Chapter 21

~ Danny ~

Six Years Earlier

 

 

Big T and I walked into the opulent theater, an old and famous landmark deep in the city, ignoring the curious glances tossed our way due to the stark differences in our cheap clothes to the suits and dresses of everyone else. The performance of The Nutcracker wasn’t the usual draw for the likes of us, but since my girl was the star of the show, there was no way I was going to miss it. Big T had begged to come along, wanting to support Gabrielle, and I was grateful for the silent backing.

We walked down the main aisle to our row, spotting Monica and Mrs. Wells already sitting in their seats. They stood when we came up to them.

“Hi, Danny.” Mrs. Wells gave me a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

I hesitated, uncomfortable with the display of affection, but made myself relax, thankful for the acceptance, even though I hadn’t realized I cared about receiving approval. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, Mrs. W. Hey,” I said to Monica as she waved. I gestured over my shoulder. “This is Big T. T, this is G’s mom and her sister, Monica.”

“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m sure Gabrielle is thrilled to have you here.” Her mom gave him a big smile as she shook the meaty hand he extended to her.

“I’m excited to see her do her thing.” Big T looked around, taking in the old theater still standing proud in the heart of the city amongst the empty shells of its neighbors. “This place is awesome.”

Gabrielle’s mom stared down at the small bouquet I held in my hand with an odd expression, and I felt foolish for the gesture. “I thought she might like them…” I scratched my head and shrugged.

Her eyes flew up to mine and she smiled, but it seemed forced. “She’ll love them. It’s sweet of you.”

As we took our seats, waiting for the house lights to fall announcing the start of the performance, Big T leaned over and whispered, “Your girl’s on the big stage before you, dawg.”

“She deserves it. I don’t…yet.”

“Do you guys know the story of The Nutcracker?” Mrs. Wells asked.

“Not really.”

“Gabrielle is the lead, Clara, so you’ll see her a lot through the show, but I think she’s danced almost every part.” She glanced back at Monica for confirmation. “She did an amazing job when she was the Sugar Plum Fairy, which was her best performance to date.”

A strange look passed between her and Monica, but I didn’t have a chance to ask about it when music swelled out of the orchestra pit and the lights dimmed, drawing my attention to the stage. The heavy velvet, dark burgundy curtains rose, revealing a party scene in a large mansion. People of all ages danced around a huge Christmas tree, and then Gabrielle stepped into view and my breath caught in my throat. She wore a simple white dress with matching tights and toe shoes. Her hair, pinned away from her face, was loose in back, curling in big waves down past her shoulders, and the light caught all the different shades of blonde.

Even from a distance, she was stunning, a beautiful vision glowing under the bright lights. She smiled and started her performance, and I lost my breath. She was a remarkable sight as she danced around the stage, in one fluid motion after the next, dictating the flow as if the music came from her movements.

I had no idea what the story was about, other than what her mother had relayed, but I didn’t care and I didn’t want the show to end, wanting to watch her forever. If anyone else was on stage, I didn’t see them, only having eyes for her, and my heart filled with pride when the performance ended and the audience gave her a standing ovation as she lowered into a graceful bow at center stage. I clapped along with them and smiled when her mom hugged me again, wiping away tears on her face.

When we emerged into the lobby, Mrs. Wells grabbed my hand and directed me to a hallway running the length of the auditorium toward the back. “Come with us. She’ll come out this way when she’s finished.”

I followed her around the corner and into the mix, where others were already waiting for the performers to exit. The door would open to a scattering of applause and the dancer would smile, and perhaps give a slight bow, before moving off toward their friends and family. I leaned against the wall and waited for what seemed like an eternity, when the door opened and she emerged.

The group erupted into loud claps at her appearance, and even from my distance, I caught her blush, but I stayed where I was, letting her soak in the attention. Gabrielle beamed and bowed her head, but kept walking toward us as the applause trailed in her wake. She hurried over and her mother pulled her into her arms.

“You were wonderful, honey. Absolutely beautiful.”

“Thanks, Mom!” She stepped back and hugged her sister before Big T. “Thanks for coming, Teddy. Did you like it?”

“I really did. You were amazing, girl!”

She turned to me, her eyes bright with excitement. I grinned as she walked into my embrace. “You were incredible,” I whispered in her ear.

She pressed a light kiss to the side of my neck. “I’m so glad you came.”

“Wouldn’t have missed it.” I pulled back and handed her the bouquet. “Here. These are for you.”

A shadow darkened her features before she pushed it aside. She shoved the mixed arrangement under her nose and made a production out of inhaling the sweet fragrance. “Thank you. They’re beautiful.”

I grabbed her hand, about to ask what was wrong, when her mother interrupted. “Well. Shall we go get a sundae?”

A weird, uncomfortable air settled over the three women, something unreadable passing between them, before Gabrielle took a shaky breath. “Okay.”

“It’s a tradition,” Mrs. Wells told me. “After every one of Gabby’s shows, we would get a sundae. She was so nervous to eat beforehand and always wanted ice cream afterward. I hope you two will join us.” She glanced between Big T and me.

“Uh,” I said, not wanting to intrude on their tradition, but when I caught Gabrielle’s eager expression, clearly hoping I would, I nodded. “Sure.”

Gabrielle tried to keep up a happy demeanor the whole time, but it fell short. After everyone finished their sundaes, she excused herself, retreating to the restroom at the restaurant, and my gaze followed her, narrowing in concern at her hunched shoulders and bowed head. I considered following, but when her mom sighed, I looked her way and she gave me a wistful smile.

“This is the first show she’s done without her father. This was his tradition; to take her to get ice cream afterward.” She nodded at the bouquet left on the table. “He was also the one who presented her with flowers. His little ballet princess, he always said to her.”

A lump grew in my throat and I sagged in my chair, feeling like a complete ass. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know…” I stammered.

“You couldn’t have.” She squeezed my hand. “You did good, Danny. She loved having you there and getting flowers from you. It’s just a little sad for her, that’s all.”

I appreciated what she said, but I still regretted the fucking stupid bouquet. “Maybe I should try to talk to her…”

She gave me a grateful smile and stood. “That’s a good idea. She’ll want to be alone with you.”

“Uh…” I glanced at Big T, but Gabrielle’s mom was already motioning for him to join her.

“Of course, I can take him home.” She put her arms around me. “Thank you, Danny. Thank you for being there for my baby.”

They left the restaurant, and Gabrielle emerged a few minutes later, stopping right next to the table. “Where did everyone go?”

I helped her into her jacket. “They left. I wanted to be alone with you.”

“Oh, okay. Where are we going?”

“I’ve got this.”

I drove to our park and, sticking to routine, we climbed into the backseat. Putting my arm around her, I pulled her close and she snuggled against my side, resting her head on my shoulder.

“You okay, baby?”

“Yeah. I’m just drained. Did you really like it?”

“Like it? Girl, I loved it. You were amazing. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you, so I have no idea if everybody else was crap or not.”

She chuckled. “They were all good.”

“Not as good as you.”

“You’re biased.”

“Damn right, I am.” I lifted her chin and seeing the glassy sheen of her eyes tore at my heart. “Come on, baby. Talk to me. Your mom told me about your dad.”

She took a shaky breath, struggling with the emotions churning within her, before her face crumpled and the tears spilled out. I said nothing, only pulling her tighter into my arms and holding her as she cried.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you with the flowers.”

Gabrielle shook her head and peered up at me through bleary eyes. “No, they were beautiful. I loved them. It was just sad, you know.”

I nodded as I wiped the dampness from her cheeks, but couldn’t stop my scowl, not liking the deep ache building in my chest from seeing and hearing her pain. I hadn’t believed I would ever care for anyone like this, but she dragged it out of me and made me feel things I never thought possible. I wanted to do anything I could to erase her hurt or, at the very least, take her distress on as my own burden, but I couldn’t. All I could do was be there, listen, and hold her.

“It isn’t fair,” she was saying. “Not having him here. Why did he have to kill himself? Why did he have to leave us?”

“I don’t know, baby.” I brushed her hair away from her face, wanting more than anything to have the answers she wanted and needed. “I wish I did.”

“I missed him being there. I miss him being here.”

Her head dropped as the sobs racked through her, and I gathered her onto my lap, rocking her until her tears slowed and her breathing calmed.

Leaning my head back, I peered down at her. “You better?”

Gabrielle smiled weakly and sniffled. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. Don’t ever be sorry, baby. But don’t hide it from me either. I’m here for you, Gabrielle.”

She touched her lips to mine. “I’m so lucky to have you.”

“Not as lucky as I am to have you.”

She smiled again, this time the brightness reaching her eyes, and the ache inside me eased. I hated to see her upset for whatever reason.

“I should get you home.”

“I don’t want to go.”

“Where do you want to go then?”

She caught her bottom lip in her teeth before twisting herself in my lap and wrapping her arms around my neck. “I want to go to your place.”

My hands gripped her hips and my dick took notice, even though I needed to back off, telling myself she was in no position to take such a big step after draining herself. “Oh, baby. Come on. Let’s not get into that now.”

“Fine, we’ll stay here. I don’t care,” she said, before she crushed her mouth down on mine.

 

~ Gabrielle ~

 

Edgy and impulsive, I needed to reaffirm I was alive. I needed heat and intensity, and Danny kept both locked within him. But I was determined to unleash everything tonight. I was desperate to feel how much he wanted me, how much he loved me.

Shoving his jacket down his shoulders, I caught him off guard and trapped his arms at his side. Something flashed in his expression, but he dampened it. My mouth found his again and my fingers scraped and twisted through his hair.

“Come on, Danny. Stop holding back.”

I worked the top button of his jeans as he struggled out of his jacket sleeves once he understood my intent. Before he could stop me, my fingers snaked in and took a hold of his firm length outside his boxers, and he hissed in a breath.

Hands free, he grabbed at mine, attempting to pry me away. “Slow down, baby. There’s no rush—” My mouth cut off his words.

When I tugged him down, pulling him on top of me in the backseat, he resisted, but I still got him over me, even though he locked his arms on either side of my head and kept himself upright. He closed his eyes with a sharp inhale before opening them again, the blue of them dark with desire. “You’ve got to stop, Gabrielle. You don’t know what you’re asking for.”

His slip on his tight control was right there, I could see it, almost within my reach, and I wasn’t going to give in. I gave him a sly smile, bold and brazen. “I know what I’m asking for and I want it.” I stroked him again.

It was as if his eyes went black. In one second, he went from restraint to blindness. I didn’t have time to question my decision before he was on me.

He was all over, suffocating and grabbing at everything, as his full weight pressed down on me. I smiled; this ravishment, this possession, this was what I needed, feeling more alive than I could remember.

His hands threaded into my hair to yank down, grazing his teeth against my exposed neck. He pulled hard, causing me to wince before jerking my mouth to his. He kissed me and kissed me, biting kisses before soothing with his tongue, until I was sure my lungs would burst. Arching my back, I rubbed against him to relieve the pressure building, but it wasn’t enough, and I wrapped one leg around his waist, pinning him closer. He rolled his hips, a glorious sensation building from the movement.

He moved down, pulling my jeans with him. Yanking off a shoe, he removed my jeans, one leg at a time, and leaned forward, placing a hot, open-mouthed kiss where my underwear covered me. I jerked upright, mortified to have him so close.

He clamped a hand on my shoulder and pushed me down. “Just relax. Jesus, you smell amazing. I can’t wait to taste you.”

“But—”

He shushed me and hooked his fingers into my panties, discarding them. I closed my eyes and swallowed, covering my face.

When his tongue made a swipe across me, I almost jumped off the bench. I fought against the urge to move away from his mouth, and told myself to enjoy it, but my mind was going a mile a minute, detailing all the things to be embarrassed about. He continued to make soft, unhurried passes, back and forth, and I relaxed, my brain slowing from its turmoil.

When he set focus to one spot and sucked gently before rolling his tongue, the pressure within me skyrocketed and I squirmed with a gasp, needing to move and needing his mouth to continue whatever it was doing. He remained where he was, continuing his concentration, and I broke, splintering into a thousand pieces as I cried out and gripped his hair, holding him in place while I writhed and ground against him.

Collapsing back down, my limbs were loose and languid, and a pleasant warmth filled me from head to toe. Danny rose over me, unbuttoning his jeans. He pulled them down, but when his eyes caught mine, he stopped, and his whole body stiffened.

“Fuck,” he muttered and shifted, sitting up. “What the fuck am I doing?”

He ran his fingers through his hair and let out a deep breath. Glancing over, he tugged at my clothes, a disheveled, tangled mess around me. “Put yourself back together.”

“Danny—”

“I’m serious, Gabrielle. Just don’t.” His tone left no room for argument.

I frowned and scooted up, trying to right myself, and kept my eyes on him as I buttoned my shirt and tugged my jeans and underwear back on, but he gazed out the side window, refusing eye contact with me.

I shuddered in a breath. “Please don’t ignore me. Please don’t be mad at me.”

He exhaled on a hiss as he shook his head. “I don’t fucking get it. Why do you keep pushing it?”

“Why don’t you want me? Why do you always push me away?”

His eyes widened in disbelief. “You think because I won’t have sex with you in the car that I don’t want you? I tell you all the time how much I love you and how I can’t live without you.”

I swallowed, and I dropped my voice to a whisper. “You won’t leave me if you sleep with me…”

His head whipped around. “What?”

“You won’t leave…”

Danny stared at me, his face full of shock before he turned toward me. “You think, if I don’t sleep with you, that I will leave you? Why the fuck would you think that?”

“I don’t know! I can’t bear the thought of losing you, so I want to do all I can to keep you happy.”

“Baby, it’s me holding off, not you.”

“I know, but I don’t understand why you would with other girls, and not me. Maybe there’s a reason you don’t want me—”

“Stop right there.” He grabbed my shoulders. “There is no other reason than the fact I love you more than anything, and I want it to be special for you. That’s it.”

“But it’s not happening. What are you waiting for?”

“This is the most bizarre fucking conversation I’ve ever had,” he muttered before looking back at me. “I have it all planned out, baby. Trust me, I do.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, I do. Girl, believe me I’m as eager for this as you are, but I want it to be dope, all right? You’re better than a quick fuck in a car. I keep telling you that.”

I launched myself and threw my arms around him. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s going to happen, believe me. I want to more than you can know.” He pulled back and grimaced when he noticed a red mark on my neck where he had nipped me too hard. “Christ, I hurt you.”

“It’s okay. I liked it… needed it…” My face warmed.

He frowned. “Needed it?”

“I needed to feel alive. I needed to feel what you feel for me.”

“Jesus, G. I could have hurt you.”

I pulled myself onto his lap. “You didn’t, though. You could never hurt me. I need all of you, Danny.”

He closed his eyes. “You don’t need the ugly.”

“Yes, I do.” I smiled and nudged him so his eyes would open. “I love all of you—the good and the ugly.”

“I don’t like being out of control around you, baby. It scares me. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You don’t scare me.”

“Yet.”

I shook him again. “Stop it. I’m telling you, Danny. Nothing you ever do or say will scare me. Nothing will make me not want to be with you. Ever.” I waited until his gaze caught mine again before lowering my mouth to kiss him. “You own my heart and my soul, Danny. My life is in your hands.”

“You can’t leave me,” he told me.

“You can’t leave me.”

“Never.”

“Never,” I agreed.