23. A Tense Dinner Date

Alice perused the dresses in her closet. It had been a month since she and Gabriel had bonded, and they were going to have dinner with Jerome in a fancy restaurant. Unhappy with the idea of Jerome needing to confirm the bond, Alice felt like she had to really dress up for the occasion. The moment reminded her of the second hearing, and wanting to be as formal as possible in an attempt to appear intimidating. That had not gone well.

No suit tonight, though. Tonight Alice wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible—just an elegant dress and sensible shoes. She selected a beige dress from the rack and turned to the mirror.

"No, not that one." Gabriel took the dress from her hands and put it back on the rack. "You need something sexier tonight."

"Sexy?" She turned to him, confused. "It's dinner with Jerome and Matts. Why would I need to look sexy?"

Gabriel quickly browsed her dresses, picking one, then another, up and then putting them back on the rack with a grunt, until he found a black leather dress. The corner of his mouth rose when he placed it in front of her.

"This one. This one is perfect."

She took the dress from his hands and replaced it on the rack.

"Not this one. I don't want to wear it," she told him and went back to choose something else. Gabriel picked the dress up again.

"This one is very sexy, and I never saw you wear it before. Why don't you like it?"

"I love the dress…" Alice hesitated. She didn't like to talk about Bruno with Gabriel, much less now that they were bonded.

"Is it because Bruno gifted it to you?"

"Yes. How did you know?"

"I chose the dress for him," he confessed. "Bruno had no idea what would look good on you, and, let's be honest, he had no taste for clothes at all. So he asked me for help, and I chose this dress because of how hot you would look."

Alice blushed. She had been surprised that Bruno had chosen such a sexy dress, but she'd figured Naomi might have helped him.

"I would love to see you wear it," he told her, holding it in front of her. She felt the request also come through their bond.

"All right." She hesitated. "I'll put it on and see how I feel about it."

She took the dress to the mirror and slipped it on. The lace of her bra was showing, so she removed it. And she would need some stockings to wear; it was too cold for just a leather dress. Gabriel came up behind her and zipped the back. The soft leather hugged her figure perfectly, from the swell of her breasts, around the curve of her hips to the top of her knees.

"I told you so. Fucking sexy," Gabriel said in a rough voice. He kissed her neck, and slowly dragged his hand up her body until it cupped one breast. She could feel his arousal through the bond.

Alice sighed. She did look nice, and she really loved the dress. But, at the same time, it was one more thing that Gabriel was taking from Bruno and making his.

"Why do you want me to look sexy tonight, anyway?" she asked him.

"Because Matts will be there."

"I don't understand." She turned to him and looped her arms around his neck.

"Last time Matts was here, he was practically drooling when he saw you in leather pants." Gabriel smirked. "I want you to look sexy so I can rub it in his face."

She couldn't help rolling her eyes at him. "That's extremely petty."

"I'm a petty man," he told her, grabbing her ass and kissing her. "Let's go to the beach house after dinner."

"Running away from Jerome?" she teased.

"You bet." He chuckled and smacked her butt, eliciting a laugh from her.

Gabriel went back to his own closet to get ready, so she turned back to the mirror and smoothed the dress over her hips. Was she okay wearing this? It was a gift from Bruno, but maybe it was fate that Gabriel had been the one to choose it. A little push of reassurance came through their bond and she smiled. That man had gotten too good at using their connection. Well, two could play that game, she thought as she changed her underwear to a thong and put on a sheer pair of stockings.

Gabriel drove them to the restaurant in his brand-new Aston Martin, a gift from another alpha, while Elijah and Lemos drove in a discreet car behind them. They were meeting Matts and Jerome at the highest-elevation restaurant in Lisbon, in the Vasco da Gama tower. She had never eaten there before and was dreading the experience. It was one of those fancy-food restaurants that served art instead of a meal. But Jerome chose the place and Gabriel didn't want to make any waves with him. At least, not yet.

Elijah talked on the phone for a few minutes before allowing them to go up in the elevator.

When they reached the top floor, the dread over the food evaporated at the first sight of the view. The restaurant had one continuous window all around it that offered a panoramic view of Lisbon and its river. The lights of the bridge over the Tejo River reflected softly on the water, and it lazily shimmered in the night. It was breathtaking.

"Are you ready?" Gabriel asked as he offered her his arm. She took it and they both made their way to the table. Several patrons stopped their dinner and conversations to greet them. Gabriel nodded to them politely, but didn't stop walking until they reached the table where Jerome and Matts were sitting with their heads together, talking in hushed voices.

When they approached, both men rose to greet them. Jerome had a delighted smile on his lips, but Matts… Matts looked guilty, as if Alice had caught him doing something he shouldn't.

"How wonderful to see you again, my dear." Jerome greeted her with open arms, surprising her with a warm hug.

"How are you, darling?" Matts gave her a kiss on the cheek that took too long for Gabriel's liking. She could feel his jealousy through the bond. Matts shook Gabriel's hand, and both men looked at each other with such open animosity, she half expected them to start fist-fighting right then and there. Alice decided to end the hostility before it truly began.

"Well, I'm starving," she announced to the men, who quickly decided feeding her was more important than measuring dicks. Gabriel offered her the chair nearest the window and sat next to her. Jerome sat across from her, and Matts had to sit across from Gabriel.

The conversation was awkward. The emotions coming from Jerome and Matts were confusing her for what was supposed to be a simple dinner to confirm Alice and Gabriel were mates. Jerome was tense, Matts was seething with resentment, and both had something to hide. She blocked her emotions from Gabriel. Last thing he needed was to get up in arms with the other men.

When their orders arrived, Alice had to suppress a sigh of disappointment. The menu had made the meat sound delicious, but it didn't say it would be such a small portion. She felt a hint of amusement in the air and looked up at Matts, who was trying to contain a smile as he watched her. They both shared the same love of food, so he was well aware this was not her type of restaurant. When the waiter put a plate in front of Matts, his steady smile remained but he winked at her.

"I have received news that you and the Spanish First Chair are negotiating some sort of agreement over leadership in the Peninsula," Jerome stated to Gabriel. He had made it sound like a fact, but looked expectantly at Gabriel, as if he had asked a question.

"It would be more of a tight-knit alliance than a leadership agreement," Gabriel admitted. "Although I have been asked by several alphas in Europe about a possible European Union return. Or some other kind of union, at least."

"Do all alphas in Europe agree with that?" Matts asked.

"No," Gabriel said bluntly. "Some are fiercely protective of their independence. Most alphas don't like other alphas trying to take what's theirs." He put an arm around Alice's back.

A wave of annoyance came from Matts.

"Division among the countries is not something we want to see," Jerome said between bites of his beautiful shrimp plate. "This is delicious."

"I understand. I'm not planning on going against the High Court's orders, if that's your concern," Gabriel replied. "At least, orders that I can stomach."

"Good." Jerome nodded at him. "That's what we expect for now."

Any hopes Alice had for dessert to save the meal quickly evaporated when she saw the tiny little ice-cream ball next to crunched-up cake.

"Maybe you should order two?" Matts teased.

"Maybe she can make her own choice," Gabriel said to Matts.

"Maybe Alice would like to join me upstairs for a cocktail while both of you try to have a civil conversation?" Jerome cut them off. He got up and offered his hand to Alice. "Would you kindly join me, my dear?"

Alice took his hand and followed Jerome obediently. Both men's stares burned a hole in her back.

When reaching the top of the stairs, she was met with an even better view of the city. Unlike the floor below, the lighting here was subtle and low to the ground, letting the city sparkle in all its glory.

Jerome retrieved two drinks from the bar and offered her one. Then he walked her to a more secluded corner.

"That is quite beautiful," Jerome said as he sat down, indicating the view.

Alice settled beside him and tried to get a feel for what he wanted. "Are you going to ask me if the bond was forced?" she finally asked.

"No, of course not, my dear. You can't force an omega bond," he told her with a chuckle.

"Then what do you want to talk about?" Alice insisted. Jerome's emotions were quite restrained.

"I wanted to give those two the opportunity to talk things out," Jerome confirmed. "Matts insists on staying as second on your list, so I thought it better for him to tell Gabriel. Let them come to an understanding."

"He will stay as second?" Alice was surprised. "But he won't be able to sign up for anyone else, right?"

"Let's be honest, my dear." Jerome put a hand on her shoulder. "Do you really think he would want anyone else?"

Alice hesitated, not sure what to say.

"I do hope you will let him be part of your life. You made your choice, and I respect it. But you can't tell an alpha to look somewhere else after an omega, can you?"

"I didn't mean for things to be like this." Alice blushed. "I hope he was not too disappointed."

"It's not your fault, my dear." Jerome spared her the embarrassment. "It's the new nature of things."

Alice reached for her bond with Gabriel, but he'd shut it tight, stopping most emotions from coming through.

"So, now that I have a bond, does that mean I can travel?" Alice asked Jerome, trying to distract herself.

"Absolutely not." He huffed. "Of all the omegas, you are the one in most danger right now. With the exception, of course, of Sophie Arnaud. The High Court insisted with all omega mates that their security comes first, and I believe Gabriel is also quite aware of that. Another omega in the strays' hands would be a disaster."

Alice sighed. She was really hoping for more freedom, now that she had a bond.

"I think those two have had enough time to clear the air," Jerome said after a few minutes of lighter conversation. "If you don't mind, dear, I would also like to have a word with Gabriel. I will send Matts to you for company."

Alice held back a chuckle. Jerome was very restrained with his emotions, but some things were quite clear. He wanted to give Matts some alone time with her, more than he wanted to talk with Gabriel.

She enjoyed the view by herself while she waited for Matts. A wave of lustful interest wafted to her, and she saw an alpha trying to decide if he should approach her or not. He took a few steps toward her with a smug smile, but suddenly pretended to be interested in the bar instead.

"Hello, darling." Matts voice came from behind her.

He sat down beside her, a drink in his hand, and gazed at the view. He was trying very hard to contain his emotions, but she could feel a taste of his desire.

"That's a nice dress," he told her casually.

The dress was definitely torturing Matts. "Have you talked things out with Gabriel?"

"We had a nice chat, yes," he replied and took a sip of his drink.

"Are you sure you want to be second to him, Matts?"

"Yes," he replied with a certainty that left no room for further discussion.

"We are still friends, regardless of your being on the list or not," Alice reassured him.

"The only way I'm leaving that list is if you tell me to leave," Matts told her. His intense gaze made her blush. "Do you want me to leave the list?"

She avoided the question. "I'm not telling you what to do, Matts. That's up to you."

"Do you want me to leave the list, Alice?" he insisted. His hand traveled down her arm, caressing the soft leather of her sleeve.

Alice quickly finished her drink so she wouldn't need to give him an answer. "I should go back to Gabriel." She got up, but Matts was holding her hand, regarding her with an unnerving intensity. The corner of his mouth rose in a smug smile.

He kissed her hand and let it go, not saying anything more.

Alice rushed back to Gabriel, fully aware that not saying yes was a reply in and of itself.

Why was he driving so fast? Alice had to grab the door handle to keep her balance when a hard curve pushed her toward Gabriel. Usually he was more careful on the roads near the coast.

"Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Sorry," he said, and he slowed the car.

He continue to glance at her from the corner of his eye whenever there was a straight bit of road, but each only lasted a few seconds at a time.

The radio was playing a new pop song she didn't know. Alice picked up her phone to research it; it could be interesting to bring to dance class. She tapped one foot to the rhythm and instinctively moved her shoulders to the lyrics.

Gabriel put his hand on her knee and squeezed. "Don't do that."

"Do what?" He had never complained before about her using her phone while he drove.

"Dancing in your seat. I'm already having a hard time keeping control until we get home."

"Keeping control? Slow down, then. We're not racing anyone."

"Not of the car. Of me!"

She felt out their bond, and his arousal jumped at her.

"Oh."

"It's that damn dress. It's been doing things to my mind since you put it on."

"You're the one who asked me to wear it tonight. Don't complain now."

"I'm not complaining, I'm loving that dress. I just didn't expect to get so turned on by it."

She laughed at the irony. "So you insisted I put on this dress to tease Matts, and now you're having trouble because of it?"

"Yes, but unlike Matts, I get to do something about it," he said with an evil grin.

She put her phone away and studied him. He gripped the wheel so tightly that his knuckles were white, there was a muscle tensing in his neck, and in his lap—there was quite a bulge.

"So," she said slowly, "if I move my hips like this?" She rolled her hips to the music. "You get aroused?"

"Stop that."

"And if I move my shoulders? Does that get you aroused too?" She'd said her shoulders, but she pushed her chest out. She twisted her waist to make her chest roll slowly, her right hand grabbing the headrest.

"Oh, you mean woman." He accelerated again, the car roaring loudly into the night.

"You are going to get us both killed if you speed like that," she shouted over the roar of the engine.

He slowed down again and groaned in frustration. "You are torturing me. That's not fair."

"And torturing Matts is? You've been going at him all night." She rolled her chest to the music again. "I think it's good for you to experience a bit of his suffering."

Gabriel pressed his mouth so tightly closed, she could hardly see his lips. He shook his head slowly. If looks could slap asses, she wouldn't be able to sit down right now.

She grinned slyly and continued to slowly dance to the music.

"You are so going to regret that."

"We are twenty minutes away from home. Surely you can hold on until then?" She put her hands over her chest, closing and opening her fingers to the music's rhythm. Then she brought them to her neck and head and lowered them suggestively.

"Shit." He laughed. "You really don't play fair, do you?" He turned the car onto an unusual road and speed up. "Don't complain when you get what you deserve for that."

"Where are you going? I thought you were in a hurry to get home." She didn't recognize the path they were taking now. A shortcut?

A bit further ahead, he turned the car toward the sea and the asphalt became a dirt road. She could hear little pebbles loosened by the wheels and hitting metal. "You're going to scratch the car."

"I don't give a fuck about the car."

He parked on a cliff overlooking a beach. There were no lights around, and the night got even darker when he cut the engine, killing the headlights. He opened the window next to her, just enough to let the ocean smell in.

"Where are we?" Alice asked, looking around.

He turned to her with a predatory gaze, and let his eyes run slowly all the way down her body. His eyes snapped back to hers and he gave a slow, evil grin.

"Dance again, please." He turned the radio up.

"Not sure I want to, now." she teased.

He took off his tie and rolled it up in his left hand, never taking his eyes off hers. "Like you were doing before, with the arms up. Please dance for me?" he asked in a deceptively sweet voice.

She grabbed the headrest with both hands and lifted her hips from the seat, languorously turning them.

He leaned in and kissed her, reaching to grab her hands from the headrest.

"What are you doing?" Alice asked, exasperated. He used the tie to bind her wrists to the headrest.

She fought the restraint, but couldn't release her arms. "What is it with alphas and control?"

Gabriel smirked. "You know you are irresistible, and you still pushed me. Now you'll find out what you get for taking a bite out of my control."

He pulled the lever under her seat, making it go all the way back, and she squeaked when he pushed the back of her seat down all in one go.

"It's too early for that." He laughed softly, and he reclined his own seat.

Then he draped one of her legs over his lap, holding it in place, and slowly ran his left hand up her thigh, testing the material of her stockings by pinching it and letting it go.

"No. Don't rip them, please."

There was the sound of fabric ripping, and then his hand was directly on her skin. "Let's hope it's not just the tights that end up ripped," he purred. Sparks went up her spine, and she squirmed a little with anticipation. He smiled, enjoying himself, but didn't touch her where she wanted him to.

He switched hands, holding the inside of her left thigh with his left hand, and he pushed his right hand between her back and the seat, looking for the dress's zipper.

He kissed her neck while he opened her dress, and he licked all the way down to the edge of her cleavage. She closed her eyes, focusing on how wonderful it felt, and was surprised when he lifted her hips and pushed her dress up. The leather of the dress was soft, but it didn't want to bunch up, so he grabbed the edges of the skirt's slit and ripped it along the seam.

"My dress!" she said, furious.

He didn't even stop what he was doing, pushing the leather up her hips. "I told you, you would regret it." He laughed.

He tore the thong she was wearing like it was paper, and tossed it over his shoulder with a smirk.

"Do you still want to dance in the car?" he teased.

Oh, she was going down with this ship. She arched her back and twisted seductively to the music, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

She could feel his amusement through their bond, though it was chock-full of arousal right now.

"Let's see if I can change your mind about that." There was a ravenous look in his eyes.

Guiding her legs apart, he used his left leg to pin her right leg to the car door. The ocean's cold air from outside was fighting the warmth fogging the windows. He slid the top of her dress down, just enough to show the tips of her breasts. Then he kissed one nipple very gently, passing his tongue over it slowly. He used his right arm to support himself against her car seat, his other hand teasing the inside of her thighs, his thumb running over a spot where the thong had probably left a mark.

He turned to the other nipple, this time giving a light bite. She breathed faster, and her heart raced to bring blood to every spot he was touching.

He spread his hand over her groin and caressed it lightly in a slow tease, leaving her breathless. How was he in control now, with her at his mercy? The jerk gave a low chuckle.

"Are you still going to torment me, when you should know better?" he asked.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Fuck, yes, she would torment him. She would double down in their war of stubbornness, hell-bent on emerging victorious.

She bit her lip and brought up her free leg to rub at his groin. If he had bothered to take off her shoes to remove her stockings, she could have done more with her feet.

His loss…

He grinned at her unspoken reply, and pushed one finger into her folds, slowly, teasingly. A small moan came out of her at the pleasure crawling up her belly. He slid another finger in, carefully avoiding the most sensitive spot. His eyes were fixed on hers, daring her to give in and admit he was right.

Not fair; she couldn't touch him back. She pushed her hips forward, making his fingers rub against the place he was avoiding. A small wave of pleasure erupted at that touch, but not nearly enough to satisfy her. He held her down with a hand over her pubic bone.

Gabriel was sweating, even with the cold air coming in from the window. He opened his hand and let his fingers slide up and down along her groin, never touching where she wanted him to. The pressure was driving her mad. She tried to lift her hips again, but he just pushed her back down with a chuckle. The movement excited her even more.

She squirmed against the tie around her wrists, wanting to touch him, to tease him back, but she couldn't get loose. He circled her opening with his finger, and his lips went back to her left breast. She arched her back to meet him, a hungry moan demanding more from him.

"Gabriel…"

He was rubbing his erection on her leg now, his own breathing coming in short pants.

"Fuck, Alice, you win this time." He got off her and unzipped his pants. Alice felt a victory smile spread on her lips. She knew she would win.

He slid her hips down to the edge of the car seat, settled in front of her, and began rubbing his erection on her mound, gently parting her and hitting all the right spots. He closed his eyes and moaned with pleasure.

Both hands on her hips, he entered her slowly, gingerly, as if entering a warm bath. She wanted to lift her hips up to meet him and to give him a better angle, but he didn't let her. Pleasure filled her along with his erection, and she rasped his name again.

"Gabriel, please…"

He filled her completely, circled his hips, and left her empty again. Before she could complain, he sank all the way back into her. Again, he teased her by pulling out almost all the way, leaving only the tip of his erection inside, and pushing himself all the way in. All the while, his hands were on her hips, stopping her from moving. He had absolute control.

"More," she begged.

A smug smile on his face, he crawled carefully on top of her, releasing her hips. She wrapped a leg around his waist.

"I fucking love you so much," he murmured into her ear. He entered her again, the pleasure pushing a soft groan out of her throat. His hips moved in a steady rhythm, thrusting in and out of her, while his right hand wrapped around her hair.

"Dance for me again."

Alice pushed herself off the car seat as much as she could to meet his body. Her hips aligned with his, giving him a better angle to fuck her.

Her inner walls began to contract with the dawning of her orgasm, the pleasure building steadily. He increased his speed and playfully bit her neck. The sensation overwhelmed her and she climaxed, bringing him along for the ride shortly after. He stilled and stayed inside her, a groan leaving his lips while he rode his own climax.

He kissed her then, a long, sweet kiss that promised of more to come. She knew her alpha—this was far from enough to sate him tonight. They were going to end up entangled in the sheets as soon as they got home.

He got off her and relaxed to his side on his own seat, watching her closely while he let his hand roam up and down her body.

"I like seeing you tied up," he commented, looking at her arms. "It makes the dominant side of me very satisfied."

"That's because I don't obey you. I bet you love watching me submit."

"Yes, I do." He laughed, grabbing her ass. "But I think you're the boss in this relationship, no matter how much I try to get the upper hand."

She scoffed. "You literally have me tagged to know where I am at all times. I wouldn't call that being the dominant one."

"Fair enough."

He undid the knot around her wrists, and maneuvered her seat back into place. She tried to straighten her dress, and pulled the zipper at the back halfway up.

"My poor dress," she moaned, examining the torn seams.

"You can get it fixed. Maybe you should leave that crack open. Makes it easier to push it up."

"I think I have other things in my closet that are better for car sex," she teased.

He turned on the engine and backed up the road.

"I think tonight, the only piece of clothing I want to see on you is that tie. It gave me some ideas I would like to try."

She laughed. Just as she predicted—they weren't going to sleep a lot tonight.