Gabriel’s Inferno Trilogy by Sylvain Reynard Page 0,163

the money. But because of the investments he left me, I have more money now than I had when he died. No matter how fast I spend it, I will never be rid of it. I will never be rid of him. So you mustn’t think about how much things cost. The cost is inconsequential.”

“Why did you accept the inheritance?”

He released her so that he could rub his eyes behind his glasses. “Richard and Grace mortgaged their house to pay for my mistakes. I owed money for drugs, which meant that I was in danger, and there were other things…”

“I didn’t know.”

“Your father knew.”

“Dad? How?”

“Richard was determined to save me. When I confessed how much trouble I was in, he decided to go to all of the people I owed money to and pay them off. Fortunately, he called your father first.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Because your father knew a private investigator who had connections in Boston.”

Julia’s eyes widened in recognition. “My uncle Jack.”

Gabriel frowned. “I didn’t know he was your uncle. Richard was so naïve. He didn’t realize that I owed money to some very shady characters who could have taken the money and killed him. Tom arranged for your uncle and some of his friends to pay my debts, safely, with Richard’s money. When I got out of rehab, I called my father’s lawyer in New York and said I’d take my inheritance. I paid off the mortgage, but I never lost the shame. Richard could have been killed because of me.”

Julia pressed her cheek to his chest. “You are his son. Of course he wanted to save you. He loves you.”

“The prodigal son,” Gabriel muttered.

He slid his hands to her hips and changed the subject. “I want you to feel comfortable here. I emptied one of my dresser drawers and made room in the closet for your clothes. I’d like you to leave some things with me so you can come and go as you please. And I’ll give you my spare key.”

“You want me to leave my clothes here?”

“Well, I’d rather you left yourself here, but I’ll settle for your clothes,” he grumbled, half-smiling.

Julia reached up to plant a penitent kiss on his pouting lips. “I’ll leave some of your gifts here and the next time I’m over, they’ll be waiting for me.”

He smiled, and his smile morphed into a smirk. “Since we’re talking about leaving things here, perhaps you’ll leave some pictures.”

“You want to take my picture…like this?”

“Why not? You’re beautiful, Julianne.”

Her skin flamed.”I don’t think I’m ready to have you take erotic pictures of me.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “I was thinking more along the lines of some black-and-white photos of your profile, your neck, your face…” He began tracing curved patterns on her back, a gentle gesture designed to reassure her of his affection.

“Why?”

“Because I would like to be able to look at you when you aren’t here. My apartment is very empty without you.”

She pursed her lips thoughtfully.

“Does that trouble you?” He caressed her jaw line slowly.

“No. You can take my picture. But I’d prefer to be fully dressed.”

“I don’t think my heart could take the sight of you undressed.”

She smiled at him, and he laughed.

“Can I ask you something, Gabriel?”

“Of course.”

“When you go home for Thanksgiving, will you stay at Richard’s or at a hotel?”

“I’ll stay at the house with everyone else. Why?”

“Rachel said that you used to stay in a hotel whenever you visited.”

“That’s right.”

“Why?”

He shrugged. “Because I was the black sheep of the family and Scott never let me forget it. It was a relief to have the option of leaving if things became uncomfortable.”

“Did you ever bring a girl home?”

“Never.”

“Did you ever want to bring someone home?”

“Not before you.” He leaned forward to kiss her again. “And if I had my way, you’d be the first girl to share my bed in my parents’ house. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to happen unless I sneak you in after dark.”

Julia giggled slightly but was secretly very, very pleased.

“Richard reminded me that I need to book our airline tickets. Why don’t you let me make the arrangements and we can work out the money later?”

“I could book my own ticket.”

“Of course you could. But I want us to be seated together. We’ll have to leave for the airport after my seminar, which means we’ll have to take the last flight out of Toronto, around nine o’clock.”

“That’s late.”

“I was going to reserve a hotel room in Philadelphia for Wednesday night, since we’ll