Page 75 of Lessons in Touch

"Quite the transformation," someone whispers as we pass. "From an adopted girl to a senator's girlfriend."

Gabriel's hand tightens on my back, but I just smile. Let them talk. Their whispers can't touch us now.

During dinner, I sit beside Gabriel and my cousin, Timothy, at a table full of influential people. The conversation flows from policy to business to social causes. I contribute thoughtfully, drawing on everything I learned at Wolfswood and in my new role at Devereaux Enterprises.

"Rose has some fascinating ideas about sustainable marketing," Gabriel says when the conversation turns to environmental initiatives. "She's pioneering some innovative approaches at her company."

I appreciate that he never introduces me as just his girlfriend. I'm always Rose Devereaux, marketing executive, or Rose Devereaux, heir to the Devereaux fortune. He sees me as a complete person, not an extension of himself.

“Absolutely,” Timothy adds. “We can’t wait to see what brilliant ideas she comes up with!”

When we dance, I feel the weight of the people’s eyes on us. The professor and the heiress, a secret affair that turned into a success story. Gabriel holds me close as we sway to the music.

"What are you thinking about?" he asks me, reading something in my expression.

"How different everything is now. Two years ago, I would have been terrified to be here."

"And now?"

"Now I belong here." The words feel powerful coming out of my mouth. "I earned my place."

He spins me gently, then pulls me back against him. "Yes, you did."

We stay until nearly midnight, making connections and enjoying the evening. When we finally return to my penthouse, I kick off my heels with relief.

"Wine?" I ask him.

"Please." Gabriel loosens his tie as he follows me. "That went better than I expected."

I pour two glasses of the rare red Timothy recommended. "Better how?"

"The questions about us were friendlier. They were curious rather than judgmental." He accepts his glass with a smile.

"Good." I raise my glass. "To adventures that end well!"

"To the woman who turned an adventure into a triumph!" He clinks his glass to mine.

We drink and talk about the evening, analyzing conversations and planning follow-ups for business connections. This is what I love about us now—we're true partners, supporting each other's ambitions.

Eventually, Gabriel sets down his glass and takes my hand. "Come here."

He leads me to the bedroom, where the large antique mirror I bought at an auction reflects the city lights streaming through the windows. Gabriel positions me in front of it, standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders.

"Look," he says simply.

I meet my own eyes in the reflection. The woman looking back is poised, confident, and radiant. Gabriel's hands move to the zipper of my dress, lowering it slowly while his eyes never leave mine in the mirror.

"This is who you are now," he whispers as the dress falls at my feet. "Look at yourself. Look at what you've become."

I watch in the mirror as he traces the line of my shoulder, the curve of my waist. His touch is reverent, worshipful. But more than that, I see the way I respond to him—not with the shy uncertainty of two years ago, but with confidence and desire.

"I see her," I whisper back. "I see Rose Devereaux."

"Not the adopted little girl. Not the student. You."

"Me." The word feels like a declaration.

I stand naked before the mirror, and Gabriel presses against me from behind. His hands slide along my shoulders and grab my breasts firmly, rolling my nipples hard. I gasp and watch my reflection, seeing a woman who knows what she wants.