Gina felt wet kisses along her shoulder plane, even as searching fingers found their way underneath her silk nightie, tracing the curve of her hips. Being that she was lying on her side, it was easy for his fingers to slid closer until they found what they were looking away. Sleepily, she parted her legs to grant him access, at the same time she opened her mouth to welcome his greedy invasion.

Moaning heavily into the ministration, Gina deliriously wondered if she was making a mistake. The trip had been a spectacular idea, but a ticking time bomb in terms of feeling explosion. True to his words, his stress was work-related and once he was away from the bustling hectic life, he allowed himself to immerse into being the perfect gentleman of every woman's dreams. Recalling the week they had caused a smile to cross her features, even if it was marred by his never-ending secrets, as usual.

They broke apart when things began to get hazy, and the instinctual need for air got stronger, panting harshly. Gina's eyes met dark ones that held a hint of passion and care in them, something that began manifesting towards the end of their trip. She refused to put a name to what her heart did when he looked at her like that.

"Did you have a good night sleep?"

She wanted to clarify that passing out from fatigue did not classify as a good night sleep, but the kiss had more than made up for it.

"I'm not sure what your agenda is with kissing me senseless this morning, but I'm liking it so far," she remarked intentionally, the response forcing him to pull away slightly from her, his brows creased.

He spammed her waistline, running fingers along the length down to her hips and back up. "I told you whatever plans I have is not against you. As for the kiss, if you're still suspecting me, then I did a horrible job at kissing you senseless."

The minute he angled his lips with hers, she pushed weakly at his chest, laughing at the wink he gave her. Determined to achieve his goal, his fingers went exploring. Trying to squirm away from the kiss and the deliciously torturous fingers proved abortive instead when she found her legs wrapped around his waist and guiding his member exactly where they were urgently needed.

An hour later, he excused himself from the disarrayed bed to go have a bath, claiming he had important work he needed to catch up on to be at his A-game by tomorrow. She reluctantly pulled away from him, watching him dreamily as he sauntered into the bathroom completely nude. Gina couldn't -didn't want to- believe this was really happening, but all signs led to it. She was begining to really like Gabriel Asika.

She supposed it was bound to happen sooner than later when grumpy, no-smile Gabriel was completely replaced by a laid-back, carefree Gabriel these past two weeks. His break from work was much needed, and when he behaved like he was sent by the angels, she had blessed whoever came up with the initiative. But even as the hours crawled by till he was expected back to work, she couldn't help wishing desperately for a miracle, --a selfish one, yes--, but a miracle nonetheless.

If their first week together had been fun, their second week was blissful and downright romantic. To appreciate her for teaching him how to swim, he had made reservations for them at the International Jazz music concert. They kept the occasion under wraps, keeping it from virtually everyone, including Sisi. Monday morning after everyone had gone off, they had smuggled their suitcase to an uber, and two hours later, were on a plane heading to Abuja.

Being her first time on a plane,she had freaked out, panicking in her seat right before take-off. He had cupped her face, and talked to her throughout the process about some mumbo jumbo she didn't remember after, but even reminiscing that moment made a ridiculous smile touch her lips.

Adjusting on the pillow so she could face the opened corridor, the white sheets wrapped around her naked frame, her mind drifted back to their beautiful week in Abuja.

They had lodged into a suite at the Transcorp Hilton, and Gina had shamelessly basked in the luxurious comfort of the world she was thrown into. On their first night while she was relaxing in the tub, Gabriel had gone downstairs to the bar, promising to wait for her there. When she arrived, she had a little trouble locating him, until the bartender pointed her to the back where she saw him talking intimately with a young man. Despite seeing him clearly where she stood, she couldn't make out the face of the young man he had been conversing with, except for his skin colour.

As if sensing her presence, he had excused himself from his partner to come meet her, turning her body, -and her mind- away from the young man who left soon after. Hand in hand, they found themselves at the poolside where a cocktail party was being held.

At first, he declined the dance, preferring to stand in the shadows and watch. Gina had eyed the number of young, gorgeous men parading the area with regret before making a decision. She made her way to go stand by his side like a statue, choosing not to have a repeat of the beach incident.

Different men came to charm her into honouring them with a dance, but she was adamant about her decision. When the men began trying their luck with her a second time, Gabriel swore and yanked her to him before making their way to the dance floor, allowing her to lure him into repeating the moves she did just so he wouldn't ruin the night for her. Luckily, it was a blues night and the slow dancing was more than romantic.

In the haze of the fun-filled night, they found themselves agreeing to attend a polo event the next day, much to her dislike.

Tuesday morning, they drove to the polo golf course, where they were welcomed warmly by their hosts. Gina could infer that despite his coldness, he was a well-known figure and for some reason, his sudden presence in Abuja shocked some businessmen. She didn't know how far his business connections went, but she could infer it was quite extensive.

The sports, to Gina, was as interesting as watching a pot-bellied man dance on a pole, and she caught herself yawning incessantly throughout. Eventually, the tiresome affair was over, and she was quick on her feet, hoping to get to their car and be on her way out of the place faster than a cheetah.

Sometime during the game, Gabriel had left for a toilet break, and hadn't returned. Since his exit was five minutes before the end of the game, she hoped he decided to wait for her outside instead.

To find Gabriel in a whispering combat with that same young man from Monday night had her brows rise, and her suspicion grow. What if this sudden break was a business front for Gabriel? But then she told herself she was being paranoid. If he was making covert business meetings, he wouldn't have invited her along, or be this careless with them.

Deciding to catch him in the act, she reached the two men stealthily before making her presence known.

"Gabriel, I was looking all over for you," she beamed at him, then at the tall and fair bespectacled man who looked tensed. "You didn't introduce your friend."

Gabriel had watched her display with a raised brow, seeming to think she was overdoing it. "My apologies, then. Gina, this is my assistant, Greg. Greg, this is my...girlfriend, Regina. She's also expecting my child."

The man flashed her a warm smile, before shaking her palm. She could feel he was an honest man. Pleasantries over, Gina stared a quizzical brow at Gabriel. "I didn't know you were still working, Gabriel. I thought you were on suspension."

"Suspension? Why would he be on suspension?"

It was the perplexed look on Greg's face that clued her in on why his suspension claim had sounded farfetched when he mentioned it over a week ago. "He's not on suspension, is he?"

The man squirmed, battling with obeying the chilling glare his boss sent his way, or the heated glower the short woman focused on him.

He'd choose ice over fire any day.

"He may have been suspended but I wasn't made aware of it. Well, since I'm on leave myself, not much information comes my way." Clamping a hand shut over his mouth, he excused himself from the pair, and scurried off down the car park with lightening speed.

Gina had waited till they were alone in their suite to confront him.

"Let me guess, you're on a two weeks voluntary leave, not on suspension like you told me over a week ago."

"Does it matter the terminology? I deserved the break and I took it," he muttered flippantly.

"Why did you tell me you were suspended? I'm sure you took your leave, ensuring to coincide it perfectly with the period I get to have my independence from your possessive claws."

"Don't make it sound like that. You can be extra, sometimes, and I needed to keep an eye on you. Besides, aren't you glad you're enjoying this vacation with me?"

"I would enjoy it if your shadow wasn't hovering over my every move. I'm not going to run away with your child. I'm not stupid."

"You can still do stupid things, and I cannot afford mistakes in my plans anymore. I'm already loosing my control on things as it stands." He countered defensively.

"What does me having my freedom from you have to do with you being in control? You mustn't always be in charge, and you can't control everything in your life, Gabriel. That's not how to live." She hoped to drum it into his thick skull.

The man was frustratingly obstinate. "I can, and I will. You either do things my way, or I force my way on you. Your choice."

Exasperated, she had whirled around and marched off to their room, banging the door, and then because she could, locked him out of their room.

He wasn't in the suite when she woke up the next day, and she was glad, hoping their fight yesterday would touch him, but knowing it would be futile. She gave him the silent treatment throughout Wednesday, letting him stew on the consequences of his actions. She knew it wouldn't put a dent on his conscience, but it still hurt to realise he would never budge on his control. He'd always be in charge, and she hated him for it.

By evening, she was starting to feel trapped again. She didn't know anywhere in Abuja, and even though she knew she could order an Uber to take her around, she decided not to. One more week of staying indoors wouldn't make a difference.

To her shock, a video call to Rissa had her jaw dropping. Her sister was on a one month all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai. Luckily, Iyke was not included in the budget. She chatted about the plane ride, the shopping experience, and the magnificence of the city, making her slightly jealous. What took the cake, however, was when she started gushing about how nice Gabriel was for doing this. Mouth gaping, Gina did not think she'd ever see the day Rissa would say anything good about him.

Towards the end of the call, she had admitted his money was offering her temporary happiness, and she'd be a fool not to take it. For some reason, Rissa's words had the hairs at the back of her neck prick. She knew her sister -at least she'd claim she did-, and something about Gabriel's paid vacation didn't rub off on her in a good way.

The minute he set foot into their suite later that night, she had accosted him.

"Why are you doing this? Why did you sponsor Rissa on a paid vacation to Dubai?"

He paused in the centre of the room to regard her, squinting to take in her lingerie. It was all too feminine and sexy, he nearly purred. "You really are an exquisite work of art, made to toy with man's emotions expertly."

Scoffing at the cheesy compliment, she stood her ground. "Gabriel, why are you trying to buy my sister's affection?"

"It's not her affection I bought. Heaven knows she'd rather die than stop hating me," he remarked, reaching up to unbutton his shirt. "I wonder how people live with so much hate in their heart."

She wanted to retort that he should know better, but his bare chest had her swallowing her words. He knew ways to disarm any argument she would bring up was to seduce her slowly but intently, which was exactly what he was doing now.

"What do you have up your sleeves, Gabriel Asika? What role is my sister playing in your games? Why are you involving her in this?"

His shirt flung away, his pants off, he tugged at the hem of his boxers. "You don't really think I would tell you my plans, do you?"

"If it involves my sister, yes. And who knows, I can be of tremendous help."

He chuckled, and seeing her confused stare, it quickly ascended into a chortle, the action rumbling in his throat. Feeling insulted, she folded her arms in front of her chest, and glared at him.

"I don't doubt your help, Gina, but you will only confuse things for me, not make it feasible." He quickly covered the distance between them to come connect their gazes. "And right now, I'm still trying to figure out where you belong in the chaos that is my life."

He silenced effectively whatever debate or argument she might have with a burning kiss.

On Thursday, she resumed her silent treatment after denying him sex last night much to his annoyance. This morning, she had gotten his member excited as a pretence to makeup for yesterday, only to claim fatigue halfway and escape the room. Feeling frustrated once he realised his seduction ploy wasn't as effective as it used to be, he had strolled into the mini kitchen to watch her prepare breakfast.

"Can I get some?"

She stirred the mixture of eggs, tomatoes and onions vigorously in the oil greased pan instead of giving him a reply. On the counter top was toasted bread and jars of jam and of honey and a tub of butter. A steaming mug of tea lay next to the items in a tray. Her queen's breakfast was almost ready.

She knew he could order room service, but what was a vacation for two without the other party? At least, she wanted to believe she had the upper hand here. From the corner of her eye, she knew he was watching her work, his eyes glued to her face, or more accurately, her full pink lips. Feeling evil, she ran her tongue slowly over the bottom lip subconsciously, an action that was meant to quickly send a message to his groin, and when he groaned loudly, she smirked at him, quickly dishing her scrambled eggs.

Fortunately, her morning sickness was history, and she could devour eggs as much as she pleased now. Ignoring him, she slid into a stool began taking a big bite out of her toast. Moaning loudly at the delicious combination, she nearly chuckled at the murderous look on his face.

"Why are you doing this? Because I wouldn't let you in on my plans?" His eyes were narrowed, and she knew her victorious reign was almost up.

"Tell me what you made my sister do, and I'll serve you breakfast in bed, along with dessert."

"She didn't sign a contract with me, if that's what you're worried about. I only needed her to cover my bases, and she was more than willing to help out," he explained vaguely, standing up to snatch a toast from her plate, before taking a huge bite out of it.

Rolling her eyes at the raspberries he blew at her, she sighed, dumping her half eaten toast back on the plate. "You will never tell me what you have up your sleeves, will you?"

"Never." He was curt and unequivocal. "But, you can be assured whatever I'm doing is in your best interest."

Like a flash, he was standing in front of her, their noses barely an inch apart. Flinging her resistance to the moon, she reached for him, and slammed their lips together, and they spent the whole day intimately exploring each other.

Somehow, the greater part of Friday was spent attending the concert, and going gift shopping. As if she was in money heaven, she was surprised to know the limit on his new card was much higher than the last, and she looked forward to relieving him of it.

As tired as she was, she had reluctantly agreed when he invited her to hang out at a club, some distance from the hotel. His words were of him 'wanting to impress her' just before they left. She translated it to imply he wanted to apologise for Tuesday and Wednesday night fights.

They found themselves in the middle of the dance floor at a popular club, with Gabriel grinning at her. Somehow, he had made a bet that he could dance better than her, and she had accepted the challenge wholeheartedly. He then requested for a face-off and she had been more than eager to wound his ego.

"You're going down," she boasted, squinting her eyes at him while making a slicing motion across her neck.

"I don't think so, Gina." He smirked at her, rolling up his sleeves methodically. "What will you give me if I win?"

It was the confidence in his voice that made her rethink her offers. "A whole night of uninterrupted sex. I can go marathon with you."

He tilted his head, watching the sly smile playing on her lips. "That's cheap. I can get sex from you all the time. Give me something else."

She thought about what to give him, and wondered what she'd get in return. She watched him suspiciously, wondering why his ego was so bloated. He'd never win their dance, so why was he contesting this?

"What would you give me if I win?"

"I'll compromise even further and let you go anywhere you want without hovering over you like a shadow." When her mouth gaped at his offer, he raised a cocky brow. "Isn't that what you want?"

She nodded, feeling numb now that she realised the stakes were definitely higher. If he were to loosen his control, it would be a huge thing for him, so she offered him something that was a huge deal for her.

Grinning at her folly, he called the DJ to set the music and people cleared the dance floor to watch the dance off. Because she was pregnant, two girls joined her crew, prompting their partners into going up against them.

Being pregnant meant she didn't try some moves, but even at that, her shoki dance style followed by an etighi stepping with a shaku shaku move and finished with an azonto dance steps were off the charts, and Gabriel couldn't help being amazed.

Later, after the dance was over, and there were winners and losers, hand in hand, they had made a stroll, talking and laughing about how much fun they had. Gina dreaded going back home the next day, but life called, and it seemed as though she was beginning to loose her focus. Time to get it back.

The slamming of the bathroom door had her breaking out of her reverie. She adjusted comfortably on the bed to watch Gabriel saunter into the closet to go get dressed. Tomorrow, she thought sadly, it would all be over. The carefree, fun-loving Gabriel would disappear, and the forever scheming arrogant workaholic who didn't smile at people would take his place.

Even as she wished the vacation wouldn't end, she knew she had a mission to fulfil, which was why she had offered him that random spur-of-the-moment deal during their dance off. Even remembering it made her heart flip at the laxity of her life choices.

Watching his eyes alight with pride and mischief, a cover for the heartbroken boy she guessed resides inside, she thought about the one thing she could give him that was a big deal to her.

"I'll get you to fall in love with me."

Getting him to fall in love with her would invariably mean she'd have to forgo her revenge as she couldn't have the two side by side. There was a loophole, however. Since she knew he'd lose the dance, she wouldn't have to choose between either of the two options.

He had lost.

~~~~~~~

I like what we can infer from a free fun-loving Gabriel. Now that he's going back to work, I suppose the Gabriel from the beginning would return. Or would he?

What are you opinions on this?

Vote, comment and share.

Thank you 😙