GABRIEL That evening when we got home from school, I made my excuses and went to take care of my business. "Where're you going? Aren't you going to hang out with us?" Anna stepped in my way to block me. "You two have Tai Chi in half an hour; take Gianna to the training room with you." I didn't look at Gianna before heading for the stairs. She must think I'm a real asshole right about now since I haven't said two words to her since picking her up from her class and all the way on the ride home. I know the twins picked up on my cold indifference and overcompensated by talking even more than usual; that's why they're both giving me death glares now. Whatever! I don't see what the big deal is; it's not like she talks any damn way. I stomped into my room and slammed the door behind me, locking it to keep out unwanted guests—namely, two Italian spitfires who hate when shit isn't going their way. By the time I reached the walk-in closet, I realized I was pissed at her. The ang

GABRIEL I pulled into her driveway in less than half the time it should've taken and barely remembered to turn off the engine before jumping from the car. My heart was racing faster than it ever had before, and the few steps it took to get to her front door felt like an eternity. The door didn't give after the first two shoulder checks, so I used the strength of my thigh to break it down and head for the stairs. Once upstairs, I followed the sound of voices coming from down the hallway, and the words that reached me just before I made it to the doorway stopped my heart and made my knees weak. "I guess you won't be going to New York this weekend after all." That sounded like Victoria, but the truth is I couldn't seem to make sense of anything at the moment. Though I felt the icy cold calm I've experienced in the past when my emotions surpassed anger, it's never been this razor-sharp. It felt almost as if I had astral projected and my soul and body were separated. I'm cognizant o

GABRIEL I don't expect them to listen; more importantly, I don't want them to. I want them to fight me on this so I can destroy them at will and get this shit over and done. They can have no way of knowing that whether they listen or not this time, they're still going to pay for the tears she shed today and every tear she shed before we met on account of them. The best course of action was to give them over to my sisters for now, until my anger cools enough that I can think of something other than putting a bullet in each of them. I've had years to channel the anger against Ricci and tame it into some semblance of order. But her shit was just sprung on me out of nowhere, and there's no time to plan the way I'd like to. That doesn't mean that I'm going to let it end there, though. I'm just going to let the twins start shit off, give myself time to be rational again. Maybe they'll wish for death by the time I get through with them, who knows, but I know there's no way I'm letting t

GIANNA "Breathe, Gia, breathe; he's gone." The twins surrounded me as if they thought I really was going to pass out, which may not be far from the truth. I'm not sure what's making my heart race faster, the way he looked at me, or the way he looks in a tux. "Come, sit." My legs were still rubbery from that kiss on the forehead. I could still feel the light pressure of his lips against my skin. They led me to the bed, and I plopped down since my knees were barely holding me up at this point. They've been like that ever since I walked into my borrowed room to find the mountain of shopping bags waiting for me there. Since Gabriel was the only one to leave the house, there was little doubt that he was responsible, and the realization had filled me with a warmth so intense it took my breath away. I'd been both embarrassed and pleased that he'd done it, and when I finally opened the bags and saw what he'd bought, I could've cried. Beautiful dresses and skirts, blouses made of the fine

GABRIEL The ride home was a testament to my patience and the love I bear my family. As soon as everyone climbed into the limo, the twins went on some kind of campaign. "Ooh, Gia, you were a hit. The guys couldn't stop asking about you. I got you their num…bers. Give them to you later." Anna changed her tune after I gave her a death glare. Thank heavens the conversation changed to something less annoying, and I was able to keep my cool until we reached the mansion. "For heaven's sake, Gabe unhand the girl." Rosa tried to get in between us once inside, but I thwarted her. "I'll see you and your sister after I get Gianna settled." "Uh, okay." So damn obvious. Now I think it's those two who forgot that I taught them everything they know. I walked Gianna upstairs to the guestroom, and she was dragging. Not used to late nights, I guess. "You tired?" "No, I'm too excited to sleep. You?" "I'm fine. Why don't you get ready for bed? I'll stay until you fall asleep." Yeah, beca