Romance with the Cursed Siren

CHAPTER 45. Unexpected Welcome

Gabriel brought Crystal to a romantic open-air restaurant in the middle of the city wherein a table for two is being prepared in the center, surrounded by sparkling lights and flowers, and on top of the table is a lighted candle and a bottle of wine. Aside from that, the presence of the moon and stars above the sky added a more soulful ambiance.

"It is so impressive. You organized this all for me?" Crystal utters, cupping her face with so much amusement, while Gabriel only nodded his head as his response, feeling delighted at the lady's reaction.

"Thank you." She gladly told him and kissed Gabriel on the right cheek and excitedly took one seat. Gabriel followed her and pulled the chair for the eager lady and waved his hand to the server who’s wearing a white long-sleeved polo with a bow on his neck and black slacks.

"Welcome, Ma’am, sir.” He bowed his head to show respect.

“Serve the food,” He demanded, which the guy quickly moved backward to obey his order.

Gabriel poured some bloody color wine into two glass vessels and handed the other one to the stunning lady he was with. However, Crystal refuses waving her both hands forward.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t tried to drink liquor in that place you came from?” He asked with his cold eyes and mocking tone.

“I did, but I don’t like its taste.” Crystal timidly complained.

“It’s alright, babe. Just try it.” He urged and dipped his index finger on the wine. It stunned Crystal by what he did, especially when he brought it in front of her face. Crystal blushed, staring at his damp finger, feeling hesitant.

“Taste it,” he insisted, looking down at her, and slowly, she started leaning forward while Gabriel was smirking at the sight of his innocent, no more island girl.

Crystal brought the tip of her nose to his finger and stared at it for seconds before she finally stroked her tongue forward. Gabriel shut his eyes when the lady touched his skin with her warm tongue. But the sensational feeling quickly vanished when Crystal backed off after her tongue successfully tested the bitter-sweet liquor. She traces her tongue along with her both lips as she savors it tenderly and grabs the glass from Gabriel’s hand. She drank all of it till the last drop while the man only gazed at her every move.

“This one tastes fine.” She commented while Gabriel laughed softly at her remark and held her chin up, pulling her for a quick kiss on the lips.

“Sweet.” He muttered, looking straight at her eyes. 

A few minutes later, the server came back while pushing a trolley with the food in their direction. Gabriel also took a seat without diverting his eyes from the lady. 

“Thank you,” Crystal said when the server handed her a bouquet before placing the savory steak and mashed potato on each side of the table. They have a solemn dinner together while Gabriel’s heart feels so much satisfied for finally having his island girl for this another remarkable moment.

“Gabe, can I ask you a favor?” suddenly Crystal shyly inquired, looking down at her food.

“Sure, but It’ll depend on what request you have.” He shortly answered.

Crystal sighed before letting out.

“I just wanted to visit Pearl and Roxanne, they might worry about me by now.” 

“Okay,” He agreed, nodding his head.

“Really? Thank you so much!” Crystal excitedly cried.

“Besides, I also have to confront her about hiding you,” Gabriel added with a serious expression.

“Don’t do that, she only did the right thing because if not, she and her family might be in danger.” 

“What do you mean by danger?” Gabriel confusingly asked, but instead of answering his question, Crystal continued her food. However, Gabriel feels anxious about what the lady just told him, but he stays quiet, as he doesn't want to spoil the night of her birthday.

*****

“Did you enjoy the dinner?” Gabriel asked while they were on the road to Pearl’s address.

“Yes! I love everything,” she commented with a wide grin.

“And I love you.” He countered. Then slowly, her curved lips dropped and diverted her gaze outside the window as she watched the city lights pass through them. While Gabriel continues to focus on the road ahead.

Crystal excitedly hopped from the car when they arrived at Pearl’s house. Gabriel followed, stepping out his feet on the ground as he watched the enthusiastic lady skipping towards the entrance. She pressed the doorbell and waited for someone to open the door behind it.

“It will surprise them to see me for sure.” Crystal giggles. 

“But I am more certain that they’ll be more surprised to see me than you. That’s the actual truth.” Gabriel whispered from behind, which only made the lady roll her eyes. Until, after a few seconds, she heard the door telling them it was about to open. However, instead of surprising the people who live at the house, they’re the one who gets surprised when Jason welcomes them. Crystal moved her eyes from his face down to his arm that was being wrapped with a shoulder sling.

“Crystal?” Jason muttered as he couldn’t believe what his eyes were seeing. He was about to reach the lady with his free hand, but Gabriel quickly pulled the lady away and stood in between the two.

“Jason, who’s there?” Pearl also appeared and gasped after seeing Gabriel and Crystal in front of her house. While the two men are busy glaring at each other.

"Mr. Anderson?", Pearl muttered anxiously, but she diverted her attention to the lady who suddenly appeared behind the man.

"Pearl?" 

"Crystal?" Oh my goodness!" Crystal hastily races and embraces the lady.

"What happened to you?" Cupping her face, Pearl worriedly asked, but instead of answering, Crystal turned to Gabriel. 

"He found me." Crystal said, looking at Gabriel's eyes.

"Yes, and I could have found her earlier if you only told me she's with you," Gabriel said, looking down at Pearl with his cold eyes.

"Gabriel!" But Crystal quickly restrained his upcoming unpleasant gesture towards her friend as she glared at him sharply.

"Crystal, what do you mean by he found you?" Jason interrupted, confusingly.

"That means that you have to stay away from her." Gabriel retorted. 

"Crystal, come on. I think we should come over some other time when this man is not around here.” Gabriel said and grabbed the lady’s hand, but Jason also abruptly grabbed the other.

“No, she’s staying. If you want to go, then leave by yourself. Let her go.” Jason said, fighting Gabriel’s piercing look.

“Take your nasty hand off her,” Gabriel warned, taking out his gun from behind and raising it, pointing at Jason. The men's actions shocked and terrified Crystal and Pearl.

“You’re threatening an officer, Mr. Anderson,” Jason warned him.

" I don't care what you are or who you are. Just take your hands off before I pull the trigger and shoot your only functioning arm." Gabriel didn't barge and nor is Jason, but Crystal can't stand the scene and voluntarily pulled her arm off of Jason’s grip.

"Crystal? Why?" Jason is feeling defeated by what she did.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, with teary eyes, but before their eyes met, Gabriel harshly dragged the lady out of the house.

"Pearl, I'll be back. I promise." She cried while Gabriel kept on pulling her towards the car.

"So, this is your plan, huh? You asked me to go here so that you can see that man!?" Gabriel grumbled as he furiously pushed Crystal inside the car before he turned and settled on the driver's side.

"No! I do not know that he is here, I swear!" She argued.

"And what made you think I would believe you?" He retorted as he started the engine. 

"Gabriel? What happened to you? You're not like this before, who's always gentle. You've changed so much." Crystal told him with a shaky voice and trembling hands, crumpling the thin fabric of her dress.

"Change?" He huffed unbelievably and halted the engine on the roadside.

"It is you who has changed, Crystal. What do you want me to feel after knowing that man is your first!? After seeing you dance in a club full of men while feasting their eyes on you!?" He heaved a deep sigh as he remembered the worst nightmare he had.

"You even kiss my best friend in front of me!" He whispered with a deep voice while the veins on his neck popped out.

Crystal silently tears up while her hands are busy wiping her tears off.

"I hate that man! I should have killed him." Gabriel mumbled with fury eyes while his hands were gripping on the steering wheel tightly. 

"Stop!" Crystal cried, covering her ears with her hands.

Gabriel lit up the engine and steered back to the mansion rapidly. No one utters a word along their journey until they have arrived. 

"You shouldn't have brought me back here." Crystal complained between her hiccups while Gabriel was busy unbuckling her seatbelt, and pulled the lady harshly, holding her wrist until they stepped inside the house straight to the lift. But the man did not answer.

Crystal watches Gabriel as he presses the hidden button to go up to his hidden floor where she is staying. Then after a few seconds, when the door opens, Gabriel continues dragging her along the path, going to his luxurious chamber.

"Gabriel, you're hurting me." Crystal complained, wagging her hands off, but instead of releasing her, Gabriel abruptly carried her bridal style until they entered the wooden double door. He laid her back against the bed and immediately hovered over the lady.

"I'll make you forget about anyone, and I'll make sure that after tonight, it is me, you will only ask for," Gabriel whispered huskily as he started savoring her skin on the neck.