Gabriel's Hope

"Of course," Deidre said, fighting tears. She chugged the coffee.

"You're handling this better than I expected."

"Rhyn," Daniela said with a sigh. "You're clearly terrifying the girl."

"She needs to learn her place fast."

Deidre dropped her head into her arms, sobbing. Nothing they said made sense. All she could do was hope she passed out and awoke in her bed or on the beach or not at all. Her body grew heavy, and she slumped.

"You spiked her coffee," Rhyn accused Daniela.

"And drugged her. She'll be out in two minutes, but she should be …manageable when she wakes up. Now, catch her before she hits her head. She needs to rest."

Rhyn muttered. Deidre felt herself lifted once more. Drunk and crying, she didn't bother opening her eyes. She didn't know where he took her, but he set her down on a narrow bed.

"Come find me if you want to know the story of you and Gabe," he whispered for her ears only.

Out of control, she curled on her side and tumbled into unconsciousness.