Chapter Four

Seraphina

 

“Leaving so soon?” Gabriel called out from behind.

Seraphina slowed her steps until he caught up to her. She purposely didn’t turn around, lest the blush creeping into her cheeks gave her away. Back in the room, she’d gotten a closer look at him. The sight of his broad shoulders and the pectoral muscles peeking out from his unbuttoned shirt had just about done her in. She’d had to work hard to not gawk at him like some lovesick teenager. And just when she thought she’d made a quick exit, here he was following her.

Gabriel edged his way beside her in the hall. He pinned his gaze on her and smirked. “Thought you could get away with the last word, did you?”

“Is that what this is about?” She rolled her eyes. He might look like a handsome hunk of a man, but he was still a kid at heart. “I thought you couldn’t wait for me to vacate the premises. I was doing you a favor by leaving.”

“Always doing things for the benefit of others, aren’t you?” He scoffed as he leaned in. “Don’t forget, I know your MO. You’ll do anything to get ahead of the game. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you made it to CEO already. But for the record, I got there before you.”

She inhaled sharply, put off by the edge in his tone. Her head spun as she got a whiff of his musky, masculine scent. All the worries that had been weighing her down suddenly vanished. His dark brown eyes were so intense, she felt herself melting under his gaze. Or maybe that was just her body’s reaction to his closeness—because he was close. Almost close enough to kiss if she tipped her head up just so …

He suddenly stepped back and cleared his throat. She was pretty sure he’d felt the fire between them too, judging by the chagrin on his face. It was definitely time to head out now before she did anything she’d regret. “Look, I’m not here to compete with you, Gabe. There are more important things in life than being on top. If you haven’t learned that by now, God help you…” Her voice trailed off as she shot him a look of pity.

“Don’t go turning the tables on me. I know what you’re doing, trying to make me feel like you’re better than me.”

“What? That’s not what I meant. I was merely saying that if climbing the ladder is all you’re interested in, you’ve got a sad life ahead of you.”

He balked. “You sure have some gall. Are you telling me you don’t care about becoming CEO?”

She crossed her arms, her posture stiffening. “No, I don’t.”

“I don’t buy that.”

Seraphina bristled. He sure was doing his all to push her buttons. She was pretty sure her next comment would get him off her back. “I don’t care about being CEO. Not when it means my father isn’t able to continue in that role because he’s dying.” She immediately regretted divulging such personal information to him. No one outside of their family was supposed to know the real reason for her sudden promotion.

“What? What do you mean he’s dying?”

Seraphina dropped her gaze. Hot tears gathered in her eyes, threatening to spill out. “He just found out he has cancer. A form of leukemia. There’s not much the doctors can do.”

“I-I’m sorry.” Gabriel placed a hand on her arm. “I had no idea. Are you sure you’ve exhausted all your options?”

She nodded as she met his eyes, surprised to see compassion there. “We’ve looked into everything. I’ve pretty much accepted that there are some things in life that money can’t buy. So much for being rich, huh?” She laughed bitterly. “So, no, I don’t want to take over the family business. I’d gladly give up my position as CEO to have my father’s health back. I’d even give up all the money in my trust fund and all my properties and investments for more time with him.”

Silence ensued before the corners of Gabriel’s mouth twitched. He dropped his hand to his side and remarked, “Sure, you would.”

A flash of anger hit her to hear the sarcasm in his voice. How dare he?! He had some nerve to imply she was lying. This was her father they were talking about. She took a step forward and jabbed a finger into his firm chest. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.”

“Spit it out.”

He flashed her a look of indifference. “It’s just that some things are easier said than done. You grew up with a silver spoon in that pretty mouth of yours. I doubt if you could give up your wealth so easily. Besides, if you truly wanted to spend time with your father, what are you doing here in Hawaii by yourself?”

Seraphina clenched her jaw so tightly, it was a wonder her teeth didn’t crack. “You’re some piece of work, Gabriel Brooks. You have no right to judge me or my intentions. And I don’t need to prove myself to you. We’re done here. I’m not wasting another one of my precious breaths on you.” She raised her chin in defiance. “You can go on with the rest of your meaningless life for all I care! You arrogant, selfish, conceited—”

He took her finger with his large palm and held it tight. His eyes darkened as they zeroed in on her mouth. “Yes?”

She swallowed hard as she racked her brain for the right words. Her heart raced in her chest as she spat out, “You know what you are.” Good grief! She almost rolled her eyes. What was it about this man that made her reason like a five-year-old?

Gabriel chuckled. “I know you’re at a loss for words around me.” He puffed his chest out with pride. If he were a tropical bird, he would’ve fluffed up his feathers in a mating dance by now. “You still have a thing for me, don’t you?”

Her jaw dropped. How in the world did he know? “A thing for you? The only thing I have for you is disgust! You’re more cocky than any man I’ve ever met! Is this what money’s done to you? I liked the old Gabriel a whole lot better. At least the one I grew up with had a heart.” She tried pulling her finger out of his hold, only to have him grip it tighter. “May I?”

He furrowed his brows and immediately released her finger. His expression grew pensive, almost remorseful, as he stepped away. “I need to go. I’ll see you around, Sera.”

She watched in confusion as he edged past her and walked away. Obviously, something she’d said had touched a nerve. Gone was the boy who used to love teasing her. In his place was a brooding man she didn’t understand. Perhaps it was better this way. As it were, she was having a hard enough time not falling for him all over again. She released a heavy sigh and continued out the door and out of Gabriel Brooks’s life.