Book of Demons: Gabriela

6.

A few kilometers away from the sleeping woman, a man named Sebastian Vero was finishing the last email of the day. Despite the long day at work, the only evidence that he hadn't rested all day was the fact that his tie was draped over the back of his chair. His black hair was cut short and businesslike. His custom-tailored suit cleverly hid his muscular frame and only revealed his class and confidence.

This man could feel at home both at the top of financial circles and on the red carpet and still wow everyone. He was one of those rare representatives of the male sex who were impressed just by his presence and were desired by everyone regardless of their age. One could contemplate this amazing individual for hours without getting bored. But despite his impressive physique, what was most striking were his eyes. Impossibly masculine, with a willowy chin and a steely gray gaze, it was the face that would embody both the sweetest dreams and the worst nightmares. For women, it was the greatest desire and for men either the best ally or the greatest enemy. And no matter which list you ended up on, you would always get the best out of it.

At that moment, a look of satisfaction appeared on that same face as the man leaned back in the leather chair. He reached over and closed the computer programs and turned to the window. After finishing work, it was time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

It was on the twelfth floor of the business building that housed his company, and the view was intoxicating. Everywhere he looked there was movement, color, and life. The picture in front of him made him feel like a god, and as he looked down at the streets one of his fondest childhood memories surfaced of an ant farm that had taken up hours of his time as a child.

The silence of life in nature, combined with the hustle and bustle of hardworking ants, always relaxed and energized him. He had always liked this office and enjoyed every minute of it whether he was solving a small problem or winning a long battle. Unlike most construction company owners, his hands were not gentle, and it was obvious that he had struggled to be at the top. Some of his colleagues in the industry laughed at the fact that he made his fortune using a hammer and screwdriver, but he considered it an advantage. He knew very well how much it cost a worker to complete his project and how much effort of body and mind it required. His employees respected him and did their best for him. In response, he worked just as hard to justify their trust.

But after years of work and no rest, he had begun to wear himself out mentally. Recently, even his hard-working parents had expressed their concern by suggesting that he go on holiday with them. He refused of course, after all, it was their fortieth wedding anniversary, and a child, no matter how grown up, would not be good company on their second honeymoon. So he convinced them that he would relax as soon as possible. Maybe next month. He had things to finish.

He sighed softly. There was always work. He had to accept the offer of his relatives and run away somewhere. But alone? He didn't find it that interesting. Maybe if he took a girlfriend?

But which one? He hadn't seen anyone in months because of the development of the new art market. He lived by the maxim of never putting all his eggs in one basket. All the female friends he went out with from time to time must have found someone else to entertain them. He knew deep down that this was exactly one of his problems. But he didn't want something like that. Looking at his parents, who had been together for forty years, he desired something real and alive. He wanted to find the woman who would love him for who he was, not for his money. To have a friend, not just a lover, to share all the important moments with.

He closed his eyes and tried to relax. He slowly fell into a doze, and in that state, he seemed to be transported to another place. He was already in some room. He tried to focus and the image of a beautiful, dark-haired woman with milky white skin and soft curves appeared in his mind. She was lying on a large sofa, her face turned away from him. At her feet sat a cat, which looked at him shrewdly with its emerald green eyes.