Chapter 76: Birthday Suprise


    iressa''s POV The smell of something sweet and freshly baked filled the air, waking me up. My stomach growled as I stretched under the soft covers. Even though I still felt a little tired, and wanted toy back in bed. the heavenly scent teased me, reminding me just how hungry I was especially afterst night. Last night. The memory of Gabriel''s touch, his words, and the way he made me feel surged through me like a wave. I could still feel the traces of his kisses on my skin, the way his hands had stroked every inch of my body bringing me untold pleasure. As I sat up, I felt the soft sheets fall away, away, and a rush of warmth spread across my cheeks when I realized I waspletely naked. Wrapping the sheet tightly around me, I nced at the spot next to me. It was empty. "Gabriel?" I called softly, but there was no answer. I nced toward the door wide open, and found no sign of him. My gaze moved around the rest of the suite, but it seemed I was


    throo


    11:15 Fri, 21 Feb


    Chapter 76, Birthday Suprise


    Wonded in Miami smoothly, and Olly


    He gestured toward the hallway, signaling for me to follow him. was now driving us to meet Gabriel. That was the only detail Olly was willing to share with me, though my. curiosity only intensified as we drove through the sunny Miami streets, I nced at Olly, unable to hold back any longer. "Olly, would you mind telling me where we''re going?” I asked, my tone light but inquisitive. Het nced at me briefly in the rearview mirror, a subtle smile ying on his lips. I''m afraid Mr. Storm would have my head if I ruined the surprise," he teased. "Oh,e on!" I throw up my hands, halfughing, though the anxiousness in my stomach grew stronger. Olly chuckled softly, shaking his head. “We''re almost there, Miss Hartwood." When the car stopped, I gasped. The car had pulled up to a harbor, the water sparkling under the sun. There, at the dock, was a luxurious yacht. The name Storm was painted on its side in bold letters.. My jaw dropped as I took in its grandeur. But my eyes were drawn to the man standing at the edge of the dock, Gabriel. He stood tall, the breeze ying with his dark hair, his eyes locked on me with an intensity that made my pulse race. He looked effortlessly handsome, and the way he smiled at me made me feel like the most important person in the world. I stepped out of the car and walked toward him. “iressa,” he greeted warmly, his voice wrapping around me like a nt teddy bear hug. He turned to the driver and pped him on the shoulder. "Thank you, Busco." The driver nodded before stepping away, leaving us alone. Gabriel didn''t waste a moment. His arms wrapped around me from behind, his strong frame pressing against me as he whispered in my ear, "My sweet girl." I rxed into his embrace, letting out a softugh. “Mr. Storm,” I teased, tilting my head to nce up at him. His brows lifted in mock outrage as he spun me around to face him. "What did you just call me?” “Mr. Storm,” I repeated, a yful smirk tugging at my lips. “Oh, I see,” he murmured, his fingers trailing down my bare back. "You''re feisty today.” His touch sent shivers through me, but before anything could happen, someone cleared their throat. A man, probably in his fifties, and dressed as the captain approached us. Gabriel groaned softly in my ear. “I''ll make you pay for thatter," he whispered before turning to introduce me. “iressa, this is Captain Taylor. He''ll be sailing the yacht.” I smiled and shook the captain''s hand. “Nice to meet you.” “Likewise,” he replied with a nod. "Shall we set sail?" Gabriel nodded, and soon we were on the yacht. He introduced me to the staff onboard. Elena, the friendly deck keeper, gave me a warm smile that instantly made me feel wee, while Enrique, the tall and quiet chef, offered a polite nod. As Gabriel walked me through the yacht, I couldn''t stop admiring the luxurious details. The sleek design, the polished wood floors, breathtaking view of the ocean stretching endlessly around us-it all felt like something out of a dream. "Wow... this is beautiful, Gabriel," I breathed, taking it all in. "Not nearly as beautiful as you," he replied with a small, teasing smile. Iughed softly, stepping closer to him. “Such a tease,” I murmured. I tiptoed


    wrapped my arms around his neck as I looked up into his eyes. "How did you even know today''s my birthday? I didn''t tell you.” Gabriel didn''t answer right away. Instead, he just smiled that knowing smile of his. Before he could answer, his phone buzzed loudly in his pocket. His face tightened for a second before he pulled it out of his pocket, ncing at the screen. "I would have you know," his voice dropped, rich and smooth, "I''m a man of


    many means. I go to great lengths to please the woman I-” The phone buzzed again, cutting him off. and this time, he looked genuinely upset. “I have to take this,” he muttered, brushing a gentle kiss on my forehead. "It might take a while.” His eyes softened as they met mine. “Elena will take care of you until I''m back." Before I could respond, he gestured toward Elena, who stepped forward with a bright smile. “Come on, Miss Hartwood. Let me show you the rest of the yacht."


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