21

I stood frozen for all but a minute before abruptly pushing Noah away, staring at him in absolute disbelief. Noah rubbed a hand over his chin, not able to hide the wave pool of emotions that appeared on his face as we both stood in shock. He knew it... we both knew it.

We, as Elijah would put it, 'fucked up' bad.

This was the ultimate betrayal, there was no reasoning. Elijah will surely kill Noah then me. Noah looked as if he would be sick, he must have also realized how bad this was.

"Gabby... Fuck, I'm sorry... I don't know why..." He ran a hand through his hair looking lost, he did not know how to explain himself, not that he really could. "Fuck!" He suddenly yelled and I jumped in fear. He spared me one last glance before turning away and leaving me there.

I stood there dumbly. My body was against the wall unmoving. I was afraid that I would fall to the floor if I didn't support myself. It was like I was numb, as if the severity of this was not processing in my head. All I could think about was Elijah and what he would do if he found out.

Shaking my head, I quickly got myself together. I pushed myself from the wall and continued to make my way to my room. I froze when I ran straight into Elijah. He steadied me and only when he was sure I found my footing did he let go of me and gave me a fierce glare.

"Where the fuck were you?"

I opened and closed my mouth not able to find words to answer his question. It's not like I could tell him I was with Noah, that itself would only anger him and bring more questions.

Elijah, seeing my flushed cheeks, eyed me out through his narrowed gaze. "Gabrielle?"

"How dare you leave me alone knowing I'm uncomfortable with this kind of thing." I asked now, still very upset. I was more upset that I did not know where he wandered off to. Was he with a woman?

The jerk had the nerve to raise a brow. "You all but begged to join, no?" I blushed, feeling stupid and embarrassed.

"Yes, but you did not have to leave me." I mumbled.

"Gabrielle, this is business... not a fucking game. I don't have time to babysit you here." My brows knitted together. "Now, if you don't want to be here then go upstairs... I don't have time for this." I nodded dumbly.

"Are you coming up too?" He smiled and I instantly regretted asking. I tensed when he grabbed my jaw and leaned towards me as if to kiss me.

"Is my baby sexually frustrated?" I gasped in utter horror and tore myself out of his grasp. Laughing, he turned and headed back to the party.

"You... you're vulgar!" I shouted at him, only causing him to laugh harder. Trying to cool down my burning cheeks I all but ran upstairs.

Once in bed I couldn't stop my mind from wandering. I tried not to think of today's event but I just couldn't help but wonder why Noah did what he did. What on earth had gotten into him. If Elijah was to find out about this we will both surely be dead.

Maybe it was an accident... maybe Noah did it for a good cause. Whatever the reason is he better have a good explanation. There was no way I was letting this go. Nope, I will get to the bottom of it. With that thought fresh on my mind I let myself drift into a tense slumber, not bothering to wait up for Elijah.

The next morning I was surprised to see Elijah side of the bed still untouched. Not being able to stop the small frown that wrinkled my face, I quickly dressed and went to find the bad man.

As I was on the hunt for Elijah someone grabbed my arm and begin pulling me along. My eyes widened when I saw the culprit was none other then Noah.

"We need to talk." He said when we came to a stop.

"There's nothing to talk about." I mumbled feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Really? Because I think there's plenty to talk about." I did not reply. "But if you don't want to talk to me anymore, then who am I to stop you." He did not wait, he turned on his heel and started heading out the door.

"Don't you dare walk out this room Noah Brown." He did stop, but he did not turn to look at me. "How dare you ignore me when I'm ignoring you. Especially after what you did. You should be ashamed of yourself." I said nodding my head angrily. He had a nerve to make it like I was in wrong.

Noah turned towards me, not bothering to hide his amusement. "Now, you wanna talk?" I glared at him.

"This is not a joking matter Mr. Brown. Elijah will have both our head for this."

Noah nodded, now serious. "Look Gabby... I had too much to drink."

"That's no excuse."

"I know and I'm not going to apologize for it." What? "I have feeling for you." Um...

"Yeah," I said not understanding.

"I love you." Yeah...

"I love you too Noah,"

"Fuck me," He cursed earning a frown from me. "No Gabby, I love love you." Oh... ohhhh.

"No you can't love me like that Noah. Elijah-"

"I know you belong to Elijah but I can't help the way I feel. I do love you Gabby and I will apologize for startling you with the kiss, but that is all I will apologize for."

"Noah-"

"This doesn't change anything between us. I will always be here for you... this doesn't have to make things difficult. I just need you to know."

I nodded and without giving it any thought engulfed Noah into a hug. Noah who instantly tensed and did not relax into my embrace but that didn't deter me.

Noah was sweetest and most caring man I know. The woman to end up with him will surely be the luckiest woman in the world. If I haven't met and fell in love with Elijah I would have definitely been with Noah.

But now he was more like a brother to me. He was my savior and the only thing that kept me sane during this past chaotic year. I refuse to let him go anytime soon whether he likes it or not.

After Noah and I parted our separate ways I went back to looking for Elijah. I heading down the stairs the check the patio only to come to a halt. Elijah and a pretty woman, that clothes showed more then enough skin, stood at the bottom of the stairs.

The woman glanced at me for all but second before kissing Elijah on the lips. She whispered something in his ear before turning and walking out the door. Only then did Elijah turn to me.

Not knowing what to do I silently turned around and walked back to the room. I heard Elijah called out for me but ignored him. I felt void.

Entering the room, Elijah was on my heel slamming the door. He grabbed my arm and sprung me around to his angry face. Not wasting anytime I slapped him using as much strength as I could.

His eyes were dark as night. "Don't do that Gabrielle." He said so lowly. I would have heed his order... he sounded deadly but my anger was too real.

"Again... you will do this again... after everything. You continue to be with other women"

He looked confused before he seemed to realize what I was saying. "You fucking attacked me because you think I was fucking around." He sounded amused but the darkness in his blue orbs told another story .

Walking towards me, I was tempted to take a step back but did not move. I was not going to let him intimidate me. He grabbed my jaw gently, his dark eyes never leaving mine. "Do you have death wish Gabrielle." He asked so calm... too calm.

When I did not answer he shoved me away causing me to almost fall to the floor. Thankfully I was able to find my footing just in time. We stood in silence, Elijah trying to calm himself down. I knew I should back down but the ache in chest wouldn't allow it.

Letting out a breath, I headed towards the door. I needed to get away. As I tried passing, Elijah grabbed my arm holding me in my place. I did not look at him, my eyes glued on the door.

"I did not fuck her," My eyes snapped to his. Not bothering to hide my anger I shoved him away, taking him by surprise.

"You expect me to believe that. I know you and everyone believe I don't have a brain but do you really think I'm that empty headed."

"Yes, because I have every reason to lie to you." He said sarcastically. "You and I both know if I wanted to fuck her I will fuck her openly. Hell, I might even fuck her in front of you. Would you like that Gabrielle?" I felt my heart drop.

"Go back to her Elijah." I said in defeat.

"I did not fucking touch her!" I jumped back in fear. "Get that through that thick fucking skull if yours."

"Fine, lets say you didn't. How do I know you are never going to, as you say it, 'fuck around'?" I asked now letting my anger show as well. Elijah looked a little surprised. "How do I know you won't get bored and decide to go to other women again. Can you guarantee that?" He did not answer.

I shook my head, "I want to leave, your mere presence is making me feel dirty."

Elijah eyes darkened drastically. "Yeah?"

"I want to leave," I repeated, biting my lip out of nerve.

"Get the fuck out then," My eyes widened. Elijah, ignoring my shock state walked away from me. I watched with wide eyes as he began pulling my clothes out of drawers and disregarding them on the bed. "You want to leave, fuck off."

"Get the fuck out!" He yelled so loudly when I did not move.

I nodded my head. "Fine," Elijah stormed passed me and out the room, I was sure everyone could hear the slamming of the door. Only then did I allow myself to break down into a fit of tears. I cried and cried for what felt like hours.

Noah was nice enough to give me a ride to the bakery. The drive was long and silent. Noah tried to make conversation but I did not feel like talking. Elijah rejection hit me hard.

Once at the bakery Noah had offered to stay around but I politely declined and ensured him I was fine. He didn't look convinced but reluctantly left.

That was about three weeks ago. I fell back into my normal routine, baking my sweets and serving my wonderful customers, although nothing felt the same. I tried not to think of Elijah and did everything to keep myself busy. It was hard but I pushed through.

One night, I closed later then usual. I had just sent everyone home and was finishing putting away the leftover sweets. A knock on the door startled me, wondering who would be here this late. I opened the door and eyed the person out in confusion.

"Carter, what are you doing here?"