Husband With Benefits-Chapter 586: The Frosts

Autumn stared at Gabe, then shifted her gaze to Demetri Frost, and back to Gabe again. She could sense Gabe Frost’s anger, though she wasn’t sure how she knew it—it was just there, palpable and undeniable.

And because she could, she was sure that his brother could feel it too. And yet, the man seemed unbothered by it. Actually, he seemed to be almost enjoying it...

She looked at Demetri and then at Gabe again until Demetri spoke up,making her jump," You’re going to have a crick in your neck if you keep doing that."

Autumn jumped as she realized that she was being observed too. She gave an embarrassed smile and was about to race out of there, as soon as she thought up of an excuse, when Demon Frost asked,"So, Miss Autumn, what do you like about Gabe?"

Her eyes widened at the unexpected question. What did she like about Gabe? Everything was the word that slid into her mind. She gulped, panic rising. She couldn’t say that. She glanced at Gabe, whose intense gaze was suddenly fixed on her seemingly demanding an answer. Flustered, she blurted out, "Nothing."

The room fell silent for a heartbeat. Demetri raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. "Nothing, huh? I guess there really is nothing likable about him..."

Gabe’s eyes on the other hand were now trained on her," Is that so?"

Autumn’s heart pounded in her chest. "I mean—" she stammered, desperately trying to backtrack. "Not nothing. Just... everything."

Demetri laughed at that, "Well, that’s quite a turnaround.Gabe, you are intimidating her into saying that she likes you. Really Gabe, how despicable can you be?"

Autumn knew it was time to escape! If she sat here, she would be ’bullied’ by these two men!! "I’ll just go get some coffee..."

Before she could make her escape, Gabe caught her and pulled her into his arms, so that she was sitting on his lap. Quickly, he placed a small peck on her cheek and asked," Everything, huh? That sounds more like it."

Autumn felt heat rise to her cheeks, caught between the playful banter of the brothers and the intensity of Gabe’s gaze. She managed a nervous smile and pointed towards the kitchen,"That coffee..."

He let her go and she raced away, wondering if she’d stepped into some kind of a parallel universe. She and Gabe were together just for Arabelle. So, why were they acting like this. It wasn’t as if Gabe’s family did not know the truth...

Gabe watched Autumn run away with a glint in his eyes. He wouldn’t say this out loud, but he was totally please with Autumn’s answer. Meanwhile Demetri was watching Gabe, his own face showing a satisfied look as well. Autumn Frost was going to prove to be a worthy addition to the family.

"You’re staring at her like you want to eat her up? Stop staring at the poor girl. Give her a break."

Gabe shook his head, chuckling. "You’re just jealous."

"Jealous? Of what? Your brooding charm? Oh please. My Nora doesn’t feel the need to escape me..." Demetri retorted, crossing his arms.

"She wasn’t escaping me. It is you..."

"Keep telling yourself that, brother. But, I’m glad you have her."

"I don’t have her..." But Gabe trailed off. He liked the idea of having her by his side.. And that confused him.

Demetri raised an eyebrow, noticing Gabe’s expression. "Oh really? Because it seems to me like you want more than just a partnership for the little girl’s sake."

Gabe ran a hand through his hair, frustration and confusion etched on his face. "It’s complicated, Demetri. We’re only in this for Arabelle. This wasn’t part of the plan. I accept that I’m attracted to her physically..."

Demetri shook his head, clapping Gabe on the shoulder. "Plans change, Gabe. Sometimes for the better. You know, for someone so smart, you can be pretty dense. You get short sighted..."

"Just... keep away from this, Demon..."

"I am always keeping away from these matters, Gabe. And it is my biggest regret..."

Gabe stilled at this. Looking at Demetri, the seriousness in his voice shaking him.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I’ve stayed away from the Arabelle matter because of you. If I had intervened the way I wanted to then would you be suffering like this? Would you have been married to that woman?"

"You couldn’t have stopped me, Demetri. So don’t blame yourself..."

"I could have, Gabe. I should have stopped you from marrying that bi*ch..."

Gabe’s eyes darkened. "Demetri, leave it. We’d both made our choices."

Demetri clenched his fists. It was this thought that had never left him. "I just don’t want you to make another mistake, Gabe. This thing with Autumn, it’s different. Just remember that. Don’t let your past ruin it."

Before Gabe could respond, Autumn walked back into the room, holding a tray with three mugs of coffee. She cleared her throat, sensing the tension in the air. "Uh, coffee’s ready," she said, looking between the brothers oddly.

Gabe and Demetri both turned to her, their expressions softening slightly.

"Thanks, Autumn," Gabe said, his voice steadying. He took a mug from the tray and handed one to Demetri who accepted the mug with a nod, but his eyes remained on Gabe. "We’ll talk later," he muttered before taking a sip of his coffee. "For now miss Autumn, where is this little sister that I’ve heard so much about? I’d like to meet her."

"She’s at school." Autumn answered with a smile," I’m gonna go get her now."

"Why don’t I go with you. I’ll meet her and then leave directly." Demetri said.

"You can just go. There is no need to trouble Arabelle."

"No one asked you, Gabby the crabby. I’m going with Autumn and then leaving." Demetri answered, making his intentions clear to Gabe...who sat back quietly.

Gabe sighed. After what Demetri had discovered, he knew he would have to soon reveal many things to Autumn which might end up hurting her... Demetri was giving him a small reprieve to organise these thoughts.