Chapter 24: Drunk Gabriel
Diane was finally left alone, waiting for Gabriel who seemed to be unusually late.
She asked Riot to sleep early and not to worry about anything else.
She needed this for herself, to be able to talk to Gabriel.
"Do you want to sleep with me?" She repeated his sentence loudly.
The hair on her hands stood up from the thought, letting the shivers run down her spine.
Something in this life about him was different. He seemed distant, but somehow closer to her.
His thick lips...the body that was well trained, those light green eyes...the jaw that seemed to be sharper than his attitude.
Everything about Gabriel was so perfect, then why in her previous life, did she choose to betray him?
Diane couldn't forgive herself for this. This was something she didn't want, but did willingly anyway.
Under Adrian's control, like a small puppy, following his master.
"He's going to be the one to die in this life," Diane slammed the journal in her lap.
The silence was abruptly interrupted by the sound of keys fumbling at the front door.
Diane's eyes darted up, her body tensed.
The door swung open, revealing Gabriel.
His appearance looked disheveled, and a rosy flush across his cheeks was seen.
"Gabriel?" Diane called out softly, rising from her seat. "Are you alright?"
Gabriel staggered slightly, a lopsided grin spread across his face.
"Diane! There you are!" he exclaimed, slurred. "You won't believe the night I've had."
She approached him cautiously, the scent of alcohol reeked from his breath.
"It seems you've had quite a bit to drink."
He nodded enthusiastically, attempting to hang his coat on the rack but missing entirely.
"Just a few drinks with some old friends. Celebrating... something. Can't quite remember what."
Suppressing a smile, Diane guided him toward the couch.
"Let's get you seated."
As he plopped down, Gabriel looked up at her with bleary eyes.
"You know, sometimes I miss the old days. No responsibilities, no... what's the word... obligations!"
Diane chuckled softly. "We all think about simpler times."
He leaned closer, attempting to whisper but failing miserably.
"Do you ever wish we could just... run away? Leave all this behind?"
She raised an eyebrow. "And go where?"
"Anywhere!" he declared, throwing his arms wide and nearly toppling over.
"Maybe start a llama farm in Peru. I've heard llamas are very therapeutic."
Diane couldn't help but laugh.
"A llama farm, huh? That's a new one."
Gabriel nodded sagely.
"Think about it. Just us, the open fields, and a bunch of fluffy llamas. No board meetings, no scheming relatives."
She shook her head, amused.
"Alright, Mr. Llama Enthusiast. Let's get you some water."
As she moved to the kitchen, Gabriel called after her.
"And maybe some cheese! Cheese is good. Do llamas like cheese?"
Returning with a glass of water, Diane handed it to him.
"I'm not sure about llamas, but you definitely need this."
He took the glass, staring at it intently. "You know, water is just... boring. It needs... pizzazz!"
"Drink up," she urged gently. "It'll help."
Gabriel sighed dramatically but complied, taking a few sips.
"You're too good to me, Diane."
She smiled softly. "Someone has to keep you in line."
He leaned back, closing his eyes. "Promise me something."
"What is it?"
"If we ever do get that llama farm, you'll let me name the first llama."
Diane chuckled. "Deal. Now, let's get you to bed."
As she helped him to his feet, Gabriel muttered,
"I'm serious about the llamas."
"I know you are," she replied, guiding him toward the bedroom. "We'll discuss it more in the morning."
As they disappeared down the hallway, Riot stirred slightly, mumbling in his sleep, "Llamas... really?" before drifting back into slumber.
"Here you go," Diane placed him on his bed.
"I-I had a horrible dream, wife."
"What dream?" Diane asked while placing a blanket on him.
"That you were going to steal all my money and run away from me."
A cold sweat ran through Diane's body. She paused her hands immediately, slowly turning to Gabriel.
"What did you just say?"
"Diane," he exhaled, "if this dream ever comes true, I swear to kill you with my own hands."
Diane swallowed hard, 'this can't be...does he remember our past life? No...it can't be, no.'
"Why would you say such nonsense, Gabriel. My father is the richest man in this country, why would I need your money-"
She was interrupted by his sudden grip on her hand.
"If I'd ever have to kill you, I could never forgive myself, wife. So please, don't make me do such a thing."
"I-I think you had too much to drink...I will let you sleep."
"No," Gabriel pulled her closer, and she fell into his arms, "sleep with me, wife."