SWITCH

"Are you married?" Gabriel asked, tilting his head and peering into Adelina's eyes.

"No, why do you ask?" Adelina responded, glancing up at him with curiosity.

"You seem mature and composed, yet you have a youthful air," he replied.

Adelina laughed softly. "Oh, no, I'm very much single."

"Who did you come with?" He suddenly demanded.

Adelina's mind raced as she searched for a convincing response. "Um, Ricardo?" She quickly lied, hoping there was someone with that name at the party.

"I didn't know he had a sister," Gabriel said, raising an eyebrow at her suspiciously.

"I'm a distant cousin, like a sister he never had but always wanted," she replied, offering him a faux genuine smile.

They had been conversing for a while now, sitting on a quiet balcony away from the party. Adelina's social battery was running low, and she knew she needed to wrap up the conversation soon.

As their discussion reached a lull, Gabriel took a sip from his drink. Adelina noticed he was slightly tipsy, despite trying to mask it.

She batted her lashes slowly and looked up at him, smiling. "How much for a night?" he asked, gripping her arm and picking up on her suggestive gaze.

Adelina moved closer, pressing against his chest and speaking in a sultry tone. "How much do you think I'm worth? Do you think I'm just a one-night stand?"

Gabriel's hand found her waist, and he held her tighter. "How much would you want me to offer?"

"All of you to myself, and a diamond ring on my fourth finger," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and locking eyes with him.

"Marry a man you just met?" Gabriel asked, his voice laced with amusement.

"Why not, if that man is you?" Adelina asked.

"Skylar, are you serious about this, or are you just drunk?" he asked.

"I haven't had anything strong to drink," Adelina giggled, softly caressing his cheek.

"Why should I trust your word?" Gabriel questioned.

"I'm not asking you to trust my word; my lips don't lie," she grinned seductively.

Gabriel eyed her warily, trying to think but failing. "What do you say, Gabriel?" she asked, drawing out his name with a delicate touch.

Gabriel blinked a few times as if in a trance. "Would you let this opportunity slip away?"

"I can do many things," she whispered softly, her hand still caressing his face as he leaned into her touch.

"Stop, Skylar," he suddenly said, grabbing her hand harshly.

Adelina feigned shock, widening her eyes. "Ouch!" she moaned softly.

Gabriel blinked, seeming startled. "I'm so sorry, Skylar; I didn't mean to hurt you," he apologized, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips for a gentle kiss.

"It's fine; I understand you don't want me," she sighed, gently pulling her hand away and taking a few steps back.

"No, Skylar," he said, moving towards her.

Adelina took a step back, turning her face away to hide her smile as she acted hurt.

"I really like you," he muttered, his gaze downcast.

Adelina looked up at him with interest. "It's just..."

"It's just what?" she yelled, her tone demanding.

"Nothing's wrong with you, Skylar; you're perfect," he whispered, gently grabbing her hand and kissing it.

"Then why?" she asked, voice rising with emotion. "I've watched you for years, Gabriel. I love you. My heart aches for you, and you don't want me?"

"Because I'm not good enough for you, Skylar," he shouted angrily, his chest heaving.

"You don't get to decide that, Gabriel; I do," Adelina retorted, her voice raised.

"You're a pure soul, untainted by my world. I don't want to corrupt you," Gabriel yelled.

"I want to be tainted by you, Gabriel. I see you, not your actions," Adelina shouted back.

"You should leave, Skylar," he whispered, his voice breaking.

"What?" she whispered.

"Leave," he yelled. "Leave before I do something we'll both regret," he added, tears filling his eyes.

Adelina looked up at him as tears rolled down her face. "I won't leave until you tell me you want me too," she whispered.

"I could kill you," he whispered.

"Then do it—kill me already!" she yelled.

Adelina was on a dangerous path, hoping for the best.

Gabriel pulled out a gun. This was not the reaction she had hoped for, but there was no turning back.

"Do it," she growled, stepping closer to him.

He cocked the gun, raising it to her head.

She looked up at him defiantly, lips thinned. "I dare you to kill the only woman who truly wants you," she whispered, holding his shaky hand.

His finger remained on the trigger, and a bead of sweat ran down his face.

They stood there for a minute or two, staring at each other.

"If you won't do it, I'll do it myself," Adelina yelled, snatching the gun from his hand.

He struggled for the gun, and two shots fired into the air in the process.

Adelina took possession of the gun and placed it to her head.

"Skylar, no!" Gabriel yelled, lunging at her to retrieve the gun.

Adelina sidestepped, dodging him, gun still at her head, finger on the trigger.

"Don't do that to yourself," he begged, trying to approach.

"Then tell me you want me too," she yelled, tears streaming down her face.

"Skylar, please," he begged.

Adelina gulped.

"Tell me you want me," she yelled.

"I want you," he yelled back. "Ever since I saw you during my speech, I wanted you, Skylar," Gabriel admitted.

"That was why I approached you, Skylar," he whispered.

"I love you," he yelled as tears fell from his eyes.

Adelina's hand with the gun fell to her side as she took a deep breath.

Her heart still raced from the intense moment.

Gabriel rushed towards her, snatching the gun and tossing it off the balcony.

He cupped her face with his hands, kissing her roughly and passionately.

He leaned his forehead against hers, both panting for air.

"Don't ever do that again; you scared me tonight, Skylar," he whispered sternly.

"Take me to your room," she gasped, breathing heavily against his lips.

Gabriel nodded and held her hand, leading her away from the balcony.

Adelina smiled inwardly, knowing her acting skills and Lorelai's handmade aphrodisiacs were lethal and exceptional.