She gasps again, blushing, and I plant a light kiss on her cheek.
“It’s all set then,” Gabriel says with humor, his voice cutting the tension. He smiles broadly at Michelle, and it’s impossible for her not to smile back. “Why don’t you get settled in here and your butler will be up shortly to escort you to the dining room.”
“Oh but my bags are – ”
“Right here.” I gesture to her suitcase sitting on the luggage rack next to the closet. “If you want any help unpacking, or need assistance from one of the staff, your intercom is here.” I point to the device. “Anything at all, and they’ll be in here in less than a minute.”
“Like I said,” Michelle smiles shyly again, “a fairy tale.”
“That’s right, sweetheart,” I reply, gathering her into my arms for another kiss. “We want you to be comfortable and happy here. So unpack, and then downstairs for dinner.”
With that, Gabriel kisses her too, and then we leave so that Michelle has an opportunity to settle in. But we also want to take some time together to do our own processing because something about the beautiful girl is different. We’ve had plenty of women in the past, and even shared a few. But none of them ever made us feel anything, and yet Michelle’s already stirred up a pot of emotions.
We head downstairs, waiting to speak until we know we’re out of earshot. We head to the smoking room, ready to settle in with a scotch and to review the day. I dismiss my butler with a wave, and the door shuts, leaving Gabe and I in opulent luxury.
“Well,” I begin as I hand my brother his drink. “What do you think?”
“She’s lovely,” Gabriel growls. “She’s sweet, and she seems to be happy to be here, if a little thrown by the how of the situation.”
“I agree. I’m surprised about the whole virgin situation, to be frank.”
Gabriel nods thoughtfully.
“I didn’t even know they existed. She’s so beautiful, I’m still not sure I believe it.” He sips his drink, frowning in doubt.
I shake my head.
“No, I believe her because no one can fake that kind of innocence. You saw, right? Any mention of sex or any sensual compliment made her blush heavily.” I grin. “Besides, we’ll know soon enough.”
Gabriel studies his scotch before speaking, lost in thought.
“You don’t think Jensen harassed her, do you?” My brother’s usually carefree tone is quiet and low. It’s my turn to frown at the unseemly thought.
“No, at least not physically. But he’s scum, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he threatened her in some way to convince her to meet us.” I look at my brother, picking my next words carefully. “But even if he did, I want her to decide to stay of her volition. I want to convince her to stay, and not force her.”
Gabriel nods thoughtfully. “I agree. Plus, I want to spoil her rotten.” He laughs lightly. “I can’t get over how shocked she is by every little luxury. It’s like Christmas over and over again, and makes me want to keep her with us even more.”
Suddenly, there’s a slight knock on the study door.
“Come in,” I call out, knowing it’s Michelle.
She opens the door to the study, her whole figure looking a little more refreshed. Michelle has let down her lavish, deep brown hair from its ponytail, letting the tresses spill across her shoulders. The effect is immediate, and I find my fingers itching to run themselves through that wild mane.
“The butler said dinner would be ready soon, and that I should join you for an evening cocktail first?” Michelle says, hesitating in the doorway, unsure how to proceed.
“Please, come in.” Gabriel and I both stand as the buxom brunette enters the room.
“You don’t have to get up,” she says softly, clearly uncomfortable with chivalry.
“We’re gentlemen, Michelle, and it’s in our blood to be overbearingly polite.” Gabriel smiles easily at the girl, both of us gesturing for her to sit and join us.
“Don’t get me wrong, I like it,” Michelle says as she nestles into one corner of the couch. “I’m just not used to it.”
“Well, get used to it.” I say cockily, determined to show Michelle just how much respect she deserves. “Now, what’s your poison? We’ve got pretty much everything.” I indicate the wet bar to one side of the room.
“Oh wow! That’s a lot of choices.” Michelle bites her bottom lip as she considers the myriad of options before her. “Well, this might be silly, but I really like rosé. Do you have any of that?”
I grin broadly at her choice. “From our very own vineyard.” I cross to the wet bar and pull an elegant, light pink bottle from the wine fridge. I hold it up to Michelle, and she takes the bottle from my hands to examine it more closely.