Marcus and Luther's voices grew distant; Esme focused solely on Gabriel. She looked up at him; her hand glided up his neck and into the hair at his nape as they stared at one another. Her stomach was creating somersaults the longer she stared at him. A crooked smile formed on his striking features, and he lowered his head to hers.
"Did you miss me, amica mea?" He whispered, his breath gently caressing her skin. Her hand gripped his head, and she tilted her chin up to kiss him.
But Gabriel chuckled and moved back slightly, out of reach from her lips. She frowned, feeling teased and wanting to taste his lips on hers. "Did. You. Miss. Me. My. Love?" He punctuated each word huskily as he started to climb the stairs to the next floor.
"Do you really have to ask?" Esme questioned a little breathlessly.