From Underdog 31

Posted by adminh, ? Views, Released on December 24, 2024

Chapter 31

The familiar voice made Serena’s heart leap with joy, thudding wildly in her chest. had snapped back into place.

“Ca–Cabriel…” Her words stumbled out, like a child trying to speak for the fir like the connection to the world

time, her expression still blank.

“Scared?” Seeing her stunned look, Gabriel’s tone softened without him meaning to as he reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her car.

Serena stared at him, silent, too afraid to blink–terrified he might disappear if she looked away.

“Did he sell you?” Gabriel asked.

No she managed to steady herself, her voice shaking as she explained, “It was my brother’s doctor. I. I got him fired.”

“Have you ever thought about what would have happened if I hadn’t been there?” Elis anger simmered, but it was clear from his voice that he was still shaken. “You could have ended up with that old man as a surrogate, or worse, with that wornan, having your organs harvested!”

Tm sorry Serena lowered her head, remorse washing over her

Gabriel’s frustration softened as he watched her. He thought, “Why does she always look so pitiful…? There had been so many things he’d wanted to ask her, but now, none of them seemed right.

“Don’t hold it in. If you need to cry, just cry,” he said.

As soon as the words left his lips, Serena stepped forward, grabbing his jacket, tears streaming down her face in heavy. uncontrollable drops

She couldn’t find the words to thank him, because nothing–nothing at all–could ever repay him for what he’d done

The million dollars he dropped, the way he’d saved her–it was her shot at a new life, and she knew she could never pay him

back for that

Seeing her like this, something in Gabriel’s chest tightened. For the first time, he felt like her tears could truly melt him

“What happened to your face?” he asked, noticing the swollen bruise on her cheek.

Serena said nothing, shaking her head. Her pale skin still bore the marks of a slap. Gabriel gently reached up, brushing his thumb over it.

After a while, her tears slowed. Gabriel took off his jacket and draped it over her head, awkwardly wiping her tear–streaked face. “Feeling better!”

She nodded, her eyes red, looking up at him. The black mask only revealed his sensual lips and strong jawline.

“Put on my jacket. We’re leaving,” he said.

Serena froze, still processing the rush of emotions.

Gabriel’s eyes flicked to her tight dress. “Put it on. It’s cold outside.”

She finally came to her senses, slipping into the jacket. The oversized suit covered her from shoulders to waist. Once she was dressed, Gabriel wrapped his arm around her and led her out of the lounge.

14:31 Tue, Dec 24 TGG.

Chapter 31

Ray was waiting outside Mr, Harrington… he whispered something to Gabriel,

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After hearing it, Gabriel tore off his tie and quickly used it to blindfold Serena. With her vision taken away, she instinctively grabbed onto his sleeve.

“I won’t leave you,” said Gabriel, gently prying her hand off his sleeve and clasping it in his own.

He noticed the flush on her face from the earlier emotional turmoil. Her beautiful eyes, now hidden beneath his black tie, made her red lips pop even more, almost like they were begging for attention.

Gabriel cupped her face, his fingers caressing her soft skin, not quite ready to let go.

“Gabriel?” Her soft voice sent a jolt through his every nerve. He had barely ever heard her call his name, and when she did, it was always during intimate moments, begging for him to slow down…

“Mm. I’m here,” his voice was calm, and just hearing it seemed to soothe her. Gabriel let out a bitter chuckle. His fingertips traced over her soft lips.

He thought to himself, She has rejected me so many times–biting me, slapping me–but now, even in this situation, I can’t find it in me to be angry. Instead, I’m thinking about all the times I wanted her…

He swallowed hard as he suppressed the desire stirring in his chest, pulling her into his arms. “Let’s go.”

With her vision gone, Serena’s other senses seemed heightened, it wasn’t long before she smelled the unmistakable scent of blood in the air. Her heart clenched, and her grip on Gabriel’s hand tightened.

From the other side of the wall, she could hear muffled, painful groans, sending chills down her spine. As if that wasn’t enough, suddenly, her foot landed in something wet; she gasped, unable to suppress a quiet cry of Gabriel’s name.

He immediately pulled her closer to him, his own unique, subtle scent enveloping her. “It’s just water.”

Serena nodded but quickened her pace. After walking about 300 feet, the noise around grew louder. Gabriel led her into an elevator and removed the tie. Once her sight returned, she looked up at him.

Someone was killed back there,” Gabriel finally told the truth.

Serena froze. “So it wasn’t water.”

“She was auctioned off with you,” he replied coolly, pressing the button for their floor, “but no one wanted her.”

Serena recalled the woman who had insisted on wearing her dirty, nondescript clothes, standing among the other women who were dressed to kill.

She had somehow made it onto the auction stage, but the outcome was grim–afterward, a few mercenaries dragged her into the room. And then….

Subconsciously, she reached for the star–shaped pendant. “Ga–Gabriel

He lowered his gaze to her.

“Someone who didn’t even get the chance to be auctioned… How long can they survive?” Serena asked.

“What’s wrong?” Gabriel’s voice was colder than usual, his mood clearly off.

“I….I met someone here. He told me how to survive the auction. I didn’t want to wear those…those clothes, just like that lady

what happened to her could have happened to me–But he persuaded me… Her words became disjointed.

And finally, she stammered, “He’s a good person… Do you have any way to save him?” Serena knew she was being selfish, thinking of rescuing someone else after she had barely escaped. But she couldn’t bear the thought of someone like Xander

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Chapter 21

dying in this hellhole.

“A good person? The words piqued his interest.

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Seeing that he was actually listening, Serena hurried to add, “His name’s Xander Wood. About my age. He got really badly hurt, so those people didn’t take him to the auction.”

Before Gabriel could respond, Ray, who had been following behind, whispered something to him.

Gabriel gave a quick nod and then instructed, “Have Darren come to the lobby and take Serena out of here.”

Ray acknowledged the order and quickly made the call.

A smile finally appeared on Serena’s pale face. “Will you go save him?”

Gabriel gave her a glance. “When Darren gets here, go with him. Watch your step next time. You won’t be as lucky”

Ill be more careful,” she replied, her eyes lingering on him, hoping for some kind of assurance.

“Mind your

own business. The person you’re talking about might already be dead,” he said flatly, as if it didn’t matter, and that was all

Serena fell silent. That’s true–this is a place straight out of hell. He already went through so much to save me… Why should I ask him to risk his life for Xander? she thought, taking off the necklace and carefully putting it in her pocket.

The moment Darren saw Serena, he froze in place. “M–Ms. Murry?”

“Mr. Harrington wants you to take Ms. Murry out of here. We still have business to handle, Ray said.

Only then did Darren snap out of his shock and return to his usual respectful smile. “Ms. Murry, please follow me.”

As Serena followed him out, she noticed that Gabriel was still facing away from them, talking on the phone.

The moment she stepped outside into the cold, damp air, with snowflakes drifting in the sky, Serena felt as if she had stepped out of hell and into the world of the living.

“Ms. Murry, please get in the car. It’s cold out here,” Darren said, opening the door for her.

She slid into the backseat, the warmth of the air conditioning instantly enveloping her.

“If you need it, there’s a blanket over there,” he added, handing her a cup of hot water from the front seat.

Serena took it with a soft thank you, but her mind wandered back to Rhett, who worked for Andrew.

His attitude toward her was always a bit off–overprotective, suspicious, and not at all comfortable with her interactions with Andrew. With that in mind, she called out to Darrer

“Is there anything you need, Ms. Murry?” he replied with the same polite warmth in his voice.

“Darren, you don’t think I’m after something from Gabriel, do you?”

At this, he chuckled. “Im just a secretary. I’m only here to follow Mr. Harrington’s instructions.”

Serena smiled, understanding where he was coming from, and didn’t push further. I have caused more trouble for both. Gabriel and you today I’m sorry. I owe him so much.”