21st Century Knight

Chapter 19 Here Comes the Millionaire

Gabriella woke up the next morning feeling distinctly nauseous and disoriented. The last few weeks had started to take a toll on her – meeting Brandon's parents, preparing for Meredith's wedding, worrying about everyone finding out about her dating Brandon… It was all too stressful. To top it off, Archer was still hanging around her like a leech. She sat up straight in bed. Archer… something about him stirred in her memory.

She rubbed her temples, recalling her encounter with him last night… how he'd tried to force her to come with him… but Brandon had rescued her… she looked around, expecting to see him. She couldn't remember anything else from last night, only the fact that Brandon had put her in bed.

"I suppose he's gone back to his room," she mused to herself. She sighed and got up. She began to have regrets about coming to Meredith's wedding. But since they came all this way, they might as well attend it and be done with it. People might start a riot soon if they didn't get to meet Brandon – everyone still thought he was a fabled legend.

Gabriella got up, showered, and changed, intending to get room service for breakfast when the door opened, much to her surprise. She turned from the percolator which she had put on for some coffee and saw Brandon enter.

"Brandon! What are you doing here?" She asked. Brandon gave her a resigned smile.

"You're awake. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes but… How did you get a key to my room?" Brandon went up to her, poured a glass of water, and gulped it down. He took his time answering and sighed when he finally did.

"It's not just your room, Angel. There's something you ought to know about our reservation…"

Gabriella was fuming all through the day, right until she met up with Sassie before the wedding ceremony began. Brandon had told her about Meredith's room preparations and it had pushed Gabriella's tolerance to the limit. She especially had to bite it in when she found out that Brandon spent the night sleeping in the armchair – he didn't want to invade her space without her permission and share the bed with her. The fact that her thoughtful considerate knight had to sleep in a chair was inconceivable! Gabriella's usually mild temper was blazing now.

"Hon, I'm starting to think coming to this wedding was a mistake; I want to blow this place and get out first chance I get," Sassie grumbled to her when they took their seats together in the slowly filling wedding hall. Sassie was also feeling cranky about the whole affair and irritated with Meredith's condescending behavior from the previous night.

"I know. I wish the same. But it's terrible manners to get up and leave now." Gabriella reasoned dismally.

"Manners, shmanners! Bride or not, I'm inclined to rip her hair out if I hear her patronizing you once more."

"Grin and bear it for a little while more, Sass."

"And to think Archer had the nerve to show up in front of you after the crap he put you through in high school! Who knew he'd be here?"

"I did." Sassie turned her head sharply to her friend on hearing her answer.

"What?! Gabby, you came to this wedding knowing that slipshod would be here? What were you thinking?" Sassie had known about the trouble with Archer since they had been in school together and felt angry on her friend's behalf. Gabriella closed her eyes in regret.

"I wasn't thinking, I was persuaded by Brandon. I won't blame him for wanting to come, he just – he thought we'd have a great time."

"Some relationships are best left severed," Sassie mumbled, "And both Meredith and Archer are a bit much to handle in one night."

"Just six hours more and we'll be out of here," Gabriella said fervently. She noticed Sassie staring at her hair.

"What?"

"Gabby, I know you like simplicity, but come on. It’s a wedding." Sassie took out a comb and started to fiddle with Gabriella’s hair, working deftly with a few pins, giving her a chic up-do.

"At least you have Brandon by your side," Sassie said, surveying her handiwork. Gabriella nodded, patting her new hairdo. She wasn't looking forward to having her knight showcased like a museum exhibit at all.

Brandon, meanwhile, had agreed to meet up with Gabriella at the wedding hall later as she told him she'd be with Sassie until the ceremony started. He joined up with Phil before they made their way down to the women – after he had managed to get his mood under control.

He couldn't stop thinking repulsively about Archer – his very behavior made Brandon feel uneasy. The way Archer had tried to steal Gabriella away last night… Brandon would have to keep Gabriella safe by his side all night until they left. After that, he'd make sure that slick stud would never have a chance to get close to his angel again.

There was also another matter preying on his mind – so far it appeared Gabriella hadn't caught on. He had managed to keep her from checking the news and even snuck her phone away from her purse. He wanted to protect her and hoped she'd understand when she found out. Because the snide articles full of degenerating rumors concerning his girlfriend were not something he wanted her innocent eyes to see. It would hurt her too much.

He pulled out his phone and quickly perused the articles – the description that some floozy had pinned him down, pulled the wool over his eyes, and intended to empty his pockets made his blood boil. Suing those tabloid agencies and getting them to take down their defaming articles was taking longer than he thought. Coupled with the task of trying to keep Archer away from Gabriella, he had his hands full that weekend. Hopefully, he'd be able to sort it all out tomorrow before anyone else got a wind of it – most of all, Gabriella.

"Hello, Angel." He greeted her with a cheek peck when he joined her, taking a seat beside her while Phil sat beside Sassie. Gabriella smiled back at him, taking his hand, making his resolve falter a little. For her, he thought. For that angelic smile to never come off her face, I'd do anything to protect her. He squeezed her hand in return as they turned their attention to the platform just as the ceremony began.

Everyone then turned to watch the bride stride down the aisle. But Sassie’s eyes were turned in a different direction. She nudged Gabriella.

"What?"

"Just take a look at their faces! It’s priceless!" She followed Sassie’s gaze to the women in front of them – everyone's eyes began to flit toward Brandon as if they were seeing a phantom. They all stared shamelessly at Brandon with wide eyes and parted mouths.

"I bet they didn’t think you actually showed up with a millionaire for a date," Sassie whispered smugly.

"Like a goldfish among sharks," Gabriella muttered, though she was relieved to see Brandon unfazed by the attention. In fact, his eyes were fixed only on one person all through the ceremony and Gabriella felt luckier than the bride all through the evening.

The ceremony droned by, the 'I dos' were said and soon it was time for the reception. The ballroom was finely decorated with peach roses and drapes everywhere, ribbons on every table and chair, and crystal chandeliers throwing light on the whole setting. Everyone strode into the room, taking their seats or else gliding to the dance floor. Gabriella felt a little nauseous again as she entered and discreetly pressed her stomach. Sassie noticed.

"Gabby, are you okay? You look a little pale."

"I’m fine. Just a bit queasy."

"Must be all that alcohol from last night… Hey, do you wanna sit down for a bit? I have an antacid." Sassie went through her purse but Gabriella put out her hand and stopped her.

"Maybe later. I don’t think I need it."

"Okay… If you feel like throwing up, let me know."

"I'll be fine, Sass." Gabriella was glad to have a friend if ever she needed help – but then she remembered Brandon and knew he'd be the first one to rush to her help if she needed it.

"Yes, it was custom-made. Took three months to finish it," Meredith's voice carried nearby as she was discussing her wedding gown with some of her guests. Gabriella had quietly taken a seat with Brandon and hoped to avoid much attention as they partook of hors d'oeuvres while Sassie and her husband took to the dance floor.

"You look stunning, Gabriella," Brandon whispered in her ear. Since she had worn the gown he got her, he couldn't keep his eyes off of her. She smiled at him.

"You're the eye-catcher here, Brandon. I hope nobody steals you tonight," she said with a smile, "you look dashing enough to woo any girl."

"Woo? Is that a word?"

"Yes, it's a word." Gabriella rolled her eyes. He took her hand, patting it lovingly.

"Tough luck on those other girls. I'm already taken," he said with a wink.

"Gabriella! There you are!" Meredith finally caught sight of her and drew near along with a throng of guests. "You must introduce us to your boyfriend!" She had already danced with her new husband, her father, and several others and intended to make sure Gabriella didn’t disappear before she got to confirm that she really was dating the Whiteley heir. When she saw Gabriella beside Brandon however, her eyes widened.

"Everyone, this is—" Gabriella got no further as women swept Brandon away into their midst.

"Brandon Whiteley! It's such a pleasure to meet you!"

"I have a friend working in your company, he says you're the best boss ever!"

"You're as handsome as all your pictures!" Gabriella felt a little sour as women fawned over her knight. Socializing was never really her thing, but it was to be expected at a wedding. She only wished for once that her boyfriend wasn't famous.

"I'm thrilled to finally meet Gabriella's boyfriend. I'll admit, I didn't believe it at first!" Meredith said with a flattering laugh. Brandon nodded politely if not coldly at her.

"Yes. Gabriella was kind enough to invite me to your wedding."

"I certainly hoped she would bring a date! But I never expected to see a celebrity."

"I’m flattered, but 'celebrity' is a bit strong." Gabriella saw the cold look he gave Meredith and felt mollified – at least Brandon was like a rock when it came to other women. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'll return to my table, Gabriella is waiting for me. Congratulations, by the way." Brandon extracted himself from the crowd and pointedly came and sat beside Gabriella. A proud, affectionate smile met him.

"I believe you just won the boyfriend of the year award," Gabriella whispered. He smiled at her.

"I hope my prize is a kiss from my angel."

"We'll sneak away for that tonight," Gabriella assured him. Sassie came up to them just then, slightly breathless from dancing.

"Phew! Phil’s got his dancing shoes on tonight! I need to refuel." She gulped down some wine and ate a couple of hors d’oeuvres.

"What are those anyway?" Gabriella asked.

"I’m not sure, but I don’t think they’re vegetarian, Gabby. Better ask the server what’s green." She returned to the dance floor. Gabriella hunted the table for anything that might be vegetarian when Brandon brought her a plate full of hors d'oeuvres.

"Completely vegan, for my lady." He laid out the tray in front of her with a little bow. Gabriella covered a laugh.

"Why thank you, kind sir." Despite everything that tried to keep them apart, they managed to share laughs and each other's company through the night.

As the night wore on, Sassie and Phil returned to the table after several dances, tired out. They joined Brandon and Gabriella for dinner.

"Can't say we didn't make the most of tonight. Oh, and Gabby, you didn’t hear it from me, but Meredith is in love with your dress. I heard her complimenting it to the skies." Sassie winked at her friend.

"Brandon picked this out for me. He deserves the credit," Gabriella said, glancing at Brandon shyly.

"Angel, you're the one wearing it. You look beautiful in it. Speaking of, let’s show that dress off better. Would you like to dance?" Brandon asked, offering his hand. She took it and followed him to the dance floor, swaying comfortably to the steps he'd taught her.

They had barely danced to two songs when Archer came and tapped her shoulder.

"Mind if I cut in?" Brandon looked very much like he did mind – in fact, his eyes conveyed the impression he'd chop Archer's arms off if he tried to put them around his girlfriend.

"Archer. As you can see, I'm in the middle of a dance with my boyfriend." Brandon was pleased to see Gabriella shut him down.

"Just one dance, sweetheart, for old times' sake? Come on, Gabriella, we had chemistry."

"Unless you're talking about science, I don’t know what you mean. We simply dated. It's over." Gabriella replied coolly. Archer didn't back down but simpered on.

"Don't be so cold, Gabriella. Give a guy a chance." He extended his hand to her. Brandon had been about to step in with disapproval when Meredith came up.

"Archer, is Gabriella playing hard to get? I hope you guys at least dance, it's nostalgic to see you two together again." Gabriella wondered if Meredith was part of Archer's conspiracy. Brandon looked severely offended but held his tongue, waiting to see Gabriella's reaction. She didn't look happy either but was too polite to appear unsociable.

"One song, then I’ll return you to your boyfriend," Archer smiled silkily at her and led her away in a waltz. Fuming, Gabriella stiffly followed the steps, too mechanical in her movements to pretend to enjoy it.

"Archer, I need to ask you a favor," she said to him in a low tone.

"Anything for you sweetheart." Archer beamed, thinking he was breaking the ice. Gabriella grimaced.

"Please stop calling me those names. We’re not dating anymore."

"That’s difficult. I’m still quite taken by you, I can't help myself." He pulled her closer.

"I only agreed to dance. You can quit flirting." Gabriella almost growled in a low voice.

"Brie, sweetheart, you’ve gone cold. Or have you always been like that? How does Whiteley get a spark out of you?" Archer squinted at her, his eyes scrutinizing her face. Gabriella couldn't take it anymore.

"That's none of your business." She tried to pull away.

"Whoa, at least wait till the song ends." Archer pulled her back.

"Fine. But I'd appreciate it if you stopped these games, Archer. There's nothing going on between us and there never will be." Gabriella said, wishing he'd leave her alone and move on.

"I'll persuade you yet, Brie," Archer said, unrelenting. Gabriella sighed in defeat, irked that her request fell on deaf ears. She danced silently with him for the rest of the song. She caught a glimpse of Brandon as she was twirling. His face was passive, but his emotions were apparent in his hands, which were fisted tight with white knuckles. She would have to comfort him later. Archer watched her eyes and leaned closer, an inch from her lips. She smelled alcohol on his breath.

"I regret not making you mine, Gabriella." He whispered, his lips drawing dangerously close to hers. What was Archer thinking? No way Gabriella would let him kiss her! And with her protective knight watching? Oh no, she was going to put a stop to this here and now.