Page 41 of One Night with Cinderella

“If you cut me off, then I’ll do the same,” he said, palming her intimately as he bit his bottom lip.

“Touché,” she said playfully, enjoying their banter.

Gabe held her body and rolled them together until she was under him. “A quick shower and we both could be happy...and at the same time,” he said with twinkling eyes before dipping his head to nuzzle her neck.

Her fingers gripped his shoulders. “Shower together, okay,” she said. “I still have to get an outfit for your parents’ cocktail party tonight.”

“Don’t stress it. You’re always gorgeous,” he said, sliding one hand beneath her to cup one soft and fleshy buttock.

Monica gave him an indulgent smile as she stroked his jawline with her thumb. “How about we discuss how bad of an idea me attending this party is?” she said sweetly.

Gabe released a low grunt and shook his head. “I thought we debated this enough last night,” he said, releasing her to sit on the bed.

She rose and retrieved her robe from the chair where he’d knelt before her and spread her knees wide to feast. They’d enjoyed dinner at CRESS X and then she’d served up dessert.

“New day. New debate,” she said as she tied the robe and turned to face him as she pulled her hair up into a messy topknot.

Gabe shifted to sit back against the headboard with his legs outstretched and crossed at the ankle. He splayed his hands and dipped his head a little as if to say “bring it.”

Monica crossed her arms over her chest and bit back a smile. “Why do you want this?” she asked.

“Because I want you in my life, and there is no need to keep it from my family,” he said.

“Anymore,” she added.

“Anymore,” he agreed.

She fell silent as she crossed the floor to stand before the windows. Monica had been witness to the Cress soirees for their family and wealthy friends. And never had she yearned to attend as a guest. Pretending she belonged.

The pretense. The facade.

The bull—

“What else, Monica?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“What exactly did you tell your parents?” she asked.

“They know I am bringing a guest,” he replied.

She glanced back over her shoulder. “Me?”

“No,” he admitted.

“This will not end well, Gabe,” she advised, shifting her gaze back out the window.

She was not surprised when he walked up behind her to wrap his arms securely around her. She leaned back against his strength.

“What’s the worst that could happen?” he asked as he lightly settled his chin atop her head.

“One of them tries to kill me,” she said.

“Realistically,” he asserted.

She locked her eyes on his reflection in the glass. “They throw me out,” she said.

“My mother? Ms. Decorum?” he mused with the hint of laughter.

“Okay...she’ll politely escort me to the front door and then wish me a good evening before softly closing the door in my face with a smile,” she said.

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