Later the next day found Cassandra sitting in her car in front of Gabriel's mansion. She knew what needed to be done. She just didn't want to do it. Thinking of her father and how his life was on the line, she opened the door and got out of the car.
Cassandra made her way to the door on legs that shook. She would give anything to be somewhere else. Reaching the door, she wiped her sweaty palms on her slacks and rang the doorbell.
A few minutes later, the door opened. An elderly man in a butler's uniform smiled at her and said, "Hello."
Cassandra cleared her throat. "Hello. I'm here to see Gabriel."
"Come in, please." He opened the door wider. "My name is Harold. May I have yours."
"It's Cassandra," she said, crossing the threshold. "Cassandra Barnes."
Harold closed the door. "Mr. Dorsey's in his office. Let me show you the way."
Cassandra thanked him, following him across the giant entrance hall. She tried not to gawk at her surroundings, but feared she was failing miserably.
Harold led her up a small hallway, pausing at a door at the end of the hall. "Let me inform Mr. Dorsey that you're here." He knocked on the door and stepped into the room.
Cassandra heard him announce her name and then the deep rumble of Gabriel's voice responding. She took a deep breath to settle her nerves and schooled her features into a calm mask. It would be a cold day in hell before she let Gabriel see her unsettled.
Harold reappeared and ushered Cassandra into the office. "Will you require anything, sir?" he asked Gabriel.
"Cassandra, would you like something to drink?" Gabriel asked from behind his desk.
She turned to Harold. "I would enjoy a cup of Chamomile, if it's not too much trouble."
"Not at all," Harold said. "Do you take sugar or honey in your tea?"
"Sugar, thank you," Cassandra said.
"Nothing for me, Harold," Gabriel said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, sir." Harold left the office.
Gabriel pushed back his chair, getting to his feet. He moved around the desk. "Let's sit on the couch."
Cassandra walked over to the black leather couch and took a seat. Gabriel joined her, sitting beside her. She could feel his body heat. The urge to put distance between them was strong. She forced herself to stay where she was.
"How are you, Cassandra?" Gabriel asked quietly.
"I've been better," she answered.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Gabriel said. "I've been told I'm a good listener."
He was giving Cassandra the opening she needed. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before she started. "My mother died three years ago. It was liver cancer."
"I'm sorry," Gabriel uttered softly.
"She was my father's world," Cassandra continued. "After she died it was like he became lost. He's been wandering through life aimlessly ever since."
"It's understandable when you've lost the other half of your soul," Gabriel muttered.
"He's taken to being reckless with his life," Cassandra said. "First it was alcohol and then sleeping pills. I got him into rehab and cleaned up the messes he made while under the influence."
Harold entered the office, carrying a mug of tea. "Here you go, Miss Cassandra."
"Thank you." Giving the man a smile, she took the mug from him.
"Please let me know if you need anything else." Harold slipped out of the room, closing the door.
Cassandra took a sip of tea, aware of Gabriel watching her. She lowered the mug, wrapping her hands around it for warmth. "Where was I?"
"You were telling me about your father and the messes you had to clean up," Gabriel reminded her.
"Right." Cassandra stared into her mug and said, "He's turned to gambling. It's as bad as it can get. He owes money to a loan shark."
"That is bad," Gabriel muttered. "How much does he owe?"
Cassandra hesitated. Her nerves were getting to her again. Quickly, she rose from the couch and moved to distance herself from Gabriel. She placed the mug on the desk and then went to stand at the window.
Gabriel stood and slowly moved toward her. His heart ached for her. She was stuck in a difficult situation. He had the means to ease her burden. If only she would ask him for help.
He stepped up behind her and laid his hand on her shoulder. A tremor went through her, and he smiled. Her body was sensitive to his touch. He liked knowing she wasn't immune to him.
"How much, Cassandra?"
"$50,000," she croaked.
Gabriel squeezed her shoulder gently. "Get me the name and cell number of the loan shark."
Cassandra texted her father, who responded immediately with the information she asked for. She held the phone up so Gabriel could read the text. He retrieved his phone from the desk and dialed the number.
"Yeah?" a male voice answered, after the second ring.
"Vic Donovan?" Gabriel inquired.
"Who wants to know?"
"Gabriel Dorsey," he replied.
"Ah, I've heard of you," Vic said. "You don't seem like the type of man to need my services, Mr. Dorsey. What can I do for you?"
"I understand Frank Barnes owes you money," Gabriel said, glancing at Cassandra. She had turned her back to him once more.
"That's right," Vic responded. "$50,000. He's got until midnight tonight to pay me."
"Consider yourself paid," Gabriel told him. "When and where do you want to meet for me to pay you?"
Vic gave him the time and location. Gabriel agreed and ended the call.
Cassandra turned to face him. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she said, "What did that phone call cost me? What do you want?"
Gabriel tossed the phone on the desk. "Let me lay it out for you. I want you, not for a night or for the weekend." He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "I'm talking long term."
Cassandra swallowed hard.
"I want you living here with me," Gabriel said.
"I won't share a bed with you," Cassandra stated.
"Yes, you will," Gabriel insisted in a firm tone. "I've never forced myself on a woman and I have no plans to start now. Anything sexual you will be the one to initiate it."
"Don't hold your breath," Cassandra sneered.
Gabriel smirked. "We'll see. I want you moved in by next weekend."
"I have another six months left on my lease," Cassandra said. "I can't move out."
"I will take care of your lease," Gabriel said. "I will also hire movers to pack up your belongings and bring them here. You don't have to do a thing."
"Fine, but you should know I have a cat," Cassandra said.
"That's fine," Gabriel said. "I'm more of a dog person, but I don't mind cats. Anything else?"
"No," Cassandra sighed, giving in.
"Good." Gabriel laid a hand at the small of her back. "I'll walk you to your car."
"I can walk myself."
"I know, but as your boyfriend now it is one of my duties," Gabriel announced.
"You are not my boyfriend," Cassandra said coolly.
"Whatever you say, sweetheart."
Cassandra growled.
Gabriel grinned. She was going to be fun.
A/N: Sorry for the late update. I hope it was worth your wait. Thank you for your support. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. :)