Chapter Text
She had seen him in a towel before, the night of the art auction. The man swam in nothing more than a scrap of fabric, he strolled through the halls at night shirtless and supremely comfortable with himself.
So what difference did it make now?
It didn’t. Lying two feet away from the mouth watering and entirely nude-beneath-his-towel body of her boss meant nothing.
Listening to his even and deep inhale didn’t bother her.
The soft sigh that escaped him as he stretched the length of the bench. The mist in the air coating his skin like dew, left his mouth rosy and entirely too kissable was no problem.
Even if her thoughts were growing increasingly poetic, she chalked it up to the heat and release of toxins from her body. She would just focus on her sauna session and then leave immediately there after. She could pretend he wasn’t even there-
“I didn’t know you enjoyed sauna sessions.” It was years of training that kept her from startling and falling off her bench completely.
“Its an indulgence I don’t often have time for.” Professional and polite, that’s how Davina would get through this.
He shrugged. “Make time. Let me know when you need it.”
“Mikey needs me more than I need a spa day.” That was a tidal wave of frigid water on her cloudy thoughts. This was nice, and she was grateful her little charge cared for her so much. But she would work everyday of the year without stopping if that’s what it took to keep Mikey Angelini safe.
“We can make arrangements for him. Like we did today.” He suggested.
“Its alright Mr. Angelini, really-” Spoiling by both he and Mikey would be too much.
“I’m afraid my motives are less then altruistic. Mikey worries for you much like you do him, but he’s my son. If giving you a day off now and then will keep you sharp when protecting him, that’s what i’ll do.”
And there was the after wave, setting her back on her feet. Had she really been thinking he was giving her some special consideration? Heat aside, Davina was flushed in embarrassment.
“Of course, sir.” This was set to be the longest fifteen minutes of her life. Perhaps she could just excuse herself under pretense of overheating and then hide in her room for the rest of the evening with room service for dinner.
“Are there other methods of relaxation you enjoy?” Apparently the mafioso was in a chatty mood.
“Um… none that immediately come to mind.” They weren’t conducive to her job or her goals after all.
“If I could find someone I trust enough to do it here, I enjoy a good massage myself.”He murmured.
“Trust?” In spite of herself, she glanced up at the man, who’s eyes were still closed.
“Mm. You leave yourself vulnerable to an easy attack otherwise, there’s no where to hide a weapon and your back is unguarded.” He sighed and this was nothing like the others, instead it was tired. Worn. “There are far too many people who would gladly take a handful of cash to do away with me. And more still that would probably do it for free.”
She hadn’t considered it before, but of course he was right. And in the same way she was sad for Mikey’s attempt at making friends going awry, she felt her heart sink at the idea there was no where Gabriel could truly relax. At all times he was polished up, pristine and poised to fight. A lion at the top of the food chain but still wary of his seat being usurped by a more dangerous predator.
Davina decided a moment of levity was needed.
“Is that why you’re lying on your back now, Mr. Angelini? You’re concerned i’ve smuggled something in under this towel?” She asked. His mouth curved.
“I’ve no doubt whatever is under that towel could stop a man in his tracks.” He replied. She rolled her eyes at his snicker.
“Perhaps I’m lying in wait, searching for the right moment to pounce on you.” Davina offered, sitting up and wiggling her fingers menacingly. “What if I want your head to put up as a trophy?”
His eyes opened and met hers, smirk widening.
“So long as its you wanting to mount me on a wall, I’ll allow it.”
She squeaked and flew back down onto her bench in a hurry as he chuckled.
“Mr. Angelini that is- you-”
“Breathe Davina, I only bite upon request.”
“You’re terrible, sir.”
He laughed again and turned onto his side, propping his chin up in his hand. Now Davina was back to pretending she couldn’t see him, or the v his hips made or the abs that were normally hidden away in one of his suits-
“You need only ask, you know.”
“For what?” She looked up and found herself lost in the bottomless blue depths of his gaze.
“There is nothing on this earth I can give you that would be enough to thank you for what you’ve done. If there was something you wanted, a weekend to yourself or a bonus in your check. A week at the spa even. Say it, and its done.”
“Mr. Angelini-”
“I always repay my debts.” He sat up and so she did as well, swallowing when he cupped her face.
“Oh… so, so it’s a matter of debt.” She licked her lips, swallowed. The steam’s heat was nothing compared to the way he was looking down at her, to the feeling of their bodies being close enough to touch. “I- I will aspire to-”
“This is one I can’t repay, we both know that. So tell me what you want instead.” It was just like back in the hospital and her dreams, the way he cradled her and the urge to crawl into his lap were all present. His voice dropped and her breathing hitched. “Use me.”
“Mr. Angelini-”
“Call me Gabriel.”
Davina bit her lip, breathed out his name. “Gabriel”-
And the timer went off. They jumped, Davina already poised to attack and Gabriel reaching for a gun at his side that wasn’t there. The persistent, loud buzz refused to be cowed or ignored and continued. The pair shared an awkward laugh, rising and heading for the door. Gabriel opened it for her and she muttered out her thanks before stepping out. The cool air against her overheated skin was pleasant and the same woman from before was already approaching.
“If you would just step into this room here, there are showers available.” She gestured to two separate doors, side by side. “You’ll want to rinse your bodies to remove any excess sweat and help lower your temperature gradually.” She offered them each a set of clothes from the stack in her arms. “There are also soft cotton clothes available for you to dress in, these lightweight garments will also help your temperature to regulate.”
“Thank you. Do we return to the locker room after, or-” Davina asked, looking anywhere but at Gabriel’s flushed face.
“We’ve a room to transfer you into, here you’ll find liquids to replenish your electrolytes and the climate set to help your body adjust to its usual temperature. If you head down this hallway and take a left, you’ll find the space available and a key to enter.” She offered a doorcard, but before Davina could take it, Gabriel stepped forward and intercepted it.
“Thank you.”
“Of course.”
“Yes, thank you. I’ll see you shortly, sir!” Davina hurried forward while the receptionist was still available to act as a block and went into her showering room. The door was locked just as quickly and she leaned back against it,bewildered.
What was that? She knew what it was, understood the want and felt the same. But had she really been about to- to just maul her boss? Break all of ENA’S rules and regulations for this man? For a quick snog in a sauna with no clothes and no one to interrupt them…?
Yes. Absolutely yes.
Davina groaned and wondered if she could just stay in the shower forever.
*********
They were saved from any real fallout by a call from Mikey almost as soon as they got into the second room.
“Papa, you’re not busy are you? You didn’t make any plans tonight?” The boy asked.
“I’m free this evening, that’s true. I thought perhaps I’d join you for your man time”- With his teasing being pointed towards Mikey, Davina relaxed and the guarded expression she wore was swapped with a smile.
“You can’t!”
“No?” He raised an eyebrow, though the child couldn’t see him.
“No, I’ve got a surprise for you instead. You’re coming back soon, right?”
“Yes-”
“Okay good, you gotta hurry up! I’ll see you soon, bye!” And the phone call was cut off as abruptly as it had begun. He sighed with a smile and Davina smiled back.
“A surprise of your very own? And from an Angelini, no less? I’m sure it’ll be spectacular.” She commented.
“Val said he’s been pretty excited about it but I’m not sure that’s a good thing.” He pretended to grimace and Davina grinned.
“I’d say this sounds better than a card, wouldn’t you?”” She asked.
“Remains to be seen.”
It made her laugh, and the sound kept a small smile on his face as long as it took the elevator to make it to their suites. Almost as soon as the doors opened, he was all but tackled by a little body who’d raced over to hug him hello.
“You're right on time, hurry up and get dressed!” He insisted.
“When I know what I'm dressing for, I will.” Gabriel smiled down at him. “Would you mind telling me what this is all about?”
“I- Davina, perfect! You're going too.” He went to her next.
She blinked. “Going where, exactly?”
His little chest puffed out with pride and his face grew as smug as his father's had been earlier.
“I've seen to your dinner, both of you. You have reservations at seven so hurry up!”
“Wait-”
“Who-”
Mikey grinned. “You two! I got you dinner reservations together. Surprise!”