| The Hitman By Ladybug |
| Chapter 8 The next morning Rachel woke to find Gabriel gone from the bed. She stretched lazily and winced at the slight soreness in her muscles and between her legs. However, the smile that she wore was one of immense satisfaction as she remembered the night before. Gabriel had been so gentle and sweet, making love to her several times throughout the night. The last time, however, had been different – much different. He’d woken her from a sound sleep and she’d barely registered a coherent thought, when he was settling between her legs and surging into her. That time he’d seemed desperate as he pounded into her – she could only cling to him. He’d been almost too rough, henceforth the soreness, but she didn’t mind. It was a delicious soreness – a soreness that told her that last night had not been a dream and that she was really here with Gabriel now. Nevertheless, it also reminded her that what had happened with Martin was also very real and her smile faded slowly as she threw the covers back and got up. Grabbing Gabriel’s discarded shirt from the floor, she slipped it on and headed into the bathroom. She emerged several minutes later having given up on trying to tame her mass of wild looking hair – she may scare him to death, but at least she wouldn’t kill him with morning breath. She found him sitting at the kitchen table cleaning his gun. The pieces were neatly spread out before him and he had a cleaning kit that contained a small bottle of gun oil and some rags – several of them shredded into tiny pieces. Slowly, but carefully, he picked up each piece and rubbed it down good with a bit of the oil-stained rag. Occasionally he would pick up a small tool that looked like a long bit of piping that had a small piece of the rag hooked to one end of it and stuck it down a hole of a particular piece to clean inside it. She silently watched him, almost morbidly fascinated by the almost sensual dexterity he had as he handled the gun. Considering both Gabriel’s methodical side and his incredibly passionate side, it seemed strangely fitting to see him and his gun – an extension of himself. His attentive gun-cleaning brought to mind his making love of Rachel. How could a person have both? Incredible precision and emotion co-existing within them? Rachel thought of the different sides that Martin had recently unveiled to her and it shook her out of her thoughts. Not knowing much about guns other than the fact that they were used to kill people, it finally struck her that she couldn’t imagine why he would have a weapon out unless he was intending to use it. “Good morning,” she greeted cautiously as she finally moved forward and approached the table. “What are you doing?” Gabriel glanced up to find her frowning down at him and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. She looked beautiful first thing in the morning with her hair all in disarray. He also liked seeing her wearing his shirt – the way it fell down just below her knees and how the cuffs hung past her hands, forcing her to roll them up. He couldn’t help but blink in surprise when he felt the stirring in his groin at the sight of her. Not that the sight of her couldn’t turn him on, but the mere fact that after last night, he didn’t think he could – at least not for a while. Ignoring her question for the time being because he knew how she’d react, he put the piece he’d been cleaning down and pushed his chair back away from the table. Leaning forward, he snagged the front of the shirt that she was wearing and pulled her towards him until she had no choice but to straddle his legs. Rachel gasped in a combination of shock at the feel of his growing erection against her femininity and the soreness that ached between her legs. “Good morning back,” he answered as he sought her lips for a kiss, however at the sound of her sharp gasp, he pulled his head back and looked at her in concern. “Are you all right, cara mia?” Rachel nodded and pressed her lips to his. “Just a wee bit sore after that last wake-up call, is all.” Gabriel thought back to that last time they’d made love. He’d been dreaming that Stone had kidnapped Rachel and had brutally tortured her before finally killing her. He’d woken up in a cold sweat, his heart pounding. He’d reached for her in near desperation – needing to touch her – needing to be inside her. He’d taken her before she’d even come fully awake and he hadn’t been gentle. With a low moan that seemed to be ripped from deep within him, he buried his face between her breasts. “Forgive me, bella,” he whispered softly. “I never meant to be so rough.” Rachel laughed softly and kissed the top of his head. “Don’t be silly, Gabriel. You weren’t too rough.” He raised his head and gave her a doubtful look. Framing his face with her hands, she kissed the end of his nose. “Believe me, honey – if you’d been too rough, I’d have let you know.” He continued to stare at her as if searching for the truth in her eyes and finally nodded. “Okay.” His arms tightened around her as he kissed her again. It was a gentle kiss, slow and intoxicating. He took his time tasting her – searching out all the hidden recesses of her mouth – swirling playfully around her tongue, teasing before bringing it to a breathless end. Her small hands framed his face as her forehead rested against his – her eyes closed trying to recapture her sanity along with a normal breathing pattern. When she opened her eyes it was to find him smiling at her. “You are a rogue!” her tone was accusing, but the twinkle in her eyes gave away her teasing. She pushed away from him and stood as he chuckled softly. “I hope you have coffee made because if you don’t, you will certainly wish you had killed me.” Gabriel laughed as he started the process of putting his gun back together. “Si, amore. There is a fresh pot made – even I know better than to tangle with a woman before she’s had her morning cup.” Rachel grinned as she disappeared into the kitchen then reappeared moments later sipping on the steaming mug in her hand. “Did you want any?” she asked as she leaned against the doorframe that separated the kitchen from the dining area. She watched him expertly put his 9 millimeter back together and the intense look on his face made her shudder. “No, I’ve had plenty, thank you, bella,” he answered as he slapped the clip in and then chambered a round. The sound echoed in the quiet room making them both very aware of their situation. Gabriel raised his dark eyes to meet hers – neither one of them speaking for a moment. “What are you planning to do, Gabriel?” It was suddenly quite clear to her that he was up to something. That suspicion was confirmed when he dropped his eyes – a flash of guilt flickered across his features before his jaw suddenly tightened and his lips thinned out as he pressed them together in determination. “I need to tie up some loose ends, cara mia - nothing that you need concern yourself with,” his voice was tinged with anger as he stood. The movement drew her attention for a brief moment to his lean body. He was only wearing a pair of faded blue jeans. They hugged his hips and molded to his derrière like a second skin and she couldn’t help but be momentarily distracted. Taking a deep breath, she tore her eyes away from his ass only to collide with the hard muscled, dark olive complexion of his bare back. She knew his flesh intimately – knew the taste and texture of it and she nearly moaned at the thought. She knew she had it bad. It was so obvious that Gabriel was planning something, something that she didn’t approve of, that she would most certainly detest. And yet she couldn’t keep her eyes or mind off his body. With great effort, she forced her mind back on the issue at hand. “Do not treat me like I’m an idiot, Gabriel. You are planning on going after Martin, aren’t you?” He refused to turn and face her. He couldn’t bear to see the look of disgust in her eyes – to see her look at him in disgust. “I will do what I must to keep you and Abigail safe,” he answered, his voice devoid of all emotion. She came up beside him, setting her coffee cup on the table before her. Turning, she took his arm and forced him to turn and look at her. “You mustn’t do this, Gabriel. Please - I beg you – let the police handle Martin!” His dark eyes bore into hers – she could see a variety of emotion flittering through them as he pulled away from her. “You do not understand, Rachel. Even from jail, he could hurt you. It doesn’t matter if he goes to prison, he could still have you killed.” He took a deep breath and met her gaze once more. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you, bellezza, especially if I could have prevented it.” “You told me that you were quitting – that you were getting out. I thought that maybe there could be a chance for us, but if you kill Martin, Gabriel, then you are no better than he is and Abigail and I will have nothing to do with you.” They stared at each other in silence. Gabriel struggled with his instinct to protect her at all cost and with his desire to please her. “Prison will not stop him, bella,” he tried again, but his determination had wavered at the thought of a life with her and Abigail and the possibility of loosing that life if he continued on his current course of action. “And you will be there to protect me – protect both me and Abigail,” she countered him. “Will I be?” he asked, his resolve caving in. He was turning into a weak fool where she was concerned, making decisions that he knew would come back to haunt him. “Do you want to be?” she asked softly. “I want it more than my next breath!” Even as he said it, he knew the truth behind his words. He’d never wanted to be a part of a family as much as he wanted to be a part of Rachel’s. He had never in his life considered the possibility of being a father, but now the prospect of being Abigail’s daddy thrilled him beyond reason, not to mention what the thought of Rachel someday carrying his own child did to him. His arms circled around her as she stepped forward. She relished the warmth of his skin against her cheek as she rested her head against his bare chest. “We can work this out, Gabriel, but the killing has to stop.” She looked up into his face – meeting his dark gaze - to make sure he understood. “No more killing. Not for any reason other than self-defense, is that understood?” Gabriel sighed softly. Instinctively he knew he was making the wrong decision – not choosing Rachel and Abigail over his present career, but allowing Martin Stone to live. He would do it for her though, he would allow the police to do their job and then he would be ready to protect what belonged to him – even to the death. “All right, bella. I will do this your way. No more killing other than self-defense. Take your evidence to the police and let them do their job, but I tell you know, cara mia.” His finger slipped beneath her chin so that she met his gaze. “I protect what is mine and if Stone tries to harm you or Abigail in any way, either directly or indirectly, I will kill him and not think twice about it. Is that understood?” Rachel nodded. It was enough for now. She couldn’t expect him to change overnight, but it was enough that he’d agreed to let the police handle this. She couldn’t bear it if something happened to him – not now, not when there was hope for them. She slipped her arms up around his neck, her fingers tangling in his thick curls and pulled his head down for a kiss. The act of raising her arms up caused the shirt she was wearing to rise up and Gabriel groaned as his seeking hands met bare flesh when he moved them down her hips and around to the backs of her thighs. He slid them up underneath the shirt to cup her derrière and to lift her into his full arousal. Their tongues collided in a fury of parries and twirls. Rachel sucked her breath in sharply when her sore femininity rubbed against the rough denim of his jeans. As badly as she ached for him, she was just too sore to make love again. “I’m sorry, Gabriel. I just can’t, I’m just too sore.” “Shhh, bella, it’s all right. There are other ways to play.” He grinned mischievously at her. Rachel’s eyes widened as she caught his meaning and she pulled away from him, backing away. “Oh well, yeah, um,” her face flushed a deep red. “I, ah really need to take a shower now and um, you know, I really should make that report to the police and-” “We can play in the shower,” he teased her, enjoying her discomfort. The idea of taking a shower with her and tasting her from head to toe had him as hard as a rock and he began to stalk towards her. “Gabriel,” she breathed softly, unable to speak any louder. Her knees felt weak at the very thought of him doing what he was suggesting. Her hands trembled as she lifted them to press against his chest as he crowded closer towards her. "Presentare a me, il mia amore (Submit to me, my love)," he whispered, the feel of her small hands pressing against the hard muscles of his chest exciting him. "Posso soothe il vostro disagio e facilitarvi il dolore con appena il colpo della mia linguetta (I can soothe your soreness and ease the ache within you with just the stroke of my tongue)." Rachel had no idea what he’d just said, but by the tone of his voice and the dark, heated look in his eyes, she knew that it had to be something that would make her blush. At the moment though she couldn’t seem to get past the way his lips moved lightly over hers – the way they barely touched as he continued to speak softly to her in his native language. Her breathing was coming in short gasps now, her eyelids fluttered closed so that it was with completed shock that she opened them moments later to find herself standing in the bathroom. Gabriel had stepped away to turn the knobs for the shower and he flashed her a charming smile when he turned back to find her watching him. Good heavens, he is incredible, she thought silently to herself. Her body responded instantly to the erotic images that filled her head. Images of the things he had done to her last night, the things he’d caused her to feel. When the temperature was set to where he wanted it, Gabriel turned to find Rachel gazing intently at his body. The heated look of desire that shined brightly in her green eyes nearly drove him to his knees. “Venuto qui (come here),” he growled softly, holding his hand out to her. Rachel tried to swallow past the sudden lump of cotton that clogged her throat as she forced her feet forward. She stopped before him, their eyes locked in a heated battle of passion and possession. Without breaking eye contact, Gabriel reached out with both hands and began unbuttoning the shirt. Rachel felt as if she were drowning in the dark depths of his eyes. She couldn’t move. Slowly, Gabriel pushed the shirt from her shoulders and it dropped to the linoleum floor. She watched as his eyes darkened until they were nearly black - they devoured every inch of her – the sensation was so erotic, she felt her nipples harden even as she felt a gush of warmth between her legs. “Cosi bella (so beautiful),” he whispered as he lifted his hand up to brush his fingertips across the upper swell of her breast. Steam began to rise – created by the hot water running in the shower stall. His fingers drifted down to playfully circle around the outer line of her areola causing her nipples to tighten almost painfully. Rachel moaned, but it seemed to snap her out of her euphoria and she reached for the button-fly of his blue jeans. She heard him breathe in sharply as her fingers brushed against his warm skin. She felt the tickle of the crisp hairs that dropped down below his bellybutton and for a brief moment, she let herself enjoy the feel of that area of his body. She never understood why, but that area on a man – that space, just below the bellybutton where that line of crisp hairs disappeared beneath the waistband of their jeans – turned her on. And with Gabriel, it seemed to drive her wild. She pushed his jeans open, her hands sliding around his hips just underneath the waistband to push the denim material down. She giggled softly at the discovery that he wasn’t wearing any underwear – his sex, a contrast of soft hardness, sprang out and lightly thumped against her stomach. She giggled again and started to reach for it, but Gabriel shackled her wrists easily with his fingers. “Unh-uh. No playing with merchandise unless you intend to use it,” he teased playfully as he started walking backwards towards the shower stall. Tugging gently on her wrists, causing her to move forward – she followed him. “Well, now,” she giggled. “That is what got me into my current predicament in the first place.” His eyebrows shot up in curiosity. “Really? And what predicament would that be, cara mia?” His dark eyes twinkled at her as he stepped into the shower stall, the spray of hot water hitting his legs. She stopped short of stepping into the stall and grinned. “Soreness. You should put out a warning sign on that thing-” “You calling my guy ‘a thing’?” Gabriel pretended outrage. Rachel had to bite her lower lip to keep from laughing. “Why,” she continued, her voice shaking slightly with barely controlled laughter. “If I had of known-” Suddenly Gabriel yanked on her wrists and she practically flew into his arms. He held her trapped against his chest, his arms around her, his hands holding her wrists behind her back causing her breasts to press against the hardness of his chest. “If you had known what?” he growled softly, then playfully nipped at her bottom lip. His teeth sank into the soft flesh as he tugged on the fullness of her lower lip. Rachel moaned softly wanting to wrap her arms around him, but he still held her wrists hostage behind her back. He released her lower lip then soothed it with his tongue. Any further thoughts of playfulness were gone. Rachel could hardly think at all, much less breathe. Gabriel turned them then and she felt the hot spray of water hit her body as his mouth covered hers. She moaned as his tongue took possession of her mouth, his hands taking possession of her body. The feel of slick skin against slick skin was deliciously intoxicating, as she pressed closer to him. His mouth left hers to trail down her throat, his hands moved down her back - circled around her ribs – to cover her breasts. Her head fell back giving him easier access to the slender column of her throat, her breath coming in small gasps. His thumbs brushed back and forth over her nipples, his hands cradling the fullness of her breasts. The hot spray of water beat at her shoulders and her back. Rivulets of water ran down the front of her as Gabriel licked and nipped his way southward. Her fingers knotted in his thick curls at the first stroke of his tongue over a sensitized nipple. He lapped at it, teased it with his tongue until Rachel thought she would go mad. She arched her back - pressing her breast towards his mouth – telling him silently what she wanted, but still he teased and twirled and flicked his tongue over the hard peak. Finally, she felt his hand cup beneath the breast to lift it more fully to his mouth and he drew the entire areola into his mouth and sucked hard. Rachel cried out at the pleasure/pain, her knees nearly giving out as she sagged against him. Gabriel’s arm slipped around her waist and anchored her to him, supporting her weight as he devoured first one then the other breast. Gabriel slowly sank to his knees. He turned Rachel so that her back was blocking the majority of the hot water as his mouth and tongue continued to move over her wet skin. He nuzzled his nose to the underswell of her breasts, lightly scrapping his beard back and forth, his tongue flicking out to taste and tease. His hands held her hips firmly as his mouth made its way down across her ribs and her stomach. Rachel moaned as she watched him dip his tongue playfully into her bellybutton – and felt his hands sliding around over the soft mounds of her buttocks and squeezing gently while her hands clenched tight in his dark hair. He sank lower sitting back on his calves, his hands slid down to the backs of her thighs, his fingers curving inward to brush lightly against her femininity. Rachel hissed in a sharp breath and pushed up on her tiptoes at the light touch. His lips moved tantalizingly over her skin, his tongue flicking out to both savor and taunt her. Slowly he moved lower, the crisp curls of her pubic hair brushed against his beard, his lips and nose. He inhaled sharply, drawing in the aroma of her arousal as he gently nuzzled his face against her, causing her to groan as the ache within her built in intensity. His hands moved further in between her thighs and he gently pushed them apart, encouraging her to spread them further. Rachel shifted, her legs parting with little effort. “Gabriel,” she groaned as she felt the first stroke of his tongue on her inner thigh. Her legs trembled and threatened to give out with each loving caress. Gabriel shifted, forcing her to move until her back was pressing against the tile wall. He moved lower – wedging himself between her legs – his mouth now even with his ultimate goal. Rachel held her breath and waited - her body trembling with need and the anticipation of knowing what he was about to do was nearly enough to send her over the edge. She whimpered at the feel of his beard scraping against her inner thigh as his head moved towards her center. He flicked his tongue out and dragged it across the opening of her sex. The twin petals parted, allowing him entrance and the heady taste of her filled his tongue and his senses. He heard her whimper, then moan, as her body trembled above him. Again he flicked his tongue out, but this time he teased the little sensitive nub that hid there and heard her cry out as her body convulsed with the pleasure that rippled through her. He thrust his tongue deep into her moist chamber, the walls of her sex clinging possessively to his tongue as he plundered and conquered her body. Rachel was beyond all reason. Her mind filled with only the incredible pleasure that Gabriel was giving her. She felt numb, her breath coming in sharp gasps as the ache that was centered between her legs peaked. The tiny muscles within the walls of her slick chamber began to pulse with release and she cried out as her body clamped down around his tongue and she gave in to her climax. “Oh god,” she groaned when he didn’t let up. He continued to plunder her, thrusting, sucking, licking and drawing out her climax until she thought she would scream. Finally, Gabriel loosened his hold and with a gentle kiss to her inner thigh, he pulled back and looked up at her. Water sprayed his shoulder as he shifted his position and rose to his feet. Rachel’s legs trembled violently beneath her, and she willingly sagged against him when he drew her into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and held her until she was able to stand on her own. “Are you alright, cara mia?” he asked, his voice husky with unreleased passion. Rachel nodded and lifted her head to look up at him. “Yes, but I’m afraid you aren’t,” she teased as she felt the length of his erection pressing against her belly. He smiled as he bent his head and captured her lips with his. “I will be fine and I look forward to later when you can return the favor,” he whispered against her lips. “Mmmm,” Rachel smiled and returned his kiss, her arms slipping up around his neck. Gabriel lifted his head and kissed the tip of her nose. Releasing her, he stepped back. “We must get cleaned up, bella. We have much to do today.” Reality came crashing back down around her and Rachel sighed, nodding her head. They finished washing, each taking a turn to wash and rinse their hair. A bit later after they were dressed and Rachel was ready to leave to go make her report to the police, Gabriel stopped her. “I will not be able to go with you, bella. I cannot risk any suspicions being directed my way.” “I know,” Rachel answered sadly. “I will keep you out of it as much as possible.” Gabriel stopped before her and slipped his fingers under her chin and lifted until her gaze met his. “You tell them what you need to tell them, Rachel. Do not try and protect me. It will be best if you do not mention our involvement only because in doing so you will risk having charges being brought against you for aiding a wanted criminal.” She nodded her understanding. “I love you, Gabriel.” Gabriel felt his heart swell. “Ti amo, Rachel,” he returned and kissed her hard on the mouth. He gently put her away from him, his eyes dark with a mixture of love and desire. “Now go and please, bella, be careful and make sure no one follows you.” Rachel nodded, picking up her purse and her keys. She checked her purse to make certain the audiocassette was there and then headed for the door. “I’ll be back in a while.” Gabriel waited until the door shut behind her before he turned and picked up the phone. He would keep his word to Rachel and not hunt down Stone and kill him. But he would find out where Stone was and have a back-up plan in case the police failed to do their job. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The Hitman - Chapter 9 (coming soon) |