Page 50 of The Photograph

Other Rainbow people with when I receive a text from Gabe.

Call me.

He’s back.I grin and dial his number.

“Matthews”

Warmth unfurls in my belly at the sound of his voice. “Gabe, hi, it’s Aelin.”

Silence for two beats. I press the phone harder to my ear. “Hello, Gabe, are you there?”

More static and bubbles of silence. “Yes. Can you meet me at the penthouse tonight?”

A delightful shiver runs down my back. “I would love to—what time do you want me there?”

Another pocket of dead air. “Gabe? What time?”

“The connection’s shit. I land around 6:30 PM. So come by 8:00 PM.”

“Okay. I miss—”

When the call is disconnected, I stroll back to the house while my body tingles all over at the promise of his kisses.

I have the whole day to get ready, so I go to my hairdresser, Damian, and make him happy when I tell him I’m ready for shorter layers. A massage, shower, and mani-pedi later, I pull out the Chanel dress Gabe gave me with the bangle and pair them with gold hoops and sky-high sandals.

Twirling in front of the stand-up mirror in my bedroom, my heart quickens.I’m ready for you, Gabe Matthews.

Every delicious inch of him. Several times.

When his driver rings the bell, I float to the door I open with a grin. My new haircut has hair falling around my face in sensual waves as the shorter length at the front emphasizes my eyes and the dress fits perfectly since I’ve gained a few pounds. Jason gives me a quick once-over before he clears his throat and takes the large plastic bag from my hand to place it carefully in the trunk of the car before I slip on the back seat.

At the penthouse, my heart flutters as I hide my gifts for him in the coat closet in the hallway of the office side and cross over. I’ll give them to him after midnight when we’re hopefully both naked. Shivering at the thought of Gabe’s mouth and hands on me, I touch the base of my throat then ease my head through the doorjamb of his apartment.

“Hello?”

I step further into the living room and volte-face.He’s here.

In his blue faded jeans and light brown sweater, he’s gorgeous.

My heart bursting, I leap into his arms and throw my arms around his neck. “I’ve missed you.”

When I reach up for his lips, he slants his head back while his body hardens. He’s not holding me.

A cold shudder courses through meandI touch his chin. “Wh-what’s wrong?”

His jaw is clenched tight, and his eyes are … glacial. Dread sends my heartbeats hurtling against my ribs while my hand falls by my side. “Ga—?”

Already pivoting away, he snaps. “Come. We need to talk.”

I exhale before I follow him out to his office where Smithson stands in a corner behind the desk with his head bent down.Is this about Holloway?

Edging closer, I clear my throat and force a smile. “Good evening, Tim.”

The little man mumbles his reply while Gabe strides next to him behind his desk. “Step outside, Smithson.”

Tim nearly runs out of the door, and I raise my gaze to Gabe who looks at me with so much icy rage, a chill seizes my spine.

He flicks his fingers toward the chair across his desk. “Sit down, Aelin.”

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