What if All I Need Is You (Gabenath)

Passion Unleashed

Nathalie stares at Arthur with angry eyes, not believing a word he's saying. The last time she saw him was a week ago, when he tried to drag her into his vehicle.

Although she was drunk that night, she wasn't stupid. She knows exactly what his intentions were, and even as he stands here trying to gaslight her, she will not fall prey to his lies.

"Whatever your intentions were, I just hope you've understood that I'm not interested in starting a relationship." Nathalie eventually tells him after it seems he's stopped rambling.

"Of course, Nathalie, and I'll respect that. Now are we good?" He asks, extending his hand to her.

Nathalie wordlessly nods, shaking his hand. She's aware she must maintain her distance and hopes he keeps his word and stops insisting on pursuing a romantic relationship with her.

———

The campaign will be presented this evening. Gabriel opted to not have a big celebration, but instead a small reunion at the office's lounge area.

Refreshments will be served, and all the employees are invited. Nathalie's glad the campaign will launch today, mainly for the reason that she won't have to see Arthur anymore. Gabriel himself told her he wouldn't be doing any further business with him after the incident at the restaurant.

Although she isn't entirely sure if it only has to do with what happened on the night of her birthday or if there's something else contributing to his decision. Gabriel's never mentioned anything about Arthur's obvious interest in her, yet she can't help but notice his jealousy.

Weeks ago, she caught him giving Arthur dirty looks as the man insisted on taking her out for lunch. She's aware that they've been friends for years, so she was more than confused when she noticed his reaction.

She won't ask him of course, especially not after what happened at his house a week ago. Neither Nathalie nor Gabriel have had the courage to bring up what happened at the mansion that night. They shared a passionate kiss, and even spoke about their fling in New York, but haven't mentioned anything about it since returning to work.

It's probably for the best, because despite the fact that Nathalie enjoyed their kiss more than anything, she can't allow herself to keep her mind fixed on a man who isn't even sure what he wants.

A knock at the slightly open door has Nathalie bring her gaze up to see who's there.

"Adrien, what are you doing here?" Nathalie asks the moment she notices the boy entering the office.

"My father allowed me to skip fencing class since he would like me here for the presentation of the campaign."

"Well the presentation isn't until a few more hours, so I hope you brought something to entertain yourself in the meantime."

Adrien retrieves a history school book from his backpack, placing it on the table in front of him.

"I have homework, so I'll work on that."

"Good, and feel free to ask for help if you need any," Nathalie tells him.

Adrien gives her a quick nod as he proceeds to work on his homework.

About an hour after Adrien arrived, he told Nathalie he was hungry, so she went to grab him something to eat at the downstairs cafeteria.

Just as she's entering the elevator to return to the office with the food already in hand, Gabriel appears ready to enter the elevator as well.

"Hello, Nathalie."

"Hello, sir." She greets in return.

She hasn't seen Gabriel all morning or afternoon. He sent her an email early in the morning, informing her he wouldn't arrive at the office until later in the day.