Page 28 of A Mistake of Identity
“Shh, she can’t see into the bathroom from there,” Gabriel murmured, amusement clear in his voice. When Ellis tried to sink lower in the water anyway, face burning, Gabriel’s chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Besides, she’s already seen you naked. After Heart Court, remember?”
Ellis slid further down until the water reached his chin, his face flaming. “That’s different,” he muttered.
Gabriel’s laughter deepened as he rose from the tub in one fluid motion, water streaming down his body and onto the heated tile. He turned back to Ellis, catching his chin in a gentle grip. “No one else will ever see you naked again,” he promised, his voice dropping to that possessive tone that made Ellis shiver. “Your body is for my eyes only now. Understood?”
Ellis nodded, flushing deeper but feeling an unexpected warmth in his chest at the possessive declaration. “Yes,” he whispered.
Gabriel helped him from the tub, drying him thoroughly before leading him into the bedroom. Ellis was dressed in impossibly soft sweatpants and a shirt that felt like clouds against his skin.
“What did Annabelle want?” he asked belatedly, watching Gabriel pull on perfectly fitted jeans.
“Dinner’s ready downstairs,” Gabriel replied, sliding on a shirt that somehow looked casual and impeccable. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
Gabriel led him down from the second floor to the dining room on the first. Ellis paused in the ornate archway, taking in the unexpectedly intimate space. Where he’d expected something cold and formal, the room felt warm and welcoming. A dark wood table dominated the center, sized for just eight people, with three chairs running down each side and heads at either end. The honey-colored trim work softened the burgundy walls, while custom cushions on each chair displayed the Rohan family crest in burgundy, gold, and white.
Lucas sat with Jean beside him, helping themselves to a few rolls from a basket, while Alain watched from across the table with barely concealed exasperation. The moment Jean spotted Ellis, he launched himself from his chair.
“Mais là! The monster releases you.” Jean wrapped Ellis in a tight hug.
Gabriel rolled his eyes as he sat at the head of the table, gesturing for Ellis to sit at his left, next to Alain. Ellis sank into the chair, trying not to shiver as Gabriel’s hand immediately found his thigh, a warm, possessive weight.
“How generous of Rohan to let you leave his lair. Though we’re still stuck in this prison.” Jean said, dropping back into his chair at Gabriel’s right.
“Not a prison,” Lucas said, placing a buttered roll on Jean’s plate. Jean snapped it up, shoving the entire thing in his mouth. Lucas’ grin was wolfish as he watched Jean struggle to chew.
Ellis frowned, looking across at Jean. “I don’t feel like a prisoner. Gabriel’s helped us both—”
“Indeed, he has,” Lucas interrupted, reaching over to ruffle Jean’s hair with obvious delight at the man’s antics. “And you should be more grateful. After all, Gabriel spent quite a bit buying out both your contracts.”
Ellis froze. “My contract?” He turned to Gabriel. “You bought my contract?”
Before Gabriel could answer, the dining room doors burst open as Annabelle and two maids swept in, bearing steaming dishes.
The smell of lemon and pepper filled the air as Annabelle and her assistants set down plates of perfectly roasted chicken accompanied by caramelized Brussels sprouts and mushrooms. Two male servants followed with wine, filling crystal glasses with a rich burgundy liquid.
Ellis stared at his plate, relief flooding through him at the sight of a single set of silverware. The entire scene felt surreal, with the elegant plating, the coordinated service, and the casual way everyone else accepted it as normal. He took a tentativebite and couldn’t stop the groan of pleasure that escaped him. Gabriel’s eyebrow raised, and Ellis felt his face heat. The hand on his thigh disappeared as Gabriel ate, and Ellis was surprised by how much he missed its warmth.
After a few minutes of appreciative silence, broken only by the clink of cutlery, Ellis gathered his courage. “About my contract,” he started, watching Gabriel’s profile. “An individual can’t buy out a contract.”
Jean scoffed, opening his mouth to say something, but suddenly went rigid. His hand shot to his wineglass as Lucas’s arm disappeared beneath the table beside him. Jean gulped the wine loudly, eyes wide above the rim, as Lucas continued eating calmly with his free hand, though his wolfish grin had returned.
“Confluence Asset Management acquired it,” Gabriel said smoothly, sipping his wine. “It’s one of those rather dull investment firms that manage property portfolios, acquisitions, that sort of thing.” He waved his hand dismissively as if discussing something entirely mundane. “They handle various holdings that don’t quite fit under La Sauvegarde’s direct umbrella.”
“Like me,” Ellis mumbled, pushing his food around his plate.
“The contracts will expire naturally. Yours in two months, Jean’s in nine. Should the labor office inquire, everything is perfectly in order.” His thumb stroked slowly against Ellis’ leg. “I have no intention of selling either contract.”
“Then why—” Ellis stopped and swallowed. “Can I at least go outside?”
“You can go wherever you like, petit oiseau.” Gabriel’s voice was gentle. “Jean, however, must remain here.”
“What?” Jean’s fork clattered against his plate. “That’s not fair! You can’t just keep me locked up here like—”
“Like your father doesn’t know where you are?” Lucas cut in mildly, though his eyes were sharp. “Would you prefer we let him know?”
Jean went rigid, the color draining from his face. He stared down at his plate, jaw working. “No,” he said finally, voice small. “I wouldn’t.”
