Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno #4)(39)

Julia pointed to the scratches and scrapes her heels had wrought above his backside and across his shoulder blades. She winced. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” He flashed a grin that rivaled the sun. “I wear my love scars with pride.”

She cringed, for she regretted marring his skin.

He lifted her chin with a single finger. “We wound one another, but we can also heal one another.” He lowered his gaze. “The healing I received from you is perhaps the most important of my life.”

“Gabriel,” she whispered, grasping his arm at the wrist.

He kissed her. “I’m sorry I have to go. They’ll be looking for me upstairs.”

“I need to get back to the hotel to feed Clare. I only left two bottles with Rebecca.” Julia hopped down from the desk but nearly fell over when her right heel hit the floor.

“Steady.” He wrapped his arm around her waist as she tottered on her heels. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She brushed her hair behind her ears and lowered her eyes, pulling up her basque to cover her breasts. The numbness in her right leg had returned and so she’d almost turned an ankle as she tried to stand. But she wasn’t going to tell Gabriel about it—she didn’t want to worry him, especially not at such a critical time for him as this.

“Are you sure?” He lowered his head so he could look into her eyes.

She flashed a quick smile. “Of course.” She picked up her dress and he helped her step into it.

Gabriel zipped up her dress. “Our hosts are planning another dinner this evening. I’ll call you when I know the details.”

“I’m not sure I can make it. I may need a nap after what we just did.”

Gabriel grinned wolfishly. “I’ll call you anyway. And if you’d rather stay in, that’s fine. I’ll detach myself as soon as I can.”

He began cleaning and tidying the desk, placing the letter opener in the center, almost as if it were a souvenir. He looped his tie over his neck but didn’t bother tightening it. “Maybe you and I can visit the pool tonight. Or the spa.”

“That would be nice.”

At that moment, a knock sounded at the door. “Professor Emerson?”

Gabriel stilled. “Yes?”

“You’re wanted upstairs, sir,” the male voice called. “Eleanor Michaels from the BBC is looking for you.”

“I’ll be right there.” Gabriel gave Julia a look of consternation.

She covered her mouth to smother a laugh.

“You go,” she whispered. “I’ll wait until the coast is clear, and then I’ll lock the door behind me.”

“Fine.” He rolled his eyes heavenward and shook his head.

She groomed him quickly—straightening his tie, adjusting his suit jacket, and smoothing his hair. She took a tissue and wiped his face clean of lipstick.

He turned around in a circle, extending his arms wide. “Am I presentable?”

“Delectable.” She sighed longingly. “The BBC will love you.”

“I love only you.” He kissed her firmly and retrieved his briefcase and garment bag. Then he slipped into the corridor, careful to only open the office door a crack.

Julia waited until the footsteps receded. And then she collapsed in a chair, fanning herself with both hands.





Chapter Twenty-Six


A few days later

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Come in.” Cecilia Marinelli’s lightly accented voice responded to Julia’s knock.

Julia opened the door and stuck her head inside the office. “Hi, Cecilia. Do you have a minute?”

On seeing Julia, Cecilia’s expression shifted. She nodded stiffly and gestured to Julia to enter.

Julia was puzzled by her reaction. She stood awkwardly, until Cecilia finally invited her to sit down.

Cecilia was petite, with bright blue eyes and short dark hair. She was from Italy, originally, and had arrived at Harvard the same year as Julia.

“I thought you were on maternity leave.” Cecilia removed her glasses and set them on her desk. She did not smile.

“I am. I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute.” Julia clasped her hands in her lap, feeling nervous.

“I heard the news, of course. The administration is touting Gabriel as one of its most important alumni. Congratulations on the Sage Lectureship.” Cecilia’s tone didn’t match her words.

“Thank you. He’s very excited.”

“I saw his topic for the lectures.” The edges of Cecilia’s mouth turned down. “It’s interesting but too romantic. Also, metalevel readings of Dante are very common. I expected more, much more.”

Julia was stunned. Cecilia and Gabriel had always been on friendly terms. Her criticism stung.

Oblivious to her student’s reaction, Cecilia continued. “So you and Gabriel will be commuting next year while he’s in Edinburgh.”

“No,” Julia almost stuttered. “Well, that’s what I wanted to ask you about. I—”

“You can’t take another leave of absence,” Cecilia interrupted, switching to Italian. “Not after your maternity leave. You need to take courses next fall and put together your dissertation proposal.”