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“I noticed that based on the way they turned on Christa during the question period I’ve never seen that happen before” Julia shuddered
“I’ve seen it And worse”
“I wonder where she went”
Gabriel snorted “Apparently, Pacciani escorted her fro I suppose Katherine really did put the fear of God in him He was furious”
Julia looked up at her husband curiously “Don’t you think it’s strange that Paul didn’t want to have dinner with us? He see forward to it earlier”
Gabriel traced a light finger down her nose “Maybe Katherine isn’t happy with his dissertation and he wanted to ss over without an audience”
“Maybe”
“You still haven’t answered rad school now? Or are you still enthusiastic about your prograainst her cheek “It was an intilad I did it I’d like to do it again”
“Good, because I think you’re gifted, Julianne, and I want to do everything in htly “Thank you, Gabriel Thatis troubling you, I’ll listen I promise” He slid his hand to the back of her neck
“I just want us to be happy”
“I want that too So if you’re ever unhappy, tell me”
She pressed her lips to his wrist
“I wonder what Beatrice’s husband thought of Dante’s attentions You have to admit, that part of the story is sad Beatrice isher around and writing sonnets about her”
Gabriel’s grip on her tightened “I married you I love you We have what Dante and Beatrice never had” He kissed her again “I need to go out But I’ll be back”
“Will you be gone long?”
“I don’t know But in the ift” He pulled a box out of his pocket and placed it in her hand
Julia read the label Cartier
She looked up at him wide-eyed
He opened the box and she saw a beautiful white gold watch shining against folds of creanition of a job well done You’re going to have lots of opportunities to present your research, and you need a reliable watch”
He re her the inscription on the back
To My Beloved,
With admiration and pride
Gabriel
“A Ti else entirely” Julia al entirely deserved, I assure you”
She touched the engraving in awe
“How did you know?”
“How did I knohat?” He clasped the watch around her wrist It fit perfectly
“How did you know I’d do a good job?”
“Because I have faith in you” He kissed her slowly Then, with a determined look, he exited their suite
Christa Peterson sat on the large bed in her hotel rooed to find a sexy black basque that laced up the back, and she wore it with gartered stockings and very high heels
Chane cooled in a silver container in the corner, provocative h the air, and a series of sensual accessories (including handcuffs) lay on the table next to the bed