I may have asked someone to help.” Uri began.
As soon as the words left Uri’s mouth, Gabe knew exactly who he was talking about. “Please, tell me you didn’t.”
“Come on, man, I knew you never would and who is better at research than her?”
“She tried to ruin my wedding, seriously?”
“No, it’s cool, she seems game.”
“I bet. I haven’t told Rachel what we’re trying to do, what if Sophie says something to her?”
Uri looked at the ground nervously, “I don’t think she will.”
“You better hope she doesn’t say a word.” Gabe warned, lifting a finger to Uri’s nose.
Uri grabbed his finger laughing, “What are you going to do, cupcake? Seduce me to death, in all your sexy glory?”
“Just shut up.” Gabe groaned, pushing the door shut in his friend’s face.
With a yawn, Rachel sat up, stretching. She allowed the sheets to fall away from her body. Gabe was pleased to see how much more comfortable she was with him already. “Who was that?” Rachel asked.
“I’m sorry, did I wake you?”
Looking at her husband, Rachel’s eyes widened, “What are you wearing?”
“Like it?” Gabe asked striking a pose, allowing the robe to fall away from his leg.
“Umm,” Rachel began to giggle. “It suits you.”
“Oh yeah?” Gabe asked with a wink, dropping the robe to the ground, and taking off into a sprint before leaping into the bed, all his nude glory exposed. The world would wait just a few more minutes. The world would wait while he enjoyed his wife one more time.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“I look absolutely ridiculous.” Rachel groaned from the bathroom.
“Nah, I’m sure you look beautiful.” Gabe called out across the room, glancing around quickly to make sure they had packed everything. Throwing the oversized duffle bag over his shoulder, he made his way to the door and dropped it gruffly.
“No, I look like I’m one of the X-men.”
“What? Let me see.” Gabe asked, shifting his focus.
Rachel poked her head around the corner, her cheeks flushed a bright red, “Promise not to laugh?”
“Come on, it can’t be that bad.” Gabe urged, his interest now piqued.
Rachel stepped out revealing her silhouette. Gabe’s jaw went ajar as he stared speechless. Used to her wardrobe of gypsy skirts and t-shirts, this drastic change had taken him by surprise. Her curvy hips and legs were strapped tightly in copper colored leather pants, a slim fitting, long sleeved black shirt hugged close to her chest, and the ensemble was topped off with a black leather belt and calf high studded boots.
“See! I told you.” Rachel exclaimed, slipping back around the wall to hide.
“No, you look amazing.” Gabe insisted as he rushed over to her, pulling her from her hiding place by her wrists. Wrapping his arms around her hips and using her buttocks to pull her close, Gabe groaned before adding, “Seriously, you look so hot it is driving me crazy that we don’t have time to—”
“Gabe! How do you have the stamina?” she asked with a flirty giggle.
“How can I not? You are so hot.” Gabe kissed her at the base of the neck, following the line up to her ear and around until he met her lips.
“Oh gross, come on. Do you guys ever quit?” Uri shouted from just inside the doorway.
“Don’t you ever knock?” Gabe shot back, pulling slightly away from his bride.
“Come on love birds, we gotta get. Haim is waiting in the courtyard with the Dramares. Do you really want to piss them off?” Uri urged.
“Dramares?” Rachel questioned.
Uri and Gabe smiled at one another before Uri added, “Oh you’ll see.”
“No, seriously, what are Dramares?” Rachel pleaded.
“Come on.” Gabe said, grabbing a tight hold on her hand. She smiled and in an instant the couple darted for the door, causing Uri to jump out of the way. On the way out Gabe grabbed the duffle, and tossed it over his free arm and onto his muscular shoulder.
“Hey, wait for me!” Uri exclaimed, chasing after them.
The three raced down the crowded corridor, the newlyweds receiving random shouts of congratulations as they passed. For the moment, all of the fears and worries about Baal that had kept Gabe up all night seemed to fall away. Instead, he was consumed with the reality that he was back, among his friends, with Uri, and now he was married to one of the most beautiful and amazing women he had ever met.
Entering the courtyard, Uri broke out ahead of the group. Once he did, his feet pounded to a stop as he bellowed, “Ha! I won!”
Gabe and Rachel