Chapter 5: What about My Offer?

Rosalind wrapped her body in a wide dry towel and sat on a chair near the mirror. The easiest decision was to accept Gabriel’s offer. She didn’t need to work hard anymore, even no need to work again. He even promised her to give a lesson to Jeremy, though she didn’t know what he would do. 

Her mind pondered the option. It seemed Gabriel was sincere with his offer, but how long would it be? She heard Gabriel’s reputation as one of the wealthiest people in the capital. Many feared him because they heard he wouldn’t hesitate to do anything to get what he wanted. But many women also sought after him because of his wealth, power, and impressive look. 

Gabriel’s skin was tan, although he was a Caucasian since his business was in transportation. Despite he had been successful, she heard he still worked outside, checking his business in so many places regularly. No one dared to mess with him. Since she knew Gabriel and his family were immigrants in her country, his success was even more impressive.

More women attracted to him because of his perfectly shaped body, sharp eyes, pointy nose, firm jaws, and kissable lips alone, but he ignored them all. There was gossip he rejected and humiliated some of the sexiest celebrities who wanted to lure him to have a one-night stand with them. Some said he was a gay. 

Rosalind shook her head. After this morning, although she didn’t remember what happened last night, with all touches and kisses, she was sure Gabriel was a passionate man who loved women.

He could get any woman he wanted as easily as snapping fingers. But then, why did he offer her to be his lover? Gabriel didn’t need to pay anyone for having pleasures in his bed. Many even voluntarily offered themselves for that. 

She knew it would complicate things. Despite Jeremy’s cheating on her, she was still his girlfriend. Before ending her relationship with him, it didn’t feel right to start a new relationship.

Rosalind took a deep breath. This one couldn’t be counted as a relationship. It was more of a transaction, a business. What else could she think? Since he offered her so many things in exchange for her willingness to be his.

There was a knock on the door. “Baby, are you okay?”

“I … I’m okay. I just need time to think.”

“You can think elsewhere, darling. I don’t want you to be cold in the bathroom.”

Rosalind let out a sigh. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Sure.”

Gabriel sounded like a nice and thoughtful man. Would it be foolish to turn down a rare offer like this? But then, she knew she couldn’t accept it since being his lover meant she would lose respect to herself. What could be worse than that? 

After deciding, Rosalind fastened the towel around her body. Then she unlocked the door and faced Gabriel. He sat on a couch. This time, he already wore a white T-shirt and black shorts.

When Gabriel saw Rosalind, he reached out his hand in her direction. “Come here, darling.”

Rosalind strolled to approach Gabriel. Before she could sit, he wrapped his hands around her waist and brought her to sit on his lap. She tried to squeal and remove herself from his lap, but his grip on her waist was like steel that clamped her tiny waist. 

“Let me go,” Rosalind hissed. 

Gabriel stared at her. “Before I do that, I want to know your decision. What is your answer?” 

“The answer is no.” She shook herself. “Though I found it was a tempting offer, I must decline.”

“Why? Do you think I’m too old for you?” Gabriel rubbed Rosalind’s waist. 

Rosalind tilted her head a little. “How old are you? I didn’t think of your age at all.”

He chuckled and wrapped her waist tighter. “You are good for my ego, baby.” His thumb stroked the small of her back. “I’m 45 this year. How old are you, darling?”

“Twenty-three.”

Gabriel nodded. “Still so young, but strong. Since you didn’t find our age difference a problem, what then?”

“Being a mistress isn’t something I want. It will make me lose my pride and respect for myself.”

“Ah, prideful little thing aren’t you?” Gabriel chuckled again. “But if you accepted it easily, I would be disappointed.” He bent forward and kissed her lips in a long kiss. “I want you more, baby.”

“Gabe, it’s not a negotiation. I want to go home now. About last night ….” She looked elsewhere and let out a long sigh. “I take it as my mistake to get drunk. Despite it was my first time, I wouldn’t be your mistress because of that.”

Gabriel raised his eyebrow for a second, but then his expression was unreadable. His hand moved to her chest and tried to untie the towel knot there. 

She shook her head and grabbed the towel tighter. “Gabe, I said no.”

“And I want to change your mind.” He kept holding the towel.

“With sex?” She widened her eyes.

He grinned. “Why not? You liked it. I know you do.”

“It’s a bad idea. I …” Rosalind let out a long sigh. “I haven’t ended things with Jeremy, and I can’t start something with anyone before everything’s clear.”

“Even after he has betrayed you?” Gabriel whistled. “Damn! He truly doesn’t deserve you. Your loyalty is misplaced, darling. You should be loyal to someone who is also faithful to you.”

“Gabe, please ….” 

“Okay, then how long must I wait? I don’t mind waiting as long as I know the time frame.”

“Let me wear my clothes first. Then we can talk about it.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wait here.” Since Rosalind looked around to find her clothes, Gabriel said, “Your clothes are on the table next to the bed.”

So, Rosalind picked up her clothes and went to the bathroom to wear them. As he said, her clothes were on the table, folded neatly. There weren’t many creases. She put them on quickly and felt much better after wearing the clothes. 

Later, Rosalind faced Gabriel in the bedroom. He wasn’t sitting on the couch, but on the bed. When he saw her, he grinned. “So?”

“So, what?” Rosalind asked. 

“Will you end your relationship with Jeremy?”

Rosalind nodded. “Yes, for sure, though technically, it ended the moment he cheated on me.”

“Good! And after that?” He stared at her, hoping she would come to accept his offer right away because waiting longer wasn’t what he liked.

She took a deep breath and let out a sigh. “After that, I’ll continue with my life.”

Gabriel frowned because Rosalind didn’t give him the answer he wanted. “And what about my offer?”