Gabriel’s sister was no-nonsense and blunt, and while her personality type would normally have repelled Temperance, she couldn’t help but like her. Plus, she loved hearing about Ginny’s travel stories, whether it was hiking to Petra in Jordan or scuba diving in the Maldives. She also grilled Ginny about her favorite foods, and hearing her describe things like the sweet and savory knafeh from Turkey or sticky mango rice from Thailand were already getting her creative juices flowing with ideas for her next recipes.
When she was done for the day, Gabriel coaxed her into going back to his place, though she did make him drive her to the Full Moon Diner to get her car and go back to her place to get a change of clothes. They went back to his condo where Gabriel made them dinner again and then spent the rest of the night making love in his bed.
Temperance had never been the type to crave sex, but with Gabriel, it was like she couldn’t get enough. Plus, he was an amazing lover. Attentive, playful, and considerate, but also dominant in a way that made her want to submit to him. It was almost disappointing to have to leave again for work the next day, but they both had responsibilities.
“Did you get a chance to talk to Damon?” she asked as he walked her to the kitchen door at Rosie’s.
“Yeah, yesterday while you were working,” he said. “Don’t worry, he’s cool with me disappearing. He says he understands, plus, he was too busy with Anna Victoria anyway,” he added with a chuckle.
“Good.” She felt terrible that Gabriel had had to leave the party so abruptly. “I’ll see you after work?”
“Mm-hmm.” He pushed her up against the door. “I’ll miss you until then.” Before she could protest, he kissed her thoroughly, leaving her breathless. “I’ll see you later at the French place at six?”
She stared after him, waiting for him to drive off before she went inside. Time to get to work. As she prepped for her day, she wondered if she had ever been this happy before. Maybe, but she couldn’t remember. Or all those other times were eclipsed by what she was feeling right now.
By the time Rosie came in, she was humming to herself, thinking of tonight when she would see Gabriel again. Rosie flashed her a knowing smile but said nothing and mostly left her alone. Even though she was done at one o’clock, she stayed and worked on her new recipes for the rest of the afternoon, not really wanting to wait in her empty trailer until it was time to meet Gabriel. When she was finished at five, she said goodbye to Rosie and Bridgette and walked out to the parking lot feeling like she was floating on air as she made her way to her car.
“Well now, don’t you look so full of yourself?”
She froze midway as she was reaching for her car door. Slowly, she turned around.
Vicky Woolworth stood behind her; arms crossed over her ample chest displayed in a beautiful low-cut designer dress. However, her perfect outfit, hair, and makeup couldn’t hide the ugly sneer on her face.
“Can I help you?” Temperance asked in a calm voice.
“Sure, you can.” Vicky smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “By leaving me and Gabe alone.”
“Excuse me?” Her arms stiffened at her sides. God, she hated this woman for what she did to Gabriel.
“You poor, pathetic little human,” she cooed. “You really don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you? The Russel’s lineage has been untainted for generations, and they certainly won’t be allowing someone like you to muddy their bloodline. Not when they have prime Woolworth stock available.”
What was she talking about?
“Oh.” Vicky covered her mouth as she laughed. “I guess you really have no idea.”
“No idea about what?” God, she wished her voice didn’t tremble.
“What’s been in the works for a while now.” Her stiletto heels clicked on the asphalt as she took a step forward. “Gabriel and I are engaged to be married.”
Her blood froze in her veins, and her heart stopped for a second. “Engaged?”
“Yes,” Vicky said. “Sure, we broke up for a while, but it was only because we were both so young. I understand that he needed to get that energy out of his system—sow his wild oats and whatnot—but now it’s time, and our families have come to an agreement.” She bared her teeth, glossy red lips parting. “So, I suggest you get out of the way, or else.”
Temperance stared at the other woman, the seconds ticking by. Then that voice in her head came back.
Of course he’s engaged.
Vicky is who he deserves to be with. Perfect and beautiful.
Gabriel will never want you.
A pit began to form in her stomach. No! she screamed at her inner voice. You can’t control me anymore! Gabriel is my mate!
A lightness, a kind of clarity washed over her. Then, she began to chuckle. Soon it became a full, lengthy, cackling laugh that had her clutching her sides. “M-m-married?” She managed to choke out between giggles. “Oh my God, you’re so pathetic.”
“What—what are you doing? Are you making fun of me?” Vicky screeched, her eyes flashing. “No one makes fun of Vicky Woolworth! Stop it, stop it right now!” She emphasized her orders by stamping her feet.
“Oh God …” She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. “Listen, you delusional cow,” she began as she managed to get ahold of herself. “Gabriel hates you. You had your chance, but you blew it because you’re vain and insecure, wanting him to prove his love to you all the time. And now he’ll never want you again, and that’s all your fault.”
Vicky’s face turned an alarming shade of purple. “You bitch! You should have left and gone back to Chicago when you had the—”
“Vicky,” came a deadly voice from behind. “I suggest you choose your words carefully. Or not say anything at all.”
The lioness’s face crumpled, and
