Gina tried to bite down on the curiosity gnawing at her but only succeeded in biting off the long, spherical crystal-clear fingernail on her thumb that she had been grooming for weeks. She wasn't a nail biter per se, but nerves had a way of making even the strongest woman look weak.

Annoyed with herself for letting her conscience dictate her movements, she focused her attention on the tall figure standing few feet from the bed as he adjusted his cuffs. Dressed in a striped monochrome shirt which was tucked into black trousers and fastened on the waist with a black belt, Gabriel depicted the idea of a 'perfect gentleman' flawlessly. Well, when he wasn't being a callous dictator, she amended, her gaze deflecting to the chest of drawers underneath the vanity mirror where he was adjusting his clothing. Her mind conjured a similar furniture located in another part of this house waiting to be unlocked.

"Are you alright?"

The sharp sound of his inquiry cut through her meditation mercilessly, dragging her undivided attention and face back to the figure. He was now facing her with a raised brow. Did he ask her a question?

"Gina, what's wrong? Is it the baby?"

She nearly snorted at that. Of course, it was typical and totally expected. Once you conceived, everyone took over the mantle of worrying over the baby's health, leaving the mother in wishing for petals of forget-me-nots to hold.

"It's not the baby. I'm just not up for dinner tonight."

"Why is that?"

She knew her statement would raise queries, and why wouldn't it? She had declined attending mass in the morning, claiming fatigue, and here she was sprouting up excuses to avoid dinner as well.

"Have you seen this house? Do you have any idea how lonely it can get even with all the helps littering around?!"

She didn't comprehend the increase in her vocal chords but his query, though heartfelt and seemingly sincere, were beginning to irk her immensely. She wanted him gone already!

When he wouldn't cease looking at her with eyes filled with pity, she sighed frustratedly and shifted towards the edge of the bed before climbing down. In two quick strides and she was standing in front of him, the height difference of eight inches notwithstanding.

"Look, Gabriel, don't worry about me, or the baby. We're fine. It's just that thoughts about my family's condition weigh me down sometimes and I wish I could do more for them." She held his stare to depict her sincerity, "but I rely on the assurance that everything will be well in the end. Besides, at the end of a long and dark tunnel, there's always light."

He had a straight face when he commented, "that is, until NEPA decides to cut the light."

A giggle left her lips at the ridiculous analogy he had used. Shaking her head mildly at him, she concurred, "hopefully, it won't get to that."

He smiled at her, something she was quick to pick up on. It wasn't unusual since the man rarely smiled, but it felt forced, like he was using it as an avenue to hide something. She shook her head, dispelling the thought.

"If you say so."

Luckily, he closed the chapter and turned back to the mirror finish his ensemble. She stood directly behind his tall frame, bidding her time. If she shuffled on her feet a bit too much, or wrung her fingers a bit too tightly, Gabriel would catch unto her scheme, it was that certain. So, putting up a weak smile, she wrapped her arms around his body.

He froze.

She felt it the instant his frame stilled, obviously not expecting -and probably not used to- such acts of affection. The feel of his strong back had a calming effect on her frayed nerves, so she rested her head on his back, closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

"Gina?"

His voice floated to her from miles away, luring her into slumber land instead of flat out into reality. She really was tired, she concurred.

"If you want to cuddle in bed, I can excuse us from dinner," Gabriel offered, managing to extricate himself from her grip as he turned to cup her face, "and even though my father won't like it, I'm sure he'll understand."

"No!"

She would never understand what possessed her at that crucial moment to act foolishly. Her hastened response was enough to raise suspicious brows.

"I mean, there's no need." She amended quickly. "We missed it yesterday, I'm sure your father would think we're insulting him if we miss tonight, as well. Go and represent us well. I'll stay and cuddle with our baby," she finished with what she hoped was a believable smile.

If he had any doubts, he kept it to himself, returning her smile with a charming flair. Bending to peck her lips, she took over the act and wrapped her arms round his neck, kissing him deeply. She was still sore from yesterday's marathon but it didn't stop her from craving his touch.

He broke away from the kiss, chuckling at the pout on her lips. "If I let you have your way, then we'll have to cancel dinner."

Trapped between the devil and the deep blue sea, she fell into his embrace, snuggling close. If she wouldn't see him for the next two hours, she might as well get a good nostril fill of his cologne, she thought dizzily.

That is, until she took a deep breathe.

The force that propelled Gabriel few meters from her was definitely unexpected judging by the staggering motion he encountered. To attain balance, he grabbed for the nearest furniture- which was unfortunately, mid-air- and went sprawling back first on the floor. He groaned from the impact, stupefaction his first reaction. He turned to face his assailant only to be greeted with the sound of heaving emanating from the bathroom.

Quick on his feet, he dashed to the opened bathroom and found Gina throwing up inside the toilet bowl. Trying not to inch closer, but knowing he had to, he cringed visibly when another ugly gurgle sounded from her. He took two steps forward, but three in the opposite direction when she heaved again, and another splutter of ugly mass ran speedily into the toilet bowl.

"Should I call the maids to help you?"

He whirled around to make a run for it, only for a string of curses to halt him in his steps. He instantly knew coming up with that suggestion was a bad idea.

"Thunder fire you there," she cursed, slumping beside the toilet bowl. "You want to go and call the maids when this is all your fault, abi?"

Gabriel gave no indication that her words hurt him. Instead, he inched further out of the bathroom. "How is it my fault? Pregnancy symptoms like these were explained and added to the contract in terms of monetary compensation to favor you. I'm being sympathetic here by offering my assistance."

She scoffed at that. "I wasn't talking about that. I was referring to you." At his confused expression, she clarified with an eye roll. "I was feeling fine until you sprayed that awful perfume you use. Where did you buy that cheap nonsense?"

Eyes bulging, Gabriels' mouth dropped. "Cheap nonsense? How can you call Christian Dior's Eau Sauvage for men 'cheap nonsense'? Do you know how expensive this perfume is?!"

"I don't care and I don't want to know," she was quick to shut his ego up. "Just don't spray it around me. In fact, throw it away, or better still, give me, let me sell it and make money from it."

She stood to her feet, flushed the toilet and strolled to the wash-hand basin for hygienic purposes. "I cannot be vomiting anyhow because of one concoction like that."

For the first time in a very long time, Gabriel Chikeluba Asika was rendered utterly speechless.

+++++++

She held her breath, as she pushed the door of the study slightly ajar, soundless being the key word, before easing her body clothed in sleeveless black jumpsuit past it with much difficulty. Once safely inside, she tried to adjust her eyes to the dimly lit room, the only source of light being the security lamp situated at an angle farthest from the door. She couldn't risk pulling the switch, and she had conveniently left her phone in the room to avoid call distractions.

Her first mission for the night. The key.

She wasn't sure what it was she was looking for, or if it was even in this room but she had a reliable source, and years of spying knowledge from watching action movies. Making her way across the covered floor with her hands stretched out in front of her and her steps bouncy, she bumped into a hard surface forcing a groan to sound from her lips. Reaching out, her finger tips felt the smooth, silky surface that was unmistakably polished food and a triumphant smile graced her lips.

Part one: accomplished.

Once her fingers had moved up past the rectangular, protruding edge of the table, they met smooth surface again. Since it was a work table, and her sense of sight were practically useless here, she trusted her touch response to be accurate. Gliding over flimsy yet smooth materials she assumed were A4 papers, it took her by complete surprise however, when her thumb and index finger met a garrison of sharp, pointed edges. The sharp hiss she released was not unexpected.

Withdrawing her fingers to her lips, she sucked on them in an attempt to reduce the intensity of the pain. Eyeing the offending workspace that initiated the pain, she wondered if the man was a carpenter. She could swear nails had pricked her!

Not to be deterred by insignificant items such as pins and tacks, she continued with her search, her fingers moving quickly along the edge of the desk. When that yielded nothing with cold, metallic properties, she ran them methodically up and down the flat surface, mentally avoiding the tacks.

On her last comb, her fingers collided stumbled over a raised platform. It was flat, plastic and had metal edges in a circular part. Feeling around it told her it was a bottle opener, and her adrenaline rush increased at the discovery. Bottle openers were major keyholders in this part of the world. True to her hypothesis, attached at the end of the plastic instruments was a random disarray of cold objects. Three, she counted quickly, and snatched it up before her fingers strayed.

Heart palpitations, sweaty palms and labored breathing were all evidence of her triumphant feat in a world of darkness. Choosing to celebrate later, she whirled around to retrace her steps only to collided sharply with a barrier she could have sworn was not there before.

The barrier towered over her considerably, securing her effectively at the desk. Ridiculous thought flew in and out of her head in nanoseconds, setting her panic state in an all time high. She wasn't scared of ghosts, but in a dark room in an enormous mansion owned by people whose hearts were darker than burnt charcoal, certain reactions were premeditated.

Her mouth flew open, before her brain could process the action, to let out a blood curdling scream.

In a blink of an eye, long, callused fingers wrapped over her mouth, harshly cutting off the disharmonious chord threatening to be let loose. It was unbelievable how when a source of defence was cut off, all credible reasoning fly out of the door. Before she could stop herself, she was throwing punches and kicks at her ghost, determined to not go down without a fight. A few hits, a few groans and a crash, she found herself sandwiched tight between the desk and the sturdy frame of her assailant.

"Stop fighting already, before you break something else." A voice whispered harshly, forcing calmness into her battle-ready limbs, instantly immobilising her attacks.

When her hormones calmed down enough to listen, her brain processed what her mind refused to take into consideration.

For the second time that night, Gina felt like vomiting. That awful smell! She moaned, nausea hitting her strongly.

"Gabriel?" It was more of a statement than a question as he released her imprisoned arms and eased away from her, allowing her space to recover. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be having dinner with your family." She accused, hoping to divert attention away from herself.

"Dinner was pushed back an hour late. Malcolm is expecting a guest and my father wanted the whole family to be present," he whispered, his voice coming from meters ahead of her. She could sense he was watching even though his silhouette was barely visible. Was he also wearing black? How manage?

"What are you doing here?" He threw her question back at her, the authority in his voice denying room for dishonesty.

Feeling like she was being interrogated, Gina turned away and fiddled with materials atop the desk. "I came to look for a book." She wasn't always the brightest box in the candle, but she excelled in making up her lie as she went.

"What book?" His tone was laced heavily with disbelief but she was determined to not give him the satisfaction.

"A book on business ownership and company management. I've been thinking I should start my own business after I give birth, and I thought your father would have one of those."

He didn't speak up and she let out a sigh that she was safe for now.

"And you decided to look for this book in the night, and in complete darkness?"

"Yes?" She squeaked out, nearly stomping her feet at this gross overlook. And why was he acting like reading in complete darkness was a crime? Witches could read perfectly in the dark!

"I don't believe you, Gina. I know you're lying and I will report you to my father this minute."

His threat took her by complete surprise. Although she had thought and analysed the consequences of her action were she to be caught in the act, but having Gabriel bring it to her hearing caused her to break out in cold sweat.

She whirled around to glare at his shadow since she couldn't make him out in the dense blackness. "What is your own in this matter, now? I've told you why I'm here and you're asking me foolish question. You sef, why are you here?"

The best defence was offence, and she was proud of herself for remembering that strategy. However, her joy was cut short when she moved forward to accost her accuser only to step foot on a garrison of pointed metal edges. The howl that left her mouth was intended to draw immediate attention.

First the crash, and now a wail. Even a deaf man knew it was only a matter of seconds before someone decided to find out what was going on in the study.

Large hands wrapped around her and pulled her into a broad chest, burying her face into it to silence her cries. The tack stuck in her right sole held on with a tight grip, stubbornly refusing to let go. She whimpered, bending her right feet to face the offending item.

"Let me see." Gabriel squatted down, leveliing his gaze with the angle of her bent leg.

His voice was domineering, forcing her to heed to it -as she was in too much pain to do much else- and allow him massage her sole. Slowly, but expertly, he cleared it of pointy objects, delicately massaging it to ease the pain. Once the pain had lessened, he released her feet and stood to his full height. Somehow, in the swirling darkness of the room, she could sense his night vision was powerful, but when a long, lean index finger brushed against the side of her face, wiping salty tears away, she dubbed him a night prowler instantly.

Lost in the magic of his gentle, soothing touch and the mesmerising warmth and comfort his arms were nestling her in, she went rouge on her initial mission and drafted a new one for herself.

New mission: Jump his bones. She knew he would not mind.

Guided by hormones alone, she reached up on tiptoe, blocking out the strain exerted on the injured feet to reach the object of her desire. Placing her arms on his chest, she zeroed in for the kill. The meshing of their lips together must have been synchronised perfectly and approved by the gods, the magic of the moment wrapping them in a sensual haze. A moan sounded, both ignoring it, as they were lost in their lustful passion.

A heavy footstep, followed closely by a murmur flung them back into the real world harshly. Pulling apart, they paused, their breaths coming out in pants. Gina un-glued herself from Gabriel and made to rush to the table to return the key she held before someone noticed it was missing, only for Gabriel to grab her arm forcefully and yank her back to him, enveloping her in his body. About to protest, the door creaked wider and she saw why.

The person entering the study was on ghost mode too!

Heart pounding and breath panting, they watched in silence as the figure dressed in an all black tiptoed to the drawers attached to the book shelf by the left and squatted. A few tinkering, a few clicking and the figure was on its feet. Just as it breezed in, it made for the door quickly, and then paused, suddenly seeming to notice the presence in the study.

Gina wanted to catch the culprit, even if she was one too, and the thrill made her fingers tingle. However, her cushioning against Gabriels' chest was not a good idea, especially not in her condition. The nausea wave that hit her throat was too powerful to ignore. She bit her lips, trying to hold the gag reflex in check.

Don't disgrace me, biko.

Not seeing anything suspicious, the figure turned to stroll out the room holding the coveted manilla envelope. The door creaked again just as the gag reflex pushed past the barrier restraining them.

The sound, the stench and the barrel of digested food mass that Gabriel was enveloped in within seconds forced a loud wail out of his lips.

"Gina?!"

Recovering, she hiccupped loudly, still leaning towards him. "I'm sorry, but your perfume smells really bad."

Annoyed with her shading his new perfume collection all night, he retorted in indignation. "Your vomit smells like the dead. What did you eat? Zombies?"

"No. I kissed you." She heaved and vomited all over him again.

+++++++

An hour later found the duo on their way to dinner, both dressed in white and wearing the same perfume, the incident in the study left in the past. Apologising for their tardiness, Gabriel sat down comfortably, ignoring her presence. She smacked him on the head, hard, which resulted in a chorus of laughter around the table, before settling into her seat.

With the arrival of the guest in mind, the first course of the three-course meal was served and discussions were raised, most wondering why Gabriel smelt like a woman, with Gina having a good laugh at his expense.

At the start of the main course, a maid waltz in to the dining room, to come whisper something in Malcolm's ear, who took permission and left to go welcome his guest.

While waiting for the new arrival, Monica offered to stock her brother's closet with her perfume collection, forcing Gabriel to threaten to deal with both women later. Their response was uncontrollable fits of laughter.

Recovering from a belly full of laugh, Gina looked up immediately Malcolm walked in, followed closely by his female guest. Never would Gina have made the guess where she given the choice.

"You've got to be kidding me."

~~~~~~~

For cliffhanger purposes, let's make our guess on the newest arrival.

Asides, we know why Gina is in this study. We can also guess why the intruder was here also, but who can guess why Gabriel is there, as well.

Now, because of this new person, we might never know what's in that document. Damn.

Remember, it's your votes and comment that motivate this book and the author. Be generous with them.

Thank you 😄😄