Sylvia kicked off her shoes and clung even tighter.
Gabriel didn't bother with the lights, carrying her into the master bedroom and laying her down gently on the bed, whispering, "I'm going to take a shower. You lie down for a bit, and no fussing!"
Sylvia's eyes, heavy-lidded and brimming with a watery sheen, obediently nodded.
But not causing a stir just wasn't Sylvia's style. Midway through his shower, she found her way to him.
Taking advantage of her tipsy state, she proudly made him cater to her whims.
Gabriel didn't hold it against her, helped her bathe, and then carried her back to bed.
Sylvia wrapped her arms around him, tumbling together onto the mattress.
Half-draped over his chest, her eyes soft and tender in her inebriation, she showered him with kisses.
Gabriel said, "Weren't your legs hurting? Take the night off. I'm not so overbearing that I'd make you work injured."
The girl, her gaze hazy from the alcohol, looked at him and said, "It's just my legs that are uncomfortable now. If I rest, my whole body will feel off!"
He pinched her chin, his eyes dark and deep, "What will you do after I'm gone?"
Sylvia lay against his chest, her eyes half-closed, murmuring, "I don't know."
Gabriel spoke, "You don't have to do this today."
Her line of work was prone to prejudice, and her actions today, who knew what stories they would spawn?
Sylvia bit her lip, "I don't like it when they belittle you."
He asked, "You think I care about that?"
Sylvia hugged him tighter, protective, "You might not care, but it's my duty to defend you!"
Gabriel's heart skipped a beat, a tingling sensation radiating out like ripples on water.
He chuckled softly, "You're definitely drunk."
Shirley sounded apologetic, "I'm really sorry about yesterday. It was Dannis who first told me you were in J City, then suggested we all get together. I didn't expect a simple reunion to end up like that. I feel terrible about it!"
Gabriel replied, "It's fine. It's over now."
Shirley hesitated, "Gabriel, if you don't mind me asking, what's your relationship with Sylvia?"
There was a pause before he answered, "She's with me."
"You've known her for a while?"
"Yeah."
More annoyed now, Shirley went on, "After you two left last night, Baron said some pretty harsh things. I heard he's looking into you, like he's got plans against you."
Gabriel was unfazed, "Let him do what he wants."
Shirley warned, "Baron's family has connections. Just be careful. And given the current situation, he seems hell-bent on getting Ms. Jarvis. He's ruthless and underhanded in his methods, so tell Ms. Jarvis to steer clear of him for a while."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Carson kick Giselle to the curb as a gentleman. He never fails to explain himself to Marina and he always rises to the occasion to come to her rescue. Now that he's assured her that he won't do as his father had done. The ice is breaking. Thank you for the updates....
May we have updates please. Thank you...
Carson can be jealous too. More updates please and thank you for the updates....
More updates please....
Oooowweeee! This THREW ME COMPLETELY for a loop. Thank you for the updates....
May we please have updates. Thank you...
It's time for Carson and Marina to commit further than the engagement. Looking forward to the updates....
Thank you for the updates....
Thank you for the updates. I thoroughly enjoy your writing....
May we please have updates... I'm curious to know how Marina saved Carson....