Stern Men Always Finish Last

Chapter 24

Gabriel POV

I was nervous for Trouble this week. Blake, although a good person, wasn't someone she had spent a good deal of time with. She's going to be nervous around him and I just hope he can put her fears at ease.

Neither Blake nor the rest of the Toma team was telling us anything. At first we would get a hint if special equipment/clothing was required like the workout clothes for Nate's week. Now we don't even get that. Sure I was told to make sure she was in jeans last week, but saying "wear jeans" doesn't really tell you what she's doing. It just says "don't get good clothes dirty". I'm just thanking heaven that there were not those requirements this week; I'm selfish and want to see her legs.

I had been prepping for my week with Trouble since Doc mentioned his idea. Victor and I went shopping for a whole new wardrobe for Trouble and I was excited to show off what we had purchased for this week. In a way I got to dress her every day, but this week would be different. She was going to wake up in my arms, I was going to be able to wash her hair whenever I wanted, and I had outfits picked out for school, training, and bedtime for the entire week. I may be most excited for the bedtime outfits.

Mr. B had told me not to schedule shifts at the diner during Trouble's training. I was confused, but he said that everything would be explained once I got to the first training session. Blake had asked us to meet him at his home. He lived near Victor in the crazy rich part of historic Charleston. Trouble won't like Blake more than you. She doesn't care about money. You know this. Trust Trouble to come back to you. The mental pep talk I gave myself helped to calm me down as we made our way to Blake's on my used moped. Pulling up to the house I drew in one large breath and pressed the button on the gate. Trouble squeezed me tight around the middle and I quickly moved one of my hands to give hers a reassuring squeeze back. Don't get nervous on me now, Trouble.

The front drive was long and curved towards the front of the house. As we pulled up the front door opened and there stood Blake. He waved to us and spoke in his heavy Southern drawl, "Gabriel, Sang welcome. Please come in." Taking Trouble's hand we moved towards the entrance and the sight I was greeted with had me itching to get to work. The house was empty. I'm not talking missing pictures like Trouble's place. No, this house was empty. No antique credenzas, no Remington paintings, no grand piano in the front room, no chaise lounges; nothing. Who the fuck lives like this?

"Where the fuck is all of your furniture?" Shit. He's supposed to be helping Trouble. I should probably keep my mouth shut. But.....Fuck. This is a travesty.

"Well, Mr. Blackbourne did say that you would be brutally honest. I like that." Oh, thank fuck for that. I might get along with this 'has no god damn furniture crazy person' after all.

"Gabriel, while I'm working with Sang I was wondering if you could do me a favor and furnish and decorate the house?"

"Are you fucking serious?" Trouble is standing off to the side and she has this smile of complete pride on her face. She thinks I can do this.

"Quite serious Gabriel. I've heard a lot about your sense of style and I was assured by both Axel and Mr. Blackbourne that you would do a wonderful job with this house." He reaches into his back pocket and hands me a credit card with my name on it. It's so shiny!

Pocketing the card I turn to Trouble. "Ok, Trouble. I've got work to do. Antique stores to raid, Victor's name to throw about, paint colors to choose, you know....the basics." She giggles and my world is right again. "Call me if you need anything, ok?" She nods. "And please, don't live up to your name!" I wave at her as I leave.

She looked happy and I had some serious shopping to do. Now, I need Victor. I'll need him to get into the good stores. Thankfully he picks up on the first ring. "Vic! I need you to make a call. We need an emergency appointment at Paulo's."