The grand ballroom of the Angelini Mansion was teeming with people, all gathered to celebrate the birthday of the man of the house, Gabriel. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and aftershave, mingling with the mouthwatering aroma of the catered food. Laughter and chatter filled the room, punctuated by the clinking of glasses and the occasional burst of music from the live band in the corner.
Amidst the sea of partygoers, Davina stood out like a sore thumb. Her fiery red hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, and her emerald green eyes scanned the room with a mixture of amusement and annoyance. As the nanny of Gabriel's young son, Mikey, she was used to being around the chaos of children, but the adult variety was a different story.
Just as she was about to make her escape, she felt a presence approaching her from behind. She turned around to see Cassiel, the brown-haired second cousin of Gabriel, making his way towards her with a smug smile on his face. Davina rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she prepared for his inevitable advances.
"Davina, you look absolutely stunning tonight," Cassiel said, his voice dripping with false sincerity.
Davina raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful smirk. "Cassiel, I'm flattered, but I'm not interested."
Cassiel scoffed, his smile faltering for a moment. "Come on, Davina. You can't tell me you don't find me attractive."
Davina laughed, shaking her head. "Sorry, Cassiel, I only go for men who can keep up with me, not pretty boys who are all talk."
Cassiel's face fell, and Davina felt a twinge of guilt. She didn't want to hurt his feelings, but she had no interest in leading him on. As she turned to walk away, she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Davina, I need to talk to you," Gabriel's voice was low and commanding, sending a shiver down her spine.
She turned around to see Gabriel standing behind her, his muscular frame towering over her. His dark eyes were fixed on her, and Davina felt her heart race.
"Of course, Gabriel," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gabriel led her out of the ballroom and into the hallway, his hand still on her hip. Davina's breath hitched as she felt his breath on her neck.
"You're mine, Davina," he growled, his voice low and commanding.
Davina's eyes fluttered shut as she felt his hands on her hips. She had been his since the day she started working for him, but hearing him say it out loud sent a thrill through her body.
"You've been mine from the start, Gabriel," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Gabriel's lips found hers, and they kissed passionately, their bodies pressed together. Davina could feel the heat radiating off of him, and she moaned as his tongue explored her mouth.
As they pulled away, Gabriel looked into Davina's green eyes. "I'll always protect you, Davina. You're mine."
Davina smiled, her heart swelling with love for the man in front of her. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Gabriel's hand stayed on her hip as they walked back into the ballroom, his thumb tracing circles on her skin. Davina felt a warmth spread through her body, knowing that she belonged to him, and he belonged to her.
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