The next day, Alie and Gabriel returned to San Ravendale. The journey had been long and draining, and the mont Alie sank into the soft mattress, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Her hand instinctively rested on her stomach, gently caressing it with a serene smile forming on her face.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted the silence, prompting her to sit up quickly. The door creaked open, revealing a maid carrying a tray.
"Good afternoon, Madam," the maid greeted politely, setting the tray on the bedside table. "Here’s so freshly prepared lemonade. Please enjoy."
"Thank you," Alie replied warmly, watching as the maid gave a slight bow and exited the room.
She reached for the glass, realizing just how parched she was. The cool lemonade was a welco refreshnt, soothing her dry throat and washing away the lingering exhaustion. Once she finished, she placed the glass back on the tray and stood to take it downstairs.
As she descended the staircase, another maid spotted her and rushed forward.
"Madam, please allow ," she said, quickly taking the tray from Alie’s hands before disappearing toward the kitchen.
"They could just call by my na," Alie muttered under her breath, a small amused smile tugging at her lips.
Turning around, she spotted Karn coming down the stairs. She gave him a soft wave and a polite smile.
Karn returned the gesture with a warm grin. "What are you doing out of bed already? You should be resting," he said, concerned.
Alie’s expression sobered slightly. "How’s Gabriel?" she asked. "He barely spoke during the entire journey ho. And... his mother didn’t even co to see him off."
Karn’s smile faded slightly. "He’s fine. He probably has a lot on his mind."
He didn’t share the real reason behind Gabriel’s silence, choosing instead to keep it to himself.
"Hm," Alie murmured, sensing there was more he wasn’t saying.
"I’ll see you later," Karn said before turning and walking away, his figure soon disappearing down the corridor.
Alie climbed the stairs again, her steps quiet, almost hesitant. She paused outside Gabriel’s room, noticing the door was already ajar. She raised her hand to knock but decided to push it gently instead.
"Gabriel? It’s —Alie," she called softly, stepping inside.
Her eyes landed on him across the room. He was on a call, his posture rigid, voice low and intense. She instinctively took a step back to leave and give him privacy, but before she could retreat, the door slamd shut behind her.
She froze as she felt Gabriel’s presence directly behind her, his body pressing against her back.
"I wasn’t," Alie said softly, tilting her head slightly over her shoulder. "You were on a call. I didn’t want to interrupt."
She turned around to face him fully. "I’ll go back to my room then."
"This soon?" Gabriel asked, a teasing smirk forming on his lips. "I thought you ca to check on . Weren’t you worried? I didn’t say a word during the entire trip."
His fingers brushed gently against her cheek, the touch light but enough to make her pulse shift.
Alie t his eyes. "Were you upset because the Queen didn’t co to see you off?"
"No."
"Then why were you so quiet?"
Gabriel gave a small shrug. "I figured you needed rest. You kept yawning, so I thought I’d give you so peace."
Alie bit her bottom lip, unconvinced but choosing not to press further. "Oh... By the way, Katelyn said she’s planning to visit us."
"I’ll tell her not to co," Gabriel replied instantly.
"Why? Let her co. She just wants to visit her brother," Alie reasoned. "Besides, she’s beco a friend to . I told her I’d convince you."
"Then try your best," Gabriel replied without turning, walking further into the room. "Because I’m not letting her step foot in this mansion."
Alie frowned slightly. "How exactly should I convince you?"
Gabriel turned his head with a sly glint in his eyes. "Maybe... seduce ."
She blinked, surprised. "You think I can’t?"
He let out a quiet chuckle and sank onto the couch, leaning back lazily. "So far, you’ve been pretty hesitant around . I’m not sure you have it in you."
Alie folded her arms. "I won’t seduce you. You should let your sister visit. And—" she glanced at the clock "—she must be on her way here already."
Gabriel let out a short laugh, amused and slightly exasperated. He pressed his lips into a thin line, shaking his head. "Unbelievable..." Taking out his phone, he dialed a number.
"Who are you calling?" Alie asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
"My dear sister, your new best friend," Gabriel replied with a teasing smile, slowly lifting the phone to his ear.
"No!" Alie gasped and rushed to him, reaching out to snatch the phone. Gabriel leaned back slightly, effortlessly keeping it out of her reach.
"You can’t hurt your own sister," she argued, leaning closer in her attempt.
Gabriel raised a brow. "Says the one trying to tackle ."
Not willing to give up, Alie shifted and before thinking, plopped herself onto his lap. Her hand gripped his shoulder for balance while the other managed to catch his wrist. With a determined tug, she finally snatched the phone from his grasp.
"I got it," she whispered in triumph, her breath catching as she realized the position they were in. Her body pressed against his, their faces close, and his hot breath fanning her chin.
Gabriel’s smirk returned. "Well... this is an interesting tactic to seduce ."
Alie tried to move but his hand on her waist tightened, gluing her to his lap. His nose brushed her chin, causing her eyes to blink rapidly while her heart acted the sa way.
She felt his hand moving lower to her hip and the mont he gave it a gentle squeeze, Alie pressed her lips tightly when she felt his bulge hardening beneath her.
"Alie... I’m hard. What are you going to do about it?" Gabriel murmured against her throat.
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