Page 179 of Claim Me
This is where Blue and Gabriel’s journey toward their intimate relationship comes to an end.
Some of my ARC readers felt that the story should conclude right here.
But for those of you who want to find out what happens to the other storylines, whether Blue ultimately learns to open his heart to love, and whether Gabriel finally feels worthy of the relationship he’s found, I wrote a second part.
Since it follows two people who arealready together, it has a different kind of energy.
If you enjoy aslower-paced story, watching characters grow into their relationship, and following them through the challenges life throws their way, you may want to continue with Part Two.
It's written specifically for those of you who love the question:
"What happens after the happily ever after?"
GABRIEL
I’m waiting for the evening with genuine anticipation. Before 9 pm, Simon and Blue are always sitting together, planning the next day and going over matters that need attention.
I can feel impatience spreading through my whole body because I already want to be alone with Blue, to pull him against me and melt into him, but at some point my phone rings. I glance at the screen and see an unknown number.
Not wanting to disturb Simon and Blue, I step out into the hallway and answer, not expecting anything unusual, because spam calls come to me all the time offering a laptop or a fridge ‘for free’. So I don’t even need to switch on my five-second talent.
"Hello."
A moment of silence, and then…
"Good to hear your voice, Gabriel."
It feels like someone just hit me over the head. For a second, everything goes dark before my eyes, and I lean my back against the wall, feeling a cold shiver run through me.
"Marcel."
This name reemerging from the shadows… It almost feels like ancient, dark history.
His voice turns overly sweet.
"Hello, baby."
What the fuck? That’s too much.
I squeeze my eyes shut as a wave of anger rises, and the shock immediately starts to fade, replaced by pure fury.
"There was a time I would have given anything for you to call me that. Even once. But you don’t have that right anymore, Marcel. Not after you sold me out in court," I spit through clenched teeth.
Marcel’s laughter is light like silver chimes. I used to love listening to it like a sweet bell, but now it triggers another wave of irritation and… disgust.
"You really have the nerve to call me after everything?"
A second of silence, heavy and deep, and then he fires back.
"You really have the nerve to work as his bodyguard? Of all people, his?!"
Oh, Marcel’s voice turns different now. The flirtation is gone, replaced by something like a polished blade.
"You see, when the people you thought were your friends betray you, and your worst enemy is the one who reaches out a hand to help… the lines of who’s on the right side start to blur, don’t you think?"
A hollow, empty laugh.
"We betrayed you? Our betrayal is nothing compared to what you’ve done, Gabriel. You’re defending that monster… and at the worst possible moment, you know? You’re standing on the losing side, because we’ve gained… a powerful ally!"
