As we race away in the car, a storm of anger and fear swells inside me. How could she be so reckless? How could she risk everything like that?
When the empty road stretches before us, I slam on the brakes, my heart pounding in my chest. I throw the...
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As we sat in the vintage car that Gabriel had purchased for a staggering 500 million dollars, I couldn't help but think he was insane for spending so much on a single vehicle. But as we finished dinner and prepared to leave the charity gala, I pushed those thoughts aside and got ready to enjoy the ride.
Antonio and Matteo followed us in the car we had arrived in, while Gabriel and I set off in the luxurious vintage car. The engine purred smoothly as we cruised through the city streets, the night air cool against my skin.
After driving for a while, Gabriel slowed down, his expression unreadable. "Put your hand between the seats," he instructed, his tone cryptic.
I did as he asked, feeling a strange mixture of curiosity and apprehension. My fingers brushed against something hard and cool, and when I looked down, my eyes widened in astonishment.
Diamonds. Cash. Enough to make anyone's head spin.
I stared at the treasures nestled between the seats, speechless. Gabriel chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Impressive, isn't it?" he remarked casually.
I found my voice, though it came out in a whisper. "The worth of this car... it's... unbelievable."
He nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. This car is worth 50 billion dollars."
My eyes went wide at the astronomical figure, my mind struggling to comprehend the sheer magnitude of wealth before me. "That's... unimaginable," I breathed, feeling a mix of awe and disbelief.
Gabriel's smile widened, a hint of pride in his gaze. "Welcome to my world, Chiara," he said softly. "Where nothing is ever quite what it seems."
As we drove through the city streets, the peaceful moment shattered by the sudden crack of a gunshot. Gabriel's curses filled the air, and he quickly instructed me to get down while he took control of the situation.
"Keep driving," he ordered, his voice urgent. "I'll handle this."
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest as I focused on navigating the car through the chaos. Gabriel moved swiftly, shifting to the backseat and aiming his gun towards the direction of the shooter.
"Matteo, Antonio, come quickly," Gabriel called into his phone, his voice tense with urgency.
I swerved the car to avoid another bullet, my hands trembling on the wheel as Gabriel fired back at the unseen assailant. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I concentrated on getting us to safety.
Finally, Gabriel spotted an opportunity. "Take the next turn and head towards that building," he directed, his tone firm.
I followed his instructions, pulling into the parking lot of the nearest building. As we reached the basement, Gabriel's sharp eyes scanned the area, searching for any sign of danger.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now as he turned to me, concern etched on his face.
I nodded, my breath coming in short gasps. "I'm fine," I managed to reply, my voice shaky.
Gabriel's phone buzzed with a message from Matteo, and his expression darkened as he read it. With a frustrated growl, he cursed loudly in Italian, the words dripping with anger and frustration.
"Gabriel, what's wrong?" I asked, my heart sinking at the intensity of his reaction.
"The shooter escaped," he replied through gritted teeth. "Damn it."
We waited in tense silence, Gabriel holding me close as we braced ourselves for Antonio and Matteo's arrival. When they finally joined us, Gabriel wasted no time in checking me for any signs of injury, his touch gentle yet urgent.
"Are you hurt?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for reassurance.
I shook my head, relief flooding through me as I leaned into his embrace. Despite the danger and uncertainty, I felt strangely safe in his arms. And as we stood there, surrounded by chaos and danger, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for us.
As Antonio and Matteo arrived, Gabriel and I quickly filled them in on what had happened. They exchanged terse nods, their expressions grim as they assessed the situation.
"Any idea who it could have been?" Matteo asked, his voice tense.
I leaned against the car, keeping a safe distance from the others as I mulled over the possibilities. "It could be John or someone else with a grudge against Gabriel," Antonio suggested, my voice low with concern.
After half an hour of deliberation, Gabriel deemed it safe to return. As he approached me, concern etched into his features, he asked, "What's wrong, Chiara?"
I forced a smile, shaking my head. "Nothing, just a little shaken up, that's all."
Gabriel opened the door for me, and I climbed into the car, trying to push aside the fear that still lingered in the pit of my stomach. As he started driving, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that weighed heavily on my mind.
"Why don't we take a detour?" Gabriel suggested suddenly, his voice soft. "There's a secluded beach nearby. It might help you relax."
I glanced at him, surprised by the suggestion. "But what about..."
He cut me off with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that. Trust me, Chiara. Let's just focus on the full moon and the sound of the waves."
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded, conceding to his request. But as we reached the secluded beach, the questions burning in my mind couldn't be ignored any longer.
"Who were they, Gabriel?" I asked quietly, my voice tinged with urgency.
He sighed, his gaze flickering with a hint of sadness. "It's complicated, Chiara. But for now, let's just enjoy this moment together."
Opening the door for me, he gestured for me to step out onto the soft sand. As I did, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration bubbling within me. I needed answers, and I wasn't going to stop until I got them.
