His Marriage Trap

Chapter Four

When Gabby awoke she was pleased to realise that the bed was empty with only the slight indentation of the pillow and a faint scent to indicate that Nik had ever been there at all. With a blissful sigh of pure contentment she stretched and then froze as she caught sight of the bedside clock.

            “9?” she gasped in horror wondering how she could have slept in so late. She had set her phone to wake her at 7 as she had an important meeting about the future of several young people she had chosen to take under her wing. How could she have overslept? Why hadn’t her alarm gone off?

            A quick glance at her phone revealed that the alarm was definitely not set and a frown appeared as she tried to figure out what had happened for she definitely recalled setting it. Had in fact made a point of setting three just in case.

            Bolting from the bed she took the quickest shower in history and pulled on the first outfit that came to hand which happened to be a short loose fitting skirt and a plain vest top. After pulling on a pair of heeled boots she pulled her hair back and secured it before grabbing her bag and heading for the door. Taking the stairs at a run she approached the front door and was almost free and clear when the sound of a throat being cleared stopped her in her tracks. Slowly she turned and winced at the sight of Nik leaning against his office door watching her, like a lion stalking its prey.

            “Good morning,” he said calmly and she drew a steadying breath as uncertainty crept through her.

            “Morning,” she responded quietly wondering what exactly he wanted.

            “You seem to be in a hurry this morning,” he said quietly and Gabby wondered at the underlying steel that threaded its way through his words.

            “I have an appointment,” she said summoning a smile and hoping he didn’t push further. Her hopes were dashed a moment later.

            “What appointment?” he asked sounding like nothing more than a curious husband but Gabby had a feeling that he was up to something and she didn’t like it.

            “Oh, you know. Just a hair appointment and nails and collecting my dress,” she replied with a faint smile and Nik frowned.

            “Didn’t you get your hair done last week?” he asked and Gabby cursed inwardly at her his good memory.

            “Yes. But I fancy a change so I thought I’d see what they could do,” she said and a smile curved his handsome face. A cat ate the canary kind of smile that instantly had Gabby suspicious.

            “You know I think I’ll come with you,” he said and panic crossed Gabby’s face at the mere thought.

            “B...But you have work to do,” she reminded him and he shrugged as he straightened up and came towards her.

            “Nothing that can’t wait. I think it’s only fair that I spend some time with my wife. And I would prefer to see the new hairstyle before you get it,” he said making Gabby’s heart flutter wildly as she wondered how the hell she was going to get out of this.

            “You know now that I think about it getting a new style is ridiculous. Maybe I’ll just go get my dress instead,” she said hoping he would take the hint and go back to work. But no such luck.

            “Excellent idea. We could get you a few more things while we’re at it and maybe stop somewhere for lunch,” he suggested and Gabby knew her horror must be reflected all over her face.