starving artist

Ayla Binici. Sketch Artist @ the NYPD. 29.

[aylaxbinici-archive]

— BASICS

Name: Ayla Binici Age / D.O.B.: 29, December 1st, 1994 Gender, Pronouns & Sexuality: Cis woman, she/her, bisexual Hometown: Jersey City, New Jersey Affiliation: Civilian Job position: Sketch artist at the NYPD Education: Bachelor's of Art History and Studio Art at NYU Relationship status: Single Children: A furbaby named Clio Positive traits: Cheerful, warm, reliable, charming, gentle, optimistic Negative traits: Naive, impulsive, disorganized, softhearted, indecisive

— BIOGRAPHY

From the moment she was born, Ayla arrived with a smile. She always brought an infectious smile wherever she went, and brought a warmth that reached everyone in the room. Lively, optimistic, and always able to seize each moment, Ayla looked at life as one grand adventure. From a young age she was fascinated by art. She was found doodling or coloring or painting growing up. Her arts and crafts covered the fridge in her Jersey City family home. While her older siblings fell into roles that her parents pushed for, living up to the expectations placed on them by immigrant parents, Ayla faced less pressure as the baby of the family.

Growing up across the water from New York City, the city had become a second home to her. Memories of family trips to the city, of celebrating Eid al-Fitr, of trips to art museums, shows in Radio City Music Hall, dining, shopping, and much more were staples of her upbringing. So when it came time to choose a place for college, Ayla found herself wanting to fully commit to the city. She applied all over, but in the end chose the art program at NYU. Art had always been her passion and while she had dreams of supporting herself fully with her passion, Ayla knew she needed a degree to try and help her if she had to take another path. She graduated with a double degree in studio art along with art history. While creating had always been her passion, history had always captured her imagination.

New York City felt like home to her, it was vibrant, full of life, and despite the realities of the dirty and crowded city, she could still feel the hum coursing through the city of every person just looking for more. So, she decided to stay after college. Ayla had tried her hand at breaking into the art world. And while she did have some mild success at local galleries and even sold a few pieces, it was not nearly enough to support her in the expensive city. She knew she had to take a second path, to work a more conventional job to pay her bills. The city was so expensive, from rent to food to even just surviving. Sadly, the realities of the world won out over her dreams. But, Ayla wouldn't give up. On the side she'd keep trying to be able to support herself with her passion.

With her experience with art history, she had originally thought to work at one of the museums in the city. New York City was a hub to art and culture, and there were jobs out there pertaining to art history. But one friend of hers connected her to the New York Police Department. Never in her life had Ayla imagined herself to work for the police force. She was a free spirt, she was a pacifist, she hadn't really thought to promote the law enforcement before. But the pay was better than she could find in a museum. Logic won out for this decision, if she could work just one job at the police department as a sketch artist she could focus her free time on her art, on gallery shows and on promoting and selling her work. In the end she took the job, telling herself it was only temporary and either she'd find another job or would be able to support herself with her art.

A few years ago in 2021, her father died suddenly from a heart attack. Ayla tried to be there for her mother and her siblings as much as she could. None of them had expected it or been prepared to lose him so suddenly. It effected her in more ways than she could ever talk to anyone about, and Ayla tried to bury the conflicting painful emotions that his death brought up. And the complicated relationship she had with her father for most of her life.

Her job at the New York Police Department proved to be not as involved as she had feared. She didn't have to enforce or investigate, only bring to life the sketches of the perpetrators of crimes reported by others. Ayla, who always had worn her heart on her sleeve and supported others, discovered that she could offer support to others in her role. Some who came to her were shaken, they were scared and upset. And for just a moment she could offer warmth and support, assurance that things would get better and comfort when all else failed. She's aware of the crime in the city in a more general sense. While she knows that gangs exist in the city, she doesn't know many details. Certain neighborhoods have certain gang activity, some expand over a larger territory. But since her job deals with people coming in reporting almost every kind of crime, Ayla has never been fully exposed or focused on organized crime and gangs like others in the department. For the most part, she's unaware of the powers that be ruling over and fighting over the city. Her life is removed and it's only a matter of time before the bubble of safety is popped.

— WANTED CONNECTIONS / PLOTS

Coworkers

Roommate

Others in the art world

Exes

People to bring her into the gang world

Protectors

Enemies

[vcaleruega]

[saccharinexvenom]

FEATURING    ›     ángel & ayla ( @aylaxbinici ) LOCATED AT    ›     addicted to the bean

" so ... i may have completely spaced. and forgot which milk you preferred. which means i have two choices for you . " two coffee cups were held out for her. " almond milk is on the right. well, your right. and oat milk is on the left. again, your left . " he hadn't exactly taken into consideration the further possibilities. of whether she wanted whole milk. or coconut milk. maybe even macadamia nut milk. though, he wasn't certain they'd had that as an option .

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Seeing the two cups warmed her heart, because it was exactly something she would do herself. Bring options when she forgot someone's preference and she didn't want to bother them by asking again. "I actually have no preference." Ayla admitted with a bashful smile. "I think I like any and all milks." Still, her eyes shown with gratitude. "We can share the extra cup. It's only fair." She took one and set the extra one in the middle, not even sure which one she grabbed. In these recent days, any kindness was a blessing and something she was learning she needed terribly. "What about you? Do you have any milk preferences?"

[aylaxbinici-archive]

WHO: Francesca D'Amiano @joinmeinenvy LOCATION: Francesca's place

Ayla had taken a while to get to Francesca's. It still was hard to do long distance travels on her own, and her bank account was suffering since the only way she could was through Uber's. But she had wanted to talk to Francesca. Thankfully no stairs were involved, though there certainly was a lot of struggle and stress to get here on the opposite side of the woman's door. Though Francesca's relationship had ended with her brother all those years ago, the friendship between the two had already been formed. Francesca was had always been like a big sister to Ayla, their bond closer than her relationship with her own sister who lived outside of the New York City area. They still got manicures together sometimes, attended parties and galleries and more. Certainly Ayla could have called her, but sitting in her apartment biting her nails down to the stubs wasn't doing her any good and she needed to get out. The dozen bouquets still filled her temporary apartment and she couldn't sit there on the phone staring at them. So she'd promised Clio she'd be back and started the long journey to Francesca's. Leaning on her crutches, she lifted a hand and knocked. When the door opened, she gave a weary smile. "Hey."

[bcrninhell]

@sinnerssquarestart - open location: local dog park

The two rottweilers signaled the newcomers with little more than a pause in their step mid-run on their path back to him, one carrying a rather worn-through tennis ball and the other trailing upon his heels. A whistle, sharp and precise, Adam barked out a single command, a work spoken in pashto that brought them back to heel. "They don't bite," unless he said so. The majority of their training had been for their own protection rather than his - people could be quick to judge their size and assume the worst, but in truth, Adam merely wanted to note the demeanor of any new dogs approaching before he released the pair at his feet, "I just don't want them startling your pooch".

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Ayla and Clio didn't really go on walks anymore. Not since she'd come home with her foot in a cast with instructions not to put any pressure on it for 12 to 16 weeks. But she knew the boykin spaniel was going slightly stir crazy. Thankfully she made a great apartment dog, just as happy to cuddle up against Ayla on the couch as she was to run through a dog park. But Ayla knew it wasn't fair. She'd been paying her neighbor to take Clio on walks every other day but she felt bad. It'd been a hard thing to manage, ordering the Uber that allowed dogs to take her and drop her off at the dog park but she'd done it. Ayla was camped out on a bench, watching Clio and grateful they both were getting some fresh air. She saw Clio start, and as her gaze followed her own was one of surprise before a smile blossomed on her features. "Adam!" It'd been so long since she saw him since she was still on leave with her foot the way it was. "I didn't know you came here. And don't worry, Clio is friendly."

[aylaxbinici-archive]

[aylaxbinici-archive]

— NYE ROOFTOP EXTRAVAGANZA

AYLA BINICI ATTENDING WITH DOMINIC CORVIN

@saccharinexvenom

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Gabriel’s Apology Tour

Dear Ayla,

I owe you an explanation, and more importantly, an apology. I lied to you about the Holiday Gala and where I was that night, and for that, I am deeply sorry. It wasn’t fair to you, and it wasn’t fair to us. You deserve the truth, not a shadowed version of me, and I’m ready to give you that now, even if it terrifies me.

The truth is, my life isn’t like most. It’s dangerous and unpredictable in ways that I’ve learned to live with, but I’ve seen how others react when they get too close. No normal person ever embraces what I do—they either run or see me differently. And Ayla, I couldn’t bear the thought of you running. You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Your light, your warmth… it’s as if the sun walked into my life when I had convinced myself I didn’t deserve its brightness.

On my darkest, gloomiest days, I think of you, and somehow the world feels a little lighter. You’ve reminded me that there’s beauty and hope, even for someone like me. That’s why I wanted to protect you—not just from the dangers around me but from the truth of my life itself. I see now that was a mistake because keeping this from you only pushed us apart, the very thing I feared most.

I’m not proud of my choices, but they weren’t made out of malice. They came from fear. Fear of losing someone who makes me feel like I can be more than the mistakes and betrayals of my past. Trust hasn’t come easily for me, not since the betrayal of my brother. He was family, someone I believed would always stand by me, and when he didn’t, it left scars I’ve carried ever since. Those wounds made me build walls, walls I didn’t even realize were still there until you came into my life and began tearing them down with every smile, every laugh, every touch.

I know I can’t take back the hurt I caused, but I hope you’ll let me make it up to you. I’m not perfect, Ayla, but I promise, with you, I’ll try to be better. You’re too special to lose, and I can’t imagine my life without your light in it.

Please, forgive me.

Yours, always,

Gabriel

[Sent was a letter and dozens of large flower bouquets]

Ayla hadn't even realized she'd been crying until the tear fell against the letter. Lifting her hand, she wiped at the tears slowly forming and dripping down her cheeks. Since the morning she had left Gabriel's, she'd been holed up in her apartment trying to come to terms with all of this. Not only had she been nursing a hurt heart, which plenty of orders of comfort food and chocolate from UberEats was seeing her through, but she was struggling to understand Gabriel's actions and his hidden life. She still didn't understand, even with the letter, what exactly he was involved in and just how different he was from who she had thought he was. Ayla had been falling for the man, swept off her feet by his grand, romantic gestures and how she had found herself inexplicably bound to him after crashing into him at the Halloween party. From the hospital to late night texts to the gala she had found herself falling for him. And while this wasn't a traditional break up - they hadn't been dating yet, she still felt that heartbreak. He'd been involved in the destruction of the winery, in something bad and in meaningless violence. Was this really the gentle hearted man who had made her feel safe and secure? Just how much was he hiding from her? From his letter it sounded like there was so much more he was hiding from her and so much more to his life and the destruction of the winery.

In her gut, she knew she had to talk to him at least. His letter had caused her mind to fill with so many more questions. And it felt as if he was finally going to come clean with her and tell her everything. Even if she walked away forever, she still needed to talk to him. Perhaps she owed him that at least with their shared feelings and past. With you I'll try to be better. The words echoed in her mind and despite a voice whispering for her not to believe them, she did. Ayla didn't want to walk away either, he'd been a light in her life after the dark times of Halloween. But it hurt to imagine what kind of things he was involved in. Setting the letter to the side, Ayla stared at the literally dozens of flower bouquets now sitting in her apartment.

The shock on her face had mirrored the look on the delivery person's face when he had given her bouquet after bouquet. Each of the bouquets were filled with very nice and very expensive flowers. This had to have cost him a fortune, each one was at least a one or two hundred dollars if not more. Her whole temporary apartment was filled with the pleasant and overwhelming smell of florals. Clio was still making her way from each bouquet to each one and smelling them. It had to be said that Gabriel De La Cruz was skilled in the art of grand gestures. But his note, the words, mattered more to her than the flowers or money or gifts. Sighing, she called her dog over and scratched her head. "I guess I owe him a chance to talk after this, huh?" She asked her baby, smiling softly when Clio licked her fingers. "You're right. I'll talk to him." Ayla chuckled lightly. She'd talk to him, she'd get the full truth from him and then... well then Ayla would decide.

@betrayedandbrave

[betrayedandbrave]

Gabriel’s heart sank as Ayla’s gaze turned from the TV to him, her expression a mixture of disbelief and hurt. He knew what she was thinking, could feel it in the tense silence between them. He couldn’t lie to her forever, but now wasn’t the right time to reveal everything. So he took a deep breath, forcing his voice to remain calm, even though it twisted with guilt. "I—" He paused, carefully choosing his words. "No, you're wrong. I had nothing to do with that." He leaned forward slightly, giving her a reassuring smile. His fingers brushed the edge of his plate, his mind racing. "I’m not involved in anything that would put you in danger. I would never risk that. I care too much about you for that." He couldn’t bring himself to tell her about the darker side of his life, the parts of him that had always stayed hidden. She didn’t need to know that yet. Not when they were still figuring out what was real between them. The last thing he wanted was for her to pull away because of things she couldn’t understand. "So, let’s not focus on that for now," Gabriel added, his voice softer, more sincere. "Let’s just enjoy today. We’re here together, and that’s all that matters." He could feel her eyes on him, searching for any hint of truth, and the weight of the lie made his chest tighten. But he was certain of one thing—he wouldn’t lose her over this. Not if he could help it.

[aylaxbinici-archive]

For too long the silence stretched between them. It was a turning point, and not a good one as Gabriel considered his words. Ayla watched him, her gaze starting to be clouded over by the storm of emotions growing in her. As the silence stretched between them, Ayla knew he'd either deny it or admit to it. Both options made her stomach twist and her chest tighten, as both options carried a heavy weight. Neither would allow the morning to continue as it had been previously - happily. Ayla's eyes narrowed as the first syllable came out only to be followed by a pause. She felt her heart clench at that pause, but the pain only grew with his next words. "Gabriel -" Ayla started, his name heavy on her tongue as her voice caught. Setting her own plate down on the table before them, she searched his gaze. "I had this feeling the whole night when you left. There was something in the way you snuck out." When he left her. "I knew in my gut you had been up to something you didn't want to tell me. But when you came back and told me about the meeting with the investor, I believed you." Her gaze searched his, testing his words and weighing them. "I don't want to believe it, Gabriel. I have no real proof, but the timeline lines up." She leaned forward, feeling her chest tighten when he promised her he cared for her. She wanted to believe him. Whatever this was between them was new, but she could feel the attraction burning between both of them. Ayla didn't want to risk it so early when she was still getting to know him, but she hadn't been able to shake that feeling in her gut all last night. And this news, the timeline, it only ignited those feelings once more. "What did you do last night when you left?" Her gaze searched his, begging him to tell her the truth. They were here together, in this previously picture perfect moment. She was wearing his shirt on his couch with food he made just for her. The days stretched ahead of her of staying at his place. The hours they'd spend getting to know each other more still called to her. But Ayla needed to know the truth.

[hayesarcher]

"I know I technically don't need to but she deserves it so I'm going to do it anyway. I've always been a bit of a secret hopeless romantic so she's going to get one hundred percent from me." Hayes grinned. Even though they weren't together and he wasn't sure if they ever would be, while she was on his arm he was going to treat Kinny like a queen. "Oh damn, the leg is still bothering you? I would have thought i'd be a bit better by now."

[aylaxbinici-archive]

"As her roommate and friend, I have to say that I do agree she deserves the world." Ayla grinned, truly warming up to Hayes even more. Her good opinion of him rising seeing how much he cared. "Good, because I'm a hopeless romantic too. But I have to warn you, if you break her heart I'll have to come after you." Ayla knew she wasn't much of a threat, but she still had to look out for her friend. "Though so far I have nothing to worry about." At his question, she looked down at her crutches and nodded. "Yes, sadly this won't be a quick recovery. Because of the surgery, I can't even put pressure on it until 14 to 16 weeks later. I'll have to go through maybe another cast and a boot before I can even dream of starting physical therapy too. But I am getting better every day."

[blcodthirst]

𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒 can be, sure, even if he offers an air of confidence to the rest of the world. an outgoing, goofy, good natured individual. however, in the line of work that he does -- a cover is essential. but, in his years wandering through new york city, he finds what was once just his cover and his true self becoming one. it was just a matter of separating the rest of him. hiding the anger, the vitriol. protect the people who had come to matter from it. thus, the guilt he carried on his shoulders like one might carry a satchel. but it somehow got heavier every time he looked at her. he knew he needed to drop it to the floor, let it rest at long last. it was best for both of them. he remembered the first few nights when her apartment had moved. dinners, making sure both of them were safe, as they should be. alya wasn't the only one he felt like he failed, of course there was mckinley. he remembers holding her in that hospital, coaxing her to bring her breathing back to normal. he listens closely, not letting anything else show. he wants her to be happy this evening. after everything. it's what she deserves -- a moment of peace. but she had to know it too. " hmmm... you can never go wrong with old fashioned romance, huh? as much as we all try to deny it, there really is a romantic in all of us. " as a former denier, he could attest that to certainly be true. now, he found it hard to be away from freddie for more than a fraction of a second. he used to consider himself as simply a realist for the longest time, protective as can be. " hey, hey. i know i sound like a grumpy old dad, and i will continue to as i say this... i just want you to be happy. gah, i'm even making myself cringe. " he laughs, massaging his temples as he speaks. even if he wanted his father dead for all he had put him and luca through, he could still somewhat understand the metaphor. perhaps due to wishful thinking. he straightens up a tad as ayla cracks the joke, mainly for her humor... mostly. he remembers the forest. watching gabriel put a bullet into his own brother. but, he eases the longer she smiles. " hey, as long as i'm not given a reason to. " considering elias was a professional hitman, trained to kill a man by the age of eight years old, he could certainly make him regret it. " i love you, ly. you know that. as long as you're happy and still smiling, that's what matters to me. as much huffing as i do. "

[aylaxbinici-archive]

There was so much in her life in this city that Ayla was unaware of. The hidden lives of most people in this room were known to so many who mingled among the crowd in this room. But Ayla was completely in the dark. About the nature of Elias's true job. Of her own roommate's double life. Of even Gabriel's truth. She was completely in the dark, taking everything everyone told her at face value. But the one thing she knew was that Elias still blamed himself for what had happened to her at the Halloscream festival. He shouldn't. He wasn't with her that night, he did not control the evil man who had done this to her. Sensing that weight right now, Ayla reached out and squeezed his hand, not saying anything but reminding him, again, that she loved him. Ayla would always be grateful to him. For staying by her side often in the hospital, never leaving her alone. And then for staying the first few nights with her in her new and empty apartment, keeping her safe yet again. Ayla laughed shaking her head. "You may have denied it, but I never have. I've always loved romance. I've always believed in it and hoped for my own great love story one day." And Gabriel was making great strides with acts that would happen in the movies she loved so much. "Well, I didn't cringe. I think it's so sweet and I appreciate it. No one has really looked out for me like this." She didn't have her dad in her life anymore, and her older brother wasn't in the city. She'd take Elias any day. Though, joke as she may, Ayla was unaware of Gabriel's hidden self. Of the man who had put a bullet in his own family. She had no idea of the danger that lurked in him. "Keep huffing then if you want, El." She giggled, leaning into him. "But I am happy. At least tonight. So you have nothing to worry about. The second he stops being a perfect gentleman I'll tell you."

[ells-diary]

[aylaxbinici-archive]

The gala had been absolutely perfect. Until it hadn’t been. Even before Ayla had set foot in that hotel on Gabriel’s arm, she had been a bit nervous. Whoever had tried to kill her was still at large, whoever this Giovanni Moretti was. And the last time she had been at such a big event with people from all parts of the city had been the same one the terrorist had been responsible for destroying. He could attack again. And when she saw the same man texting her, that same name that had haunted her nightmares, Ayla lost it. The trauma of her attacker had been lasting, a life full of attacks foreign to her. Gabriel, to his credit, had been amazing. He hadn’t abandoned her as a basket case. She remembered him taking her back to his place, even managing to help her down from the panic attack in the car. Last night hadn’t been the night he had probably expected, but she couldn’t believe how good he’d been when she’d turned out to be such a horrible date. And even this morning, waking up in his arms Ayla still expected him to not want to see her again. Instead, he asked her to stay a few nights with him. “Juice? Coffee? Tea?” Ayla offered from the couch as she turned from the tv to watch him. Her gaze was warm as she watched him. Truly, Gabriel De La Cruz was one of the kindest souls she had met in so long, and he was so good looking, so funny too. How was this man so perfect? Her stomach fluttered as she watched him. She only settled on the morning news as he came over and she set the remote to the side to take the plate. “You’re spoiling me, but thank you, Gabriel.” Ayla grinned, letting him settle in and once his arm was around her, she leaned in and kissed him softly. “Still want me to stay for a few days? Your window for kicking me out is closing fast. This breakfast smells so good.”

[betrayedandbrave]

"On it," he calls out, grabbing the drinks and food before settling down. If his mother had been there, she would have been laughing at the sight of her son running around the kitchen, frantically trying to get everything perfect for his date. "My son is such a gentleman," she would have said, a family joke that had been teased for years. Now, it was a memory he'd left behind. Gabriel was focused on the future—and he hoped Ayla would be a part of it. "This is the bare minimum, sunshine. Get used to it," he teases, returning her kiss with a hint of affection. He knew he was treading carefully with Ayla. She didn’t belong in his world—innocent in a way he could never be. He didn’t want her to lose that innocence, but keeping her in the dark about who he was could ruin everything they were building. She had seen a glimpse of his world with the Giovanni incident, and it had shaken her. Could she handle more? "I wouldn't offer it if I planned to take it back," he says, giving her a soft smile. "Dig in," he adds, handing her a plate so she could help herself to the spread on the coffee table. Gabriel had already started eating. "Breaking news," the TV blares. "It appears there’s been an attack on the famous Gallowines winery this evening. Police are baffled by the complexity of the crime. The vandals managed to destroy everything inside within an hour, and the cameras were destroyed as well, leaving no footage of the perpetrators. It’s as if whoever was responsible knew the winery inside and out. So far, there are no leads." The announcement causes Gabriel to pause, a small smile tugging at his lips. Another heist complete.

[aylaxbinici-archive]

If Ayla had a chance to meet Gabriel’s mom, she would have found herself agreeing with the woman. Gabriel was nothing short of a gentleman right now, truly spoiling her and making this morning again something out of a movie. “Do you watch a lot of romantic comedies, or are you always this romantic?” Ayla asked with a giggle as he joined her. “This is only the start? You’ve already gone above and beyond with the dress and now this.” Thinking back on her dating history, Ayla was sure the most romantic thing a guy had done for her was make coffee for her while she showered in the morning. And she still was expecting him to withdrawal his invitation after her freak out last night. “Yes, but I didn’t want you to realize I’m nothing but a nut case. There’s nothing sexy about a panic attack. Or to let me get used to this spoiling and I become a burden.” Ayla half teased, but half meant her reservations. “But if you’re sure you don’t want to kick me out now, then you’ll be happy to know I got a hold of my neighbor to take care of Clio for a few days.” She still remained in the dark about his world though. The texts last night hadn’t meant anything to her, the names of those exposed and their secrets meaningless to her. But that name had made her completely come undone. Ayla had unwittingly gotten a hint of his life with the attack on Halloween and the unexpected force of it had knocked her reeling. Though with the delicious smelling breakfast and and way Gabriel kissed her, those texts were becoming further and further away. Hearing the news, Ayla quieted as she watched. The only sound was her fork against the plate as she took slow bite after bite. Her brows furrowed in concern. There’d been too much property damage and vandalism in the city. “I’ve been there before with some friends.” Ayla finally spoke. “That’s horrible… I wonder if it was the same people who burned your gallery.” The reporter on screen continued to share what she knew, asking for witnesses and finally reporting the hours the crime had been committed between. The quick timeline based on doctored security footage. But the reporter’s voice got further and further away as the ground started to crumble under her. Ayla knew those times. That had been the exact window that Gabriel had disappeared from the gala. The exact window she knew in her gut he had been up to something bad. The exact window he convinced her it had been nothing but a meeting with a client. Ayla could only hear her pulse racing in her ears as she slowly turned to Gabriel, looking as if she’d been sucker punched. “Tell me I’m wrong.” She finally whispered, knowing she had been right in her gut telling him he’d been up to no good. “Tell me you had nothing to do with that.”

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Ayla,

I know you go through these fast. Enjoy. Happy Holidays

-Derin

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Ayla, 

Merry christmas!

[betrayedandbrave]

closed starter: @aylaxbinici location: gabriel's house

The morning after the gala left everyone in a state of frantic uncertainty. Gabriel, however, was one of the lucky few unaffected by the news, except for the concern he felt for his friends at the Seduction. His date, on the other hand, was a mess. Gabriel insisted she stay with him for a few days until she felt better—it was no trouble. His house was far too large for just him, but it suited him just fine. “Alright, I’ve got eggs, bacon, fruit… what am I missing?” Gabriel asked as he moved around the kitchen, his voice casual as he worked. He had left Ayla on the couch while he prepared breakfast, the low hum of the TV filling the background, though he wasn't really paying attention to it. It didn’t take long before he brought her a plate and set it down on the table next to her. “For you,” he said fondly, his smile soft as he took a seat beside her, slipping an arm around her shoulders as he settled in.

[aylaxbinici-archive]

The gala had been absolutely perfect. Until it hadn’t been. Even before Ayla had set foot in that hotel on Gabriel’s arm, she had been a bit nervous. Whoever had tried to kill her was still at large, whoever this Giovanni Moretti was. And the last time she had been at such a big event with people from all parts of the city had been the same one the terrorist had been responsible for destroying. He could attack again. And when she saw the same man texting her, that same name that had haunted her nightmares, Ayla lost it. The trauma of her attacker had been lasting, a life full of attacks foreign to her. Gabriel, to his credit, had been amazing. He hadn’t abandoned her as a basket case. She remembered him taking her back to his place, even managing to help her down from the panic attack in the car. Last night hadn’t been the night he had probably expected, but she couldn’t believe how good he’d been when she’d turned out to be such a horrible date. And even this morning, waking up in his arms Ayla still expected him to not want to see her again. Instead, he asked her to stay a few nights with him. “Juice? Coffee? Tea?” Ayla offered from the couch as she turned from the tv to watch him. Her gaze was warm as she watched him. Truly, Gabriel De La Cruz was one of the kindest souls she had met in so long, and he was so good looking, so funny too. How was this man so perfect? Her stomach fluttered as she watched him. She only settled on the morning news as he came over and she set the remote to the side to take the plate. “You’re spoiling me, but thank you, Gabriel.” Ayla grinned, letting him settle in and once his arm was around her, she leaned in and kissed him softly. “Still want me to stay for a few days? Your window for kicking me out is closing fast. This breakfast smells so good.”

[betrayedandbrave]

Gabriel glanced at the older gentleman, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Careful," he teased, "I might get jealous and have fight him later." Of course, he had no intention of harming an old man, but the thought of another man getting too close to Ayla stirred something possessive in him. If it were anyone else, maybe a younger, more handsome guy, Gabriel might have been more inclined to say something. He didn’t like to share. The invitation to her place was a tempting one, though. The thought of seeing her apartment, making sure it was perfect for her, sent a thrill through him. The landlord better not be screwing her over after what he's giving him. Gabriel couldn’t help but want to make sure her world was as smooth as possible after everything she’d been through. "I’d love for you to steal me away," he replied, his gaze never leaving hers, his words heavy with playful sincerity. He couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the way she looked at him, like she was the most important thing in the room. A soft chuckle escaped him as she moved with the cast, but it was filled with affection. "I’ve got you," he assured her, his smile warm and genuine. He offered his hand, helping her into the dance, and they swayed together, his every step matching hers. The night felt brighter, more meaningful, with her by his side, and Gabriel was intent on soaking in every second of it.

[aylaxbinici-archive]

Ayla's eyes glowed with amusement as Gabriel indulged her and played along. "I think he could take you." She teased, glancing at the old man once more as he gave a snort of a snore. Though tease as she might, Ayla had only eyes for Gabriel tonight. Not only was he handsome and charming, but she felt this undeniable pull towards him. He was the one she wanted to spend tonight with, and to extend an invitation to come to her place to. But Ayla would be lying if she didn't admit that something stirred in her of the thought of Gabriel getting jealous enough of another man to fight him for her. She knew it was bad, but it was kind of hot. Hearing him say yes brought a delighted grin to her face. "Really? I'd love that, I'd love to steal you away and take you back to my place tonight." Her hand squeezed his in excitement. She had the privacy on the first floor apartment she was temporarily in while McKinley continued to stay up in their shared apartment upstairs. Ayla might as well take advantage of the privacy with Gabriel tonight. "I trust you." Though the words were directed at him being her crutch out there, Ayla's words carried a weight that went beyond that. She was glad to have him close tonight, as she had been scared to go out to an event like this again with so many people from all over the city as the hooded man still haunted her dreams. Ayla leaned against him, holding her injured foot up and only hopping on her one good foot as they slowly hobbled their way to the edge of the dance floor. They swayed together, and it did feel very much like the middle school dance she had conjured up earlier, but it didn't feel awkward with Gabriel. Ayla's gaze was only on his as she smiled, feeling a light blush blossom on her cheeks.