Just as in the engagement party, people came up to say their congratulations. Those that noticed Norah's tears smiled a knowing smile, but passed it off as tears of joy. This made Norah cry harder.
Gabriel squeezed her hand softly. "Would you like to go?"
Norah nodded her head and whispered softly. "Please."
"Alright," Gabriel whispered to her. He then turned to the guests who still wished to congratulates the new couple. "I hate to do this to all. But it seems, my wife wishes to retire home. I do apologize. We plan on being at the reception. That is if we don't get preoccupied."
A laugh emanated from the crowd and Norah felt her flash flush bright red.
Gabriel grabbed her hand and slowly lead her away from the crowd and homeward.
It wasn't until they reached home that he spoke to her. "Are you alright, Norah?" He turned her around and studied her.
"Okay as I could be," Norah replied back as she wiped her eyes. "Do I have to go back?"
"No."
Norah lowered her eyes and he hugged her. Hair probably attacked his face, but he didn't seem to complain. She then spoke, voice muffled.
Gabriel pulled her away. A curious look crossed his face. "What? What did you say."
"I want this dress off."
"Now, Miss?"
"Yes, now. I can't stand another minute in this dress.
"Did you know you are beautiful in that dress?"
"I want it off. Now. Please Gabriel. I want it off."
Instead of fighting with her, the man nodded his head solemnly. "How do you want me to help, Norah?"
"Unzip the back. But not here. The bathroom if you would. I want to take a shower to get rid of this rats-nest they call a hair style." Norah spoke as she began to make her way up to her bathroom upstairs. Halfway up, a snap was heard. And Norah began to fall.
Thankfully Gabriel was right behind her with the train of her attire and caught her before she fell the entire way down.
"Watch your step," he said with a small smile their faces inches apart. "Would you like me to carry you?"
"No, I got it."
Trying to walk up another stair without the heel of her shoe almost caused Norah to fall once more. She then sighed slightly as she wound back up in the arms of Gabriel.
Norah's voice was meek. "I suppose"
Gabriel picked her up like she was nothing and carried her off into her bedroom and onto her bed. He then bent down and undid her high-heeled shoes. He then slid onto the bed and began to undo the numerous ribbons, buttons, and whatever else held the dress together.
"Feeling better?" Gabriel couldn't help but ask as her dress folded away from her back, exposing a good region of skin. He kissed in between her shoulder blades before slowly getting off the bed.
"Yes." said Norah. A flush goose bumps covered her arms and everywhere exposed. She shivered slightly. And when she looked at Gabriel slightly amused grin appeared on his face. Norah studied him for a moment. "You can leave now."
"As you wish. Though, I don't think you want me to leave."
"Perhaps you don't," Norah said, flirting with him with her eyes and a smile.
Oh, God. She was flirting with him. She didn't even know she could flirt! Norah bit her lip eyes wide. She hoped and wondered what he'd do.
"Perhaps I wont."
Norah's heart pounded in her chest as he walked quickly over to her. Gabriel was in front of her within a moment. He laid on top of her, pinning her to the bed before Norah could even open her mouth. Not that she'd have a chance for Gabriel kissed her. One right after the other. A slight bulge was felt low causing Norah to blush profusely. But also came the tears.
Gabriel stopped kissing her when he felt the wetness of her tears. He pulled himself up and off Norah. "Sorry," he murmured.
"It's okay." Norah replied back wiping the tears from her eyes, but not moving from where she laid.
"No, it's not. I shouldn't have did that. It was crossing the line."
"Gabriel it is fine. Now if I get asked I can tell them my husband laid on top of me in my bed and you can guess the rest. Really, it's fine. No harm done."
"I feel bad."
"Don't feel bad. We are married after all. I'll have to get use to it, and more, eventually."
"I suppose. At least I didn't break my promise..."
Norah shook her head slightly as she walked into the bathroom closing - and locking - the door behind her. It took her a long while before her hair was washed. She left the bathroom with a new outfit upon her being and a brush in hand.
"Would you like me to help you brush out your hair?" Gabriel asked from her bed.
Norah shook her head. "I got most of it out. Just a few snarls left."
Gabriel couldn't help but smile. "If you can call that a few."
"It isn't that bad," said Norah sitting down at the edge of the bed and brushed her hair. With every tug of her brush came yelps of pain.
"Give it here." Gabriel said as he held his hand out to her for the brush, "Please."
Norah sighed loudly as she tossed him the brush.
"Thank you," he whispered scooting forward. Gabriel then began brushing her hair. He hummed to himself as he gently began working out the knots in her hair. It took a while, but finally Gabriel gave it a final brush and said it was done with hug.
"You didn't have to do that you know."
"I know. I just wanted to do something nice. You hungry?"
Norah nodded and he held out his hand. They went downstairs and ate. While they munched on grilled cheeses, Gabriel posed the question. "Do you still not want to got to the party?"
