After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 103

AUDREY

When I came down, Gabriel was lighting up lavender-scented candles on an amorous table set up with linen napkins and covers and flowers centerpiece at the dining. A piece of soft, beautiful music playing in the background.

"Very nice," I commented to make known of my presence. "And the song choice is beautiful. You and Me? I guess you listen to Mathew Barbers too."

"Angel." He flashed a radiant grin when he saw me. "Come here." He reached out a hand to me, so I paced towards him and entwined my hands with his, then he brought me to his side. He lowered his head on mine. "The song suits us, I think."

I placed my hand over his chest and sensed his warmth on my palms.

This was how it's supposed to feel, being treasured and appreciated. Despite the conversation earlier, Gabriel had never been anything but kind to me. I loved how gently his touch was and the untainted feeling he's giving me like nothing else matters but us. He trailed my spine with his hand and stopped at my lower back. 

"It's perfect." He brushed his lips on his hair. "How do you like this arrangement?" he asked, referring to the table. There were two plates of a mouth-watering dish. It looked like scallops he prepared himself.

"It looks beautiful, Gabriel. Everything is."

He grinned in satisfaction. "Come sit." He kissed my head again then he pulled a chair to sit on. I settled on the romantic table set up by Gabriel Stark himself. He always had something to surprise me. I felt spoiled.

"In the yacht, you suggested wine. What about scallops?"

"Let's see what you've got."

Scallops. I was right, after all, and what a choice! Scallops are often said to be an aphrodisiac. 

The look in his eyes continuously possessed me and attracted me. A gleam passed through his pupils. I tore my gaze away from his hypnotic eyes and straightened my shoulders.

"Okay, um, there's red brine here which is also a good accompaniment to this. You could be a chef, Mr. Stark, I give you that." I smiled at him. "Therefore…"

"What about a tannic wine?" he suggested, shrugging.

Okay. He's testing me. One can play that game.

I smiled confidently at him. "Nope, not that. It will ruin the flavor of scallops." I forced myself to relax my shoulders and straighten my chin. "I would rather pick Larrivet Haut-Brion. Do you have this? It is an intense and subtle wine with a hint of vanilla. It will blend perfectly with this delicacy."

Am I really chatting about wine and scallops with Gabriel Stark? 

A small smile appeared on his beautiful face. Damn. I couldn't seem to get enough of his young and dynamic features, a shadow of a beard on his jaw that made him much sexier and manly, and a fine haircut.

"And truffles. It would be just perfect."

I stared up at his face, and he observed me carefully. "But don't you think that a Chablis Premier Cru would be suitable?" he continued. "After all, honey and vanilla would also go perfectly with the sweetness of this delicacy that you mentioned."

I was finally back into reality with his usual charming smile. I laughed and made a pleasant tone with it. Gabriel leaned back on his chair and let out a half-smile. 

"But we'll go with your choice. Wait for me here," he announced.

He disappeared to the kitchen briefly, came back with a bottle of Larrviet Haut-Brion, and settled back to his seat.

 "You seemed to know a great deal about wines," I remarked.

He glanced up at me as he filled the two glasses. "I grew up in a vineyard like you, Audrey," he suddenly professed, which was another surprise for me.

I placed the linen napkin on my lap and then picked up the utensils. "You did? Did you perhaps grow up in Long Island? I heard about the winery in the area."

"No."

"Niagara?"

He shook his head, looking at me. "Nope."

"But didn't you grow up here in New York?" I blinked. "Does your family own a vineyard too?"

"Everything about me that you'll find online is only for public records. And no, my family was never in the wine business. I just know some stuff." He winked at me and smirked. 

I didn't exactly understand what he meant, though I couldn't get myself to ask for more. He was definitely a mystery. It was as if something was encouraging me to open up about myself. It was too early. I couldn't tell the future ahead of me if I let him in. 

However, I wouldn't be able to commit to anything more if I didn't try.

I watched Gabriel begin to eat, so I joined in. The scallops harmoniously danced in my mouth with the firm texture. They were buttery, sweet, and delicate. 

A hum escaped my lips, shutting my eyes. I savored the taste, then ran my tongue on my lips. Gabriel Stark can really cook!

Then, I picked up the glass of wine and relished the smell before taking a sip. I opened my eyes again and met Gabriel's eyes narrowing at me. 

"You didn't just eat that, did you?" A ghost smile appeared on his lips. 

"It's delicious! You're an even better cook than me," I said frankly. "You're oozing with talent, Mr. Stark. What else don't you have?" I teased.

"You. I still don't have you," he said as if it was so simple, then chewed a spoonful of his food.

I almost choked. "Aren't I here?"

"Somehow," I answered. "I'll just need to check on something, and I will call you back, okay?"

"Sure." He sighed. "Audrey, if there's any way that you are selling this house to someone else—"

"I'm not selling it, Charles. I won't, okay? You can relax." I glanced up at Gabriel again, whose expression turned furious while tapping his fingers on the table. 

"Fine. Fine. I believe you, of course." I heard his smile. "I'm going to fly to New York in two weeks. I hope to meet you there then and talk about your house."

"Of course. I'm just around. Um, Charles? I'm actually at dinner right now—" I abruptly paused as I watched Gabriel spring up and toss the napkin on the table. "Gabriel? Gabriel!" I called, but he ignored me and walked away.

"Gabriel? Are you with someone, Audrey?" Charles asked.

"Yes. I'm sorry, Charles, but I have to hang up."

"Oh, it's okay. I'm sorry I didn't know. I was just too excited to call you. Enjoy your dinner, Audrey."

"Thanks. Bye, Charles." I hung up, and soon the call dropped. I went to the living room to find Gabriel, and he was standing by the window, watching the night sky of Central Park.

"Why did you walk out on me? You're not done with dinner yet."

"You were occupied." He looked at me. "What is he calling you about?" he ignored my question, answering me with another one.

"Charles? It's about the house. Wait a minute. I should be the one demanding an answer right now."

His eyebrows knitted together. The tension between us was palpable. However, Gabriel seemed to have felt it, and he brought me to his arms and cupped my face between his palms. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have walked out on you, but this friend ruined my mood."

"We were just talking, not more than a minute, Gabriel," I pointed. 

"I know, angel. I'm sorry." He wrapped his arms around my body and kissed my shoulder. "But I want all your attention when you're with me."

"You have it all night."

He nodded. "Let's finish our dinner, or would you like something else while we talk? I know you have a lot to ask, and I'd be more willing to answer it if I can, but I expect the same thing from you."

I nodded. "I'm fine, maybe a dessert?"

"I'll rather have you for dessert," he whispered in my ear, and the sounds he made penetrated deep down my core. "Wait for me on the couch." Gabriel released me and strode back to the dining room. 

I opened my eyes and almost stumbled but leaned against the window for support. My legs turned to jelly.