Chapter 21

I was sipping on a cup of coffee the next morning, leaning on Gabriel's granite counter, when he strutted in like he owned the place, which he did.

The joke was completely on me.

I grasped the handle of the mug harder when he brushed past me to stand next to the coffeemaker. I'd resumed work earlier than usual today, and Michelle was still upstairs getting ready with Vee.

We were alone in the kitchen and although the morning air was crisp, the air in the kitchen felt heated when he stepped in.

"Good morning, Mr. Marcello," I greeted as cheerfully as one could greet her employer.

I was still brewing with annoyance at his attitude yesterday, but I wasn't going to let it ruin my mood.

I was here for a reason, and that was to make money.

I waited, watching as he made he filled his mug with coffee, black, before turning to stare at me with hard eyes.

I tried to take in deep breaths, but he was still staring at me.

His gaze never wavered, even as he took sips of his hot coffee.

I took the on