CRAWLING TO YOU

Stumbled In

Gabby's POV

The massive front doors of the mansion swung open before I even reached them, and Mom was already standing there like a storm cloud in designer heels.

Her arms were crossed tight over her chest, lips pressed into a thin line that screamed disappointment louder than any words could. Dad hovered behind her, his face flushed red like he'd been holding back a lecture the entire time I was gone.

"Gabriella Ava Walter," Mom started the second my foot crossed the threshold, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. "Do you have any idea what you've done? Look at you! Sneaking out like some rebellious teenager, pole dancing in public like a... like a common performer! What on earth are you wearing? Those shorts are barely covering anything, and that top…good heavens, Gabriella! We are Walters. People talk. The tabloids are already ripping us apart. What will our business partners say? What will the board say?"

I stood there like a confused puppy with my hair a tangled mess from the motorcycle ride. My head was still pounding faintly from the hangover. "Mom, I—"

"Don't 'Mom' me right now," she snapped, stepping closer. "Your father and brothers have been on damage control all morning because you. So the least you could, is to go shower this instant. Scrub every bit of that disgrace off you. You look like you rolled out of a dumpster."

“But I showered before leaving the hotel,” I muttered.

Dad cleared his throat, his deep voice rumbling but tired. "Listen to your mother, Gabby. This isn't how we raised you."

I glanced past them into the grand foyer, and that's when I saw him. Aiden. He was standing near the staircase in a crisp white button-down that hugged his broad shoulders, sleeves rolled up to show those strong forearms.

Our eyes met for a split second…mine desperate, searching, hoping for something, anything. Anger? Concern? Maybe a spark? But he looked away fast, jaw tight, focusing on his phone like I wasn't even there and my stomach dropped instantly.

Maids bustled around the dining room visible through the arched doorway…polishing silverware, setting out fine china plates, arranging fresh flowers in tall vases.

The scent of roasted herbs and baking bread drifted from the kitchen. Everything looked perfect for some fancy lunch.

Mom followed my gaze and waved a hand impatiently. "We're preparing for Aiden's girlfriend. She's arriving soon, so hurry up and shower, Gabriella. Make yourself presentable. I won't have you embarrassing this family any more than you already have."

The words stung like a slap. Aiden's girlfriend. Here. In our house. For lunch. I swallowed hard, nodding without another word, and bolted up the stairs before the tears could build.

In my bathroom, I ran the water hot until steam filled the room, fogging the mirrors. I sank into the massive marble tub, the heat wrapping around my sore muscles like a too-tight hug.

Bubbles popped softly against my skin as I closed my eyes and let the water soothe my pounding head, but my mind wouldn't quiet.

I can't give up. Not like this. Not when she's about to waltz in here like she belongs with him. This relationship…whatever it is… I have to ruin it before it even really starts.

I won't watch him fall for someone else while I'm right here, loving him like this.

My thoughts drifted briefly to last night. Ethan's face when he recounted everything. Did something more happen and he's not telling me? No... he swore nothing did.

But the doubt lingered like a bad taste. What if he's lying to spare me? God, I'm such a mess.

I stayed in the tub longer than I should have, plotting stupid, desperate plans. Then I got out, dried off half-heartedly, and stepped into my bedroom without grabbing clothes first. The cool air from the AC hit my bare, still-damp skin, raising goosebumps everywhere.

The door to my room clicked open just then without any warning.

Aiden stood there, one hand still on the knob, like he'd come to deliver another message. His eyes widened, shock freezing his handsome features.

Those dark eyes raked over me…completely naked, water droplets still sliding down my breasts, my stomach, my thighs…before he could stop himself.

I froze too. Heart slamming against my ribs. Time stretched. My n*****s tightened instantly under his stare, and heat flooded between my legs.

Oh God! He's seeing everything. Every inch. What does he think? Does he like what he's seeing? Please, just look a little longer...

"f*****g cover yourself up, Gabby!" he barked, snapping out of it first. His voice was strained.

I yelped and spun toward my dresser, but my wet feet slipped on the tiles. The world tilted as I felt myself falling…

Just then, strong arms caught me mid-air.

Aiden's hands gripped my waist, one sliding accidentally over the curve of my bare hip as he steadied me.

His body pressed against mine for one electric second…fully clothed against my dripping, naked skin.

I could feel the heat radiating off him, the hard muscle of his chest through his shirt.

My breath came in short, desperate pants as every nerve in my body lit up like fireworks. He was holding me. A naked me.

His hands were so warm, so big against my soft, wet flesh.

Holy s**t, is this real? He's touching me. Right now.

I wanted to melt into him, to wrap my legs around his waist. Imagine if he just leaned down right now, kissed me hard, tongue invading my mouth while one hand kneaded my breast, pinching my n****e until I moaned.

God, I'd let him f**k me right here on the floor. I'd beg. I'd call him every filthy name in my head while he slid his fingers between my legs and feel how wet I already am for him.

Something dark and hungry flashed in his eyes as he held me there, his grip tightening for a fraction of a second.

My n*****s were rock hard by now, impossible to miss. Oh and he noticed. I saw his throat bob as he swallowed.

Then it was gone. Like a switch flipped.

He pushed me away roughly, sending me stumbling back onto my bed. A blanket flew at me, hitting my chest.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he cursed loudly, turning his back. "Get dressed, Gabby!"

I clutched the blanket to my body, heart racing so hard I felt dizzy. The spot where he'd touched me burned.

He faced me again after I had covered myself up, expression cold and harsh now. "I just came to tell you to behave today. Don't mess anything up with your disgusting talk. If you do, I'm telling your parents everything you said yesterday. Understood?"

I nodded, but as he turned to leave, the words tumbled out desperate and shaky. "Aiden... wait. Didn't you find me the tiniest bit attractive? Just now? I'm not a child anymore. You saw me. All of me."

He stopped at the door and scoffed. The sound was like ice water down my back.

"You could run around me completely naked every day, Gabby, and all I'd see is my little sister. Stop kidding yourself." His voice was so cold it hurt. "The only thing I feel seeing you like that, is embarrassment."

Then he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

I sat there on the bed, angry tears stinging my eyes. Naked under the blanket. Dripping wet from the shower and from... other places. I was furious, humiliated and still aching for him so badly it made my whole body throb.

He still thinks my feelings are just some embarrassing phase?

Fine. I'll show him.