Husband With Benefits-Chapter 45: Jealous

"What are you up to now, Arabelle?" Gabriel asked softly.

Arabelle hesitated, biting her lip as she replied, "Um, I’m just..."

Gabriel sighed and took a step back. "I know what you saw at the airport, Arabelle."

Arabelle felt a moment of panic as she realized that Gabe would, of course, know about Demetri’s mistress. Had he already discovered her plan? Humiliated that her scheme had been exposed by this man who always looked down on her, she prepared to argue with him when he added, "I know you’ve liked him for a long time. But using me to forget him isn’t going to be too helpful, hmm?"

Arabelle had been about to snap at him when she realized what he had said. Her plan had not been discovered! Gabe had assumed that she had let go of her love for Demetri because of that mistress and was now using him for a rebound. Well, that was good, wasn’t it? She had not lied to him. He was the one who misunderstood.

"Gabe! I have a right to do what I want! If you don’t want me to be near you, please feel free to leave."

With that, Arabelle turned around and swam away, refusing to look at him. Gabriel sighed and followed Arabelle slowly. "Hey! It’s not like I am saying that I have an objection to being your rebound."

A triumphant smile graced her face as she heard him call out to her. But she did not stop and instead let the man restlessly call out, "Arabelle, wait! I didn’t mean it like that. I just want you to be happy, and I was worried you might be rushing into something..."

His voice trailed off as he reached her, treading water beside her. Arabelle stopped, reluctantly turning to face him. Her expression was a perfect mix of frustration and embarrassment. "Gabe, you can’t just assume things about me. You don’t know what’s going on in my head."

Gabe felt guilty under her accusing gaze and sighed contritely," You are right. I should not have ruined the moment by jumping to conclusions."

Arabelle nodded curtly before swimming to the edge and ignoring Gabe as she checked her phone.

"Next time do not be a judgmental jerk, Gabe." The words were spoken mockingly but Gabe knew in that moment that Arabelle had forgiven him...

Happy that she was not going to hold a grudge against him, he sidled closer to her and offered," What would you like to have for lunch? I can arrange something to be brought here or we can..."

Arabelle turned to him placed a finger on his lips and smiled," Be quiet for now and come here."

Arabelle stepped back so that her back would be leaning against Gabe’s bare chest and raised up her smartphone, getting a candid picture of the two of them which she then posted on her social media pages.

Smiling as she turned off her phone, Arabelle smiled," Gabe, let’s swim some more. We can have lunch later. It’s been so long since I have relaxed..."

The atmosphere was now serene and peaceful as Arabelle leaned her head back against the edge and closed her eyes, letting the warm water soothe her. Gabe too was content to sit there and watch her.

He knew Arabelle could be spoilt and troublesome many times, but he knew he could handle her tantrums. In fact, he would like to handle them from her. He did not know why Demon did not approve of Arabelle.

Even though he was grateful to the fates that Demon was not in love with Arabelle, he also understood that Demon did not like Arabelle... And he did not understand why.

He knew his brother was an astute judge of character but why did he get mistaken when it came to Arabelle? Now that Arabelle was willing to let go of her feelings for Demon, Gabe had two tasks ahead of him, one was to woo Arabelle and the other was to convince his brother that Arabelle was a good match for him.

With a smile, Gabe let go of his own thoughts and looked at the dainty beauty in front of him with admiration.

It was at this moment that someone else stepped in from the small opening of the spring. Gabe was instantly on alert, ready to tear into anyone who dared to invade their time, but he frowned when he saw the person.

Arabelle, too was shaken from her peace as she looked up at the man standing there. Smiling, she said," Ian. How come you are here? Would you like to join us?"

Ian Frost smiled at Arabelle and then spoke," Sigh, if only I could, I would jump into this spring at the drop of a hat, but I work for a slave driver. He won’t give me the day off."

"Then are you here to ruin our mood?" Gabe called out testily.

Ian ignored his brother and called out," A small lunch has been arranged for you at the hotel to welcome you to country B. I came to invite you for that."

Arabelle smiled and nodded, accepting the invitation easily as she said," I’ll change and then accompany you. I was getting hungry..."

As Arabelle walked away to a concealed changing room, Gabe jumped out of the water and questioned," What is this thing about the feast?"

Ian shrugged his shoulders and answered," I’m just the messenger. Demon arranged it."

Arabelle, who had paused at the door smirked when she heard this answer. Yes! She’d known that this plan would make Demetri jealous! She’d only added a picture of her and Gabe, and he’d sent Ian to not just intrude on their time together but also arranged a feast for her. Well, she was going to make sure that she used this opportunity to her advantage. Slowly, she closed the door and thought of her next plan of action...

Meanwhile, Gabe stared hard into the distance before sighing," What game is Demon playing? Either he is following Grandfather’s orders, or he is rebelling! Why does he have to create so much confusion?