Chapter 73 - Bared To You: Part One (1/2)
**** Content Warning ****
Please be aware there are themes of emotional and physical abuse in the following chapters. Read at your own discretion.
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Esme relaxed back into the sofa, feeling well fed and slurping on the last of her smoothie. Gabriel sat next to her, one ankle crossed over his knee, his hand holding a book that appeared to be written in Latin, and his other hand rested on the back of the sofa, occasionally brushing her shoulder or playing with her hair. Esme asked while eating what the book was about and was fascinated when he explained it was on historical findings of demons. But Gabriel shrugged it off as superstition; he had read the book many times but still found it fascinating how the author wrote such bizarre descriptions. He told her the 'demons' were vampires and werewolves.
She did take note earlier but didn't pay too much attention that on the far left of his large bedroom was his own personal collection of books; she presumed they had been read several times from her quick observation at how worn they appeared. However, it turned out to be the most expensive collection of rare books, some even created by himself on historical events. Others that were very well hidden he mentioned were actually his journals from the first century he lived on earth.
It was genuinely fascinating, and he kept her entertained while eating, either by what he translated from his book or by the books he mentioned in his room. ”I take it you're a bit of a history buff, Gabriel,” Esme winked and placed her empty smoothie onto the coffee table that was probably worth the price of her new apartment Lenny rented to her.
Gabriel closed his book, gently placing the golden leather cover on his leg. ”I have lived it. So, it intrigues me to see how history is written. Some facts are lost in time; others have been altered,” He said nonchalantly, then smirked after feeling Esme's awe-filled gaze.
Esme cleared her throat and stood up to circle around the love seat, and started fidgeting with her hands in front of her as she looked up at the two swords crossed on the wall, using it as a distraction from where her mind was soon going to go. To the deepest corners where her demons would claw her up in pieces.
Esme swallowed hard as her gaze rested on the golden hilts. Both swords were designed the same; the family crest was in the middle of the cross guard, with the letter 'G' engraved in it. Either side of the crest was two figures, sword in hand raised against oncoming wolves. She glided her hand across the cross guard, feeling the smooth edges of the wolves, then looked up at the pommel and gazed at a large circular red gem that must have been a ruby. Esme looked back at Gabriel, who now stood behind her, leaning against the sofa, his hands gripping on the edges as he observed her.
”This was your sword?” Esme asked though she already knew the answer. He nodded and glanced at the other sword. ”And the other?” She saw the letter 'C' engraved in the family crest.
”Hmm, that is a story for another time,” He murmured thoughtfully, and she looked back at him, curiosity clear on her features. But she dropped it; it was apparent that he felt uncomfortable at the question. He'd already shown parts of himself by bringing her to his room that showed more of who he was than in the rest of the penthouse that was merely full of luxury items. Although she guessed the piano and library may be the only other parts that revealed who he was and possibly the office that was kept under lock.
Esme glanced at the other sword again and understood enough that the sword belonged to a family member and might no longer be with him. She reached up and started tracing the engraved markings just below the hilt; the inscription was in a language she did not understand or pinpoint what it was in. ”They are beautiful and in good condition,” She pointed out.