Taste of it

Chapter 6: A Cold Welcome

Before I can say anything more he takes a step back and gives me a glance not to press further. Maybe he's right. Lonzo doesn't care about me, he cares about the safety of himself and his house.

Gabriel pats the door and beckons his head over his shoulder. "I'll let you get settled in or whatever, en-suite is just through here," he points to the door on the left side of my room. "Dinner will be served in thirty minutes so be down for then."

"Sweet," I nod and he leaves me to it.

Once I have removed my clothes from my suitcase and hung them in my wardrobe or folded them neatly into my drawers, I get changed into something clean but in the corner of the room, away from the camera. Being on an aeroplane for four hours makes me feel sweaty and disgusting. Fresh clothes are needed for my own comfort and sanity.

I glance at my phone and head downstairs exactly thirty minutes later, Gabriel stands from the living room and turns off the TV.

"Sorted your stuff out?" He asks as I reach the last step.

"Most of it," I nod once.

"Hope you're hungry."

I smile and feel my stomach growl at his words. "As ever."

Gabriel glances up at the top of the stairs and I turn around to look at what he's staring at, and now I understand.

A dark haired man walks along the bannister and then down the stairs, his head is held high and shoulders pushed back. He's wearing a white shirt which is tucked into trousers and sleeves rolled up to his elbows. When his body loops around the middle set of stairs he turns in our direction and I notice three of his top buttons are undone.

Then my eyes shamelessly float to his face, admiring all of his features. Strong jawline and chiselled cheekbones. Light stubble that covers his cheeks and jaw. I catch a glimpse of his tattoos on his forearms, they're nothing like my brothers. They're spread out across his skin, leaving gaps between them. He even has one across his hand and I find myself clenching at his entrance.

It's obvious he's the boss by the way his presence dominates the room with a certain type of energy.

He reaches the last step and adjusts his shirt that is halfway rolled. He's stupidly tall, he almost takes up the whole room. Shoulders broad and spine straight. Gabriel finally clears his throat to grab his attention and his dark, mysterious eyes find my brother.

"Lonzo," he starts. "This is my sister, Alexia. Alexia, this is Lonzo."

For the first time Lonzo drags his gaze over to my face, he takes one look at me and his expression is already bored. Inside my blood begins to heat but I refuse to let his presence affect the way I am.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay in your humble abode," my tone comes out slightly sarcastic which earns me a jab in the ribs from Gabriel.

I wince internally but I don't react from his action, instead I just force a smile back at Lonzo who is looking at me like he wants to kill me. Never have I seen eyes look so fierce and full of hatred in my life.

Lonzo says nothing in return and loops around me like I barely exist. I turn to Gabriel instantly who raises his eyebrows at me and I shrug. "Tough crowd," I mumble under my breath and he pushes my shoulder lightly.

"Play nice I said."

I throw my hands up in defence and follow Gabriel through to the kitchen and then the dining room. I've never seen a bigger table in my life. Especially considering only two of them actually live here. Food is already prepared and waiting for us at the table. Lonzo sits at one end and I purposely sit as far away from him as possible.

Thankfully Gabriel sits beside me so I don't look like a complete i***t.

We plate ourselves up with lasagne and fresh bread, Gabriel spoons his food into his mouth and turns to me. "Was your flight okay?"

"Yeah, fine," I nod and push my fork through the pasta sheets.

He chews on his food and nods. "How's mum and dad?"

I bite on my fork and give him a look. "How'd you think?"

"Yeah, fair," his dark brows push together as he ponders for a moment. "I'm sure they'll call soon."

My shoulders raise and fall quickly. "Doesn't matter, they're clearly very busy."

Gabriel nods and then looks down at my plate. "Eat." He points his knife in the direction of my food.

I do as he says and we remain silent for a few moments. Then I take the chance to glance up and then down the table, my eyes falling on Lonzo's face as he spoons his food into his mouth. Eyes are firmly down and avoiding our gazes.

I'm relieved in a way because Gabriel was right, he is f*****g grumpy, like he could kill at any given second. But men like him do not scare or intimidate me. I've met plenty of people like Lonzo, they think they rule the world but they're just deprived of life.