker leaning with an angry scowl toward Rafael.

"You're fucking crazy, man. You just had surgery yesterday. You can't leave. Be reasonable," Rafael shouted, hands gripping Gabriel's bulging biceps.

"Get the fuck outta my—"

Gabriel's yell stopped the second his burning green eyes fell on her.

"Abigail." Her name whooshed from between his lovely lips, sending a shiver through her.

Rafael turned, his hands still tensed on Gabe's arms.

"Bout time you finally showed up," he snapped, making Gabriel scowl at him anew.

"Don't fucking talk to her that way."

Rafael turned back to him. Abigail couldn't see Rafe's face anymore but his tone was scathing. "Like hell. You've been a prick since waking up from surgery yesterday morning because she wasn't here. I'm about to strangle you with the damn morphine line."

Abigail's heart tightened. He'd been through surgery while she'd been cruising around town absorbing the scenery? Guilt had her tripping forward, her eyes traveling over him.

The silly hospital gown hung down around his elbows probably from the tussle between him and the guitarist. It put on display all of his upper body. His long hair was a mess around his shoulders and his jaw stubble was now more of a beard. Her whole body clenched at the sight of him.

Rafael stepped away when she approached. She looked intently for any signs of bandages to show where he'd been cut. Her eyes watered at the thought of his beautiful skin being marred by a scalpel. The bandage he'd had around his head was gone and he had a few stitches near the corner of one brow.

Abigail reached for the grayish blue hospital gown with the dark blue polka dots, intending to set it to rights when his head dipped down and his mouth sealed over hers.

****** 

She was a vision, fucking more beautiful than he remembered. Forgetting about the fact he'd acquired a metal spike driven into his right femur less than twenty-four hours prior, he released the walker, desperate to wrap his fingers around Abby's slender waist and haul her against him. His mouth touched hers, his tongue finding the heaven within, before pain roared with unforgiving intensity through him. He began to go down seconds before Rafael's arms went around him from behind with a grunt and a curse.

More pain blazed through him, his broken ribs protesting the male arms that held him in a vise grip. He ignored it all.

Rafe holding him up, Gabriel fused his mouth to Abigail's again, one hand gripping the cursed walker, the other wrapped securely around her.

"This is fucked up," Rafe protested tightly. His hold was slipping. "Fuck, Gabe," he gritted out in an almost squeaky voice. "You're too fucking heavy. Grab that walker properly, god-damn-it. My balls are about to hit the fucking floor."

Reluctantly, whole body throbbing like hell, Gabriel let Abigail go and gripped the metal walker again. About to call Rafe a wimp, the world turned on its axis as everything wavered before his eyes, the edges of his vision going black. He was going to pass out.

He heard Abigail cry out in alarm before they quickly maneuvered back to the bed.

His back hit the mattress. Someone yanked his legs up onto the bed, flashing his ass and balls in the process of straightening him upon the hospital bed. Gabriel could care less. He reached out blindly for Abby and encountered a bulky male form.

"Easy," Michael muttered.

"Abby," Gabriel called out, blinking against the dizziness.

"Calm down," Michael ordered. "She's right here. "What the hell were you doing up? And with your arm out of the sling? You probably fucked up your collarbone again."

Yes. Gabriel felt like shit. His body was one big ball of misery, but he'd wanted to find Abigail. He'd been desperate enough to chance walking out into the mob at the entrance of the hospital. Anyone down there would have been more than happy to drive him wherever he asked. Fans were cool like that.

Using the walker had been pure agony, but the nurse that attended him that morning said they'd have him put weight on his leg later during the day. He'd just wanted to speed things up a bit.

No matter though. Abigail had finally shown up. He blinked his eyes open and fixed her with an accusing glare. Yesterday had been hell, waking in pain and alone with nothing but his band mates and Diamond for company.

Abigail smoothed his hair from his face, her eyes earnest.

"Where have you been?" he snapped.

She flinched and moved back, her pretty face flushed.

Next to her Michael and Rafael glared at him. Fuck them both.

Abby folded her sunglasses and tucked them in her bag before she retrieved her glasses and pushed them up her nose.

It was like a kick to his gut, those big blue eyes behind those adorable glasses, her suckable, pouty, heart-shaped lips, and that amazing rack nicely displayed by her pretty dress. A floppy straw hat was perched on her head and made her look like something out of a country couture catalog.

"I had things that needed attending to," she replied in her sweet breathy voice.

He didn't miss the way she squared her shoulders before looking him straight in the eyes to answer. Still she gripped her bag with white fingered intensity, her body stiff as if waiting for him to do or say something unpleasant.

His right shoulder was throbbing in agony and his hip and leg were no less painful. He extended his left hand to her and was relieved when she came forward.

"More important than me?" he murmured taking her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it.

She bit her lip in response, looking extremely guilty and repentant.

"I could've died under the knife while you were out shopping probably."

Abigail flinched visibly, making his eyes narrow on her.

"Don't be so fucking melodramatic," Michael chastised walking around to the other side of the bed to retrieve his arm sling. "Up," he snapped poking Gabriel in his ribs, which sent a new wave of seething agony through him.

Gabriel was barely able to bite back the cry of pain. He would have given the lead guitarist hell for having poked him in his broken ribs, but Abigail as doing a pretty good job of handing him his ass as it was.

"Move away from him," she snapped snatching the sling from Michael's hands. "You need to be gentle. Can you not see he's in pain? How can you prod and shove him around like a sack of potatoes like that? Have you no common sense? My goodness gracious. Now either treat him more delicately or move out of my way so I can help him into this."

Gabriel smirked at Michael who looked properly chastised, but fixed his expression to a pained one before Abigail turned back to him.

Rafael just shoved his hands into his pockets, his dark eyes twinkling in amusement.

Carefully, with the help of Michael, the sling was anchored around his shoulder and his arm propped again.

Gabriel settled back into the pillows as Abigail tucked the white bed sheets around his legs and hips. He winced when she inadvertently bumped against the immense bandage at his right hip. Her eyes swung up to his, wide and questioning.

"They opened me up yesterday to hammer a metal rod into my bone so I'd be able to walk again," he said with a frown. He almost felt guilty at the panicked look she gave him.

"Oh," she said blinking rapidly. Her lips pouted and it was all he could do not to rear up and kiss the pout away. "Does it hurt very much?"

Like a motherfucker, but he'd resisted overusing the morphine, not wanting to get addicted to it. His gaze swung to Rafael who was grinning like an idiot. The band didn't need another addict.

******* 

They hadn't managed to right his hospital gown. Now that the sling was back in place, it would be more difficult to cover that mesmerizing nipple he had exposed. He didn't seem to notice it, his glassy eyes constantly roving over her.

Abigail fidgeted with her glasses. Gabriel held his arm out. When she just looked at him in puzzlement, he patted the area next to him with a seductive grin.

Her heart did a funny little flip in her chest as she gulped.

"Humor me," he said in his sexy, growly voice, the same voice that had crooned that hair-raising, tear-jerking song minutes ago over her car radio.

She tried to sit gingerly on the bed, next to him, not sure she should. Wasn't there a rule about how people were not allowed to sit on a patient's bed?

Gabriel's left arm going around her waist to haul her into his side had her thoughts screeching to a halt. He was so much bigger than her, she fit perfectly into his side.

"So," he began, his lips brushing against her temple, "tell me what was so important that you abandoned me yesterday."

"I needed to buy myself a car," she began.

"I swear, Gabe," Michael was saying, interrupting her, "I got there early, but she was already pulling out of the driveway with Edvaard.

Abigail frowned and turned to catch Gabriel glaring at Michael.

"Don't be angry at Michael," Abigail blurted in alarm, garnering Gabriel's attention once again. "If I'm to remain in California I need my own transportation."

"The guys would be more than happy to give you a ride wherever, Abigail."

She leaned away from him a bit, leveling him with a stern frown. "I don't need to sit and wait for people to drive me around to do my errands. I'm perfectly capable of caring for myself."

"Geez, Abigail, but you didn't have to spend money buying a car. I've got five sitting at home right now collecting dust. I could've loaned you one of them for now."

"Absolutely not," she said tipping her nose up a bit.

"Why?"

When she tried to rise from her perch next to him, he tightened his hold around her waist and grunted in pain. She gasped when his eyes slammed shut in agony before opening them a few seconds later to glare at her.

Heart thudding, she did her best to wipe the worried expression she knew she wore to one of determination.

"I can manage on my own, thank you. I think it's high time I take my life into my own hands."

Gabriel's scowl lessened. His eyes darted to Michael's who nodded at him.

Abigail frowned at both of them, wondering what secret message they were communicating to each other.

"What else did you buy, Abs?" Michael questioned now, big arms crossed over his chest.

Abigail arched a brow at his smug grin. "I...uh...bought a cell phone."

Gabriel's face lit up. "'Bout time. Let's see it."

Abigail fished around in her purse until she found her little phone. The lavender case she bought to protect it looked too feminine in Gabriel's big hand when he took it from her with a frown.

He shook his head, nose wrinkling to her dismay. "Aw, baby, what is this?"

Her cheeks heated. "I-it's my new phone."

Rafael was sniggering at the foot of the bed. Michael reached over and snatched the phone from Gabriel, his thick brows virtually touching over his blunt nose.

"You should've gotten yourself a Note like mine, or at least an iPhone Six," Gabriel was saying as Abigail watched Michael swerving his finger all over the screen of her phone.

Abigail turned to look into Gabriel's face, feeling annoyed. "I am not going to spend a thousand dollars on a phone. That's ridiculous."

Gabriel's brows furrowed. "How much did you pay for that?"

"Twenty-five," she answered haughtily.

At the foot of the bed, Rafael doubled over laughing. Abigail glared at the top of his poodle curled dark head.

"Say cheese," Michael called out.

Abigail blinked up at him in surprise as he aimed the phone at her and Gabriel.

Next thing she knew, Gabriel was swiping his hot wet tongue up the side of her cheek as Michael chuckled and snapped pictures.

Aghast, she turned, mouth gaping to Gabriel. Big mistake. He took advantage and pressed his mouth against hers, his tongue shoving in deep.

She was about to struggle to get away but remembered his injuries and just froze instead.

"Hey, I want in on the pics too," Rafael called out.

Gabriel reared back with a snarl. "Fuck off."

Abigail blinked at the other guitarist who was laughing hard at Gabriel's other side. He stuck his tongue out throwing up the horns sign before following it up with his middle finger at Michael who was still happily snapping away pictures.

Abigail took the opportunity of Gabriel's lapse of attention to spring away from him and make a grab for her phone.

Michael grabbed her around the waist instead and pulled her against him. Abigail blinked up at the screen of her phone as Michael held it over their faces with a big grin and snapped a picture.

"Here," he said giving her back her phone, "now one of the three of us."

"What are you all doing?" Angelo said waltzing in.

"Hurry," Rafael called out. "Abs is about to get a picture of all of us."

"Ooh, wait," Angelo cried scampering over to the bed. He positioned himself behind Rafe as Michael occupied Abigail's spot. They all leaned in closer to Gabriel who grinned seductively at her, naughty little nipple still on display.

Abigail snapped two pictures before Angelo noticed Gabe's hospital gown and protested. "Hey, why does he get to be the sexy one? I'm supposed to be the sexy one. Here take a pic of this," he grinned yanking up his t-shirt to show off his fuzzy chest. Just as Abigail smirked and was about to snap the picture, Rafael turned his head and bit Angelo's left nipple, making the drummer howl in indignation.

Abigail stared at the screen of her phone, biting back a grin at the picture of the guitarist's teeth nipping Angelo's teet while Gabriel looked on in disgusted amusement, and Michael laughed.

A few moments later, a stern-faced nurse came in and scolded them on the noise level, as well as the number of people in the room.

The boys left, leaving Abigail alone with Gabriel.

He beckoned for her to sit by him again. She walked up to the bed and pulled up the guardrail instead. His eyes narrowed at her as his lips drew tight.




Diavolo Ch. 05



She avoided his intense gaze, fiddling with the straps of her sling purse instead. Now that the others were gone, she suddenly felt shy.

"Abigail," his deep growly voice called softly.

"I just came by to see how you were doing."

"It took you all day yesterday to buy a car and a crappy phone?"

His hurt tone had her looking up. "I can't be here every day." The reminder of the horrific horde of fans and reporters just waiting below had her shivering with fear.

He scowled. "And why not? Daniel keeping you occupied or something?"

She didn't miss the nasty way he hissed those words or the gleam of jealousy in his eyes. Abigail felt floored that he would even feel jealous. How was it possible?

"Daniel has nothing to do with any of this," she said defensively.

Gabriel scoffed, leaning farther back into the pillows. "Then what? You just hanging around the mansion hoping to catch his eye again?"

She had to clutch the strap of her purse to keep from slapping him.

"You know, I'm going to ignore those stupid remarks because the doctor said you had a concussion and I also know you're on strong meds so your brain might be a little confused," she spat.

Gabriel just sulked. Her irritation spiked because, surely, no one had the right to look so cute and sexy at the same time. Darn him.

"Look," he murmured fiddling with a fold in the sheet draped over his lap, "I'm sorry. It's just that...yesterday..." He took a deep breath, finally looking up at her, eyes guarded. "I woke up after the surgery thinking you'd be here, but you never showed up. Guess I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. I shouldn't have snapped at you that way. I'm sorry."

Abigail let out a pent up breath. His apology had her heart melting like a scoop of ice cream on a hot summer sidewalk. Oh-no, Abigail—she admonished herself. Do not fall for him!

"You need a shave," she said trying to change the subject.

His lip kicked up at the edge. "I can't shave one-handed, not unless I want to peel part of my cheeks and throat off." He gave her a slow blink. "Want to do it for me?"

Abigail's cheeks turned hot. "Shouldn't that be the nurses' job?"

His smile fell, replaced by a frown and eyes turning away from her. "It's bad enough they take liberties when bathing me. The least I can do is keep them out of my face. I'd rather grow a long beard than have them trying to kiss me too."

Abigail felt indignation roll through her. "Liberties? My-god, Gabriel. Are some of the nurses molesting you?"

Gabriel looked at her coolly. His sculpted shoulder rose in a shrug. "I'm a rock star. That type of attention comes with the territory."

Abigail shook her head, refusing to accept that. "You're hurt and in their care. They need to respect and care for you, not treat you like some prime cut of man flesh they can ogle and touch at will."

Gabriel smirked, one inky brow rising into a peaked arch. "Prime cut of man flesh?"

She choked on her own breath, avoiding his piercing gaze.

"Is that how you see me, baby?" he purred.

She needed to leave. He was too potent for her. Way out of her league. She didn't understand his fascination with her, but was sure it was most like due to the hit on his head. Before the accident he'd been bent on using her for revenge. Either way, she was heading to heartbreak with him as soon as all this blew over and he went back to his normal life of being a rock god. Diamond had assured them all that she was just the flavor of the week, obviously much like Mikayla had been.

"Abigail," he snapped.

She flinched and looked at him.

He stared at her, eyes wary. "You oaky?"

"Yes. I've gotta go." He was shaking his head, eyes wide, hand going out to try to grab her. She stayed out of his reach. "If you wouldn't mind giving me Anna Maria's number. I'd promised her I keep her abreast of how you were doing."

His hand stretched farther toward her, eyes pleading. "Why are you leaving? Where are you going?"

She stood taller, taking a deep breath and pasting a smile on her face. "I'm going apartment hunting."

"You're leaving the Montenegro estate?" His hand gripped the metal railing she'd pulled up between them.

"Yes. I think it's better if I live on my own."

His brows furrowed. "Uh...that's great. Where are you looking to settle down?"

She blinked at him. "I haven't decided yet."

"I might know of a place that's available to rent."

Abigail snorted. "I most likely wouldn't be able to afford whatever you have in mind."

"What price range were you looking for?" he asked, determined.

"Less the fifteen, I guess."

His brows shot up. "Fifteen grand?"

Abigail rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Fifteen hundred, and even that's a bit steep. I still haven't gotten a job so I'm not sure how much I can afford yet. I'm just shooting for something inexpensive for now."

Gabriel tipped his head to the side in consideration. "Well, this place I know, the owner is looking an in-house housekeeper. You'd be paid to live there and keep up the place."

Abigail blinked at him. It sounded too good to be true. "And who is the owner of this place?"

Gabriel's eyes grew cool. He shrugged, "Someone I know. I can tell Mike to take you by the place and show you. He has the key."

Abigail frowned. "Well, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable living in someone else's home. I wanted a place for myself."

"Trust me. This dude won't be back in a while. By then You might be able to secure yourself a job and find something you really like instead of going through your savings as I'm suspecting you're planning to do. Right?"

Abigail bit her lower lip and nodded after a while.

"I guess I can think about it."

"Good. Now lower the damn rail and sit with me. I missed you."

She gripped the straps of her purse again and swallowed. "Gabriel, we need to stop this farce already."

He frowned. "Farce?"

She bobbed her head up and down. "Yes. I'm not your girlfriend. If you wanted to get back at Mikayla for lying and tricking you, I assure you she has learned her lesson. Daniel and she are already putting the finishing touches on their nuptials as we speak. There's no need to pretend you like me anymore."

Gabriel's eyes were the darkest shade of emerald as they held hers. He licked his lips slowly. "But, Abby...I do like you...a lot."

Abigail's jaw dropped. "No," she whispered.

"Yes," he reiterated, face more serious than a heart attack.

She shook her head, her hat tipping off her head to fall at her feet. Her long braid fell over her shoulder drawing Gabriel's smoldering gaze.

She laughed nervously. "You can't possibly be serious?"

He frowned now, eyes going back up to stare intently into hers. "I'm serious, Abigail. I really like you. You're sweet, untainted by all the hype that surrounds me and you're...you're real. I love that."

"I'm different," she said without an ounce of emotion.

His eyes became wary again. "Yes. Different."

She walked over to the railing and reached up to undo the ties to her sundress. His eyes widened, pupils widening enough to almost swallow the glittering green irises. "So that's why you want me? Want to peel off my clothes and have your way with me?" her fingers slipped into the bodice of her dress to pull it down slowly, exposing an inch of the top swell of her breasts.

Gabriel's eyes were glued to the movement, his Adam's apple bobbing with the harried gulp he took.

"Oh-yes, baby," he sighed.

Abigail blinked back the wetness of her eyes. He only wanted her for sex.

Lowering her hand to the railing, she leaned down to look into his confused eyes. "Well that's too bad, Mr. Raven, because there has to be more than that for a man to have access to my body."

He flinched, and frowned. "Okay. What else do you need to let me f—"

Abigail reared back, her face flaming. Luckily he stopped himself in time before he said what would have probably had her turning around and leaving that room for the last time.

He pressed his lips together. "Abigail, clearly I have no experience in dealing with a good girl like you, but I want to try. Do you think you can find it in your heart in having a little patience with me? I'd really like—no, love to get to know you and see where this leads."

She shook her head. "I can't—"

"Why?" His hand covered one of hers on the railing. "Is it because of how I look?" he gestured to his tattoos.

Abigail shook her head, appalled he'd think she thought less of him because of his hair and ink. "No. It's just the whole..." her free hand flailed. "I'd have no privacy anymore with reporters and fans hounding—"

"It isn't always that way, Abby. They get tired and move on to something else. That's how this has always been."

She shook her head. There was no way she could deal with having her image and name everywhere. And what about when Gabriel finally tired of her. Because he eventually would. He was exciting and she was nothing but a boring simple girl.

"Abby, please,"

She snatched her hand away. "Look, I need to think about this. Stop pressuring me."

"I'm sorry, but I don't want to lose you."

She looked at him, saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"Gabriel," she sighed. The sudden urge to kiss him had her drawer closer. Just one little kiss and she'd leave.

He gripped her hand as she leaned against the railing.

Behind her the door opened and footsteps sounded behind her, along with the sound of a man clearing his throat.

Abigail straightened, her cheeks already warm with embarrassment at almost being caught kissing Gabriel.

Turning, however, the color drained from her countenance as she faced none other than Daniel and Mikayla.

Daniel's expression was stony, but Mikayla's was downright poisonous.

"I'm sorry if we interrupted anything," Daniel said primly.

"No," Abigail laughed, her voice too shrill even to her own ears. "I was just leaving. Goodbye, Gabriel," she said patting his hand before dashing out of the room."

She was sure she heard Gabriel shout out her name, but by then she was halfway out the door and sprinting toward the elevators before the doors closed.

Her hands shook as she waited for the elevator doors to finally close. She almost half expected him to come hobbling out of his room after her. Silly, of course, because the man had a busted leg and couldn't walk well yet.

The doors finally closed and she closed her eyes in relief. People got on and off in the elevator until they reached the ground floor where she knew she had to traverse the emergency room waiting area to get to her car safely again.

Michael's face was the first thing she saw when the doors opened. He stood leaning against the wall opposite the elevator, cell phone against his ear, eyes focused on her intently.

"Got it. She's here. Gotta go now."

She exited the elevator just as he stepped up to her with a smile. She had to crane her neck to look at his face.

"I came with Rafe, but he took off somewhere and I need to get home to Erica before she has me sleeping in the dog house again."

"Oh," Abigail nodded. "I'll give you a ride. Is it far?"

"Just a few minutes away. Gabe told me to show you the house next to mine that's empty right now."

Abigail blinked. Next to Michael's?

"Let's go before I attract any attention," Michael said pulling a ball cap over his ponytail. Next he slipped his sunglasses over his eyes.

Abigail patted her head, remembering she'd left her hat on the floor in Gabriel's room. No matter. She was definitely not going up there now.

Replacing her regular glasses with her prescription sunglasses, she took Michael's proffered arm and headed out into the warm morning sunshine.

Michael didn't say a word about her car, thankfully. They made their way west toward the Pacific Coast Highway. Michael fiddled around with the stations, complaining about the lack of Bluetooth capability. Minutes later when they arrived at Route One, he told her to go straight onto Bayside Drive. The homes in this area were beautiful, and the smell of salty ocean air permeated the vents in the Beetle. Fancy cars and SUVs adorned the driveways along with jet skis.

Michael pointed out two houses farther along the wide street. There was one wide drive leading to an ample parking area shared by the two homes. The house on the right was made of stones, two stories high with white-framed picture windows and a redwood floored front yard leading to the dark bluish grey front door. The house on the left was made of grey wood, also with two floors and a big red door in its entry.

They got out of the car and headed toward the white house.

Abigail hung back, feeling awkward going into a house alone with the big guitarist. He didn't seem to notice. Just plucked out a pair of keys from his pocket and opened the front door to the house.

The first thing she noticed was the scent. Apples and cinnamon. She followed her nose into the house and stopped just inside the doorway.

Beneath her feet was a glossy hardwood floor, arranged in pretty squares of varying shades of reddish gold to deep dark brown, which contrasted beautifully with the stark white walls. Sunlight poured in from the front windows and back glass doors through which she could see an array of sailboats and other sea craft bobbing up and down in a marina. To her left was a massive stone fireplace with a flat screen TV above it. Plush beige couches sat before the fireplace, an array of plump pillows in shades of sea glass green and white, some with pretty patterns, others embroidered in pearly beads. There was an enormous picture of a sunset framed in a thick dark wood frame that looked really expensive. Behind one of the couches was an enormous mirror with a similar frame gilded with golden details. To her immediate right was a split-level stairwell curving up to the second floor, and leading down to another level below. The kitchen was just beyond the stairs, occupying the entire right side of the house. The walls were open, giving the impression of openness but once you stepped into the kitchen, the wood flooring gave way to stark white tiles with pale grey grout. Everything in the kitchen was white, from the cabinets to the tiled countertops and backsplashes, as well as the porcelain double sinks. The only exception was an island made of whitewashed wood with a stainless steel counter top that matched the appliances. A window looked out into a little terrace at the side of the house. She smiled when she saw a hammock swinging lazily beneath a cluster of palm trees. Beyond the living area was a long glass dining table with a chrome base. Six transparent chairs rested around it, blending in beautifully with the scenery of the marina just beyond the glass doors. Tucked into the right hand corner was a gleaming black baby grand piano and a cello resting in an upright stand next to it.

Abigail was already in love with the place, hearing the soft sound of wind chimes just outside made her eyes well.

"Let me show you downstairs," Michael said already heading down.

Abigail followed as if in a trance, her trembling hand caressing the cool mahogany handrail that rested upon black wrought iron. Each step was carpeted in off white and cushioned her steps. The scent of apples and cinnamon followed them downstairs.

More gleaming hardwood flooring and the sight of an entire back wall made of glass doors with a view of the marina and its docks greeted her. There was another fireplace in the L-shaped space with a large furry rug thrown in front of it toward the back and a wet bar complete with a mirrored wall. Before the wide expanse of glass windows was a green felted pool table. Just outside the glass doors, was a fire pit with lounge chairs around it. A pretty boat was tied to the outside pier, bobbing and swaying with the current.

Michael was opening a dark wood door to the left, leading her into a big bedroom. The floors were the same hardwood flooring as the rest of the house, walls white just as the rest had been. The king-sized bed rested on a woven rug in the center of the room. It had no headboard but the sumptuous off white bedding included a ridiculous amount of pillows that invited one to just dive in and take a heavenly nap. Behind the bed hung an enormous clay sun, the eyes closed and lips smiling gently as the moon seemed to curve around half of it, lips touching lips in a sweet kiss.

Abigail loved the antique looking wooden chest at the foot of the bed, the dark wood night tables with lovely round porcelain lamps to either side. Gauzy curtains hung to either side of the floor to ceiling glass doors. There was also an antique looking desk in the shape of a half moon with its chair in the corner. The mirrored closet doors reflected the glass doors and the marina beyond. Next to the long closet, a short corridor lead to a white tiled bathroom complete with a claw-footed tub and walk in shower cabin that featured multiple jets for its water spray.

"This place is...it's amazing," Abigail gushed.

Michael grinned and held the keys out to her.

Abigail stared at him wide-eyed. "Oh, I couldn't possibly."

He frowned. "Why not? I've gotta clean this place and frankly I'm getting tired of it. I've got my own house to clean and tend to as well as compose music and keep the band going. You'd actually be doing me a favor."

Abigail looked around, eyes wide. "But what about the owner?"

"The owner trusts me to make the right choice in picking someone to look after this place."

It all seemed so strange to Abigail. "Who is he...or she?"

Michael shook his head. "He prefers to keep his identity a secret. No one knows he lives here. No one knows I live next door either. We like keeping a low profile."

Abigail just stared at him wondering who the owner could be.

"What if he needs to come back here?"

"He hasn't been here in months. Don't worry about it. Gabe or I will let you know if he decides to return. This would be your room."

"And where is his room?"

"Upstairs. But that's locked and off limits." Michael's stern look brooked no arguments.

Abigail dug the tip of her espadrille against the shiny floor, locking her hands at the small of her back. "So I'm supposed to just live here and keep things tidy?"

Michael nodded.

"But wouldn't his room get all dusty?"

The big guitarist grinned. "There's a lovely woman named Sharmane that comes over every once in a blue to tend to his room. There's another entrance on the outside to up there. She just lets herself in, cleans his room and leaves.

Abigail frowned, "But if he already has someone to clean his house, why would he want someone else?"

"Sharmane only comes around once a month. He would rather have someone here full time to keep an eye on things. Sharmane is already working at another household. She only comes over sometimes to do him the favor when he's out of town."

"And just his room?"

Michael shrugged. "Like I said, she just does it as a favor when he's gone. I think he's only slept about five times here since he bought this place, and that was months ago."

Again, Abigail looked around, coming out to look at the fire pit and lounge area. "What a shame. It's so soothing and beautiful here."

"Yeah, well, he wanted it to be his sanctuary, but someone he loves very much got sick and now he chooses to stay with her."

Abigail turned to regard him wide-eyed. "Oh, how sad. Does he love her?"

Michael's smile faded as he nodded. "She means the world to him."

"Well I'm glad he decided to go back to her. Maybe one day he might bring her here."

Michael's grin grew sad. "Maybe. So what say you? Shall I go with you to the mansion to get your stuff?"

She nibbled her lower lip again. "Gabriel said there was payment for keeping the place clean. How much are we talking about?"

She imagined it might not be much since she would be here rent free possibly. She had so many questions.




Diavolo Ch. 05



Michael was busy tapping something into his phone.

She frowned at him. "And what about paying the utilities? Will I be responsible for that as well and how do I pay if I am?"

"One sec," Michael said tapping more onto the phones screen. He stuck the tip of his tongue out as if in deep concentration, before scowling at the phone as it blipped. He nodded and looked back at Abigail. "How much do you want?"

She blinked up at him in surprise. "How much? W-well I don't know. Shouldn't there be a contract or something?"

Michael shrugged. "That can be arranged, but he still needs to know how much you want and then, I guess, some sort of bank account number where he can deposit the funds."

"Oh," Abigail said, still feeling bewildered. "Um...I'm not sure how much would be appropriate to ask. I'm not sure what the entirety of my responsibilities would entail—"

She trailed off when Michael began to rub his temples as if getting a headache.

"Listen," he began, "let's just ask him for five grand a week to start."

Abigail gasped, "What? Oh, but that sounds like too much."

Michael was already tapping the message in and sending it.

"Wait," she pleaded.

The phone dinged right away.

Abigail held her breath as Michael grinned.

"Okay. So that's all set. If you want a contract you'll have to wait for one to be drawn up. In the meanwhile..." He dangled the keys before her again, one hand on his hip, waiting.

It was too good to be true, but there were the keys, inches from her face. Abigail grinned, looking around again. She'd loved the kitchen, and the fireplaces were just breathtaking. The sound of the ocean and gulls outside was mesmerizing. It wouldn't be her home, but it felt so peaceful. It might be a good way to start. Maybe she could find something similar later on. The piano upstairs called to her and that cello. She didn't know how to play the cello but the sound of one always provoked tears. Yes. She was a sentiment idiot, and this house was beyond anything she ever imagined having all to herself, even if it did belong to someone else—and she'd get paid a ridiculous amount of money to keep it clean and organized.

Clasping her hands together, she grinned at Michael. "Yes. I accept."

Michael's grin spread ear to ear as she finally extended her hand for him to drop the keys into. "Great. Now let's go tell Erica the good news. I'm sure she'll be happy having you next door."

******* 

There was no one home to see her off. Her mother had gone with Aunt Paulina to some weekend spa in Arizona, Mikayla was probably out shopping, and Daniel most likely was at his offices in Irvine.

She repacked her suitcase with her few belongings and hit the road. Almost at her destination, her phone rang. Frowning, she wondered who would call her when no one knew her number yet. Up ahead was an Albertson's supermarket. Already having planned on purchasing a few food items to stock the kitchen for herself, she pulled into the parking lot after making a u-turn since the place was in a shopping plaza to her left.

Pulling into a spot near the entrance, she frowned at her phone when it began to chime again. Retrieving it from her purse, she answered tentatively, "hello?"

"What were you doing?" Gabriel's voice purred over the line.

Abigail almost dropped the small phone in her surprise.

"G-Gabriel?"

"Yes, Gabriel. Where you expecting someone else?"

Abigail frowned, her ire awakening once again. "How did you get my number?"

There was silence for a moment. "Does it bother you that I call you?" he asked in a quiet voice. "I'm all alone here."

She smirked when she heard Angelo protest nearby as Gabriel shushed him.

"You didn't answer my question."

Michael called my phone with yours, so I just saved the number. Baby, are you coming back? I'm lonely."

Her heart clenched at his sad tone. Oh-lord, how could he affect her this way?

"I need to get some groceries," she replied. "I'll just be a while." Already calculating how long it would take her to get a few things and head to the house on Bayside, she knew she'd have to forgo cooking anything. A sandwich would have to do, and a quick shower and change, then head up to the hospital. "Maybe an hour and a half?"

"Did you like the house?"

Abigail paused at the hopeful sound in his tone.

"Yes. It's absolutely beautiful. Michael wouldn't say who the owner is. That's kind of scary. You guys aren't setting me up in some gangster's hideaway, are you?"

His rich throaty laughter gave her the good kind of chills. She gripped her phone and closed her eyes, just letting that deep masculine laughter seep into her very marrow.

"No, he's not a gangster, just a bit of a recluse who likes his privacy."

"I totally get that," she replied wistfully.

"You sound tired."

"Only a little."

Again, he was quiet. "Baby, you don't have to come over tonight if you're tired."

Her heart plummeted. "I don't mind," she blurted before she could stop herself.

He chuckled again, making goose bumps pimple her entire body and her heart trip along the bones of her ribcage. "Fine. Can't wait to see you, Abby." She was panting now at the seductive tone of his deep gravely voice. "Can't wait to kiss you."

All she could manage was a whimper. It didn't matter because he cut off the communication.

Behind her, a car tooted their horn, making Abigail jump. She exited her car with an apologetic grin and told the elderly lady she wasn't vacating the parking spot. Poor woman must've thought she was leaving on the account she hadn't switched off her car and kept her foot on the brake.

The old woman gave her the finger, to Abigail's shock and drove away screeching her tires.

Abigail pouted. How rude!

******* 

Gabriel was anxious to leave the hospital now. Abigail was staying at his house on Bayside Drive. He'd bought it on a whim just before they'd started their tour, but never went back after his grandmother's heart attack earlier that year. Gram's had been doing great so far and now that he had Abby home, he needed to get back on his feet fast.

Abigail was special. Unlike most girls he met, he was sure she was the one for him, but he needed to proceed with utmost care so as not to frighten her away. His career might put her off, but he'd work at making it all up to her by trying to provide as normal a home life as possible.

Gabriel blinked in surprise at the direction of his thoughts. Was he actually thinking of taking the big step with Abigail?

A real relationship...marriage?

Nervous sweat broke out on his forehead.

He needed to get to know her first. He didn't want to make the same mistake Michael had.

Erica seemed sweet if a little quirky on the outside, but the guys from the band knew the truth about Erica.

She suffered from a bipolar disorder and put poor Michael through hell constantly. She hated when the toured or played anywhere, and her jealousy knew no bounds. Her constant use of drugs to keep her balanced more often than not kept her strung out and useless, and her irresponsibility at keeping up with her birth control had caused her more than once to disappear on Mike to take care of the occasional problems that arose from their sporadic intimacy. Most days Mike took care of his own needs or succumbed to the wiles of a groupie to later drown his guilt in booze at Gabriel's house. Gabe was sick of it, but Michael refused to part with the girl, saying she needed him and he couldn't abandon her.

So, no one said anything anymore to either of them, as long as Mike and Erica's problems didn't affect anything to do with the band.

Most times it didn't.

Gabriel doubted Abigail would be the same way.

There was still the problem that someone had definitely tried to kill him. He barely remembered what happened that night. The memory of the dinner and the argument later in Paulina's home office were hazy at best. He'd finally remembered kissing Abigail before riding off and then...nothing. He couldn't remember a fucking thing. The cops had interviewed him about the accident, and even Diamond had drilled him incessantly about it, but he didn't remember.

The doctor had told him that he eventually might remember, but that it would not be unusual for that memory to never resurface.

He didn't want to put Abigail in danger if some crazed fan was after him. Of course, it could very well have been anyone in the Montenegro household. Paulina certainly had the money to put out a contract on him. Mikayla was pissed off enough to have tried to run him off the road. The hateful looks she'd given him earlier attested to that. Maybe it had been Abigail's own mother. The woman gave him venomous looks all night during the dinner at the house.

As for his brother? Daniel's acceptance of him felt strange somehow. He treated Gabriel like some poor cast off mongrel that needed rescuing. The man had talked incessantly about how wonderful signing a contract with North Star would be.

Michael and Gabriel had already decided to stay with Universal Records. Why change a good thing when you had it?

Abigail strolling in had him snapping to attention, worrying thoughts shoved to the back of his mind.

She wore a dark blue maxi dress with a little white crocheted vest over it. Her feet peeped out from beneath the long hem of the dress in little silver strappy sandals.

He smiled when he saw the familiar knot at the back of her neck, thinking how much fun it was going to be to unravel her gorgeous hair out of its tight restrictive bun by the end of the night.

"Baby," he growled, "come here."

Abigail walked up to the side of the bed, her big blue eyes blinking rapidly, something she did when she was nervous.

Gabriel grinned, liking that he affected her enough to put her on edge. He sat upright in his bed and leaned over as his hand cupped the back of her skull, drawing her forward.

Her eyes widened and he heard her sharp intake of breath. The pulse of her throat fluttered wildly and a beautiful rose flush bled up from her breasts to her hairline.

Gabriel angled his mouth over hers. Sweeping his lips over the dulcet softness of Abigail's plump lips.

Her lashes fluttered closed and she sighed, mouth opening slightly in invitation. He closed his eyes too, and nipped at her lower lips. Blood flooded his groin when he felt her tongue touch his top lip shyly. He sucked in her upper lip and bit it gently before sweeping his tongue into her mouth to stroke her palate and tongue lazily.

After kissing her senseless for a little more than a full minute, he released her.

Her cheeks were reddened from his beard and lips swollen from his kiss. A more beautiful sight he'd never seen.

Her bun was halfway undone. This time she'd stuck too many pins in it.

No matter. He pulled her back in to taste the alluring expanse of her throat.

She tasted divine. He ran his tongue after nipping her shoulder up the side of her graceful neck to bite her earlobe.

She shivered against him, her hands braced against his chest.

When he felt her wince and try to break free, he released her reluctantly.

She was panting, her pupils wide, eyelids at half mast. He'd be willing to bet she was wet as fuck between her creamy thighs.

His cock jerked, tenting the sheet. She noticed and gasped with a squeak.

He shrugged and gave her an apologetic pout. "Haven't had sex in a long while, baby. Can't control that reaction, but you know it's not like I can actually perform right now." He gestured to his leg and then grinned at her, "unless, of course, if you mount me."

Abigail scowled at him and he chuckled.

"Don't get mad, baby. I'm sorry I'm being such sleaze bag, but I'm going a little stir crazy locked up in here, bored out of my mind."

"Well I don't enjoy being your entertainment, Mr. Raven."

He caressed her cheek, smile fading. "Baby, you're so much more than entertainment, I swear." He patted the bed. "Come here. Sit here. Let's talk."

She looked unsure, but he tugged gently on her hand until she complied.

"When you were still seeing Daniel, what plans did you have for yourself? Were you just going to marry him and be a stay at home wife, have kids, or did you ever want a career?"

She blinked at him, clearly surprised with his question, but licked her lips and answered him. "I always wanted to work with children. At the convent we would visit orphanages. The nuns would make clothes and bring them books and toys. I loved that so much.

Gabriel felt awed. He smiled at her. "Mike and I sometimes visit this youth center not far from here. We give a few music workshops for the kids there. Last year we donated a bunch of instruments for them. You can't believe how fast that gets them off the streets when they have something they get passionate about."

Abigail's mouth was ajar, eyes wide.

"Oh, Gabriel, that is such a wonderful thing you're doing."

He felt his face get hot and shrugged. "It's just that I never had a male figure around when I was growing up and since I'm not the jock type, I wanted to give other kids like I was something they could get into besides sports."

"Music is so important for children. It actually stimulates the mind in a way that improves all other subjects of learning."

Gabriel grinned. "So it makes a person smarter?"

"I've heard it said, yes."

Gabriel chuckled. "Well, I don't think it worked very well for Ang. He's about as smart as a brick."

Abigail shook her head, but laughed too.

"And he's so damn conceited too."

Well, he is very handsome."

Gabriel frowned. "Do you like Ang?"

Her laughing stopped abruptly as her eyes grew owlish. He had to bite the insides of his cheeks to keep from cracking up at her dismayed look.

"Oh, Gabe. I didn't mean—"

"Easy, babe. I'm just teasing you." He cleared his throat. "But I guess you can say I'm a bit on the jealous side." He gripped her hand and stared deep into her eye. "What's mine is mine. I don't share, and I can be a bit of a cave man about it too." He shrugged. "Guess it's my Spanish heritage."

"Oh," Abigail gulped.

"Would you be willing to have a caveman for a boyfriend?"

Her brows shot up, her mouth doing that sweet fish out of water gaping. God he just wanted to drag her beneath him and brand her completely, inside and out.

"I'd never hurt you, Abby. I swear. I don't believe in raising a hand to a woman. A man that does that should be strung up and whipped into oblivion. I do tend to be a bit overbearing and bossy, but, baby, I know you can handle all of me and more. Come on, Abby. Tell me you want to be mine."

He kissed her fingers, knuckles and back of her hand, holding her gaze with his.

She was trembling, breath coming in rapid little pants from her sweet mouth.

"Gabriel—"

"Yes, baby."

Her lashes batted quickly. Her tongue swiped across her upper lip. Gabriel licked the pad of her thumb before nipping it. She actually moaned, soft and shy.

"It's just that...the people, and...the whole being in the spotlight constantly..."

"I told you, it's not always like that. Unless they can get dirt on us, they leave us alone. I'm not the wild type and neither are you. We'll be a boring normal couple to them. They follow people like Angelo, Rafe, and sometimes Mike. Ariel and me aren't interesting enough."

She looked surprised. "Really?"

"Yeah."

"Huh."

Gabriel resumed licking her cute fingers. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Her blush intensified. "I've never really had a real boyfriend, just Daniel..."

Ice ran through his veins at the mention of his half brother.

"We never even kissed, Gabriel."

That had him grinning with immense pleasure. He was also aware of what she trying to tell him.

"Abigail, I'm not going to pressure you into having sex with me. When it happens it'll be because we both want it."

Abigail shook her head. "I'm sorry, but my beliefs are that sex is for marriage only."

Gabriel's heart stuttered in his chest. "Okay. We'll just take this one step at a time." He wasn't giving up.

She nodded, eyes wide as she regarded him.

Would she hate him if he seduced her into it? If things worked out, he would marry her without hesitation, but he didn't want the frustration of wanting to bed her to boggle his mind into marrying her prematurely.

"Exactly how far will you let me go without actual penetration?"

Her face went red now and her lips hardened into a firm line. She didn't like talking about sex.

"Look, Sweetheart, we're two adults here. If we're going to be a couple we need to be open and honest with each other. I have to admit I'm not a virgin. Haven't been one since I was fifteen—"

She gasped, "so young? But you were just barely a boy."

Gabriel grinned at her scandalized expression. "I was corrupted by an older woman."

She surprised him by cupping his cheeks and kissing his forehead. "That's absolutely horrible, Gabriel. How could such a thing be amusing for you? Who was it? Maybe it's not too late to report her."

Gabriel gripped her wrists and shook his head. "Whoa, slow down. There will be no reports, okay? I was just as responsible for what happened way back then. We're getting off topic here, Abs. What I was trying to tell you is that we need to communicate openly as a couple. I don't want any barriers between us."

She tried to look away, but he gripped her chin with his fingers tips.

"Don't be shy with me, Abby. I want to gain your trust, but can't do it if you block me out."

She shivered and her eyes welled.

Alarm shot through him. "Has anyone ever hurt you, baby?" The thought of some scumbag having forced her, taken her against her will sent him into a killing rage.

"I'm just scared, is all," she whispered.

The fire raging through his blood cooled somewhat. "Are you scared of me?"

She bit her lower lip. "Maybe just a little. I don't want to get hurt if all this blows over for you—"

"Abigail, I swear, I'm in this one hundred percent. I'm not out to just mess around with you and then drop you when I've had my fill. I really want us to get to know each other and see where it goes."

"But you want sex without commitment," her eyes were accusing.

"Abigail, like I said, I'm not a virgin. I've had a few women in the past fifteen years, but I can wait for you...when you're ready. I just need to know how far you'll let me go and how far I can push those boundaries."

Her eyes widened. "Push boundaries?"

Gabriel smiled at her. "Baby, right now, I'm going to tell you I'm no saint. I won't ever force you into anything, but I won't say I won't try to shmooze you into it. I'm being honest here, Abby. Please don't hate me for it. I want to be honest."

She nodded. "O-okay. I'm going to be honest too. I'm only human also, but I'd feel terribly guilty if I committed carnal sin with you. So think about that."

Ouch.

"To me carnal sin would be in indulging in the pleasures of the flesh without any real sentiments behind them."

Abigail nodded warily.

"So since We already have some feelings for each other—"

"We don't know each other well enough for it to be anything more than lust," she blurted, her face flaming.

He looked into her eyes. "Abby, there's more than lust in what I feel for you. Intense like is more like it."

Her cheeks grew redder and her free hand went up to cup it as she swallowed. "I need for more than intense like to let you..."

Fuck. She couldn't get that word out through her sweet lips, or anything remotely similar. It was going to be fun teaching her to say fuck. Under the sheet, his cock throbbed.

"Let's see where this takes us, Abs. We'll take it slow. No pressure."

"A tube top and shorts."

Gabriel frowned. "What?"

"A tube top and shorts. Whatever a tube top and shorts covers should be off limits to your hands," she blurted.




Diavolo Ch. 06



Moving forward-finally. Writing this book is fun in the sense that I actually check the weather in the Laguna, Irvine and Bayside area of California. Trying to keep it as accurate as possible, I also use actual addresses. Can anyone find the houses I've mentioned? or the roads, or even where our Gabe had his accident? I also have a playlist I use to get me in the right mind frame for each chapter. A song I used a lot (not allot-lol) during this chapter was Van Halen's Pound Cake. Because I feel that it's how Gabe is feeling toward Abby right now. A real honest to goodness, down-home, simple girl he finds sexy as hell and is falling deeper and deeper in love with every second he breathes. Of course, Gaby has his faults. I hate writing perfect heroes. Where's the fun in that? Our Gaby has a bit of a temper on him as well as being a tad possessive. He's about as subtle as a bat to the back of the head, but that just makes him more lovable, especially when Abby knocks him down a notch or two with her sweetness that just kills him every time. Yeah, she's got our rock star twisted around her little finger. We get to see more of Abigail's slow transformation. That's what love does to a person, and she's definitely head over heels for Gabe. Who wouldn't be? seriously?

Anyhoo, hope you're all enjoying this as much as I am. I literally have butterflies in my stomach when I write these two now, knowing everything that's going to be happening soon and anxious to unload it all from my mind onto the screen to share with everyone. Thank you all so much for the comments and emails. I makes me feel good to know you're all enjoying Diavolo so much. And now i leave you with chapter six:

************

Halfway through the night her phone dinged. Abigail grunted and shuffled her legs, getting more comfortable beneath the downy white comforter. With a soft sigh, she settled back into slumber. Outside the crickets chirped merrily and the sound of the ocean lapping beneath the boardwalks and docks lulled her again. Peace, quiet, tranquility. Abigail smiled and snuggled deeper into the goose down pillow.

Another ding had her opening one bleary eye to frown at the glowing phone on the nightstand by the bed.

Her sleepy mind wondered who would be sending her a message. What time was it anyway?

She picked up the phone and gaped. It was two in the morning!

Clicking on the little envelope image, she screwed up her face at the glare of white light and squinted at the screen.

Two messages from Gabriel.

Alarm shooting through her, she tapped on the first message, hoping nothing was wrong.

Gabe:

R u sleeping?

Gabe:

:(

Abigail frowned and debated as to whether or not she should answer him.

Huffing out a sigh, she tapped into the tiny keyboard:

Me:

I was.

Gabe:

:) I'm bored, among other unmentionable things 8D ♥

Me:

You should be asleep.

Gabe:

Keep thinking about u.

Another message popped up. She almost dropped the phone at an image of the sheet tented over his lap.

Me:

I am going to sleep now, Mr. Raven.

It took less than a minute for the phone to begin ringing softly. Michael had graciously linked the picture of Gabriel licking up her face as Rafael leaned in to poke his own tongue in Gabe's ear as Gabriel's caller ID.

"Gabriel, it's more than two in the morning," she replied with a frown.

"I missed you."

Clearly, she was unprepared for the masculine purr of his million-dollar voice streaming directly into her left ear; a hot shiver racing over every inch of her body, making her clench her thighs. Oh, the ache whenever he spoke, or sang, would she ever get used to it? Such wicked reactions on her part which she unfortunately had no control over. How was she ever going to cleanse her traitorous body of its carnal longing for him?

"Still there?" he asked.

She had to swallow before she spoke. "Yes." She cringed at the breathy sound of her voice.

He growled, "You sound so damn sexy right now, baby. Were you dreaming of me?"

"Gabriel, please."

"Nothing would make me happier than to please you, Abigail." He'd pitched his voice low, adding that slight grittiness that earned Diavolo millions "I'd wear myself out pleasing you, baby."

Gah! She needed to diffuse this sexually charged conversation.

She sat up and he began to chuckle. Frowning, she asked, "Gabriel, what is so funny?"

******* 

His chuckling turned into a choked groan when she stood. He knew he shouldn't be using the link to his security cameras to spy on her, but he'd just wanted to make sure she was okay. She'd seemed so fucking sweet curled up on her side in the guest bedroom of his beach house. She kept moving her legs around, wiggling her cute ass beneath the comforter. He couldn't help sending her a message, and then calling.

He almost swallowed his tongue when she slid out from beneath the covers and saw that her bright green Big Bird T-shirt didn't quite cover her ass. Her panties were white with tiny little things printed on them. He couldn't decide if it was little hearts or flowers.

"Gabriel," she said impatiently.

"God, baby," he croaked needing to grip his erection before he blew his load at the sight of her nipples poking against the thin jersey of her nightshirt. Her hair was finally loose and fell around her in glorious ribbons of gold right to her waist.

"Are you in pain? Oh, Gabriel." He felt guilty at her panicked look.

"I'm fine," he interrupted her plea that he notify the nurses. "I'm hurting for you, baby. I just want to crawl into bed with you."

She covered her face with her palm and he didn't miss the way she shivered.

And then she did something that had his blood going molten in his veins. Her small hand slipped between her thighs to cup her sex and squeeze.

"Gabriel, I told you..."

He heard her breath rush from her, and saw how her hand pressed harder between her legs. She sat back down on the bed and pulled her hand back out to run trembling fingers through her hair.

He did his best to roll his tongue back into his mouth. He switched the phone to his right hand in the sling. "Lay back," he whispered, left hand sliding beneath the sheet to wrap around his throbbing cock.

Her eyes went wide before looking around suspiciously. "How do you know I'm up?"

Panic had his escalating arousal cooling a bit. "I heard the bedding rustle. I figured you'd gotten up," he blurted thinking fast. If she knew he was watching her over his security system, she'd be pissed, call him a perverted sleaze bag. He knew he shouldn't be watching her like that, but he was so hot for her. It would just be this time only.

Slowly, she laid back, and, just like that, he was close to losing it when she parted her thighs a bit and slid her hand shyly back between her legs with another shudder.

"God, Abby," he panted.

She stiffened a bit before relaxing and licking her lips. "Gabriel, what are you doing?"

Gabe gulped, "I don't think I should tell you. You might get mad."

He clenched his jaw as his fingers slid up his length before flexing his hips, wincing at the discomfort in his leg and hip, but not enough to keep him from dragging his hand back down with a barely stifled groan.

"Baby, touch yourself."

She shook her head, but her legs spread farther, her fingers pressed harder. "Gabriel, please...don't."

"I bet you're wet, baby. You're wet for me as much as I am for you."

The sheet clung to the tip of his cock, wet with precum. He bent his left leg, holding the phone against his chest with his right hand still strapped inside the sling. It felt strange stroking with his left, but he was about to cum all over himself at the sight of his sweet Abby squeezing her little pussy through her panties.

"You shouldn't be talking to me like this," she panted. "It's so...so wicked."

"Baby, I promised not to pressure you for sex, at least give me this," he practically begged.

His balls were already pulling up tight. He needed to hear her more.

"Baby, I'm so bad. I'm sorry, but I'm jerking off right now. Can't help it. Want you so much."

He saw her shudder again, her back actually arch, her thighs fall completely apart. Good-god, she was going to come.

"Baby, touch yourself. Slide your little fingers under your panties."

She began to pant, her hand slowly dipping beneath the elastic of her panties. They both groaned at the same time.

"God-baby. Are you wet?"

She hesitated.

"Baby, please," he was so close, but he needed to hear her, make her come even if it was with his voice and words.

"Yes," she answered on a tremulous sigh.

What would her pussy look like? Was she clean-shaven, trimmed down, or completely wild. He never did like au natural, but on Abby, he'd take anything only because it was Abigail.

"Abby," he moaned again. "If you'd let me touch you, I'd slide my fingers there, where you have your hand now. I'd feel how slick you'd be for me and hot. Baby, I'd lick my fingers clean and dip down for seconds."

"Gabriel," she moaned, her hips bucking once, twice, thighs trembling.

"I'd rub your sweet clit, baby. That little bump you have inside your sex lips would be hard and erect for me. I'd rub it in tight little circles."

Her body jerked and then she began to rock her hips, blatantly riding her fingers. Gabriel wanted to cry out in frustration, his balls aching, cock throbbing with the need to be imbedded in her.

"Instead of my hand, it would be your hand teasing the fuck out of me. Gripping me tight, stroking me till I'm cross-eyed." He growled, his toes curling, stomach muscles clenching.

She whimpered, head thrown back.

"Baby, I'd crawl down on hands and knees and lick up all that sweet honey from you—"

Her cry of completion stunned him, the sight of the front of her panties becoming drench with her obvious spurt of juice had him erupting with a harsh shout.

Gabriel spilled, hot cum making a mess of his hand, belly, and the sheet draped over him. He closed his eyes and bit his lip to stifle his loud groans of pleasure, seeing the image of her back bowing and her head snapping back as she drenched her little panties emblazoned forever in his mind. The pleasure was short lived though. To his horror, the door squeaked open and the tall, three-hundred-pound nurse named Helga stalked in with a frown, eyeing the mess he'd made of himself.

Gabriel's face flamed about a thousand degrees at her disapproving glare.

Damn.

Panting and shivering uncontrollably, he stared at the screen of his phone. Abigail had hung up on him.

******* 

The next day had been pure humiliation. Bright and early, Anna Maria called Abigail asking her if she could take her to see her grandson.

It wasn't the sweet woman's fault her randy grandson had had phone sex with Abigail in the wee hours of the morning.

Abigail had been so shame-faced afterwards. She heard him shouting out his own orgasm over the line, the sound of his deep voice almost making her explode a second time, but it was the gush of fluid that had wet her fingers that had startled her. Terrified, she tossed the phone away from her. It fell to the hardwood floor in pieces, ending the call abruptly.

Abigail ran into the bathroom and inspected herself, unsure of what she was looking for. Her sex was swollen and deep pink, glistening with the foreign sticky clear fluid that had wet her panties and hand in the most unusual way.

What was it? Why did that happen? Was she still a virgin? She hadn't penetrated herself with her fingers, just rubbed at her clit as Gabriel had instructed her to do. Oh-god, it had felt so good.

But that was bad. She was such a bad girl, letting a sexy rock star talk her into playing with herself for his obvious twisted pleasure.

As punishment, she forced herself to take a cold shower. She hated cold water.

Afterwards, she'd collected the pieces of her phone, realizing that only the battery and its cover had come loose. After putting it back together, the phone worked just fine. Gabriel never called back. She wasn't sure if she was relieved or disappointed by that.

Her first orgasm.

She had so many questions, and though she felt shy broaching the subject, who better than the man who'd elicited such a strong passionate response from her body with only his voice to answer her queries?

Surprisingly, Gabriel's grandmother's house was just a few blocks from where she was. Just like Gabriel had said, the driveway was filled with cars.

Anna Maria had frowned at Abigail's tiny Beetle and insisted they take the Mercedes.

After much debate, Abigail situated herself in Gabriel's silver S Class driver's seat. His scent was everywhere inside the vehicle.

Anna Maria chirped merrily next to her the entire ride, telling her stories about her grandson. Abigail could hear the pride and love in her voice. By the time they stepped into the elevator at the hospital, Abigail felt she'd literally grown up with him. 

Approaching the room, however, her nerves began to get the best of her. Her face flamed as they neared the door.

How could she face him after what they'd done over the phone? Had he heard her cry out? Of course he had to have heard her. She'd screamed shamelessly, wetting her hand and panties in a shameful gush of lust.

Next to her, Anna Maria smiled and pushed open the door to Gabriel's room. 

The bodyguards were no longer there. Abigail felt the urge to turn around and flee before having to look Gabriel in the face, but how would she explain her behavior to Anna Maria.

They approached the bed. She made sure to stay way behind his grandmother.

Anna Maria hugged him and spoke to him affectionately in Spanish.

The sound of his voice had Abigail closing her eyes as another shudder ran rampant through her. To her utter shame, she felt when her panties grew damp again.

Before she could do anything, Anna Maria was pulling her toward Gabriel.

He reached for her, her eyes ensnared in the intense green of his.

Someone had shaved him and his hospital gown was a solid grayish blue. Dark hair brushed back from his face to trail back behind his shoulders, he wrapped his fingers at the nape of her neck and pulled her to his face.

Her heart thundered in her ears when he sealed his mouth over hers, his tongue sliding in to stoke hers slowly, deliciously.

Her eyes were still closed when he finally lifted his lips off hers. Blinking them open a crack, she stared helplessly into his, marveling at the almost bluish hue of his green eyes. Around the pupils were gold flecks and the entire iris was ringed in black making them truly spectacular. He smiled, looking relieved.

"Hey," he whispered, stroking her cheek.

Her trembling hand came up to touch his smooth cheek. God-but he was so handsome.

"You shaved," she managed to say.

He gripped her hand and kissed the tips of her fingers, eyes blazing. "Had to make sure I looked good for my girl. Michael helped me out this morning."

Abigail could have just stayed there, inches from him, staring like a love-struck idiot into his beautiful face, but she remembered Anna Maria's presence and moved away, feeling her face heat up at her amorous display with Gabriel in front of her.

Gabriel was making her lose her mind and propriety.

******* 

In the days that followed, Abigail fell into a routine. She'd get up early, take a jog along the beach, shower, have a quick breakfast, and then head up to the hospital. She'd spend most of the day with Gabriel and then head back home to make dinner or eat at Michael's house with him and Erica. Gabriel would call her and keep her on the phone until she was yawning and insisting she needed her rest.

Had she actually told him she'd be his girlfriend? She really couldn't remember, but he seemed to believe they were a couple, as well as the others, so she just left it at that. Gabriel Brinks, his real last name, lead singer of the popular local rock band called Diavolo was her boyfriend. She repeated it to herself every morning just to make herself believe it, because it seemed like a fairytale.

The only person livid about the situation had been Diamond.

A month and a half later, Gabriel was released from the hospital.

He called her early that morning after the doctor signed his release paperwork.

"The media is swarming outside, baby," he told her over the phone.

She shivered with apprehension. "I really wanted to be there, but..." she trailed off, twirling a lock of her hair around one finger nervously.

Anna Maria had tuned the television to a local news station covering Gabriel's release from the hospital.

"That's okay, baby. After this, all the fuss will die down and things will go back to normal. Believe it or not, I can actually go to Target and not get stopped...Not that I go to Target much."

She could hear the grin in his voice and smiled too, her belly quivering like a silly schoolgirl with a crush.

Ever since that night more than a month ago, she'd anticipated him calling her in the middle of the night again for more phone sex, but he hadn't.

It didn't keep her from exploring herself more fully and finding she could never orgasm as spectacularly as that night when he'd told her to touch herself. Her face flamed at the memory.

"Baby," he purred, making her wet her panties at the sound.

"Y-yes?"

"We can be together now, no interruptions."

She almost stopped breathing. Her mouth worked, but no sound came out.

"Are you making that cute little fish face that makes me want to kiss the fuck out of you?"

Her jaw just dropped. "Gabriel," she admonished breathlessly.

He laughed, setting her body afire. She clenched her thighs and wiped her fingers across her suddenly damp forehead.

Anna Maria appeared before her suddenly, offering a glass of ice-cold lemonade.

"Th-thank you," Abigail stammered, face growing hotter before the sweetly smiling older woman.

Having illicit thoughts with a man in his grandmother's house had to be a sin worth two cold showers at least.

"Are you staying with me on the phone while I get passed the circus of paps outside?"

"If you want me to," she answered taking a sip of her lemonade.

Anna Maria had already sat on the couch and turned up the volume slightly to the television.

Abigail recognized the reporter that had harassed her that first day at the hospital.

"Of course I want you to. I'd rather have you here with me, show the world my beautiful girl, but I respect your wish to stay out of the limelight. At least for now," he said in a less playful tone.

Abigail frowned. "What do you mean?"

The noise level on his side of the phone increased. People were talking to him. Abigail heard Diamond.

Abigail felt the unpleasant ache of jealousy when she heard the woman cooing to him and obviously kissing him. She could almost imagine Diamond's red claws all over her man.

The image just ate away at Abigail's insides, though she tried to remain indifferent. The woman was his manager, after all.

"Baby, you there?"

"Y-yes," she answered, her hand gripping the phone tighter as the reporters stood waiting at the entrance to the hospital. They'd roped off an area, creating a path to Angelo's SUV. There was someone she didn't recognize standing ready at the SUV.

More noise coming from Gabriel's end.

"Baby, I'm almost outside now. They've got me in a wheelchair." She heard the displeasure in his voice.

"All patients are wheeled out in a chair, Gabe. It's just a safety measure."

The doors to the hospital opened and the fans began to shout.

"I love you, Abby," he was saying, making her heart skip a beat.

Her eyes welled and her jaw dropped at what he'd said as he finally appeared on the television screen.

There was no time for a reply to his declaration




Diavolo Ch. 06



The two bodyguards opened the doors and filed out first. A buxom, red-haired nurse wheeled Gabriel out. Abigail had never seen her before, but the girl was beyond beautiful, her scarlet lips glistening with the flash of the cameras. Michael and Angelo flanked either side of the wheelchair with Diamond coming up behind the nurse.

The reporters descended upon him like vultures. Phones were shoved close to his face and questions flew.

He smiled and answered with more patience than Abigail thought she'd have if she'd ever find herself in a similar situation.

"Can you walk, Gabriel?"

"Sure can. Just thought I'd take advantage of the complimentary service," he chuckled, jerking his thumb over his shoulder at the seductively smiling nurse.

Ribald laughter ensued.

"Where is your girlfriend, Gabriel? Are you two still together?"

Abigail froze. Gabriel seemed to do the same.

He looked to the sides and signaled to Michael. "Let's get to the car."

The reporters continued to throw questions at him.

"Abby, we gotta talk when I get home," he said, his voice almost a growl.

Her belly did a nervous flip.

They made it to the SUV. The wheel chair was rolled onto a metal plate she hadn't noticed before. It looked like a low ramp.

The nurse walked around to the front of the wheel chair and leaned down.

Abigail watched in shock as the woman slipped her fingers into Gabriel's dark hair and kissed him. People howled and applauded, whistled and cheered.

Abigail had seen enough. Standing from the armchair by the big fireplace in Anna Maria's living room, she walk calmly to the bathroom by the hall and closed herself inside.

She'd long disconnected the call. She couldn't talk to Gabriel right now. She needed to collect her scattered thoughts. Seeing another woman putting her mouth on his had...shattered her inside.

What did she expect? He was a rock star. She'd been stupid to forget that about him. The last few days had been so idyllic. They'd talked, laughed, he'd flirted incessantly with her, making her feel special. He'd told her he loved her just moments before. Did those words mean anything to him? Maybe all he wanted was sex. Maybe she was the only female to ever hold out on him and she just posed a challenge.

Mikayla was sure he would grow tired of her and move on.

Abigail looked at her reflection in the mirror. She'd left her hair loose because he'd said he loved it that way. She even put on some make up and wore a pair of jeans with a form fitting tank top in pink, dressing in a way she thought might please him. How stupid and naive she'd been.

She was no competition for the type of females Gabriel attracted; tall, slim, silicon breasts and bee-sting lips.

She was too shy to dress racy, didn't know the first thing about applying makeup expertly, and she certainly didn't know how to act seductive.

Abigail looked at herself in the mirror, not surprised to find her mascara starting to run from the stupid tears leaking out the sides of her eyes. Removing her glasses, she dabbed at the corners with a tissue.

Her phone ringing startled her. Looking at the screen, she saw it was Gabriel.

Ignoring the softly chiming phone, she continued to dab at the stupid tears that insisted on running down her cheeks. Her nose was turning red and her eyes looked bright. The damage was done. There was no way anyone wouldn't guess she was trying not to bawl her eyes out and doing a poor job of it.

Again, the phone rang and dinged, signaling a text had been left.

It rang and dinged three more times before it finally fell silent.

With trembling hands she picked up the phone and opened the messages.

Gabe:

Baby pick up. That shit was staged. I had no idea.

Gabe:

Baby please pick up the phone.

Gabe:

NOW!!

Gabe:

Don't u dare leave the house Abigail! We are going to talk!!

Abigail scoffed at the last message. Who did he think he was?

A soft knock at the door made her jump.

"Mijita, are you alright?" Anna Maria called through the door.

Abigail felt guilty at leaving the poor old woman alone.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and smiled.

"I'm fine," she managed to say without breaking down.

Anna Maria frowned and shook her head. "These women. They throw themselves at my grandson, mijita. He has eyes only for you, believe me. I can see it."

Abigail nodded. "It's okay, Anna Maria."

The woman frowned. "No. I see you are upset. You are a good girl, and Gabriel adores you. Do not doubt him."

Abigail bit her lip. She couldn't very well tell Gabe's grandmother that she suspected Gabe just wanted to bed her.

"We're just so different," Abigail sighed.

"Nonsense," the older woman tutted. "Gabriel is a good man and you're a good girl. You're perfect for each other."

If only it were that simple.

Her phone rang again and Anna Maria looked at her expectantly.

Abigail gulped and answered it.

It wasn't Gabriel.

Mikayla's voice cackled with delight in her ear. "What did I tell you, stupid? There you go. Congratulations. You're yesterday's news. Did you finally give him some tail or did he just get tired of trying for it?"

Abigail smiled at Anna Maria and told her, "it's my sister."

The woman nodded and turned to go into the kitchen.

"Where are you?" Mikayla asked impatiently. "I haven't seen your mug in over a month."

"How'd you get my number?" Abigail asked closing her eyes.

"It's on mom's phone," her sister answered laughing. "Don't tell me you've been staying at the hospital all this time? Really, Abby. That's beyond desperate."

"I have my own place," Abigail answered.

"What? Liar. Where'd you get the money? If you asked my boyfriend—"

"I have my own money, thank you," Abigail spat.

Mikayla snickered. "Whatever. So where is this little place of yours?"

Abigail swallowed, reluctant to reveal her whereabouts. "Bayside."

Mikayla snorted. "What? You get a job as a live-in maid?"

Abigail felt her face grow hot. "The owner is always away and needs someone to look after the place."

She cringed when Mikayla burst out laughing. "You have got to be fucking kidding me. Are you serious? I-mean, I only said that to bust your chops, but Jesus! A maid?" More loud laughter.

Abigail felt her temper flare. "It's a decent enough job. At least I'm not a stripper!"

Mikayla sputtered. "Fuck you. I'll have you know it was one time in Vegas and it was for Gabriel. That's right. Gabe shoved a hundred dollar bill down my panties and I gave him the lap-dance of his life. You got my leftovers, Abs. And he dumped your ass from what I can see. That chick that wheeled him out of the hospital practically had her tongue down his throat."

"He said it was staged," Abigail defended.

More laughing, contemptuous this time. "You gullible idiot, that's what he told me about you at first too." She snorted with disdain. "How far did you let him get, Abby? Did he have you suck his cock too, or maybe do a little phone sex with him?"

Abigail hung up, horrified. Oh-god, had Gabriel let Mikayla...? Did they have sex? The thought disgusted Abigail. The thought she'd been touching herself thinking of the man disgusted her more, especially knowing her sister had had her mouth and who knew what else all over him. It made her want to gag. The images of the red-head locking lips with him just made her queasier. He'd probably come to her expecting to kiss her with that same mouth full of someone else's germs.

Abigail sat numbly on the armchair she'd vacated. The television was still showing images of Diavolo onstage. Laser lights lit up a stage, people screamed and pumped the air with their fists. Angelo pounded the drum set, his blond hair flying all over his face, Rafael and Ariel played close together, their hair obstructing their faces, and Gabriel ran up and down the edge of the stage, his bared upper body gleaming with sweat. Michael joined him as Gabriel reached to catch something a fan threw at him.

Abigail's eyes widened when she realized it was a pair of red panties. He held it high like a trophy, back bowing back as he sang his heart out.

When they began flashing pictures of Gabriel with different glamorous women, ending with the grainy ones of her with Gabriel, she elected to turn the flat screen off, sick to her stomach. She'd become one of Gabriel's many women. At least she could hold her head up, knowing she'd never allowed him to bed her.

Anna Maria brought out more refreshments. The sound of the door opening had Abigail stiffening.

"That would be my housekeeper," Anna Maria grinned.

In walked an elderly black woman dressed in dark purple leggings and a big grey t-shirt with a picture of the cat Tartar Sauce on it.

"Come meet Gabriel's girlfriend," Anna Maria was saying all smiles.

The other woman's eyes widened and a smile spread over her face. "Oh-my-lord, let me see," she said coming closer after leaving her purse and two shopping bags on the table by the entry.

Abigail lifted her hand and shook the woman's hand. "Hello. I'm Abigail," she said.

"Ooh, nice to meet you. Oh-my-goodness, but you're so beautiful. My name is Sharmane."

Abigail's smile froze for a moment. Was this the same Sharmane that cleaned the bedroom of the mysterious owner of the beach house she resided in now? It was possible. After all, Gabriel said he knew the owner. Perhaps he'd recommended Sharmane to him.

Satisfied with that, she allowed Sharmane to embrace her, obviously not satisfied with shaking her hand.

"Oh, Gabriel better be good to you otherwise I'll take him across my knee," the housekeeper was saying, surprising Abigail at her forwardness. Sharmane shook her head and rolled her eyes. "I've been taking care of him along with Anna Maria since he was seven years old."

Abigail grinned. "Oh my."

"Did you bring the ham?" Anna Maria was saying.

Sharmane hustled toward the kitchen. "Got a beauty. I'm going to start prepping it for tonight. Did you take the chicken out of the oven?"

"I've got it all on the platters. They should be here any moment. I do hope Angelo drives carefully. I want Gabriel home safe."

Sharmane poked her head over the counter that divided the dining room from the kitchen. "Will he still be staying here or in the other house?"

Anna Maria's gaze flicked to Abigail's before she answered, "I'm not really sure."

On cue, the front door opened and Angelo rushed in to give Anna Maria a bear hug.

Outside, Abigail heard many voices, Diamond, Michael, Erica, and Rafe's. It seemed everyone had come with Gabriel.

His shoulder had healed and he used crutches. Still, she saw the tightness around his lips and knew he was in a bit of pain. Her heart skipped a bit.

He was dressed in a tight black t-shirt and loose jeans. A pair of Nikes were on his feet as he made his way slowly to the door, Michael and Ariel flanking him. The guys were watching his every step, making sure he didn't fall.

He looked up, the breeze blowing swath of dark hair across his cheek and lips.

Almost expecting to see his mouth smeared in red, his lips were slightly parted to show a hint of straight white teeth.

Her belly clenched and her heart sped up at the sight of him.

She kept still though, her face serene, not wanting to let on how hurt she felt.

Anna Maria kept a tight arm around her waist, as if expecting her to bolt.

Gabriel's eyes blazed as he got closer. His face was unsmiling, determined.

Diamond strolled over to Anna Maria to greet her with an enthusiastic hug and kiss. She then turned to Abigail, eyes wide and smile even wider. "Abigail, right? Nice to see you again, hon."

Abigail tried not to cringe when the woman gave her a hug and kissed the air near her cheek. When Diamond looked back at her face, her serpent green eyes were glacial, her smile cruel.

Gabriel finally reached Abigail. Michael hugged and kissed her first and then stood by Gabriel as he reached for her with one arm.

"Easy," Michael warned when Gabriel's balance wobbled. Even Abigail's arms jumped to reach for him, thinking for a moment he was about to fall.

Rafe and Michael grabbed him as well as Abigail when he continued to tip forward. He didn't stop until he had himself against Abigail, his mouth seeking hers.

Abigail turned her face, giving him her cheek.

"Abby, god-damn-it, look at me," he snarled.

Abigail felt herself blush and blinked up at him from beneath her lashes.

"It was staged," he said, and then almost left her deaf when he shouted for Diamond to come over to them.

"Sweetie, what is it? You shouldn't be riling yourself like this," Diamond cooed.

"Tell her," Gabriel snapped. "Tell her what you did."

Diamond frowned making a disgruntled sound in her throat. With a roll of her eyes, she sighed in exasperation. "My friend wanted to meet you. She's had a lady boner for you for ages, plus she's a professional model. It made good PR to have her wheel you out and bid you farewell from the hospital. The fans and the media loved it."

Gabriel's gaze snapped back to Abigail. "See?"

She gulped and averted her gaze. It still hurt. She knew it wasn't his fault, but seeing that woman kiss him had cut her deeply. How was she going to feel when he finally walked away?

"Abby, please. Say something," he said softly.

She took a deep breath and looked up. Everyone was staring at her, making her blush harder.

"Baby," he crooned, sliding his fingers over her cheek, his eyes pleading.

"I-I'm okay, really. It's just...well I just need to get used to all this."

He swooped in and kissed her then. All thoughts of other women and germs soon forgotten as his sweet familiar taste and scent made her belly quiver.

They finally went into the house and out the back doors to the terrace. There were two tables outside laden with food. The early morning sun glittered off the pool water as the boys served themselves brunch.

Abigail had long since lost her appetite, but came over to Anna Maria when the woman called her.

Anna Maria was piling food on a plate at a disturbing rate.

Abigail's eyes gaped horrified when she said, "Here," and held the plate out to her. The plate held what Abigail would usually consume in maybe a week. Maybe more. "This is for Gaby. You take to him, yes?"

Abigail let out her breath and nodded.

She approached Gabriel, but slowed down when she realized Diamond had taken her seat.

Gabriel and she were talking and, from the looks of it, were also arguing heatedly.

A big muscular arm went around her shoulders at the same time a ginormous hand took one of the pieces of chicken from her heavily piled plate.

"Looks like you need help with that load," Michael chuckled.

"Diamond, dance with me," Angelo shouted yanking the blond from her seat and twirling her around.

Michael started walking, dragging Abigail with him.

"Hey, Gabe. Look what I found. A woman with a plate of your grandmother and Sharmane's cooking."

"Sight for sore eyes," Gabriel smirked. "And the woman too. Come-ere, Baby."

He yanked the seat closer to the lounge he reclined upon.

"Hey, Gabe, Ariel here says that if we toss you in the pool you'll sink because of the metal girder in your leg, man," Rafe called out.

Gabriel grinned and flipped him the finger. Grabbing one of his crutches, he held it over his shoulder like a bat and dared, "come over and try to toss me."

Ariel laughed, the first time Abigail had ever seen him do so. "Nah, man," he said. "Your girl's here. We wouldn't want to mess your hair." The others snickered along with the bass player.

They continued to horse around, cracking jokes at each other's expense and laughing. Usually more crude, today they seemed to be keeping it PG probably for Anna Maria's sake.

Later on toward late afternoon, Michael brought out acoustic guitars, giving Gabriel one.

Abigail watched him wince when he positioned it on his lap. Leaning back a bit, obviously seeking a more comfortable position, he began to play. Rafe and Michael accompanied him, but after three songs, he gave the guitar to Ariel.

Michael sang a few songs and Gabriel harmonized with him. Abigail was surprised at how well Michael could sing. They talked about when they started and Abigail listened intently, gasping when she learned their first drummer had died in a car crash when he was only seventeen. They'd also had another bass player who went to jail for fraud and petty burglary. The guy had been bad news all around.

"Luckily, we found Eeyore here," Ang said patting Ariel on his back. The bass player nodded, his eyes already slightly glassy from too much beer.

Abigail wondered how he'd gotten the terrible scar that ran from his left eyebrow down to his chin. It made his left eye sag a little, but if you looked at him from the right, he was very handsome...if you could ignore his usual broodiness. He also swayed from side to side, as if listening to his own interior music.

Later that evening, Sharman brought out a glazed ham adorned with pineapples and cherries.

Again, Anna Maria served Gabriel a heaping plate.

He was beginning to look tired. She took away his plate after he'd cleared it completely of the scary amount of food it had contained. When she came back to him, he gripped her wrist and pulled her closer.

"Gabriel, your leg," she gasped when he seemed to be pulling her to sit with him. He lowered his left leg and dragged her between his thighs.

She sat gingerly, acutely aware of his right leg behind her. Also, afraid to lean against him because of his ribs. He cupped her cheek and brought her close, kissing her gently.

"Stay with me tonight," he whispered.

She tried to lean away, but just the pressure of his fingers against her face kept her in place.

"Gabriel, you promised."

"I just want to sleep with you. That's all, Abby. What's sinful about that?"

"It's not right."

"Why not?"

She finally managed to get him to release his hold on her face and looked at him with what she hoped was a stern expression. "It just isn't. It's not proper."

He tipped his head to the side and stared at her, eyes blazing, "That's ridiculous, Abby."

She stood abruptly, but he gripped her wrist. She resisted his tugging.

"Gabriel, I said no."

"Alright, I'm sorry. Sit down." When she remained standing, he said in a softer tone, "please?"

She sat, but with her back ramrod stiff, inwardly chastising herself for letting his pretty face weaken her resolve, darn-it.

His nose traced the curve of her ear, giving her goose bumps. "I just don't want you to go. Would you at least consider staying in the spare bedroom here?"

Abigail felt herself weakening. "I shouldn't. I'm supposed to be caring for that house—"

He scoffed, almost angry now, "come-on, Abigail. Surely the house won't fall apart because you're gone a night or two. The owner doesn't expect you to lock yourself in there and not have a life."

Panic had her heart thudding in her chest. If she succumbed to sleeping with him, eventually she would also give in to having sex with him. She barely restrained herself from touching and stroking him everywhere as it was, may God have mercy on her sinful soul.

His phone began to ring. She took the opportunity to jolt up out of his reach and say she wanted to help Sharmane clear up the food from the tables.

She was dashing away from Gabriel before he could grab her again.

Inside, she headed toward the bathroom where she locked herself in and leaned against the door with a heartfelt sigh.

Oh-lord. How was she supposed to resist the temptation that was Gabriel?

Stepping up to the sink, she splashed some cold water on her face until she remembered her mascara.

Looking up, she stared horrified at the black panda smudges around her eyes now.

With a dejected sigh, she grabbed the soap and began to wash everything off. As she was rinsing her face with warm water, she heard arguing just outside the door.




Diavolo Ch. 06



"Don't start, Erica. What did I do this time?"

Silence.

"Again? Again the silent treatment?" Michael punched the door, making Abigail jump.

"God-damn-it, Erica. What did I do?"

"You know what you did," the girl finally spat. "I saw you looking at that nasty whore that kissed Gabriel. Maybe Abigail doesn't mind that type of behavior, but I'm not going to put up with that shit. Your being a rock star does not impress me, Mike."

There was struggling outside and again the door was banged.

"How 'bout this? Does this impress you?"

"Get the fuck off me, you pig," Erica hissed.

Abigail covered her mouth in shock when she heard the distinct sound of a slap. She cupped her throat, hoping they were not about to start beating each other as the sound of a tussle made it clear through the door.

Unsure as to whether or not she should walk out of the bathroom, she heard Mike's muffled voice exclaim, "Stop-it-stop-it, Erica. Have a little respect for Gabe's grandmother's house."

"I don't give a rat's ass whose house I'm in, you jerk."

"Erica, I was not purposely looking at that chick. She grabbed Gabe and started kissing him. Rafe and I were trying to get her off him, is all," he said in a pleading tone.

Abigail heard Erica's heels stomping off and Michael's hurrying after her.

Poor Michael. She knew he wouldn't ever cheat on Erica. This past month she'd seen how he cared for Erica, making sure she took her medication, and that she ate and rested well.

She thought about what Erica had said to Michael and then thought about Gabriel.

Guilt assailed her at her own reaction to him when he finally came home. Instead of welcoming him with affection, she'd turned her face from his seeking kiss, heart full of doubts. He didn't deserve that, and admitted to herself she'd let Mikayla poison her mind.

Feeling repentant, she walked out of the bathroom and went back outside, mind made up about what she needed to do

Gabriel sat alone, face stony, looking at the glittering pool water as the light reflected from within.

Feeling shy, she walked toward him. The others laughed and talked. There was music from a sound system playing.

Gabriel never looked up when she approached him and sat again.

Now he seemed cold and distant, even though she touched his face.

"I'm sorry I bolted," she began.

He reached to his left and to her shock lifted a bottle of beer with a shrug. "You're entitled to do whatevs."

"Gabriel, you shouldn't be drinking," she exclaimed reaching to take the bottle from him.

He yanked it from her reach, his eyes glaring at her, "God-dam-it, Abs. I'm not a fucking monk. Let me at least get shit-faced, yeah?"

Abigail stared at him, mouth open.

He put the bottle to his mouth and tipped his head back. Before he could take the first swig, Michael appeared and snatched the bottle away. "You're on meds, asshole."

"Fuck," Gabriel hissed, closing his eyes.

Michael patted his head and chugged down the beer for him.

******* 

Gabriel was doing his best not to flip out from rage.

Paulina's words played over inside his head on an endless loop, driving him insane. She'd had the audacity to call him, pretending to be happy he'd recovered. The bitch.

He was almost sure she was the one who'd driven him off the road. He vaguely remembered a black vehicle ramming him from the side.

She'd asked about Abigail. That's where he'd practically lost it.

"I've cut off my financial aid for her. Seems her putting out for you has secured her enough income to not need mine anymore."

"Don't talk about her as if she were some cheap whore."

"Well, that's what you've turned her into, it seems. You're garbage. Anything you touch or fuck turns into garbage as well."

"Funny. I recall you giving me the fuck me eyes at dinner that night before you tried to kill me later, Auntie," he spat with as much hatred as he could draw from the blackest depths of his soul.

"If I'd wanted to kill you, trust me, you'd be as dead as your whore of a mother," she replied smugly.

White-hot fury had seared through him, but the communication had been cut off. Apparently, she'd said all she needed and hung up on him. Second woman that day that had done that. The first one sat between his spread thighs now, looking like a kicked puppy.

Abigail stared intently at the fingers she twisted and pulled on her lap.

Her hair fell in a tumble of gold over the shoulder facing away from him. She'd worn a tight little tank top that accentuated the full swells of her breasts. Short as she was, he could see clearly the mouth-watering cleavage her pink top exposed. Her heart-shaped ass and long legs were encased in faded jeans. He'd already caught the guys ogling her, sending his possessive, dominant male nature skyrocketing. Gabriel just wanted to drag her beneath him and claim her right there in front of everyone, to show them who she belonged to.

But, she'd never let him do that. Christ! The very thing that attracted him to her had him tied in knots. The fact that he'd be her first had him salivating. He sure as hell would be her last because he wasn't giving her up. Ever.

Living together would solve much, but he knew she'd never agree. He almost felt like he was being forced to marry her, but if that's what she wanted, he give her that. Marriage. The old chain and ball.

He took a lock of her hair and fingered its silkiness.

"You got yourself all pretty. For me, I hope," he growled.

Her hands fluttered as she took a deep breath, still not meeting his eyes. "Oh, I-I just threw on any old thing, really."

"So you weren't trying to dress for me?"

The tops of her breasts turned pink, the flush rising to her face. God, how he just wanted to plant his face against those two swells.

She bit her lower lip, her head ducking further as one shoulder lifted in a careless shrug. "I could never compete with the majority of the women that throw themselves at you," she laughed softly, humorlessly, "I mean, just look at me."

He gripped her face with his left hand and turned her to look at him.

"What the hell are you saying? Are you kidding me? You've got me jerking off every night thinking about you like a pathetic idiot and you come out with this lame shit?" She winced at his crude wording, but he was too pissed to care. "You have a lot of things going for you, Abs, but what you don't have is how you see yourself. Your low self esteem annoys the hell out of me."

Her lip trembled and it was a kick to his gut.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, eyes wide and bright.

Christ. Now his shitty mood was going to make her cry.

"No. I'm sorry, baby. I'm not in the best of moods right now. Don't ever apologize to me when I'm being an ass. Matter of fact, I give you permission to chew me out when I act like an ass, and if that doesn't work, just smack some sense into me."

Her eyes widened even more, tears already glittering at the edges. "Oh, no. I don't believe in corporal punishment."

Gabriel had to laugh at her serious tone. "Oh, baby, what am I going to do with you?"

Hauling her in for a kiss, he was done when she sighed and clutched his shoulders, opening her mouth docilely beneath his.

He nipped at her lips before sliding his tongue deep and stroking everywhere. A shudder echoed from her into him when she tangled her tongue with his, completely blowing his mind.

Her hands slid down, fingers feeling his pectorals, exploring, inflaming him until his cock protested being trapped behind the harsh steel of the zipper to his jeans.

"Baby, you're killing me," he groaned against her lips.

"Hey, you two," a masculine voice shouted, "Take that shit to the bedroom."

Abigail gasped and pulled away to his disappointment.

She looked around, eyes wide. The guys were laughing, annoying him because he could see it was distressing her.

"Fuck them, Abby. They're just jealous."

Her shoulders hunched a bit. "Your grandmother must think I'm a floozy."

He had to bite back his bark of laughter at her wording. Floozy? Who the hell talked like that anymore, but that's what he loved about his Abby. Fuck-yes, he loved her.

"Baby, mamá loves you. She'd kick my ass if I ever let you go."

Abigail turned her wide blue eyes to him. "Gabriel, you're not with me just to please your grandmother, are you?"

Gabriel scowled at her, "seriously, Abigail?"

She went back to fiddling with her fingers.

Gabriel gripped her hands with one fist, making her look back up at him. "I do what I want, see who I want. No one dictates to me who I should or should not see. That my grandmother likes you is a plus, but either way it's always my choice, Abigail."

Her gaze was intense. She swallowed hard before opening her mouth. He could see she really wanted to say something, but her own shyness was holding her from fully expressing herself.

What would Abby be like completely uninhibited?

"What is it, Baby?"

"I'm sorry I acted so stupid when you got here."

He didn't want her apologizing anymore, but didn't want her to curb her need to express herself.

"What is it, Baby? Tell me," he prompted when she tried to turn away again.

"I..." Her eyes welled again, making him want to kick himself and quite possibly hit someone. "I felt...It hurt me when I saw that woman...but I don't blame you, Gabe. Honest." Tears were trailing down her cheeks now and he cupped them, wiping at the wetness with his thumbs. "I know that it's all part of this life you lead—"

Gabriel shook his head. "No, Abby. That shouldn't be part of my life, at least not anymore. We need to come out as a couple. Not that that's a guarantee that shit'll stop happening, but at least people will know I'm taken."

Her tears stopped and now her face flushed with pleasure. He smiled, feeling triumphant, and dipped his head to kiss her.

He wanted to pound the guys when they began whistling and making inappropriate comments. He felt Abigail flinch and move away, but at least this time she was smiling even though her face was scarlet.

Diamond approached with another beer for him, but surprisingly Abigail snatched it from her and began drinking it.

Gabriel watched completely stunned as she made a face. "Ugh! This tastes horrible."

"Then why are you drinking it?"

She tipped her head back and took another mouthful. "I've never had beer before. Just want to try it."

Shit. She was doing more than just trying it. Gabriel's eyes widened when she shut her eyes tight and began downing the whole bottle.

"Easy," he said gripping the bottle to move it away from her lips.

Some of the liquid dribbled down her chin and throat. Unable to resist, Gabriel dipped his head and licked the trembling drop from the top of her right breast.

She let out a little sound that was half groan, half sigh. His cock twitched in his pants. Sitting back in the lounge chair to lick the taste of her flesh from his lips, he was startled when she came at him and devoured his mouth with a hunger that left him breathless.

Holy. Fucking. Shit!

"Gabriel," she moaned, saying his name with a hefty measure of adulation.

He stared at her in surprise when she leaned back, pressing the cold bottle of beer to her heated cheeks. Her glasses were even steamed up.

"Have some more, Baby," he murmured tipping the bottle back to her kiss-swollen lips.

He knew he shouldn't have encouraged her to keep drinking, but the Abby that emerged when she was finally tipsy was glorious. She laughed, danced, and even sang a few songs that she knew when Michael rolled out the karaoke machine.

Her cuss words were hilarious, her repertoire including gems like oh-Jiminy, dang-gone-it, and of course his favorite, frickity frackety-poo.

Halfway through the night, she'd lost her glasses and was rubbing at Ariel's face saying, "Arry, sweetie, why is your face so darn blurry. What did you do? Oh my."

Gabriel was about to bust a lung from laughing so hard.

He finally frowned and signaled Michael when Diamond came at her with another beer.

Enough was enough. He didn't want her to get sick.

It was late, his grandmother long having gotten to bed. Ariel and Angelo had crashed on the couches in the living room and Rafe had left to go pick up some entertainment for the night, which meant he was most likely going to score some coke. Michael helped Sharmane tidy up. The man had an obsession with cleaning. Gabriel had no idea where Erica had taken off to, but he wasn't liking the way Diamond glared at Abby as his tipsy girl danced on her tiptoes around the pool.

"Baby," Gabriel called to her.

Abigail grinned wide and skipped somewhat unsteadily toward him.

He winced when she plastered herself to his entire front and began to kiss and nip his throat with a little growl.

"Baby, you're drunk."

She giggled. "Just a widdle."

Gabriel bit his lip, grinning like a loon at her antics. "I'll tell Mike to give you a ride home."

Her fingers gripped his t-shirt, clinging, "nooo. I've decided to stay." She kissed her way up his throat to his jaw and then his lips. "I want to sleep with you."

Gabriel froze. Good-god! "Abby, you don't know what you're saying. You've had too much to drink."

"I can take her home," Diamond volunteered, her grin stretching from molar to molar.

"Mike will do it," Gabriel insisted.

Diamond glared at him.

"But I want to stay with you," Abigail whined, looking up at him with wounded eyes.

Gabriel shook his head. "Baby, you're in no condition to make these kinds of choices right now. I won't have you waking up tomorrow with regrets and accusations."

"Listen here, buster," she said poking him in his chest. All he could do was gape at her. What the hell? "I said I was sleeping with you and that's that. You, sir, are acting like an ass so don't make me slap you up-side your head now." She ended her argument by biting his lower lip and then sucking it hard.

Michael laughed standing at the foot of the chaise lounge. "I hope you got a pair of iron underwear. She looks like she's ready to eat you up whole."

Not good. He wanted Abby with all his might, but not like this. Not drunk.

Alarms went off in his head. If anything happened between them, he would never forgive himself, feeling he'd taken advantage of her in a weakened state, but then again she might feel rejected if he flat out refused her too.

God-how did he get himself into this mess?

"Fine, but you're sleeping in the spare guest room."

"I'm sleeping with you."

"Abby—"

"I know what I'm doing. I decided before I started drinking, so there."

Gabriel frowned, pissed now. She had to get herself drunk to sleep with him? What fucked up kind of shit was that?

"Gee, thank you," he spat sarcastically.

She grinned and tapped his nose with one finger, "You're welcome."

"Tell you what. I'll just go home with you. More privacy," he said through gritted teeth.

"Oh, Gabe." She leaned against him again, kissing him senseless before pressing her lips to his ear. "I want you to make love to me tonight."

Gabriel closed his eyes in agony. He'd officially entered the seventh circle of Hell.



Diavolo Ch. 07



Abigail's head was pounding when she finally blinked her eyes open. The air conditioning blew softly and a seagull squawked far off outside somewhere. Subdued lighting peeked through the slits of the closed blinds over the glass doors of her room.

Abigail sat up slowly, frowning at a glass of orange juice and a couple of aspirin on her nightstand. There was a note propped up against the lamp, which read HANGOVER REMEDY.

She frowned further when she realized she wore nothing but her panties beneath the covers.

Panic seized her as she remembered telling-no-DEMANDING Gabriel make love to her.

Oh-God! What had she done? She'd decided to trust Gabriel and sleep with him last night. Drinking had loosened her up enough to want more. Hugging herself, guilt weighed heavily within her. She'd sinned terribly.

She scowled at the pills, head pounding like a monster inside her skull. No pills. It was a pithy penance for what she'd invited, reveling in carnal immorality with Gabriel. The worst was, she had no recollection of it. Yes. That was certainly the worst part.

With a whimper, she rose and performed her morning ablutions in the adjacent bathroom. Her skin was pasty white and circles appeared under her eyes. Afterwards, she pulled her hair into a mercilessly tight bun. Black was the color for today. A black long-sleeved maxi with a high-buttoned neck.

Pushing her glasses up her nose, she trudged barefoot up the stairs and froze on the top landing.

Gabriel lay on an inflatable queen-sized mattress behind the couch. The white sheets were tangled around his left leg and just barely covering his groin. His entire right leg, hip, and torso was bare. He had a pink scar on his right hip and a few bruise marks on his arms, probably where the IV's had been. His brows were pinched together, his left arm tossed over his head, lips parted. A soft groan escaped him and his lashes fluttered over his cheeks. He was still asleep, and looked like he was in pain.

Abigail's hand came over her heart as hope soared. They couldn't have done anything the night before. He was still recuperating from a broken leg and ribs. But, who could have stripped her and put her to bed?

Michael strode in with Erica behind him. He carried a large carafe of coffee, and Erica carried two plastic grocery bags filled with goodies.

Michael frowned at Abigail. "You look awful. Did you take the pills I left on the nightstand?"

Erica beamed at her. "I'll just put these in the kitchen."

Abigail just gaped. Michael had put the pills and juice on the nightstand? Had he undressed her? Her face heated to a million degrees.

He looked at her funny. "What?"

Abigail fiddled with the buttons on her dress. Gabriel chose that moment to let out a long distressed groan followed by a hissed expletive.

Michael set the coffee down and grabbed a bottle of pills that sat on the counter.

"Ease up, old man. I'm coming," Michael huffed.

After filling a glass with more juice from the fridge, he strode out to the living room and squatted down beside Gabe, who was rising up on his elbows with a grimace.

Michael popped two pills into his mouth and tipped the glass to his lips.

Gabriel swallowed, and when done scowled at Abigail.

"H-hi," she whispered.

Green eyes narrowed.

Michael strode back into the kitchen. "Let me whip something up quick and I'll get back to you, Gabe."

"No," Abigail blurted. "I'll make breakfast. You can tend to him." Put some clothes on him—she thought.

Erica had made herself at home on one of the stools, busy with a small gaming device. When Abigail volunteered to make breakfast, she looked up with a pout, eyes big as saucers. "Ooh, maybe I should help too."

Michael's brows shot up. "Maybe not. Last time you tried to help in the kitchen the microwave caught fire."

Erica gave him a bored roll of the eyes as she slid from her stool. "The popcorn box said to microwave at high for two minutes. It didn't say anything about removing the package from the box."

Abigail's hands paused over the carton of eggs she was about to grab to stare at the other couple. Michael just gave her a shrug and proceeded to turn back to Gabriel.

Not wanting to see Gabriel naked, she busied herself scrambling eggs and chopping peppers, onions and tomatoes for her omelet. Erica made toast. At least she tried. Abigail had to run to release the lever on the toaster when the scent of burned bread began to permeate the kitchen. Erica had excused herself to go to the bathroom and hadn't returned.

Abigail frowned when she saw the toasting control had been turned up to maximum. Then, she had to run back to the skillet to turn her omelet over before it burned too.

Minutes later, as she arranged plates on the table in front of the glass doors to the balcony, she heard the familiar sound of Gabe's crutches thumping on the wooden floor, drawing closer.

Michael had taken him to the bathroom by the kitchen. She'd heard the shower running until a few minutes ago.

Abigail had set up a covered platter with the omelet as well as another two with the toast and some fruit and cheeses she'd diced up.

"Hope the coffee hasn't gone cold. Where's Erica?" Michael was saying.

"She said she needed to use the bathroom," Abigail answered turning toward the stairs, wondering which one she'd disappeared into. The house had four bathrooms.

Gabriel smelled of fresh soap and shampoo. He wore a pair of black, drawstring, cotton pants that hung off his hips enticingly. His wet hair was brushed back behind his ears. In the reflection she could see it reached just between his shoulder blades.

Michael shrugged and grinned at Abigail as he pulled out a chair for Gabriel. "Well, It'll be nice to eat something someone else cooked and have company for a change."

He also pulled out a chair for her and she sat, wondering at his words. "Erica's not very inclined toward the kitchen?" she asked with a polite smile.

Michael snorted and said nothing more as he served first her and then Gabriel some of the omelet.

Gabriel stared at his plate and sniffed. He looked intently at her as she spread some butter on toast and slid it onto his plate.

"Wow," Michael laughed. "You made a feast here, Abs. I'm jealous, Gabe."

He put fruit and cheese on the small dishes Abigail had placed by their plates and gave it to Gabe who was furthest away from it.

Gabriel frowned as he cut into the omelet slowly. Abigail waited with bated breath as he speared the first bite. Michael groaning lewdly had them both looking at him. The huge guitarist had his eyes closed, jaw moving slowly from side to side as he chewed.

"God, this tastes good," he moaned.

His golden eyes opened as he licked his lips and shook his head. "You've got to give me the recipe, Abs."

"Uh, sure," she replied as he took another bigger bite.

Her gaze slid to Gabriel who still watched his band mate, a little wrinkle between his perfectly arched brows.

He finally popped the morsel of egg into his mouth and began chewing also.

Abigail tried not to giggle at his expression. He looked shocked and stuffed some more egg into his mouth.

Abigail wasn't sure how much the men would eat, so she'd made the entire carton of eggs, twelve eggs in total. Except for the piece she was still nibbling at, they pretty much cleared out the platter, fighting over the last piece.

"She can make it for you whenever, man. Have some pity on me."

"Go get your own female to cook for you."

"Ha! Yeah-right!'

"I can make some more," Abigail said sliding her chair back.

Gabriel closed his fist over her hand. "No, baby. Finish your breakfast."

"Fine," Michael huffed unhappily. "You take it then."

"You're too fat anyway, Mike. You should be grateful," Gabriel snickered.

Abigail gasped, leveling Gabe with an admonishing glare. "That's not a nice thing to say to your friend."

Michael snorted. "I'm not fat. I'm fluffy."

Abigail looked at Michael. No. He wasn't fat at all. He was just built like a tank, wide shoulders, bulging chest, thick neck, and huge muscular arms. His golden eyes were sharp and mannerisms gentle. Abigail had grown a soft spot for him, until she remembered him saying he'd left the aspirin on the nightstand for her and that she'd been clad only in her panties when she'd woken up. Gabriel couldn't have gone down those stairs on his crutches, much less undressed her. Had it been Erica? She was too embarrassed to ask.

As if sensing her thoughts, Michael gave her a huge grin, wolfish eyes glinting.

******* 

Gabriel wasn't liking the way she kept staring at Mike and blushing. What the fuck was going on there? Mike telling him he was jealous did nothing to soothe his damned possessive streak either.

Christ, the woman made a mean omelet. Might be the only thing she knew how to make, but Gabriel was hooked good and solid.

"Well, Erica hasn't eaten yet and there's no more left. I might as well make more anyway."

Michael patted his lips with the dark blue napkin she'd put out and rose. "Don't worry about Erica. She's most likely back home and forgot all about breakfast."

Something sad and lonely passed through his eyes, but it was gone in the blink of an eye.

"Guess I'll leave you two alone and head back home before her highness realizes I'm still gone."

With that, he sauntered out through the balcony doors.

Warm salty air blew in from outside. Gabriel observed Abigail.

She fidgeted with her fork. "You don't suppose the owner of this house would mind you staying here like you did last night?"

Gabriel glared at her. "You invited me."

Her eyes went wide, one brow arched. "I did?"

Okay. She didn't, but that was beside the point. "You said you wanted to sleep with me."

She stood abruptly, grabbing Michael's plate as well as her own. "Gonna clean up now. Want more coffee or juice?"

Gabriel gripped her wrist making the dishes rattle. "You said you wanted me to make love to you."

Abigail's face flushed crimson. She swallowed hard before looking at him from the corner of her eye. "Did we?" she squeaked.

Gabriel clenched his teeth, remembering the way she'd practically crawled all over him on the drive to Bayside. He'd sat in the back of Mike's van while she'd stroked her tongue everywhere on him and caressed his upper body until it was all he could do to not dry hump against her.

Mike had helped him undress and had laughed his ass off at Gabe's pitiful condition afterwards. Only the certainty that Mike was likely not getting anything either that night stopped him from punching his guitarist in the face.

Abigail was already hyperventilating. She had no idea what had transpired the night before, which pissed Gabriel even more. He'd suffered all night with a case of blue balls while she'd slept in drunken bliss in the downstairs bedroom.

"We didn't do anything, Abigail. The only way we can have sex is if you mount me and you were passed out by the time we got here."

She closed her eyes with a long huff of apparent relief. He released her hand as if she'd burned him and turned his angry gaze to the glass doors.

She set the plates back down on the table and sat slowly.

"Why do you look so angry?" she asked softly. "I'm sorry I said what I said. I wasn't thinking straight—"

"Of course you weren't," he muttered.

He needed to back off. He was pressuring too much. Poor girl had zilch in the experience department. Hell, she'd been cloistered in a convent a little over a month ago. An evil voice in his head laughed and reminded him that she'd been ready to marry Daniel and give him her innocence instead; Daniel of the clean-cut haircut and impeccable suits.

"Gabe, who put me to bed?"

He pursed his lips, still not wanting to look at her, his annoyance was so fierce. "Mike.'

He noticed her wince and had to turn. Her hands were folded on her lap and her face was beet red again.

Rage boiled up his spine until it filled his head with pure fire. "Michael carried you downstairs. Why do you ask?' he said outwardly calm.

Well, his voice sounded calm. Obviously Abigail was seeing something quite terrifying in his face because she bit her lips, eyes wide as she gulped audibly.

He took a deep breath, trying to push images of Michael probably having touched or kissed her out of his head. Even though she looked like a nun right now with her long black dress, hair tight behind her head and big, black-framed glasses, Abigail was pure temptation with her lush lips and big innocent blue eyes. He wanted to toss her up on the piano and eat her out and then fuck her silly.

His cell phone ringing had him scowling at it. The number was his granma's so he answered it right away.

"Bendición, mamá," he said.

He winced and frowned at the barked out "where are you?"

"Diamond?"

Abigail jolted up and got away to the kitchen before he could stop her.

"I'm at Anna Maria's house and she doesn't know where you are."

Gabriel had left a note and was sure his grandmother had seen it. Grateful she still hadn't revealed to Diamond where his secret beach house was, he replied, "is there a problem, Diamond?"

She sputtered a moment before huffing. "Can't you tell me where you are? Are you in that girl's house?"

Gabriel did not like how she spat the word girl.

"Yeah, I'm with Abigail. There a problem?" he spat back.

There was heavy breathing over the line. "Gabriel, you should be resting in your home. I hope you didn't do anything to set back your recovery," she said in a sugary sweet tone.

It sounded so fake, Gabriel curled his lip in annoyance. Whether or not he'd fucked Abs was none of her business.

"Yeah, Di. I'm actually gonna need a sling for my dick." Partially true because it still ached from disuse.

He heard her gasp of outrage and had to smirk.

"The band's been idle for a month, Gabe. That's not good," she replied now icily.

"What do you want me to do, Di? It's not my fault someone tried to fuck me over."

She was silent for a while. "What have you remembered about that night, Gabe? That's important you know."

Gabriel thought. "I was listening to music over the headset in the helmet. There was a car behind me. I don't know. Maybe two."

He hadn't thought anything at first until one of them had gotten so close, he could feel the heat from the radiator on his back. He'd crossed lanes, moving to the right, and then he'd taken the curve just past El Morro Canyon road.

"It was an SUV. A black one."

Diamond tittered on the line. "Gabe, almost everyone on the west coast owns a black SUV. Do you remember the make or model?"

Gabriel thought. "A Merc?" His memory was foggy. "I'm not sure."

"Did you get a look at the driver?"

"Tinted windows," he replied. "How did you get there so fast? Cops said they contacted you and you got there before the helicopter?"

Diamond lived in LA, which wasn't exactly a skip and a hop down to Newport Bay.

"I was staying at a friend's house," she sniffed.

Gabe grunted, really not interested in her story. Besides, Abigail's phone was going off too.

"Look, Di, gotta go now. Feels like my meds are wearing off and I need some more painkillers. Leg is starting to bother again and that shit makes me sleepy as fuck."

"Be careful with those pills, Gabe. Wouldn't want to see you in rehab with a drug problem."

Gabriel wrinkled his nose. "Don't worry. I'm just taking them like the doctor prescribed."

Abigail was having a heated argument in the kitchen. Without waiting to hear Diamond's reply he clicked the call off. Thankfully, Michael had remembered to leave his crutches nearby. Maneuvering himself onto them wasn't easy, but he managed to do it without falling on his face, and hobbled over into the kitchen.

"Mikayla, I told you a million times, I cannot tell you where I am."

Gabriel came up behind her, trapping her against the counter. She stiffened when he brought his mouth to her neck and nibbled.

A moan escaped her and he heard when Mikayla stopped her insulting rant.

"I'm in pain, baby," Gabe growled in her ear.

Abigail let the phone clatter to the counter as she turned her head to gape at him, pupils dilated wide. "Your meds. Didn't Michael give them to you this morning?"

Her voice came out throaty despite the look of concern on her pretty face.

"Not the kind of pain I'm in," he said nipping his way across her jaw.

"G-Gabriel," she pleaded shakily.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Mikayla's screeched. "You stupid little slut. He's just use—"

Gabriel pushed the phone over the edge of the counter where it fell in obvious pieces on the other side judging from the noise.

He winced when he thrust his hips against her backside, a dull throb warning him not to push his limits.

She gripped the edge of the counter and shrugged her shoulders to keep him from continuing his sensual onslaught.

"G-Gabriel, stop."

"That wasn't what you were telling me last night," he growled, nipping her shoulder now, letting more of his weight press her forward. He nestled his arousal against the seam of her heart-shaped ass.

"I'm sorry. I was drunk. I should have had more sense," she said in a rush. "I just wanted to sleep with you and tried to find a bit of courage in the alcohol, but..."

She trailed off, her head hanging shamefully. It hurt. Felt like an outright rejection, but he knew she had her prim archaic morals and wasn't about to push her to do something she'd regret later. That's not how he wanted their first time to be.

It was frustrating. He felt frustrated, not accustomed to having to wait, being held at arm's length.

"This is a whole new thing for me, Abs. Understand that. I respect where you're coming from, though I don't understand or agree, but I respect it."

He backed off, giving her enough space to turn and gaze up at him meekly.

The dress she wore was awful. He hated it, too somber and covered up for her.

"What are you used to, Gabriel?" she asked, her eyes focused on a spot in the middle of his chest.

Gabriel bit his lip. He was used to fast and easy. Since high school, maybe before that, the girls would come after him. He didn't need to be a jock or have an important dad like the other kids at the prissy private schools his grandmother made him attend. Gabe looked dangerous and rebellious, though he'd been far from it. The girls like dangerous and rebellious. Liked knowing they were messing around with something utterly forbidden by their parents. It was a turn on. He'd spend hours at Ariel's place watching porn on the web, learning how to make a girl come exquisitely. Before he'd actually had the nerve to penetrate his first pussy, he'd been a master at fingering and using his mouth to make them squeal.

Abigail waited for his answer, pain in her eyes.

"I just want you, Abby. If I have to wait," he shrugged, "I'll wait."

She licked her lips, her cheeks going a little pink now. "But I already told you. I can't—"

He kissed her then. Swooped down and covered her sweet mouth with his to keep from begging her to marry him. Not yet, damn-it. It was too soon. He was thinking with his dick not with his head. His heart was still trying to resist, fearful of getting hurt. She'd supposedly loved Daniel not that long ago. What if she still pined away for him? He was not marrying a woman who'd think of another man when he finally bedded her. Just thinking about it now made him want to break something.

"Ouch,' she gasped rearing back away from his rough kiss.

Her lips were red and swollen.

Reaching up, he gripped her jaw with one hand. "Why did you ask me who put you to bed?" he snapped.

Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped, face going first white and then scarlet.

"Fuck, Abigail. Don't lie to me. What happened?"

"N-nothing, I swear," she replied in a squeaky voice.




Diavolo Ch. 07



"Did he touch you inappropriately?" Gabriel swore. Michael was pervert used to easy girls and getting his way as well, but, fuck, Abby had been mindlessly drunk. He'd kill the man if he did anything to her.

"Gabriel, please," she said gripping his wrist to pull his hand away. "You're hurting me."

He loosened his hold but didn't let her go. She turned her face and broke free anyway and looked up at him with frightened eyes.

He took a calming breath, realizing he was scaring her. He'd also left the mark of his fingers on her delicate cheeks.

"Baby, it's not your fault. I just want to know. God! I didn't touch you at all last night even though you were crawling all over me, begging—"

At her chagrined look, he stopped that line of thought. "Just tell me why you flush so red every time I ask you what happened last night."

Abigail licked her lips, her gaze darting everywhere but at his face.

"Abby," he snapped again, making her jump. Softening his tone once more, he pleaded, "please?"

"I don't remember anything. I just woke up this morning in my bed," she replied.

"What else? What aren't you telling me, Abigail?"

She tried to turn her face from him, but he leaned down and got within inches of her nose. "Tell. Me."

She began to tremble, her hand coming up to cup her throat. "I...I only had my panties on," she whispered.

He closed his eyes, trying to keep himself from storming over next-door and beating Mike with his crutches. To think, he'd shared his table and a meal cooked by his Abby with the son-of-a-bitch.

"Do you have any marks on you?" he couldn't seem to find it in him to ask her if she felt sore between her legs. Mike couldn't. He just couldn't have gone that far. Maybe copped a feel or two, but not actually fucked her.

"No," Abigail answered timidly. He flinched when she caressed his cheek. "Gabriel, please calm down."

He let out the breath he had pent up and looked down at her. Mike had obviously seen what was his. Gabriel hadn't even seen her yet. It made his blood boil, but he forced himself to calm and not keep scaring the shit out of his girl.

Later. He'd have words with his traitorous band mate.

******* 

Abigail left Gabriel napping on his inflatable mattress in the living room. She worried about what the owner would think if he knew she had a man in the house, but since he and Gabriel obviously knew each other, it might not be much of an issue. At least that's what she hoped.

Mikayla had said their mother was ill, in bed, and calling for her. Marjorie was not the type of woman to take to bed whether she was sick or not, so naturally, Abigail had felt worried. Too bad her sister had insisted on going to pick her up. She'd been trying to find out Abigail's whereabouts for weeks now. Her insistence made Abigail wonder if the whole story of her mom being ill was a ruse.

Feeling a bit bashful of her little red Beetle, she parked her car a few feet away from the front of the house and walked to the driveway. Last thing she needed right now was having her car mocked, especially since she was still shaken up with Gabriel's violent reaction to Michael apparently stripping her down to her panties the night before.

She was sure the big guitarist hadn't done anything nefarious to her. He was too taken with his own girl, though, knowing what she knew now of Erica, Abigail wondered why. Oh, she seemed sweet and sometimes clueless, but she also barely paid any mind to poor Michael. The few times Michael had attempted to be amorous with her, the girl had shrugged him off.

Abigail pouted. Sometimes she was the same way with poor Gabriel, but only because he tempted her so much.

As she pondered about Michael and Erica's situation, wondering if they were married, she stopped when she heard voices coming from the garage.

"You son-of-a-bitch," Mikayla hissed. "This is all your fault. I told you to just follow him."

"I did,' Edvard snapped back, making Abigail's brows shoot up.

Why were they speaking to each other that way?

"I did everything you asked me to do," he continued, his foreign accent getting thicker with his anger.

"Lower your voice, you stupid jerk," Mikayla growled.

"I shan't. Let everyone know. I followed your precious rock star around like a cuckold, because I loved you."

"Fuck you, Edvard."

There was a tussle inside the garage. Someone was slammed against the half open door, making Abigail jump back a step, eyes wide, and hand over her mouth in shock at what she was hearing. Had Edvard tried to kill Gabe?

"I'd kiss your mouth after you'd tell me how you'd sucked his cock. Licked your cunt and pretended to be him when I fucked you. And what gratitude do I get?"

Mikayla laughed. "Please. As if I'd ever be anything remotely yours. You're nothing but a lowlife chauffeur I get a kick out of screwing once in a while."

Abigail heard a slap and Mikayla cry out. There was more struggling, a loud thump, and then moaning.

Horrified, Abigail stared at the door, unsure of what to do. Was the chauffeur forcing Mikayla at the moment?

Mikayla began to moan, the sound of skin slapping skin sickening Abigail.

"Yes, my mistress, that's how you like it, yes? Rough and dirty."

"Shut the fuck up," she panted. "You know you're going to have to lick all of your filthy cum from inside me, right?'

"Yes, mistress, yes,"" he hissed before groaning.

Abigail backed away, sick to her stomach. Mikayla was more horrid than she thought. Oh-God. Poor Daniel.

This couldn't be. He didn't deserve this.

Not watching where she was going, she stumbled on the top step leading down to the walkway to the house. Terror made her flail, knowing she'd probably crack her head on the stone steps, but a pair of strong arms caught her, clasping her to an equally hard chest.

Daniel's familiar scent enveloped her as he held her to his chest.

"Easy," he murmured turning her.

Abigail looked up into his face, remembering how she'd giggled at his anecdotes in the gazebo by the Koi pond behind the mansion. That sweet summer so many years ago.

Unable to stop herself, she threw her arms around his neck, her tears already slipping from beneath her lashes. Why did things have to become so complicated? Daniel was sweet and good. He'd been so kind and tender with her. There was no lust or forbidden longing, just pure affection and love. Why did he have to forget about her and choose Mikayla? Gabriel was different from Daniel. So beautiful. Too beautiful, stirring up undesirable longings within her. Daniel was safe. Gabriel was sin incarnate, but even thinking of Mikayla with Gabriel was too much to bear. Mikayla was horrid. And Edvard? Oh-God. Had Edvard tried to kill Gabe in a fit of jealousy?

"What's wrong, Abigail?" Daniel asked holding her tight, his hands smoothing over her back in soothing circles.

Realizing she was plastered to his front, she moved back a little. Somehow, the action made their positions even more intimate. They'd only ever held hands. Never so much as a kiss.

Now Daniel looked down at her, his brown eyes going darker as they focused on her lips.

Abigail felt a sudden surge of panic and wrongness. She back away some more and almost tripped on the step again.

Daniel's arm encircled her waist as he drew her down the steps.

"This is clearly a hazardous spot for you to be at the moment. Let's go to the study, Abigail. I'd like to speak with you."

She followed him into the house.

"Mikayla told me my mom was not feeling well. That she had taken to bed ill," she said looking down at her shoes as they entered the study.

"Sit," Daniel gestured to one of the plush armchairs before a wall of shelves. He walked toward the fireplace and poured some golden liquid from a decanter into a short crystal glass. It sparkled prettily as he approached her.

She shook her head vehemently when he held it out for her. "Oh-no. I don't drink," she said, and then blushed. Well, she wouldn't drink anymore starting today.

"Take it," Daniel commanded gently, his lips twitching into a smile. "You look like you've seen a ghost. It'll warm you up and put a little color in your cheeks."

Abigail took the glass and thanked him shyly. Putting her lips on the edge of the glass she took a small sip and coughed as warmth scalded her throat. It tasted worse than the beer last night, but he was right. She felt the heat travel from her tummy to her extremities and cheeks.

He poured himself a glass as well and sat on the chair next to hers.

"Where have you been, Abigail? We've all been worried about you."

She looked down at the trembling liquid in the glass. Braving another gulp, she grimaced before answering, "I have my own place now. I bought a car and..." Looking at him as she raised her chin a bit, she continued. "I take care of a home on the waterfront in Newport."

Daniel's brows drew together. "Abigail. You can't be serious? You had maids and butlers here. Why would you go off to tend someone else's home?"

Abigail put her glass down on the small table in front of them, perhaps with a little more force than necessary because some of it spilled over onto the dark polished wood.

"It's better than sitting around waiting for handouts. I enjoy working for myself, Daniel."

He sputtered, looking aghast. "I didn't realize you felt our helping you made you feel that way. You're family, Abigail. Family always sees after their own. It was no handout, surely," he finished with a little frown of displeasure.

Abigail felt bad. She hadn't meant to offend him. "No, of course not, Daniel. I'm sorry. That's not what I meant to say."

"You don't feel like part of the family? We grew up together, Abigail."

"Of course..." and it suddenly occurred to her, had Daniel loved her as a sister and maybe that's why nothing had ever happened between them? Mikayla was always doing her own thing. She'd never been with them. She'd had her own friends, attended different schools than Abigail. Daniel had also gone away to boarding schools and was so much older than Mikayla. "Daniel, did you see me like a sister?"

Daniel frowned a little before his eyes widened a bit and he looked away. "I suppose. I'm sorry about what happened," he said making Abigail's heart constrict a little. "It's just that so many years went by and we all change. I came home two years ago and Mikayla..."

He stopped speaking, his face going red.

Abigail gulped, guessing at what probably transpired. Mikayla seduced him, knowing Daniel had been her boyfriend first.

"It's not like we really had anything real between us, Abigail."

His words made a small ache bloom in her chest. She'd thought they had something special and pure...spiritual even.

"I hadn't seen you in over six years and Mikayla just...She's so beautiful and wild." He frowned then. "Yes. Very wild." His eyes snapped up to Abigail now. "You've changed a lot too you know."

Something about the way he looked at her now made Abigail feel uncomfortable.

"You've filled out." His eyes slid down to her breasts, making Abigail hunch her shoulders and cross her arms over them. His gaze snapped up to her face now, dark eyes glittering like a predator. "So pretty and so very innocent. You're still a virgin, aren't you?"

Abigail swung her head away from him to look at the empty fireplace. "I think this conversation is getting a bit too personal, Daniel."

He chuckled then. Whereas Gabriel's made her shiver with pleasure, Daniel's throaty chuckle made her want to dash away. It shocked her. It hadn't felt that way before?

She suddenly wanted to run home to Gabriel. The thought shocked her even more.

"I'm so glad you haven't let Gabriel trick you into becoming his next conquest. Good thing he's still convalescing or I doubt that would be the—"

Abigail stood, hands fisted at her sides. "It is not a good thing he's hurt, Daniel. How can you say such an awful thing about your brother?"

His face darkened a moment before he smoothed it out to a cold blankness. "Abigail, you have such a soft heart. Gabriel may be my brother, product of an illicit relationship, but truly, he's beneath you. You went to the best schools in Europe while he lived who knows where, acquiring who knows what habits." Daniel wrinkled his nose.

Abigail felt her ire rise. "He was hardly a pauper, I'll have you know. He was raised by his grandmother. YOUR grandmother, and she's a good God-fearing woman."

Daniel grinned. "Ah, my grandmother. Yes. Mother told me all about her. Had my mother listened to her I would not exist, Abigail."

Abigail frowned. She had no idea what had transpired so many years ago. Only what she'd been told by her own mother. "Daniel, I firmly believe she would not hold the mistakes of your parents against you. You're her grandson. You two have never even met."

Daniel stood and walked to one of the windows to look out. "I wouldn't like to inconvenience her. She already loves Gabriel. I'd just be an intruder." He looked back at Abigail, his eyes dark and angry. "I would never beg for crumbs of affection."

"She's not like that, Daniel."

At that moment, Paulina walked in and froze seeing Abigail.

"Godmother," Abigail said timidly.

The woman's shock wore off and her eyes grew cold. "Are you here to ask for money?"

"Mother," Daniel scolded. "That is unnecessary."

Paulina scoffed. "Is it? Look at how she's dressed. Like a pauper." Again, the woman snorted and stalked to the desk.

Abigail watched shocked as she withdrew her checkbook from one of the locked drawers. "How much do you need?"

"I didn't come here to ask for money, Auntie," Abigail said standing very tall. "Mikayla said my mother was ill."

Paulina snorted. "Well, if she is, it's news to me."

Mikayla walked in then, her short denim skirt garnering a moue of distaste from Paulina and an indifferent stare from Daniel.

"Mikayla, what's going on?" Abigail demanded.

Mikayla stared at all of them with wide innocent eyes. "Whatever do you mean, sister dearest?'

"Why did you call me to tell me mother was sick and bed-ridden?"

Mikayla frowned and planted her fists on her slim hips, one shoe tapping on the glossy marble floor. "Mom said to call you because she wasn't feeling well. She was in bed when she told me. I wasn't lying."

Abigail scowled at her. "Well, why didn't she call me herself?"

Mikayla flicked back a strand of her long red hair. "How the hell should I know?"

******* 

Gabriel woke with a start. The house was dead quiet.

"Abigail," he called out wincing at the tenderness in his ribs. The doctor did say it'd take six fucking months for those to heal completely, and his leg maybe a year, maybe more.

"Abs," he called out.

Where was she?

Keys sounded in the front door and he turned to stare. Maybe she'd gone to get groceries.

Michael stepped in with a grin.

Rage exploded inside Gabriel. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists.

"Hey, man. Thought I'd come by to see how you were doing. Saw Abs take off a while ago. You okay? You look kind of flushed."

His Chucks squeaked closer.

"Got something in my eyes," Gabriel replied tightly.

"Yeah? Shit. Let me take a look."

Gabriel leaned more on his left arm and waited for Mike to come closer.

His right fist connected beautifully with Mike's nose, sending a jolt of agony up his arm. Totally worth it though as he collapsed with a groan back on the inflatable mattress. A river of blood flowed from Mike's swollen nose as the man swore a plethora of expletives at Gabriel.

"What the fuck was that for?"

"Don't act like you don't know, you bastard," Gabriel snarled rubbing at his aching collarbone. Christ. It felt like he'd snapped it again.

"I don't know what the fuck you're talking about," Michael replied, hand over nose, eyes wide and angry.

"You fucking stripped Abigail last night," Gabriel seethed. "I want to fucking kill you. How could you touch my girl, man?"

Michael began to laugh. He stumbled back, falling on one of Gabe's couches laughing his fucking ass off. Gabriel's rage knew no limits at that point. He began to struggle to drag himself up, just wanting to get his hands around the fucker's fat neck.

"You jealous, pathetic bastard," Michael guffawed. "Erica was the one who tucked her in. I came up here to get the juice and aspirin, remember, asshole?'

Gabriel ceased his efforts at standing without his crutches and narrowed his eyes at Michael.

"So you didn't see her naked?"

Michael continued to laugh, making Gabriel feel like an ass for sure. "You have got it really bad, brother. I think you broke my fucking nose."

Gabriel grinned sheepishly. "If it'll make you feel any better, I think I busted my collarbone again."

Michael grimaced now. "Ew-damn. Diamond's gonna be pissed when she hears that."

Dark bruises were beginning to form under Mike's eyes. Yeah. She wasn't going to like that either.

Banging on the door had Michael hefting himself up and striding to the door.

Gabriel sank back onto the mattress with a pained grimace. His shoulder was a hot mess of pain. It didn't help when Angelo dived onto the mattress with him seconds later.

"Gaby! What's for lunch, man? I'm starving."

Ariel came in ahead of Mike, beer already in hand. He looked at Gabriel and tipped his chin up in greeting. Good old Eeyore.

"Anybody hear from Rafe?" Michael was asking as he headed to the kitchen.

"Rafe?" Angelo grinned stretching out next to Gabe. "That would be a negative."

Ariel grunted and held out a hand to Gabriel who was trying to get up off the mattress and away from the annoying drummer.

Gabriel just looked up at him with a raised brow. He wasn't about to let the lanky six-foot-three bass player yank him up. The guy, tall as he was, probably weighed about one-seventy, maybe, compared to Gabe's even two hundred.

Angelo bounced on the mattress in order to scramble off. "Arie-boy, that's not how you help an invalid up."

"No, it's okay," Gabriel blurted in panic as the bumbling blond moron came at him.

"Easy, Gabe. I've got this."

"Shit! Get away from me."

Big arms clutched at him. Ang bent his legs, plastered his chest against Gabriel's and then straightened his legs. To Gabriel's surprised he felt minimal pain. Ariel handed him his crutches and they both stepped away.

Gabriel stood before them, eyes wide.

"There. You see," Angelo said with a frown. "I know what I'm doing. No one trusts me."

Ariel just shook his head and tipped his head back to take a swig of his beer.

"Diamond's been complaining we're too idle," Michael said as he strode back into the living room with an ice bag pressed to his nose.

Gabriel rolled his eyes and hobbled to the glass doors of the beach house. Down below, boats rose and fell with the slow lazy roll of the tide. He had his own boat, though not very big, but he wondered if Abby would like to take a ride on it sometime. He could imagine her in a bikini, her hair flowing in the wind, the sun kissing her skin golden...

"Earth to Gabe," Mike called out.

They'd come closer now, Angelo on the piano stool, Mike leaning against the black baby grand, and Ariel sitting at one of the chairs at the dining room table.

While he'd been visualizing Abby on his boat, he'd heard music in his head. His eyes focused on the piano. Four steps later he was telling Ang to move. He did with a flourish.

"You got any equipment around?" Angelo was asking Michael.

Gabriel's fingers stroked the keys absently. His mind went back to Abigail. She had a pretty figure. The snug jeans and top she'd worn the night before let him see how curvy she was. The Hollywood ideal was slim and slightly top heavy. Although Abigail was not heavy, she was far from skinny. Her breasts were nicely rounded, a lot more than a simple handful. Her waist was definitely cinched. Small enough for Gabriel to get his hands around, fingers almost touching, but from there her hips flared out, nice and round with a full heart-shaped ass he just wanted to spank and then bite.




Diavolo Ch. 07



"Hey, that's not bad, Gabe," Angelo was saying, hands on hips.

Gabriel blinked, his fingers freezing over the piano keys.

Michael already had a battered old notebook, scribbling furiously.

Gabriel took a deep breath and started from the beginning, this time adding his voice as words spilled from his heart.

******* 

Abigail pulled up to the beach house just as the sun was setting. Turning off her Beetle, the warm early summer breeze caressed her skin when she opened the door. She loved the scent of the sea and barbecuing most people did in their back decks. The usual sounds of the waves lapping beneath the docks and board walks as well as gulls and motor boats moving about greeted her. Abigail sighed in contentment until a deep thrumming and distinct thumping sound made her cock her head to the side. It sounded vaguely like music, but was too muted for her to be sure. Perhaps one of the fancy boats in the bay behind the house, or the Yacht Club down the street. She wondered what Gabe was doing if he was still there at all. Maybe Michael had finally taken him home. That thought made her sad. He'd texted her about a million times asking her where she was. When she'd finally told him she was at the Montenegro estate, he'd gone silent.

Abigail wondered if he was mad. If she didn't know any better, she'd think he was jealous of his brother. As for Daniel, it made her angry he saw Gabriel as little more than an illiterate delinquent who needed saving, quite preferably in some gilded cage with surveillance.

She opened the front door and rocked back on her heels when the blast of music hit her full force.

Mouth gaping, she rushed in and locked the door behind her. The soulful cry of guitars sang through her eardrums, the bass and drums vibrating through her feet from below, and Gabriel's voice almost had her going to her knees.

For long seconds she couldn't move, just absorbed it all in, until Gabriel began crooning her name, long, low, guttural. Good-lord! It was a song about her.

She stumbled her way down the stairs to the lounge by the pool table. They'd set up toward the back near the fireplace blocked now by Angelo's drum kit. They were so absorbed by what they were doing, they didn't see her sidle up next to Erica, who sat on one of the stools at the wet bar.

Erica noticed her arrival though, and grinned up excitedly at her.

Leaning over until her mouth was aligned with Abigail's ear, the girl said, "new song. Amazing, isn't it?"

Abigail could only nod.

Gabriel sat on one of the dining room chairs with his foot propped up on a little square ottoman. He was still shirtless, but his hair had dried, soft waves framing his face. His right arm was back in a sling, knuckles red and swollen, microphone held in his left hand close to his lips.

Abigail frowned at that.

Michael sat close to him and Abigail's eyes widened further when she saw the dark bruises under his eyes and swollen nose. He looked like he'd been hit in the face with a bat.

"Good. Stop," Gabriel said halting the song mid guitar riff.

The look he leveled on Abigail was not friendly at all.

So, he was mad.

She stiffened her spine and frowned at him. If he thought he was going to boss her around like her family, he had another thing coming. She didnt care that he'd just sang the most beautiful love song she'd ever heard with her name in it.

The trip to her mother's house had been in vain. Marjorie Brown was fitter than anyone in the room surrounding her at the moment.

Abigail had stomped up the stairs only to halt in the entry to her mother's bedroom.

Some tall extremely buff man, with orangey skin called Dolph was giving her a massage on one of those padded tables masseuse use.

She'd asked about her whereabouts, Abigail had been dutifully vague, and then she'd begun to yell at her, finishing off with tears, calling her ungrateful and inconsiderate. Apparently, Auntie Paulina had been threatening to boot her mom out of the house because of Abigail's insistence on carousing with the heathen devil-worshiper.

Said heathen was looking at her, smoke literally billowing from his nostrils.

He rubbed one finger across his sinful lips, green eyes smoldering.

"It was me," Erica was saying next to her.

"I'm sorry," Abigail said looking at her. "What?"

Erica smiled.

Abigail realized the girl's eyes were always kind of bugged out, like she was always surprised or something.

"I'm the one who undressed you," she shrugged with a giggle. "Thought you'd be more comfortable. I read somewhere that it's not good to sleep with a bra on. Bad for your boobs and circulation or something. Gabriel busted Mike's nose thinking he'd done it." Erica laughed as Abigail gasped in shock. "Boys, huh?"

"Oh-my-God." Abigail stalked toward where Mike and Gabriel talked. She stopped in front of Michael, taking in his battered face and then looked at Gabriel's bruised knuckles. The man was a savage.

"Well, hello, Abigail," the savage hissed tightly. "So glad you could finally join us."

She pressed her lips together, her eyes going back to Michael who just grinned, electric guitar propped on one knee with his arm draped casually over the top of it.

"How's Mikayla?'

The question startled her, her gaze swinging back to Gabriel's cold green eyes.

She tipped her nose up, swallowing down the hurt that threatened to choke her. Michael scowled at Gabriel, but he just remained looking at her with pure poison in his expression.

"She's just fine," Abigail spat, remembering with distaste the way she'd carried on with the chauffeur in the garage. The memory alone was enough to make her feel queasy.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed and Abigail actually heard him grinding his teeth. Veins stood out on his arms and neck. Oh, the man looked furious!

Michael slid from his stool and set his guitar down. Abigail wasn't sure if he made some sort of signal to the others, but Ariel was the first one to walk out after grabbing a beer for each hand. There was arguing by the drum kit. Apparently Angelo didn't want to budge. He got up because Michael grabbed him by the back of his shirt and hauled him toward the stairs. Angelo gave Gabriel the stink eye, pointing at him with one of his drumsticks as he was dragged up the stairs, Erica following close behind them. Gabriel curled one side of his lip and snarled.

Abigail turned back to him, arms crossed over her breasts. Gabriel just leaned back, thumb flicking a switch on the microphone.

There was nothing but silence between them now.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Raven?" she asked haughtily.

Gabriel shrugged. "So Daniel called and you went running?"

She frowned at him. "Daniel didn't call me."

"Oh?"

"No. It was Mikayla. You heard me talking to her."

"And what did she want?"

Abigail just stared at him. Why was he interrogating her? She didn't like it one bit, especially his tone and attitude.

"That's personal family business," she replied.

If anything, his eyes grew icier. The green so pale and the pupil so wide and black, he reminded her of a big cat about to kill its prey.

He looked away, a tendon in his jaw ticking.

She took the opportunity to look around as well, her belly feeling leaden with dread. She didn't want to fight. She didn't like it. Her heart was racing and her palms were sweaty. She wanted to collapse into his lap and touch him. Erase all this bad situation away with his kisses.

"I'll get the guys to clear all this stuff out. We'll be out of your hair in less than an hour."

Her heart sank further. "'Kay," she answered stupidly. Her eyes burned, but she blinked them hard. Not knowing what else to do she began heading toward the stairs.

Rafael burst into the lounge through the glass doors, his tightly curled hair a wild mess and eyes glittering. "Damn, Gabe. You have no fucking idea how hard it was for me and my buddies to locate your fucking house. Good thing Rick recognized your boat, man. Hey, Abs!"

He planted a hard kiss on her cheek as she just stared at him dumbfound.

"What'd I miss? Mike said you were inspired and writing some new tunes. Three songs so far."

"I'm sorry," Abigail said gripping his arm. "Did you say...Gabe's house?"

Rafe laughed, but then his eyes widened as he looked at Gabriel.

Abigail felt a wave of cold dread wash over her. She turned to see Gabriel looking at Rafe wide-eyed as well, before sliding a very guilty gaze back at her.

All this time she'd been living and sleeping in Gabriel's house? He was paying her?

The horror of it floored her. Had he tricked her into living here to make it easier for him to seduce her? And he was paying her...as if she were a whore?

"Oh-god," she whispered, closing her eyes as a wave of dizziness overtook her.

"Easy, Abs," Rafe exclaimed gripping her arms.

"Abigail," Gabriel called out. "It's nothing. Don't make a big deal out of this."

He had the nerve to still sound angry? She gazed at him, feeling nothing but a strange numbness seeping into her. "I'm fine," she told Rafe.

Rafe let her go and she made her way to her room. No. The room she slept in. For now.

"Abigail, get back here," Gabriel snapped.

Abigail turned, hands fisted at her sides. She took a deep breath and said in her most polite, but direct, no nonsense tone, "Fuck you, Mr. Raven."

And then she ran into the room, locked the door behind her, and threw up on the floor.



Diavolo Ch. 08



Gabriel banged on her door for about five minutes. She'd locked him out.

"Abigail-god-damn-it," he yelled at the door.

"Give her time to cool down, man," Rafe said behind him.

"Shut-up. This is all your damn fault," Gabriel snapped pounding the door three more times. If it weren't because he had three broken ribs, a busted leg, and a barely healed collarbone he'd have busted the door down by now.

Michael leaned against said doorframe, eyes flashing in irritation. "Would you calm the fuck down, you idiot. All you're doing is making things worse."

Gabriel glared at him, trying to get his ragged, infuriated panting under control. He had a point.

Gabe gripped his crutches with knuckle-whitening intensity as he directed his hostile stare at the door accusingly.

She'd gone to him. Daniel. When she'd texted him back that she was at the Montenegro estate he'd almost sent his phone through the glass doors of the downstairs game room.

Trying to keep a grip on his volatile temper, he immersed himself in music.

At Michael's insistence, they'd worked on the first song he'd written for Abigail. He'd pretty much spilled his pathetic guts in that song. Christ. Mike was right. He had it bad, like never before.

And then she tells him she's at Daniel's house.

Knife straight to the heart, kick to the balls.

He didn't need to look behind him to know the rest of the guys were standing there, witnessing all the drama.

How he hated drama.

Taking a deep breath, "Erica, get me the ring of keys I have by the fridge up in the kitchen."

Dainty footsteps sounded up the stairs.

Michael's quasi-unibrow almost touched across the bridge of his broken nose. "Seriously, Gabe. What are you doing?"

Gabriel gave him a calm face, despite his roiling inner emotions. "I'm gonna talk to my girl."

Behind them, Angelo snorted.

One of Mike's brows rose a bit. "Talk?"

Gabriel pursed his lips. "Yeah, talk."

They stood there staring at each other. Mike didn't believe him, but he'd show them he could handle this. It wasn't going to be like the time...Gabriel frowned, trying to remember a time when he'd been able to remain cool.

Michael's brows rose a bit more.

"Well there's a first time for everything," Gabriel hissed.

Erica skipped over with the keys.

Gabriel found the right one and unlocked the door.

Turning, he glared at the guys. "Privacy, please."

They stayed right where they were; Rafe leaning against the pool table texting his buddies currently sitting around the outdoor lounge area waiting for him to give them the signal things had calmed down inside, Angelo sitting on the pool table even though he knew Gabriel hated that, Erica standing near Mike, who was still leaning against the doorframe with his bulky arms now folded over his chest, dubious expression still irritatingly fixed on his mug.

Gabriel entered her room...and almost stepped in puke.

He wrinkled his nose. "Shit." She'd gotten sick?

Healthy dose of guilt now beating him up from the inside out, he hobbled over to where he heard water running.

Abigail leaned over one of the double sinks, splashing water in her face. She looked pale, eyes closed and breathing open-mouthed.

He did that. To her. The girl who'd made him glad he opened his eyes every morning.

Grabbing a face towel and tossing it over his shoulder he made his way to her.

She finally straightened, their eyes meeting in the mirror.

He offered her the towel. Without turning to face him, she took it, mumbling her thanks and then dried her face.

So many things he needed to say. He didn't know where to start. He was still pissed she'd gone back to the mansion in Laguna Beach. Scared of her reaction in knowing he'd had her living in his beach house with the pretext of being a housekeeper to some secret person. He really didn't want anyone to know his secret hideaway. Just the guys and his grandmother. Now Rafe had brought a bunch of people over via the bay.

Fuck.

"Tell me what you're thinking," he said, needing to know.

She blinked, her teeth nipping her lower lip. Her gaze darted away from his, disconnecting from him.

Not good.

He crowded her, blanketing her back with his body, lips almost brushing her ear. A violent shiver went through her.

"Abigail," he breathed out, the heat of her already making him hard. "I was going out of my mind knowing you were him."

Her eyes snapped open. He slid his gaze back to the mirror to see how wide her pupils were. He affected her too. It wasn't just his blood flowing like lava through his veins right now.

"I already told you. Mikayla called me."

He closed his eyes, turned his nose to sniff at her fragrant hair. How he wished it were unbound so he could bury his face in the golden mass.

"Abigail, I love you."

She made a strangled sound in her throat.

He turned to look at her reflection again. Her eyes were closed, glittering wetness flooding her lashes.

"You lied to me," she got out through clenched teeth.

"About who owned this place?" Her eyes snapped back open, full of hurt, anger, and accusation. "I try to keep that information secret, Abigail. I didn't want anyone to know this place is mine. I was going to tell you. We just hadn't gotten around to talking about it. I was scared you'd leave and go back to Laguna." Just thinking about it made him want to go ape-shit.

She let out a pent up breath, her eyes focusing on the silver faucets in front of her.

"I was going to get a job, a little apartment," her voice sounded small. "I was finally going to stand on my own two feet."

Gabriel frowned, not understanding. He'd given her a place to stay. His home. Their home. And he'd given her money. She didn't need a fucking job.

Her eyes rose to meet him in the mirror again. He didn't really like what he saw in them. "I need to leave, Gabriel."

No. Time to change tactics.

******* 

His face fell. "You're going to abandon me? When I need you most?"

The deep tone of his voice, so soft, made goose bumps rise on her arms.

"You're hardly alone, Gabriel."

His lips pressed together, green eyes full of hurt and disappointment. "Mike has his hands full with Erica and her condition. Ariel is a manic depressive, drunk most of the day, asleep the rest. Rafe? I don't want Rafe here with his shit. Who does that leave? My eighty-nine-year-old grandmother? No way am I making her have to tend to me. She's done enough for me. Sharmane takes care of her. Diamond?"

Abigail winced. Oh-God, not that woman!

Gabriel snorted humorlessly, "Yeah-no."

He stared at her through the mirror until he turned away, head down. "Yeah, Abs. I get it. You need to get on with your life. Don't worry about me. I can get through this alone."

He made his way slowly toward the door, his right crutch catching with the throw rug in the middle of the stark white bathroom. After a bit of a wobble, he continued slowly, head down, just tearing her up inside with guilt at the sorry picture he presented. Before she could stop herself, she darted in front of him. Half-shuttered green eyes bore into hers, his face blank, black hair tumbling in loose waves around his face.

Her tongue froze, her eyes drifting down over his naked upper torso. Tattoos decorated his pecs and arms. A tribal sun in sharp black ink circled his belly button, set within the rock hard six-pack of his abdomen. His heat called to her. She felt herself swaying forward, a fuzzy memory of touching and tasting most of that glorious male flesh tantalizing her.

He licked his lips and turned his head away a bit, eyes focused on the white tiled floor.

"I..." she began. "I guess I can stay and care for you until you get better."

His gaze slid back to her, face still adorably pouty. "I'll be fine alone. Mike can sneak by every once and a while. As long as someone leaves some water and crackers nearby, definitely a lamp on. If I need to go take a piss I can always crawl outside and aim for the edge of the dock. Hopefully I won't fall in."

She frowned at him, despite her alarm at his words. "Oh, Gabriel. Stop being so dramatic."

When he refocused on the tile again with a soulful sigh, she couldn't help reach up and stroke back his thick hair. It only spilled forward again over his muscular shoulders.

He needed her. He'd been wrong to trick her into living in his house and fill her bank account with money, but the bottom line was he really needed someone to stay with him. He could hire a full time nurse, but then he'd run the risk of his privacy being invaded. The person might tell someone and before anyone knew, there'd be a horde of fans swarming the house.

"I'll stay, Gabriel."

He looked at her again. "Abigail, are you not still my girlfriend?"

She blinked at him. Somehow, she'd never really thought he'd been serious. He'd said twice now he loved her, but they barely knew each other. Didn't they?

"Are you?" he whispered.

"I...I thought it was just pretend."

He came closer, looming over her. She blinked up at him, eyes wide. The black in his pupils almost swallowed the green of his eyes. 'I'm not pretending."

"Oh," she replied with a gulp. "Okay then."

"I'll forgive you, because you obviously don't know about the girlfriend rules."

"Rules?"

"Oh, yes," he replied, one brow arching beautifully. "Girlfriends are supposed to take care of their man. I'm your man, Abby, and right now I need you."

A shudder went through her at his words. Her man.

Her eyes drifted over the masculine beauty before her. All that? Hers?

Wow. Okay then.

Finding her voice again, she asked, "are there boyfriend rules?"

His grin was pure evil. Gone was the pouty boy. Now she wasn't so sure she wanted to know what the boyfriend rules were.

He dipped his head to brush his lips over hers. Movement to her right had her turning to catch Michael in the room hefting handfuls of what looked like sawdust on where she'd heaved.

Embarrassment had her gasping and rushing out of the bathroom.

"Oh, I can take care of that," she blurted.

"Already got it," Mike mumbled straightening. "Just let that stuff soak it up a few minutes. Then it only needs to be swept up." He looked at Gabriel over her shoulder. "I got rid of all those goons Rafe brought over."

She turned to look at Gabriel who was making his way to the bed. His face looked a little ashen.

"Good thing I didn't get attached to this place," he replied tightly.

Micheal cocked his head to the side, eyes on Gabe. "Already had the talk with him. Let's just wait and see what happens."

Gabriel shook his head. Michael just sighed. Abigail wondered what they were talking about. It almost sounded as if Gabriel was considering getting rid of the beach house.

"Shit," Michael huffed. "With the practice and drama, I forgot about your meds."

Abigail's eyes widened as she saw Gabriel settle gingerly on her mattress before leaning sideways to lie down.

He was in pain.

"I'll live," he replied, but Mike had already walked out.

It was already nighttime. "Have you had dinner?"

He rolled onto his back. She saw him wince, but he remained silent and just shook his head side to side.

Michael came trotting back into the room, bottle of pills in his hand and glass of water.

Abigail turned and made her way out. Erica followed her up the stairs.

"Everything okay between you two?"

Abigail smiled at her over her shoulder. "Yeah. We talked a bit." They needed to talk more though. "He hasn't eaten. I'm going to make something for all of us."

"Ooh, can I help?"

Abigail grimaced but nodded her head, turning toward the kitchen. "Suuure."

******* 

Angelo and Michael helped him back up to the main floor. His bedroom had been unlocked and Abigail had the pleasure of finally seeing it. It was no wonder why he'd had it locked. His scent was everywhere even though, according to Mike, he'd barely ever stayed there. The huge walk-in closet had a few clothes, but there were pictures of his grandmother and another of a very beautiful blonde woman holding a baby, a little boy with humongous green eyes and raven curls. Gabriel as a one-year old and his mother was too precious for words.

She'd prepared some tenderloin steaks and lobster tails, and had Mike cook them out on the grill. Potatoes were in the oven as she prepared asparagus stalks in a huge skillet. Erica set the table to Abigail's surprise with Gabriel's white square plates and silverware. In the living room Angelo and Ariel played with the Xbox, shouting insults at one another over some game until the scents of food drew them to the kitchen like hungry children.

"God, I hate Gabriel so much right now," Angelo suddenly exclaimed looking over Abigail's shoulder.

She looked up at him, eyes wide. "Why? What did he do?" Looking back out into the living room, Gabriel laid sleeping on his inflatable mattress again. It was a shame there wasn't a bedroom on the main floor.

"I saw you first, damn-it. You're gorgeous and you can cook more than Chef Boyardee."

Abigail rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Please go back to the living room and let me finish this."

About an hour later, they all congregated at the outside dining table. Michael had lit the fire pit and turned up the fairy lights on the deck. The warm breeze brought with it the scent of the ocean and the sounds of the sea. Millions of star winked from a velvet black sky the moon, a sliver of white low in the sky reflected off the shimmering water. The bay was breathtaking, surrounded by the twinkling lights of the glamorous houses around it and fancy crafts of all sizes in its waters.

Gabriel still had a sleepy face when she put his plate before him.

He rubbed his eyes and frowned. "Who ordered take out? Smells fucking good."

Mike smiled at him. "No take-out, man. Abs made it."

Gabriel looked at his plate again. "Jesus-christ, woman."

Abigail bit her lips, wondering if there was something wrong.

Everyone ate almost in silence for a few minutes, nothing but the sounds of appreciation with every bite.

Gabriel watched her with every bite he took, his serious stare making her nervous. What was going through his head? At one point he reached over and took her hand, pressing a lingering kiss over her knuckles, eyes so intense, she felt herself blush from head to toe.

Everyone conversed, tales of the outrageous things that happened to them on their tours or at shows had Abigail gasping in shock or laughing until her sides hurt. One their first shows before a big crowd had ended up rather abruptly when the entire stage had collapsed. Another time some woman kept accusing Gabriel of being Bret Michaels incognito.

"Fucks-sake," Gabriel groused. "I look nothing like the dude. I've got green eyes and black hair. Real hair-mind you."

Abigail smiled looking around the table. "Who's Bret Michaels?"

Angelo's white wine sprayed from his mouth as he choked. Ariel snickered and Michael shook his head in dismay. Gabriel just stared at her in concern.

"He's the guy from Poison," Erica giggled. "Total eye-candy when he was younger, not too bad now either actually."

"Poison?"

"You know," Ang began, wiping his laughing mouth off with a napkin, "Now that I look at you, Gabe, I kind-a see it."

Gabriel scowled at the drummer. "Eat me."

"Look! You see?" Ang exclaimed, jabbing a finger in Gabriel's direction. "It's those hooker lips of yours, and those big fuck-me eyes. You're a dead ringer for him. All you need is the blond hair and eyeliner, man."

Even Ariel laughed, which was probably the first time she'd seen him show his teeth. Gabriel looked down shaking his head, but he chuckled too and then he yawned. The medication made him drowsy.

Erica shoved her cell phone under Abigail's nose.

"Bret Michaels."

Abigail blinked as she took the proffered phone from the girl despite Gabriel's protest. She looked at the video of the handsome blond man and smirked.

"Well, maybe the nose and the mouth."

Roaring laughter sounded around her. Gabriel just rubbed his face with his hands in defeat.

"Seriously, Abigail? You too?"

She giggled. No. Gabriel was way better looking than the pretty blond man in the video singing about roses and their thorns. For one, Gabe gave off a pure masculine vibe that made her toes curl. So-what if his lips were what Angelo accused them to be. They were surrounded by manly scruff at the moment.

He gave her a slow blink, looking like he was ready to nod off at any minute.

Michael stretched ad stood. "Rafe, help me clean up. Ang and Ariel, help Sleeping beauty here to the bath. It's getting late."

Angelo scoffed. "What? I am not helping a man bathe. What-the-hell!"

Ariel just shook his head sipping at his beer.

Gabriel looked at Abigail.

Her eyes widened. Who would bathe Gabriel when Michael couldn't come over?

"I can make it into the bathroom, but I definitely need someone to give me a hand in there."

"He could slip and kill himself," Michael added without a hint of a smile.

Abigail cupped her throat in horror.

"Think of me as your patient," Gabriel added slowly getting to his feet as Rafe handed him his crutches.

Every eye was on her.

Well, he was her boyfriend, and he was hurt enough to need assistance and who better than she?

"Okay," she said, her voice a horse whisper.

She left the guys from the band cleaning up as she followed Gabriel into the bathroom on the main floor behind the kitchen.

It was not as big as her bathroom downstairs, but roomy enough for both of them to fit without bumping into each other.

Gabriel still had no shirt on, just a pair of black drawstring pants. When he leaned against the sink, Abigail turned and began fixing the water.

"How do you like the temperature?"

"However you like it," he purred.

She ignored the sexy growl and shoved her trembling hand beneath the warm spray of water. This bathroom was tiled in natural stone and had a walk-in bathing area. Niches were tucked in the corners stocked with soaps, sponges, towels, and bottles of products of every kind. There was also a sturdy metal and plastic chair she guessed Gabriel used when he showered in there.

"Well, I made it warm, but not too much. It's a cool night..."

Her words died on her tongue when she turned.

He was in the process of stepping out of his pants. He wore noting else underneath. Her jaw dropped, her eyes gaped, her face grew hot as well as every other part of her.

Sweet-baby-Jesus, the man had the body of a pagan god, mile long legs, exquisitely muscled, and dusted in a layer of fine dark hair that matched the treasure trail leading from halfway down his tight belly to the nest surrounding his half erect cock...his half erect monstrous cock. Good-lord, it was another limb practically. As she stared at it, it grew longer and thicker.

"This is going to get really embarrassing if you keep looking at me like that, baby."

She wrenched her eyes from his groin to his face, and then closed her mouth to keep from making the famous fish-face that turned him on so much. Why? She had no idea.

"You're naked," she blurted.

"Well, I am about to shower."

"You could've worn underwear at least," she continued to protest, doing her best to keep her eyes on his face. It didn't matter though. Her eyes were focused on his face, but she could still see that serpentine beast pressed against his abs. It was like another person in the room.

He wrinkled his nose. "Well, how the hell am I supposed to wash my jewels wearing underwear? Come-on, Abs. We're both adults here. Seriously?"

Her face felt like it was on fire, and why not? She'd just seen her first completely naked man...and he was...there were no words.

"Baby, the shower's running."

"Yes! Oh-my-god, yes! Sorry."

He chuckled darkly. "My little Poptart."




Diavolo Ch. 08



She stepped aside, wringing her fingers as he gripped his crutches and hobbled forward toward the chair.

She watched him grimace a bit as he settled himself on the white plastic and handed her the cumbersome crutches. Once settled, he looked toward one of the shelves in the corner.

She gripped the showerhead, handed it to him, and then retrieved a bar of soap and a washcloth.

Her mouth literally watered as he lathered himself. Realizing she was staring inappropriately, she turned to gather a large towel and fold it neatly on the counter next to the sink.

"First time you see a naked man?"

She jumped at his voice. Leaning closer to the mirror to smooth her hair back, she replied, "of course."

"Did you ever kiss Daniel?"

Abigail turned with a frown. "Gabriel, those are private matters."

He frowned right back, but winced when he lifted his right arm to soap under it.

"You can ask me anything, you know," he said after a while.

"Do you remember your mother?"

He stiffened, a mere second, but kept right on lathering himself. "Vaguely, but yeah. I remember she liked to play the piano, and she had the voice of an angel."

Abigail sighed, wondering about the events that lead to the deaths of three people, leaving a toddler practically orphaned.

"I remember pieces of that night when Brendan Brinks shot her."

Abigail stared at him aghast.

"I think it was my birthday. Mother came into my room to tuck me in, but Brendan followed her. He was screaming at her, hit her and they began to struggle."

His gaze was faraway, lost.

"The bang was so loud. It's what I remember the most...that boom. Made my ears ring."

"Honey, you shouldn't think about that," she told him approaching slowly.

He turned to her, held out the soap. "Would you do my back?"

Such a simple, innocent question. Her belly tightened and something clenched low, making her shiver.

His cock had gone down, resting docilely between his strong thighs.

She took the soapy washcloth and circled behind him.

"We should've put your hair up," she commented, running the cloth between his shoulder blades.

He snorted, "Like one of the frilly, flowery plastic things my grandmother uses? Geez, baby. You trying to emasculate me?"

She rolled her eyes and pulled her hair free from the tie she used to keep her bun in place. Gathering the thick strands of his hair, she pulled it up and tied it securely.

"There. Now it won't get soaked."

Gabriel touched his hair and chuckled. "Abs, shit. I must look like a total ass."

She slapped at his hands when he tried to pull the hair tie off.

"Behave."

"I should just wash my hair again," he argued.

"It's late, and you were barely able to keep your eyes open out there."

He grunted.

She continued to scrub his back and shoulders, briefly looking sown to the twin swells of his backside resting on the chair.

Sitting, he came to her chin. He was so very tall. If she stood in front, his mouth would align with her breasts.

"What?" he asked in a low voice.

She frowned at the back of his head.

He turned a bit to look at her. "I felt you shiver."

Her face grew hot. "I'm all done here. Give me the showerhead."

He stared at her a moment before sighing and passing back the showerhead.

Once he was done with the rest of himself, Abigail turned off the water and handed him the towel. Once he patted himself dry, Abigail helping him once more with his back because lifting his arms gave him pain. He stood and she averted her gaze when he dried his backside.

Abigail handed him his crutches afterward.

He went back to the sink and leaned against it hand coming up to release the thick bun she'd tied at the nape of his neck. Behind the door was a black terrycloth robe she helped him into before helping him brush his slightly damp hair.

By the time they made their way back out into the living room, everyone was gone. The house had been locked up and someone had started a fire in the fireplace as well as pulled Gabe's temporary bed in front of it.

"Nice," Gabriel said, pitching his voice deeper.

He neared the bed and handed Abigail his crutches. Balancing carefully on his left leg, she gaped when he let the robe drop and then lowered himself carefully.

"Ah," he sighed. "Feel like a million bucks." Pulling up the sheets to drape casually over his groin, he smiled up at her. "Thank you, baby. For the food and helping me shower." He patted the bed. "Come."

"What?"

"You wanted to sleep with me last night. You were too drunk and I didn't want to. Not like that. But now you're okay, so, come. Lie with me."

She shook her head. "But, Gabriel, You're naked."

He rolled his eyes. "Abby, I already told you, I can't do anything, so stop harassing me for sex."

She gasped in outrage and he began to laugh.

"Come on, Abs. You promised. Just one night at least. Please?"

He batted his lashes at her and she weakened. 

"Okay, but I need to shower first."

"Geez, Poptart, you should've just showered with me. We need to conserve water, help the planet and shit.

She rolled her eyes at him before turning on her heel to head downstairs.

"Wear something obscenely sexy," he called out. "And burn that damned dress. Hate it."

She snorted her reply. He was such a brat.

******* 

Her shower was quick, and she pulled on a long baby-blue nightgown she had that had a high neck with pearly buttons and a ruffled hem. She could see the outline of her nipples through the thin material and the shadow of her white cotton panties, but she didn't own anything more discreet.

Braiding her hair and brushing her teeth, she made her way warily to the main floor.

Loud snoring greeted her ascent. She breathed out a sigh of relief and ignored the prickle of disappointment as she turned out the lights in the kitchen.

Now, only the glow from the fire illuminated the living room.

Gabriel still lay on his back, the white sheet covering him from the waist down. His dark hair spilled around his head, a stark contrast to the sheets. His skin was darker than hers, made golden by the firelight.

She stared at his lips, parted and showing a hint of his teeth. A grin curved her lips when another snore passed those delectable lips.

Her heart clenched at the sight of him and her eyes misted. He was hers. It was still so shocking to her. This past month she'd felt closer to him. Of course she didn't like that he'd tricked her into living in his house, but she'd forgiven him for that, never one to hold a grudge.

Carefully, she crawled into bed beside him. Her nerves started up again. She'd never slept with a man. She'd never done anything with a man. Now Gabriel had been the first to kiss her, the first to awaken her feminine desires, and the first to show her the beauty of the male form...and-God-he was beautiful.

******* 

Pleasure and pain. That's what was rousing him from his peaceful slumber. His ribs ached, pressure. The source? The press of exquisite feminine breasts to his side, a delicate arm clutching at him. Taut flesh filled his hand as he squeeze. The tight little ass wiggled a bit, getting closer.

He opened his eyes just as Abigail's leg rose a bit and rubbed his cock.

His entire body jerked at the contact. Now he was fully awake, looking down at her sleeping form pressed against him. She was sleeping on his arm, the arm he had curled around her, hand slipped inside her little cotton underwear gripping an ass cheek.

Shit.

She wiggled again, pressing her pussy against his thigh. If he didn't know any better, he'd say she was having a wet dream and getting off on his leg. Christ. If he could only roll over and let her rub his dick that way.

She sighed, her breath warming his nipple. She was killing him.

Carefully sliding his hand from inside her panties before she woke and accused him of groping her in her sleep, he slid away from her. She muttered something, more of a whine than anything else, but continued to sleep.

Gabriel struggled to his feet and stared balefully at the crutches. His doctor had told him he didn't need them and that he should start putting weight on his leg so that the bone healed faster. He'd just been reluctant to do so at first. Abby had agreed to stay until he recovered, but he'd convince her to stay indefinitely. He wasn't letting her go anytime soon.

Again, the thought of marriage entered his thoughts as he made his way slowly to the bathroom.

Abigail wasn't the kind of girl who'd just have sex with him. She'd been saving herself. That was a rare thing indeed, and he wasn't about to take that from her either. She'd be his, but he needed to give something up in return. His bachelorhood.

Was he ready to take the big plunge? Was his raging lust for Abigail making him rash, pushing things way too fast?

He washed his hands after making use of the toilet and then began brushing his teeth.

She was sweet, innocent, but she had fire to her as well. He liked that. Plus, the woman could cook like no one's business. Definitely points in her favor. No one but his grandmother or Sharmane had ever cooked for him. Abby wasn't after his money, could care less about his fame or the whole music business for that matter.

Did he love her? He snorted. Fuck yeah. She was every man's dream. His dream.

She was so innocent. He wanted to give her things, buy her stuff, take her places...make her come apart under his tutelage.

"Gabriel," Abigail gasped as she rushed into the bathroom.

He gripped the edge of the counter and stared at her in the mirror before turning carefully.

"You're standing without your crutches."

"Yeah, and you scared the crap out of me. I could've fallen."

Her face paled and he felt a twinge of guilt.

"Let me get them," she blurted turning to leave.

He reached out and gripped the back of her night gown stopping her in her tracks.

Her eyes widened when he began to reel her in slowly.

"Gabriel, your crutches."

"Doc said to put weight on my leg to strengthen it. I'll use them later when I get tired."

She was flush against him now, hair loose, thin little nightie the only barrier between them since e still hadn't pulled on his lounging pants.

Her face flushed pink as he palms went to his chest.

Looking away she breathed a frantic, "Gabriel, this is so inappropriate."

"We're not doing anything," he murmured, sliding his outh down the slender column of her throat. He could feel her pulse hammering hard through her jugular. Baring his teeth, he nipped at it making her gasp and then moan.

The sound lit him up like a fuse. He tilted his hips into her, letting her feel what she did to him. To his pleasure, she didn't try to move away, but pressed minutely closer.

His fingers clutched at the long fabric of her blue nightie. Why couldn't she have worn something shorter, more accessible.

Tipping his head to the side he tried to kiss her.

She froze, turning her head away and covering her mouth with her hand. "I haven't brushed my teeth."

"Like I care about that," he growled trying for her lips again, but she pushed away from him, leaving him bereft and horny.

"I'll go shower and start breakfast. Won't be long," she threw over her shoulder as she practically ran from the bathroom.

******* 

She needed to get her own apartment. And a job. If she stayed much longer with Gabriel, she was going to end up giving in and having sex with him. He was too hard to resist. The feel of him, so long and hard against her, had her panties in a disgraceful state. Was that even normal? Maybe there was something wrong with her. Was she a closet nymphomaniac?

She showered with the coldest water possible and pulled her hair into its usual bun afterward. Donning a loose olive green maxi and a pair of canvas flats, she pushed her glasses into place and went up to the main floor.

Gabriel leaned against the back of the couch, dressed in a pair of dark jeans and a black button down shirt. He combed his hair back into a ponytail and the scent of expensive cologne made her breathe deeper in appreciation.

"Thought we'd go out for breakfast," he said, green eyes burning. His gaze slid down her body, making her feel self-conscious. All of her clothes were modest, something she'd always preferred. Standing before this exotic rock star, she felt so plain. What did he see in her?

He smiled, and held his hand out to her. "Come. I got us a limo for the day."

Abigail's eyes gaped. "A limo?"

Gabriel's smile widened. "Nothing but the best for my girl."

******* 

The day evolved like something out of a fairytale. The limo was long, black and sleek. Gabriel put on some soothing music and offered her chilled orange juice. Claiming she'd allowed a drop to remain on her lips he proceeded to kiss her senseless after licking her lower lip from end to end.

His hand had moved from her ribs to just under her left breast, making her pant. She long for him to reach higher, grip her, mold her aching breast in his big palm, though the reasonable part of her called all sorts of lewd names. Her shameful urges increased the more time she spent with him.

They stopped at a little restaurant off the Pacific Coast highway, garnering only a few stares when they walked in.

Gabriel was so attentive with her, staring deep into her eyes as they talked and laughed, kissing her fingers and stroking her hands in the brief moments of silence.

She kept pinching herself under the table to see if she was dreaming all this.

Afterwards, Gabriel and she continued to converse in the back of the limo as the ride stretched on past the most beautiful scenery she'd ever seen.

Almost an hour later, Abigail's eyes rounded when they turned onto Rodeo Drive.

Gabriel spoke through the intercom to the driver to let them off for a while.

It was an entirely different world here. You could smell the scent of money in the air.

Gabriel entwined his fingers through hers and walked slowly down the street.

"Don't you think you're pushing yourself a bit too fast too soon?" she asked concerned.

He looked down at her, his gorgeous green eyes blocked by a pair of dark sunglasses.

"I want to spoil you a bit," he answered.

"Spoil me?"

He turned into the entrance of a boutique, before she put the brakes on.

"No," she bit out, undaunted by the scowl that turned his generous lips down.

"No?"

"I don't want you to by me things like I'm some floozy."

His frown twitched. He took a deep breath and smiled. "How can I get pissed when you say cute shit like that."

"I mean it, Gabriel. I don't want you buying me things."

"But that's what boyfriends do, baby. We spoil our girls."

She shook her head, looking at the glass window displays to either side of them. "This place looks outrageously expensive."

He ran his hand through his hair, obviously forgetting he'd tied it back. A few black strands came loose making him look way too sexy. "Shit, Abs. It's just money."

"Fine. If you want to throw it away while people starve everywhere, that's your business, but I will not participate in any of that."

He took off his sunglasses now and glared down at her. "Geez, Abby. The owner of this shop is an old friend of my grandmother's, and, yeah, she charges allot for her stuff, but she works damn hard at what she does and everything is handmade by her. She doesn't live in a fancy mansion, but has a modest home she shares with about a dozen foster kids her and her sister take care of. She refuses to take charity from me so the most I can do is throw lot's of business her way whenever I can."

Abigail stared up at him, completely aggrieved by her rash words now. Handmade clothing confectioned by an elderly lady, to feed her foster children. What could be more touching than that.

Lillian was a lovely woman who was only in her late sixties. She hugged and kissed Gabriel on his cheek and gave the same amount of affection to Abigail when he introduced her as his girlfriend.

They talked as Lillian took her measurements until Gabriel's phone began ringing.

He frowned when he saw the screen and ignored the call until it rang four more times in a row.

He stepped out to answer it leaving Abigail alone with Lillian.

The woman smiled at her as she measured Abigail from hip to ankle.

"He's a sweetheart. Don't let his sometimes grumpy attitude mislead you to thinking otherwise."

Abigail smiled down at her.

"You look like a good girl. I'm glad he's finally found someone like you. Stardom can come with plenty of loneliness."

"I'm pretty sure it comes with plenty of things, but I doubt Gabriel was ever lonely. Women clamor after him."

Lillian made a moue of distaste. "Leeches. Only after his fame and money."

Abigail's face warmed. He'd be paying for whatever purchase was made today. Didn't that make her sort of a leech also?"

Lillian stood and patted her shoulder. "I can tell you are having a difficult time with him buying you clothes, but if you get married, he'll be doing this on a daily basis."

Abigail's heart stuttered. "Marriage?" She was barely getting used to seeing him as her boyfriend. The thought of marriage seemed a bit too premature, even though hope flared in her heart.

"I see the way he looks at you," Lillian assured. "I've never seen him look at anyone that way. You've got him twisted around your finger and don't even realize it. Yes, sweetie. That man is going to put a ring on your finger before you know it."

Gabriel picked that moment to walk back in...with a noticeable limp.

She met him halfway, pressing her hands against his chest. "You're in pain. We should get back home. You need to rest."

He smirked down at her. "Geez, baby. I'm not some old man."

"But—"

"No buts." Looking back to Lillian he said, "You've got anything her size for right now? We're on a date and I want to take her someplace special tonight."

Lillian smiled. "I've got just the right thing."

Gabriel nodded. "Throw in some sleepwear, even though I'd prefer she slept naked with me."

Abigail gasped and almost elbowed him before she remembered his ribs. 

Gabriel!"

"What?" he said with mock innocence.

Lillian brought out a pretty, floral dress in a silky material that just flowed like liquid over her body. The thin straps and princess neckline showed off her shoulders, and the handkerchief hem her legs.

Gabriel's eyes smoldered when she stepped out of the dressing booth. Already, there were a couple of bags on the counter and Lillian was ringing up the sale. There was another woman in the shop as well. Her eyes had been eating up Gabriel from head to toe until they turned to her with a coldness that left Abigail confused.

Abigail bit her lip, wondering how much he'd just spent, but he approached her and leaned down to kiss her in front of the women.

Heat suffused her face and she wanted to shy away, but he wouldn't have it and speared his tongue into her mouth to ravish it.

"You look so beautiful," he said huskily.

She looked away from the intensity of his gaze to see Lillian grinning affectionately and the other woman...taking a picture with her phone.

Oh-no!

Gabriel turned to see what had displeased her, but the female had already snapped the picture and was now texting.

"What is it, baby?"

She shook her head as the limo's chauffeur walked. "Nothing. I just want to go now."

Back inside the limo, she noticed Gabriel wincing as he sat.

"We really should go back home. You only just got out of the hospital the day before yesterday."

"I'll be fine. I brought my medication."

"And it makes you sleepy," she reminded him.

He sighed tiredly. "How about if I get us a place to chill for a while, maybe take a nap and we go out to eat tonight before heading back home. It's a long drive back anyway and I guess I could use a little rest."




Diavolo Ch. 08



He pulled her closer and nuzzled her neck, giving her goose bumps.

She wondered where they were going now, but didn't need to wonder long. A Fifteen minute drive out to the coastline, the limo was pulling up to a lavish hotel called Casa Del Mar.

They were ushered in like royalty. Abigail gaped at the luxury around her, the marble floors and winding staircases. A corner room with a spectacular view of the ocean and an amusement park not that far from the hotel was assigned to them.

As soon as the door closed, Gabriel sat with a bounce on the bed and flopped back.

"Yeah, I'm just going to pass out right here," he murmured.

Abigail removed his shoes and froze when she heard him unzip his jeans.

"Can't sleep with clothes on, Abby. Help me out here," he said, voice a bit slurred.

She frowned, remembering he'd taken his pain meds on the way here. He usually only took them early in the morning and then again late t night. Today he'd taken them later than usual.

Hands a bit shaky, she undid his pants and pulled them off. His shirt came next until he wore nothing but his skin. Using his hands, he pulled himself up to the pillows and held his hand out to her.

"I wanna feel you next to me, Abby. I swear I'll behave. Strip too."

She began to shake her head, scandalized by what he was asking, but he sighed and begged, "Please?"

"L-let me close the blinds first," she blurted, face flaming. If she was going to get naked with him, it would be under the cover of darkness at least.

By the time she'd drawn the room darkening curtains closed and returned to him, he was asleep.

She stripped quickly and pulled a corner of the fluffy comforter over them as she finally snuggled down beside him. He stirred, opening his eyes a sliver. As his arms went around her.

"Thank you, baby," he sighed. His lips brushed her forehead as he murmured something else she couldn't make out.

He was fast asleep again.

Abigail brushed her hand over his chest, her belly quivering at the hard feel of him even though his skin was hot and silky. Feeling brave, she slid her leg over his thighs and gasped when she bumped into the long length of his arousal. Looking down, she saw he was tenting the comforter.

Curling her hand under her chin as she slid her leg off him, she berated herself for groping him while he was unconscious. He'd promised her he'd behave and here she was acting like a perverted floozy.

"Touch me more," he mumbled pulling her hand over his chest again. "Feels nice."

Face flaming at him being aware of her actions, she caressed him slowly, but kept her hand in the safe zone of the area between his bulging pectorals.

The sound of the sea and the air conditioning lulled her until she dozed off as well in Gabriel's warm arms.

Her dreams were full of erotic visions, of touching Gabriel all over, hearing him moan and move restlessly. She wanted him with a desperation that bordered on obsession. Her fingers wrapped around his girth, marveling at the contrast of velvety flesh and steely rigidity. The tip of him bled a clear drop as he bucked his hips and groaned out an expletive.

Mesmerized, she leaned down and licked that drop. Something that should have revolted her only turned her on more. Her mouth opened wider and she suckled his tip.He was wickedly delicious.

"Fuck, Abigail. I can't believe...shit...are you awake?"

She froze. He looked like he was in pain, hands fisting the comforter beneath his bare ass as he thrust his hips slowly, the feel of him in her mouth all too real.

Abigail blinked, slowly letting the feel of his cock slide from her swollen lips. What was she doing?

Gabriel made a little whimper in his throat when he finally slipped from her mouth, flesh glistening from her saliva.

"I...I'm. So. Sorry," she finally got out in a barely audible whisper.

"No," he pleaded. "Please don't be. God, baby. I'm hurting with the need to come right now."

The intense throbbing between her legs made her feel crazy with need.

He opened his arms to her. "No penetration, but come up here and rub yourself on me. At least that, baby. Please?"

The word no was on the tip of her tongue, but her body moved of its own volition. She straddled him and they both groaned when she pressed herself against his arousal.

"Oh-fuck, you're so wet," he moaned thrusting against her.

His cock wet her belly and she angled her hips so that he slid between the lips of her sex.

She gasped and grew rigid, stopping all movement as an electric sensation shot all through her.

Gabriel growled and grabbed her ass, thrusting harder.

Abigail gripped his shoulders and arched her back as the sensation built. Her nipples dragged exquisitely over his chiseled chest, inflaming her more. She should stop. This wasn't right. so sinful...so good.

"Oh," she cried out in ecstasy. What was happening to her? It felt too good. She couldn't control her bucking hips.

"Christ-you're going to come, aren't you?" he gasped. "Oh-God-baby. You're so damn beautiful. I love you so damn much."

"Yes, Gabriel," she panted rubbing herself against his rigid flesh as the pleasure built unbearably high. "I love—"

She screamed. The pleasure snapped deep inside her making her whole body convulse. She cried out his name as he continued to move beneath her before finally throwing his head back and shouting.

Warmth bathed her belly. Gabriel gripped the back of her neck and she was sure she tasted blood when he mashed their lips together.

He kissed like a man dying of thirst and she the only source of moisture left on Earth.

"God-Abby. Fuck it all. Be mine. Marry me!"



Diavolo Ch. 09



He'd never come so hard in his life. The sight of her rubbing herself on him had blown his fucking mind. Hell, waking up to find her licking his cock like her favorite flavor of lollipop had nearly done him in. He nearly shot his load into her mouth when she'd wrapped her pretty lips around the head of his cock, but then he'd noticed her glassy-eyed look and wanted to cry in frustration.

She'd come awake slowly, the surprise at what she'd been doing dawning on her face, but at the same time excited. She wanted to pull away, he could see the uncertainty in her eyes, heard it in her stuttered apology.

Really? Apologizing because she was sucking his dick? Someday they'd both laugh about that, he was sure.

He'd rushed her, yanked her up his body, and seduced her before she changed her mind. Seeing her bloom into a sexual creature almost made him weep. The sight of her arching her back and screaming his name as she gushed and came all over his dick actually did make him shed a tear. It pushed him over, his ejaculate shooting all over the both of them.

He kissed her hard, loving the feel of his juices making her flesh slide erotically over his. He wanted to smear it all over her and mark his territory.

And then, he'd opened his mouth and spilled his guts.

"Marry me."

The sound of those words still echoed in the room and he'd felt her tense up.

He had to tamp down his damned possessive anger. His hand cupped her ass and he rolled them over, ignoring the searing pain it caused across his ribs and in his leg. He caged her beneath him, the loose strands of his hair coming down around her face.

She gazed up at him, dazed.

"We've barely known each other two months now," she replied in a quiet, almost frightened voice.

Great. First time he asks a chick to marry him and she doesn't jump at the chance. His male ego snarled like a vicious dog at that.

"I don't need any more time to figure out you're the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."

Her mouth opened and closed, eyes searching his. Suddenly, to his alarm, they began to well, big blue eyes swimming in tears.

"But, why? You can have anyone you want. Why me?" she whispered, voice choked.

His heart melted. "Why not?" He used his thumbs to brush away the two tears that spilled over. "You're beautiful to me, Abigail. But it's more than that. I love every exasperating thing about you."

She winced. "Exasperating?"

He frowned down at her. "Yeah. Like how you always play down your best attributes, like your hair in that infuriating little knot. I just want to bury my hands in it, but can't, and how you cover yourself up too much. Baby, I'm all for being demure and dressing classy, but you go overboard."

She frowned back at him. "But that's who I am, Gabriel. I refuse to dress like a—like a—"

"Floozy?" he asked.

She bit her lower lip.

He began to chuckle. "I'm too jealous to let you dress that way either, but no more black dresses that come up to your ears and trail a foot around you either."

She let out a pent up breath and broke eye contact with him. "Hey," he said cupping her cheeks, making her look at him again. "I love you Abigail. I'm sorry for pushing so much, but I really do love you."

Her eyes welled again. "I love you too, Gabriel."

He kissed her then, slowly, firmly, trying to transcend his feelings for her in his kiss. He could feel himself growing hard again and ached to take her.

"Never be ashamed of what we share between us, Abby," he said finally letting her breathe again. "What we do belongs to us. I'm yours and you're mine. I don't want any shame in what we share."

She closed her eyes making him worry.

"It's just that..." she took a deep breath. "I was taught—"

"Well, I'll unteach you, Abby. We'll go slowly. I promise not to penetrate you until we walk down that aisle, but we are definitely going to explore and learn each other."

Her gaze slid to his. "Yes, Gabriel," she said softly, eyes focused intensely on his. Goosebumps rose over his body. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Gabriel couldn't contain the grin. He was going to get her the biggest rock on Earth. She'd need a wheelbarrow to carry it around on her finger.

"God-baby. I just want to lick you all over and eat you out until you squirt my face."

She gasped loudly, her eyes growing round and face turning scarlet. "Gabriel!"

He chuckled and nipped her neck. "Sorry," he growled, not really meaning the apology one bit.

"What is this sticky stuff on us?"

He laughed some more, and rolled over, sliding his fingers in the remains of semen on her belly. He trailed his fingers lower until he smeared it right between her legs. Someday he'd come there. Someday soon.

She flinched at his touch and slammed her thighs shut tight, her face going red, and gaze darting away in embarrassment.

He gathered her close to his body as his lips brushed her nose. "You're mine, Abigail soon to be..." He stuttered to a stop. "My wife," he finally murmured.

His surname. Over his dead body he'd give her the surname of the bastard that had gunned his mother down. He needed to do something about that damned name. Raven was only his stage name. Legally he was still Brinks.

"Let's get cleaned up and get a bite to eat."

She nodded, her fingers twining in the loose locks of his hair. She looked so shy and sweet, his heart nearly burst just looking at her.

******* 

The restaurant was beautiful, with a breathtaking view of the Pacific. Gabriel had opted for a table on the outside terrace. The sun was just setting beneath the horizon painting the sky in dramatic hues of deep blues, pinks and reds. The balmy breeze made the fronds of palms rustle and blew strands of her hair across her neck. The flickering candle set in the center of the table made Gabriel's eyes look like glowing jade. He grinned at her as he sucked down his sixth oyster.

The waiter had brought an enormous shell-shaped platter filled with ice and a dozen oysters. Again, he'd pulled his hair back into a tail at his nape, but he wore a long-sleeved charcoal Henley and a pair of washed out grey jeans. Where he'd gotten the extra clothing, she had no idea, but he looked utterly drool-worthy.

She'd donned a pair of cropped, white, linen, drawstring pants, with a delicately crocheted pale-grey top that bared her belly button. It was unlike anything she'd ever worn, but she loved it. Especially the strappy little beaded sandals. He'd taken her to the spa where they'd pampered her from head to toe. Looking down at her fingers, she grinned at the cute French manicure that matched her toes. They'd even painted a little daisy on her ring finger.

Gabriel grabbed her hand and kissed it again. Her belly always flipped when he did that. Under the table, her toes curled when his leg brushed against hers.

He looked like he wanted to eat her alive, the same intense gaze he had as they'd showered together. Another first for her.

Would it always be this way? This intensity, this feeling of free-falling through the clouds. Would she splatter into a million pieces when she hit the ground?

"Don't be scared," his million dollar voice purred.

She gulped. How easy it was for him to read her.

"We'll date a while, but I'm not dragging this out for months. You're it for me, Abigail. I've never meant anything more in my life."

She just stared at him. What was she supposed to say to that? To the intensity in his eyes?

She swallowed. "I want to be on my own a while."

He flinched and suddenly there was fire in his eyes. He leaned back to study her, clearly unhappy.

"I've been too sheltered all my life, Gabriel. I just wanted to be on my own a while. It doesn't mean I don't want to be your girlfriend or marry you. I just want to have my own little place and work. Live normal."

His gaze lowered, thumb rubbing over her knuckles. "I can get a smaller place if you want. I already contacted my broker and put the beach house up for sale."

Her jaw dropped. "What? Why?"

His brows drew tight over angry eyes. 'Rafe brought a bunch of people over last night. I don't want anyone knowing where I live. I need to get away from it all sometimes. I don't want the fucking paps sitting on my doorstep every time shit hits the fan."

She nodded, understanding. The circus of media around the hospital was reminder enough of what he meant. She'd hated every second of it. "Yeah. I understand, but..." How to tell him? Her gaze strayed to the rolling waves surging up onto the sand, leaving sparkling white foam in their wake.

She felt him tense, making her nibble her lower lip in unease.

"But?" he growled.

"I want to have my own little place for a while."

When he remained silent, she dared turn her gaze to peek at him again.

His face was a mask of stone, only his eyes blazed scarily. Slowly he nodded. "I don't like it, but if that's what you want—"

She didn't let him finish. Grabbing his face, she kissed him fiercely. His hand landed on her thigh, squeezing, a low groan sounding in his throat.

Off to her their right, she heard chuckling and sprang back from him, mortified by her brazen display.

Gabriel leaned closer and nipped her earlobe, sending more heat into her cheeks.

The table next to theirs had two couples staring and laughing at them.

Abigail readjusted her glasses on her nose and cleared her throat as Gabriel pulled away just enough to look her in the eyes again. "At least let me pay for the apartment, and get you what you need."

"Absolutely not," she said arranging her napkin on her lap when the waiter appeared with their lobster dinners.

Gabriel clenched his hands into fists. "Damn-it, Abby. I'm supposed to take care of you."

"We're not married yet."

The waiter's eyes widened before he asked them if they needed anything else.

"We're good," Gabriel snapped, his eyes never leaving Abigail's face. He leaned closer. "You won't live with me, you won't let me put a roof over your head. I feel like I'm being emasculated here."

She gaped at him. "Gabriel, honestly. You're being a caveman about this."

"I told you I was a caveman."

She almost wanted to back down and let him have his way, but that was how she always acted, letting people walk all over her. She'd been pulled from the safety of the convent, her eyes and mind rudely awakened. She needed to take control over some part of her life before becoming nothing more than his wife.

"I won't change my mind," she said looking down at her fists in her lap. "It's just not fair, I always have to give in to what others want. I just want this one little thing. To feel like I can be a real person—"

His hand cupped her face and turned her to him.

"Baby, he whispered. "I don't want to take your choices from you."

She bit her lip when she felt it tremble.

He stroked it tenderly, making her release it from between her teeth. "I just need to know you're safe. I don't know how the hell I'm going to sleep at night when you're not with me."

"But we only slept together last night."

"And I'm already addicted, baby. I need you."

Oh-God. Her throat felt choked up at the pleading way he said that.

"But, I'll just deal. I'll give you your Abby-time." His eyes narrowed then. "On one condition."

She frowned at him. He was putting conditions? The choice to personal independence was supposed to be hers.

"I get to scope out the place with you. If I don't think it's safe enough, you are not moving in. That is non-negotiable."

She blinked up at his stern countenance. He wasn't going to budge on that, she was sure.

"And we get an alarm and surveillance system installed before you sleep there alone."

"Now wait a minute—"

"No. That's it. Final. You're mine and I'll be damned if something happens to you because I let myself get swayed by this silly little urge to live separately. Tomorrow we'll discuss whatever plans you have for the wedding and I'll have someone come by afterwards to help coordinate everything."

Abigail flinched. So fast. Everything was happening too fast.

Gabriel gripped her chin with two fingers, leaning close. "I want you legally, papers drawn and signed, big fucking ring on that finger. Mine, and I'm not waiting months for that." His gaze softened. "Don't you want me as much as I want you, Abby?"

He fought unfairly. One minute she wanted to hit him over his hard head, the next she just wanted to kiss the daylights out of him.

"Tell me you love me," he whispered.

"I love you, Gabriel," she got out on a shaky breath.

He touched his lips to hers, making her melt.

The light clapping at the other table made them spring apart.

One of the men at the next table raised his glass and saluted them. "Congrats on the nuptials."

Gabriel straightened, and nodded.

They ate their dinner, but she could tell Gabriel was moody again. Obviously, he'd disliked the eavesdropping people at the next table as much as she did.

Would there always be this lack of privacy with them? Everyone watching, listening, as if they were some public reality show?

Just beyond Gabriel's shoulder, she watched the Ferris wheel of the amusement park sparkle with iridescent colors. Laughter and screams could be heard, as well as the thundering rattle of the rollercoaster.

Gabriel looked back and turned with a smile lighting his beautiful face again.

"Wanna go?" he asked jerking his thumb over his shoulder.

She gaped at him. "But your leg—"

"I'm fine. We'll get the crutches again and take a walk down there." His eyes suddenly heated up a thousand degrees. "Unless you'd rather go back to the room and roll around on the bed some more."

She reared back, completely aware she was making her fish face again, but how could she not? Her boyfriend was completely wicked.

******* 

They retrieved only one of his crutches as well as a baseball cap he pulled low over his forehead. The salty breeze was turning a bit nippy, so she pulled on a long black cardigan that was inside one of the many bags from Lillian's boutique.

Pacific Park was full of people having a grand time. They walked around, his hand holding hers tight. Some people turned to gawk at him, a few asked for pictures, but for the most part, they were left alone.

They went into the Fun House and laughed all the way through. It took them almost an hour to find their way out.

Gabriel tried his hand at a few games, and spent a small fortune winning her a giant stuffed teddy bear. She carried her prize proudly under one arm, gripping her hot boyfriend's hand with the other.

He led her to the Ferris wheel. Always a bit wary of heights, she was a little reluctant to go on, but he convinced her, promising to keep her safe.

How could a girl refuse such an offer?

"Baby, why so tense?" he murmured licking his way up her neck to her ear.

Abigail panted, a mixture of fear and desire making her heart race. "I'm fine," she lied.

The ride started up again with a jerk to let the next riders on. She yipped in fright and clutched Gabriel.

"Oh-hell-no," he laughed. "You're scared?'

"I'm fine. Just don't make it rock," she whined, opening her eyes to see in dismay they were almost at the top.

"Rock? You man like this?"

The evil rock star shifted forward, tipping the little umbrella shaped gondola, making Abigail scream. Gabriel laughed and wrapped his arms around her.

"You're so mean," she whined, and then squeaked in fright when the ride lurched yet again.

This time they rose to the very top before swinging to a stop.

Abigail whimpered, clutching him tight. It was a little more than one-hundred and thirty feet to the pier now.

"I've got you, baby," he purred into her ear, tongue darting out to lick the sensitive shell.

Abigail shivered, this time for different reasons.

He tilted his head and sealed his mouth over hers, hand coming up beneath her top to grip her breast. Abigail arched her back and gasped when he pulled the cup of her bra aside to pinch her nipple. Moisture flooded her panties.

"I fucking want you so much I hurt, Abigail."

She wanted him too. Wanted him so much she was about to throw all her convictions aside and beg him to take her back to the room and love her fully.

She gripped his ponytail and opened her mouth to let him plunder it, mimicking another act with his tongue.

The Ferris wheel jolting back into motion had her turning away with a gasp. He chuckled and just held her tight.

After the initial panic, she settled in to enjoy the beautiful sight around her.

The moon was full and lit a silver path across the ocean. Below, the lights of the park glittered brightly in a array of neon colors. Gabriel kissed her every chance he got. At one point, he plastered his mouth over hers and she heard the hoots and whistles of the people below waiting their turn to get on the ride.

Embarrassed, she turned her face away. Gabriel just chuckled and grinned at the crowd as they passed.

As their gondola soared back up, he grabbed her again. Abigail turned her head and bumped his cap. It went flying off below somewhere.

"Oh," she gasped.

They watched as someone caught it and raised it up like a trophy.

Abigail stared wide-eyed at Gabe. He just shrugged and pulled off his hair-tie.

"What-the-hell. It's not like I was actually fooling anyone."

Dark hair tumbled around his face and shoulders, the breeze sweeping it all over to one side, a few strands coming over half his face. He looked like the male models of the cover of magazines. She was pretty sure he'd graced quite a few.

Afterwards, he'd bought them both blue slushies, and they'd shared a bag of popcorn as they watched the little children squeal in delight on a plane ride that took them around in a circle.

Abigail's heart clenched at the sight of them laughing and waving at their parents below.

"Like kids?" Gabriel nuzzled her ear.

She bit her lip and gazed up at him from beneath her lashes. "Always have. Never thought I'd have any of my own though."

His gaze heated, sweeping over her. "I can just imagine you all swelled up with my baby in your belly," he growled. A shudder went through her as smoldering green eyes rose to hers. "Jesus. I swear, Abby. If it weren't for..." He stopped himself and looked away for a second before turning back to her with a frown. "If I had it all my way, we'd be on a plane to Vegas right now to get hitched and you'd be pregnant before the sun came up or I'd break my back trying, baby."

She sucked in a harsh breath at his candor.

His brows pinched over the bridge of his nose. "Your tongue is blue."

She blinked at the sudden change of topic. "So is yours," she managed to say over her breathlessness.

"Gabriel, can we take a picture with you," a couple of blonde girls squealed, bouncing up and down.

He looked away from her, but not before she saw him frown at the intrusion.

His face changed to an easy smile as he stood though.

"Sure," he replied.

Abigail noticed him leaning more on his left leg. It was probably time they headed back to their room.

The blondes bounded over to him, one of them practically shoving her phone under Abigail's nose.

"Could you, pretty please?" she said with an ear-to-ear grin.

Abigail smiled back and took the phone. She walked a few paces away from the bench where she and Gabriel had been resting. When she turned, she was confronted by the view of the girls plastering their overly large breasts to Gabriel, clutching at him with big lusty grins on their spray-tanned faces.

Gabriel's smile did not reach his eyes, merely a tilt of the corners of his generous lips. Still, he looked hot and, of course, the picture would probably be one the girls would boast about for a long time.

They asked for a kiss each, and Gabriel pecked their cheeks, even though they were obviously trying for his mouth.




Diavolo Ch. 09



Jealousy was a bitter taste on her tongue, but it was hardly his fault. He was a public figure. This was something she would have to deal with being his girlfriend and later on his wife.

Stress lines bracketed his mouth. It was probably time for his pain meds. Stroking his dark hair back from his face, she suggested they go back to the room.

He smiled at her and nodded. "Whatever you say, Poptart."

She grinned up at him, hugging her big white teddy bear. She was going to have to come up with a good pet name for him also.

******* 

Life had a way of intruding when you least wanted it to.

They returned to the beach house on Newport Bay. Diamond had booked them recording time at a studio, despite Gabriel's protests. They only had three songs. What the fuck was the rush?

Once in the studio though, his muse gripped him by the balls and four more songs were churned out. Michal would give him a ride early to the studio and they wouldn't leave until late at night.

Four days of this, and he'd returned to find Abigail had cooked him a succulent steak dinner to soften the blow of telling him she had a job.

He did his best not to flip out until she told him it was in the same building as North Star Records.

"What?" he bellowed.

"It's a daycare on the first floor. I'm going to be an aid, reading stories to the children and playing games with them."

Gabriel had stood abruptly, sending the dining room chair flying. He gripped his hair two handed as he began to pace. She'd be near Daniel.

"Gabriel, please. I don't understand why you're so upset."

He turned, feeling his eyes about to pop out of his skull. "You don't?"

She wrung her fingers together, her teeth sinking into her lower lip. "Is this because of Daniel?"

Gabriel just snarled, unable to utter a single decent word.

"Gabriel, please. He's your brother."

"How would you feel if Diamond hired Micks as her personal assistant? She'd be in my damned face almost every day," he spat taking few steps back to the table, hands fisted at his sides.

Abigail just stared up at him with those humongous blue eyes, sweet lips pursed in a pout that he just wanted to kiss and bite.

"I'd trust you, Gabe," was her soft reply.

He grunted and clutched his chest. Christ. She might as well have sucker-punched him in the gut.

"Baby, I trust you," he huffed in exasperation, walking right up to her and gripping her arms. "It just makes me crazy knowing he was your first love."

He didn't mention the fact that he was still secretly worried she still felt something for him.

Gabriel kissed her hard, possessively, before breathing against her lips, "You don't know how frustrating that is."

She pressed her palms against this chest when he dipped his head for more of her taste.

She stared deep into his eyes. "We never kissed, Gabriel. We never even held hands."

He reared back, feeling confused. "I thought you said he was your first boyfriend."

Abigail pulled away and turned, her palms smoothing over the cute frilly shorts she'd donned for him. His eyes devoured the sight of her heart-shaped ass before he realized she was talking.

"Our mothers wanted us to be together. They encouraged us. Godmother sent me away to the best schools in Europe. Girls' schools. Daniel and I saw each other sporadically, but Paulina always wrote to me about all his accomplishments and how he was anxious to see me during the summer vacations. I was always terribly shy and I guess so was he, but we developed a warm friendship and I felt comfortable around him whereas other men always made me feel wary."

He stalked forward, gripping her under her arms and lifting her to rest noisily on the piano. Trapping her with his hips between her legs and his arms to either side of her he leaned close to her face. "What about me? Did I make you feel scared?"

Abigail gulped, her eyes and fingers trailing over the intricate lines of tattoos that sleeved both his arms. "At first, yes. A lot."

He didn't like that answer. "You felt nothing else?"

She blushed. "I...I thought you were quite handsome in a wild untamed kind of way."

He grinned. "Yeah?"

She blushed redder, completely captivating him.

"You still think I'm handsome in a wild and untamed kind of way?" he teased.

Her sweet lips twitched, a dimple appearing by each corner. Long lashes batted behind glass lenses as she peeped up at him shyly, her grin completely adorable.

He growled deep in his throat watching as her cheeks glowed brighter and her pupils widened. Yeah. She liked when he acted wild and untamed with her.

Whatever her reply might have been, he didn't let her answer, preferring to kiss her senseless instead.

He clutched her ass and dragged her against him, rubbing himself between her spread thighs. She gasped and arched her back.

They'd taken to dry humping like a couple of randy teenagers, sad as that might be, but if that was as far as she'd allow him to go, he'd take what he could and be grateful.

He bit her lips and growled, "first time I saw you at Ariel's place you blew my mind."

She stopped arching against him and frowned in confusion. "I did? I looked a mess that day."

"God-no," he scoffed. "You had that tight little dress that barely covered this gorgeous ass, and that hair..." He sieved his fingers through the loose golden strands, loving the silky feel of it. "The glasses, and those big blue eyes of yours. One look and I was hooked. And then you slapped the shit out of me. I was a goner for sure, pissed and horny as fuck for you," he confessed truthfully.

Her face flushed neon. "Gabriel!"

He chuckled and dipped his head to nip at her neck and ear.

"The food is getting cold," she panted.

He suddenly remembered why she'd cooked such a feast and pouted down at her.

"Do you have to work at that place? Didn't you apply anywhere else?"

"A youth center, but I liked the daycare a lot. They have babies from weeks old to four years old."

He stared into her hopeful eyes. She would take the job regardless, but he could see that his approval meant a lot to her.

"I trust you, Abby." Was all he said, kissing her softly.

"Oh, Gabe, thank you," she gushed, gripping him hard to cover his face in sweet kisses.

******* 

Abigail watched Gabriel prowl around the apartment, a scowl set on his handsome features.

This was the seventh place she'd brought him to. There had been ten choices on her list. He'd shot down three immediately, stating they were in dangerous neighborhoods.

Again, they'd argued heatedly over her decision of moving into her own place. Now that the beach house looked like it had potential buyers, she wanted to move into her own place before Gabriel could try to persuade her into moving into some lavish home with him.

The first complex they'd visited, he hated because there was too much traffic.

The second place was too isolated and had no surveillance. He'd taken one look and snarled a "hell-no".

The third and fourth place had rowdy residents, according to him. One had two guys working out near the pool, and the other a party toward the back of the building with lots of boisterous male shouting.

The fifth place, he claimed he didn't like the way the guy tending the grounds grinned at her, some poor pimple-faced boy about sixteen years old.

Abigail had to roll her eyes at that one.

The sixth place, she conceded since the owner had one of those fake tans and lots of gold jewelry and kept calling them both "baby" with a leering grin. 

"Wow, wait till my wife gets a look at you," he chuckled at Gabriel. "You guys like to swing?"

Gabriel had ushered her out of there so fast, her head spun.

"Did he mean the dance kind of swing?" she asked as they sped out of the parking lot.

Gabriel gave her a sideways glance, eyes wide. "No."

When he explained later that night, she'd almost gagged.

Now they'd arrived at her favorite place, Newport Bluffs.

There were various one-bedroom floor plans, some bigger than others, but Abigail just wanted something cozy with a fireplace.

Although the community was a bit more luxurious than what she'd preferred, it was gated, with guards posted and had surveillance. It looked quiet and stately, and she'd fallen in love with one of the floor plans she'd seen online.

As she marveled at the dark wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, she glimpsed Gabriel checking the locks of the glass doors that led out to the patio. He snorted and stalked into the bedroom.

Abigail checked out the bathroom smiling at the neutral tones of almond. Already, her mind began ticking off the things she'd buy to decorate it.

Turning to check out the bedroom, she ran head first into Gabriel.

He wrapped his arms around her before she fell backwards. It was like running into a brick wall.

When he continued to press her face against his chest, she said, "this is the one I want."

"I don't like it."

Abigail shoved him away and glared at him. "What's wrong with this place?"

Gabriel ran an agitated hand through his dark hair. "The patio locks don't look secure."

She rolled her eyes. "Gabriel, this is a third floor. I doubt someone is going to scale the building to break into my apartment through there.

"You never know," he grumbled.

He looked so cute pouting and cranky-faced, she just had to wrap her arms around his neck and rise on tiptoes to kiss his chin, since he refused to bend a little to meet her halfway.

Gorgeous green eyes lowered to her, thick black lashes shading them to emerald. His hands cupped her ass as he pulled her up to feel the hardness in his pants. By now, she was accustomed to his almost constant state of arousal, and trusted him not to go beyond what she was comfortable with.

"But I'm going to miss you," he said with a frown. "I'll starve. Who's going to make sure I get my three meals a day and scrub my back?"

She smirked at him. "Gabriel, when I met you, you looked far from starved. I'm sure if you got by then, you can get by now." She gripped a lock of his hair and twirled it around her finger. "Besides, we shouldn't live together just before our wedding. Being apart will just make the joining sweeter."

He scoffed. "Baby, our joining is going to be anything but sweet. Try scorching hot, explosive, mind-freekingly orgasmic! We may end up in the emergency room afterwards. A ton of ice for your—"

Abigail slapped her hand across his mouth before he finished that sentence. "Gabriel!"

He only laughed behind her palm before puckering his lips to kiss it.

He mumbled something that sounded like I-love-you, but it came out "rye-ruv-ru."

She quirked a brow at him and asked "huh? I don't understand what you're saying, Mr. Raven."

His hot tongue slithering against her open palm had her jolting her hand away as heat made her belly clench. Him and that wicked tongue.

He lifted her and sat her on the counter between the double sinks.

His kiss was drugging, making her forget everything.

"Fine. Just remember the surveillance system goes in before you move in."

She stared up at him, head still spinning from his kiss. "Surveillance?"

"Cameras, an alarm that notifies the police the minute it trips mounted on all the windows and doors. You know how to shoot a gun?"

Abigail's blood chilled. "No! I'm terrified of those things! Gabriel, you're going overboard."

"Maybe we should get you a big dog," he continued deep in thought, ignoring her. "A Rottweiler...no a Pinscher. They're lighter on their feet and deadly when trained right. Ha! We can name him Beelzebub."

She gasped, aghast at his outrageous suggestion. "Gabriel, no. Stop. I don't have time to care for an animal." She cupped his face, "I'll be fine. Stop worrying."

******* 

He kept worrying.

In the days that led to the big move, he'd also thrown another tantrum when she refused to take his Black card to buy what she needed.

She hoped any children they might have someday would not be as obstinate and cantankerous as their father, though the thought did warm her heart when she imagined a pouty-lipped little boy with black curls and green eyes demanding ice cream for dinner.

He wanted to oversee the delivery of her things, but his recording schedule did not permit it.

Abigail put the finishing touches on the bathroom décor, having chosen natural rattan and wicker baskets to store her supplies and an apple green and beige shower curtain with matching towels in tones of apple green and dark brown. Scented candles rested on silver holders along with a glass tray with soaps and lotions.

She strolled out, smiling at the pretty, beige couch she'd gotten at Ikea along with the little glass coffee table and floor lamp. Soft white curtains spilled at either side of the glass doors to the patio where she'd set up a metal and glass table set. Over the fireplace, she'd hung the framed art piece Gabriel had given her from the beach house. It had hung in his bedroom and he'd wanted her to have it. The painting of a beautiful sunset over a placid ocean had been done by his mother. Abigail was more than honored he'd entrusted her with it.

A brisk knock at the door had her frowning. She wasn't expecting her dining set until the weekend. It was the only thing left that hadn't been delivered.

Her phone rang as she approached the door.

"Hello?" she said knowing it was Gabriel.

"Someone at the door."

"I know." She paused on her way to the entrance of her apartment. "How'd you know?"

"Surveillance cameras."

Abigail gasped and looked around spotting the little glass bubbles scattered around the ceiling of the apartment in discrete corners.

"When did you have them installed?"

"Yesterday, when you were at the daycare. I said they were going in before you stayed the night there."

She opened and closed her mouth, astonished that he'd had everything arranged without her even knowing. "Are there any in the bathroom?" she asked terrified of his answer.

He snorted. "What do you think?" She closed her eyes in relief until he added, "of course."

"Gabriel Raven, there are no windows in the bathroom to merit cameras being there. You have that security company come back and take them off."

He began to laugh in that low, throaty, wicked way of his.

"Gabriel, I mean it."

The knocking came again, more insistent.

"Let them in, Poptart."

"Who is it?"

"A little surprise I sent you."

The little surprise was a seventy-inch flat screen complete with a state-of-the-art home theater system.

She hadn't thought of buying a TV because she never watched anything.

The men that carried the whole system in had it mounted on the wall and functioning in about an hour. It was a smart TV and completely wireless. They explained how to use the humongous control. Abigail just nodded and wished they'd finish and leave so she could yell at Gabriel in private.

"You promised," she cried when she finally locked the door.

"What? It's just a TV."

"That thing is huge! Enormous!"

He began to chuckle. "You know it is, babe."

Her face heated to a thousand degrees. "Gabriel, get your mind out of the gutter."

"I'm sorry," he snickered. "It's just the way you said it."

"Gabriel. The TV and the rest of the stuff. It's just too much," she said stomping her foot.

"Baby, when I go over we can watch movies. Plus, football. I am not going to watch the super bowl on a tiny screen. Do you want my eyes to go bad? That's more for me than you, baby. Honest."

Abigail pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine, but nothing else."

"Baby?" he began. "We need an espresso machine too. You know I like drinking espresso late in the afternoon."

She covered her face with her palm. "Okay. The espresso machine."

"Baby?"

"Seriously?" she huffed in exasperation.

He chuckled. "You just look so cute all riled up."

Her heart clenched. What was she to do with her naughty-naughty boyfriend?

"I don't like knowing you're watching me," she protested. "It's kind of creepy."

"You never minded at home when we showered together."

"That's different. You were there, not spying on me on some camera."

"Look at your screen and hit speaker."

Frowning, she lowered her phone and gaped when she saw him on the screen. He was walking down a corridor until he entered a doorway. He set his phone on the edge of a counter and stepped back to lean against the far wall. He was visible from the knees up. 

"Can you see me okay?" he asked with a devious grin.

Uh-oh.

"Um-yeah?"

With a flick of his head, he sent his dark hair back behind his shoulders. "Good. I can see you too."

His hands went to the bottom of his black t-shirt before tearing it off over his head. He shook his head again, sending his hair spilling over his shoulders, and her blood pressure soaring.

Good-God! His smokingly-sexy factor was off the charts.

He bit his plump bottom lip, gazing at her from beneath those long thick lashes as his hands went for his jeans; the deliciously low-hung jeans that showed part of the dark treasure trail leading to...heaven.

"What are you doing?' she wheezed, clenching her thighs against the familiar ache.

"I'm going to give you a private peep show," he purred, using that nasty-nasty gritty growl that never failed to make her dampen her panties.

"Gabriel, don't you dare!" she couldn't help but laugh. She always laughed when she became ridiculously flustered.

He cocked his head to the side, tongue stroking slowly over his upper lip as the zipper went down slowly.

"Aaah—I'm hanging up now, pervert."

She clicked the call off before he stripped completely.

Closing her eyes, she tried to get her breathing under control until she remembered he was still probably watching her through the cameras.

Setting the phone down on the counter, she grabbed the keys to the apartment and fled outside.

Those cameras. She was not happy with them. At all.

With an unhappy huff, she descended the stairs, her flip-flops slapping against the concrete steps. The sun was starting to set and it felt a bit chilly. She hesitated a moment, wondering if maybe she should get a hoodie when her mother and sister rounded the landing.

She blinked in surprise. "Mom? Mikayla?"

Mikayla grinned and stepped up in front of her. "Big sis!" She gave Abigail a big loud kiss on the cheek, her somewhat hard boobs pushing against Abigail's more yielding ones. "My-my, but aren't you the celebrity of a sudden."

Abigail looked at the both of them in confusion.

Her Mother snorted. "She's obviously oblivious to the scandal she's stirred up."

Abigail continued to stare at them baffled, until her mother scowled.

"Well, aren't you going to invite us into your...apartment," her mother finished with a moue of distaste.

Abigail twisted her fingers together. "Um... sure. Sorry. It's just that I'm surprised by your visit. How did you find out where I lived?"

How did they get past security?

Mikayla giggled. We saw you pulling out of the mall and followed."

"That was like three hours ago," Abigail said as she reluctantly led them back to her apartment.

"My BFF lives here. I got her to let the guards let us through and, of course, everybody's been seeing you and Gabe around. She pointed us in the right direction after we chatted a while."

Abby unlocked her door again and tapped in the code to deactivate the alarm.

"Fancy little system you got there," Mikayla whistled.

"Yeah. Gabe's a little paranoid," she answered in a small voice as both women walked in looking around.

Abigail closed the door and followed after them as the seemed to inspect everything.

Mikayla was grinning like a loon. Her mother looked shocked.

Abby wasn't sure either expression boded well for her.

"It's so small," her mother exclaimed. "I thought that man was loaded at least."




Diavolo Ch. 09



Abigail frowned at her mother. "I'm paying for this apartment, not Gabe."

Mikayla began to laugh and then tried to pretend she was trying to control herself. Her eyes gleamed with evil intent though.

"So you're not living with him anymore?" Mikayla asked, eyes gleaming with glee.

Abigail had just about had enough of her.

"Follow me," she said.

Her mother frowned, but Mikayla had a very smug look on her face.

Abigail led them to the bedroom. The king-sized bed was dressed in white; comforters, shams, and sheets. The only touches of color were the three decorative throw pillows in shades of Navy blue and silver.

Mikayla's grin began to wither at the size of the bed, before dropping completely when she saw the guitar case leaning in the far corner of the room.

Abigail rolled one side of the sliding doors to the big closet open, exposing Gabriel's side of the closet, stuffed with his things.

She turned with a grin at her sister. "No walk in, but most of our stuff fits in there."

Her mother snorted. "This is worse than I thought. You've turned into a groupie."

Abigail's jaw dropped at her mother's condescending tone. "He asked me to marry him."

Both women gaped at her. Mikayla gasped, face going so pale, Abigail was afraid she was going to faint.

Next thing she knew, her little sister was digging her nails into her wrist and yanking Abigail's left hand up.

"I don't see a ring there, you liar."

Abigail snatched her hand back, rubbing at the burn from being scratched by Mikayla's claws. "He just asked me a few days ago."

Her mother's gave her a look of pity as Mikayla laughed.

"So! The mighty virgin has finally fallen," Mikayla spat.

Abigail glared at her. "Not that it's any of your business, but I'm still a virgin. We're waiting until after the wedding."

Mikayla's laughter sputtered to a stop, her jaw dropping again.

Marjorie looked around. "I don't understand. Why are you living in such a hovel? And why isn't that man paying your expenses if he's truly your fiancé?"

"I wanted to do this on my own, mother," Abigail replied defensively. "He wanted to buy a house, but I told him I wanted to be on my own a while. Really. We had our first fight about this and everything, but he understood and...Oh, mom. I love him so."

Mikayla scoffed, her eyes shooting sparks. "If it weren't for me, you'd never have met him. You'd never even heard of him or his band before."

"Mikayla," her mother admonished.

Mikayla only spun around and gripped one of the shirts hanging in the closet.

Abigail, jumped with a gasp when her sister tore it off the hanger and pressed it to her face. "He was mine first, damn-it," she muttered with a sniffle.

"Mikayla Maureen Brown! You are marrying Daniel Montenegro—"

"I fucking know! Shut the fuck up about it already," Mikayla screeched.

Abigail cupped her throat, blinking at the both of them.

Her mother was rubbing her temples, as if trying to soothe a migraine, and Mikayla had shoved her face back in her boyfriends shirt.

"Abigail," her mother began after taking a deep breath, "Why don't we go sit in your living room."

"S-sure," Abigail said sliding a glance back to her sister who was emitting a high-pitch sound as she held the Gabe's shirt to her face.

They walked back out into the living room, Mikayla still hanging on to the shirt. They sat on Abby's couch.

"Would you like anything to drink?" she offered, hands flailing nervously.

And why wouldn't she be nervous? Her mother looked at everything with a critical eye. She frowned when she saw Mikayla rubbing the shirt over her face though.

"Give me that, you idiot," Marjorie snapped, tearing Gabe's shirt from Mikayla's clutches.

Her sister's eyes widened and she looked like she was about to protest until her mother held up a finger and hissed "don't."

Mikayla flopped back on the couch, gripping one of the throws to hug, sulking.

Marjorie held out the shirt to Abigail still glaring at Mikayla.

Abby took the shirt and tossed it back in the room.

"Abigail," her mother said clearing her throat, "Mikayla and Daniel's wedding is in exactly four weeks and you still haven't been fitted for your gown."

"My gown?" Abigail parroted.

"Yes, dear," her mother replied, brows arched. "You're the maid of honor. You need to wear a gown."

Abby choked. "Maid of honor?"

Mikayla rolled her eyes, as Marjorie continued. "Of course. You're her sister. Who else would it be? Now, I've made an appointment for you this Saturday at one o'clock. Hope that's not inconvenient for you."

Abigail blinked, her mouth opening and closing. "But, Gabe wanted me to accompany him to the studio—"

"Abigail, this is important," her mother said sternly. Behind her Mikayla was looking at Abigail through mere slits of rage from the moment Abigail had said she'd be accompanying Gabriel to his recording studio. "You can't possibly put your fling with that devil-worshiping savage—"

"Stop calling him that!" Abigail demanded. "He is not a devil worshiper nor a savage!"

The door burst open and Gabriel rushed in, eyes wild, teeth bared, hair sticking up at weird angles as if he'd been plowing his fingers through it.

"What the fuck is going on here?" he bellowed, making Abby cringe.

She jumped in front of him when he stalked closer.

"Gabriel, please," she pleaded putting her palms on his chest to hold him back.

She stared up at him in confusion. In the doorway stood the rest of the guys from the band.

He looked down at her and gripped her arms gently.

"You okay?"

Abby scrunched her nose. "Of course. What's going on?"

He pulled her to him, glaring at her mother and sister. "What do they want?"

Her mother huffed in outrage, muttering under her breath about how rude he was.

"They just came to talk about Mikayla and Daniel's wedding. Mother said I need to go to a fitting this Saturday."

Gabriel's gaze snapped back to her, his lips pressing into a hard line. "Fitting for what?"

"Abigail's going to be my maid-of-honor," Mikayla said tossing her red locks back as she came closer. Her eyes flashed defiantly at Gabriel.

Abby turned, moving so that she stood between the both of them in case Mikayla decided to throw herself at her boyfriend. She turned her head to give Gabriel a worried look over her shoulder though.

He gave Mikayla a cold once over before turning his attention back to Abby. "Seriously? You're going along with this shit, baby?"

Mikayla gasped, probably at Gabriel calling Abby baby.

"Listen here, Mr. R-Raven-or-whatever-your-name-is," her mother said approaching too. "Abigail is still part of our family and will attend this wedding whether you like it or not."

Gabriel chuckled. "Whatever."

His arm encircled Abby's waist as he pulled her back against his chest and kissed her temple affectionately.

"I guess this is a good time to let you all know Daniel asked me to be his best man."

Abby gaped up at him. "He did?"

Gabriel looked down at her, expression shuttered. "Yeah. Told him I'd think about it."

"Mikayla, let's go," Marjorie said grabbing her sister's arm and hauling her toward the front door. "Remember...Saturday," her mother said primly as she stalked past Abby and Gabe. "I'll send Edvard to pick you up."

Gabriel scoffed. "Hell-no. I'll take her, and that's final," he snapped.

Abby watched her mother and sister leave. Mikayla kept her eyes on Gabriel the whole time, not even realizing the guys from the band waved at her as she passed them with a dazed expression.

Once they were gone, Gabriel released her and stalked with a noticeable limp to the counter where she'd left her phone.

Snatching the phone, he stalked back toward her, eyes furious. "Don't ever—" he snapped, shaking the phone mere inches from her nose "run out of here without the fucking phone!"

Abby winced at his tone. He grabbed her hand and shoved the phone into it, turning on his heel abruptly. "Let's get the fuck out of here now."

She watched, jaw gaping as he stalked out again without another word to her.

Michael walked in and gave her a hug.

"Ignore him. He'll calm down before coming back tonight."

Abby just nodded, still in shock.

Angelo shook his head, face scowling after Gabriel, Rafe gave her a weak wave from the doorway, and Ariel a chin tip instead of a wave.

In less than a minute, her house was empty again.

Abby walked numbly to the couch and sat.

What the heck happened? Why had Gabriel yelled at her that way?

How dare he?

She blinked hard at the moisture that blurred her vision, swallowing down the lump in her throat.

This bossy and aggressive side of Gabriel was something she really didn't like. Would he always be this way?

She shook her head. This was not the type of person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.



Diavolo Ch. 10



I'm back. Was very sick, but pulled through. Gotta finish this story and my series, so heaven (or hell) can wait, lol! No. Seriously, I had to go back and re-read from the beginning to get back into what was happening. Found a lot of errors and changed a bunch of stuff. I made GAbe less of a hot head so I guess (hopefully) you'll feel that change in his personality. Abby is still in the process of developing so please be patient with her. She is a sweet, loving, giving, selfless person, and I really don't want to take that part of her away, just make her little stronger and less of a victim, but these are things she has to learn on her own. It takes time. Anyhow, I'm really sorry for the wait you all had to endure for this chapter. Circumstances beyond my control, but here it is. Please feel free to point out any boo-boos since my eyesight and concentration isn't what it used to be. Guess I'm really going to need your help from now on. Thank you to all the well-wishers. My hubby kept me abreast of all the comments. Thank you so much.

*************

CHAPTER TEN

Gabriel sat silently outside the recording booth. Inside, Ariel played his base line, engrossed in the music. Normally, he'd be right there with the sound tech at the mixing board adjusting the sound and adding his touch to the music.

Not today.

Gabriel looked at the screen of his phone for the hundredth time. Still no answer from Abigail.

Christ. She was consuming his every thought. He wanted her with him. He wanted to sleep, eat, bathe with her. He loved the way she laughed. Loved the sound of her voice, the scent of her, the innocent way her mind worked. She was an angel. His angel...and he'd yelled at her.

He'd been so scared when she'd run out of the apartment and left her phone behind, but he shouldn't have yelled. That was inexcusable and lately he'd been blowing up for any stupid reason.

It was those fucking pills.

Getting up with a wince, he stalked to one of the bathrooms outside their recording room.

He unscrewed the top to the bottle of pills and poured them into the toilet.

"Christ! Are you insane? What are you doing?" Michael exclaimed ripping the bottle of pills from his hand, but it was already too late.

The white pills floated innocently inside the porcelain bowl.

"Clearing my head."

"You've been out of the hospital a little over a month. You need those still," Michael argued, watching in dismay as Gabe flushed the toilet.

"Not when they're turning me into an asshole."

Michael snorted. "You've always been an asshole, don't blame the poor pills."

"Thank you," Gabriel deadpanned.

Michael shook his head slowly as he tossed the empty bottle into the trashcan in the corner. Gabriel huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as he hung his head, reliving the hurt expression on Abby's face when he opened his big mouth.

"She still won't talk to you?"

Gabe shook his head. "She covered the cameras with something. Socks, I think."

Michael crossed his arms over his chest, taking a deep breath, "Just get her some flowers, and something shiny. Always works for me."

Gabriel frowned at Michael. "She's not like that."

Michael rolled his eyes. "Get her the flowers, buy her some chocolate, and grovel at her feet. They like that."

"I've never had to grovel at a woman's feet."

Michael grinned and slapped Gabe on the back a few times. "If she means anything to you, you're going to have to start. In the meanwhile, we're going to have to call your doctor and get a prescription for some new pain meds. You can't get through this cold turkey, man."

Gabriel could care less about his pain. Abigail was on his mind. The memory of the way her beautiful blue eyes had widened when he began yelling at her, the way her shoulders had hunched in ate away at him.

He wanted to kick himself. Why the fuck did he have to explode like that?

Yeah, he'd been terrified when she'd run out of the apartment, wondering if maybe he'd gone too far teasing her. He'd wanted to call, but she'd tossed the phone on the counter before racing out the door and down the steps.

He'd overreacted. Seeing her mother and sister at the apartment hadn't helped either, especially when he suspected someone from the Montenegro household had tried to run him off the road a little more than two months ago. He didn't know these people. Didn't know what they were capable of. All he knew was that Abigail's mother had played a part in keeping his parents apart so that Paulina could sink her claws into his real father and his money.

"Look," Mike sighed, "just let her cool off. Go over to her job tomorrow, bring her a bouquet, and invite her to dinner. And then do lots of groveling."

******* 

Abigail listened to the soft tones of some random piano piece on Pandora radio as she dug into her gallon of cookies and cream ice cream. She knew it'd go straight to her hips, but she was beyond caring. She hoped she'd get fat so Gabriel would get disgusted and walk away all the sooner.

Her heart squeezed painfully at the thought, and her eyes and nose itched as she blinked rapidly, refusing to let herself cry.

"I just need to put my foot down. I am not letting anyone else boss me around as if I were an idiot."

Her phone had been dinging and ringing until a few minutes ago.

He'd either gotten the hint she wasn't speaking to him at the moment, or he was on his way back to the apartment again.

She was ready if he showed up. Abigail was going to demand he have all those ridiculous surveillance cameras removed, firstly, and secondly, she was going to give him a piece of her mind.

How dare he yell at her in front of the guys from the band. How dare he monitor her whereabouts all the time. It was stressing her out, and it had to stop.

She sighed looked down at the half-eaten gallon of ice cream. This wasn't the answer either.

She padded into the kitchen, looking up at the sock-covered camera in the corner with a frown.

Abigail had half expected him to come back storming into the apartment for having covered all of them. The night was still young.

Putting the ice cream away in the freezer, she took her electronic tablet from the counter and walked back out into the living room.

Curling up into the corner of her couch, she typed Diavolo into the search engine in her browser.

Immediately, many results popped up; their official website, news clips and You Tube videos.

Abby hit images and pictures of the band as well as individual images of Gabriel appeared. One picture of Gabriel had her frowning. He stood, bathed in a cloud of red light and smoke onstage. His hair was plastered around his shoulders and chest, much longer than it was now. He held the microphone to his mouth, face frozen in a scream since the veins and cords of his throat stood out strongly. His upper torso was beautifully bare, but what had her gaping was the fact that his lower half was clothed in a black skirt that came to just below his knees. From there down, he wore black boots with an array of straps from knee to foot. She clicked on the image and saw that it was an image of a video.

Curiosity had her clicking on the video to watch.

It was a live performance Diavolo had done in Finland. The music swelled and the crowd went wild. Guitars wailed and the bass thundered in tune with Angelo's drums. Gabriel strutted up and down the stage, his voice sometimes guttural and raspy, other times ringing out clear and almost operatic. He had an amazing range and unique quality that frankly had the fine hairs on Abigail's body rising in awe.

She watched, her mouth watering as he performed. His stomach would pull in, ribs work to help him expel that powerful masculine voice, so deep and beautiful. It was mesmerizing to hear and watch him perform.

Suddenly she was missing him, craving his warmth. Giving him the silent treatment was infantile and silly. They just needed to talk.

Methodically, she went around the apartment and removed the socks from the cameras. When done, she picked up her phone and listened to his messages. Though he'd called seventeen times, he'd only left three messages.

The first made her cringe.

"Abigail, pick up the phone, damn-it."

The second message had her eyes welling.

"Abby, please. Just pick up. I'm sorry okay. I just..." he sighed. "Baby, just pick up, please."

The third had tears coursing down her cheeks. "I don't want to do this over the phone, but since you refuse to talk to me..." He huffs out an impatient breath. "Look, I know it's no excuse, but I was scared, okay? You just hung up on me, and ran out and left your phone. I didn't know if you'd gotten pissed or insulted...You're just different than what I'm used to, Abs. I do shit that wouldn't normally bother a chick, but with you it's different and I need to learn what my boundaries are with you. I didn't mean to offend you with my little strip tease, baby. I mean—Jesus—we've showered together a couple of times already. I didn't think it'd be a big deal, but I'm sorry, okay? Abby, come-on. Talk to me. Just call or something. I'm done trying here. I don't want to back you into a corner so I'm leaving it up to you now. Let's just talk, baby. I miss you and...damn," another heartfelt sigh. "I'm hurting here, baby. I...I really-really love you, Abigail Rose Brown."

That had been about two hours ago.

Hands trembling, she marked his number. It rang and rang and just before she was about to click it off before it went into voice mail, loud music sounded on the line.

"Hello?" a woman's voice laughed.

Abigail blinked in confusion and stared at the screen. It was the right number. Gabriel's number.

"Hello?" the woman said again in an impatient tone.

"Um, where's Gabriel?" Abigail asked wondering whom she was talking to.

"Honey, you're gonna have to speak a little louder. It's a mad house here," the woman said loudly over the pounding heavy metal music in the background, as well as shouts and laughter.

"Gabriel," Abigail all but shouted. "Where is he?"

"Is this Abigail?"

Suddenly, Abby realized it was Diamond, his manager.

"Yes. He was trying to call me earlier."

Diamond laughed. "They were in the studio until about half an hour ago. We're at Ariel's place now. A couple of their friends came over and you know how these things go...lots of alcohol, music, and women. It's all part of this lifestyle, Abigail."

Abigail felt the color drain from her face. Why did Diamond have his phone? Why hadn't he come home to her after the studio?

Had he finally gotten tired of her pious attitude? Groupies were part of his rock and roll lifestyle, though he constantly told Abigail, that bored him already. What if he'd gotten bored with her prim attitude? Would he seek relief in the arms of another? He claimed he'd been celibate since meeting her. How long could a healthy male in his prime deny his sexual urges?

Ignoring the terrible pain that thought provoked, she blurted a quick thank you and goodnight before clicking the phone off.

If he came to her smelling of another woman's perfume...that would be devastating.

Abigail felt hurt, confused, and maybe just a tad resentful, but she refused to dwell on any of it. She wasn't going to be one of those women who pined away after a man like an idiot. Yes, she acknowledged she was extremely attracted to Gabriel and loved him despite his domineering masculine attitude, but she was not going to allow that to turn her into a spineless, simpering female begging for his attentions.

She did allow herself a cleansing cry in the shower. Sometimes letting out all the pain in one fell swoop was good for the soul instead of just bottling it up. Afterwards, she prepared herself a cup of chamomile tea with lemon and honey, and then settled herself to sleep wearily. It had been a long week.

Visions of a raven-haired dark angel with seductive green eyes wearing a black skirt and boots filled her dreams, his deep voice pure temptation.

******* 

Abigail read in a clear voice to the children around her. Beverly Cleary's Socks had always been a favorite of hers and the children seemed to enjoy it too.

She did her best to ignore the curious glances the other daycare workers had given her that morning after a bouquet of three dozen long-stemmed blood-red roses had arrived. The blooms were so outrageously beautiful, they'd taken her breath away.

A card, included within had read a simple "I'm sorry."

Bonnie, one of the head care takers had snorted disdainfully, "looks like some cheater's trying to soothe his guilt. Typical male chauvinist move. They think butchering some innocent plant will excuse their behavior. I never fall for that stupidity."

Bonnie had never been pleasant toward Abigail. She was very stuck up and cold and totally unsuitable to work with small children. Unfortunately, her aunt owned the daycare and Bonnie was one of its managers.

Abigail just ignored her acidic barbs.

Reaching the end of the story, she closed the book and told the children they could retrieve their snacks. It was almost time for their nap, after which some of the children were picked up by their nannies.

Abigail checked on little Frankie, an autistic four-year-old boy. He sat in his usual spot, playing with blocks and humming to himself. His blond hair was overly long and he always had on some band t-shirt and jeans. Today, to mock her, he wore a Diavolo t-shirt paired with red chucks.

"So, spill. You've got everyone buzzing."

Abigail turned to look down at Pia. She was about four-foot ten with short spiky purple hair and big blue eyes behind her glasses. Pia was the first person to welcome her to the daycare and Abigail had taken an instant liking to her despite her quirky personality.

"Well, my boyfriend and I had a bit of a disagreement yesterday," Abigail replied with a sigh.

Pia grinned, turning to admire the flowers. "And he sent flowers. How romantic. You guys been together long?"

Abigail frowned, letting her gaze go to the flowers visible through the glass door in the manager's office. "Not really."

Pia pulled her hands behind her back and cocked her head to the side. "Well, honey, those roses must've cost him a fortune. Unless he's filthy rich, he must really be sorry, whatever he did."

Bonnie's words echoed in her memory though. Was Gabriel trying to soothe his guilt? Was his guilt only about having yelled at her in front of the band? Or was he feeling guilty about something else as well? Just because she didn't want to engage in sex until she was wed, did that mean he'd adhere to a life of celibacy in the meanwhile, or would he appease his baser urges with whatever there was available until he could get his hands on her?

"You're not supposed to have any visitors," came Bonnie's scathing whisper.

Abigail started, not having realized the girl had come up behind her.

She craned her neck around Bonnie's angry face and Pia's curious one to see Daniel standing at the far end of the daycare.

His hands were clasped in front of his sharp black suit as he smiled down at the children scampering around him.

Why was he here?

Abigail walked quickly over to him, a hesitant smile on her lips.

"Hi," she said.

He smiled warmly at her. "Hello. I was walking by and saw you reading to the children. So this is where you work?"

Abigail nodded with a smile.

His brown eyes glittered warmly. "I was on my way to lunch. Would you like to join me?"

"Oh, I really can't—"

"Go ahead," Pia interrupted. "Her highness owes you a break anyway."

Abigail bit her lower lip and glanced at Bonnie. She had taken over Bonnie's reading session.

"I'll cover for you," Pia insisted, her eyes dancing as she practically devoured Daniel's tall form with her eyes.

Daniel, in turn, ignored her completely, his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled down at Abigail.

She felt nervous going to lunch with Daniel. Gabriel would have a cow if he knew. Then again, he'd gone to a party the night before and hadn't even told her anything aside from the calls and apologies for yelling at her.

"Just let me grab my purse," Abby said turning.

What choice did she have anyway? She didn't want to be rude or mean to Daniel. She'd tell Gabriel when he decided to come back to the apartment. As of yet he hadn't even called her.

Swallowing down the pang of anxiety that thought caused, she walked back toward Daniel who extended his arm to her.

Exiting the daycare, which was located on the first floor of the North Star Recording company building, Daniel led her to the restaurant near the entrance to the sixty story building.

It took up the north-east corner of the building and had glass windows that looked out onto the busy Irvine cityscape beyond.

Gold linen-covered tables with white upholstered chairs filled the large restaurant. It was full, but the hostess escorted Daniel and her to a corner booth by the windows.

She really didn't have much of an appetite, but Daniel ordered a steak dinner for the both of them and some wine despite her protests.

Abigail shifted in her seat. She was dying to check her phone, but didn't want to be rude. Had Gabriel called her yet? She regretted not checking when she got her purse. Had she even turned it on that morning? Dread fell over her as she remembered how hasty she left the apartment after oversleeping. She'd pretty much cried herself to sleep and forgot to set her alarm.

"Are you okay?" Daniel asked snapping her out of her thoughts. "You seem distracted."

"Oh," she smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to...I just have stuff...on my mind, you know." She laughed, waving her hand.

Daniel's expression became solemn. "No. I don't know. Perhaps you can explain to me."

Abigail had been in the process of taking a sip of her water and almost spit it out. Her face heated up as she blinked at Daniel. "Oh, it's nothing, really." She forced a smile. "Just stuff. I just moved into a lovely apartment and organizing and the new job."

Daniel's big hand engulfed hers as he leaned in closer, eyes boring into hers. "Abby, if this is too much for you, just come back home."

Abigail tried to pull her hand back but Daniel squeezed tighter. She shook her head. "No, Daniel. I'm actually very happy." She cringed inwardly when her voice caught and Daniel's face became slightly blurry. His brows pinched tighter over his straight nose. She blinked her stupid tears and rushed on. "This is what I wanted. To be on my own. Honestly."

A crease formed between his brows, and his voice was soft but stern, "Gabriel is pressuring you to be with him? Mikayla mentioned he was living with you."

Abigail's face heated some more. She finally snatched her hand away. "My life with Gabriel is a private matter, Daniel, but no. He isn't pressuring me into anything."

The chair next to her, opposite from Daniel moved back.

Abigail watched in stunned horror as Gabriel settled himself in it. His smile didn't reach his eyes. "Mind if I join you?"

The waiter that had taken their order rushed back and Gabriel asked for whatever Daniel was having.

He then leaned back, grinning at his brother. "Fancy running into you here...with my girlfriend."

Daniel's lips twitched, a ghost of a smile. "The building is mine, dear brother."

Gabriel let out a sarcastic chuckle. "And mine. Don't forget."

Abigail sensed this particular lunch was not going to go well.

"Gabriel, how was the recording session last night?"

Glowing green eyes turned her way, searching. "The music was good. We got two tracks completely done. Still working on a third."

Daniel frowned, looking confused. "So you're not living together?"

This got him a venomous look from Gabriel.

"Gabriel stays with me most times, but he doesn't like to leave Anna Maria alone too much because of her health."




Diavolo Ch. 10



"Well, if you're so worried about your grandmother, maybe you should have gotten a bigger house for Abby and just moved her in too."

Gabriel's face became a mask of fury and Abigail interjected before he could say something irrevocable. "The apartment is mine, Daniel. When Gabriel and I get married, he'll find us a home that will allow Anna Maria and Sharmane to live with us as well."

Daniel huffed and took a sip of his wine before looking at Gabriel again. "And when is the wedding? Are you going to make an honest woman out of Abby?"

Gabriel's fist clenched this time as he leaned closer. Abigail put her hand on his forearm and called his name gently, hoping to calm him, but Gabriel ignored her. "Abigail is still an honest woman. We still haven't had full sex yet—"

Abigail gasped in mortification, but there was no stopping Gabriel as he continued to speak in a low voice to a red-faced Daniel.

"As for our wedding, It's going to be next weekend."

Both Abigail and Daniel gaped at Gabriel.

"W-what?"

Their dinners were brought and placed before each of them.

Abigail could not eat. She was still staring open-mouthed at Gabriel.

It was too soon. He'd sent a wedding planner to her the weekend after their date to Pacific Park, and they'd talked and discussed a few things, but nothing had been agreed upon. She'd just moved into her apartment, too. He'd promised to give her time to experience being on her own a while.

Unfortunately, she couldn't discuss any of that with Daniel sitting right there.

Daniel's gaze flicked to her face before looking back at Gabriel. "She seems as surprised as I am," he snorted, one brow raised.

Gabriel smiled at Daniel. It wasn't a friendly smile either. "I'd promised her to keep it a secret." His gaze flicked to Abigail. "Sorry, honey. I'm just so excited, you know."

"Uh..." She was at a loss for words, and did her best to close her gaping mouth as Gabriel began to cut into his steak.

Daniel and her watched him chew. Gabriel nodded. "It's good, but not as good as yours, baby." He looked at Daniel with another malicious grin. "She's the best cook ever. Micks ever make you anything?"

Daniel flushed and took a deep breath. "Mikayla doesn't need to go into the kitchen. That's what we have hired help for."

Abigail blinked at Daniel in confusion at his haughty tone. Had he always been this obnoxious?

"Well, that's too bad," Gabriel was saying, sliding his hand over Abigail's. "There nothing like the taste of a meal prepared by the loving hands of your woman."

Gabriel brushed his lips over her knuckles, green eyes brimming with so much love, she felt guilty for ever doubting him, especially when she sworn she never would.

His eyes softened even more, staring deeply into hers. "Love you, baby," he whispered.

"Oh, Gabe," she sighed wanting to just crawl into his lap and devour him with kisses.

Daniel cleared his throat, making her snap out of the trance Gabriel's eyes had her in. "Well that sounds very nice, but Mikayla isn't the domestic type."

Gabriel looked at him, face very serious. "Sorry, man."

Gabriel looked sincere when he said it. Daniel on the other hand suddenly looked annoyed.

"I've no need for..." his gaze darted to Abigail, and he reached for her other hand.

Abigail's eyes went wide again as Daniel squeezed her hand gently. She felt and saw Gabriel stiffen on her other side. Talk about being in an uncomfortable situation.

"I know how special you are, Abby. You're worth more than all the wealth of the world, and I think it's amazing that you prepare my brother meals, but I'm not the kind of man who requires such things from his companion."

"Gabriel doesn't require anything of me either, Daniel," she replied defensively. "I do what I do out of the love I feel for him."

Daniel's eyes widened in surprise, and then he smiled at her, "Dear, sweet, Abby. You've only known him a few months. How innocent you are."

Abigail opened her mouth to reply, but Gabriel intervened. "It only took a few seconds for me to know she was it for me. I can't speak for Abby, but I'm not going to be stupid and let her go after setting eyes on her. Like you said, she's worth more than all the wealth of the world. She's my queen."

"Well, how touching," her Aunt's voice sneered behind her.

Daniel stood abruptly. "Mother, what a pleasant surprise."

He pulled out the chair opposite Abigail for her and she sat regally, her eyes scanning the table first before settling on Gabriel's face with a cold smile. "Ah, nice to see you up and about. How's the leg? Did the police ever figure out who tried to kill you?"

Abigail stared at Gabriel. Someone tried to kill him? He'd told her it was just an accident.

Gabriel smiled at her just as coldly. "Not yet. But as you can see, I'm still going strong." He took a sip of his wine. "By the way, has my lawyer contacted any of you yet?"

"Lawyer?" Daniel blinked, brows furrowed.

Gabriel nodded. "Sometime this week, My surname will be changed. I'm taking my rightful name."

His eyes narrowed on Paulina's horrified face. She tried to mask her rage, but it poured from her black eyes like something evil.

"You're nothing but Daniel's bastard," she hissed.

"Mother," Daniel warned looking around before giving her a stern look. "We're in public."

She sat straighter, but her eyes never left Gabriel's grinning face.

"Yes," Gabriel said, flashing his teeth. "The bastard that owns half this empire."

Abigail's face went cold. She didn't want to listen to anymore of this. Gabriel was after the Montenegro money? Why? When he had so much of his own?

Of course, as Daniel Montenegro I's first born son, he was entitled to some of the inheritance...but half?

"We'll see," Paulina said with a serene smile as she rose from her chair again. Daniel stood once more, although Gabriel remained seated and kissed his mother on her cheek. "I'll leave you children to your meal. I have business to attend to. Good day."

******* 

Gabriel watched the feminine incarnation of Satan stand and walk away. Abigail was shaking. More than ever, he felt he needed to protect her. We'll see—Paulina had said. A veiled threat.

In a few months they'd be releasing the new album they were currently working on and Diamond was already working on another tour to promote it. Would they be safe once they went on tour? Would Paulina Montenegro always be a threat? Would she try to harm Abigail?

She barely touched her food as they ate. Thankfully, Daniel kept conversation light and away from the topic of the situation at hand.

Just as they finished, he received a call and excused himself from the table, bidding them goodbye.

When Gabriel asked for the check, the waiter told them Daniel had already paid it, much to Gabriel annoyance.

He walked Abigail back to the daycare, where the workers gaped at him.

"Are you still mad at me, baby?" he asked.

Abigail looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. He gripped them and leaned close, mindful of all the stares they were getting even though they still hadn't stepping into the daycare.

"I didn't like you yelling at me," she said still not looking u at him, "Especially in front of the guys. It made me feel humiliated."

His heart squeezed painfully in his chest. "I'm sorry, Abigail. I freaked out. Not that that is an excuse, but please believe me when I say how sorry I am. I even threw my pain meds down the toilet last night."

She gasped and finally lifted her sweet face to stare at him wide-eyed. "What? Why? Oh-no, Gabriel. Your pain meds? Are you okay?"

Her overwhelming concern for him touched him. He felt undeserving of it. "I'm fine, baby," he replied, relishing the feel of her hands smoothing over his chest, her eyes brimming with worry for him. "Those pills had me crazy."

"But your leg, Gabe."

"It doesn't hurt that much. I had a lighter prescription filled this morning. Mike made me go get it. The doctor told me to take it if I was in a lot of pain, but I can deal with what I feel right now." When she made to protest, he laid his finger over her plush lips with a smile. "Baby, I swear, I'm good right now. If it gets bad, I'll take the meds, but I don't want to get hooked on those things."

Her look of concern turned into one of understanding. He'd told her about Rafe's history in and out of rehab. About to ask her if he could stay the night with her, he was interrupted by the feel of a tiny pair of arms encircling his legs.

"What?"

Both he and Abigail looked down to see a small blond boy hugging him tightly...and looking like he had no intention of letting go.

"Oh-my, Frankie," Abigail exclaimed. "Why are you out here?"

She looked back up at Gabriel, eyes shocked. "He doesn't like anyone touching him, nor does he touch anyone either. This is amazing."

Gabriel grinned and looked down at the kid, ruffling his long blond hair. "Hey buddy. You a fan of mine?"

The child lifted enormous grey eyes to Gabriel and grinned wide, laughter bubbling up his throat. He then stepped back enough to yank at his shirt yelling "Diavolo" repeatedly as he bounced up and down on his size two red chucks.

Gabriel grinned and threw up the horns sign, making the kid whoop in glee and do the same. Oh-yeah, the kid was a diehard fan all right.

******* 

Abigail came home to the scent of food wafting from her kitchen. She blinked in wonder at the table, which was set with her white china and silverware as well as another humongous bouquet of red roses. A bottle of wine was set in a bucket of ice and soft music was playing over the sound system.

Punching in the pin number to reset the alarm as she closed the door, Abigail turned to see Gabriel coming out from the direction of the bathroom.

Her eyes drank in the sight of him wrapped up in a black terry robe, barefoot, hair loose.

"Hey, baby," he smiled lazily as he approached her.

Abigail gulped, her eyes lowering to the bare expanse of chiseled chest exposed in the V of the open robe. Her belly quiver in desire and apprehension, knowing he was completely naked under there.

He finally reached her, towering over her by almost a foot. His hand came up to her cheek as he bent and kissed her fully on her lips.

Abigail's toes curled inside her sensible pumps when he flicked his tongue against her lips. She opened her mouth, inviting him in, but he kept the kiss brief and caught her hands instead.

"Come-on," he crooned in that velvety voice of his, "I've got the bath ready."

She hesitated a bit, wary of what he had planned. He gave her a teasing smile and pulled more insistently.

She followed, dragging her feet a bit, as he led her inexorably toward her little bathroom.

About to protest she blinked in curiosity when she noticed the flickering light emanating from the bathroom.

Gabriel bit his lower lip, releasing her hand as his other hand went for the sash holding his robe closed.

He turned half way and that's when she saw her bathroom.

Candles of every size flickered on every available surface making her breath catch. It looked so beautiful.

"Oh, Gabriel," she sighed in wonder, her gaze going to the tub overflowing with white bubble and red rose petals.

"I was going to make a trail of rose petals from here all the way to the door, but I didn't expect you back so soon," he crooned behind her, hands coming up to squeeze her shoulders as he kissed the side of her neck.

"No, Gabe. This is perfect. Really," she said choking back a sob of pure emotion.

He peeled the jacket from her shoulders, nipping the sensitive tendon at the side of her neck. Abigail shuddered, feeling her nipples tighten.

He lowered the zipper on her pencil skirt and let it pool at her ankles as he knelt behind her and kissed the base of her spine.

She had to bite her lips to keep from moaning in pleasure.

"Sit on the john, baby. I want to take your shoes off."

Abigail walked over to her toilet and sat on the fuzzy white cover that adorned the lid. Gabriel was completely naked, kneeling at her feet. She drew n a ragged breath at the erotic sight he presented, fully aroused and looking up at her in utter adoration.

"Oh-God," she croaked out as he lifted her left foot first.

His smile was pure seduction as his deft fingers trailed down the back curve of her calf, until they slipped her shoe off. He lifted her foot and bent slightly to plant a kiss on her instep, giving her goose bumps. Something delicious clenched low in her belly.

Gabriel's eyes practically glowed as he began to use his thumbs to massage the bottom of her foot.

"Oh-God," she moaned again, her bones dissolving into jello.

The sight of him there, bare and tending her tired feet...it was too much. His muscles flexed, the tattoos on his right arm almost coming to life. He was like some erotic sex god, black hair gleaming in the candle light, eyes glowing like a cat. He was driving her crazy.

He grinned making her realized she'd just voiced her thoughts.

"The song," he said.

"Wha?' she asked in a daze.

"Def Leppard. Love Bites."

Abigail blinked, realizing that he was talking about the song playing over the sound system streaming into the bathroom.

He continued to massage her foot, his fingers sliding up her leg to knead at the tight knots there.

"Oh-God," she moaned once more.

He chuckled, stealing her heart all over again.

"You like?" he said, his voice a deep silky purr.

She nodded, not daring to utter another sound, sure she'd moan pathetically again.

His hands trailed down her other leg where he repeated the same ritual. By the time he was done, she was a boneless heap. She didn't even protest when he reached up and slipped his fingers inside the elastic of her panties and hose to start to slip them down over her hips and legs.

The smile on his face gave way to a look of utter reverence. His chest expanded with his intake of breath, his hands gliding up her bare skin, eyes riveted to the juncture of her thighs.

Her blouse was long enough to cover her completely.

When she lifted her hands to unbutton her white blouse he reached up and stopped her. She could feel the trembling in his hands and looked at him in surprise.

"No," he said softly. "Let me."

Abigail nodded and watched as he slipped each pearly button out of its button-hole. The play of muscles in his arms had her reaching out to stroke his soft skin, silk over steel muscles. So beautiful. His hair was like satin as it spilled through her fingers before she settle them on his shoulders. He was trembling. The realization moved her, to think she could affect him as deeply as he did her.

He looked up at her as he peeled her blouse from her shoulders, eyes pools of green fire, if such a thing existed.

Not being able to resist anymore, Abigail sank her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck and drew him up to her. Sliding forward, she angled her head and sealed her mouth over his to kiss him deeply.

His breath warmed her cheek as he panted through the kiss, hands sliding up her back to unhook her bra.

Without breaking the contact of their mouths, they both grappled with the bra until it was flung away.

Her hands went back into his hair and his arms around her entire body, smashing her breasts against the solid sculpted breadth of his chest.

She wrapped her thighs around his torso, the need to get closer riding her hard. She wanted him. She wanted to be his, completely. The ache between her legs was unbearable. There was no sin in giving yourself to the man you loved, and Abigail loved Gabriel with the very fiber of her being. She needed to feel him filling the terrible emptiness inside her, make them one in flesh and spirit.

"Gabriel," she begged.

He panted at her neck, body shivering slightly. "Soon, baby. Soon."

No. She wanted now.

"Gabriel—" she began.

His lips sliding down her neck to fasten onto one of her nipples had her arching her back. Oh-heavens! He'd ever suckled her before. She felt the insistent tugged of his lips and tongue between her legs and wanted to close her thighs on the ache there. Unfortunately. his torso was between her thighs.

All she could do was clutch at his head and writhe upon the lid of her toilet.

Her fingernails raked across the wings of the dragon he had tattooed on his back when he drew her other nipple deep into his mouth.

"Gabriel," she exclaimed when she felt his fingers slid within the wet heat of her sex.

He released her nipple and looked up at her, face flushed with arousal. "Slide forward on the edge of the seat and lean back."

She shuddered at how deep his voice had become and obeyed immediately.

Gripping the towel bar to her left and the lid of the tank behind her with her right hand, she slid to the edge of the lid and spread her thighs unabashedly for her man. Gone was her inhibition, her fear, her convictions. There was only her love for Gabriel, her desire to give him the gift of her innocence whole-heartedly.

His eyes focused on her sex. He bit his lip and groaned. "Oh-god, baby," he whispered.

The expression on his face was one she would commemorate in her mind for as long s she lived. Awe, love, desire, possessiveness, pride.

His hands cupped her derriere and pulled her closer as he bent and kissed her reverently.

His eyes, black pupil just about obliterating the green of his beautiful eyes rose to hers as he took his first lick.

Abigail stiffened with a gasp at the jolt of pure pleasure that shot through her body. Her thighs began to quiver and she had to close her eyes against the erotic sight of Gabriel licking her like his favorite flavor of ice cream.

She cried out as his tongue lashed at her unmercifully, his hands caressing her thighs lovingly.

She wanted desperately to rock her hips but was still too shy to act so brazen. The act of denying herself that pleasure had her body bowing tight, her mewling cries rising in intensity, until, with a final shout, she came hard against Gabriel's tongue.

Of their own accord, her hips swiveled against his face, wringing every last ounce of pleasure from her orgasm. He growled with satisfaction and licked her some more until she couldn't take it anymore and began to cry.

She was in his arms an instant later, trembling uncontrollable as he rocked her back and forth, whispering sweet endearments against her ear.

She wouldn't wait anymore. It was stupid. She loved this man, felt sad and lonely when he wasn't with her. If he wanted them to get married this weekend, so be it. She wouldn't say no. But had he really meant what he'd told Daniel that afternoon?

"I love you Gabriel," she said in a tremulous voice. His erection twitched, trapped between their bellies. He hadn't found his release and she wasn't going to deny him his pleasure tonight.

When she reached for his aroused flesh he gripped her hand and smiled at her.

"Later. Tonight isn't about me. It's about you. About us."

When she frowned at him in confusion, he set her back and struggled to his feet.

Guilt assailed her at his expression of pain.

"Baby, you're in pain. You haven't taken your meds yet?"

He grinned down at her offering his hand to help her up now. "I'm okay. Those pills make me sleepy. I'll take them later, okay?"

"But, Gabe—"

He shook his head and stepped into the tub, pulling her in after him. "We relax first, talk and just enjoy this night, baby."

Gabriel settled her between his legs. She could feel his rigid arousal at her back. He couldn't be in that much pain if he was fully aroused, could he?

He took a small white wash cloth and dipped it in the rose-scented water before stroking it over her shoulders and right arm.

"I missed you last night," he said behind her.

She bit her lip. She'd cried herself ragged imagining him with another. "I miss you too," she said unable to keep the sound of tears from her voice.




Diavolo Ch. 10



He dropped the cloth and hugged her from behind. "Don't cry. I was a dick, baby. I shouldn't have freaked that way and yelled at you. I should have come home and been here to fix things. Damn Mike and everyone else telling me to let you cool off."

"It's okay," she sniffled leaning her head back on his shoulder to let him kiss the entire side of her face. She sighed in contentment. "It's over and done with."

"I got so scared when you wouldn't answer my calls. I thought for sure you were done with me, and then when I saw you with Daniel..."

Abigail heard the vulnerability in his voice. "What I ever felt for Daniel is nothing compared to what I feel for you, Gabriel."

He took her hand in his and held it up for them to see.

"You're so precious to me, Abby. I just existed before, but now, with you..." he sighed as he played with her fingers. "I want to come home to you every night. I want you to be the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see when I go to sleep."

Abigail nodded. He let go of her hand and slid his over her belly. "I want my children to grow in here...someday, after I've had you to myself for a while."

She felt his grin stretch against her cheek. All she could do was bite her lip and nod, too choked up to utter a single word.

"I've seen other musicians take their kids on the road with them. Not sure how that works, but we'll look into it—I mean if that's what you want. I want us to be together. We don't tour all that much, just a few months during the year. The rest is spent just making new music. We'll have lots of time to spend together."

She closed her eyes, unable to believe how lucky she was. Half a year ago, she'd thought her happiness had vanished forever when Daniel announced his engagement to Mikayla. Now here she was, experiencing what love truly was with Gabriel.

Something hard slid down her ring finger on her left hand.

Abigail blinked her eyes open to the sight of beautiful silver ring with the biggest square diamond she'd ever seen winking on her finger.

"Marry me, Abigail?"

Her jaw dropped and she nodded.

Behind her, Gabriel chuckled. "Oh, no, you don't. You have to answer me. I've been talking like an idiot for the past ten minutes, woman. Say something."

She turned her head to look into his eyes. "Oh, Yes, Gabriel. Yes. I'll marry you."

Water sloshed over the edge of the tub when he turned to kiss him.

They ate away at each other's mouths until they were breathless.

Abigail moaned, her body sliding against his within the foamy water. Red rose petals clung to them. He'd filled the tub with them and now the red petals covered their skin as well as the lavender-scented bubbles.

She tried to get her thighs around him, but he took up too much space in the tub. Next home to got together they were getting a big round tub they'd both fit in comfortably.

Abigail wrapped her fingers around his distended flesh and squeezed. Gabriel gasped and jolted in her grip.

"Abby,' he shook his head.

She hushed him with a kiss, her hand sliding down his thick girth slowly. He moaned into her mouth and lifted his hips.

She stroked him slowly at first, until he leaned back and looked down.

The bubbles had cleared and she saw clearly down inside the water. The head of his cock was deep red. He'd lift his hips on her down stroke, his breath ragged. Abigail was awed by the strength visible in his straining muscles, moved by the intense look of pleasure on his face, knowing she was responsible for that look. It gave her a powerful heady feeling. It made her feel bold. Had his cock not been under inches of water, she might have put her mouth on him. The desire to please him was a fierce fire in her heart.

His hips moved a little faster, his abs clenching rhythmically. He was mesmerizing to watch.

His left hand clenched the edge of the tub, knuckles turning white. "Oh-god, baby," he panted, "I'm going to come."

Abigail's eyes widened. She was suddenly faced with the dilemma of choosing between watching his gorgeous face as he came, or seeing his erection spurt in her hand. Her eyes rose to his face and the beauty of it arrested her attention. Decision made.

He panted open-mouthed, his lashes low over his glowing green eyes, cheeks flushed. He suddenly clenched his teeth together and snarled, nostrils flaring.

His head whipped back and his hips jerked, muscles bulging everywhere. Oh, wow!

Looking down she saw the white fluid leaving the tip of his cock in rhythmic spurts as he finally began to shudder and moan her name. God—what a sight. Her heart swelled even bigger with the love she felt for him.

Letting him go, she dove forward to kiss him. It was a hungry, fierce kiss; all teeth, tongue, and seeking lips.

She groaned deep in her throat when he cupped her ass again and gasped in surprise when her belly bumped into his still rigid flesh.

Oh Yes!

The shrill buzz of the fire alarm had them both jumping with a start.

"Oh-shit," Gabriel hissed moving Abigail back as he climbed out of the tub.

She followed, not missing the way he limped as he hurried out to where the sinks were.

There was no fire, thank goodness, but some of the smaller votives had burned out and were smoking.

Gabriel, tall as he was, was poking the fire alarm, trying to deactivate it. It kept wailing incessantly.

"Damn-it," he snapped, finally unscrewing the cover and ripping the wires out.

The sound of their labored breathing was loud in the silence that followed. Gabriel looked at Abigail wide-eyed and began to laugh after a few seconds.

She couldn't help but laugh with him, her heart still galloping painfully within her chest.

"Well that'll certainly be something funny to remember," he snickered.

Her gaze roved his body, all wet and full of rose petals. They were both dripping on the floor, making a terrible mess. She was so happy, she didn't care.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her then, still laughing.

"We better dry off before we both fall and spend our honeymoon in the hospital."

Abigail shook her head, "oh, no. That would be terrible. From now on, no one but me is allowed to bathe you."

He gave a sexy growl and rubbed his nose against hers. "That so?"

"You bet," she said grinning up at him.

"Mmm. I love it when you get possessive with me. Baby, I'm all yours."

"And I'm yours, Gabe."

"Fuck yeah," he said with a scowl before grinning at her again. "All mine."

He dipped his head to kiss her again when loud banging on their door made them jump.

"Stay here," he barked grabbing his robe.

She blinked in surprise when he fled into the bedroom a few seconds and came out holding a gun behind his back.

Abigail gasped and was about to follow him out but he motioned for her to stay put.

Heart in her throat, she heard him say "Front door and porch."

She frowned in confusion. What was he doing?

The sound of the alarm being deactivated reached the bathroom.

"Is everything okay?" a masculine voice said loudly. "The fire alarm went off."

She heard Gabriel speaking in a low voice. Turning she grabbed one of the towels and began drying herself quickly.

Just as she finished drying her feet, she heard Gabriel reactivating the alarm just before he appeared at the bathroom door again with a smirk.

"That was security. They'd called the fire department, but came to check on things here." Gabriel ran a hand through his raven locks. "They handed me my ass when I told them I'd lit some candles in the bathroom. I didn't know it was against the rules to light candles in the apartments. Apparently it's in the contract."

Abigail blinked up at him. "Are we going to be evicted now?" Not that she cared anymore. She'd go where ever Gabriel took her.

Gabriel shook his head. "I told them I'd just asked you to marry me and had wanted to make the night romantic." He grinned, taking her breath away. "They shook my hand and congratulated us. And then they asked me if I take a pic with them."

"What?" Abigail squeaked looking at his robe and mussed hair. It didn't take much to realize they'd been sharing the bath together.

"Don't worry. I told them we'd go down to the security booth tomorrow and do those pictures. I had a naked woman waiting for me inside."

Abigail gasped in shock. "Gabriel!"

He just chuckled mischievously. The rascal.



Diavolo Ch. 11



Abigail scampered into the bedroom to put something on.

"Don't put on any panties," Gabriel called out as he sauntered toward the kitchen.

Her eyes widened and her face grew hot. Rushing to her closet, she debated as to what to wear. Her eyes fell upon the pretty floral maxi dress Gabriel had bought her on Rodeo Drive.

With a grin, she grabbed it off the hangar and slipped it on. The cool gauzy material slid over her body down to her ankles.

Rushing to her dresser, she unpinned her hair and fluffed it out so it fell in wild waves around her shoulders to her waist.

A little bit of face powder and gloss for her lips had her satisfied with how she looked. With a soft sigh, she pushed her glasses up her nose and frowned at her reflection, wondering if maybe she should get contacts. She had such a beautiful fiancé, she really needed to look into fixing herself up a bit more.

The scents from the kitchen drew her out of the bedroom.

Gabriel was lighting a candle in the middle of the table. He'd taken the robe off and had pulled on a pair of black drawstring pants. He looked completely edible standing there barefoot, his torso completely on display for her pleasure.

He looked over his shoulder at her, his gaze and smile completely seductive. Abigail's heart did a slow flip in her chest.

"Dinner is ready, m'lady," he said in his sexy purr, as he pulled out one of the chairs and indicated she should sit.

His eyes slid slowly, appreciatively, down her form as she approached. He took her hand as she sat, and placed a lingering kiss on her knuckles, blazing emerald eyes on her face as he did so. Her tummy clenched as, once again, she marveled at how drop dead gorgeous Gabriel was. She just could not believe he was hers. How did she get so lucky? There were thousands, of woman fantasizing about this man, yet he'd chosen her amongst them all.

He turned to go back toward the little open kitchen behind them. Abigail watched, enthralled, the way his broad muscular back V'ed down to a narrow waist. His dark hair fell in a tumble of waves just between his shoulder blades, blocking part of the dragon he had tattooed there. His loose-fitting linen pants fell low on his hips, revealing enticing dimples over each of his ass cheeks. Her hands clenched, the sudden urge to reach out and grip his butt overwhelming. Unfortunately, the enticing sight of his backside disappeared around the counter, so she turned back to look at the table he'd set.

The roses were beautiful. How much had he spent on flowers for her today? She frowned thinking of all the things that that money could have been used for instead of purchasing dozens upon dozens of expensive roses.

Bonnie's words haunted her again, but she pushed away the negative thoughts. She was not going to doubt Gabriel when he'd given her no reason to distrust him. She didn't care that Diamond had answered his phone the night before. There were probably a thousand reasons as to why she had his phone.

Gabriel placing a bowl in front of her snapped her out of her musings.

"First course," he said looking down at her as he set another bowl at his place next to her.

The scent wafting up from the bowl of soup had her tummy grumbling in appreciation.

"Did you make this?" Abigail asked staring at the bowl of white bean soup in surprise.

He scoffed. "Of course. You're going to realize I'm a man of many talents."

Her face flushed scarlet at the dark seductive tone in his voice, but she smiled anyway, though she could not hold his scorching gaze. "I bet. Lucky me."

The soup had bits of bacon, potatoes, and other vegetables she wasn't sure of. It tasted heavenly, to her surprise. A rice and seafood dish, called paella, followed the soup with a side dish of tossed greens and chicken breasts he'd prepared with olives and peppers.

Gabriel poured her wine and amazed her with conversation about the places he'd visited and things he'd learned to cook. It seemed cooking was a hobby her boyfriend enjoyed almost as much as making music.

She'd never had authentic Spanish food. The fact that he'd prepared it himself made her enjoy it more.

Afterwards, he'd put more wood on the fire blazing in the fireplace and took out his guitar to play and sing her a few of his compositions as well as tell her about his childhood.

She never knew or imagined he'd gone to private schools. The sadness and resentment of not having a father figure in his life came through his stories of how the other boys would tease him at his awkwardness in sports. Thankfully, he'd used music as a refuge.

He set the guitar aside and took the cello.

If Abigail hadn't already been head over heels for him, watching him play the cello would have done her in for sure. The sight of him by the fire, the way the flames lit his beautiful long hair and eyes, reflecting off the rich wood of the instrument between his legs, and highlighting the brawny strength of his arms and upper torso, had her close to swooning. Abigail's heart was in her throat, her eyes swimming with tears of awe and love.

He stopped playing, eyes boring into hers.

"That was so beautiful, Gabriel," she managed to get out over the lump in her throat.

He remained silent for a moment. "I love the way you look at me," he whispered.

She blinked. She just wanted to crawl into his lap and...touch, kiss, hold him.

He rose and placed the cello back onto the stand by the fireplace.

"I'm turning this off, before we set this place on fire for real this time."

He tended to the fire until he turned it out. Next, he turned and slipped his arms around her, swinging her up into his arms with a slight wince.

She wondered if he was in pain, but didn't say anything, not wanting to make him feel less of a man because of his injuries.

He headed to the bedroom with her.

Abigail felt giddy and apprehensive at once. Linking her arms around his neck, she pressed her open mouth against his as he strode to the bedroom.

"What about the dishes?" she suddenly said remembering he'd piled everything in the sink.

"Not now," he growled giving her biting kisses on her lips.

He followed her down onto the bed. Abigail's heart sped up when he was suddenly between her legs, kissing her hard. She arched against him, her hands sliding down his sculpted back to grip the backside she'd been ogling earlier. Gabriel's fine ass filled her hands, muscles flexing as he rolled his hips lazily against the juncture of her legs.

Panting against his kiss, she slipped her fingers into the waistband of his pants to press her fingers into the cool supple flesh of his backside. Abigail widened her legs, pressing her sex tighter against his rigid flesh. The thought that this man was to be her husband, had her heart banging hard against her ribs. He'd be her first; her only.

"Gabriel, I love you so," she moaned.

"Baby," he sighed, letting his mouth slide down the column of her throat. His fingers slipped the straps of her maxi from her shoulders.

"I want to take this off," she sighed, pulling at her dress. He lifted his head to stare into her eyes. "I want to feel you. No barriers."

She wanted to give herself to him...now. There was no reason to hold back any longer.

Gabriel helped pull her dress over her head and tossed it aside. He got off the bed and shucked his pants off as well.

Abigail had already seen him completely naked many times. It no longer made her embarrassed to look at his bare body. His size still frightened her though. She had no idea how all that was going to squeeze inside her. It seemed virtually impossible, but she wasn't naïve enough to doubt that he would ultimately be able to work all that length and girth within her virginal channel. A woman, after all, was made to stretch enough to be able to give birth to an infant.

She smiled as Gabriel lowered himself over her, letting the thought of someday carrying his baby warm her.

He smiled. "Whatever you're thinking has the most beautiful smile on your face, Abby."

"You. I'm thinking only of you," she answered.

His smile faded, replaced by an intense look. The hard length of his body rested on hers, though he kept the majority of his weight on his elbows and legs. She loved the feel of his weight pressing her, pinning her down onto the mattress.

"This is so much more than I've ever experienced," he said, voice husky with emotion. He took her hand, admiring the sparkle of the ring there. "You're mine, Abigail."

She cupped his cheek with her other hand. "We don't need to wait anymore, Gabriel. I don't want to. It's okay."

His eyes glittered, lips twitching into a smile. "That so?"

She tilted her hips, thighs clenching his, to stroke the seam of her sex up the length of him. Gabriel sucked in a harsh breath and shuddered. "Yes, Gabriel. I want you. Now. Please."

He buried his face in the side of her neck. "Jesus."

When he didn't do anything else, she wiggled some more beneath him.

He began to kiss and nibble his way across her collarbone. Abigail arched her back, offering her breasts to his questing lips.

The lights were on very low, casting a soft glow in the room. She watched in rapt wonder as Gabriel's lips puckered around one nipple to suck her deeply into his mouth. Next, he used his teeth to rake and nip her tight, sensitive bud, making her writhe beneath him.

He bit and kissed his way to give the second nipple the same attention.

Abigail gripped handfuls of his silky hair as he licked a hot line down the center of her body, her toes curling when she realized where he was headed.

His wide shoulders split her legs wide as he got comfortable between her thighs.

She panted, her eyes blinking up at the dimly lit ceiling. She fought the urge to close her legs. Not that she'd be able to with Gabriel wedged there. His face scrutinized her inches away from her sex and she suddenly felt a bit shy even though he'd licked her to orgasm in the bathroom.

His fingers parted her throbbing folds and she cringed at how wet she felt.

"So fucking gorgeous," he sighed on a rapturous sigh.

His moan was muffled when he finally buried his mouth against her pussy. Abigail gripped the sheet, double fisted before sinking her fingers into his black mane, her belly clenching and toes pointing into the mattress at the unbearable pleasure his slithering tongue brought her.

A slow, dark, melody played over the sound system, making her heart race even more. If she'd lost her soul to her dark angel, then so be it. She loved Gabriel, and would never regret giving herself to him.

The stinging feel of his tongue trying to wiggle itself up inside her had her hissing at the slight bite of pain.

"Damn, you're tight, baby," he murmured.

She arched her back. "Gabriel, take me. I want you to make me yours. Make love to me, please."

"Easy," he murmured and licked her again.

His tongue began to lap repeatedly at her nubbin, making her gasp and moan.

Abigail tossed her head side to side as he tortured relentlessly, his tongue whipping her sensitive flesh until her thighs locked and her back bowed.

"Gabriel, oh," she cried out as pleasure washed over her, setting her body to tremble in rapture and hips buck in wanton abandon against his face.

He growled in pleasure, reared up and jerked his hand roughly over his erection.

Abigail panted, watching as he spilled his cum over her quivering belly. His muscles clenched, hair spilling over one shoulder as he growled and jerked his hips, milking his pleasure.

"But I wanted you to take me," she finally got out slightly disappointed. She'd wanted to feel him filling her with his body and his seed.

He collapsed with a grunt on her, mushing their bellies together over his sticky seed.

He was still breathing hard, ribs working to get enough air. "Soon. Promise."

She pouted, wrapping her arms around him as she clenched her thighs around his hips again. She was suddenly hungry for the feel of him even though he'd just given her an orgasm.

"Ga—"

He covered her mouth in a tongue-filled kiss, leaving her breathless.

"I'll get something to clean us up."

With that, he bounded out of bed and into the bathroom. Moments later, he arrived with a couple of warm, damp washcloths, and tended to her gently.

Abigail felt pampered and spoiled by his attentions. Her body still felt the burn of desire, but when he returned from the bathroom, he turned the lights and music off, and then pulled the white comforter over the both of them. He pulled her against his body with a satisfied sigh and kissed her one last time.

Surprisingly, she'd drifted off to sleep quickly, wrapped in his arms.

It was still dark outside when she finally stirred wrapped in Gabriel's heat and scent. His heart pounded loud beneath her ear as she flexed her fingers against the firm pillow of his right pectoral. With a sleepy sigh, she slid her thigh higher over his groin.

Her eyes snapped wide when she bumped his erection and he stirred against her leg with a low growl.

The air blew gently against the sheet covering them, but Gabe was like a furnace next to her, making her want to snuggle tighter.

The memories of the night before had her body igniting again. She moved restlessly against him.

Strong fingers cupped one of her ass cheeks, giving it a tight squeeze.

"You're insatiable," he chuckled.

She frowned, letting her fingers trail down his torso until they wrapped around his distended flesh.

Oh, wow. He was ginormous. His hips flexed when she stroked experimentally. God-that was hot. Tightening up her hold on him, she stroked slowly up.

His ass left the mattress, head rolling back as he hissed an expletive.

A delicious clenching sensation rolled deep within her at his reaction. Heaven help her, she loved seeing him this way.

***

She was killing him, and she was enjoying it immensely.

Tossing the covers away from their bodies, he spread his thighs and let her look her fill.

Startled by his action, her eyes widened in surprise, and already he could see the gorgeous flush she always got rising up from her breasts to color her face. Ever the bashful virgin, Abigail had him wrapped around her little finger.

He rewarded her by laying his soul bare for her to see.

He arched his hips, letting his cock slide through her fingers. "More," he begged on a whisper.

She swallowed, nostrils flaring as her eyes devoured him. The amount of passion in her eyes scorched him, burned him alive from the inside out.

Her fingers tightened on his length, loosened his hold on the climax he could feel roiling in his balls. Gabriel gripped the sheet beneath him and flexed his hips, moaning his approval. Abigail's blue eyes were cobalt in the weak dawn light filtering from around the edges of their room darkening drapes. She licked her lips making him whimper like a pathetic fool. He closed his eyes and bit his lip hard enough to draw a little blood when her head began to descend. A mantra of "Don't fucking come" repeated over and over in his head as he felt the heat of her mouth hovering over him.

This was new to her, so maybe she was grossed out at giving him head. Last time he'd felt her mouth on him, she'd been half asleep, still in a dream state. He still broke out in a sweat every time he remembered. It'd been what he jerked off to ever since. 

He opened his mouth to tell her she didn't need to do this if she didn't want to, but let out a loud groan instead when the flat of her tongue licked up his entire length.

"Holy fuck," he hissed.

The wet heat of her mouth engulfed him, her tongue exploring slowly and gently his entire length and glans. When she explored his cum-hole with the tip of her tongue, he'd almost lost it.

His hands tangled in her glorious blond tresses, lifting her away.

"Jesus, baby," he panted. "I'm about ready to blow my load.

Her enormous eyes blinked at him, face flushed. "I want you to."

"What?" No way.

She licked her lips, blue eyes glittering orbs of desire. "I...I want you to come in my mouth."

Gabriel's breath left him in a whoosh. All coherent thought left his lust addled brain when she pushed him back down and got to her knees between his thighs.

Eyes locked on his, she took him into her hand again and dipped low, pretty ass in the air as she opened her mouth and took him deep again.

She was a quick learner, because she began to bob her head up and down, slowly, suckling him, eyes firmly locked on his.

Gabriel panted, open-mouthed, clutching the sheets tight in his fists as he flexed his hips and fucked that beautiful mouth. Her full lips engulfed him, his shaft disappearing into that hot orifice, sliding out slicked with her saliva.

His gut clenched hard and he felt the urgency rising up, tightening his balls painfully.

"Shit, baby," he panted, "I can't...hold any—"

His shout of completion startled him. His orgasm ripped out of his body with such force it made him double over. His hand clenched in her hair as spurt after spurt filled her mouth. A tear leaked from the corner of his left eye when he felt her swallowing around him. He cried out again, his hips flexing, milking every last bit of the pleasure he had to give her.

Thighs quivering, he fell back onto the pillows, dragging her up with him.

"God, Abby," he panted, crushing her against him, "just, God."

His brain was fried. His body was still trembling in the aftermath of the mind-blowing orgasm she'd given him.

The alarm clock on the nightstand went off making him groan in dismay. Oh-no. She couldn't possibly be thinking of going back to work. They'd just gotten officially engaged. She'd just given him the most mind-blowing orgasm of his life.

"Oh, Gabriel," she sighed in disappointment.

She disentangled herself from his embrace and stood, dashing his hopes she'd turn the damned alarm off and snuggle back into bed with him. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her to quit. She didn't need to work. That's what she had him for. He was more than enough of a good provider for her. She'd want for nothing, he'd make sure of that.

He sat up in bed as she dashed to the closet. Gabriel frowned at her when she looked apologetically at him.

"I usually don't take more than a half hour to get ready."

He scowled harder.

Her feeble smile turned into a pout. "I'm sorry, darling. I just can't not go. It's my day to do the sing-along with the children. They love sing-along day."

Gabriel ran an agitated hand through his hair and then shoved off the bed. He hooked his arm around her waist on his way out the door to the bathroom.

"Let's at least shower first. I'll drive you. I've got business with Daniel anyway."

She gaped at him.

"Nothing bad, Baby. Just papers we need to go over and sign."

As he adjusted the water temperature to the one he knew she liked, hot, he heard her clear her throat.

"It's probably none of my business, but why are you going after half of the Montenegro estate?"

He glanced at her over his shoulder. "Because my father left it to me and my mother."

"Oh," she said in a small voice.

He straightened and tipped her chin up to him again.

"I'm entitled to half, Abby. You don't think I should claim what's mine?"

Her eyes widened. Her mouth opened and closed, a flush filling her face. "That's what you said the day you came to dinner. I thought..." Her voice trailed off and she backed away.

At least she tried to.

"I'd told you I'd come to claim what was mine," he said yanking her back against him.

Visions of that night filtered through his mind. Kissing her, the dinner, leaving her wanting more of his touch, and mounting his bike. His precious Harley Fatboy. He remembered listening to Demon Speeding, by Rob Zombie, the feel of the bike roaring between his legs and the road passing like a blur beneath his wheels.




Diavolo Ch. 11



The night had been clear, gorgeous. He'd wanted to take Abigail riding with him that night. Thank all that was holy she'd declined.

Unable to help himself, he tightened his hold on Abby, kissing the top of her fragrant head.

"Gabriel, what's wrong?"

He closed his eyes, face buried in the river of gold that spilled around her body, soft breasts pressing against his hard flesh.

The black SUV had pulled alongside him. The windows were tinted, but there was a shape inside the cab. A face that had been familiar...but he couldn't remember. He could not fucking remember who it was.

***

He insisted on walking her to the daycare. He wore a pair of loose-fitting camouflage cargos, unlaced black combat boots, and a black t-shirt, that said Pantera on it, ever the bad-boy rocker, with his hair falling down his back in loose waves.

She was dressed completely opposite from him, in a navy blue, button-front dress with a white round collar, and patent leather flats. Her hair was twisted in a loose bun at the nape of her neck and her glasses were firmly planted on her nose.

Even though she knew she looked like a prim little school teacher, Gabriel had his arm firmly locked around her waist, scowling at any male who glanced their way.

Inside the daycare was another scene entirely.

Women she'd never seen before stood with the children, their eyes locking on Gabriel the moment they entered through the glass doors.

Little Frankie ran to Gabriel and wrapped his arms around her boyfriend's legs once more. A tall, leggy blonde woman sauntered forward, leering smile on her face. Her chest was stuck out and her overly big lips pursed as her eyes roved Gabriel's body like a starving she wolf would downed prey.

"Well, hello," she purred shrugging her shoulders so her cleavage would show more in the V of her white halter dress. "So you're what Frankie was so excited about yesterday."

The other women, Abigail realized were the children's mothers, moved closer. Phones came out, pictures were taken.

Bonnie grabbed Abigail's arm and jerked her away from the circus of females around Gabriel.

"What is the meaning of this? We don't need this kind of publicity around here," Bonnie hissed.

Abigail gaped at her. "Publicity? I don't understand. I—"

"Look, if you want to be some kind of band groupie whore, don't bring your flings around here."

Abigail shook her head, face heating up in shame despite knowing she was not what Bonnie accused her of being. "No he's—"

"Abby," Gabriel leaned closer to her, his arm coming around her waist. "I gotta go before I'm violated," he murmured, jerking his head to the crowd of preening women behind them.

"I'll pick you up when I get off, kay?"

"Um, yes. That's fine, sweetie," she answered just before he bussed her lips with his in a quick kiss.

Abigail watched, slightly annoyed, as poor Gabriel made his way through a sea of groping hands and wide smiles. Some of them followed him outside. All she could do was watch, dumbfound. A few of the women turned to look at her from head to toe, their faces frowning in confusion.

Abigail took a step back away from their smirks.

"No," Bonnie was saying. "Absolutely not. Just take the day off and let that man know he cannot come back here ever again. We run a respectable business here and I will not tolerate this kind of behavior here."

Abigail gasped and turned to Bonnie. "Are you firing me?"

Bonnie tipped her pert nose up, her condescending glare making Abigail's blood run cold in her veins. "I should, you know, but I know that will only make things worse. I hate attention whores like you. Look at you." The girl's gaze flicked over her in distaste. "And here I thought you were a decent person."

Pia took Abigail's hand and pulled her away from Bonnie.

"Let's get out of here, Abs."

"And where do you think you're going, Miss Ferigno?"

"I'm taking Abigail out of here," Pia threw over her shoulder as she pulled Abby out of the daycare.

Abby tried to make her slow down, but Pia pulled her relentlessly out of the building. There was no sign of Gabriel in the lobby.

"That bitch," Pia muttered running an agitated hand through her short hot pink locks.

Abigail stared in shock at her hair, before blinking at her. "Pia, you'll be fired."

The tiny girl just grinned and shrugged her shoulders. "I was going to give my two weeks anyway. I finally got that spot in that Goth store I wanted. Guess I'll just have a bit more time to set up my makeup and hairstyling booth." Pia finally stopped at the corner and turned to Abigail, hands clutched behind her back as she smiled up at her. "Sooo," she nodded, "Gabriel Raven, huh?"

Abigail bit her lip, absentmindedly twisting her new ring on her finger. "Um, yeah. He's my boy—no-no, my fiancé," she corrected herself showing her friend her ring.

Pia's eyes went round. "Holy planet-sized chunks of bling, girlfriend!"

Abigail grimaced. "It is a bit ostentatious."

Pia's jaw dropped, big blue eyes going back to Abby's face. "Just a tad, but hey, he's a rock star. Why did you ever not tell me you were with him? And here I thought you were scoring the recording mogul in North Star's summit. This is a whole other level of awesomeness, Abby. I am official your numero uno biggest fan."

"Oh, stop," Abby giggled before becoming somber again at the memory of so many beautiful women after Gabriel.

"Are you kidding me? You have rock's sexiest metal god as your boy-toy and you're pulling that sad face? What is wrong with you?'

Abigail shook her head. " It's just that..." She huffed out a frustrated breath. "Did you see all the attention he got?"

Pia scoffed. "Hello? He's freaking Gabriel Raven, the lead singer of Diavolo." Pia gripped two fistfuls of her pink hair and gave a tiny scream of excitement. "Are you kidding me? How did you ever snag that hottie? I want to know every lurid detail."

Abigail's face flushed. "Um...my sister took me to a party and we sort of bumped into each other."

Pia sighed, her eyes going dreamy. "Ooh, how romantic. Did he come on to you? Did you even know who he was? I've heard the music you like to listen to."

Abigail pouted down at her. "What's wrong with my music?"

Pia giggled. "Not a thing. Come-on. I'll take you down the street to where I'll be working now." The girl looked Abby up and down with a smile. "How do you feel about a teensy make-over?"

*** 

Gabriel had not expected to find Paulina sitting at Daniel's desk when he was escorted into the large office. The floor to ceiling windows let in the glaring morning sunlight. Daniel's gleaming white marble desk sat to the right side of the office. The far left side of the office had more windows showing a magnificent view of the pacific.

Paulina watched him like a hawk from across the desk.

Gabriel stalked toward her, flicking his hair back. With a grin, he pulled up one of the chairs in front of the desk and plopped into it, kicking his boots up on the edge of the desk, making himself comfortable.

Paulina's black eyes narrowed. "You're just like him. So self-assured, and cocky."

Gabriel lifted one brow.

"Even that expression,' she spat. "So conceited and smug." She took a deep breath, as if composing herself. "What do you want?"

"Daniel told me he'd give me a tour of the place."

"Daniel was called away on important business."

Gabriel folded his hands over his stomach. "Guess you'll have to give me the tour then, eh?"

Paulina's face remained impassive. "You know nothing of this business. What do you want with North Star anyway? You're a successful singer, very renown."

Gabriel rubbed a finger under his lip, aware of how her eyes focused on his mouth. He shrugged. "My father wanted me to have part of his legacy."

Her eyes rose to his. "The best thing you can do, Gabriel, is to forget about this silly business. It might do your career more harm than good. Just imagine the scandal."

Gabriel grinned at her. "Scandal? For me? Or for your family?"

She leaned back in her chair, folding her hands upon the desk. "The scandal for Daniel, and poor sweet Abigail. She'll be in the middle of all this. How is the poor dear holding up to being in the public eye? Wait till they find out she was Daniel's girlfriend first until he left her for Mikayla. Now she's latched onto you. How convenient."

Gabriel scowled at her. "Abigail doesn't give a shit about the money."

Paulina laughed, almost hysterically. Her teeth were perfectly straight, startlingly white behind her blood-red lips. "Oh, Gabriel. When Marjorie found out about Mikayla's fixation with you, she sent for Abigail. It was Abigail's mission to seduce you away from her sister so Daniel wouldn't find out that little worthless whore was cheating on him."

Gabriel stiffened. He stared at the woman who laughed at him mockingly.

"She's done a very good job of twisting you into a knot with her sweet innocent pretense. Both those girls are little harlots. Why do you suppose I had to send them away from my darling son?" the woman scoffed. "The little one was still able to get her claws into my dear sweet boy, but I know he's man enough to put her in her place once they wed."

Gabriel shoved to his feet. "You're sick. You knew Mikayla was fucking around and didn't warn your son?"

Paulina smiled. "Daniel has quite a temperament. I wouldn't be stupid enough to trigger it."

Gabriel stared at her, confused at her words. He laughed. "Seriously? You're scared of your own son?"

Paulina's smile died, her black eyes boring into Gabriel's. "You'd be wise to fear him too. Do yourself a favor and marry your little slut, go far away and never contact Daniel again."

Gabriel sneered at her. "Don't count on it."

He turned to stalk out of the office.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," were her cryptic departing words before he stormed out.

Gabriel avoided going near the daycare, in case the crazy women were still waiting around for him. He took the elevators to the second floor and then walked down the stairs into the underground garage to his car.

He slammed the door when he got in the Merc and revved the engine before pulling out of his parking space. Sliding his sunglasses on, he moved out into traffic.

Paulina's words echoed in his head:

It was Abigail's mission to seduce you away from her sister...

She's done a very good job of twisting you into a knot with her sweet, innocent pretense.

Gabriel shook his head. His Abby wasn't pretending. He'd held her legs open, seen her hymen. She'd been untouched before him. Paulina was just trying to mind fuck him.

Abigail didn't care about his fame or money. She didn't even want him to claim his birth right.

No. His Abigail was a pure, sweet, simple girl, so different from all the band whores that were looking for a quick hook up so they'd be able to tell all their friends they'd bedded a rock star.

*** 

The clothes were beyond anything she'd ever worn. She felt strange in the ripped jeans that hugged her long legs, and very self conscious in the black, lace corset that cinched her waist and pushed up her boobs.

Pia had gotten her a pair of spike-heeled black boots that had lots of straps from ankle to knee. It matched the black with silver metal-studded belt cinched low on her hips. One of the girls in the shop painted her fingernails a deep metallic blue that matched the stone pendant hanging from a silver chain nestled against her cleavage. Pia had styled her hair into a sleek fall down her back and was now applying make up to Abigail's face.

Once the owner of Metal Heart found out Abigail was engaged to Gabriel, she just about tripped over her feet setting up a photo shoot with her merchandise featuring Abigail.

Pia stepped back. "There." Her eyes were wide. "Oh-my-god, Abby."

Abigail blinked at the girl's blurry image. "I want to see."

Pia helped her out of the makeup chair to the full length mirror behind them.

Abigail couldn't see very clearly, but what she could see, made her gape.

Was that hot rock goddess really her?

"Oh, wow," Abigail gasped.

"Total eye candy, Abs. If I weren't straight, I'd do you."

Abigail gave Pia a startled double look before looking back at her reflection.

"I look like a celebrity."

"You are a celebrity, girlfriend. You're soon to be Mrs. Gabriel Raven, hello?"

"Oh..." the shop owner sauntered in. Her eyes grew round and her grin wide. "Holy fuck. What a hottie. No wonder Gabriel is crazy about you. Come on out and let's do some pics. You don't mind do you?"

"Uh, no." Abigail smiled at the blue-haired, tattooed girl.

They posed her around the shop, Pia suggesting poses. She sat on a motorcycle they had in one corner with Abigail wearing a pair of sunglasses and a leather jacket. She stood between a two guys that also worked there. One was a tattoo artist, the other worked at the register.

"Abby, flash that rock," Pia called out clapping her hands and hopping up and down.

Abigail put her right hand on her hip which she jut out provocatively as she raised her hand, letting her diamond blind everyone present.

"Yeah. Stick out your tongue to all those jealous biatches after your man, Abs," Pia called out in glee.

Abigail laughingly obliged. She felt different. She felt self assured and pretty for the first time in a long time. She loved the new her and couldn't wait to see Gabriel's reaction. She'd no longer be the plain dandelion in a garden of exotic flowers.

*** 

Gabriel had no idea where he was headed to until he arrived at Michael's house in Bayside. He parked outside the front door and stepped out. From within the home he heard yelling, things crashing, and huffed out in agitation.

Looking inside his wallet for the spare key to Mike's house, he let himself inside and ducked in time just before a statue of Venus made a hole in the wall next to his head.

"Shit!"

Mike grabbed him by the back of his shirt and yanked him back out.

"Hurry," Michael huffed. "Let's just haul ass out of here."

"What'd the fuck you do now?" Gabriel asked revving the car and throwing it into reverse.

Erica ran out and threw a vase of flowers at his black Mercedes. Thankfully, the vase was plastic and just bounced off the hood.

The car's wheels screeched on the pavement as Gabriel threw it into gear and peeled rubber out of there.

They left Erica behind screaming in fury.

Gabriel looked at Michael wide-eyed.

The guitarist sported an array of scratches and a hand print to the side of his face. He closed his eyes and dropped his head back on the headrest with a sigh of relief.

"Are you going to tell me what the hell that was all about this time?"

Michael grinned sheepishly at him. "She kind-of caught me jacking off to porn."

Gabriel rolled his eyes and shook his head. He really had nothing against Erica, but he knew she suffered from depression, was bi-polar, and abused drugs. Mike would go for long months without surcease to his physical needs, so he turned to porn to keep from bedding the hundreds of groupies that usually threw themselves at the band members.

"Mike," Gabriel began.

"I'm not leaving her," Michael ground out before he could finish.

"Do you even love her?" Gabriel asked wondering how a relationship could function with the problems they faced. He eyed Michael's bloodied scratches with a frown.

"She needs me."

Gabriel shook his head. "Look, man. Just get her into a good clinic where they can help her—"

Michael began to laugh humorlessly. "Last time I did that, she slit her wrists."

Mike's eyes gleamed suspiciously. Gabriel kept quiet. He knew Mike and Rafe's story. Their mother had been a band whore, shacking up with whatever rock star crossed her path. Neither of them really knew who their fathers were, though Mike had a feeling he knew who his might be. They'd found their mother dead of an overdose when they were just teens. Mike had been about sixteen, but Rafael was only ten and had the misfortune of ending up in the foster care system separated from his older brother. By the time Mike located Rafael, he'd been hooked on drugs. Mike had taken him in and taken care of him ever since. It was his way, taking care of others, the reason why he wouldn't leave Erica.

"She needs me, man," Mike was saying. "I can't just up and leave her like that. That'd be a shitty thing for me to do."

"Your relationship sucks, Mike. Maybe she needs something else or someone else in her life. Ever think of that?"

Michael just stayed quiet.

Gabriel's phone sounded and he tapped the control on this steering wheel to answer.

"Yeah," he growled.

"Sup, my man," Rafael snickered.

"Just killing some time before I gotta go pick up my girl at work," Gabe answered.

Rafe laughed some more. "Work you say? You sure she's at her job? I thought she worked at a daycare?"

"Spit it out already, Rafe," Gabriel snapped, beyond irritated with Rafael's hedging.

"There's some pictures of both of you going viral just about now, but the best ones are of her at that new little Goth clothing store that just opened up, Metal Heart."

Gabriel pulled over onto the side of the road as Michael whistled looking down into the screen of his phone.

Gabriel snatched the phone away from him and frowned down at the blond vixen in the image. Her legs were miles long, clad in sexy black boots and ripped jeans. A black metal studded belt hung low around her femininely curved hips. A hint of her belly button peeked out between her jeans and the tight, black, lacy corset she wore that pushed her gorgeous breasts up enticingly. Ribbons of glowing, pale, blond hair flowed around her body, making her look like a fucking goddess. Gabriel's jaw went slack as he looked at her face. Her lips were perfectly made in some nude color that made them look pouty and succulent. Her luminous blue eyes were lined in black liner and shaded in tones of blue, green and black.

"Jesus. Is that who I think it is?" Mike crowed next to him.

Gabriel wanted to punch him in the face for ogling his Abby. Christ! His hands were shaking. She was always beautiful to him, but...Jesus! Those pictures!

"Where the hell you say she was at?"

*** 

The impromptu photo shoot was fun, but Abigail was getting tired. Plus, the shop was quickly filling with lots of customers. Some people even began asking for her autograph and wanted to snap pictures with her. It was startling and awkward for Abigail who'd always been a bit on the shy side.

She'd just finished snapping a picture with a bunch of teenaged girls when a very tall red-haired man wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

"How about a picture with me? It's my turn now," he grinned, his hand cupping her ass.

Abigail tried to move away but people began to crowd around them and snap pictures. She noticed there were a few expensive looking cameras in the crowd, bright flashes of light blinding her. She still didn't have her glasses on so her vision became worse with the flashing lights.

"So you and Gabriel are really going to get married?" someone asked as Abigail squinted and blinked at the blurred images before her.

"Um, yeah. Of course,' she answered, turning away from the flashes of light. Somehow she got a very bad feeling about this whole thing. Where were all these people coming from anyway?

"When is the wedding?" a woman called out.

"Are you pregnant? Is that why Gabe is marrying you?"

Abigail frowned at whoever asked such a personal thing. "No. Gabe and I are waiting to get married before we become intimate."

There were gasps, and much tittering all around her. Somewhere off to her right she heard Pia calling out to her.

She tried to move toward her friend but the red-haired man blocked her way. His hands gripped her hips in a disturbingly familiar way that made Abby feel uncomfortable.




Diavolo Ch. 11



"So Gabe hasn't made a move on you?" he chuckled, voice deep, seductive. "That's fucking hard to believe. You're a knock out, babe. There's no way, if you were my girl, you'd get away without me fucking you," he whispered in her ear.

Abigail gasped and tried to turn away from him.

Someone gripped her arm hard and she was pushed into a very hard male body. Big bulky arms wrapped around her, and it sounded as if all hell broke loose in the shop.

Yelling and screaming ensued. Racks were knocked over and she could hear what sounded like a fist fight behind her.

"Shit, Gabe. No, man. Stop," Michael yelled above the din, right in her ear. He was the one holding her. "Aw, damn."

Michael released her and bent.

Abigail realized Gabriel was groaning on the floor.

"Oh-no! what happened?" she exclaimed reaching for Gabriel.

"Come-on. Let's get the hell out of here," Michael was saying as he helped Gabriel up.

"Where is the mother-fucker?" Gabe panted, furious.

"Yeah, go on. Get that sorry piece of shit out of here," the red-haired man was saying. "You better hope I don't press assault charges on your ass, you sorry piece of shit. Hey, Abigail, forget that asshole. I can show you a good time, baby."

Gabriel snarled and struggled against Michael's hold. Even though Abigail didn't have her glasses on, she saw when Ariel emerged from within the crowd. The tall bass player from Diavolo pulled his fist back and nailed the red-haired man in the face, sending him into a bloody heap on the floor.

"Take that, jackass," Angelo cackled shoving his way forward to high-five Ariel. "Nobody disrespects our Abby."

With that Ariel and Angelo looped an arm around her and escorted her out of the shop.

"Wait for me," Pia shouted. "I've got her glasses."

Abigail shoved her glasses up her nose just as Angelo shoved her into a black Mercedes, Gabriel's black Mercedes.

She slid into the back seat as Mike shoved Gabe in through the other side. His face was ashen beneath his golden skin and he gripped his middle.

"Gabriel, what's the matter? What happened?"

"Craven punched him in the ribs." Michael answered climbing into the driver's seat.

The car lurched forward as Abigail stroked Gabriel's face.

"Oh-my-god. Why'd he do that?" she asked unsure what to do to relieve Gabriel's apparent agony. His poor broken ribs were still healing.

"Maybe because Gabriel wanted to kill him," Michael chuckled from the front seat. "By the way, who are you?"

"I'm Pia," came her friends awed response. "Nice to meet you."

Abigail looked toward the front to see Michael looking at her friend appreciatively...a bit too appreciatively.

Gabriel slowly straightened in his seat, eyes closed.

"Gabriel?"

He breathed trough his parted lips a few seconds before opening his eyes and looking at her.

His eyes lowered, taking in her attire, her hair, her face. Abigail felt herself flush.

"Help me understand what the hell just happened back there," was all he said to her, face devoid of emotion.

This wasn't exactly the reaction she thought she'd get from him with her new look. He seemed distant, maybe even cold.

She moved away from him, disappointment and rejection making her heart squeeze painfully in her chest.

"Bonnie told me to leave." She turned her face away from him, unable to bear his penetrating stare.

A moment of silence. "She fired you?"

Abigail shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I don't think I'll be able to go back anyway." Not with the circus of fans that seemed to be dogging Gabriel's every step.

He was quiet after that. Someone's phone began to ring. Gabriel yanked the phone from his pocket and answered tersely.

After a moment he answered, "Be right there," and hung up.

"Diamond's having a cow because we're late."

Michael frowned at him in the rear view mirror. "The recording session isn't until noon."

"Apparently she moved up the time. Let's drop Abigail and her friend at the apartment and get moving."

Abigail looked at Michael, unable to look at Gabriel's stony expression. Sadness and anxiety felt like a leaden weight in her belly.

"Nah, let's take them along," Michael suggested with a grin. He kept looking at Pia, a twinkle in his golden eyes.

Abigail, despite her heart feeling like it was tearing in two frowned at Michael, but he didn't notice, having eyes only for Pia.

Next to her, Gabriel shook his head with a sigh and mumbled, "bad idea, bro, but whatever."

They drove for about twenty minutes until they arrived at a large complex of warehouses. The entire band headed into one of the warehouses through a doorway between buildings. The inside had a large lobby that sectioned off into various corridors. They went into one of the doorways in one of the corridors to the left of the entrance. Abigail almost rocked back on her high-heeled boots at the sound of loud rock music blasting out of the speakers. From the outside, you couldn't hear a thing until you opened the door.

Gabriel put his hand against the small of her back and led her farther in.

Diamond looked up from the mixing board, her laughter dying on her pink-glossed lips as her eyes went round at the sight of Abigail.

Gabriel drew Abigail over to the mixing board and introduced her to the sound techs.

"Give me a sec, will you," he said to them as he maneuvered Abigail to another door to their right.

Passed that door was a small lounge with a glass partition that looked out into the recording booths and mastering room. Gabriel drew a black curtain over the glass, giving them privacy before grabbing Abigail into his arms and kissing her until her knees gave out beneath her.

When she was thoroughly breathless and quivering like a fool, he leaned back just enough to look into her eyes.

"I wanted to kill that bastard, Abby.' Gabriel snarled. "He had his fucking hands all over you."

Abigail clutched at his shoulders. "I was trying to get away, Gabe. I swear."

His gaze softened as he eyes roved her face. "You look so different, baby."

She felt her eyes well and turned away from him. "I'll wash it all off when we get home. I promise," she whispered.

"No, baby." His tone gentled even more. His fingers tipped her chin so that she had no choice but to look into his eyes. "You look beautiful. I love you no matter what. It's still the same sweet girl underneath all the glamour. That's what's important." His eyes roved her face again. "Jesus, Abby. You're so fucking hot right now."

His hand tangled in her hair as he yanked her up to press his mouth to hers again, tongue licking every corner within, claiming, owning, possessing. He growled deep in his throat making her heart flip at the savage sound. Already she could feel herself grow damp with want for him.

"You realize you told the entire world we're engaged," he muttered between biting kisses.

She stiffened, her eyes flying open to look at him in surprise.

"Baby, we were surrounded by paps snapping away pictures that at this moment are probably going viral."

The flashing lights! Oh, how stupid could she be? And she'd flashed her ring around like a stupid air-headed diva.

Gabriel chuckled against her lips. "Welcome to my world."

A brief knock on the door and Angelo poked his blond head in. "Sorry to interrupt you two love birds, but this place costs seven stacks an hour. Time to make music, kiddies. By the way, Abigail, you are fucking smoking hot."

"Get out of here before I smash your face in," Gabriel snapped.

"Gabe, please," Abigail grinned holding onto his black t-shirt before her caveman made good on his threat.

The musical track had been laid down and they were working on the vocalization. Michael, Gabriel and Angelo were inside separate booths doing the vocals.

Gabriel commanded her attention the most. He stood in the center booth, lights turned down low and headset covering his ears. At times his voice came out clean, deep and bone-chillingly haunting. Other times, he'd grip his headset and roughen up his tone to a deep dark scary grit that had her heart beating hard enough to sway her. At one point, he threw his head back with a savage, high-pitched, gritty yell, veins in his neck standing out as that dark voice echoed around them, making the fine hairs on Abigail's body stand on end.

"Abby, please forgive me," Pia whispered next to her.

"What? Why?" Abigail asked unable to tear her gaze away from her mesmerizing future husband.

"Your man just gave me an eargasm. God," Pia sighed.



Diavolo Ch. 12



Finally. Thought I'd never finish this chapter, and I did at three in the morning. I'm dead tired so please excuse the errors. I know. inexcusable, but if i hold it to edit then it won't post Tuesday or Wednesday. I had Type O Negative's "Love You To Death" on a loop as I wrote this chapter. its a Gothic-y sexy ballad that kept me in the right mind frame for Gabriel and Abby's story. Hope you all enjoy it and vote and/or comment. your comments and support (votes) are what keep me motivated to keep writing no matter how I feel. Thank you!

***************

Gabriel helped her down from the sharp rocks that led to the beach from the back of Ariel's sprawling glass and steel mansion. The full moon lit a silver path over the foaming sea as it surged up the beach. She wrapped her arms around Gabriel's broad shoulders as he pulled her against him to lift her feet off the rocks. His silken dark mane engulfed her face, blown by the strong ocean breeze.

Abigail smiled, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath of his sexy masculine scent. Her entire front slid slowly down his hard-hard body until her bare toes touched the sand.

He was hard in his jeans, as usual, for her, and Abby wanted to cling and savor the feel of him a bit, but he pulled away, taking her hand with a sweet smile instead.

"Aren't you afraid the paps will be around?' she teased looking up to the star-speckled night sky.

"I heard there's a big party in LA tonight. They'll be busy there," he answered walking with her along the water's edge.

She smiled and slipped her arm around his waist when he threw his around her shoulders. His warmth permeated her very fiber, and his scent mixed with the salt of the sea; a heady aphrodisiac.

It was hard to believe that only a few months ago they'd met at this very house and now in two days time they might get married. He hadn't brought up the subject of their wedding that weekend again. It really was just too soon, though Abigail didn't want a big production of it. She was fine with them just going to some courthouse, or having a small private ceremony at some church.

"What are you thinking about?" his deep voice purred, making her startle.

Her face grew warm, she didn't want to bring up their marriage in case he was having second thoughts.

Gabriel chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head. She was pretty much tucked under his armpit since he was so tall.

"We haven't set anything for our wedding," she replied in a small voice when he remained looking down at her.

He stopped and sat down on the sand, pulling her down by his side.

"You haven't exactly let me know what kind of wedding you'd like," was his soft amused reply.

Abigail wasn't sure why she felt so relieved with his answer. Clearing her throat and pushing her glasses up her nose, she studied her toes as they dug into the soft sand. "I'd prefer something simple."

Gabriel nodded, looking out toward the silver path the moon painted on the surging ocean.

Abigail studied his profile, the chiseled jaw, lush mouth, sharp cheekbones, and sweeping black lashes over vivid green eyes. He was like an exotic creature with his flowing dark hair and rippling muscles. So beautiful.

He turned to look at her too, and she was ensnared in that heated gaze. His eyes caressed every feature on her face before lowering to smolder even more as they took the rest of her in.

She'd worn a floral maxi that had delicate straps and a crocheted hem that came to her ankles. Pia had made what she called a messy braid in her hair, which was nothing more than a very loose French braid. Wisps of her hair kept whipping her face with the rush of the wind.

Gabriel smirked and Abigail felt her lips quirk in answer.

"What were we talking about?" he said grinning.

She laughed and then sucked in a breath when he leaned over and pressed his mouth to hers.

His tongue swept over her lower lip before darting inside to make love to her mouth when she opened for him.

Her toes curled in the sand and her heart hammered against her ribs. Her caveman could kiss her stupid every time.

He sank his teeth gently into her full lower lip before drawing away again.

"If you could go anywhere, where would you go?" he asked.

She blinked a few times, clearing her passion fogged brain.

Gabriel waited patiently for her reply.

Anywhere was heaven as long as she was with him, but she remembered the dream she had the night before. They were sitting atop a high mountain, just looking at the beautiful view below. A green forest stretched as far as the eye could see. She'd felt such peace in that dream.

"The mountains," she said with a sigh.

He grinned. "Just out on a mountain or like a little cabin up in the mountains?"

Abigail smiled at the prospect of shacking up with Gabriel in a rustic cabin.

"The cabin idea sounds nice." The ocean surf drew closer to their feet. "Or a deserted island...just the two of us." Away from all the reporters, fans, and family.

He leaned in again, running his nose along her cheek. Abigail turned her head and took his mouth this time, reaching over to slide her fingers into his hair. He gripped her around the waist and fell back, pulling her partially over him.

The breeze had her dress up around her thighs, but she didn't care. Curling one leg up over his groin, Abby kissed him with all the love she felt. Above, from the mansion she could hear "Love You to Death", by Type O Negative playing over Ariel's fancy sound system. The sexy, slow ballad was the perfect mood setter for the moment.

Gabriel's hips rose a bit, his erection pressing into her belly, setting her afire. Oh, how she desired her beautiful soon-to-be husband. Oh, how she loved him.

He rolled them over and lifted his head to look into her eyes. "It's getting late."

"Let's go home," she sighed wanting to continue this moment in the privacy of the apartment.

Gabriel smoothed back a strand of her air with one finger. "How about we crash here for tonight? The guys and I want to work on some music for the album."

Abigail tried not to let her disappointment show. Gabriel was a musical virtuoso, so gifted. She knew how important it was to allow him to continue to make his music unimpeded.

Gabriel gave her another drugging kiss. "Eeyore's got rooms galore in this place. Just crash in one of them for tonight."

She let her hands skim over the bulging muscles of his upper arms and shoulders to stop at his firm pecs. She looked into his eyes. The breeze had swept his dark hair over to one side of his face, making her breath catch at how stunning he looked bathed in silver moonlight. "Will you join me later tonight?"

Her face heated up in embarrassment at how breathless and needy she sounded.

Gabriel just smiled. "You want me to sleep with you?"

They'd been sleeping together since she'd moved into her new apartment, among other things she actually couldn't believe she'd done with him. Lot's of almost sex.

She opened her mouth to answer, but he kissed her instead.

After thoroughly melting into a puddle of want on the sand, he moved away, to her disappointment, and stood.

Abigail accepted his hand and let him haul her up from the sand. They were both coated in it and laughed as they swatted each other's backsides to get the gritty stuff off. Again, he helped her up the steep incline, back up to the mansion.

The guys were in the game room just off the chamber with the interior pool. Gabriel led her to the door and kissed her there. He was somber, his eyes fixed intently on her face.

"I usually sleep on the third floor, to the left at the top of the landing, fourth door to your right."

Abigail nodded, mentally stowing away the directions to the room.

"Later?" she asked hopefully.

He smiled and just kissed her again.

Abby trudged up the stairs to the third floor. The room was like the rest of the house, sparsely furnished, half of it nothing but glass overlooking the ocean. With a sigh, she eyed her dress and shrugged. She'd have to forgo the shower tonight, though she had taken one just before they'd gone to dinner earlier.

Gabriel had taken her to a little Italian restaurant for a romantic candle light dinner before they'd come over to Ariel's house.

She snuggled under the covers in the king-sized bed and closed her eyes. They still hadn't discussed the wedding plans. It really was impossible to get married that Saturday. Didn't they need to do blood work and apply for a license or something? She had no idea. She never thought she'd be getting married after Daniel had dumped her for her sister. It was probably the biggest favor Daniel could have ever done for her. What she felt for Gabriel far surpassed anything she'd ever felt for Daniel.

Her feelings for Gabriel were so intense. It was more than just passion. They'd gone to a youth center he frequented with Michael where troubled teens went. Abigail had felt so proud seeing him interact with those kids, watching their faces of amazement when he and Mike walked into the center's music room. Their joy when their favorite rock stars jammed with them and gave them pointers.

Abigail snuggled with a grin into the pillow. She closed her eyes and let herself drift off to sleep, waiting for Gabriel to come to her.

******* 

He was on stage. Gabriel's voice filled the immense arena with its raw power. Women screamed amidst the roaring crowd. He'd taken his shirt off and sweat made his glorious body gleam. Abigail didn't understand why she was in the audience in front of the stage. There were so many people she could barely move.

Someone had their hand on her arm and was shaking her.

"Wake up."

Light blinded her, like the sun.

"Geez, woman. She sleeps heavier than you, Eeyore."

Abigail blinked up into Angelo's face. Stubble covered half his face and his blond curls were sleep-tousled.

She felt disorientated as she clutched the covers to her chin and looked around, realizing she'd been dreaming of Gabriel on stage.

The scene of a bright blue sky and turquoise ocean greeted her through the floor to ceiling panes of glass that made up two sides of the corner bedroom.

Turning to her left, she saw the sheets on Gabriel's side undisturbed.

He'd never come to bed.

As if sensing her disappointment, Angelo said "Gabe has a surprise for you."

Abigail blinked up at them from beneath the covers.

A surprise?

The night before Gabriel and she had talked very briefly about their wedding. She had no idea how to plan for one, or exactly what she wanted. Abigail didn't want anything extravagant. She doubted much could be done on such short notice anyhow. It was already Friday anyway.

Angelo and Ariel refused to answer her queries on Gabriel's whereabouts and barely gave her time to get ready. They ushered her out to a black limo that was waiting in front of Ariel's home and got in as Angelo waved indulgently at the few photographers waiting around to snap their pictures.

She couldn't get a word out of them as to where they were going, or what Gabriel was up to.

She tried calling Gabriel, but he wasn't answering his phone.

The limo whisked them off to the airport where they boarded a private jet.

She followed their lead, all the while her eyes wide in shock as she wondered what her boyfriend, soon-to-be crazy husband was up to for the hundredth time.

At first she thought he was having her taken to Vegas for a quick wedding, but as the flight lagged into its third hour, she knew they were not headed to Vegas. It wasn't that far.

Abigail was treated to champagne, chocolates, and a foot massage. Angelo and Ariel talked about their escapades during tours and evaded her questions about Gabriel.

They flew over cities and open plains, until clouds covered most of the view below. Hours later, they landed.

"Where are we?" Abigail asked walking out into a wall of stifling heat on the tarmac.

Another black limo awaited them a few yards away from the plane.

"South Carolina," Angelo answered.

"What?" Abigail sputtered, coming to a halt halfway between the plane and limo. "Why are we in South Carolina?"

"Secret," Ariel answered putting his hand at the small of her back to urge her forward.

Abigail didn't budge. "Okay. You've both been very loyal to Gabe in keeping me in the dark, but I'm not taking a single step until you tell me what's going on."

Ariel huffed, looking frustrated behind his black sunglasses as the slight breeze ruffled his thick, black waist-length curls.

Angelo, who was waiting by the open limo door, stalked back to them, and before Abigail could stop him, he picked her up and flipped her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

Her indignant cries fell on deaf ears.

Inside the limousine, she dialed Gabriel's number again and left him a stern message about kidnapping and crazy long-haired rock stars.

Sometime during the long drive in the limo, Abigail fell asleep.

The sunlight warmed her face as Ariel nudged her arm.

"We're here."

She blinked up at the tall bass player before looking past him and gasping.

There was a quaint, little, white cottage surrounded by lush landscaping. Everywhere she looked, she could see mountains. The view was breathtaking.

"Oh, my god," she breathed as Ariel helped her out of the limo. "Where are we?"

"It's called Red Horse Inn," Angelo supplied. "The main building is down through there. Gabe got you a private cottage."

She walked up the steps to the cottage as if in a trance. The entire interior was in shades of white, cream, and soft grey. There was a sitting area, which consisted of two wing chairs set before a fireplace. Toward the back corner of the room was a king-sized canopied bed, draped in gauzy white curtains. The sunlight poured in through the large windows that lined the wall next to the bed, showing a spectacular view to verdant green mountains.

"Oh, my God," she huffed in awe. Gabriel had set her up in a little cottage by the mountains.

But where was he? Where was he gorgeous soon-to-be husband?

After gaping at her room for a long moment, she spun and shouted back at Angelo and Ariel just as they were getting back into the limousine.

"I didn't pack anything. You didn't tell me I should pack."

Angelo and Ariel looked at one another and shrugged.

"I don't believe this," Abigail huffed shaking her head.

Angelo pulled out his phone and began tapping on the screen.

Frowning, Abigail made her way down to them again.

Angelo looked at her when she was close enough and said, "he says to check the armoire."

Abigail frowned at them, ignoring the irritation she felt that he answered their texts and not hers. "Okay. Where are you guys off to? Are you leaving me alone here? Is Gabe coming to join me? Where is he?"

Ariel and Angelo shared a secret smile that was already getting on her nerves every time they did it.

"We'll be close by. We got the cottages farther down the road," the blond drummer replied pointing to another little cottage further along the circular road.

"Where is he?" Abigail demanded stomping her foot.

"He won't say where he is," Angelo answered holding his palms up, "honest."

When Abigail scowled at Ariel, he just shoved his hands into his pockets and began rocking side to side on his big feet like he always did when he was nervous. "Don't look at me. I don't know either."

With a frustrated huff and roll of the eyes, Abigail trudged back up the steps to her cute cottage and closed the door.

It was so beautiful, she couldn't stay annoyed very long. The armoire caught her attention and she walked over to it before exploring the rest of the cottage.

There weren't many items within the armoire to her surprise, and everything had a handwritten envelope pinned to it. The one on the white terry robe read "open me first".

Taking the little envelope, Abigail opened it and pulled out the small note within.

Her heart clenched and eyes misted over when she read the first words.

"Hey, baby,

First, I want to tell you how much I love you, but there are no words to encompass the wealth of feeling inside me for you. Thank you for coming into my life. You've given it new meaning. Given me a new reason to open my eyes in the morning, brought a new melody to my heart. I've never been happier. I know right know you're probably wondering what the heck I'm up to, but I promise you, it's a good surprise. First, I want you to take a nice soak in that claw-foot tub in the bathroom. Use the bubble bath and products I told the staff to have for you, and then slip into the terry robe because I have someone coming over to give you a full spa treatment. Relax and enjoy yourself today. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

Disappointment zipped through her. With a little pout, she looked at the other garments in the armoire. A white maxi with a tag that read "for dinner" and a long satin nightgown with its cover whose tag read "dream of me."

She was supposed to spend the whole day until dinner with the terry robe?

The bubble bath was soothing, especially when she found an iPod with romantic music set up for her by Gabriel. Her favorites were the love ballads by Diavolo. She would never tire of hearing his voice. Not having him here with her made her feel lonely. She dialed his number again and became sadder when it went into voice mail again.

"I don't know what you're up to, but...I miss you, baby. I'm taking that bubble bath you told me to do...wishing you were here with me."

Her face heated up at her bold statement and she hung up before she said something else inappropriate, only to realize she hadn't told him she loved him or thanked him for her little retreat.

The water was so warm and wonderful, she was almost tempted to take a nap inside the tub, but the thought that someone was coming over had her leaving her frothy sanctuary. Emptying out the tub, she switched on the overhead shower to wash her hair and rinse off the bubbles from her body.

No sooner had she tied the sash around her terry robe, there was a knock at the door to the cottage.

Adjusting the towel she'd wrapped around her head, she padded out of the bathroom and opened the door to a pleasant faced older woman dressed in a powder blue long dress that matched her friendly eyes.

The lady, whose name was Miranda, gave Abigail an all over waxing session. Followed by a full body massage that lasted a little over an hour. Abigail received a relaxing facial and then Miranda did Abigail's hair and nails.

Food was brought to the cottage and Abigail nibbled on the various fruits and cheeses laid out on platters.

After Miranda left, she changed into the maxi. The limo was waiting for her when she stepped out of the cottage—ridiculous, because she could have just walked to the main building for dinner.

Angelo and Ariel were waiting inside for her with grins.

They were just as tight-lipped about Gabriel's whereabouts as they had been that morning, but Abby was so relaxed and feeling so beautiful in her pretty white dress, she didn't care anymore. She couldn't wait until Gabriel saw all the lovely curls framing her face compliments of Miranda's talented hands, or the delicate French manicure the woman had done on her fingernails.

Dinner was delicious with southern dishes. Afterwards, Angelo and Ariel kept her company a while at her cottage.

The sun set behind the mountains as Abigail listened once more to Gabriel's romantic playlist over the sound system in the cottage.

Her phone began to ring.

She made a mad dash for it when she realized it was Gabriel's ringtone.

"Hello?" she almost shouted in her excitement that he'd finally called. Tears sprang to her eyes when his deep voice purred out a greeting. 'Oh, Gabriel. Where have you been?" she choked out.




Diavolo Ch. 12



"Baby? Are you crying?" he asked, shock evident in his voice.

She took a deep breath and got her emotions under control. "No. I'm just... just... Where are you? Why all the mystery?" she demanded.

He chuckled. "Easy. You'll find out tomorrow."

"Is this about the wedding? Are we meeting with some wedding planner or something? I told you, I just wanted something simple. We can just go to a local church and do a little ceremony. I can even wear this dress you got for me," she said in a rush fingering the soft fabric of the white maxi she was wearing. It was a pretty, delicate thing with ruffles and satin ribbons. She absolutely loved it.

"Baby, you deserve so much more than that dress, and I want to give it to you."

Her heart clenched. "Oh, Gabriel. I know that you want to buy me the world, but I don't need all that. I just need you," she got the last past the sudden lump in her throat.

She heard him breath out, almost a moan. "I need you too, baby. Need you so much. I can't wait to be with you tomorrow."

Oh, how she wanted to be in his arms, touch him, kiss him. "Gabriel." She let all the need within her transcend into that sighed word.

"Yes, baby. I know. Tomorrow. I promise. I can't believe how much it hurts being away from you for twenty-four hours. I wish I could just...be with you right now."

"Where are you? Just come. Please."

"I'm flying in tomorrow morning. Just need to do a few things first. I'll be there, baby. I promise."

"Where are you?"

"I'm still in California."

"Oh," she pouted. "Okay. But I could have waited and we could have flown here together." Abby knew she sounded like a whiny spoiled girl, but she couldn't help it. She missed her Gabriel.

He chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Her lower lip actually stuck out this time. "You're saying goodbye so fast. We've barely said anything to each other."

His soft laughter slid through her body like a lick of flame, igniting her from the inside out. Her breasts felt heavy and she felt so empty deep inside. Again, the need to hold her man took hold of her.

"I want you to rest tonight. We have tomorrow to talk."

She laid, belly down on the king-sized bed. "But it's so lonely here...in this ginormous bed."

He groaned, "Baby, tomorrow I promise you I'll be in that bed with you. No holding back now. It's going to be all the way."

That made her jump into a sitting position, eyes wide. Her mouth tried to form words but she could only gape.

"Good night, baby. Love you."

The line went dead and she was left making her famous fish-face. He'd left her speechless again. And he'd hung up before she could tell him she loved him or thanked him for the mini-vacation.

They were finally going to have sex? He'd been reluctant, wanting to wait until they were married. Maybe being away had affected him as much as it had her. She was actually shaken up knowing he was so far and there was no way they could see or be with each other.

Hugging herself, she turned out the light and slipped under the covers. Thinking her mind would be too busy pondering why Gabriel had flown her to the other side of the United States, she fell asleep to the sound of crickets and the hum of the air conditioning in the cottage.

******* 

Insistent knocking awakened her early the next morning.

Angelo had his face plastered to the window near the bed.

"Woman. You sleep like the dead. Get up. There's no time to waste. You need to get ready."

She sat up with a surprised squeak, holding the bed covers against her chest.

"Well don't just sit there looking at me like that. Open the door before Ariel beats it down. We need to get moving."

Gabriel. He'd said he was flying in that morning. They were probably going to go pick him up in the limo.

Joy surged through her as she hopped out of the bed and threw on her cover before opening the door to a frazzled looking Ariel.

"Just give me a sec. What time does Gabe get in?" she said grabbing her white dress again, wrinkling her nose. She only wore it a few hours but would've loved wearing something fresh. Her jeans and t-shirt from the day before had mysteriously disappeared. Room service must've taken it to launder.

Ariel never answered her, just looked confused and nervous, his hair sticking up in sections as if he'd run his fingers through the riot of curls.

"There's some fruit in that bowl over there. Help yourself while I jump in the shower a few seconds. Won't be long. I promise."

She ducked into the bathroom and turned the shower on. It took her barely five minutes to lather up, being careful not to ruin her curls from the day before. After rinsing off and drying up, she pulled her white maxi on again.

Rushing out of the bathroom, she skidded to a halt when she saw the commotion.

There were people carrying boxes and bags filled with frothy white tissue into the room. There were two girls sitting in the wing chairs playing violins. Two other women held cameras. One was already using her video to record the procession.

Miranda rushed over to Abigail with a wide smile. "I'm back to help you get ready."

Her smile and words barely registered in Abigail's mind though. Her entire focus was completely arrested by what was going on in the corner by the windows.

Two women arranged the most beautiful bridal gown she'd ever seen on a dress form. She walked toward it as if in a trance. The dress was strapless, the neckline heart-shaped. The bodice was formfitting and beaded with thousands of tiny pearls in intricate patterns. It had a high waistline with soft luminous material falling to the floor and trailing a few feet in the back. It was oh-so beautiful.

Abby was rendered speechless.

The shock and realization Gabriel had set up their wedding had her feeling light headed, and she wobbled a bit on her feet. Miranda clutched her shoulders from behind.

"Are you okay? Come and sit."

Miranda helped her to a chair by a table the woman had set up just opposite the dress. Abigail couldn't take her eyes off the dress.

Miranda set up to work on her face and then her hair. The two girls played violin and another woman insisted Abigail eat from the trays of food that had been brought in.

Abigail was still stunned at everything going on around her.

Two men carried in a large old fashioned changing screen and set it up near the white bridal gown.

Once Miranda finished with her make up and hair, she asked Abby to step behind the changing screen.

"Uh...sure," Abigail said woodenly.

"Are you sure you're okay?" the woman asked following her behind the screen.

Abigail merely nodded.

She was getting married. In a few moments she be Mrs. Gabriel Brinks. Or would she be Mrs. Gabriel Raven? What was his legal name anyway?

Panic gripped her. She didn't even know her soon-to-be husband very well. Should they really do this? What if he eventually got bored with her later? This was insane. He was going to break her heart like Daniel had. No. Worse. Gabriel was going to completely destroy what was left of her silly heart.

Miranda helped her into the lacy undergarments, her face heating up in chagrin when Miranda had to hook her thigh-high stockings to the delicate beribboned garters her tight corset had. Next was a poufed slip that would make the wedding gown flare out.

The woman kept giving her worried looks.

"It's normal to have pre-wedding jitters," Miranda said with a smile.

Abigail just looked at her. This was more than pre-wedding jitters. Abigail was completely terrified. Her fingers were trembling and cold and her stomach was tied up in a million knots.

There was no sign of Angelo or Ariel.

Miranda helped her step into her heels and led out from behind the screen. The sight of the king-sized canopied bed dressed in white had her stopping in her tracks. Gabriel's words came back to haunt her: "I promise you I'll be in that bed with you. No holding back now. It's going to be all the way."

And it would be legitimate. He would be in his right to finally have her. She'd be his. All his. And he'd be hers.

"Mine," Abigail sighed brushing her hands over the soft, white material of her dress. Miranda smiled at her.

The lady photographer directed her to sit on a round little chair by a vanity and had her lift her dress to pretend she was adjusting one of the garters. Another picture was taken of Abby applying lipstick in the mirror and a third of her contemplating a picture of Gabriel someone had brought in. It was the one of him sitting at the piano, deep in thought.

Miranda placed real flowers, forming a wreath around her head and pinned a long veil behind her head. When done, Abigail beamed at herself in the mirror.

The photographer had her pose by the windows, on the bed and by the fireplace.

There was only a moment of melancholy, when Abigail realized some of these photos should have been taken with her mom, but she was sure her mother would want nothing to do with her marriage to Gabriel.

The limo was waiting for her again outside. Angelo stepped out of the limo dressed in a black tux to her surprise. He grinned and took her by the elbow and helped her inside where Ariel sat dressed in a similar tux.

"I can't believe you kept all this from me," she told them with a grin.

They just shrugged. "Gabe said he'd castrate us if we said anything," Angelo finally said.

"Where are we going now?" she asked as the limo began to move.

"We really have no idea. Gabe just told us to accompany you in the limo. The driver is waiting for his instructions. Gabe must've finally told him."

Abigail shook her head. Her man was way too secretive.

Excitement filled her as they wound their way through scenic routes along the mountain road.

Almost half an hour later, they turned into a winding little road that led up to a stone chapel at the edge of a cliff.

Angelo whistled, "Wow. Gabe has outdone himself. Look at this place."

Abigail was looking. The church was small, its stones pale grey and the wooden doors gleaming in the early morning sun. There were a few people outside. She recognized the photographers from the cottage setting up to record her exiting the limo, and there were a few men in dark suits with sunglasses talking into their phones. Security?

One of them signaled toward the car. The driver got out and opened the door for her.

As Abigail exited the limo, she heard the strings of cellos floating out from within the chapel.

Miranda and the two women that had set up the dress at the cottage fussed with her train as Ariel and Angelo offered their arms to escort her inside.

A flock of butterflies took flight within her tummy as she gripped their strong arms and was led toward the chapel.

The stone floor was covered in pink petals from the entrance all the way to the altar. Pink blooms decorated the ends of the pews filled with people. Her bewildered gaze recognized most of them. Pia, the sound techs from the recording studio, Gabriel's grandmother and Sharmane... and her bewildered looking mother, sister, and even Daniel, who looked very somber.

Abigail's eyes went to Gabriel, who stood waiting at the altar. He was a vision of dark beauty, dressed in an impeccable black tuxedo and his dark hair swept back in a tail.

His green eyes blazed at her as she drew near. She wanted to run to him, throw her arms around his neck and hold him.

The cellos played the bridal march as Angelo and Ariel brought her closer to Gabriel. The view through the glass panes of the chapel was spectacular. It was like living a dream. He almost wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming this.

Just as she passed Mikayla, her mom and Daniel, her sister sent her a hateful glare from red, tear-filled eyes.

Abigail's gaze swung back to Gabriel and stayed focused on him.

Soon she was standing before him, her whole body trembling.

She hadn't prepared her wedding vows. What was she supposed to say? Oh-God.

The clergyman performing the ceremony took the option out of her hands by asking her if she would take Gabriel as her loving husband, in sickness, in health, in good times or bad until death do them part.

Gabriel smiled at her when she answered with a shaky yes.

Of course, he had to show off his beautiful voice by singing his own vows to her with Michael on the piano and the cellos and violins as accompaniment. The words to his slow ballad brought tears to her eyes. He promised to love her and cherish her, put her on a pedestal and worship her even after death. Abigail wanted to weep at how moved she felt, and at how fortunate she was to have such a beautiful man love her so much.

There wasn't a dry eye in the chapel when he was done. He slipped her wedding band onto her finger and didn't even wait for the preacher to tell him to kiss his bride.

Gabriel wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her, slowly, thoroughly.

She was pretty sure she heard someone announce them as husband and wife and thundering applause following, but she was too caught up in Gabe's devouring kiss to care.

******* 

The reception took place in a large tent. The interior was filled with flowers and candles and the food was set up buffet style. The cake was a simple yet elegant three-tiered square with flowers spilling over one side of it.

As the dusk drew near, fairy lights came on making everything look magical.

Gabriel held Abigail close as they swayed to soft music. She had her eyes closed, just enjoying the warmth of her new husband. Every time she thought of the night to come, she felt her face heat up and her nerves start to make her shake. He said nothing, but would just slide his hands up her spine and hold her tighter, until his very warmth had her nerves calming down.

He would be gentle with her. She was sure. Up until now he'd always been. They'd done just about everything but full penetration. She trusted him to make it good for her.

Just as she was relaxing into his arms again, she felt him stiffen.

Looking to the side, she gulped when she realized Daniel was cutting in to their dance.

Gabriel hesitated a moment. Everyone was staring at them and Abigail felt a moment of apprehension.

Gabriel nodded and stepped back to allow Daniel to sweep her into his arms with a smile.

Abigail stared helplessly over her shoulder and watched as her sister tugged on the sleeve of Gabriel's tux.

"You look so very lovely, Abigail," Daniel was saying.

"Th-thank you," she replied timidly.

A quick glance over her shoulder revealed her sister plastering her body tightly against Gabriel's. Gabriel seemed to hold himself stiffly, his gaze looking straight over Mikayla's head, bored, indifferent, eyes straying longingly to Abigail after a while.

Daniel swung her around so she could no longer see her husband.

"Are you happy?'

Abigail blinked. "Of course."

Daniel frowned. "But you barely know him. Just a few months ago you were ready to take your vows as a nun."

Her face grew hot and she avoided his intense stare. Now she realized mother superior had been right saying the vocation to be a nun was truly not really hers. She'd been hurt by Daniel's rejection and thought that by burying herself in a convent she could find solace there. Fate had brought her to Gabriel instead.

Abigail turned her head, seeking her husband and was relieved to see him stalking back toward her. This time it was Diamond who intercepted him, keeping him from Abby.

Daniel twirled her again, moving them deeper into the group of dancing couples.

He pressed her closer to him.

"I want you to be happy, Abby. You deserve to be happy."

"I'm sure Gabriel will make me more than happy. I really love him, Daniel."

Daniel's soft smile disappeared. "I thought you loved me."

Abigail's steps faltered. She tried to step away from his embrace, but he only held her tighter. They were almost outside the tent by now and she could no longer see Gabriel.

"I did, Daniel. I truly loved you, but you hose my sister."

Daniel gripped her arm and tugged her the rest of the way out of the tent.

"Where are you taking me, Daniel?" she exclaimed in panic as he dragged her farther out into the darkness.

He suddenly stopped and turned to her, gripping both her arms. "Please tell me you haven't married Gabriel to spite me."

Abigail stared up at him in shock. "I love Gabriel. My marrying him has nothing to do with you." Again, she struggled for him to release her and was relieved when he did. "I need to go back inside. He'll be looking for me," she blurted turning around to run back toward the safety of the tent.

Daniel blocked her way with his own body. She had to plant her hands on his chest to keep from falling back when she ran face first into him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. I just wanted to make sure you weren't making a mistake."

"I already told you, I'm not. I love Gabriel."

At that very moment, Gabriel stepped around Daniel to stand before Abigail.

"What's going on?" he growled, body tense.

Abigail gripped his arms from behind, afraid he'd try to hit Daniel. "It's fine, baby. We were only talking."

Daniel gave him a tight-lipped smile and held out his hand. "Congratulations, brother."

Gabriel hesitated a moment before he clasped Daniel's hand too. Abigail was sure she heard bone crunching as her husband squeezed Daniel's hand hard, eyes ablaze with jealous rage.

"Thank you," he got out through gritted teeth, green eyes narrowed.

Daniel nodded, cleared his throat and nodded. "I guess I go back in and find my fianceé."

"You do that," Gabriel snarled.

Daniel backed away, his eyes darting briefly to Abigail.

Gabriel wrapped one arm around her waist, hauling her possessively to his side as they watched Daniel turn and walk back toward the tent.

Abigail sagged with relief against him.

Gabriel turned and claimed her mouth. He was a bit rough this time, as if wanting to brand her.

"Let's get out of here. Now."

Abigail gulped, and nodded.

He swept her up off her feet and headed toward where the cars were parked.

He strode purposefully toward a black Audi R8. Abigail felt a mixture of excitement and dread pool in her stomach.

The car's lights blinked as the locks disengaged. Giggling, she leaned over in his arms and popped open the passenger side door. Gently, he tucked her inside, gingerly scooping up her long gown into the car before closing the door.

She watched him prowl around the front and get into the driver's seat. Before turning the car on, he leaned over and kissed her again. It was a hungry kiss, full of urgency, a hint of the passion that he was waiting to unleash upon her.

Abigail shuddered in anticipation and a healthy dose of fear. She knew exactly how well endowed her husband was, and she'd never been penetrated.

Abigail clenched her thighs and bit her lip.

"You okay?" he asked in a husky voice.

She nodded. "Yes-yes. Of course." And then she remembered. "Um. I never got to throw my bouquet."

Gabriel just stared at her, finger over the ignition button. "Was that important?"

Abigail thought about it a moment. "Oh...I guess not...very. And you didn't take my garter off me either. You're supposed to toss it to the bachelors. It's like a tradition in weddings."

Gabriel's eyes slowly assessed her from the neck down, making Abigail want to squirm.

"Oh, baby, I'll be taking that garter off, among other things, but no man is getting any of your discarded clothing."

Again, Abigail gulped as he finally turned the car on.

The engine purred with power as he gently revved it. Switching it into gear, he pulled out.

Seconds later he slammed on the brakes as the riotous sound of metal sounded behind them.

"What the..." Gabriel began.

From within the tent, people began to flow out toward them, lead by the members of the band.




Diavolo Ch. 12



Michael had already taken his jacket off. Ariel had a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand and Angel and Rafael had their arms around a couple of girls each.

"Thought you'd sneak out, eh?" Michael laughed.

Gabriel smirked and gave them the finger just before peeling rubber out of there. Behind them, everyone applauded, cheered, and waved them farewell.

Gabriel chuckled as he made the turn around the bend out of the parking lot and stopped just outside the park where the reception was held.

He circled around the back of the car and unhooked the load of cans and pieces of metal the guys had tied to the bumper before heading out again.

This time he didn't stop until they arrived at Abigail's little cottage at the Inn.

She waited until he circled the car and opened the door for her. Once again, he scooped her up in his arms and strode up the path to the cottage.

Inside, candles had been lit just about everywhere. The bed had been turned down and a fire was crackling merrily in the fireplace.

There were platters of food set up and a bucket of ice with some wine chilling.

Gabriel set her down gently just inside the door before turning to lock it behind them.

Abigail fiddled with her fingers when he turned to her.

She felt stupidly shy of a sudden. He smiled and caressed her cheek.

"It's just me," he purred.

"I-I know," she got out with a nervous laugh.

"You're looking at me like I'm the big bad wolf."

He stepped forward and she instinctively took a step back. "It's just those eyes of yours," she teased.

"The better to see you with," he grinned, flashing all of his teeth.

She bit her lip, stifling a giggle. "And those teeth."

He licked his lips. "The better to eat you with."

That made her gasp and get hot all over. She stopped stepping back away from him and ran her palms up his chest as he leaned down to kiss her. His jacket was the first article of clothing to hit the floor, followed by his tie. As his tongue thoroughly explored her mouth, he undid the hundred or so pearl buttons down her back until she felt her dress loosen up. Now she understood why the bodice had so much beading and body hugging boning. It made the top so heavy that once loosened it dropped automatically to the floor, leaving her standing in corset, stockings and heels.

"Oh-m-god, Abby," he hissed through his teeth. "You're so gorgeous."

She touched the bridge of her nose, remembering that she'd worn her contacts that day at Miranda's insistence.

He helped her remove the wreath of flowers and veil from her hair, before laying a trail of kisses down her spine. Now he was kneeling behind her. She turned slowly for him. Gabriel clasped her hips and kissed her at the juncture of her thighs, right over the tiny triangle of lace barely covering her sex.

Goose bumps broke out over her skin. Staring right into her eyes, he slid the wisp of material aside and delved one finger deep inside her. Abigail gasped at the intrusion and gaped at him as he withdrew his finger from her pussy, glistening wet with her desire.

She gulped audibly when he slid that finger into his mouth and sucked with a low moan.

"Oh my," she whispered.

He licked his lips and rose before her. Taking her hands, he brought them up to his shirt, in a silent plea for her to undress him too.

Abigail undid each button, revealing his tawny skin. He reached up and took te tie from his ponytail off, letting his hair tumble in rich dark waves around his shoulders.

Finally she was pushing his crisp white shirt from his knotted shoulders, revealing his sculpted torso.

Her eyes were inexorably drawn to the way his abdominal muscles tightened as she stroked his chest.

When she reached for his belt, he gripped her hands.

He shook his head slowly from side to side. "I want you too much for that. Too much stimulation. Let's concentrate on you for now. Turn around."

Abby obeyed. Now she face the full length mirror that had been brought in earlier.

Earlier, she'd been too nervous to fully appreciate Miranda's efforts.

Now she studied how she looked with Gabriel. Her hair was a mass of sumptuous curls spilling around her shoulders. Miranda had made her face in subtle shades. Her eyes looked wide, her mouth pouty and full. The corset pushed up her ample breasts which were heaving with her nerves as Gabriel undid ever little clasp in the back. He held her against him as his nimble fingers unhooked the garters, hands trailing seductively over the exposed skin of her upper thighs.

He let the corset fall at their feet as he cupped her breasts reverently in each hand.

Abigail arched her back, filling his hands as he rolled each nipple into little needy points. Behind her, he flexed his hips, letting her feel how much he needed her.

She had to admit she looked pretty standing in nothing but stockings and heels with her husband blazing a trail of wet kiss down the side of her throat. His breathing was harsh as was hers.

"Open your legs wider," he growled.

Abigail placed her heels to either side of his own back shoes.

His arm slid around her ribcage, hand cupping and squeezing her left breast as the other hand slid down into her panties.

Abigail gasped when he began to circle her clit with two fingers. His hips rocked against her, making her buck her groin against his teasing fingers.

"Fuck, you're getting so wet, baby," he groaned.

Her cheeks heated up. "Is th-that a good thing," she asked breathlessly.

"Oh-yes," he hissed. "Means you want me."

Abigail shuddered. Of course she wanted him...always.

His hand slid out from within her panties and once again, he slipped them into his mouth to suck hungry at her juices.

It really should have revolted her, but it just turned her on more.

"Stay right here," he said softly giving her a kiss on her cheek.

He strode toward the vanity and dragged the small round chair close to her.

"Sit here, baby."

Again, she complied.

"Now spread your legs. Let me see you."

Abigail bit her lips and hesitated.

"Don't be shy, sweetheart," he coaxed, hands going to his belt.

Abigail's eyes widened, finally doing as he'd asked. She watched, mesmerized as he released his belt, and undid his pants. He kicked off his shoes and bent to pull off his socks before shucking his pants down his long legs. Not even the shiny pink scar on his hip from the surgery to fix his femur could detract from his masculine perfection.

Her eyes locked on the hard evidence of his arousal and she suddenly wanted to close her legs and run.

She held still though, even as he approached slowly. A few feet from her, he went down on hands and knees and crawled the rest of the way to her, going straight between her legs until his face was inches away from her most intimate of places.

"Lean back, baby. Give yourself to me."

Abigail reached behind her, gripping the edge of the chair. He gripped her hips and pulled her until her behind was almost off the edge of the chair. His shoulders were so wide she had to spread her legs even more to accommodate him.

To her embarrassment, he sniffed her first, making a production of it by running his nose along her thighs and sex lips. Then he took a long lick up her slit, letting the flat of his tongue drag against her sensitized clit. Her hips snapped up at the jolt of pleasure that provoked. He groaned his approval.

"That's right, baby. Move. Don't hold anything back."

He buried his face against her kissing her down there in full, blown-out passion, tongue going at her like his favorite treat.

After a while, she found she couldn't resist rocking her hips against the sweet lash of his wicked tongue. His wiggle it against her clit, stabbed it hard into the heart of her, and then swirl it around her nub again.

As she panted, watching him feast on her between her spread thighs, her eyes rose to the mirror before them.

Gabriel had his long legs spread, completely naked, bollocks hanging heavy between his thighs, and cock pressed tight against his muscled belly. There was a long gleaming drop of clear fluid weeping from the tip of him. His dark hair was draped over his back almost reaching his waist since his head was tipped completely back so he could lap like a hungry animal between her legs.

The sight was so hot and erotic...something snapped inside her and she arched her back, head falling back as she cried out his name in rapture.

He was hauling her up into his arms before she lost all her strength and toppled to the floor in a boneless heap.

She panted, breathless, as her back met the mattress. She closed her eyes, expecting him to take position over her, but opened them when nothing happened.

Abby licked her hips watching the fascinating sight of her husband's perfect backside clench and ripple as he strode toward the bucket with the chilled wine his back was a sharp V, narrowing to a lean waist and hips. The supple roundness of his tight ass accentuated his power long legs, making her mouth water. She never thought she'd see the day when she actually found the male form fascinating. Of course, only Gabriel's magnificent form fascinated her.

Grabbing a goblet, he headed back toward her, making her blush at the sight of his bobbing erection leading the way.

Oh-God. He was too sexy for words.

He poured a glass of the white wine and took a sip before settling next to her and offering her some.

Abby took a few sips before leaning back on the pillows again.

Was he going to make love to her now? Should she offer to suck him because he went down on her?

He smiled and put the glass down on the nightstand by the bed.

"Did you like how everything turned out?"

Abigail blinked up at him. "Yes. It was all so beautiful. Perfect."

He leaned over her. His lips brushed over hers, tongue stroking her lips teasingly. She finally tangled her fingers in his hair and brought his mouth more firmly against hers.

One of his knees slid between hers. She almost stiffened, but forced herself to relax and spread her thighs instead. Instead of rolling himself between her legs at her blatant invitation, he slid his hand around to her backside to pull her against his thigh as he squeezed her ass cheek rhythmically.

He kissed her for a long time until she found herself squirming against his hard thigh. The sparse hair there tickled the soft skin of her legs. It felt good.

A slow burn began once more deep inside her as she rubbed her sex against his leg and tried to coax him to come atop her. His hard thigh felt really good against her clit, but she needed more...wanted more. Abby couldn't help the needy mewls that started coming from between her lips. She thought she'd cry from relief when he finally moved between her legs. She wrapped her thighs around his waist and rocked her sex right against his erection, thrilling every time she felt the head of his cock graze her untried entrance.

She wanted to feel him pierce her, feel the sting of his possession.

"Gabriel, please," she begged.

His teeth sank into the cord of muscle at the juncture of her shoulder and neck as he angled his hips. In one swift move, he plunged in, breaking her hymen.

Abigail cried out as he slammed home, the hard slap of his pubic bone against her clit, coupled with the sharp jab of pain from deflowering her, sent her into orgasm.

She clawed his back and bucked her hips against him. He hesitated just a second before moving forcefully within her, taking her fully.

Abby slid her hands around to his backside, clutching and feeling how he surged powerfully inside her. Her heart filled with even more love for him.

She raked her nails up his back as she felt her pleasure building again. He changed the angle of his thrusts making her quiver and chase her orgasm with him.

Light exploded behind her closed lids and she climaxed around his thick shaft. He gripped her ass in both hands and grunted. Her name was a long harsh moan as she felt him jerking rhythmically inside her, heat filling her as he finally came too. Gabriel ground his hips in a hard, slow circle, milking every drop of his pleasure within her depths. Slowly his muscles relaxed and he remained panting in her neck, his weight shifting off to the side so he wouldn't crush her. She winced when she felt his still hard shaft slip from inside her, followed by a hot flood of fluid.

They both breathed heavily, wrapped in each other's arms.

Abigail opened her eyes a sliver, catching the glint of the diamonds on her engagement ring and wedding band reflecting the fire in the hearth. She smiled wearily as she slid her thigh over her Gabriel's hips, snuggling tighter against him. He let out a long sigh as his hand cupped her backside, drawing her closer.

So this was marital bliss? She certainly felt extremely blissful. The area between her legs was a little sore and sticky, but she didn't care.

"I didn't hurt you too much, did I?" came his husky query.

Abigail's smile widened as she drew lazy patterns on his chest. "No."

He chuckled. "I didn't think so. You went off like a firecracker." He chuckled as she felt her face go hot at the memory of how she'd howled in bliss. She certainly did go off. "Sank your claws right into me. I think my back is bleeding."

Abigail gasped and tried to sit up. "I'm so sorry, Gabe. Let me see."

"Easy," he snickered pressing her head against his chest again. "I'll live." He kissed the crown of her head tenderly.

Abigail settled back down, but she felt bad she'd scratched his back and wanted to see and tend to him.

"My little wild cat. Sleep for now. I've got a long night planned for you."

"Shouldn't we wash up?"

He shook his head slowly. "I want to see my cum slicking your thighs when you get up tomorrow morning," her possessive caveman growled.

A shudder of pure arousal shot through her.



Diavolo Ch. 13



Light flickered against her eyelids and Gabe's heart thudded loudly beneath her ear. Abby smiled and tightened the arm she had around him, snuggling closer to his comforting heat. His fingers flexed, squeezing her left butt cheek possessively as a lazy sigh made his broad chest rise and fall with its expulsion. She felt wonderfully sore, testimony to her husband's prowess. How many times had he taken her? And the sun still hadn't risen.

She shifted the thigh she had draped across his groin and bumped into his erection. Would it ever go down? It seemed he was constantly erect. Thankfully, he'd taken pity on her the last couple of hours and allowed her to sleep.

She felt him turn his head and blinked her eyes open when he stiffened and uttered a curse.

Gabriel was out of the bed before she could blink a second time, yanking the drapes on the floor to ceiling French windows closed.

Abby just sat up in the bed, the vision of her bridal gown hanging from a tree limb, burning, still etched on her retinas.

Gabriel had the phone in his hand, whisper-yelling as he tried to pull his pants on one-handed.

Abby pulled the sheet up to cover her breasts, still in shock, fear crawling up her spine when she saw her new husband pull out a gun and stalk to the bathroom stealthily to inspect it. He came back out to her, scooped her off the bed, and sat her on the floor next to it, away from the windows.

"Shhh," he hushed, kissing her lips. "Don't make a sound and stay here. I'm going outside to check around outside."

When he tried to rise again, she clutched his arms. "Don't you dare," she hissed holding onto him, eyes wide, desperate.

He frowned, but she didn't let him go. "I need to keep you safe," he insisted, eyes darting over the edge of the bed before settling on her face again.

Thoughts of him going out there in the dark to face whoever had set her gown aflame had her panicking. What kind of sick twisted mind would do such a thing?

"You can't do that if you're—" She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence. "Just call nine-one-one and stay right here." Her eyes darted to the gun. "You brought a gun on our honeymoon?"

His eyes darted to the door uneasily, and then back to her. "Looks like it came in handy, don't you think?"

It made her uncomfortable, but she was glad they could protect themselves. A shiver of pure fear ran through her as she remembered the dress outside burning. That dress had been mere feet away from the bed they'd been sleeping on. Someone had come into their room as they slept and took it.

Gabriel pulled her into his embrace there on the floor next to the canopy bed. "It'll be okay. Over my dead body will someone hurt you."

"Oh, God. Don't say that," she whispered, hugging him tight.

The sound of cars approaching had him easing away from her.

"Put something on, quick," he said scrambling away.

Abby darted to the armoire and grabbed a robe. She grimaced when she felt something warm sliding down the inside of her thighs.

She looked down, seeing the blood and Gabriel's semen smearing the inside of her thighs. Before she could blink, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her into the bathroom.

He kissed her tenderly, hands sinking into her hair, before pulling away an inch to look into her eyes. "I had imagined us waking to a different scenario." His fingers rubbed softly against her scalp. "I'm sorry. I thought we'd be safe here. Wash up, baby. I'll get this taken care of."

Abby slid her hands up his chest and neck, sinking into the silky dark hair tumbling around his shoulders. "It's not your fault, Gabe. This is insane. Who would do such a thing? And why?"

His green eyes darkened and his jaw popped as he clenched his teeth. He didn't say a thing, just caressed her cheek, green eyes blazing. He looked fierce, determined.

Gabriel finally turned away, stalking back out and closing the bathroom door behind him.

Abby turned on the shower over the claw-footed tub and washed briskly. She was very swollen between her legs, the area feeling hot and tender. She was a full-fledged woman now, not a maiden. She bit her lip, trying not to grin so broadly. Especially knowing someone had broken into their little love nest and could've harmed either of them as they slept. The thought wiped the silly grin off her face and had her eyes tearing up. If anything happened to Gabriel...she didn't know what she would do. It would be devastating.

She shook her head, dispelling the awful thoughts and finished her shower.

With a frown, she gripped the old-fashioned knobs to turn the water off.

The shower curtain suddenly being viscously ripped open had Abby turning with a scream lodged in her throat. Her feet slid from beneath her, her arms flailing as she went down. Diamond's cold face was the last thing she saw before her head hit the edge of the tub with a painful crack.

*** 

Gabriel heard Abby's scream as he watched some of the inn's employees douse the remains of the wedding dress. Heart lodged in his throat in terror, he turned and sprinted back inside, Michael right there beside him. Angelo and Rafael were already at the door, banging on it and demanding to know what was going on.

Gabriel wasn't as patient or polite. His shoulder hit the wooden door, splintering the frame it hung on. The door banged against the wall behind it as he rushed in.

Diamond stood by the tub, towel in hand and eyes wide in shock. He shoved her away to see Abigail lying within, unconscious.

"Shit," he hissed reaching in to pick her up. "What the fuck, Diamond. What happened?"

"She slipped," Diamond answered innocently.

Gabriel gathered Abby's wet body against his chest as he lifted her from the tub. He froze when he saw the blood. Heart thudding painfully in his chest, he sat with her on the lid of the toilet seat. He looked up and glared at the boys from the band.

Michael nodded and ushered everyone away from the door before closing it.

"Abby," he said patting her cheek. Her neck felt sticky and when he checked he saw the trickle of blood flowing from her scalp. Accepting the towel Diamond held out to him, he pressed it to Abigail's head. "Call an ambulance."

Diamond nodded and pulled her phone out, before opening the door again to step out.

"Abby," Gabriel said again, his tone soft as he took in her pale features.

She stirred in his arms, making him tremble with relief.

"Baby, open your eyes," he coaxed.

Sleepy, baby-blue eyes blinked open, a little frown line marring the smooth skin between her brows. She stared at him a few seconds before saying in a very soft slurred tone, "who are you and why am I naked?"

Gabriel just gaped at her. Oh, God. No.

A giggle bubbled from her lips as she blinked her eyes slowly. "Your face. Priceless."

He just frowned down at her until she rolled her eyes and winced from apparent pain.

"I was just kidding. I know you're my husband."

"That wasn't funny," he said fighting the urge to laugh despite the dire situation. She pouted and he just pulled her tight against him with a sigh. "What happened?"

Abigail stiffened in his arms. "Diamond..."

As if on cue, his manager, who'd stepped out of the bathroom to make her phone call, walked back in. Abigail immediately covered her breasts and curled into Gabriel shyly. He wrapped his arms around her, fierce protective instinct riding him hard, and glared at the other woman.

Diamond's eyes were cold, almost angry before she blinked and the expression was gone. "The ambulance is on its way."

"Ambulance?" Abby's eyes lifted to his, filled with apprehension. "Oh, no. I don't want to go to a hospital. I'm fine."

"You're bleeding."

She clenched her thighs and flushed scarlet. Her brows drew together in indignation. "Seriously, Gabriel," she chastised much to his surprise. "I'm sure I'm not the first virgin to bleed on her wedding night."

His lips twitched at her angry and utterly mortified expression. "You're head is bleeding. That's why I had Diamond call emergency."

"Oh," she muttered biting her bottom lip.

Diamond snorted in exasperation and flounced out of the bathroom.

He resisted teasing Abby further, and helped her dry off instead. She was dressed just in time for the ambulance to arrive. Police cars lined the road in front of the cottage. They wanted to interrogate him, but he wasn't leaving Abigail's side. He left Michael and Diamond in charge of everything and hopped into the ambulance with Abby.

Luckily, the media hadn't gotten wind of his and Abby's marriage, nor did they know where he was. It was almost six in the morning and the hospital emergency room was desolate except for the staff. In all the commotion, he'd forgotten to put shoes and a shirt on. The nurses were tripping over themselves in his presence until one of the doctors brought him a pair of Crocks and a t-shirt with the hospital's logo on it from the gift shop.

After performing an MRI on Abby, she was released from the hospital with a bottle of pills for her headache and everyone congratulating them on their nuptials.

Outside, a black Mercedes SUV awaited them. The chauffer hopped out and opened the door as Gabe rolled Abby out in a wheel chair. Behind them, the emergency room staff applauded and whistled when he bent to kiss her before helping her out and into the SUV.

"Stop somewhere before we get to the airport and get me another t-shirt and some flip flops. Preferably black," he told the driver, slipping him a Benjamin.

Inside the SUV, he got on the phone again with Diamond. Their private jet was ready ahead of time for their next trip. Thankfully, he'd spoken with the pilot a week before letting him know their destination. Reluctantly, he told Diamond where to have Abby and his luggage sent. He really hadn't wanted anyone to know where they were headed, but the circumstances had changed.

"And Diamond," he said avoiding Abigail's steady gaze, "next time knock on the fucking door before you walk into the bathroom while Abby's showering."

Abigail tugged on his arm, shaking her head. "Don't blame her," his sweet wife said.

She was too good.

Diamond, on the other hand, sputtered a "what? What the fuck did she say? I did knock. I walked in and stood there waiting for her to finish and even had a towel ready. How dare she accuse me of anything. I won't stand for this, Gabe. I'm your manager and I've been with you for over seven years now—"

He cut the call and turned toward his wife. "How are you feeling?"

She touched her head. It was just a tiny cut from hitting the tub so hard. It could have been worse. Just the thought that something really bad could've happened to her made him want to go ape-shit.

"I'm fine, really."

His eyes dropped down to her lap, remembering the sight of her thighs streaked in blood and semen, evidence of her lost innocence at his hands.

"Are you sore?" He stroked her low on her belly to indicate his meaning.

She blushed, her gaze dropping down to where she placed her hand over his. "Only a little," she replied in a small voice.

He'd wanted to fill the tub with steamy water and rose petals and then kiss her slowly awake to share a bath with him. Room service had been ordered to bring their breakfast as they bathed, and place it outside on their covered terrace beyond the French doors near the bed. Thinking someone had come in stealthily while they slept and had taken her dress to set it aflame from a tree branch made his rage spike all over again.

"Gabe," she said softly, her hand pressed against his cheek.

He looked at her, saw the worry in her eyes, and sighed, clearing his mind of negative thoughts.

"Everything is going to be fine, baby. I promise. No one will know where we're going this time."

*** 

Abigail screamed. Water rushed past as she clung to the tip of the surfboard. Behind her, her husband stood riding the ten-foot swell that propelled them at breakneck speed toward the shore. Her scream turned into a squeal of laughter as he swerved them through the crumbling wave, the roar of the water almost drowning out her sounds of glee. Too soon they were in shallow water, Gabriel tipping them over.

She held her breath and felt his arm tighten around her. Her feet found the sandy bottom and they rose with a gasp, laughing.

They made their way back to where they'd left their belongings. Gabriel passed his surfboard to an attendant. He still hadn't told her exactly where they were, but the island was breathtaking. There weren't any roads and the only mode of transportation were four tracks or golf carts.

"Hungry?" Gabe asked tossing her a towel.

On cue her tummy rumbled. Gabriel laughed and took her hand, leading her back to their four track. Hopping on, he twisted to give her hand as she climbed in behind him.

The short trip through the lush tropical forest was only a few minutes. They walked hand in hand into their bungalow.

Abigail loved the palm frond covered bamboo roof, the wooden floors and the king-sized bed draped in gauzy curtains. They had their own Jacuzzi and infinity pool facing the tranquil ocean.

She blinked in wonder seeing covered trays set in their outdoor eating area. Gabriel led her to the bathroom instead.

They shed their rash guards and stepped under the warm spray of water in the shower.

Abby moaned when he began lathering up her hair.

"I've got someone coming over to do your hair for you, but first we eat."

She tipped her head back to look at him.

"I don't want to hear a word about money right now, Abby," he said when she opened her mouth to protest.

She sighed and lowered her head. Closing her eyes to just relax and enjoy what he was giving her; a lavish honeymoon. Would they even have enough to purchase a home when they returned? She knew the band was still just starting to get recognition. He couldn't have amassed so much money to pay for all the luxuries they'd been enjoying since just before the wedding.

He continued to lather her up after helping her rinse her hair. She'd grown accustomed to his hands all over her, enjoyed it immeasurably. His soapy hand slipped between her thighs and teased, leaving her aching for more when it moved away. He cupped handfuls of water and doused the area he'd just soaped and chuckled when she tipped herself into his palm, wordlessly asking for more.

Abby shuddered when he pressed the full length of himself to her back. He felt so solid and strong. She loved the feel of her husband. Closing her eyes, she tipped her backside into his groin, feeling how hard he was for her. She let her head drop back, tipping it sideways to give him access for the line of kisses he was nipping and suckling down the side of her throat.

He groaned, and she could feel his lips widen into a grin. "You wanna do it in here again?"

Abby bit her lower lip and nodded.

He chuckled. "One of these days I'm going to make you verbalize these requests."

Her face went hot.

"A guy needs to be sure he knows exactly what the wife wants."

"You know what I want," she giggled looking at him over her shoulder. She tried for bold, maybe coy, but the heat in her cheeks let her know she probably looked as bashful as she felt.

Gabriel's black lashes were dappled with water droplets, his teeth stark white in his tanned face. He had a bit of sunburn on his cheeks and nose, but still looked beautiful, maybe wild...like a tattooed Tarzan.

He tilted his head, hand coming up to slide against the column of her throat. His mouth sealed over hers, tongue darting out to slide between her lips. She met him halfway, caressing his tongue with hers in a sensuous dance. His erection jumped against the seam of her backside.

Breaking the kiss, she leaned forward a bit, tilting her hips to him, heart beating frantically as she took in the sight of her handsome man so aroused behind her.

She wanted to be bold, to tell him explicitly what she wanted him to do. He bit his lower lip, pupils wide within the pale, sea-glass green of his eyes, hands smoothing over the slope of her hips, waiting, taunting her with those hungry eyes.

She wanted to tell him naughty words...but they wouldn't pass her lips. Her face heated more, and a sliver of insecurity had her tensing up. He'd had so many beautiful women in his life, woman who, without a doubt, demanded he do very-very indecent things to them, and who, most likely did very indecent thing to him as well. Just thinking about it made her heart hurt and eyes sting.

His gaze softened, lashes lowering.

"I love you, Abby," he whispered nudging her entrance, pressing in slowly.

She gasped and turned, closing her eyes, reveling in the feel of him, so hard, so thick, working his way inside her. He pulled away and used his fingers to work some of her internal wetness out around her opening.

"You're still so tight, baby. Tell me if it hurts."

It did, but she was not saying a thing. She wouldn't deny her husband his pleasure. Curving her back more, she relaxed her internal muscles as he began to penetrate her again. A gulping breath rushed past her lips as he pressed harder trying to breach her tiny opening. She closed her eyes and opened her mouth in a silent moan as he finally slid in deeper, so deep. His fingers tightened on her hips making her wince before the head of his cock kissed the entrance to her womb. She felt completely impaled. Abby bit her lip to stifle her whimper. She was either too short inside or he was just too long.

"Why don't you tell me if it hurts?" he murmured behind her.

Her eyes snapped open in surprise.

He leaned forward, lips brushing the shell of her ear. "I can feel you tense. I know it hurts when I go almost all the way in."

Almost? Her eyes widened. He chuckled.

"Seriously, baby. Tell me when something makes you uncomfortable. This is a two way street. We both need to enjoy this or neither of us will feel satisfied."

She frowned at that and turned her head to look into his eyes.

His eyes heated even more as he slid his palm from her hip to between her legs to slowly tease her. "A man can't call himself a man if he doesn't please his woman. This isn't just for me to get my rocks off, baby. I need to hear and know I'm giving you pleasure. That you're craving this as much as I am."

A shudder ran through her, making him smile lazily at her. Oh, God. His fingers. He was driving her mad. He pulled out slowly and slid back in, oh-so-slow.

Abby panted and moved a little, wanting him to pick up the pace. He took his time. She huffed in impatience and tipped her hips farther back, closing her eyes to revel in the sensation. Gabriel kissed the side of her neck, his breath panting softly near her ear.

Abby widened her stance a little more. He pumped slowly behind her. Her nails scraped the stone tiles a bit as she pushed back against him. He groaned in approval, so she did it again.

"Oh-fuck-yeah, baby," he groaned out.

Her eyes snapped open at his use of the F word. So far he'd kept his vocabulary clean around her, but hearing him use that word now was...arousing. Her naughty-naughty rock star.

She wanted to say something hot too, but all she could muster was a pathetic little whimper.

"Yes, baby," he groaned, going a little deeper again. This time she didn't mind, welcomed the dull ache it caused, in fact. "Tell me you love this. Tell me you like how I make love to you."

"Oh-God, Gabe. I love it," but she wanted him to go faster.

"You like it slow like this? Oh, baby," he hissed sliding out and pushing in lazily. Sweetly.

She'd just about had it with sweet right about now, but how to tell him? The rascal probably knew because she could feel him grinning into her neck.

She thrust her ass back at him, hoping he'd get the hint. Gabriel growled like an animal, making the hairs on her scalp tingle.




Diavolo Ch. 13



"Yes," she panted, fingers scrabbling at the tiles as he surged more powerfully within her. "Gabriel."

His fingers tightened a bit more, she thrust back, and he met her halfway. Her panting increased as did the tempo of their lovemaking. His hand went back between her legs, finger rubbing slow circles around her most sensitive area. Abby's legs began to tremble. Gabriel's teeth pressed against her shoulder.

She shivered. Oh-God, she was going to cum. Her moans turned into mewls. Pressing her teeth against her lower lip, she tried to form the word fuck. She wanted to blurt it out, just say it and explode.

"Ffff—"

"What was that, baby?" he asked, an amused edge to his velvety voice.

"Ffffuuu—"

His fingers pressed and squeezed her clit and she came apart with a loud cry. He slammed into her hard and fast about four times before she felt him pulsing deep inside her. Her legs had turned into rubber and he held her up around the waist as he panted and trembled behind her, completely spent as well.

Nuzzling her neck, he sighed. "That was amazing, baby. I'm so damn happy. Are you? Are you happy with me?"

"Y-yes, Gabriel. I've never been happier," she panted, trying to get herself under control.

He helped her straighten once their breathing returned almost to normal and washed her sensitive folds again.

Turning her around, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

"I'm starved. Let's go eat. That woman I sent for should be here any minute too."

Their late lunch was delicious, plates of fruits and cheeses and meats. Gabriel poured out cup after cup of white wine for her until her hairdresser arrived.

Alexis was more of a surprise to Gabriel than Abby. The young, gay man turned out to be a big fan of Diavolo. He expressed having a big man-crush on Gabe, but mostly Michael.

Abigail had to cover her mouth to stifle her gales of giggles at Gabriel's horrified, hunted look. Alexis took one look at Abby and loved her on the spot. He spent in inordinate amount of time combing through her hair and trying different coifs until he fashioned her hair into an updo consisting of various intricate braids.

Gabriel just kept his distance, brooding in a chaise by the wall of glass overlooking the ocean, sipping wine right from the bottle.

As soon as Alexis left, blowing kisses at the both of them, Gabriel stood and sauntered over to Abby.

"That was confusing," he muttered, kissing the side of her neck, obviously one of his favorite spots of attack.

"Are you homophobic?' she asked cautiously.

"No. Not really. Just makes me nervous when they start to flirt with me. But he was flirting with you too..." Gabriel frowned. "...I think."

Abby giggled. "Oh, no. He was definitely flirting with you. I was getting a little jealous there."

He scoffed and picked her up to toss her on the bed.

"Gabe! My hair!"

He just growled and came over her. "I like it loose."

"But then why did you pay to have someone come and rearrange it?"

He was nipping at the swell of her breast over the material of her floral maxi. "I wanted to do something nice for you. Get your hair done. Chicks dig stuff like that, I read somewhere."

His rough fingers speared into her pretty hairdo, mussing it up."

"Gabriel," she gasped with a laugh. "We just had sex not more than an hour ago."

His head popped up, eyes serious. "Sex?"

Somehow, she got the feeling she'd used the wrong term. "Uh...made love?'

He just looked at her for a long while. She felt her face grow hot. She was a klutz at this. He should know by now.

He rubbed his nose against hers. "I would never have sex with you Abby. Just like I've never made love with any other woman but you."

She blinked at him.

"There's a difference. I've made nothing but love with you since the pastor at the Glass Chapel gave us his blessing and I was able to get you alone. Someday I hope we can fuck too, but I would never have sex with you. To me that's impersonal. People have sex with random people. I love you so we make love, but someday we might get hot and bothered enough to have a raunchy dirty fuck session even though we love each other." He grinned. "We're husband and wife, we're allowed to enjoy each other however we damn please."

When she just stayed staring at him, stunned with his explanation he shrugged. "That's just my opinion, baby. Others may think differently."

"A raunchy, dirty..." her voice trailed off, again the ability to say the F word evading her.

Gabriel grinned. "You've never said that word, have you?"

Her cheeks grew warm as she stared at him wide-eyed.

"Say it," he prodded, grinning broadly. "Come-on."

Abby licked her lips, bit her lower one, and took a deep breath. Staring him right in the eyes, she blurted "fuck."

Gabriel began laughing. "Are you kidding me? That was pathetic. Say it like you mean it, woman. Fuck," he laughed harder.

Abigail frowned and took another deep breath. "Fuck," she said more forcefully.

"Yeah," Gabe growled, his teeth on full display. "Fuck."

He came over her again, arching against her.

Abby wrapped her thighs around his waist. "Fuck," she cried out on a gasp when he pressed his rigid length against her.

"Fuck yeah," he growled in her neck.

She grinned and rolled her hips, feeling the hard evidence of his arousal wedging itself within her cleft. Oh, yeah. "F-fuck, Gabriel," she moaned.

His answering groan echoed hers. They rocked against each other. She pressed her nails against his back. He still hadn't put a shirt on and the feel of his satiny skin against her fingers was pure heaven.

"Fuck me, Gabriel," she gasped, reveling in her newfound boldness. It was wild and freeing. Being with Gabriel made her feel that way, like a bird soaring in the wind.

He bit the cord of her neck. "Not yet. You're not ready," he murmured.

That made her freeze and frown. "What?"

"Too soon, baby."

She wanted to push him away and demand to know why it was too soon, but bit her lip and remained silent instead.

He pushed up with his arms, looking into her eyes, searching for something. She could feel how aroused he was despite their having made love only moments ago. So, she was surprised when he straightened and slid off her.

"Let's go sailing. I think they have a sailboat leaving in a few minutes. They anchor out a ways from here near the reef. We can go scuba diving. You game?" He smiled at her, eyes excited.

She was all worked up and ready for him to take her, and not necessarily on a sailing trip.

Swallowing down her frustration, she got up also and nodded, fingers going up into her ruined hairdo.

"Uh, sure. Just need to do something with my hair again."

"Great," he said enthusiastically, shucking his drawstring pants down his long legs. Abby's mouth went dry. Happened every time he got naked in front of her. He was so comfortable with his nudity. She envied him that. She still had to force herself to keep her arms down away from her breasts.

He grabbed his swimming trunks, a black pair of shorts that reached his knees covered in grey skulls and flowers and wiggled into them. Abby smiled. Even on vacation, he never fully shed his rock star image.

"Which bikini are you wearing today?"

There was a white crocheted one he'd been eyeing constantly, but she'd been too reluctant to wear it, knowing it barely covered anything. It was the perfect swimsuit for one of those super thin models, but Abby had too much boob and her butt had grown exponentially during the past few days.

"What is it?" he asked narrowing his eyes.

She almost lied and said nothing was wrong, but that wasn't a good way to start a relationship. They'd talked and agreed to be open and honest with one another. So far, she'd been very remiss on that with him. Baby steps.

"It's just that I've gained some weight," she finally confessed in a small voice.

His eyes darkened as they lowered to look her over. "God, I know."

Her heart sank with his words.

"You're getting so damn hot. Hotter, because you are damn hot already." His eyes blazed with renewed lust.

She felt herself flush with pleasure. He always made her feel desirable.

Feeling brave, she pulled her dress over her head and pulled the white bikini from the suitcase. She slipped into the bottom part first, wiggling her ample bottom until the thong slipped between her cheeks. The front barely contained her mons and she tried to suck in her tummy a bit more. Hopefully, she wouldn't pass out from trying to keep it sucked in. Being average sucked.

Already feeling flustered, especially with Gabriel staring at her like a cat would a tasty mouse, she fumbled with the top.

"Here, let me help you with that."

He came around behind her and tied the strings around the back of her neck and at the middle of her back.

He then began to unpin her hair and undo every single braid, until the pale blond lengths tumbled around her shoulders.

His fingers slid through her hair slowly, trailing down her back until he touched where the thong disappeared in the cleft of her backside.

"So beautiful. Sometimes I can't believe you're really mine."

She turned to stare up at him. He cupped the back of her skull and drew her close, sliding his mouth over hers.

Abby opened for him, letting him plunder her mouth with slow deliberation, staking his claim once more.

When she slid her fingers up his sculpted chest, he drew back with a grin. "Let's get moving or we'll miss that boat.

It was on the tip of her tongue to protest. She'd rather stay cooped up in their little bungalow making love...or having raunchy dirty sex, darn it.

*** 

There were two other couples aboard the sailboat. Gabriel had pulled his hair back and worn his sunglasses, still, one of the women looked at him as if she recognized him. When they all introduced themselves, Blair, the woman, grinned and held up her wine glass in salute to Abigail and Gabriel, but didn't mention anything about Gabe's music career. Her husband, Richard, seemed nice enough. The other couple, Greg and Jeana, Abigail was not so sure she liked very much. They seemed snooty and callous, treating the wait-staff aboard the beautiful thirty foot sailboat poorly. Greg eyed Gabriel's tattoos with a moue of distaste. Jeana, on the other hand could not stop ogling, or as Angelo would say, eye-fucking Gabe.

Abby tried to relax and pretend she didn't notice. Gabriel was too absorbed in the boat and scenery to care.

They sat sipping champagne as the sailboat slid effortlessly through the soft swells.

"This is beautiful, isn't it Abby?" he asked cuddling her close, brushing a sweet kiss to her temple.

She smiled up at him and nodded, enjoying how excited he looked.

"We should get ourselves a sailboat. What do you think, baby?"

"Do you know how to sail one?'

He shrugged. "I'm sure there are classes I can take. It'd be great."

Again, she nodded and leaned against him when he pulled her tighter into his side.

Greg was engaged in conversation with Richard about stocks. Jeana sauntered over to an upper level deck and removed her bikini top, making Abby stare in shock.

Giving Gabriel one last longing look as she raked her red clawed fingers through her short spiky hair, Jeana laid back to sun herself, breasts bare.

Gabriel fingers caressed Abby's waist softly as he planted another kiss at her temple.

She turned her attention back to the remaining people in the group and blushed. Greg was grinning at her.

"Jeana's hot, eh?"

His grin grew leering and Abby squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. Gabriel's hold on her tightened, as well as his whole body, which put Abby even more on edge.

Greg chuckled, the corners around his bright blue eyes crinkling, "Why don't you girls go join her before you start getting tan lines on those pretty tits of yours."

Gabriel jolted next to her.

He cleared his throat. "Abby isn't that kind of girl."

Greg frowned at him, and Abby squirmed some more.

"Oh? And what kind of girl is that?" Greg said, leering smile slipping around the edges as his eyes acquired a hard glint aimed at Gabriel.

Gabriel licked his lips, his fingers slowly stroking Abby's hip where his hand rested now. "The kind of girl without tan lines," he drawled.

Greg eyed him suspiciously. "I'm sorry, what line of business did you say you were in?'

Gabe grinned. "I never did mention what line of business I was in."

Richard coughed and laughed nervously. "We're on vacation. No talk of work or business here."

"Well," Greg pressed on as if Richard had never spoken. "I am an honest businessman. I wouldn't want to carouse with people of questionable morals or practices."

Gabriel threw his head back and laughed. "You're shittin' me, right?" he laughed harder, making Abby cringe as she saw Greg's face become mottled and red with anger. "That's hysterical, man."

Greg's lip kicked up in a sneer. "I'm not sure I get the joke, tattooed guy. Maybe you can clarify for me what the hell is so funny."

Gabriel leaned back, still chuckling. "Your not carousing with people of questionable morals and practices."

Abigail turned to him and put her hand over his. She didn't want him to fight, and this whole conversation looked like it was deteriorating into just that.

Greg eyed Gabriel in distaste until he began to snicker as well. His silver eyes roved Gabriel's body again. "You look like you're either in the porn business or the music business."

"You do look kind of familiar," Richard said with a grin. He leaned forward, smile growing. "Oh, shit. You're Gabriel Raven from Diavolo, right?"

Gabriel grinned as Richard laughed and nudged his wife. "Honey, why didn't you say anything?"

Blair, who was still smiling shook her head. "They just got hitched. Last thing my favorite rock star needs is me going all fan girl on him."

"We appreciate it," Gabriel chuckled.

Greg didn't look so pleased. If anything, his smile looked as phony as his tan and stark white tooth veneers.

"You got married?" Greg whistled, eyes falling on Abby again before they switched back to Gabe. "Weren't you seeing some Playboy bunny last year or something? Jeana, What's your friend's name?"

"Ivanise," came the other woman's husky toned reply.

"Yeah," Greg laughed. "Ivanise."

"That was last year," Gabriel replied, smile fading from his face.

Abby let that bit of information sink in. Gabriel had dated a Playboy bunny. She knew nothing of his past affairs except for Mikayla.

His hand sliding up the side of her waist snapped her back to reality.

"Abby is my now and forever."

She blinked up at him, touched by what he said. The black sunglasses covered his eyes, but she knew what they'd look like. Full of love for her like always.

He leaned down and she turned her mouth up to him to receive his soft kiss.

Blair made a soft noise making Abby startle out of the kiss.

The other couple looked at her with tender smiles. Greg didn't look too pleased and snorted dismissively.

The sailboat coasted around the island and set anchor near a reef.

Abby and Gabe dove in to snorkel with Richard and Blair.

On their way back, they had appetizers and more champagne. The sun was just beginning to set as they headed back.

Abby was towel drying her hair, mentally deciding what to wear for dinner when she saw Gabriel pick up his phone. He called his grandmother every night just before dinner and checked his email sporadically. She understood he needed to keep tabs on Anna Maria.

Gabriel frowned and taped a few directives in his phone before stepping outside, away from Abby.

Wondering why he'd done that, she continued her preparations for their dinner.

Donning a flowing coral maxi and French braiding her slightly damp hair after blowing it a little drier, she stepped into a pair of gold flat sandals and applied a little make up. Her eyes had gotten a little irritated from the salt water so she skipped her contacts and opted to wear her glasses for the night.

Gabriel startled her when he slid his muscular arm around her waist to kiss her neck from behind.

"You're so damn beautiful," he growled.

Was she more beautiful than the Playboy bunny? She doubted it. She wasn't even prettier than her sister. Looking in the mirror, she sighed. She was still that plain unimpressive blonde, now happily married to the drop-dead gorgeous, green-eyed rock star standing in a white towel behind her. Maybe he needed glasses too. She'd make sure he never got them.

He pressed his cheek against hers and slid both arms around her to place his hands over her concave tummy.

"Mmmm."

"What's that look for?" she giggled.

"Trying to imagine you knocked up."

Abby bit her lower lip. The thought of getting pregnant made her feel anxious and jittery. "I thought you said you'd rather wait?"

'I do. Still fun to practice and imagine you knocked up," he snickered.

She gasped when he turned her around and picked her up to sit her down on the bamboo vanity.

As if on cue, his towel dropped as he leaned forward to kiss her, hands settling to either side of her hips on the vanity top.

Abby arched into him, wishing she weren't wearing a dress so she could feel the exquisite silkiness of his skin against hers.

His tongue drove deeper into her mouth, making her moan. She slid her hands around to the sculpted wall of his back, feeling his muscles flex as he leaned harder against her. Glorying in his heat, she let her hands slide until they cupped the full swells of his magnificent backside. Her thighs tightened around his hips.

"How about we call for some room service instead and stay here?" he growled against her lips.

Oh, her man felt mighty fine completely naked against her.

"Sounds good to me," another feminine voice purred.

Both Abby and Gabe startled apart to stare in shock at Greg and Jeana standing at the open glass doors to their private balcony.

Abby's hands clutched Gabe's backside, as if her tiny hands could cover the ass of a man that measured six and a half feet tall.

He moved away from her, lips pressed tight in annoyance and bent to retrieve his towel.

Abby scrambled off the vanity and stepped behind him to shield her man from view.

Jeana smirked, head cocking to the side to peer around Abby.

"Don't cover up on our account, hot stuff."

Greg just laughed, brandishing two bottles of what looked like wine. "Jeana never could resist the sight of a nice ass."

Abby felt her face heat. She wasn't sure if it was from embarrassment or anger.

Jeana cocky grin grew as she looked down her nose at Abby. Abby decided that her hot face was more anger at that moment.

"How'd you guys get here?" Gabriel was asking. Their cottage was surrounded by water. The only access was the wooden boardwalk that led to the front door.

"Rowboat," Greg grinned.

Gabriel had ducked into their shower area and walked back out wearing a pair of black drawstring pants as well as a scowl.

"Hope we weren't intruding on anything?" Greg asked innocently.

When Gabriel just remained glaring at both of them, Abby felt compelled to keep the peace. "We were just getting ready for dinner."

Greg chuckled popping open one of the bottles. "Yeah. Thought I heard you mention room service. Honey, give 'em a call and order something good." He turned his attention back to Gabriel and Abby. "Dinner's on me tonight."

"You don't need to do that—" Gabriel began.

Greg waved away his protest. "Nonsense. It's nothing. I think we got off on the wrong foot. I just wanted to make amends."

Jeana was already on the room phone placing an order.

Greg headed back out to their balcony and grabbed some glasses to pour the wine.

Gabriel put his hand on Abby's back to escort her out. After pulling out one of the lounge chairs for her, he busied himself starting a fire in their fire pit. Most of the bungalows had fires lit as well as their soft fairy lights weaved around the railing on the balconies. It looked surreal to Abby. She'd never been in a place so beautiful in her life.




Diavolo Ch. 13



Gabriel sat next to her with a soft huff. He still looked annoyed with their visitors, but she could tell he made an effort to be polite for her sake.

The food arrived quickly. They ate and conversed around the fire pit. Abby was impressed on how well informed Gabriel was about every topic Greg tossed at him, from politics, to current world events.

By the time the other couple was heading off again, Abigail had new respect for her man.

"What?" he said with a chuckle when all she could do was stare.

"You are so amazing," she said with genuine awe.

He snorted, suddenly looking sheepish. It made her heart twist and hands itch to grab him. He strode up to her and wrapped his arms around her again. "Let's go to bed so I can show you how much more amazing I can be."

He kissed her then, making her knees feel weak. She slipped her fingers into his now dry hair, feeling the silky curls wrap around her fingers.

The sound of his phone vibrating made her remember the call he'd made earlier.

She wanted to ask him whom he'd called, but was unsure. Why had he gone outside? Why hadn't he wanted her to hear the conversation?

"What is it, baby?" he asked moving his lips away enough to speak while keeping their bodies flush.

Abby stroked one hand down the curve of his shoulder to feel the strength of his bicep. "I was just wondering who you spoke to earlier on the phone."

She let her gaze slide up slowly to his.

His lips were pressed tight, nerve ticking in one cheek, eyes hooded. "I called Diamond."

An unpleasant feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. She had to remind herself that that woman was his manager and he needed to keep in contact with her. She wasn't sure that during their honeymoon was exactly the best time, but she wouldn't whine to him about it. She didn't want to become one of those types of wives.

"Everything okay back home?"

Gabriel hesitated. "The cops still haven't figured out who set fire to your dress...or why."

Cold fear slid down her back. Gabriel held her tighter and frowned. "You see? That's why I hadn't wanted to say anything. Baby, don't worry. As long as I'm alive, I swear to you, no one will hurt you."

As long as he was alive? She clutched at him. "Just promise me that you won't ever let anything happen to you either, Gabriel. What am I to do without you?'

He pressed his face against her neck. "I'm not going anywhere baby."

He backed her up to the bed, but stopped and looked back to their balcony.

Abby watched him stomp back out. He put out the fire in the pit and came back in securing the glass doors to their bungalow. After drawing the gauzy curtains over the back glass wall, he approached her.

It was dark inside the room now, only the outside fairy lights casting a feeble glow through the curtains. He leaned down and caught the hem of her dress with his fingers. She shivered as he slowly lifted it until he was tossing it aside. He undid the ties to his pants and soon he was kicking those aside as well.

Her breathing was already accelerated when he brought both her hands to his lips and kissed each one as if she were royalty. Next, he slid his fingers down the sides of her torso until the tips of his fingers slipped within the lacy straps of her thong. Her tiny panties came off slowly, with him ending up on his knees before her.

Abby trembled before him. It was always the same, the excitement, the newness of sex, the anxiety, wondering if she fulfilled him as much as he did her.

"Sit, baby,' he said softly.

He held her hands as she sat at the edge of the bed.

His hands slid down her thighs, making her quiver again. Gabriel undid the straps to her sandals and removed each one. His hands trailed up her legs again, his face dipped close to her breasts until she felt his lips and tongue engulf one tight nipple.

Abby gasped and tangled her fingers into his hair. His mouth tugged insistently on her left nipple until he slid a wet trail to the other one to pay it the same homage.

Abby arched her back, her thighs widening more, her center throbbing for him. His hands slid up to her ribcage and nudged her down.

She laid back on the crisp white sheets, heart hammering loudly as her husband spread her thighs wider. Abby gripped the sheets double fisted when she saw the shadow of his head dip toward her.

She couldn't help the gasped whimper that escaped at the first languid stroke of his tongue. Her hips rose with that stroke, relishing the wicked feel of it. He licked her again, slowly, firmly, tugging her sensitive clit up with each wet caress.

Abby panted and canted her hips to his mouth. She really wanted to grind against his tongue, just lose control and move the way she did when he was deep inside her.

Gabriel hooked her knees over his shoulders and slid his hands under her backside, tipping her higher to him.

His tongue became bolder, swiping her from her back opening to her clit. At first feeling his tongue going so far back made her stiffen, but soon it made her blood heat up more in her veins. Her fingers scrabbled to hold the sheets tighter until she had to grip his head for something to hold onto. The feel of his dark head bobbing between her legs had her thighs quiver for release. The wet heat of his tongue swiping over her rosette, slit and clit had her tossing her head and finally grinding in wonton abandon against his mouth.

When she thought she was about to combust, he slid up her body and thrust inside her hard. She cried out, sank her nails into his back as he slammed into her again, a third time, and she came gloriously at last.

Abby wrapped her thighs around his waist savoring the sensation as he ground his pubic bone against her prolonging her climax. She arched and bucked, her throaty cry loud in her own ears. Oh my, she never would have believed she'd be so vocal during intercourse. How obscene.

She shut her eyes tight and clutched Gabe to her with a soft sigh, feeling warmth track down her cheeks and into her ears. This was so perfect. He was so perfect. Would it last? Would they survive his fame? Would he eventually grow tired of the novelty of bedding a plain shy girl who almost became a nun?

She felt his erection jump inside her. He was still, waiting for her to catch her breath, his lips branding the side of her neck with kisses.

"Okay?" he murmured.

Her face heated with the memories of her boisterous exclamations only seconds ago. She nodded, too chagrined to answer and fearing she hadn't any voice left with which to respond.

His chest expanded with the deep breath he took, erection jerking within her again letting her know he still hadn't found his release. He slid out saying, "Turn over."

When she positioned herself on hands and knees before him, she spread her legs to accommodate her husband and waited.

He kissed a trail of soft kisses down her spine before smoothing a hand up to the middle of her back and putting pressure.

Abby frowned in confusion as she sank down...down to lie on her belly.

His hair was a curtain of black to one side as he hovered over her. She felt him grip her hands and slide them up almost over her head. His legs settled between hers and then he spread them more until she could feel his cock rest against the seam of her backside.

Abby tensed in worry. She knew there were people who engaged in other types of penetrations that were not vaginal. Sodomy. She wasn't sure she was ready for that. Wasn't that a sin? Was it still bad if they were married? Oh, heavens! Gabriel was way too big to—

"Trust me?"

Abby bit her lip. "Uh..."

What was she supposed to say to that when she had a gigantic penis resting against her virgin behind?

Gabriel shook behind her. After a few seconds, she realized he was laughing.

"Well thank you for the vote of confidence, woman."

"Gabriel, I do trust you. It's just that—" she didn't want him poking her up her backside. Mortification set her face aflame and her anxiety climbed higher at her obvious lack of experience. How would she ever make him happy with her reservations?

"Shhh, relax," he whispered nuzzling her ear. His hips moved against her making her tense even more, before she forced herself to relax like he'd said.

Abby closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Oh-God-help-her! The man was hung like no ones business. This was not going to be easy, but she'd bear it for him because she loved...

Gabriel angled his hips and slid back in to where he'd been before...

Abby's eyes widened when he slid in all the way. The head of his cock rubbed a spot deep inside her that had her jaw going slack and hips tilting back.

"Oh, Gabe," she gasped.

He slid out and then back in rubbing her there again. Her eyes just about crossed.

She tried to move her hands down further, but he had her pinned. His entire front was against her back, so she could barely tilt her butt up into him.

He ground himself into her, circling his groin so that his cock swept in a circle deep inside.

"Oh, Gabriel," she cried out.

He growled, making her toes curl, and moved faster.

Abby panted and wiggled beneath him. He tilted his head down as she tipped hers back offering her mouth. He kissed her with hunger, hips slamming hard against her ass.

Abby cried into his mouth as she came even harder than she had the first time. She felt Gabriel stiffen and grunt, a long moan erupting into her mouth as he jerked deep within her.

Abby did her best to keep her spine curved to take every last drop of her husband's love for her..

"God, baby, I love you so much," he said, voice choked with emotion.

Her own eyes stung from the intensity of their release. She tried to catch her breath as he nuzzled her.

Gabriel slid over and pulled her into him. She went willingly, curling into his solid strength.

Her thighs felt sticky, but she was too tired, sated and comfortable to get up to tend to it at the moment. Gabriel seemed of the same mindset. He tossed the bed sheet over them and snuggled tighter against her.

Abby closed her eyes with a sigh and fell asleep in the arms of her husband.



Diavolo Ch. 14



Gabriel frowned as the last vestiges of sleep faded away. Something had awakened him from deep slumber. A sound. It was familiar. Almost as familiar as the sweet sound of Abby's snores against his chest.

Oh, but he felt so comfortable right now. His fingers squeezed the tender flesh of his wife's ass possessively. She moaned in her sleep, tilting her sexy tush tighter into his grasp. Gabriel's lips spread into a grin even as his cock jerked against Abigail's tummy.

Bliss.

Still...that sound...

Helicopters.

His eyes snapped open.

The room was still dark, only a shimmering glow from the rising sun peeping through soft white curtains covering the glass wall in front of the bed.

No one was supposed to know where they were. Diamond was supposed to have made sure of that when she booked the honeymoon.

Fame was still a new thing for him. Most times people didn't know who he was. Being harassed by paps was strictly stuff that happened back home in California.

Gabriel looked down at Abby. Her leg was thrown over his thigh, one hand curled under her chin, the other resting at his waist. Blonde waves spilled out behind her, gleaming against the white sheets.

She was so beautiful, it made his chest ache. The sun had darkened her skin to a pretty golden glow, but it still looked pale compared to his deeper darker tan. Diamond was going to have a fit when she saw him. She'd made him promise he'd use sun block, because of image and crap. What was wrong with a heavy metal rocker dude getting a little sun in the tropics with his new bride?

Gabriel snorted before running his lips up the side of Abby's cheek to revel in its petal softness.

His dick throbbed, hungry to be embedded within her. Sliding his hand from her supple ass to her thigh, he pulled it higher onto his waist and arched into her.

Nothing like fucking your sweet wife awake.

His ardor cooled when someone rudely banged on the door to their cottage.

Abby mumbled something and blinked sleepy blue eyes open with a yawn.

He buried his face in her neck as she arched her body against his, igniting his lust again. Maybe he'd imagined someone banging on the door. He rolled her onto her back. She automatically spread for him, eagerly, much to his pleasure. As he stared into her darkened blue eyes, cheeks filling with pink color, he angled his hips, ready to sink into her tight pussy; pussy that only he'd had the privilege to plunder to his heart's content.

"You're so fucking mine," he growled as he began to sink in.

Loud banging on the door followed by Diamond's annoying yell, "Gabriel, open up."

What. The. Fuck.

Abby stiffened beneath him, eyes going round.

Various emotions fought for dominance within him at that point; fury, impatience, fear that something horrible happened back home and that's why Diamond had to fly hundreds of miles to tell him personally.

He stumbled to his feet, grabbed Abby's discarded robe and tossed it to her before yanking on his white linen drawstring pants he'd worn the night before.

Once he was sure Abby had wrapped herself in her robe, he stalked to the door and yanked it open.

Diamond stood, dressed head to toe in black. Behind her stood the two goons she'd hired to guard him at the hospital, blocking the way of about a handful of camera toting paparazzi.

He didn't bother brushing back the swath of black hair the early morning breeze blew across his face. Instead, he stared daggers down at Diamond. Of course, she hardly noticed his furious gaze. She was too busy practically drooling at his bare chest and abs.

Gabriel crossed his arms over his chest and snapped, "What the hell is going on?"

"You and Abby are all over the tabloids."

Diamond held up her phone, and there in living color was his naked ass. It was the picture that annoying woman had taken the night before when Gabriel had propped Abby up on the dresser just before dinner.

"Fuck," was all he could say before glaring at the picture-snapping paps about ten feet away. Just down the boardwalk leading to the cottages sitting over the crystalline waters surrounding Bora Bora, three more were running up, cameras in hand.

Diamond pushed him into the cottage and closed the door behind her.

"Don't' worry about your stuff, I'll have management collect it and send it back to your place."

Gabriel finally raked a hand through his tangled hair in agitation.

"How the hell...?" he began until he remembered the picture she'd shown him on her phone.

Diamond rolled her eyes, and placed her hand on one of his pecs. "Look. It doesn't matter. You've had an entire week to yourselves. You've got the rest of your lives to be together," she said as if she were talking to a five-year-old. "Besides, you need to start getting ready for the next tour." She smiled as if she'd just told him the most wonderful news in the world.

Gabriel felt his eyes bulge. He pushed the hand she'd been stroking his chest with away abruptly. "Tour? We just got back from a fucking tour like six months ago."

Diamond frowned, her eyes flicking behind him a second before leveling back on him. "What the hell, Gabe. A few months ago you would've been jumping for joy at the prospect of performing live. I busted my ass to get Diavolo these gigs here in the states." 

She was right...but this couldn't have happened at a worse time.

The feel of Abby's hand sliding up his back had him turning. She stared up apprehensively at him.

Gabriel slid his arm around her waist, pulling her tight against him as his other hand slid into to soft trails of golden hair spilling down her back.

"I'm so sorry, baby," he told her apologetically.

She smiled sweetly, making him feel even more crappy. "It's okay. Like Diamond said, we have the rest of our lives before us."

He'd wanted more time alone with her. Getting ready for a tour and touring entailed a lot of things that would most likely strain their new marriage.

"It's going to be okay," Abby whispered.

******* 

He looked so torn. Sliding her hands into his thick hair, she rose up on tiptoes to press her mouth against his in a soft chaste kiss. Just when she would have pulled away, the fingers he had threaded in her hair tightened. His lips covered hers again, tongue delving deep, possessive. He kissed her thoroughly, the feel of his hardening erection evident through the thin material of his pants.

Abby felt her face grow hot. Diamond was right there. She'd hated the way the other woman had touched her man with so much familiarity...and for a moment, Gabriel had allowed it, until his temper had flared.

The night before, being caught naked hadn't fazed him either, and now, the pants he wore were so thin they barely concealed anything, especially his burgeoning erection.

The sound of Diamond's foot tapping impatiently on the floor had Gabriel easing away from their kiss to glare at the other woman.

"We need to leave," she said, eyes ice cold. "Now."

******* 

Abigail did her best to stay away from gossipy media. It wasn't easy. Every time she logged onto the internet there'd be pictures of either her or Gabriel.

The biggest media scandal had been uncovering the link to Daniel and Gabriel, and the triple deaths of his parents and stepfather. She'd been shocked and outraged when they'd hinted that it was some sort of diabolical Illuminati ritual and that Gabriel was the antichrist. They'd included pictures of her in her habit as a novice and a picture of Gabriel onstage with fire spewing to either side of him right hand throwing up the horns sign. Very dramatic.

Unable to resist, she clicked on the picture responsible for ending their honeymoon prematurely. He'd sat her atop the dresser and had pressed his naked length between her thighs. Her face was a mixture of shock and arousal, much to her chagrin. She looked nothing like the Abigail she'd been before, hair always tied in a knot at the nape of her neck and necklines up to her chin almost. Her skin was golden in the picture, thighs pressed tight to Gabe's hips, blond hair loose and wild. She bit her lips as she devoured the sight of his bare backside, slightly less tan than his upper body. His hair tumbled down the middle of his broad, sculpted back in a glossy flow of black waves. She knew just how soft and silky those thick strands felt, how hard his muscles felt beneath the velvety softness of his skin, and how wild his scent was.

A big brown hand pressed the laptop closed and she was plucked from the chair and pinned to the wall.

Dark green eyes flashed a second before disappearing into the side of her face. Automatically, she wrapped her legs around his waist and arms around his broad shoulders.

"I told you to stop looking at that trash," Gabriel growled between nibbles at her neck.

"I was bored," she sighed tipping her head to give him access.

He stopped nibbling her neck with a sigh and looked down at her, noses touching. "I asked you to come with me."

He had.

Abby had to look away. He looked like he'd just showered, hair still damp and the scent of soap clinging to him. "I don't want to get in the way. You guys are so busy with rehearsals and stuff."

"You're not in the way," he answered tightly.

She could feel the tension creeping into his body.

They'd argued before. It had been at least three days since. She'd hinted that maybe she should find another job and he'd flipped.

Apparently, she'd married a man who still held the old ideals of male provider being the sole provider very close to heart.

But, what was she supposed to do while he was making music.

He must've thought the conversation was over because he began nibbling at her neck again, his body pressing tighter against her.

"Have I fucked you against this wall yet?" he murmured.

Her eyes rounded momentarily. By now, she'd grown accustomed to his rather crude candor, though it still sent little shock waves through her. He was like a beast continuously in rut around her.

Unfortunately, for her very sexy, lusty husband, she didn't want the conversation they'd started to be over just yet.

"Gabr—"

"Wait," he said leaning back. Before she could finish uttering his name, he used his hips to keep her pinned against the wall, but gripped the bottom of his black t-shirt and pulled it off.

She'd been married to Gabriel for a little over a month now, but seeing his naked upper torso never ceased to leave her speechless for a few seconds.

He'd been working out, preparing for his tour with Diavolo. Diamond had dieticians see to his meals and he had a personal trainer come over every afternoon to work with him in their gym. Late at night, he ran a few hours down the beach behind their two-story home.

His abs were more defined and his pecs bulging with power. She watched mesmerized as the muscles in his arms contracted and flexed as he slid them around her again.

"Where were we?" he purred in that magnificent deep voice of his.

Gabriel was temptation incarnate.

His lips covered hers in a hungry kiss and she felt her insides ignite.

"Hellooooo," came a deep booming voice from somewhere downstairs.

Their lips separated with a pop. "Oh-come-on-now," Gabriel huffed with a pout as he looked over his shoulder.

"Was that Angelo?" she asked.

Gabriel turned his head to frown down at her again. "Unfortunately, yes."

Abby giggled at his annoyed expression. The guys from the band acted more like siblings than band mates.

Gabriel let out a long suffering sigh and let her slide down the wall.

She gasped as she felt the enormous bulge in his jogging pants.

"Later," he promised.

They needed to talk, she thought inwardly as he turned, his fingers wrapped around hers to tow her behind him.

Downstairs, Mike high-fived Gabriel and then bent to peck a hard kiss on her cheek. Ariel sat on their white sectional, beer already in hand with a far off look in his dark eyes. It was only when Gabe slapped him on his shoulder that he popped up from the couch wide-eyed to greet them.

Abigail stared at him when he settled back down, once again lost in his thoughts...whatever they might be.

"Geez, don't you people have any food here?" Angelo bellowed.

He had his head poked inside the fridge, nothing but his jeans-covered behind poking out.

"Get your own food," Gabe muttered as he sat on the other side of the L-shaped white sectional, pulling Abby down onto his lap. She settled stiffly, nibbling her lip as she watched Angelo search their kitchen. Maybe she should have cooked. Gabriel's meals were premade and delivered fresh on a daily basis. He'd already had his dinner and Diamond had forbidden her to alter his diet.

Angelo turned sad, puppy-dog eyes to Abby.

"Oh-stop," Gabriel snorted at him. "You know the rules.

Angelo snickered humorlessly. "Rules? Hey, it's me you're talking to. I don't need any fancy diets and personal trainers. I was born perfect," he said puffing out his chest."

The guys laughed at him as he preened.

"Where's Rafe?" Gabriel asked looking around.

The laughter ceased.

Angelo planted his hands on his hips and frowned, looking at Mike who was busy cracking his neck as he stalked to the kitchen to rummage in the fridge Angelo had just rummaged through. Ariel propped his booted foot on a small beach cooler, tipping his head back to chug his beer so he didn't have to answer Gabe.

Abby could feel the tension in the room get thicker.

Behind her Gabriel huffed in impatience.

"Fine," he snapped. "At least he's showing up for rehearsals."

Abby turned her head to look at Gabe, but he seemed lost in troubled thought, fingers thrumming against the armrest behind her.

Her phone vibrated in the back pocket of her jeans.

Gabriel retrieved it for her before she could even reach for it and looked at the screen. She winced when he scowled at it for a few seconds more as it continued to vibrate.

Abby frowned in confusion when he handed the phone over to her, eyes stormy.

When she looked at the screen of her phone, her heart skipped a beat.

Daniel.

Why was Daniel calling her?

"Well aren't you going to answer it?" Gabriel sneered.

Abby felt her face grow cold. He'd never spoken to her in that tone before.

Was he jealous? God. There was nothing between her and Daniel. He was married to her sister now.

Pressing her lips together and stiffening her spine, she clicked the answer symbol on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Well-well, if it isn't my long-lost sister," came Mikayla's sarcastic voice over the line.

Abby frowned before looking back to Gabriel again, but he was already engaged in conversation with Mike, who'd sat next to them.

Since Gabriel had already removed his hands from her, she stood and went out onto the balcony just off the game room.

"How is everyone back home, Mikayla?" Abby sighed leaning against the Jacuzzi.

Mikayla snorted. "With the shit storm that's hit us after your wedding? Aunt Paulina said she's disinheriting you."

Abby could care less.

"And she's going to do everything possible to bring Diavolo down. Thanks a lot, stupid. That was my favorite band."

Abby blinked several times. "Wait. What do you mean, she's going to bring Diavolo down?"

Mikayla laughed humorously. "Auntie Paulina has enough money and power to do whatever she damn well pleases."

Abby shook her head. Her aunt was wealthy, but she wasn't God. Mikayla was just trying to scare her.

"But that wasn't why I called you," Mikayla continued and then paused.

"What is it?" Abby sighed, out of patience.

"I'm pregnant."

Abby blinked in astonishment. "But you've only been married a few weeks. Are you sure?"

Mikayla scoffed. "I'm a little more than five months and I can't hide it anymore."

Abigail's jaw dropped. Hadn't Mikayla said Daniel hadn't wanted to engage in sex with her until they were wed? A very bad feeling crept into Abby's bones.

"Mikayla...is it...is it Daniel's?" she whispered, remembering her sister's affair with Edvard, the chauffer...the one who just might have run her Gabriel off the road.

"It's Gabriel's," her sister answered tonelessly.

******* 

He was sure he'd heard a woman's voice on Abby's cell. For a moment, he'd wanted to hurl the phone through the glass pane that lined the entire back of the beach house he'd bought for his wife, but kept a tight leash on his temper. Breaking a glass wall would only fuel the media frenzy surrounding them at the moment.

Gabriel couldn't help turning his attention to her silhouette standing just outside on the balcony. He couldn't hear the conversation, but his curiosity burned to know what was being said. Who was she talking to? Was it Mikayla?

Feeling extremely pissed, he yanked his phone out and hit contacts. He'd never erased her number just in case she tried to pull some shit.

What are you doing?—he texted and sent before he could stop himself.

He shouldn't have. It could open up a whole can of worms. She'd never contacted him after the wedding...but if it wasn't her Abby was talking to...?

Stomping feet caught his attention.

"Abby just fainted," Angelo shouted over his shoulder.

Somehow, Gabriel managed to beat Angelo and the rest of the stampeding band members to Abby's side. Her phone had fallen inside the Jacuzzi and she laid unconscious on the wooden deck. Gabriel gathered her in his arms and carried her inside.

As he laid her out on the white sofa, Angelo grabbed a throw pillow and fanned her with it, Ariel was pressing his chilled bottle of beer against a nasty bump developing at the side of her forehead, and Mike was rushing from the kitchen with a damp washcloth to press on her head.

"Abby," Gabriel said patting her cheek, worry eating away at him. "Abigail," he snapped in desperation when she refused to respond.

Finally, she moaned and stirred. 

"Here," Ariel said tipping the bottle to her lips. "Sip this."

Confusion clouding her blue eyes, Gabriel watched her take a mouthful of beer before making a moue of disgust and waking fully.

"Easy," he said as she struggled to sit.

Abby dragged her hand across her mouth, coughing, "That's disgusting. How can you drink that?"

Ariel just shrugged and took another pull from the bottle.

"What the hell happened?" Gabriel said a bit more tersely than he'd meant.

She stared at him, face still pale, silent. Slowly, her hand went up to her throat and her eyes welled. There was so much hurt in those blue eyes. It gutted him, but then he remembered whom she was talking to and his insanely jealous side took over. He gripped her arms and barely restrained himself from shaking her.

"Easy," Mike warned with a scowl.

Gabriel ignored him. "Who were you talking to? Was it Daniel?"

There. He got that out and off his chest without becoming violent.

A new emotion colored Abby's beautiful blue eyes, one he'd only seen once before, and that time she'd slapped the shit out of him. He barely kept from recoiling.

"I was speaking to Mikayla."

What had Mikayla told her? Gabriel loosened his hold on her arms and sat next to her.

Abby continued to stare at him in a way that made him want to squirm. Once again, his anger stirred. He'd never had anything to do with Mikayla.

Okay, so maybe they'd kissed a few times and he'd let her go down on him once...or twice, but that was it. He'd never fucked Mikayla nor touched her waist down...in the front anyways.

"Abby, what is it?" he snapped.

She looked as if she were about to say something, but then closed her eyes and put a shaky hand to her temples.

"I...I think I'm going to throw up."

She was up and out of the room before any of them could blink an eye.

Gabriel shot to his feet to go after her, but Mike's big paw gripping his arm stopped him.

"Give her a moment."

Gabriel yanked his arm from the guitarist's tight grip. "Why?' he all but shouted.




Diavolo Ch. 14



"Calm down, stupid," Angelo spat. "What if she's...you know?' he made a motion over his belly with his hands and Gabriel paled.

Shit. They hadn't been using anything. He'd actually wanted her to get pregnant even though he'd said in the beginning he wanted some time to have her to himself, the thought of coming home from touring to a wife and baby being too sweet to resist. She'd asked him to let her find another job and he'd flat out refused. Having a baby to tend might make her change her mind about that.

"Shit." Gabriel said feeling all his anger deflate. Maybe that's what she'd wanted to talk to him about before. Maybe she'd told Mikayla and that she-devil had said something horrible to scare her.

"Women get weird when they're pregnant," Angelo was saying. "Hemorrhoidal or some shit like that."

Mike smacked him behind his head. "Hormonal, you idiot."

"What'd I say?" Angelo retorted with a hurt look as he rubbed the back of his head. Next to him Ariel snickered.

Mike ignored the drummer and turned his attention to Gabriel.

"Jesus, you need to control yourself, Gabe."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Gabriel frowned.

Mike shook his head. "Your eyes get all crazy when you're pissed, man. A couple of times there I thought you were going to hit her or something."

The thought alone horrified Gabriel. "Fuck you. I'd never lay a hand on her."

"You grabbed her arms hard, man," Mike continued. "I bet if I hadn't said anything you were going to shake her."

Gabriel just glared at him. Yeah. For a moment there he'd actually felt like he'd wanted to, but that was because he thought she was talking to Daniel. Shit.

"Yeah, I thought so," Mike said tersely.

Gabriel turned away, running one hand through his hair. "Okay, so maybe I have a little anger management issue," behind him, someone snorted. He ignored it. "But she's my wife, for fuck's sake. She's mine."

"Whoa, dude," Angelo said wide-eyed. "Possessive much."

Gabriel sneered at him. "Just wait till you fall in love for real, jack-ass. Until then, butt the hell out of my personal problems."

Angelo turned to Ariel. "Promise me you'll punch me in the face if I ever get this stupid in the future."

Ariel nodded. "Deal."

******* 

Abby ran up to their room, straight into the bathroom and sat by the enormous tub that dominated one side of the room.

There was a time when she thought such large opulent things were unnecessary, but Gabriel had proved to her how wonderful owning and bathing within a big pool-sized tub could be.

She made herself shut down all memories of shared lovemaking within the tub and forced herself to think about the terrible words Mikayla had uttered.

Pregnant. Gabriel's.

Abby shook her head, closing her eyes tightly. It couldn't be. Fate could not be so cruel.

She scoffed at her own stupidity. Gabriel had been with Mikayla before she even knew of his existence. If anything, she should have stayed far from him, not accepted him as her boyfriend...pretend or not.

How unorthodox their coming together had been. It was all wrong...but...she loved him. Loved him with all her heart and soul.

She closed her eyes and buried her face in her palms with a sigh, feeling her heart clench in pain. Mikayla carried the baby of the man she loved. It was like some tragic opera, tragedy waiting to strike a second time just like Gabriel's father and mother.

"Baby, are you alright?"

The sound of Gabriel's voice startled her. She blinked up at him, taking in the rugged beauty of his face. The thought that he'd been inside Mikayla as intimately as he'd been with her, made her turn away from him. It wasn't his fault. She'd known even as she became more entangled with him until they'd become husband and wife.

She just never thought there would be lingering ties between him and Mikayla. Her sister had taken Daniel from her and would give Abby's husband his very first child too.

"Abby, please," Gabriel said, leaning closer.

She could see him reaching out to her, only to close his fingers into a fist and lean back, putting distance between them again.

She knew she should say something. Pushing back a few stray strands of hair from her face that had come loose from her ponytail, she managed to focus on a spot in the middle of his chest, unable to look him in the face for fear of bursting into tears. "I guess I must have eaten something that didn't agree with me."

"You've been eating alone all these days. That's going to stop."

She had to close her eyes when he finally reached out and caressed her face. Oh, how her heart just clenched within her in pain at his tender touch. Had he ever touched Mikayla so sweetly?

She had to stop tearing herself apart at the prospect of Mikayla being pregnant by Gabriel. That wasn't going to help matters. If Daniel found out...

Poor Daniel.

"From now on, I want you by my side, Abby. I'll talk to Diamond tomorrow—"

"No. I'll just—"

He kissed her suddenly, silencing her for a moment before pulling away just enough to look right into her eyes. "You're my wife. You belong with me where ever I go."

All she could do was stare into those mesmerizing green eyes, fringed with the thickest, blackest lashes.

She could see the questions in his gaze, questions she couldn't answer just yet. She needed to talk to Mikayla and get to the bottom of this. How could Mikayla know for sure it was Gabriel's if she was having affairs with other people?

Gabriel huffed out impatiently. "Baby, are you pregnant? Tell me if you think you are."

Abigail stared at him horrified. "What?"

He frowned further, looking more confused. "Well you fainted and then you said you felt sick and you've been acting moody. I just thought...you know...?"

Abigail felt sick for real this time, and began to shake her head.

He pulled her into his arms. "Baby, you're not sure are you?"

Abby blinked in surprise as he held her close, his hands smoothing up and down her back soothingly.

"It's okay, baby. I'm new to this too. I think first thing we should do is book an appointment with a doctor."

"Gabriel, I..."

She what? What could she say?

"I guess you're right," she finally blurted. "I've never been to a doctor for that."

He stiffened and backed away enough to look into her eyes. "Of course you haven't. You never had to before. I'm the only man you've ever had, but don't worry. I'm going with you. I don't give a shit what Diamond says. One day won't mean anything. I'll have her set something up as soon as possible."

"No," Abigail snapped, hating the fact he always counted on Diamond whenever he needed anything.

"But you need to see a doctor," he insisted.

"I'll talk to my mom about it."

He reared away. "Your mom?" his lip lifted in contempt. "Are we talking about the same woman who says I'm the devil's spawn?"

Abby glared at him. "She's my mother."

He closed his eyes and hung his head. "Okay. I'm sorry I pointed out the fact she thinks I'm Satan's son. It's just..." he stared up at her again, green eyes tormented. "I just don't trust anyone in that household, Abby. I'm sorry."

"Well, she's my mother," Abby replied defensively. "And I'm only going to ask her to refer me to a good doctor."

"But Diamond can get us a good one too."

Abby bit her lips to keep from blurting out she didn't like Diamond. Gabriel continued to look at her as if she weren't making sense.

"Okay-okay," he finally said in defeat as he stood over her once more, "But I'm going with you. Remember that."

Before she could say anything else he strode out of the bathroom leaving her alone.

She curled up into a ball once she heard his footsteps fade and buried her face against her knees. Her eyes burned, but she didn't even dare let herself have a good cry. He'd see her red puffy eyes and wouldn't leave her be until she confessed it all to him.

Eventually, if indeed Mikayla carried his child, he would need to know. But what of Daniel? He was going to be devastated. He was going to find out sooner or later. Mikayla said she was starting to show. Would he hate Gabriel once he found out who the father was? Would he despise Mikayla when he realized he hadn't been her first? For that matter, how did Mikayla get away with not being a virgin on her wedding night? You couldn't fake that.

Memories of the feel of Gabriel's cock breaking through her maidenhood made her cheeks grow hot.

Shaking her head to dispel the tender memories, she recalled how drunk Daniel had been during the reception after his and Mikayla's wedding ceremony. Gabriel and she had stayed a while but Gabriel refused to stay beyond the toast. By then poor Daniel was quite smashed thanks to her sister practically forcing him to drink cup after cup of champagne.

"That's how she did it," Abby whispered to herself.

******* 

Gabriel opened the door for Abby and waited until she buckled herself in. leaning over he kissed her. She was still acting strange. He couldn't put his finger on it, but it was all since her conversation with her sister the night before. He was beginning to think there was more to this whole thing than Abby thinking she might be pregnant and possibly being scared about it.

He'd caressed her the night before, wanted to ease the weird tension between them by making love to her, but she'd turned over, giving him her back...rejecting him.

It hurt and confused him, but he let her have her space, even though it took him forever to finally fall asleep, worrying.

He hated even more the next morning she'd announced she was going back to the Montenegro estate to visit her family, not because he was afraid she'd run into Daniel. He'd done a little researching the night before and found that Daniel was away on one of his business trips. He just flat out didn't trust his aunt, his mother, or Mikayla. If it wasn't because he really needed to go to rehearsal today, he'd go with her just to make sure those woman didn't somehow convince her to leave him.

"Gabriel?"

He blinked down at her. She stared pointed at the hand still holding the door open.

"Sorry," he mumbled realizing he'd been standing there like an idiot lost in thought. "Your phone." It had gotten ruined when it fell into the Jacuzzi. Reaching into his back pocket, he fished out the one he used for personal calls and gave it to her. "I'll have a new one for you tonight. In the meanwhile, use mine. My second number is programmed in the speed dial."

She smirked half-heartedly at him. "You call yourself?"

"No,' he replied solemnly. "I've got it set up so that if you or my grandmother ever need to use that phone you have a way to contact me."

She nodded. "Okay."

Before he closed the door, he kissed her again. "Later. Call me."

She nodded. He finally closed the door and watched her drive away, his heart aching.

He breathed in deeply, letting the air whoosh out of his nose as the Mercedes SUV turned out of the driveway

******* 

Abigail arrived to a virtually empty house. Edvard let her in, face stony.

Ignoring the moody chauffer-slash-attemped murderer, she climbed the curving staircase to Mikayla's room. It was completely tidy for a change and smelled almost sterile.

"Did you think I'd still be sleeping there?" came her sister's acidic tone just behind her.

Abby turned with a start, heart galloping. "Y-you scared me," she stuttered, taking note of Mikayla's dark circles and drawn complexion. About to ask where the rest of the household was, her words stuck in her throat as her gaze slid down the rest of her sister's body.

Mikayla wore a filmy nightgown underneath a fuzzy white robe and the bump in the middle of her tummy could not be ignored.

Abby tried not to wince at the stab of pain that lanced her chest.

One corner of Mikayla's lip rose in amusement as she ran her hand over her belly, red head tipping to one side. "I can already feel him kick."

Abby swallowed, and looked back at her sister's face, furiously blinking to keep her stupid tears from spilling out of her eyes. "H-him?" she managed to croak out over the enormous lump in her throat.

Mikayla shrugged. "Mothers'instinct. Aw, don't cry, Abby," she cooed with exaggerated sweetness before her expression became ugly. "You knew he was fucking me way before you seduced him between your legs, you dirty little tramp."

Abigail barely restrained herself from slapping her. "I am not going to let you speak to me that way."

She turned on her heel to walk away, but Mikayla's red-glossed nails sank into her arm, yanking her around to face her again. "You are going to listen to every word I say, slut."

"Or what?" Abby hissed wiping at her tears angrily. "You're going to tell whom?"

Mikayla's mouth worked, but no sound came out. Her eyes were a blaze of hatred, and maybe a dash of insanity. "I'll tell Daniel," she finally blurted almost in a shriek.

Abby winced. Would she?

Mikayla laughed at whatever she saw in Abby's face. "I'll tell him...and Gabriel."

Daniel would be crushed. He'd hate Gabriel.

"What do you want?" Abby finally said.

Mikayla's eyes narrowed, her hands fisted at her sides. "To see you suffer," she spat. "See you suffer like you've made me suffer."

Abby was taken aback. "How have I made you suffer?"

"You stole away the man I loved," Mikayla's face finally crumpled.

Abby stared at her in shock. "But you love Daniel. You took him away from me—"

"Was that what this was?" Mikayla shouted at her, hands wiping at the tears angrily. Her green eyes were so wide the whites were showing as she drew closer to Abby. "Revenge because stupid Daniel preferred me over you?"

Abby shook her head, "No."

"Mother sent you after me to make sure I didn't do anything to ruin my engagement to Daniel. Deny it."

Again, Abby shook her head. "I didn't go after Gabriel—"

"Yes you did. You took one look at him and realized he was more man than Daniel could ever hope to be and you seduced him with your little-miss-goody-two-shoes act. I saw the pictures. You let him fuck you that night."

"I did not," Abigail snapped. "I was pure on my wedding night."

Mikayla threw her head back and laughed, but suddenly clutched her middle with a moan.

Abigail panicked and gripped Mikayla's arms when her sister looked ready to collapse. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Mikayla panted a bit, but then opened her eyes, fixing Abigail with her hateful glare again before shaking her off. "If I lose this baby it's going to be your fault."

Abby stared at her sister horrified.

Mikayla straightened and tossed her hair back, staring down her nose at Abby. "Anyhow, I had Gabriel first and it looks like I'm also giving him his firstborn son." She smirked. "That is if that randy bastard doesn't already have a horde of them with other groupies."

Abigail narrowed her eyes at her sister's smug expression. "How do I know it's Gabriel's?"

Mikayla's eyes widened before she narrowed them in rage. "Fuck you," she spat. "When I was with Gabriel there was no one else in my life."

"Except Daniel that is," Abigail snapped, feeling furious. She'd destroyed her relationship with Daniel. She wasn't going to let her destroy her marriage with Gabriel.

"Daniel never touched me. He was as stupid as you."

"Daniel is a good, respectable man."

Mikayla snorted. "Yeah. That's why I should have let you keep his ass. Gabriel is a horny fucker, perfectly matched for me. He'll get bored with you, Abigail. And when he does, I'll be there waiting."

Abby had heard enough. Turning on her heel, she fled, leaving her sister's maniacal laughter behind.

******* 

Abby let herself into the house. Gabriel had left so all was quiet. She rushed blindly to her room and didn't stop until she collapsed on their California king-sized bed.

It was a nightmare. Mikayla was having Gabriel's baby.

"Oh, God," she let out on a sob, but quickly got herself together. Breaking down into a hysterical mess wouldn't do a thing. It was what Mikayla wanted.

Gabriel loved Abigail. Of that she had no doubt. Whatever happened before he'd known her was part of his past. If Mikayla was indeed having his baby, they would deal with it when the time came. The poor child wasn't at fault. It was innocent...an angel.

The feel of a hand at her shoulder had her jumping up with a shriek.

Diamond stood near the bed, her wide blue eyes staring unblinkingly at Abby. "Why are you crying?"

Abby wiped at her face, her mind racing for an excuse. Her purse had fallen over and its contents spilled out over the downy white comforter. Just then the phone began to ring and Abby frowned when she saw the screen said Mikayla.

This was Gabriel's personal phone. Mikayla had this number too? Was she calling him to tell him she was pregnant?

Diamond cocked her head to the side, her brows drawing together. "That's Gabriel's personal line. Why is that little tramp calling him?'

The seething rage in Diamond's tone did not escape Abby.

Her piercing blue eyes snapped back to Abby's face. "Is Gabriel having an affair with that no good tramp again?"

Abby snatched the phone to her chest and scowled at the nosey woman. "No. Of course not. How could you think such a thing?"

Diamond blinked, her face going blank before she smiled. "I'm sorry, Abby. It's just that I feel like Gabe is so much better off with you now."

Abby's brows shot up her forehead.

Diamond must have noticed her perplexity because she giggled and waved her hands dismissively. "I know we started off on the wrong foot, but please believe me when I say that I was looking out for Gabe as if he were..." the woman bit her lip, her blue eyes rolling to the ceiling before blurting out "like my big brother."

Abby barely resisted the urge to curl her lip in disgust as she remembered the woman fondling Gabriel when he was unconscious in the hospital after his accident. If that's the way Diamond treated a big brother, then the woman was sick.

Diamond continued to grin and bat her fake eyelashes at her.

Abby ran an agitated hand through her frazzled hair. "H-how did you get in? The alarm was still activated."

"Oh, I came over just before Gabe left and waited for you."

The hairs at the back of Abby's neck prickled. "Why were you waiting for me?"

Diamond grinned bigger. "Well, during the upcoming tour it'll be his birthday. I thought I'd set up a surprise for him, but wanted you to come along that way I can tell him we both planned it."

Abby blinked in confusion at the woman. "Surprise?"

Diamond nodded. "I'm commissioning a special cake for him and thought maybe you'd like to help pick it out."

Abby cupped her throat and blinked, her gaze straying to the phone again. A message had been left. She burned to know what Mikayla had said.

"Um..." Abby scooped everything back into her Fendi purse. "Sure. Just let me freshen up a bit."

Diamond watched her like a hawk. Trying to act like she didn't care that her sister was calling her husband's personal phone, Abby placed the purse on her dresser as she passed it on the way to the bathroom. Once she'd closed the door to the opulent bath she shared with Gabriel, she walked to the vanity and splashed some water on her face.

Her eyes were wide, and red-rimmed. Her skin had become splotchy and the braid she'd made that morning was coming undone. She looked a mess.

She'd donned a simple button up white blouse and a pair of jeans. Even her sandals were unremarkable. She certainly didn't look like the wife of a rock star.

Shaking her head, she tore off the tie to her braid and brushed out her hair.

Those were silly thoughts. Gabriel loved her for who she was. Nothing else mattered. They would get through this test. She had faith everything would be all right.

Removing her contacts from her irritated eyes, she slipped her old glasses back on, squared her shoulders, and marched back out into her bedroom. Diamond was gone though, and a thorough search of the house and front yard made her realize that the woman had gone off without her.




Diavolo Ch. 14



******* 

Sweat poured into his eyes as he ran the length of the stage, leaping onto on of the massive sets of speakers there. In his mind's eye, he imagined the roar of the crowd. When they'd performed at Finalnd's Metalfest, there had been more than fifteen thousand people there. The roar of the people there was something he wouldn't soon forget, nor the banners of Diavolo waving within the massive gathering.

Being like this, on stage, was his escape. It was like a drug, second only to being with Abby.

The lights dimmed and he was supposed to walk off stage to allow his personal assistant dry him off and do a quick shirt change, but he remained on the speaker as the familiar intro to the ballad he'd wrote for her floated through the warehouse where they practiced their routine for the upcoming tour.

Slowly he slid from his perch and approached the spot marked for this song. The lights would dim and a lone spotlight would light on him only.

Gabriel raised the mike to his lips and closed his eyes.

The words he'd written out of the love he felt for her had never left his lips so sincere as now. Would his burgeoning fame tear them apart? What was with her lately? Was she regretting having married him?

They were hardly together anymore, just at night when he finally slid beneath the covers next to her after working out in prep for the tour.

Would she tire of tagging along for the shows? Maybe he'd been too hasty in forbidding her to get a job, but even as he thought about it, his male ego protested the notion. She didn't need to work. He had more than enough to keep her in the lap of luxury. 

Somewhere off to his right, the sound of something large crashing to the ground startled him. The music stopped and he looked with a frown to see what had happened.

A second later he was running.

Gabriel grabbed Abigail and hauled her into his arms, pulling her far from where one of the large overhead lights had fallen into lots of pieces..

"Jesus, are you okay?" he said over the din of shouts around him.

She looked bewildered, but unharmed.

"Y-yes. Oh my God."

He cupped her cheeks and forced her gaze to his, away from the three hundred pound piece of equipment currently throwing off a stream of sparks.

"Don't touch that," he yelled at a young tech who bent to touch the lamp.

Mike yelled for someone to cut the juice to the stage lighting before asking Abby if she was okay.

Gabriel pulled her tight against him and nodded at Mike.

"Oh-my-god, what happened?" Diamond said rushing up to them.

Gabriel watched Mike lean over to look closely at the fallen lamp.

"Be careful," Gabriel warned.

Some of the techs joined him.

"Somebody get up there and see how the hell that lamp came loose," Angelo was yelling.

"This is one of the spotlights that illuminates you during Lost Soul.

The ballad he'd been in the middle of.

He pressed Abby close into his chest. Her fingers clutched at his waist.

He moved back. "Why are you here? Geez, baby, that thing could've killed you."

He said it as gently as possible but saw the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly her gaze slid over to Diamond.

His manager rushed over, eyes wide and nervous laugh making her sound breathless. "I feel like this is my fault. I told her to stand over here to get a better view of you as you sang her song."

Gabriel pulled Abby back against his chest and kissed the top of her head.

"Ouch," she said muffled against this chest.

He let her go with a questioning look.

She straightened her glasses upon her pert nose and said in a soft voice, "You were squishing my glasses on my face."

He tipped her chin up, loving how sweet she looked with her glasses...and her pretty white buttoned up blouse, jeans, and gold sandals. She was so different from the usual woman that accosted him. It was what he loved about her. Even when she used her contacts and dressed showing a little more skin, Abby would forever hold an untarnished innocence that would always bring him to his knees in awe of her.

And he could have lost her just a few minutes ago.

"I thought you were going to your family's house?"

He felt more than saw the immediate change that came over.

"I did," she said moving out of his arms and smoothing back her hair.

He knew he was still upset at almost losing her, but couldn't keep the edge out of his voice. "And then you decided to come here without letting me know?"

Her eyes snapped up to his, wide. He wanted to kick himself for causing that look of hurt and confusion in those sweet baby-blues.

Her eyes became icy after that. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

When she turned to stalk away he gripped her arm and hauled her away after him.

Mike called out a warning, but Gabriel didn't stop until he reached the bathroom in the back of the stage.

"Gabe," Mike snapped two steps behind them.

Gabriel slammed the door in his face and locked it.

Abby stared up at him wide-eyed.

"What's go—"

She never had a chance to finish her sentence. Gabriel grabbed her around the waist and sat her on the counter behind them.

His lips latched to hers as he buried his fingers in the heavy mass of blonde the trailed down her back. He loved when she left it loose. Most times she kept it up. At least she no longer made that sever bun she'd loved to sport when he'd first met her.

His tongue drove deep into her mouth letting her know what he really wanted to do instead. He kissed like a starving man. Actually, he was starved for her. He'd spent the entire night miserable, aching for her, but she'd shut him out. Rejected him.

He tore at her blouse. The dainty buttons went flying, making her gasp against his mouth. He ducked his head to seize a nipple between his lips, giving her the chance to yank at his hair and slap him or say something to let him know she was not going to let him fuck her within the next moments...because that was his plan.

******* 

Abigail couldn't think. Gabe's mouth was doing wonderful things to her nipple. She arched her back at the feel of his teeth grazing her skin before his lips pursed around the entire areola to suck hard. Each tug sent jolts of longing straight between her legs.

Her fingers curled in his sweat-soaked hair as he attacked the other nipple with the same fervor.

"I love you, Abs," he growled against her skin as he nibbled his way back up and took her mouth again.

Abigail barely had time to take a breath when he pulled her down from the counter, turned her over and yanked her jeans down her legs.

She gasped when he pulled her hips back, tilting her ass to him and after a few seconds, he was sliding deep into her. They both moaned.

He set up a quick pace behind her, leaning his slick, hot body against her back. Abby's breasts bounced from his pounding thrusts, her glasses sat on her nose askew. For a second, their eyes met in the mirror before them. His were almost black with unrestrained passion. She'd never seen him so lost in the moment. One of his hands released the breast it cupped and slid down her belly to strum her clit. White-hot pleasure made her close her eyes and cry out.

"Yes, Gabriel," she moaned.

He bit her earlobe and demanded, "Open your eyes. I want you to look at me when you come."

She opened her mouth, gasping a lungful of air only to release it in a long wail of release, eyes locked on Gabriel's fiery green ones.

His guttural bark of pleasure followed quickly on the heels of her own, his body going taut, trembling. Neither of them broke eye contact. Abigail felt as if a part of her soul had detached and merged with his.

His eyes looked bright for a moment before he closed them to nuzzle into her neck.

"Don't ever stop loving me, baby," he said huskily against her skin.

Her eyes pricked with moisture. Leaning her head back, wanting to hold him in her arms, she arched back against him, feeling him twitch deep inside her still. She would never stop loving Gabriel. Ever.



Diavolo Ch. 15



Everything was going to shit. Gabriel sat at the back of the tour bus staring like an idiot at his phone's screen.

The band was in Florida...somewhere. He wasn't sure. He didn't give a fuck. Abby had chosen to stay back in California because her sister had had a mysterious accident a few days before the tour started. Come to think of it, it was just a day after that lamp almost crushed the life out of his wife. The only reason he was somewhat calm was because Diamond had left her goons looking after her.

Despite Diamond's past track record, he was sure she only wanted what was best for him and the band. She was even being much nicer to Abby, which he greatly appreciated. Diamond had been around long enough to see them through some tough times and if it weren't for her, they might not have gotten as far as they had. She was the one with all the important contacts. Shit was happening and it was happening fast now because of her.

Still...

He hated being far from Abby, especially now. Something happened that night when she spoke to her sister. Abby just wasn't the same anymore. She felt distant. That love he'd seen shining in her eyes had somehow dimmed.

"Fuck," he hissed running his hand through his hair.

"Hey, leave your hair alone," Diamond protested. "It took me a long time to get it perfectly undone."

Gabriel looked up at her.

Her smile wavered and she got up and sat across from him. "What's with you? You've been broodier than Ariel. That's not like you."

Gabriel thought a moment, staring at her look of concern. "I think...Abby might be having second thoughts about having married me."

Diamond blinked and sat back in her seat, hands folded over each other. "She was going to be a nun, Gabe. What'd you expect?"

Frustration gripped him hard. That's not exactly what he'd wanted to hear, but maybe she had a point.

"Most people in this business have to sacrifice a lot. Having a normal family life is sometimes one of those things, Gabe." Diamond said sympathetically.

His heart was breaking in a million pieces right about now, but he swallowed down the hurt and continued to listen to her.

"We all have to make choices. You offered her the life of a rock star's wife, that includes accepting that you're a public figure and most times belong to your fans. Unless you want to give all that up..."

Diamond trailed off, her eyes piercing, studying him intently.

Leave it all? His life-long dream? He didn't need to worry about money anymore with his inheritance, but being on stage and making music...it was who he was, since forever.

He leaned back and let out a heavy sigh.

Diamond came forward, knelt between his knees, and gripped his hands.

"It'll all work out, Gabe. It's all so new to her. Just give it time. Trust me, baby."

He frowned, thinking hard. Would Abby get used to it all? Was he asking for too much?

Diamond laid her forehead against his abdomen and he absentmindedly stroked her long platinum blond hair.

"Anyone who's your wife needs to know and understand all that, Gabe. You shouldn't have to sacrifice who you are to make someone else happy. You'll only end up being miserable in the end and that'll poison the relationship regardless."

Gabriel looked down at her.

Could he give it all up for Abby and still be happy? Would he become bitter like Diamond said?

She looked up at him and smiled. He touched the tip of her pert nose, grateful for the pep talk. She rose up against him, her arms going around his neck. He circled his arms around her waist, grateful for the hug, but then she turned her face and found his mouth and he froze.

He gripped her arms to pull her away, but she climbed into his lap, straddling him, tongue almost down his throat.

Finally, he managed to turn his head away. "Diamond, what the hell?"

"I love you Gabriel. I don't care how long I need to wait. If things don't work out between you and Abby, please—"

"Diamond, stop." He rose out of his seat, dumping her on her ass at his feet.

She clutched his hips and ran one hand under his leather vest. He hadn't finished buttoning up his jeans so the kiss she planted on his abs left red lipstick marks on his skin. He could just imagine the mess she'd made of his mouth.

He sank his fingers into her hair to push her away from him and opened his mouth to demand she stop mauling him, but...

The sound of metallic snicking caught his attention and he looked up in horror to see some girl snapping away pictures from the front of the tour bus.

"Shit," Gabriel yelled moving away from Diamond to shut the door between the front and rear of the bus.

Diamond rose from the floor.

"What the hell is going on?" he shouted at her. "Why is there a pap in here?"

Diamond frowned and stalked forward, reaching for the door. "I don't know. I'll get rid of her."

Gabriel stared, incensed as she walked out, and ordered the girl to leave.

He grabbed a beer bottle, Ariel had left behind and threw it at the window in fury.

******* 

Abigail had had just about enough of Mikayla. She'd abandoned her husband to stay with her sister. And for the past week it had been the same.

"You're a murderer," Mikayla sobbed.

"Stop it," Abby demanded. "I told you. I left here, went back home and then I headed to where Gabe and the band were practicing. I did not push you down the front steps."

"You did it on purpose," Mikayla wailed.

Abby's head throbbed. She wanted to leave, but Mikayla was so unstable she was afraid she'd do something stupid.

"I did no such thing, Mikayla. I think we should call the police if you're so sure someone pushed you."

Mikayla snorted. "With all the scandal surrounding our family thanks to you, that's the last thing I need right now."

Abby frowned. Her aunt and mother had been gone over a month now, as well as Daniel. She looked at her little sister who'd laid back amongst the pillows, dabbing at her redden nose, staring out the wide windows by the bed.

Mikayla led a solitary life now that she was married. Suddenly Abby felt sorry for her. Had she always been this alone?

Abby drew closer and sat on the bed as Mikayla glared at her, eyes accusing and a bit fearful.

"Mikayla, I would never hurt you, " Abby said in a soft tone. "No matter everything that's happened, you're still my baby sister. We've let too many things come between us. Please. Can't we just be sisters again?"

Mikayla's lip quivered. "You were always the one they were so proud of. The smart one. No one ever gave a shit about me."

Abby shook her head, but she still remembering all the recitals held at the house for her piano playing and how the few times she came home from abroad, her aunt would hold large parties to welcome her back.

Had Mikayla acted out because she wanted attention? Had she become wild seeking affection?

"Oh, Mickey," she choked out, trying her best to smile through her tears. "You have so much talent yourself. You always were the life of the party. Everyone always gravitates to you."

Mikayla turned away. "That's because I'm prettier than you. At least I have that."

Abby bit her lip and nodded. "Yeah. You are prettier." It was true. "Mickey, can't we be close again?"

Mikayla scoffed and chewed on the corner of her lip. "How? How can I get close to the woman that has the man I love?"

Abby stood abruptly. She loved her sister, but Gabriel was off the negotiation table. "Mikayla, I love him. He's my husband." Her sister sneered at her, but Abby pressed on. "I thought I loved Daniel. He's a good man, but his heart wasn't mine. I don't blame you for anything. No one steals anyone away from a person. If you love no one can steal you away from your intended. That's why I can't be angry at you for Daniel. And you shouldn't be angry at me for Gabriel."

Mikayla covered her ears. "No. I don't want to listen anymore."

Abby gripped her hands and sat back down. "I only wanted to protect you and Daniel."

"No you didn't," her sister spat. "You only cared about Daniel's feelings."

Maybe.

"I knew he'd be good for you. You said you loved him, and I know he's good—"

Mikayla tore her hands out from Abby's grip. "He's fucking boring."

Mikayla, please. People aren't toys we can play with and then discard when we grow tired of them. You've barely been married over two months. There's an adjustment period."

She smirked. "Is that why you're here with me instead of with your own husband?"

Abby blinked. "I chose to stay with you because you needed me more. Gabriel understands that."

"Yeah, because you pushed me down the stairs so I could lose my baby. The baby Gabriel planted in my belly," Mikayla yelled in her face.

"You...low-life tramp," a woman's voice hissed from the doorway.

Both Abby and Mikayla stared at their aunt in horror.

Paulina Montenegro stalked closer.

Mikayla gripped Abby and Abby could do nothing more than hold her, desperately trying to shield her from her aunt's murderous glare.

"Harlots. The both of you," she spat.

"Paulina, please," their mother pleaded behind her.

"Please? I want them out of here. Now."

Abby felt Mikayla's shocked eyes on her.

Disengaging herself form Mik's clutching grip she stood and faced her enraged aunt. "What about Daniel?"

Her aunt's furious black gaze swung to her. "You knew about all this?"

Abby opened her mouth but her mother blurted, "I sent Abby to intervene and keep that devil away from Mikayla."

Auntie Paulina stared wide-eyed at Marjorie, before bursting out in gales of hysterical laughter.

She looked at Abigail. "You poor pathetic fool. You seduced that bastard away from Mikayla to spare my son the same humiliation he bestowed on you?" her aunt cackled some more. "You, my dear, are truly worthy of canonization." Her cold, hard gaze fell upon Mikayla. "As for you, either you become the perfect wife for my son, or, so help me, I will make you and your family rue the day you came into existence. While my son isn't here, though, I want all of you out. Get out. I don't want to see any of your faces. I'll put up with the pretense while my dear boy is here, but while he's gone, I won't have any of you near me. Except for you," she pointed at Abigail. "You should have been the one to marry Daniel, not this little tramp."

With that, she spun on her heel and stalked out of the room, Marjorie rushing after her begging not to be cast out.

Abigail rubbed her temples. She felt like her head was about to explode.

"It'll be fine. You'll just come home with me."

Mikayla looked at her. "Really?'

Abigail nodded. "Of course. I'm not going to leave you and my mother out in the street."

Mikayla blinked. "What about Gabe?"

Abby stared at her sister. Mikayla's face was blank, her green eyes staring expectantly up at her.

"Gabe won't say anything," she said in a rush. No. He'd probably raise Hell just a little.

Mikayla looked around before finally throwing the bed covers off, and standing up. "I'm going to take a shower and change."

Abby stared in wonder at how calm Mikayla was. Her mother on the other hand ran back in and fell I a weeping heap at Abby's feet.

"I'm destitute, Abby. Oh, look what you girls have done to me."

Abby knelt on the rug with her mother and rocked her gently. "You are not destitute. You're coming to live with me and Gabriel."

Her mother turned red-rimmed eyes to her. "Well, you do live in a nice area." She swallowed with a frown. "I won't be seeing any wild orgy parties or drugged out Satanists, will I?"

Abigail scowled at her. "No! Of course not! How could you think I'd allow something like that in my house?"

******* 

Gabriel was freaking out...and it was show time.

Some of the fans had hung outside to catch a glimpse of him and the nearly left him deaf screaming his name as he went from the tour bus into the venue where they played that night.

"Where's Diamond?" he asked Ariel as he caught up to the tall bass player backstage.

"I saw her talking to security about two minutes ago. What's going on?"

It was the most he'd heard the bass player say ever. Right now, Ariel was looking at him as if he'd lost his mind.

Gabriel raked his hands through his hair again. He didn't care. He needed to get back to California tonight and talk to Abby before those pictures started circulating. Hell. They were probably circulating the entire internet by now.

"Oh, God," he groaned covering his face.

"Hey, man, what's wrong? You're scaring me here," Ariel said gripping his arm.

Mike ran up next to them. "I got the camera from that chick."

Gabriel threw his arms around his guitarist. "Oh, God, I love you."

Mike chuckled. "Easy. People are going to think we got something going here."

Gabriel grinned. "I could fucking kiss you, Dog-breath."

Ariel took a step back away from them, eyes wide.

Mike just laughed. "I'll let you suck my dick later. We need to get on stage now."

Gabriel threw his head back and laughed. "Let's go then."

The sound of the people as they announced Diavolo was deafening. Adrenaline coursed through his whole body. After the near disastrous moment of that woman taking some pretty compromising pictures of him and Diamond, knowing that Mike had confiscated her camera let him absorb this moment in near ecstasy. There was going to be legal repercussions later, but he'd just pay the chick whatever ridiculous amount she wanted. That camera was going to be destroyed ASAP regardless

Angelo pounded a steady beat on his drums while Mike and Rafe belted out a hair-raising riff with Ariel's bass rocking a mean groove through it all. Gabriel grinned just before racing out on stage, throwing his head back and letting out a wild yell, "Who wants to fucking party?"

The crowd went insane, and Gabriel just absorbed it all. It fed him. Filled his entire being. It was only when he looked off to the side and instead of meeting his Abby's baby-blue eyes, he met Diamond's steady adoring gaze.

Gabriel turned away and leapt onto a tower of speakers.

She should have been there with him. It was the first time they were touring the States and she was with her family instead of with him.

He shoved the resentful feelings aside and finished his song by leaping of the speakers onto the stage again. Fire erupted, not only from the pyrotechnics rigged around the edge of the stage, but in his leg as well.

Shit. He needed to be careful. He wasn't totally healed.

He managed to get through the rest of the performance resisting the urge to limp.

As soon as the show ended, and the lights went out, he ambled backstage.

The audience was still going ballistic demanding an encore.

Mike noticed first something was wrong.

"You okay?"

Gabriel shook his head and leaned against the wall. He couldn't take one more step.

"My leg."

Mike nodded. "I knew you'd overdone it when you jumped from those speakers."

"I did it during rehearsals, I never had problems until tonight."

"What's wrong?" Diamond demanded coming over.

"He's done," Mike said.

Outside the crowd was stomping and clapping, shouting the band's name over and over.

"What's up? Are we going out again or not?" Angelo said jumping up and down next to them.

Gabriel looked at him and nodded. "You ready to sing that song you wrote?"

Angelo's eyes went round. "But we didn't practice it."

"You got this, Ang," Gabe assured. Looking at Michael, "You do the drums, give me your axe."

Mike grinned and nodded.

"Let's do this."

******* 

Abby let the phone ring until it fell into voicemail again. "I hope all is well with you and the boys, Gabe. You said to call you after midnight. It's two in the morning. I guess you're really tired by now. I'm going to go to bed, but I'll have the phone on the nightstand in case you call." She held her breath, blinking her eyes before saying, "I love you, Gabriel."

It wasn't a matter of whether or not he'd be upset she'd brought her mother and sister to live with them, it was how upset was he going to be? There was nothing she could do. She couldn't leave her family out in the street. As for Aunt Paulina, she understood why the woman would be livid. Daniel was her only son after all.

The next day, she awakened and immediately reached for her phone. No call or text from Gabriel.

That worried her. It wasn't like him to not contact her. She called again and after ringing for a long while, it fell into voice mail. Instead of leaving a message, she clicked it off and called Mike instead.

To her surprise it also fell into voice mail. Calling Angelo, Rafael, and Ariel rendered the same results. Not knowing what else to do, she called Diamond. There was no answer either.

Fear made her sit up quickly and run to her laptop. She logged into the internet and the first thing she saw on her Yahoo home page was the headliner: Diavolo members in jail.

"Oh no!"

Scanning quickly the name of the county and state they were in, she dressed quickly, brushed her teeth and ran out the front door. She didn't get far, though. One of the body guards that watched over her came running out of the house after her.

"Ma'am, where are you going?"

"I need to get to Fort Lauderdale."

He held up a hand. "Hold up a minute. We'll get you there."

Abby waited impatiently as the guard spoke over his phone. A few seconds later the other body came out adjusting his suit jacket. The man looked as if he'd just gotten out of bed. "Let's go, he said gruffly."

Abby felt a twinge of guilt, but not enough to call off the trip across the continental US in aide of her husband.

Questions assailed her as she read on her phone the reasons for the incarceration. Assault.

Some woman was claiming the band members assaulted her.

"That's rubbish," Abby growled shaking her head. None of the boys would assault a woman, especially her Gabriel."

******* 

It took six hours, two different stops to fuel the private jet Gabriel had on standby for her to finally arrive at Fort Lauderdale. Her body guards got her to the police station only to learn the band had already been released just moments before.

She let her guards escort her back out to the rented SUV.

"Where to now, Ma'am."

Abby shook her head and opened her mouth to answer. The phone in her purse began to ring.

Desperate, she clawed through her things to find it and almost sobbed for joy when she saw it was Gabriel calling her.

"Hello?" she said breathlessly.

"Baby?"

"Oh, Gabriel. Where are you?"

"I'm at the hotel. We're getting ready to leave."

"What happned?"

There was silence for a while before he murmured, "so you heard?"

She clutched the phone tightly and tried to control the hysteria in her tone. "What happened?"

She heard him take a deep breath before exhaling loudly. "Where are you?"

In front of the Fort Lauderdale police department."

He cursed softly. "Put one of your body guards on."

Confused, she slipped her phone to Bill, who was sitting in the passenger's seat in the front.

Bill listened a moment, nodded and said, "yes, sir."

He handed the phone back to Abby without another word.

"Gabriel? What's going on?"

"They're taking you back home. Tomorrow we have the day off. The band is flying to Houston, I'm going back home for the night. We need to talk."

Her stomach bottomed out.

"Gabriel, you're scaring me."

"Baby trust me, please. It's all I can say for now. We'll talk tonight alright. I've got stuff I need to do before I leave here."

"Well, why don't we just leave together? I can go wherever you—"

He cut her off. "No. I don't want the media swarming you as well. So far their attention is only on the band. I need you to get back home and keep a low profile. So far they haven't figured out where we live yet. Just go home and I'll be there a little after you."




Diavolo Ch. 15



Abby bit her lip and nodded. Rolling her eyes, realizing he couldn't see her, she answered as steadily as possible, "Okay."

"Abby?" he said just before she ended the call. "I love you. Please trust me, okay?"

She frowned. "Y-yes. Of course, Gabriel. I love you too."

The line went dead.

******* 

It was dark by the time she arrived back at the house. As soon as she walked in her mother met her at the door, looking worried.

"Abby, where did you go?"

Not wanting to explain to her mother she'd gone to try and bail out her incarcerated husband, she said "I thought I'd go to Gabriel a while."

"Oh. So he'd out from jail already?" her sister said coming the rest of the way down the stairwell off to the left.

Abigail gulped. "I'm sure it's all a misunderstanding. The guys would never—"

"I hope you've got a good divorce lawyer," her mother finally chimed in. "I knew you were too good for that heathen."

Abby shook her head. "Gabriel is incapable—"

Mikayla laughed and shoved her phone in Abby's face. There was a picture of Diamond on her knees between Gabriel's legs. His mouth was ajar and his hand in her hair, as if holding her head.

Abigail felt the color from her face drain.

"Oh, but there's more," Mikayla sing-songed. She swiped one finger over the screen to show Diamond and Gabriel locked in an embrace kissing. The next picture showed Gabriel standing, his pants open looking at whoever had taken the pictures in rage.

"It says he pushed the woman against the window in the tour bus and between him and the guys from the band took her camera away. They tried to hide the camera, but someone on the inside got it back to her so she dropped the charges because she'd gotten onto the tour bus without permission. The band's lawyers were going to press trespassing charges. They don't know she got her camera back and posted the pics anyway."

Abby shook her head. "No. those have to be fake."

"Don't be stupid, Abby. They aren't fake. Take a good look at them."

Abby shook her head and backed away from her mother and sister.

"I told you he'd get bored, Abby. Gabe is used to having any woman he wants, and he had lots back when I was seeing him." Mikayla shrugged. "It comes with the territory, Abby. Of course, if he'd married me, I wouldn't have let him out of my sights. Too many bitches after him."

Marjorie looked at her youngest daughter in disgust.

Mikayla's phone rang.

Abby took the opportunity to flee the room. She headed up to her bedroom and locked herself in.

She paced back and forth, feeling nauseas even though she hadn't eaten a thing the entire day.

She couldn't believe it. With Diamond? Of all people.

No. it couldn't be true. It was a trick of photography...but the picture of them kissing. Gabriel had his arms around her and their lips were mashed together. His eyes were open, but she hadn't studied the picture too closely due to the immense pain looking at it had caused her.

She shook her head and paced some more. He'd be home in a bit and he'd explain. He'd asked her to trust him. She would.

The doorknob rattled and then there was a brisk knock.

Was it him? Had he come home already?

Hands trembling she opened the door and faced Daniel.

He towered over her, his handsome face drawn in lines of concern.

"Abigail," he said softly.

Her eyes welled and she threw herself in his embrace. His strength comforted her.

"It'll be fine. You're coming home with me. Now. We're not going to tolerate this behavior."

Abby leaned back to look into his face, shaking her head. "He said to trust him. He's on his way home and he'll explain everything."

She saw a glint of pity in Daniel's eyes. His hand came up and cupped her cheek. "You're too innocent for the likes of him, Abigail. He'll storm in her, seduce you and keep you playing the role of a fool for the rest of the world. I can't allow that, Abby. You're still part of the Montenegro household and as head of the family I need to look out for you. Please," he pleaded. "Just come home with us and he can explain himself in neutral territory."

"I shouldn't. he said he'd come right—"

"Abby," Daniel interrupted sternly. "The minute he walks in that door, he'll try to kiss and seduce you into believing whatever excuse he's made up by now."

"Th-those pictures are fake. They have to be," Abby defended.

Daniel moved his phone in front of her showing the picture of Gabriel heading towards a door in the tour bus. "He has lipstick smeared all over his mouth and just below his belly button. His jeans are open, for Christ's sake, Abigail. Do you have to catch him in bed with a female to finally realize he is and always will be a spoiled playboy rock star."

Abby turned away from his phone, her heart breaking in a million pieces. It was her fault. She was too inexperienced for him. She closed her eyes when Daniel put his hand on her shoulder. "Come home with us. Don't make it easy for him or you'll be tolerating him allowing women to sleep in your very bed with you watching."

She felt numb. Cold.

Daniel put his arm around her and she followed him meekly back down the stairs.

Everything was a blur after that, but a few hours later, she was sitting in front of the main living room's fireplace drinking a cup of tea.

"Is she okay?" she heard her aunt ask.

"Just shock," Daniel answered. "She'll get over it. Abigail is strong."

He walked out toward the library with his mother in tow, whispering low to her.

Mikayla gripped her hand and Abby looked into her face.

She leaned closer and whispered into Abby's ear, "He sent me this a few weeks ago, before...you know..."

Mikayla showed her a text from Gabriel saying, "What are you doing?"

That could mean anything. How did she even know it was from Gabriel?

"I need to go home," Abby suddenly said standing up.

"Don't be stupid, Abs," Mikayla whisper-shouted grabbing her arm.

"No," Abby insisted, "I—"

The roar of a motorcycle sounded outside. Both Abby and her sister stood rooted to the spot.

Daniel and Aunt Paulina emerged from the library and headed to the front hall. Abby made to follow , but her aunt turned and grabbed her by the arm an escorted her back to the living room. "Have some pride, dear. At least show the man you have a backbone before you spread your legs for him again."

Abby's face went hot at her aunt's crude words. Why was everyone talking to her that way? Just because she'd married and was no longer a virgin didn't mean she'd lost her sensitivity to such topics. Except with Gabriel, but he was her husband.

The image of Diamond between his legs emerged in her mind. Abby shook her head to rid herself of the taunting vision.

******* 

Gabriel dismounted his bike furious. Why the hell had she run here? Was he going to have to explain himself in front of all these people he despised?

Hell no. He'd drag her out and take her home where she belonged. Unless...

Daniel stepped out, his face stony, and Gabriel's temper was shot to hell at that point.

"Where's my wife," he demanded.

His brother's brow arched. "She's highly upset, given the circumstances."

Gabriel stopped in his tracks. So she'd seen the pictures. Damn.

He started forward again. "I need to see her."

"Wait a minute," Daniel said daring to put his palm on Gabriel's chest to halt him. "I think you've done enough. Why don't you leave her alone. She wasn't made for the kind of life you want to give her."

Gabriel glared at him. "What the hell do you know of what kind of life I want to give her?"

"You're right," Daniel nodded squaring his shoulders. "The only thing I see is your pictures all over the internet having fellatio performed on you on the back of your tour bus."

Gabriel felt color seep from his face, still, he stood up to Daniel. "Things did not go down that way. Not let me get my wife and leave so we can talk."

"I think Abby should stay here a while so she can think things clearly without you trying to seduce her."

Gabriel gripped the lapels of Daniel's Armani and went nose to nose with him. "Listen here, fucker. What happens between my wife and me is none of your god-damned business." 

He shoved his brother aside and tried to storm past him, but when he approached the front door, two very large men blocked his way.

Gabriel hesitated before turning back to Daniel. "Tell them to let me through."

"I think not."

Gabriel turned and yelled out. "Abby."

The guards moved forward and pushed him back.

Gabriel took a swing at one of them and suddenly found himself face down on the ground.

He struggled but stopped when his brother's shoes paused right in front of his face.

"I be sure to have Abby contact you when she's good and ready."

"Fuck," Gabriel roared. "Let me talk to her. You have no right to interfere in my marriage like this."

"I'm only protecting Abby as her only male relative at the moment."

"Bullshit. You just want her back. She's my wife."

Daniel chuckled. "I'm happily married to Mikayla. My sentiments toward Abby are purely platonic."

Gabriel had it on the tip of his tongue to let him know the tramp Daniel had for a wife, and the mistake he'd committed in spurning Abby for Mikayla. Of course, that wouldn't make his brother want to allow Abby to see him.

"Damn it, Daniel. It was all a set up. Diamond threw herself at me, and that other woman was snapping pictures."

"Is that why your pants were open?'

"I'd been getting ready for the show and..." he sat down because he couldn't get Abby off his mind. At that moment diamond had walked in and he'd just stayed put.

"I guessed as much,' Daniel said with a sneer before turning to leave.

"Damn-it. I love Abby. Let me talk to her. You want me to grovel in front of everyone? Fine. I'll do it. Just let me see my wife, damn-it."

Daniel turned back around and bent over to get closer to Gabriel's face. "I guess now would be a good time to let you know I called the police and that should be them I hear down the mountain. So unless you want to spend a few days cooling your heels in our county jail and most likely miss a few performances, I suggest you be on your way to...Houston, is it?" Daniel grinned. "Abby will be in touch with you when she is ready to talk."

"Fuck," Gabriel hissed through gritted teeth as the sound of distant sirens sounded far off.

Once Daniel had closed the double doors to the estate, his goons released Gabriel and stood ready to kick his ass a few feet away.

Gabriel stood, wiping the bits of asphalt that clung to his cheek. He limped to his bike and got on again. Giving the guards on last dirty look, he started the engine to his new Harley and eased out of the driveway.

Bill and Bob were waiting for him a few feet away. He'd told them to escort him, remembering what had happened the last time he'd ridden out of the Montenegro estate. Both his cars back home had been taken and it was his only mode of transportation aside from the SUV the guards rode in.

He rode his bike dangerously fast. He just wanted to get home so he could try to call her. He needed to get a grip on his anger because he didn't want to yell at her for involving the Montenegro family.

He'd asked her to trust him. Hadn't he more than proved to her that he'd never cheat on her? Hadn't he already warned her how badly the media could distort information, alter pictures?

Of course, none of the pictures online were altered. It was just really damning images. Diamond had thrown herself at him. He'd never invited her attentions. He was at a vulnerable moment and she'd lulled him into trusting her. She'd never been so brazen before. How the fuck was he supposed to know she'd pull that shit? Oh, but he told her off. Had he the ability to do so, he would have fired her, but that would've affected the other band members as well as the tour. All the contracts were made with her and firing her would've caused a shitload of legal problems. Diavolo didn't need that at the moment, but later the band would vote on whether or not they should keep her on. As far as Gabriel was concerned, he was done. It was either keep her and lose him or keep him and get a new manager. He didn't want to be anywhere near her.

He parked his bike in the empty four-car garage and stomped into the living room of his two-story glass and metal beach house. He already had his phone in his hand and speed dialing Abby.

The phone rang and rang and finally went into voicemail.

Gabriel closed his eyes and reined in his temper. "Abby...I don't get why you went to your family. I wanted to talk to you. I wanted you to hear from me what actually happened. Where's the trust Abby?" he swallowed hard. "Call me. I'm done reaching out here. Daniel had his goons rough me up and even called the cops. I gotta leave tomorrow at dawn for Houston. I'll be waiting."

He clicked the phone off and leaned back, his eyes staring out at the darkness beyond the terrace.

Behind him the door to the front entry squeaked open. His heart thumped hard in his chest as he closed his eyes. She'd come home on her own.

Thank fuck

The seat next to him bounced hard and he opened his eyes to see Angelo sitting next to him with a sad frown. The others came and sat on the couch with him also.

"Well?" Mike prodded.

Gabriel lowered his gaze. "She took off. She's at the Montenegro mansion."

There was along moment of silence around him. He heard Ariel scoff and murmur how fucked up that was.

"Give her time, man," Mike said, ever the voice of reason. "She's hurt right now and next she's gonna be pissed and out for blood, but then the pain is gonna take over again and she going to have second thoughts and that's when we'll all tell what actually happened."

Gabriel glared at Mike. So much for thinking he was the voice of reason. "I'm not going to wait for all that."

Mike chuckled and patted him on the back. "Dude. We're talking about a woman here. By tomorrow she will have gone through all those emotions about five times. She'll call you and her first words will be 'how could you?" he said pitching his voice exaggeratedly high.

Gabriel leaned back, running his hands through his hair in utter helpless frustration.

He had to wait. He hated waiting! He got up and stalked to the bar area.

"That won't help," Mike warned.

"Pour me one too," Ariel chirped.

Rafael rubbed his hands together, "Yeah. Good alcohol, now that's what I'm talking about."

Gabriel ignored Mike's angry glare and passed Rafe and Ariel two glasses. Poured them each a shot of Jack and tipped the bottle to his own lips.

"Whoa," Rafe said wide eyed.

Mike and Angelo popped up from their seats and approached him.

Gabe held his hand in warning. "Leave me alone. I'm pissed and need something to take the edge off."

Mike nodded. "So getting shit-faced is the answer?"

"Works for me," Rafe chuckled.

Mike gave his brother a murderous glare before swinging his stern gaze back to Gabriel.

"What about when Abby calls? You going to be in the right state of mind to talk to her and save your marriage?"

The whisky burned down his throat, already numbing him. He licked his lips and stared at the bottle. Mike was right. This would only make things worse. He slid the bottle away and leaned both arms on the marble counter.

"This is hard," he admitted. "I don't know what the hell to do. You know me," he said looking up at all of them. "I don't party like you all do. Shit. I've only ever had full sex with three women in my life and Abby is the third."

"Geez, that sucks," Angelo said garnering an elbow to the ribs by Ariel. "Ow! What? What'd I say?"

Gabriel turned away, disgusted. He didn't deserve this, especially when he'd told her to come with him. None of this would have happened if she'd been on the tour bus with him. She should have more faithin him. If she didn't trust him, then the marriage definitely wasn't going to work.

His chest ached with that realization. When out on tour, women constantly mauled him. He wasn't going to stand having to explain every compromising picture. Granted the pictures of him and Diamond were compromising, but she had to trust him. Know that he'd never betray the vows they'd made to each other.

"I'm going to bed," he growled stomping away.

"Hey, you forgot your phone," Angelo called after him. "What if Abby calls?"

"Take a message," he snapped royally pissed. "Right now I don't give a shit."

******* 

She tossed and turned all night. They hadn't allowed her to see Gabriel, claiming that it was for her own good. She thought she'd heard him shout out her name, but she wasn't sure. She looked for her phone but realized she'd left it back at the house.

Abby finally rose from her rumpled bed and tip-toed out.

It was about five o'clock in the morning. She walked quietly into the kitchen toward the landline that had always been on the wall by the fridge.

Her aunt was right. She had no pride, but this was her marriage. She couldn't just let things be as they were. She'd cried half the night, and then grew angry, thinking that perhaps he had committed adultery. Sadness and doubts assailed her after, followed by more tears, anger, and doubts. She was finally too tired to resist not talking with him.

Marking his number on the touch-tone phone, she waited patiently for him to answer. What if he let it ring? What if he'd gotten mad she stayed here instead of going home with him and ignore the call?

"Hello?" a deep sleepy voice said on the other side of the line.

"How could you?" she blurted before she could stop herself. Here she was hurting and suffering and he was sleeping as if nothing had happened.

"You owe me five," she heard another masculine voice say over the phone.

"Hello? Gabriel, who's there?"

"This is Angelo, Sweetheart."

"Where's Gabe and why do you have his phone?"

"Errr..." there was a lot of whispering on the other side.

"Angelo? Where's Gabriel?"

"Oh, um, he's so distraught we had to drug him up just so he wouldn't do anything stupid—"

"Gimme that," she heard another male voice snarl as well as what sounded like a tussle. "Abigail?"

It was Mike.

"He forgot his phone down here. He was pretty torn up."

Abby frowned. "He was? What about me? I'm the one who had to see another woman—"

Abby stopped before she broke down in tears again.

"Look. I'll put him on for you and let him talk to you. Just listen, okay? Just listen."

Abby took a bracing breath. "Okay, Mike."

She heard mike going up the stairs and walking down the corridor. There was light knocking and a few seconds later a door squeaked.

Abby's heart pounded so hard it made her shake. Or maybe she was just trembling all over.

Seconds ticked and finally...

"Abigail."

His deep voice made her heart clench.

"Gabriel," she said almost on a whisper. Immediately her eyes welled again, but she dashed them away and took a deep breath. No more weakness. She didn't want his pity if he was going to leave her.

"Why?" was all he said.

She blinked. "Why? What do you mean, why?" she demanded incensed now.

"The problems between you and me are handled by you and me. Not by your entire psychotic family," he snapped.

"Well it's hard to keep my marital problems away from my family when pictures of my husband getting his dick sucked by another woman is popping up all over the internet," she shot back.

He was quiet now.

"How could you, Gabriel?" she said finally breaking down again. "How could you?"

"You really believe I let that woman..." he made a strange sound. She heard him exhale and when he spoke again it was very low. "What do you want to do, Abby?"

Her stomach sank. This was it. He was either going to ask for a divorce or prod her to do it. Oh, God. She wasn't ready to lose him. She loved him.




Diavolo Ch. 15



"Was it because...was it because I'm not good enough? I really bore you like Mikayla said."

She heard him gasp. "What the hell?" he said softly, but the incredulity was clearly there in his voice. "Abby, your innocence is what floored me, drew me to you like a moth to flame. I love you. I would never let another woman take from me what belongs only to you." Abby blinked in shock at the candor in his voice. "You've been acting a bit off and...baby, that has me tied in knots. I told Diamond because..." he swore softly, "she'd been a good friend up until that shit she pulled in the tour bus. I swear. I thought she was just trying to be a good friend. She came at me and I thought she was just going to give me a hug, you know? Next thing I know she kissing me and all over me and I get up and that other chick was there taking pictures. It was all just some fucked up mess, baby. I swear."

Abby was panting. She needed to feel his arms around her. "I'm sorry I doubted you, Gabe. It's just that..." her sister ad mother stuck the worst thoughts in her head.

"Baby, I want to go get you. I need you. You don't know how fucked up I've felt all night. Why did you leave our home?"

"I'm sorry, Gabe. I was just so..."

He huffed out a hard breath. "It's okay. Let's put all this crap behind us. I'm on my way as we speak. Mike is driving me. I should be there in like ten minutes. Be outside, okay? Id have to need to break Daniel's face if he keeps us apart again."

"It's not his fault, Gabe. He was only trying to protect me."

"Stop defending him," Gabriel snapped. "I'm so pissed they made our being able to work this out so much more difficult I might just knock him on his ass out of principal."

And he'd do it too. "Gabriel, please. Don't."

"Just be outside, but not until I tell you to come out, okay?"

"Yes."

He remained silent a while. "I missed you baby. Please say you'll come with me on tour now. Mikayla has to be feeling better from her tumble down the stairs. Did it knock any sense into her?"

Abby closed her eyes remembering her aunt had tossed her mother and sister out of the house. If Daniel left again, they'd be out on their ears again.

"She had a miscarriage."

Gabriel was quiet. After a while, he swore softly. "Sorry. I didn't know."

No. of course he hadn't known that his first child had died I that tumble. Would it be worth even telling him?

"She'll be fine, but I'd promised to take care of her for a while."

"NO," he snapped making her jump. "I don't want you near those people anymore."

"Those people are my family."

"Abby, please," he said changing the angry tone of his voice to a more pleading one. "They will do their best to tear us apart."

"I can't abandon her, Gabriel."

"But it's okay to abandon me?" he snarled.

"That's not fair," Abby hissed.

"We're here. Come out," he ordered and hung up.

Abby almost slammed the phone back in its cradle before she remembered she needed to be quiet or risk waking someone up. She didn't want any trouble for Gabriel right now.

Going back into her room to grab a robe against the night chill, she headed out through the front door after deactivating the alarm.

Gabriel got out of the SUV and limped toward her. Her angry greeting died on her lips when she saw him limp.

"You're hurt?"

He never answered. Just wrapped her in his arms and kissed the living daylights out of her.

"Abby," he moaned against her lips.

"Pssst. Make out later. Let's get the hell out of here. I don't want to spend another night in the county jail," Mike whisper shouted.

Gabriel wrapped his arm around her waist and led her back to the SUV. They hopped in the back instead. As soon as the door closed, Mike took off.

Gabriel didn't even give her a chance to ask about his leg. He pulled her hard against him and pressed his mouth to hers. She drowned in his taste and scent. By the time he let her come up for air they were both panting.

"I've missed you," he growled pulling her hand to the enormous bulge between his legs.

"Hey, no nasty stuff. I haven't had sex in months," Mike called out from the front seat.

Abby looked to him in confusion before Gabriel tipped her lips back to his.

"Ignore him. Everybody else does."

Abby reared back and glared at Gabriel. "Behave."

Up front, Mike snickered.

Instead of behaving, Gabriel went for her neck instead, his lips and tongue giving her goose bumps.

She knew he was trying to convince her to accompany him on his tour, but she really couldn't abandon her mother and sister. Convincing him wasn't going to be easy, but she had to do it. Mikayla and her mom needed her right now.



Diavolo



Gabriel scratched his chin, staring at the plain looking girl. She had enormous blue eyes behind awful-looking nerdy glasses, and a sweet pouty mouth. The rounded neckline of her dress and high empire waistline disguised her feminine form.

Gabriel was accustomed to barely-dressed groupies with too much makeup and attitude throwing themselves at him with their big fuck me eyes.

The little blonde at his brother's arm intrigued him so much he almost forgot the reason why he pulled up the man's picture in the first place.

There were more pictures, most of Daniel receiving awards or performing at charity functions.

His brother, it seemed, had earned quite the reputation of being an upright honorable man with many achievements.

Gabriel suddenly felt inadequate, but quickly squashed that feeling. It wasn't his fault he'd grown up middle class while his brother grew up in the lap of luxury like a king. Besides, it wasn't as if Gabriel was poor now anyway. He was lead singer to a rapidly rising band already known around most of the world. A little more than twenty-four hours ago, he'd been in Finland performing before thousands at a metalfest.

Shaking his head, he focused on Daniel Montoya II again.

Daniel looked nothing like him. His skin was fair and his face soft and classically handsome. He looked like he was very tall, or the girl was very petite, though she had long coltish legs.

Vaguely, he wondered how a sweet, shy, little thing like her would react if she ever saw him, the lead singer of Diavolo. Would she give him the fuck me eyes too, like every female he came across, or would she blush and turn her eyes away, deeming him too vulgar and wild for the likes of her?

She looked like an uptight prude. She'd run screaming, thinking he was a devil worshipper because he was in a metal band. Typical.

He snorted, his own thoughts filling with amusement. Narrowing his gaze, Gabriel looked from his brother to the little Pop Tart on his arm.

Was she his girlfriend? They looked like they belonged together. Daniel II was straight laced and respectable, the little Pop Tart looked like the kind of girl who might just lay there passively as her man got off.

Gabriel would never let her get away with that of course. He'd get her wound up, panting and scratching at his back in mere seconds or he'd whack off his own dick.

Shaking his head at the wayward path of his thoughts, he switched off his computer and rose from the chair. He couldn't very well drill his grandmother for answers due to her delicate health, but he was going to get to the bottom of this. The answers as to why he was the bastard son of Daniel Montoya Senior lay in those letters and diaries up in the attic.

 

Chapter One

Four months later...

Abigail rubbed her temples, her headache growing by leaps and bounds the closer the car drew to the Montoya estate. Thankfully, the chauffer didn't try to strike up any conversation. She had much to contemplate.

Her sister Mikayla had done it again; disgraced the family with her ungodly behavior. It wasn't enough she'd taken Abigail's childhood boyfriend away, now she was bedding some god-forsaken rock star while engaged to Daniel Montoya II.

Daniel was a good man. They'd been very close when they were children and teens before her adoptive auntie Paulina sent her and Mikayla away to boarding school. The all-girls' school hadn't tolerated Mikayla's undisciplined behavior and she was expulsed.

She didn't see her sister for many years afterward, even as Abigail's romance with Daniel II flourished...or so she thought.

Daniel sent her numerous letters at first, lovely poetry, CD's with classical music, and even books for her to read.

As time passed, however, the letters became more sporadic. She thought nothing of it. He was, after all, pursuing a doctorate in his early twenties and being groomed to take his deceased father's place in North Star Records. He had the finest tutors and attended the best schools. He was a virtuoso with the piano and violin and performed at many charity functions for his mother, Paulina.

Daniel was perfect. Abigail had been heartbroken when she heard he'd become engaged to her younger sister, Mikayla.

She didn't blame him though. Mikayla was gorgeous with her flowing red hair and bright green eyes. Always the life of the party, her sister was fun and bubbly, if not a tad wild a little too promiscuous.

Even her name was exotic and alluring.

The complete opposite to Abigail Brown.

Gazing out the window, she contemplated her reflection in the tinted windows of the Audi.

She'd pulled her honey blond locks into a tight bun at the nape of her neck, as usual, and, likewise, her face was bare of any make up. Her blue eyes, which she always thought were too big for her face blinked back at her through the lenses of her black rimmed glasses.

Abigail wasn't ugly. She just realistically accepted the fact that she was unremarkable. Passably pretty. Girl next door, and all that.

Sighing, she looked down at her short-nailed, unpolished fingers clenched in her lap. She'd worn a two-piece grey suit that consisted of a tailored jacket and loose slacks. Sensible black pumps with low heels gleamed primly on her feet. The only piece of jewelry she wore was the white gold Chanel watch her auntie Paulina had given her. A bit too ostentatious for her tastes, but she was never one to disappoint anyone, and stoically wore the gaudy piece of jewelry whenever she visited the Montoya estate.

Paulina Montoya wasn't really her auntie. The woman and her mother, Marjorie Brown, had been good friends since childhood.

When Abigail and Mikayla's father had passed away many years ago, Paulina Montoya had taken them into her home and treated them like family.

Abigail was eternally grateful for her auntie sending her abroad to the best schools where she studied, art, music and philosophy.

After Daniel and Mikayla announced their engagement, Abigail felt shamed into saying that she actually wanted to pursue a vocation as a nun and Paulina had promptly sent her to the best nunnery in Italy.

Surprisingly, Abigail had found peace at the convent tucked away in the mountains, but her Mother Superior lovingly accused her of trying to run away from her problems by hiding at the convent and refused to allow her to take her final vows as a nun.

Abigail was prepared to prove her Mother Superior wrong, but the call from her mother, hysterical over the situation with Mikayla, Daniel II, and the rock star had her boarding the first of a series of planes to get her from Italy to the west coast of the United States.

Her mother begged her to talk sense into her younger sister, before Paulina found out and tossed them all out of the mansion. Marjorie hadn't a penny to her name during all these years. Aunt Paulina had given them everything.

They would indeed be homeless. Her mother would be exposed to the ridicule of the society she ran in now, something that was obviously very important to her.

Perhaps Mother Superior was right. It was time Abigail came back home and perhaps started working, putting to use her many degrees in art, music, literature and philosophy. She could provide for her mother and her sister. Her family would just have to adapt at living modestly.

Closing her eyes, she did her best to convince herself that her spoiled sister and mother would accept that fate graceful and gratefully. Deep inside, she knew they'd be outraged and mortified, but there was nothing else she could do.

The car finally passed the immense gates to the Montoya estate.

She rubbed her sweaty palms on her pants before stepping out of the rear of the car when the chauffer opened the door for her.

"Thank you, Edvard," she said with a smile.

The young pimple-faced chauffer nodded and stepped back to retrieve her luggage.

About to tell him she could manage her small case by herself, she turned when she heard her mother call out to her.

"Oh, thank-god you're here!"

Marjorie had aged much since last Abigail saw her mother.

Her short blond hair was stylishly cut into a sleek bob that accentuated her sharp chin. Mother wore a silky cream-colored blouse, a pair of pale green palazzos, and gold ballerina flats. The modest string of pearls caught on the buttons of Abigail's. jacket when she pulled away.

Lines bracketed Marjorie's mouth and eyes, as if all her mother did was frown and worry.

"How are you mother?" Abigail said politely.

She was about to tell her mother how much she missed her, but was interrupted by her mother's impatient, "Why did it take you so long to get here? I called you two days ago."

Abigail resisted the urge to curl her shoulders in dejection. "Mother, I was in Italy. I took the first flight I could find—"

"Oh, no matter," her mother shook her head dismissively, her lips pressing into an angry line. "You got here just in time. Daniel is out of the country dealing with business and Mikayla is getting ready to go to a party at that—" Marjorie's face twisted into a moue of distaste, "that long-haired devil spawn's hovel."

All color drained from her mother's face and for a panicked moment, she thought the woman would swoon.

"Mother!" Gripping her mother's frail arms, Abigail steered her farther along the circular driveway lest the employees overhear their embarrassing conversation.

"Mother, I've never seen you so distraught. It's probably another one of Mikayla's passing—"

"Oh, Abby, if only I could tell you the extent of the nightmare."

"It can't be as bad—"

"But it is," her mother snapped facing Abigail with frenzied eyes. "It the revenge of the deceased Daniel Montoya. He's sent his spawn here to torment us!"

"Mother, please calm down. What are you saying?"

"That man, Gabriel...he's the long lost son of Paulina's sister, Rosalina."

"Who?" Abigail had never heard of her. All these years she'd thought Paulina an only child. Orphaned when she was young.

Marjorie shook her head and crossed herself. "God forgive me. The deceased was engaged to be married to Rosalina, but Paulina wanted him. I'd never seen her lust so after any man. She'd cry herself to sleep every night and was growing sick. She was my friend, more of a sister than Rosalina ever was to her, and I had to help her."

Abigail stared hard at her ranting mother, feeling confused. "What are you talking about?"

Her mother gripping her arms brutally tight, making her wince. The older woman leaned close, her blue eyes showing whites. "We got them drunk. Rosalina was going to give herself to Daniel for the first time after their engagement party. He was madly in love with her and the wedding was to take place the beginning of June, but we got them drunk."

Marjorie almost crumpled and it was Abigail who had to hold her up now. "Mother, please compose yourself and explain what your trying to tell me. Daniel's father wasn't to marry aunt Paulina?"

"No. He was in love with Rosalina, her younger sister. They threw a party to celebrate their formal engagement. It was a whirlwind romance and they were the talk of all society. That night, Paulina kept giving Rosalina cup after cup of champagne until the poor girl could barely stand. We managed to pry Daniel away from her to help her up into Paulina's bedroom. Later that night, I went to Daniel and told him Rosalina had sent me to tell him she was waiting for him in her room."

Abigail gasped, realizing what her mother was saying at last.

"It was Paulina waiting for him. They were sisters and were the same height, weight...they even had the same voice if Paulina pitched hers to speak softly. Daniel had too much to drink, he never turned on the light...I had to help because he passed out on her."

Marjorie shook her head. Abigail was glad because she really didn't want to hear about what that help entailed.

Cupping her throat in panic, Abigail asked, "Daniel is the product of that...that night?"

Marjorie scowled at her. "No. Paulina never conceived that night. Daniel never touched her. She faked he had seduced and taken advantage of her and that she was pregnant. A few months later after he'd married her we had to devise a convincing way for her to lose her baby because fucking every employee in the household was not resulting in her getting with child."

Abigail stared horrified at her mother. "That's awful, mother. How could you stoop to such—"

"Listen here, young lady," her mother hissed, "if Paulina hadn't married that rich son-of-a-bitch you wouldn't have studied abroad nor had the comfortable lifestyle we've all been enjoying thanks to Paulina's generosity."

Abigail abstained from voicing her outraged opinion. She could care less about luxury, especially when it stemmed from such heinous measures of depravity.

"Anyway, she managed to separate Rosalina and Daniel, but not for long. That slut, Rosalina had her wicked way with him after all, and got herself pregnant with Gabriel."

Abigail raised her brow at her mother calling the younger sister a slut when it clearly had been Paulina who'd sinned first by stealing her sister's betrothed.

"When Paulina found out about the birth of her husband's bastard son, she demanded he give her a child of her own. The man never touched her. They slept in separate rooms and then even separate houses. Paulina threatened to kill herself and this time I actually thought she'd go through with it until he conceded going to a clinic with her and just donating his sperm. Paulina had another woman carry the child for her and nine months later Daniel was born."

Abigail closed her eyes in horror. What her mother had just told her was...outrageous. "Does Daniel know about all this?"

"Don't be stupid. Of course he has no idea."

"Well clearly none of this was his fault, but he should know he has an older brother. It's family."

"Bite your tongue!" her mother admonished. "Have you even seen this man? Of course you haven't. He's a devil worshiping heathen, and your aunt Paulina will have none of her fortune squandered away on whores and drugs by this man. He'd drag the prestigious family name through the mud by the time he was through. Is that what you want for your precious Daniel?"

Abigail shook her head, swallowing hard. Dear sweet Daniel did not deserve any of this.

"I don't know if that man has any idea who he is, but he must be kept away from the Montoya estate. Paulina would have a fit if she knew he was still around threatening her position."

"How did Mikayla meet him? Did you tell her any of this?"

Marjorie's eyes widened. "No. She must never know. You know how she gets. She might tell the press in one of her tantrums. Paulina would toss us out on our ear from the embarrassment. Where would I go, Abigail? We would be homeless. " Marjorie covered her face, distraught. "I would be homeless and penniless."

Abigail gathered her mother close and kissed her head. It had been so long since she'd kissed her mother and held her. "Mama, please. Don't cry. I can get a job and rent a little place out near the coast. We can be happy on our own."

Marjorie pushed out of her arms and scowled at her daughter. "A job? Rent some little hovel? Are you mad? Look around you," her mother said walking in a small circle, her arms thrown out dramatically. "You expect me to leave all this for some shitty little apartment you want to rent?" she laughed humorlessly. "Live off your paltry paycheck. You've never worked a day in your life. Have you any idea what minimum wage is?"

"I have various degrees—"

"Worthless!" her mother spat, surprising her. "You were being groomed to be Daniel II's wife. Had I known giving that little twat some good pussy would be enough, I'd have sent you to Vegas instead to learn to be a stripper like your sister."

"Mother!" Abigail gasped, feeling her face flame at the vulgar way her dear sweet mother had just expressed herself...and then she wondered about Mikayla. Had her little sister become a stripper? Why had no one told her?

Her headache began to pound harder, making her nauseas.

"Mikayla is getting ready as we speak to go to a party at that devil spawn's house. You must stop her, or if not, talk to that damned man. Make him see reason. She can't mean anything to the likes of him anyway."

Abigail shook her head. "Why would you say that? How can you be so sure?"

Marjorie's lips twisted into a sardonic grin. "He's nothing but a drugged up, alcoholic rock star. His kind just fuck any willing female. They rarely tie themselves to any one."

Abigail winced again at the expletive. She'd never heard her mother express herself in such a common manner. It was disturbing. She felt as if she really didn't know the woman standing before her. A complete stranger.

Her mother was pulling her now toward the house. "We need to hurry. She doesn't know you're here."

It had been at least five years since she'd been here, the sprawling estate where she'd been raised since she could barely walk.

She'd always been afraid of getting lost within the walls of the castle-like mansion. It was said that as one grew, your childhood home shrunk and seemed less foreboding. It was not so with the Montoya mansion. She was reminded of a movie Mikayla made her watch of a haunted house that grew all on its own.

Abigail always kept to the immediate area of her rooms and dining area. She was never one to wander off. Her exceptions were the library where she and Daniel II spent hours quietly reading next to each other.

She thought of poor Daniel and wondered how he'd react to knowing Mikayla was cheating on him. He'd be heartbroken. Although he'd broken Abigail's heart, she didn't want to see him suffer. He'd been quite contrite and apologetic when he personally called her and explained how he'd become smitten with Mikayla. Told her he'd understand if she hated him, but that he loved her enough to want to do the right thing and be upfront and honest with Abigail.

Heart plummeting to her feet, Abigail had thanked him for his honesty and then lied telling him that she was a bit relieved because she really wanted to be a nun. He seemed so relieved afterwards, she hadn't minded the guilt at having to lie to him. He deserved to be happy, not ruin his and Mikayla's happy moment with regretful thoughts about poor dejected, wretched Abigail.

As they entered the estate foyer, they were met by auntie Paulina.

The woman, although well into her late fifties, was regal. Tall and willowy, her blond hair was swept up in an elegant twist at the back of her head and she wore a champagne-colored. Silk, two-piece pants set that looked like it cost a fortune. Her glossy beige Louboutin's barley made a sound on the pristine stone floors as she glided toward them in the foyer.

Dark, almost black eyes pinned Abigail to the spot, and her pale painted lips twitched into a tiny smile of welcome. Clutching Abigail's hands, she leaned forward and kissed the air to either side of Abigail's cheeks. "My child. What a surprise to see you here." Those dark eyes honed in on Abigail, as if trying to see into her soul. It made Abigail almost want to cringe under its intensity, and she immediately understood her auntie Paulina was wondering if she was going to make a scandal about being jilted by her son after all.

"I've been gone for so long. I just got a little homesick," Abigail replied sweetly.

Her aunt's smile didn't reach her eyes. Then again, when did it ever. "Well, it pleases me to know that my home feels like your home to you. It's all I ever wanted for you and your mother to feel. Like you're home."

Abigail gulped. Her steely meaning couldn't have been clearer.

Next to her, her mother giggled and clasped Abigail's arm. "Abby is really excited to hear Mikayla's plans on the wedding."




Diavolo



For the first time, Abigail saw her aunt Paulina throw her head back and laugh. Genuinely laugh. "Really? Well, Abigail is more of a saint than I thought." She fluttered her hands, glittering diamonds on each finger as she turned away and headed toward the study. "Be off with your talks of weddings. Just remember I hired the best wedding coordinator to organize this whole thing. It is after all my only son. This event must be done tastefully to say the least. We have a reputation to keep."

With that, she disappeared around the bend of the corridor toward the study.

***

Mikayla's room was a mess despite the servants' best efforts to keep it tidy. Loud music blared from her surround sound system, making Abigail's already throbbing headache bloom to nightmarish levels.

Abigail was practically shoved into the enormous suite of rooms by her mother and then abandoned.

Just like Abigail's suite a few doors down the corridor, Mikayla's opened to a large sitting room first. There was a balcony overlooking the side of the estate and the gardens below. The back of the estate had the best views, but those rooms were reserved for auntie Paulina, Daniel II and any important guest they might have come for a visit.

Still, the scent of the pacific ocean blew in through the wide balcony doors, making the gauzy white curtains dance lazily in the salty breeze.

The sun was setting, making the room glow in golden light.

Her feet sank into plush, stark-white carpet as she made her way toward the bedroom.

There were more clothes and shoes strewn everywhere here as well. Right over the fireplace was the source of the loud music. The ninety-inch flat screen projected, in all their sweaty glory, a band of long-haired males belting out a seductive hard driving tune that had Abigail stopping in her tracks to gape. The guitarist's black t-shirt clung to his honed body as his fingers flew deftly over the strings of his instrument. Though she did not care for the loud, pulsing music, she did realize it took talent and many years of practice to be able to play with the dexterity and precision the young musician displayed.

Flashes of a man, exquisitely muscled with dark tawny skin, and a mane of jet-black hair, caught her interest. He had wings inked on his sculpted back. Priding herself for having an eye for true masterpieces, Abigail had to admit he had the body worthy of any sculptor immortalizing in stone or perhaps a painter upon his canvas.

The man began to sing, his deep voice captivating her, until that hauntingly deep baritone rose and became guttural. Savage, wild, riveting...that was what this man was.

Arms being thrown around her, startled a little scream from Abigail.

"Biatch! What are you doing in town?" Mikayla squealed exuberantly as she spun poor Abigail around in joy.

Abby's glasses flew in one direction and the pins of her hair in another.

After Abigail's shoes finally fell off, Mikayla dropped her dizzy sister and plopped herself on her king-sized bed.

Abigail had to grip the edges of the mantle to steady herself. Over her head, the lead singer of the rock band caressed his chest suggestively.

Abigail moaned and looked away.

Mikayla watched her like a predatory animal, her red hair wild around her shoulders as she lounged in panties and bra.

Abigail felt herself flush. She was used to seeing her sister parade around in her under things, but the under things she wore now were barely tiny little scraps of satin and lace.

Oh my.

"So what brings you out of your convent and back into the land of sin?" Mikayla grinned evilly.

"Mother begged me to come and talk to you..."

Mikayla groaned and flopped back on the bed with a long whine. "Noooo—please. No more long sermons about Gabriel Raven. I like him and I'll toss him aside when I get tired of him...promise," she said on a long, tired, drawn-out breath. "I need to sow my oats before settling down and growing into an old married hag. Besides, Daniel is no fun. He's so stuffy, he won't even let me suck his cock for cripes sake!"

"Mikayla!" Abigail screeched in indignation. Her cheeks grew hot and she fanned herself.

Her twenty-six-year-old baby sister laughed loudly, rolling around on the bad and kicking her feet. "Are you fucking kidding me, Abby? Please don't tell me you've never sucked a dick before! You're frigging twenty-eight-years-old!"

"Mikayla, please! That's so gross and vulgar."

Mikayla popped up off the bed and gripped Abigail again, spinning her around so that she faced the flat screen.

"There's nothing gross or vulgar about it, Abs. It's empowering. Look at him—"

Abigail did. The lead singer had his head thrown back, his hips grinding slowly as he sang, voice full of passion.

"Take it...take it...take all of me...all of my love," he crooned making Abigail's hair stand on end. She barely repressed the urge to shudder and shook her head squeezing her eyes tight.

"You know how cool it is to drive them crazy, know you've got them riding the edge of lust and pleasure."

Abigail shook out of her sister's hold and faced her angrily. "But what of Daniel? He doesn't deserve this, Mikayla."

Mikayla's eyes grew cold and aloof as she studied her perfect French manicure. "Daniel is gone on business, doing Daniel things. It isn't as if I'm going to dump his ass." She winced and looked up at Abigail with a sheepish grin. "Oops. Sorry about that. You're not mad, are you? I mean you wanted to be a nun, you know. So it was all for the best."

Abigail swallowed her hurt and shook her head. "Mikayla, please. You should remain pure for your—"

"Oh-my-god, woman! What century were you born? Fuck, you seriously need to get laid before you get your habit or whatever the hell it is you guys do. Are you going to shave your head? I've heard nuns do that." Mikayla wrinkled her nose and fluffed her own thick waist-length tresses.

Abigail sputtered. "N-no. Stop trying to change the subject, Mikayla."

Her sister's green eyes bulged and her teeth flashed in a molar to molar grin. "Oh-my-god! What a great idea! I'll take you to Gabe's bash and we'll get you laid. Nothing too wild, since this is obviously your first time...is it?"

Abigail could barely contain the flap of her jaw as she struggled to keep up with her sister. "Of course! No—I'm not having sex. Mikayla—"

"Nonsense," Mikayla exclaimed running over to her private bar and retrieving a glass of amber liquid. "Here. Drink this. Liquid courage. Jack will loosen you up. You won't feel a thing!"

"No! Mikayla stop," Abigail protested as her sister tried to force her to drink whatever Jack was. It smelled awful. "I don't drink alcohol."

"Great, this can be your first too. Yippee! This is so much fun, Abby. I'll make a woman out of you yet."

To Abigail's dismay, the smelly drink sloshed all over her, ruining her suit. "Mikayla!"

He sister just laughed and dumped the rest of the drink right over Abigail's head. She danced away, laughing.

"You better hit the shower and get dressed quick. I'm going to do my hair and makeup. Angelo is coming to pick us up."

"Wait—what? Who is Angelo?" Abigail barely restrained herself from wailing in misery.

"The drummer from Diavolo." Mikayla rolled her eyes, looking exasperated, "Hellooo. Geez, Abs."

Abigail blinked at her in shock. "The band's name is what?"

Mikayla grinned at her as she shimmied into a silver skirt—oh—it was an indecently short dress

Sweet Baby Jesus!

"Diavolo," her sister repeated with relish as she shook out her hair and frowned at the straps of her bra.

With a shrug, Mikayla took the offending garment off and bounced on her toes a few times so that her breasts jiggled as she laughed.

Either Abigail was hallucinating, or Mikayla had gone up a few cup sizes since she last saw her.

"Oh, I need more ice," Mikayla sputtered racing out of the room.

Abigail just stared after her, hair dripping onto her ruined clothes.

As she gaped down at herself, at a loss as to what to do, her mother rushed in.

"Well?" she snapped at Abigail.

Abigail just stared at her a few seconds before saying, "wouldn't it be easier to just have her committed? Mother, she is insane!"

Her mother scowled. "Don't be ridiculous. We'd never live down the shame. No one in our lineage has ever been committed."

Their lineage?

Her mother talked about them as if they were royalty, not the penniless survivors of a man who gambled away the family fortune and then killed himself when the stock market crashed.

"She's about to leave!" her mother pointed out signaling toward the door through which Mikayla had raced to find ice.

What the hell did she want with ice anyway? Strange-strange girl.

"What can I do, mother? I can't force her to stay."

Marjorie stomped her foot. "You go with her, you idiot. Watch she doesn't wrap her legs around that damned demon!"

Abigail ran her fingers through her sopping hair. "Great. How am I supposed to keep her from doing that?"

Her mother turned her around and shoved her in the direction of the bathroom. "Find a way. Seduce him yourself. Just keep Mikayla from bedding that devil."

Abigail stared at her mother in horror. She couldn't believe her mother wanted her to...no. It was too horrendous to even contemplate.

"Mother, I've never been with a man. Wouldn't even know the first thing on seducing one." Abigail felt hurt her mother thought so little of her to throw away her virginity just so that Mikayla could keep Daniel.

Her mother lifted her head and stared down her nose at her. "No wonder Daniel dumped you. Abigail, don't look at me like that! Your ideals and morals are more archaic than your grandmother's. Stop being such a selfish prude and save me from becoming destitute." Her mother's last words were uttered tearfully before she spun on her heel and fled the bathroom.

Fingers cold and trembling, Abigail turned on the faucets in Mikayla's bathroom and showered quickly, washing her hair in the process.

In less than ten minutes, she was done and detangling her long hair. Walking out with a large white towel wrapped around her, she stopped in horrified terror when she realized they were no longer alone.

A tall, blond, muscular, pierced, and tattooed man was lounging comfortably on her sister's bed.

He was twirling a pair of stick in his hands until he spotted her and dropped them wide-eyed.

"Ey, you didn't tell me you had a little snack for me, Mickey."

Mikayla was in the process of painting her heart-shaped lips red and looked at Abigail in the mirror.

Abigail had begun to step slowly back toward the bathroom, not liking the hungry way the man looked her up and down.

"Oh, that's just my big sister, Ang."

Angelo, the drummer she'd mentioned earlier, grinned, licking his lips. "Well, she doesn't look very big, but I'll bite."

Mikayla giggled spraying a cloud of perfume around herself. "Don't get any ideas. I'm tossing her to Ariel."

Angelo grimaced, looking at Mikayla as Abigail stumbled over the obstacle course in her sister's room, trying to reach the bathroom to lock her naked self inside.

"Ariel?" the man bellowed. "That ugly fuck? Why would you toss her to him when I'm so gorgeous? This is your sister for fucks sake. Unless you're saving me for yourself." He laughed, his voice deep and throaty. "Ah come-on, Micks. I'll do the both of ya! It'll be fun."

Abigail fell with a pathetic squeak on the chaise lounge just a few feet from the bathroom archway. How the heck did that get there? 

Grappling with the towel, she wondered how she would get up without flashing the man whose gaze was now riveted to her thighs.

"I'm done." Mikayla glanced at Abigail with cool aloofness. After rolling her eyes, she gestured to Angelo, "Let's go. She's a little shy. We'll wait for you downstairs, Abby, but if you take too long just get Edvard to take you. I'll leave him the address. Let's go, Ang."

"But I want to see what kind of kitty Abby has under there," he whined pressing his head to the mattress to get a glimpse of Abigail's girlie parts.

Abigail twisted her legs together with an indignant squeal.

Mikayla sneered and yanked him up by his belt buckle. "Let's go, Romeo."

The man's hair came to just past his shoulders, curling in cherubic ringlets. The look he gave her over his shoulder was anything but angelic though.

"Oh-god! What have I gotten myself into?" she whispered still clutching her towel.

"Hurry," her mother said rushing in.

Abigail stared at her, mouth open. "You don't expect me to go naked!"

Her mother grabbed some glittery black material and pushed it into her hands. Abigail dropped her towel and her mother rushed about collecting things.

"W-what are you doing?" Abigail demanded standing frozen.

"Helping you dress. If you don't hurry she'll leave and you'll never find her once she disappears from your sight."

She tossed a tiny scrap of material toward Abigail. "Here. Those still have the tags on them."

Abigail unfolded the tiny black lace thong with a little tag that said $7,500. Her eyes bulged. "This is obscene!"

Her mother yanked the dress from her hands and started to pull it over her head.

"Obscene would be walking out of here without them."

The black sparkly dress barely covered Abigail's ass. Maybe it was a blouse. She just needed some leggings to go with it and some pretty flats.

She hopped around on one foot as she pulled on the thong. It was nothing but a tiny triangle held together by three rhinestone studded strings. "This doesn't cover anything!" Abigail protested.

"It's more for show, Abby. Here, put these shoes on. Hurry please. I think I just heard that wicked disgusting man revv up his Ferrari."

Abigail stared in horror at the red, four-inch stilettos. She'd surely break her neck if she attempted to walk with those.

No matter, her mother was already shoving her out the door.

"You can put them on in the car. Let's go, sweetie. You're such a dear, taking care of your baby sister this way. I always knew I could count on you."

"Mom, I'm not wearing a bra!"

"Oh, honey, you really don't need one. The girls here on the west coast are no smaller than a D cup and you're—what? A B cup?" Her mother had the audacity to tisk behind her back as she practically shoved Abigail down the stairs.

Abigail was a C cup, but that was beside the point. She was being dressed like a tramp and forced to seduce a man her mother repeatedly referred to as devil's spawn and demon; all this to cover the reputation of her sister who really was a tramp.

Marjorie practically shoved Abigail out the front doors.

Barefoot, still clutching the red pumps over her breasts in mortification, she gaped at the red Ferrari sitting in front of the steps leading to the main entry. It purred like a beast waiting to devour her.

Slowly, the top of the car folded down.

Mikayla hung out over the door laughing as Angelo blew out a long puff of smoke from his pouty lips.

"Come-on already. We were going to leave without you." Mikayla opened the door. "Hop in the back. Your hair should dry before we get there with the breeze."

Abigail spotted Angelo trying to look up her dress through the rear-view mirror.

She felt completely naked and out of her element. Lord help her. Even when she used the pool, she was more covered than this!

"You look hot! Ariel's gonna love you!" Mikayla chirped as the car wound its way around the circular driveway.

Angelo balked in the front seat pulling onto the long oak-lined drive that would lead them to the front gates. "Ariel! Why Ariel? I'm available! Don't be mean, Mickey!" Looking at Abigail through the rearview mirror, he added, "listen up, Abs. Don't listen to your sister. She's aiming to set you up with our bass player. He's a miserable fuck. You don't want him. We don't call him Eeyore for nothing. You want me. I'm the sexiest one in the band and the funnest. With me you'll have fun. I'm a fun guy!"

"Oh, put a sock in it. You sound pathetic and desperate," Mikayla snapped impatiently.

"I can't help myself. She's cute. I want her before the others try for her. Once the others get their hands on her she's spoiled goods."

Mikayla punched him in the arm.

"Ow! It's the truth. Every female those idiots fuck turn into psychos. Especially the ones Gabe bangs. Ooowww! Easy on the arms! I'm a delicate musician. These hands here are worth millions."

Abigail and Mikayla screamed when the car coasted toward the edge of the cliff they were already speeding perilously close to, because Angelo lifted his precious hands to admire them.

"Watch where you're going, you idiot!" Mikayla shouted. "I'm too young and beautiful to die yet."

He snorted and gripped the wheel again. "I know what I'm doing. I don't need no backseat drivers. This car is special. It's like Kitt from Knight Rider."

"Crap, Ang," Mikayla scolded him. "How many times do I have to tell you those shows are way before my time. I have no fucking idea what the hell you're talking about."

"Well, that's why your generation is so lost. You grew up with crap. You can't appreciate the good stuff."

"Oh be quiet, moron."

Angelo snorted in disgust. "Mad cow—OW! Stop beating on me!"

"Well then shut-up and just drive!"

When Mikayla turned her head to look to the side, Angelo stuck his tongue out at her behind her back.

They drove for about twenty minutes before turning onto a long winding road up a mountain.

By the time they pulled up to a gothic looking castle, fit for Dracula, Abigail was shiver from the cold. Her hair had dried but she had so little clothing covering her, she just wasn't used to it. Her teeth chattered as she slipped on the red pumps with numb fingers.

Mikayla was out of the Ferrari and bouncing excitedly on the cobble-stoned walkway.

The area was filled with people milling about, mostly dressed in black, leather, and chains. There was lots of leather and chains. For a moment Abigail feared they'd taken her to a BDSM club. She might be innocent about many things, but she wasn't completely ignorant.

All around the monstrous mansion blared loud music. Nothing she was familiar with since she only listened to some jazz and classical.

"Wait," Mikayla blurted. She ran her fingertip over her red mouth and then dotted Abigail's lips. "There so you don't look so washed out." 

Abigail was just about to wipe the sticky stuff off her lips until she looked around. All the females were sizing her up. Some just stared at her wide-eyed. Others whispered behind their hands giggling.

Abigail bit her lower lip and looked down, tugging at the hem of the dress that just about covered an inch off her ass. The thong she wore also barely held her feminine parts covered, but her entire backside was bare, with a flimsy elastic pulled taut between her cheeks. It was humiliating. Abigail had never felt so exposed.

Her loose hair fell in messy waves around her shoulders and arms. She pulled it forward to cover the fact she wore no bra and her nipples were about to poke right through the stretchy fabric of the dress.

"Come-on, Abs. Don't let these skanks intimidate you," Mikayla laughed pulling her forward.

To Abigail's chagrin, she stumbled and would have eaten the pavement had Angelo not slipped his muscular arm around her waist.

"Easy there, sweetness. We don't want you to get all banged up," he crooned near her ear. His hand settled low on her waist very close to her groin. He squeezed the slightly jutting presence of her hipbone. "Oh, yeah. You've got some sweet little curves, cutie."

"Stop pawing her, you brute. Hey, Ariel," Mikayla called out, waving enthusiastically to a very tall, skinny guy standing near the entrance to the mansion.

It was dark, but after a while, the lanky bass player straightened and approached them as they made their way closer.