All Chapters of Contracted to Deceive : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

(Gloria)The next day, I got to the office before Gabriel and Kate, not because I was eager, but because I needed to gather my wits. Gabriel strolled in not long after, all crisp in his suit and signature flat expression. But I knew better now, didn’t I? I knew how his body reacted even when his mind fought it.“Morning,” I greeted, flashing a polite smile.“Morning,” he returned, his voice curt.Oh? So that’s how we were playing it? Pretend nothing happened? Act like he didn’t kiss me like he was starving for it? Like he didn’t touch me like he was mapping out a new obsession?Okay.I strolled to the break room, making his coffee with the same careful motions as always, but this time, I let my fingers drag a little slower over the cup, let the rich aroma of the beans mix with the subtle scent of my perfume. When I brought it to his desk, I leaned in just enough, letting my blouse shift slightly, enough to hint but not expose.“Your coffee, sir,” I murmured, watching him over the rim

The moment we step inside my apartment, the sight of the destruction makes my stomach twist. Shattered glass, overturned furniture, drawers yanked open and emptied onto the floor, it looks worse than I expected.In the middle of it all, Mr. Henderson stands like a weary soldier with his arms crossed over his chest. He lifts his head when we enter, his face lined with concern.“I stayed to make sure no one came back,” he says, nodding toward the mess. “Didn’t want them taking what’s left.”A lump forms in my throat. Mr. Henderson barely knows me, yet he’s been so helpful, “Thank you,” I say, meaning it.Gabriel steps forward with his commanding presence. “Did you see anything?” His voice is gruff and edged with frustration.Mr. Henderson shakes his head. “No, but I can take you both to the security room. They’ve got cameras.”Gabriel glances at me. “We’re going.” It’s not a suggestion.I exhale slowly, pushing past the unease in my gut. Someone broke into my apartment, tore through my

(Gloria)I let the hot water run over me, my muscles finally starting to relax as the steam fills the bathroom. The scent of expensive hotel soap clings to my skin, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy the feeling of comfort and luxury.I step out and wrap myself in a plush robe, grab my phone from the nightstand, and scroll through my contacts before pressing Elena’s name. It rings twice before she picks up.“Finally,” she huffs. “I was about to call the damn police myself.”I sigh, sinking onto the bed. “Don’t start.”“Don’t start? Gloria, your apartment got broken into. You should’ve called the cops the second you saw those security tapes.”“I handled it,” I say firmly. “The money’s sent, so it’s done.”There’s a long pause. Then…“You think it’s done,” Elena mutters. “That’s the problem.”I press my fingers against my temple. “E, they only wanted what Ethan owed them. I paid. End of story.”“You don’t know that.”Her voice is insistent, but I shake my head. No, I’m not letting pa

(Gloria)I sit at my desk with my fingers clenched so tight around my pen that I swear it’s seconds from snapping. The moment Gabriel had hit me with that bullshit about fine and probation, I wanted to launch myself over his stupid, expensive desk and strangle him with his own damn tie. He knows I didn’t do it, he has to. But instead of admitting that, and actually doing something about the person who framed me, he took the easy way out by punishing me just enough to remind me that in his world, I had no real power.I chew the inside of my cheek, my eyes burning into the heap of paperwork in front of me, but none of the words register. I’m too busy thinking about every venomous thing I want to say to him the next time I see his stupidly perfect face.And then, like some cruel twist of fate, Kate decides this is the perfect time to open her mouth.“Oh my God,” she sighs dreamily from her desk, flipping her straight black hair over her shoulder. “I can’t believe I’ll be flying out with

(Gloria)The moment we step into the hotel lobby, my jaw drops because of course Gabriel booked something luxurious. Not just five-star, but disgustingly opulent high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and marble floors that scream money.And then there’s him. Standing beside me in his suit looking so powerful that people glance over just to stare. A businessman. A billionaire. My husband-to-be… giggle. I grip the handle of my suitcase a little tighter, smiling like a fool.The receptionist smiles too brightly as we approach the front desk, her gaze flicking to Gabriel like she’s hoping he’ll ruin her life.I roll my eyes. Typical.Gabriel barely notices though. “Montclair,” he says. “Checking in.”“Of course, sir.” She types quickly, then glances between us. “And… just to confirm, will you both be staying in the penthouse suite?”My head snaps to Gabriel. “The what?”He doesn’t even look at me. “Yes.”I blink. Excuse me?The receptionist beams. “Wonderful! The penthouse is one of our fine