SUNBURN | JOHN B ROUTLEDGE

018

Gabriella walked back to the chateau, the trees around her reaching up to the sky, their leaves whispering secrets as the wind played through them. The sunlight filtered through, creating a dappled pattern on the ground. The air was fresh and clean, a stark contrast to the polluted air of New York City. The grass beneath her feet was a vibrant green, untouched and pure. It was evident that the people here, Pogues or Kooks, had a deep respect for nature.

As she approached the chateau, Gabriella felt a sense of belonging wash over her. The chateau, with its weathered charm, had become her sanctuary. She stepped inside, determined to restore order to the chaos left behind by the two men. She straightened the drawers, tidied up the blankets and cushions, and carefully swept away the shattered glass. The rhythmic motion of cleaning was therapeutic, helping her process the whirlwind of events that had brought her here.

Exhausted from the effort, Gabriella decided to take a nap. She lay down on the cool sheets, her body sinking into the mattress, and drifted into a deep sleep.

After what felt like only a few minutes, she was gently shaken awake. "Hey, sunshine," John B's voice was soft, coaxing her from her slumber.

Gabriella was half-asleep, her body relaxed and sinking into the mattress, whispering, "Hi."

She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet his. "Mmm, hi," she moaned softly, the sound sending a shiver down John B's spine, igniting something wild and uncontrollable within him. She turned to face him, her dark hair cascading over the pillow, her lips parted ever so slightly.

John B had a twinkle in his eye, and as she focused on him, she began to count the freckles on his beautiful sun-kissed face. His touch was warm and gentle, sending a shiver down her spine. "I need you," he said, his voice soft and tender. His voice like a soothing lullaby.

Her mouth was slightly agape, the words catching her off guard. Her heart skipped a beat. "You need me?" She repeated, still half-asleep from her slumber. Gabriella's heart fluttered at his words, her mind racing with possibilities. Her breath hitched as she met his gaze, the intensity in his eyes making her pulse quicken.

John B held the side of his nose with his two fingers, a small gesture to keep himself grounded. He knew he was going to regret not kissing her at that moment, but there were bigger things at stake tonight. The plan for the Royal Merchant had to take precedence, no matter how much he longed to close the distance between them. "I need you to help us with the Royal Merchant," he continued, his eyes never leaving hers.

Gabriella nodded, clearing her throat as she pushed herself up. "Yeah, okay," she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to wake up fully. "Yeah, yeah, okay, let me just change."

John B began to leave the room but then turned around and smirked, his gaze lingering on her yellow bralette and shorts that showcased her curves perfectly. "I like you in yellow," he said, his voice carrying a hint of wild thoughts. A smirk playing on his lips.

Holding her breath, she watched him go before quickly changing into something darker, hearing him shout from outside, "Wear something dark!"

Gabriella quickly slipped into dark clothes, her mind still reeling from the intensity of their exchange. As she joined John B, she couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was the beginning of something much deeper between them, something that went beyond the hunt for the Royal Merchant.

John B sat in the driver's seat of the Twinkie, his fingers drumming idly on the steering wheel as he waited for Gabriella. The night was cool, and the sky clear, a perfect setting for their next adventure. The sound of the door opening pulled him from his thoughts, and he turned to see Gabriella sliding into the seat next to him, a soft smile on her face.

She closed the door and settled in, her presence filling the small space with a warmth that was almost palpable. John B turned the key in the ignition, and the radio came to life, playing "Lost in Yesterday" by Tame Impala at a low volume. As they pulled away, his attention drifted from the road to the girl beside him.

Gabriella had the window down, the cool breeze tousling her hair. She quietly sang along to the lyrics, her voice a soft murmur that blended perfectly with the music. John B couldn't help but smile, captivated by the unguarded moment. She was so carefree, so beautiful, he couldn't pull his eyes away from her.

He remembered reading an article once, something about how being in love could give you the same rush as being on drugs. It talked about how love made you feel irrational, drove you to do things you never thought you would. The comparison to a dose of cocaine seemed extreme, but as he watched Gabriella, he understood it in a way he hadn't before. The thought was terrifying, this feeling that was growing inside him for her. It was all-consuming, exhilarating, and dangerous.

They stopped to pick up Kiara, JJ, and Pope, who climbed into the Twinkie with their usual chatter and energy.

As they drove into the darkness, John B's thoughts kept returning to Gabriella, the girl who had unexpectedly become the center of his world.

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authors note!

thoughts on john b and gabriella?

- xoxo, LEE.