SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 269
269 Don't Call Winona (Cass)
Gabriel's outside on the balcony, pacing back and forth on another phone call, probably arguing with someone about business. He's been on edge ever since dinner last night, and I'm starting to feel the strain
There a knock on the suite door. Maybe Gabriel ordered room service. I open it to see Gus standing there.
"Gus," I say, surprised to see him. "What's up?"
"I'm heading back to the U.S. soon," he says. "I have some urgent business to take care of. Just wanted to check in on you before I left."
I raise an eyebrow. Why's he suddenly acting all protective? This smells of Winona sending him to check up on me. Honestly, they think I'm ten years old.
"I'm fine," I say, forcing a smile. "Gabriel and I are heading back on Friday. I'll be there for Winona's hen's night."
Gus nods. "Alright," he says slowly. "But if you need anything, don't hesitate to call me."
"I know Winona sent you, so you can tell her I'm just fine."
"Take this anyway." He hands me a small card with his number on it.
I take it, tucking it into my pocket. "Thanks," I say, unsure of what else to say.
Before I can ask more, Gabriel comes back inside, his expression hard. His gaze flicks to Gus at the door, and the tension in the room instantly spikes. "Gus is heading back home," I explain, trying to keep the mood light, but Gabriel's already in that confrontational mode I've seen too much of lately. "Gus thinks I need checking up on," Gabriel says, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "He doesn't trust me, right?"
"I actually think he's checking in on me, for my sister. Am I right?" I ask Gus.
Gus doesn't flinch. "I'm just making sure everything's okay. Winona worries."
Gabriel steps closer, his eyes narrowing. "Doesn't she trust me? Is that it? You rich Americans are threatened by the lowly peasants."
"You're hardly a peasant now and aren't you trying to become one of those rich Americans yourself?"
"I'm coming there to take what's rightfully mine. That's all." Gabriel advances towards Gus
"Gabriel, stop," I say, stepping between them, but Gus raises a hand.
"Gabriel, be careful," Gus says calmly, but there's steel in his voice. "Your temper better not be directed at Cass. If she gets hurt in any way, there will be consequences." Okay, this is not just about me getting hurt feelings now. There's some kind of pissing contest going on here.
769 Dont Call Winona
+25 BONUS
Gabriel's eyes flash with anger. "My temper has nothing to do with Cass. Stay out of it."
Gus doesn't back down. "Just remember what I said."
"Just remember, I'm not going away," Gabriel answers.
He leaves, but not before throwing a final warning glance at Gabriel. The door closes, and I turn to Gabriel, my patience wearing thin with his controlling attitude lately. I did not sign up for this shit. If I want controlling, I'll go back to my sister.
"What the hell was that?" I demand, crossing my arms,
Gabriel sighs, running a hand through his hair. "He's trying to get involved in my business. Brennan Industries is mine. I don't care if Judy's owns shares. Soon enough it will all be mine." "Gabriel. He's just looking out for me."
"Looking out for you?" Gabriel snaps, his voice rising. "He's here because of me. He doesn't trust me. No one does."
I glare at him. "Maybe you're giving them reasons not to. You've been on edge since we got here, starting arguments, acting like this is some power struggle instead of a vacation."
Gabriel's face hardens, but I'm not backing down. "I'm not going to stand by while you act like this, Gabriel. I deserve better."
For a moment, he looks like he's going to argue, but then his shoulders slump. "You're right," he says, his voice softer now. "I'm sorry, I'll fix it."
Later that night, we went out to a local club to try and blow off some steam, it's going well. I love learning to dance like the Latinos. Mia is in the thick of it and boy can she move her body. Finally I feel like Gabriel and I are out of the funk we were in.
But the universe has other plans. I realize my bag isn't over my body. Oh fuck! I don't remember taking it
off.
My bag has my entire life in it. Passport, ID, phone, money. I have to find it. Maybe the strap broke. I stop dancing and look around. I can't see it anywhere.
I go back and check where we were sitting, ask a few people who shake their heads. I'm not even sure they understand what I'm saying
Gabriel comes up to me. "What is wrong. Cass?"
"My purse. I had it across my body. It's gone. Maybe the strap broke, I don't know." Panic rises in my chest. "It has my passport, phone and everything in it. Gabriel's furious. "Why the hell did you have all that with you?"
"I thought it'd be safer with me!" I snap back, feeling the panic bubbling up.
"The hotel has a safe for such things."
269 Don't Call Winona
+25 BONUS
"I didn't know that. I've never been out of the country before," I yell back.
He yells in Spanish, waving his arms around, and I'm sure they are curse words. I'm not going to cry. He can go and eat a dick. People make mistakes.
I storm out of the club.
Gabriel follows me. "Cass, don't go off alone. We'll go report it to the police."
We end up at the local police station, but they can't do much. Gabriel translates for me. Apparently, thieves cut the strap without you knowing, especially in busy nightclubs. The local police eye me suspiciously. Fucking great, cops everywhere are the same.
They tell us to go back to the hotel and wait for an update.
Back at the room, Gabriel tries to apologize again for his outburst in the club, but I'm done for the night. "I need some space."
He leaves, and I collapse onto the bed, my mind racing. I can't call Winona or Gus. I've been telling her! can handle myself.
I'm not running to her every time things go wrong. This type of thing happens. I'll be okay.
I have one more day here and then I fly home.
Tomorrow I'll call the embassy and organize my passport and some ID.
270 Hens Night
+25 BONUS
270 Hen's Night