“I noticed that based on the way they turned on Christa during the question period. I’ve never seen that happen before.” Julia shuddered.
“I’ve seen it. And worse.”
“I wonder where she went.”
Gabriel snorted. “Apparently, Pacciani escorted her from the building. I suppose Katherine really did put the fear of God in him. He was furious.”
Julia looked up at her husband curiously. “Don’t you think it’s strange that Paul didn’t want to have dinner with us? He seemed to be looking forward to it earlier.”
Gabriel traced a light finger down her nose. “Maybe Katherine isn’t happy with his dissertation and he wanted to smooth things over without an audience.”
“Maybe.”
“You still haven’t answered my question. Do you feel differently about grad school now? Or are you still enthusiastic about your program?”
She put her hand over his, pressing his palm against her cheek. “It was an intimidating experience. But I’m glad I did it. I’d like to do it again.”
“Good, because I think you’re gifted, Julianne, and I want to do everything in my power to help you succeed.”
She closed her eyes tightly. “Thank you, Gabriel. That means a lot.”
“You can always talk to me. If something is troubling you, I’ll listen. I promise.” He slid his hand to the back of her neck.
“I just want us to be happy.”
“I want that too. So if you’re ever unhappy, tell me.”
She pressed her lips to his wrist.
“I wonder what Beatrice’s husband thought of Dante’s attentions. You have to admit, that part of the story is sad. Beatrice is married, but she has this poet following her around and writing sonnets about her.”
Gabriel’s grip on her tightened. “I married you. I love you. We have what Dante and Beatrice never had.” He kissed her again. “I need to go out. But I’ll be back.”
“Will you be gone long?”
“I don’t know. But in the meantime, I have a gift.” He pulled a box out of his pocket and placed it in her hand.
Julia read the label. Cartier.
She looked up at him wide-eyed.
He opened the box and she saw a beautiful white gold watch shining against folds of creamy silk.
“This is in recognition of a job well done. You’re going to have lots of opportunities to present your research, and you need a reliable watch.”
He removed it from the box and turned it over, showing her the inscription on the back.
To My Beloved,
With admiration and pride
Gabriel
“A Timex is a reliable watch. This is something else entirely.” Julia almost laughed.
“Something entirely deserved, I assure you.”
She touched the engraving in awe.
“How did you know?”
“How did I know what?” He clasped the watch around her wrist. It fit perfectly.
“How did you know I’d do a good job?”
“Because I have faith in you.” He kissed her slowly. Then, with a determined look, he exited their suite.
Christa Peterson sat on the large bed in her hotel room, waiting. She’d managed to find a sexy black basque that laced up the back, and she wore it with gartered stockings and very high heels.
Champagne cooled in a silver container in the corner, provocative music floated through the air, and a series of sensual accessories (including handcuffs) lay on the table next to the bed.
She checked the very expensive watch she’d worn since she’d lost her virginity, resisting the urge to think back to the words Giuseppe had said to her the night before. His ascription had been too close to the mark.
Instead, she focused on what was about to happen. She was finally going to have her heart’s desire—Professor Gabriel O. Emerson in her arms, her bed, her body.
At last.
Men never said no to her. And despite Gabriel’s attachment to his plain and mousy little wife, he was a man. They’d f**k a few times and go their separate ways. She’d have the satisfaction of knowing her success rate at seduction was one hundred percent.
A knock echoed through the room.
Trying to hide her enthusiasm, Christa straightened the seams of her stockings and walked toward the door.
Chapter Eighteen
You were wonderful,” Gabriel whispered, lazily running the backs of his fingers up and down her spine.
She hugged the pillow, hiding her face. She was lying on her stomach, her back gloriously exposed.
He eyed her bashfulness with concern before leaning over to kiss the slope of her shoulder.
“Darling?”
“Thank you.” Julia shifted a little, her eyes meeting his.
“How did you feel about that position?” Gabriel pressed his palm flat just above her backside, resting over two dimples.
“I enjoyed it.”
“But?”
“No qualifications.”
“Then why are you shy?”
She shrugged.
Gabriel rolled her to her side. “You’re safe. I promise, you’re safe in my arms and in my bed. Always.”
He placed a finger to her chin, lifting it.
“Talk to me.”
She avoided his eyes. “I don’t want to bring old issues up, but sometimes I worry.”
“About what?”
“I worry I’m not adventurous enough for you.”
Gabriel would have laughed had she not looked so serious. He forced himself to look grave.
“That’s a remarkable worry after the past few hours.” His palm rested on the curve of her backside, but he resisted the urge to squeeze.
She blew a lock of hair away from her mouth. “I didn’t get a chance to tell you this, but Christa cornered me just before lunch.”
Gabriel’s eyes flashed. “I don’t want to hear that name while we’re in bed.”
Julia nuzzled against the fine hair of his chest. “I’m sorry.”
“What did she say?”
“She said you deserved someone adventurous.”
“Don’t listen to her poisonous bullshit.”
“I told her you deserved love and that’s what I gave you.”
“That’s certainly true.” His hand slid up her spine to her neck, where he began massaging her gently. “So why are you worrying?”
“Because I want to keep you.”
Gabriel chuckled in spite of himself. “I’m afraid we’re in a competition, then, darling, because I want to do my damnedest to keep you.”