Chapter 32: Visiting Macho
899words
I sat on my bed, leaning against the headboard, reading Jane Austen's novel, "Emma."
It wasn't my favorite, but I needed a distraction to clear my mind. Suddenly, Gabriel barged into my room, startling me.
"Shit!" I cursed. "Learn to knock, Gabriel. What the hell?" I grumbled.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he apologized, walking closer to the bed.
"You are late. Did something happen?" I asked, not bothering to look up.
"I had to finish the work you left at the office. You said you would handle it," he replied, sitting on the edge of the bed and removing his shoes.
"I didn't handle it. So what?" I retorted, still focused on the book.
"Why did you leave so early? That is not like you," he questioned.
"It's my company. Can't I leave whenever I want?" I snapped, growing irritated. I tossed the book to the floor, recalling Nathan's insults.
"You are upset. What happened?" he asked, his voice calm.
"That son of a bitch came to my office to insult me," I fumed.
"You know a lot of sons of bitches. Which one?"
"Who else but Nathan? He had the nerve to call me desperate. He said I was stuck with him!" I spat. Gabriel remained silent. "Oh, great. Silence is your answer now?" I lashed out, taking my anger out on him.
"No, no, that is not it. I was just thinking of what to say without making you angrier," he explained.
"And?"
"I'm sorry he said that to you."
"Why are you apologizing? He is the one who should be sorry, not you," I said, trying to calm myself. "I will show him what a desperate woman can really do," I muttered.
Gabriel moved closer, taking my hand. "It's okay, just relax. Even when you are angry, you are still beautiful."
"Don't flatter me."
"It's not flattery. It's the truth."
"Does that mean I should always be angry?" I teased, meeting his gaze.
"That is not what I meant," he replied, and I smiled. "There it is. Your smile could heal the world," he said.
"Stop with the sweet talk," I blushed.
"Finally, you are feeling better. By the way, I didn't see your stepmother or Kristine. Where are they?"
"Kristine is at the hospital," I replied.
"Hospital? Why? Is she in labor, or did you… do something?" he asked, eyeing me suspiciously.
I glared at him. "And this is why I hate talking to you. You always assume everything is my fault."
"Well, I know what you are capable of. Maybe you took your anger out on her," he said, still calm despite his accusatory tone.
"Of course, I did. I killed her and sent her to the mortuary," I snapped sarcastically.
Just then, my phone rang. It was Macho. "Is it done?" I asked after picking up.
"Of course. What do you think?" he replied.
"Thank you. I will send the money now."
"Not this time. This time, I want you," he declared.
I sighed, glancing at Gabriel, who was watching me closely. "Fine, Macho. Send me the address, and I will be there," I agreed.
"That is the best thing you have ever said to me. I will be waiting," he replied, hanging up.
"Are you going out? It's late. What does Macho want, anyway?" Gabriel asked.
"None of your damn business," I groaned. I grabbed a dress from the closet and headed to the bathroom to change. When I came back, Gabriel was still there. I applied a little makeup, picked up my purse, and started for the door.
Gabriel blocked my way. "I'm coming with you," he said.
"To do what?" I shot back.
"Why are you meeting Macho this late? It's past 9 PM."
"It's none of your business, Gabriel. Move," I ordered, but he didn't budge.
"You are not going unless I come with you," he insisted.
"Really? You really want to come?" I asked, a sinister smile creeping onto my face.
"Why not? Unless you have something to hide."
I leaned closer and whispered, "I'm going to fuck Macho tonight."
"What?" The shock on his face was priceless.
"Unless you want to watch us," I added, indifferent to his feelings. He stepped aside, and I left.
I met Macho at Heritage Hotel, room 307. He barely let me inside before he kissed me, his hands roaming over me like he owned my body.
"Hold on, Macho," I pulled away.
"What, cutie pie? I have waited my whole life for this," he said, kissing my neck and bare shoulders.
"Five hundred thousand dollars, Macho," I said. He paused, looking at me. "I will give you five hundred thousand dollars if we don't have sex tonight, or ever," I offered.
He swallowed, sizing me up. "Not worth what I'm seeing right now," he smirked, resuming his kisses.
"Fine, I will make it a million," I said, pulling away again. "That is the payoff for the sex I promised. From now on, I will pay you for everything else."
He bit his lip and backed off. "As you wish. Do I get it now?" He agreed.
I sent him the money, then went down to the reception to book a room. I couldn't go home. Gabriel had been calling non-stop like a jealous lover, and I wasn't in the mood to hear his thousand complaints tonight.
