Once upon a time in Miami, part 2 - Gabe Ricci x MC (Riley Michaels) x Bryce Lahela - Laws of Attraction/ Open Heart *NSFW* 18+
This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #3 "Are you alright? You look... not alright."
Author's note: Hello dear friends! I' m very happy that you liked the first part of the story - finally it's time for the second part. I think that when you read it you will have even more questions than before, but I don't regret anything! Thank you for your support <3
Warnings: NSFW, 18+ (but only a little bit so no worries...)
Tagglist: @choicesflashfics @ao719 @neotericthemis @choicesficwriterscreations
Word Count: 1618
" Shit!"
Gabe didn't know what kind of surreal force pushed him towards the blonde girl standing out among the crowd. Riley was still catching the eye of all the men in the room. And God only knows how long Gabe watched her from hiding before he finally decided to approach her. She hadn't changed at all, as if the last ten years had been a single day. Her laugh still filled the entire room, when she was bored with a conversation she continued to wind a strand of hair on her finger, and when she felt embarrassment a gentle blush appeared on her cheeks. But when Gabe now stood face to face with her and her fiancé he felt as if he had just received a big punch in the gut from fate. With all his might, he mastered the emotions that had no right to arise. "You left her..." a quiet accusatory voice rang out in his head. He ignored it. He preferred to focus on something else. Riley relaxed significantly at the man standing beside her. She leaned toward him, seeking the support he provided her, embracing her around the waist. Riley was happy.
"Congratulations." Gabe finally said, showing one of his courtroom-trained smiles.
"Thank you." Bryce replied before Riley had time to open her mouth. He pulled her even closer to him, which Gabe took as a clear signal - she was his.
"Well, I won't keep you guys any longer. It was nice to bump into each other. See you later Riley."
Gabe said goodbye and mingled with the crowd, wondering what amount of alcohol he would need tonight to relieve the tightness in the lower part of his stomach.
"You shouldn't be so mean." Riley spoke up after entering their shared apartment. She sat down on the couch, pulled off her shoes and rolled up her legs to massage her sore feet.
She and Bryce left the party moments later after meeting Gabe. In the cab, they didn't exchange a word with each other, each of them gazing at the illuminated buildings passing by outside the window. Bryce leaned against the countertop of the kitchen island. He loosened the tie knotted under his neck and tossed it into a corner. He crossed his gaze with Riley.
"You know what I think of him. I don't need to know him to know that. To not like him, all I need is the fact that he broke your heart."
"Fortunately, you were the one who glued it together."
Bryce walked over to Riley and knelt in front of her. He took her foot in his hands and began to massage it. Riley sighed, feeling relieved as Bryce's efficient fingers applied pressure to the appropriate points.
"I would kill anyone who ever hurt you. You deserve the best. I promise to give it to you. Every day, at any time of the day, whenever you want."
"I know." Riley reached up and leaned over Bryce's head. She lifted his chin up and kissed him on the lips. He smelled of the ocean, sunshine and citrus. His scent always made her dizzy. When they broke the kiss a familiar gleam appeared in Bryce's eyes and the corners of his mouth lifted up. He slowly began kissing Riley's leg from her calf slowly aiming higher and higher. When he was at the level of her thigh, he slid two hands under her bum and drew her toward him, making her lean her back against the back of the couch, tilting her head back. With his thumbs, he pulled her dress up, exposing her lacy underwear. Bryce teased Riley's clit hidden under the thin material with his teeth. He could feel her growing excitement. She moved her hips asking for more. He pushed aside the material and ran his tongue over her clit. A quiet moan came from Riley's lips. He slowly tasted her, drawing circles with his tongue and occasionally teasing with his teeth. Riley entwined her hands in his hair and pulled away from her throbbing pussy for a moment, driving her gaze into his. It was the look that drove Bryce himself crazy - sharp and determined.
"Let me come." She said in a hoarse voice.
And she didn't have to tell him twice. With an efficient movement, he slid two fingers into her, and twisted making Riley arch her back. He found the sensitive spot and, attaching his tongue and lips, allowed her to reach her climax by coming over the next few minutes. He held her as her body shook under the wave of pleasure. Finally, her body calmed down and Riley relaxed and sank onto the couch. Bryce sat down next to her. She laid her head on his shoulder, rubbing her nose against his neck. He put his arm around her even tighter, pulled her closer and kissed her temple. A smile appeared on his lips. They sat, saying nothing to each other, until Riley's breathing calmed down and turned into quiet snoring. Bryce stood up and carefully took Riley in his arms. She was his whole world, and he had long since promised himself that he would not let her get hurt.
The next morning, Riley got up earlier than usual. She did her daily workout and after a quick shower she was ready to go to work the moment Bryce was just waking up.
"Isn't it too early to be a responsible adult?" he asked while stretching lazily, exposing part of his naked torso. Riley leaned over him and reached her hand for the watch lying on the bedside table. Bryce took advantage of the situation - he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her, making her lose her balance and lay on top of him.
"Late enough for me to be late." She replied, pushing back the hair that had fallen over her forehead. She tried to move, but Bryce's embrace was strong enough.
"Without a kiss I won't let you go..." he smiled slyly and winked at her.
Riley rolled her eyes, but didn't protest when he pulled her even closer to him in such a way that their lips touched. She let him kiss her, and as soon as he loosened his embrace a bit she released and straightened up, correcting her folded dress.
"I really have to go now." She checked the time on her watch and cursed in her mind, because she knew that if she didn't leave the house in a while she would be stuck in morning traffic.
"Sure, go fight for justice," she said.
"And you save the lives of a few patients."
Gabe hasn't had such a hangover in a long time. His recovery was not helped by the brightly shining sun on the streets of Miami. And the traffic jams that almost made him late for his meeting. He had the feeling that Miami was doing everything to get rid of him from here. And he didn't mind - he knew it wasn't his place. Maybe someday it could have been, but not now. He had missed his chance. Everything was going wrong that day and only coffee could make his day better. Well, maybe whiskey as well, but it was far too early for that, although it was probably past twelve in the afternoon somewhere in the world. Gabe walked into a coffee shop located near the courthouse where he had to take some documents. He lined up to place his order for a large black coffee. He was busy with his thoughts and reviewing messages on his phone when a familiar voice snapped him out of his reverie.
"For such a big city, we bump into each other quite often." Riley stood next to Gabe holding a fancy leather purse in one hand and a paper cup of takeaway coffee in the other. She was dressed in a blue dress with delicate black polka dots, with buff sleeves and a knee-length tapered skirt. Her blonde hair, styled in waves, fell gently to her shoulders. "Are you alright? You look... not alright." She asked, tilting her head carefully to the side.
Gabe swallowed his drool and pulled himself together to restrain the sudden impulse to return the entire contents of his stomach.
"Yeah, everything's fine. I've had a pretty intense morning."
"Oh..."
Riley waited for Gabe to order his coffee from the salesman and together they walked out in front of the place. All around them, life was going on with its normal rhythm, with cars and random passersby passing them, but Gabe had the feeling that everything was slowing down in Riley's company.
"You look good." Finally said Gabe as they both took a slow step toward the courthouse. A blush appeared on Riley's face, which awakened good memories in Gabe. Apparently this one thing hadn't changed in her.
"Are you staying in Miami for long?"
"A few days, maybe a week." Gabe shrugged his shoulders.
They arrived at the courthouse. They went inside through a large glass door. When they passed through security checks they stopped in the middle of a long corridor leading to individual courtrooms.
"I'll have to go now." She said while checking the time on her watch then cursed quietly under her breath. "It was nice to meet again."
She turned on her heel and was about to walk away when Gabe suddenly grabbed her arm. He opened his mouth to say something but suddenly his eyes went foggy, and he slumped unconscious with his whole body.
"Gabe!" Riley shouted in panic, falling to her knees beside him, "Someone call an ambulance! Gabe... Gabe... Don't leave me... Stay with me.... Please..."
Okay, well it goes without saying that I'm shipping Gabe and Riley here lol, but you're definitely making it harder with the way you're writing Bryce because damn that's one hot surgeon! Especially because how protective he is of her, and that splash of smut was wow 🥵, he had both Riley and me shooketh lol.
But but, the thing that's kind of irking me is does Riley really feel the same way about Bryce as he does for her? Its not that she doesn't love him, but I don't know why but I am sensing some sort distance from her when it comes to interacting with Bryce. Again, so many questions lol 🙈
Now what is happening to Gabe? That ending really me go all eyeballs because it literally came out of the blue, and now he's laying unconscious at the courthouse. And and does this have some sort of connection to his not coming to Miami ten years ago? Is there more to this than he's letting on? I cannot wait for the next chapter to get some insight behind his sudden unconsciousness.
This chapter was just as amazing as the first one, and needless to say I'm got myself invested! Loved it!
Oh my goodness, thank you so much for such a long reply! It's wonderful to know that someone is reading these stories of mine.
Maybe as an expression of gratitude to you I can answer a few questions and give away a little of the mystery of the whole story ☺️
You are right, Bryce loves Riley very much. What they have in common is that he too was once heartbroken - in my mind earlier Bryce was in love with the MC from OH but in the end she chose Ethan Ramsey. Now that Gabe has shown up after so many years, Bryce may feel insecure... there's a reason they say old love never rusts 😏
The whole story is one big adventure and rollercoaster for me, a lot of things are written spontaneously in spite of what I thought and planned. You can take my word for it that the idea of an unconscious Gabe came into my head at the last minute.
I'm very glad that you like the whole story - I promise that there will be a lot going on in the next parts as well! 💕💕💕
Once upon a time in Miami, part 2 - Gabe Ricci x MC (Riley Michaels) x Bryce Lahela - Laws of Attraction/ Open Heart *NSFW* 18+
This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #3 "Are you alright? You look... not alright."
Author's note: Hello dear friends! I' m very happy that you liked the first part of the story - finally it's time for the second part. I think that when you read it you will have even more questions than before, but I don't regret anything! Thank you for your support <3
Warnings: NSFW, 18+ (but only a little bit so no worries...)
Tagglist: @choicesflashfics @ao719 @neotericthemis @choicesficwriterscreations
Word Count: 1618
" Shit!"
Gabe didn't know what kind of surreal force pushed him towards the blonde girl standing out among the crowd. Riley was still catching the eye of all the men in the room. And God only knows how long Gabe watched her from hiding before he finally decided to approach her. She hadn't changed at all, as if the last ten years had been a single day. Her laugh still filled the entire room, when she was bored with a conversation she continued to wind a strand of hair on her finger, and when she felt embarrassment a gentle blush appeared on her cheeks. But when Gabe now stood face to face with her and her fiancé he felt as if he had just received a big punch in the gut from fate. With all his might, he mastered the emotions that had no right to arise. "You left her..." a quiet accusatory voice rang out in his head. He ignored it. He preferred to focus on something else. Riley relaxed significantly at the man standing beside her. She leaned toward him, seeking the support he provided her, embracing her around the waist. Riley was happy.
"Congratulations." Gabe finally said, showing one of his courtroom-trained smiles.
"Thank you." Bryce replied before Riley had time to open her mouth. He pulled her even closer to him, which Gabe took as a clear signal - she was his.
"Well, I won't keep you guys any longer. It was nice to bump into each other. See you later Riley."
Gabe said goodbye and mingled with the crowd, wondering what amount of alcohol he would need tonight to relieve the tightness in the lower part of his stomach.
"You shouldn't be so mean." Riley spoke up after entering their shared apartment. She sat down on the couch, pulled off her shoes and rolled up her legs to massage her sore feet.
She and Bryce left the party moments later after meeting Gabe. In the cab, they didn't exchange a word with each other, each of them gazing at the illuminated buildings passing by outside the window. Bryce leaned against the countertop of the kitchen island. He loosened the tie knotted under his neck and tossed it into a corner. He crossed his gaze with Riley.
"You know what I think of him. I don't need to know him to know that. To not like him, all I need is the fact that he broke your heart."
"Fortunately, you were the one who glued it together."
Bryce walked over to Riley and knelt in front of her. He took her foot in his hands and began to massage it. Riley sighed, feeling relieved as Bryce's efficient fingers applied pressure to the appropriate points.
"I would kill anyone who ever hurt you. You deserve the best. I promise to give it to you. Every day, at any time of the day, whenever you want."
"I know." Riley reached up and leaned over Bryce's head. She lifted his chin up and kissed him on the lips. He smelled of the ocean, sunshine and citrus. His scent always made her dizzy. When they broke the kiss a familiar gleam appeared in Bryce's eyes and the corners of his mouth lifted up. He slowly began kissing Riley's leg from her calf slowly aiming higher and higher. When he was at the level of her thigh, he slid two hands under her bum and drew her toward him, making her lean her back against the back of the couch, tilting her head back. With his thumbs, he pulled her dress up, exposing her lacy underwear. Bryce teased Riley's clit hidden under the thin material with his teeth. He could feel her growing excitement. She moved her hips asking for more. He pushed aside the material and ran his tongue over her clit. A quiet moan came from Riley's lips. He slowly tasted her, drawing circles with his tongue and occasionally teasing with his teeth. Riley entwined her hands in his hair and pulled away from her throbbing pussy for a moment, driving her gaze into his. It was the look that drove Bryce himself crazy - sharp and determined.
"Let me come." She said in a hoarse voice.
And she didn't have to tell him twice. With an efficient movement, he slid two fingers into her, and twisted making Riley arch her back. He found the sensitive spot and, attaching his tongue and lips, allowed her to reach her climax by coming over the next few minutes. He held her as her body shook under the wave of pleasure. Finally, her body calmed down and Riley relaxed and sank onto the couch. Bryce sat down next to her. She laid her head on his shoulder, rubbing her nose against his neck. He put his arm around her even tighter, pulled her closer and kissed her temple. A smile appeared on his lips. They sat, saying nothing to each other, until Riley's breathing calmed down and turned into quiet snoring. Bryce stood up and carefully took Riley in his arms. She was his whole world, and he had long since promised himself that he would not let her get hurt.
The next morning, Riley got up earlier than usual. She did her daily workout and after a quick shower she was ready to go to work the moment Bryce was just waking up.
"Isn't it too early to be a responsible adult?" he asked while stretching lazily, exposing part of his naked torso. Riley leaned over him and reached her hand for the watch lying on the bedside table. Bryce took advantage of the situation - he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her, making her lose her balance and lay on top of him.
"Late enough for me to be late." She replied, pushing back the hair that had fallen over her forehead. She tried to move, but Bryce's embrace was strong enough.
"Without a kiss I won't let you go..." he smiled slyly and winked at her.
Riley rolled her eyes, but didn't protest when he pulled her even closer to him in such a way that their lips touched. She let him kiss her, and as soon as he loosened his embrace a bit she released and straightened up, correcting her folded dress.
"I really have to go now." She checked the time on her watch and cursed in her mind, because she knew that if she didn't leave the house in a while she would be stuck in morning traffic.
"Sure, go fight for justice," she said.
"And you save the lives of a few patients."
Gabe hasn't had such a hangover in a long time. His recovery was not helped by the brightly shining sun on the streets of Miami. And the traffic jams that almost made him late for his meeting. He had the feeling that Miami was doing everything to get rid of him from here. And he didn't mind - he knew it wasn't his place. Maybe someday it could have been, but not now. He had missed his chance. Everything was going wrong that day and only coffee could make his day better. Well, maybe whiskey as well, but it was far too early for that, although it was probably past twelve in the afternoon somewhere in the world. Gabe walked into a coffee shop located near the courthouse where he had to take some documents. He lined up to place his order for a large black coffee. He was busy with his thoughts and reviewing messages on his phone when a familiar voice snapped him out of his reverie.
"For such a big city, we bump into each other quite often." Riley stood next to Gabe holding a fancy leather purse in one hand and a paper cup of takeaway coffee in the other. She was dressed in a blue dress with delicate black polka dots, with buff sleeves and a knee-length tapered skirt. Her blonde hair, styled in waves, fell gently to her shoulders. "Are you alright? You look... not alright." She asked, tilting her head carefully to the side.
Gabe swallowed his drool and pulled himself together to restrain the sudden impulse to return the entire contents of his stomach.
"Yeah, everything's fine. I've had a pretty intense morning."
"Oh..."
Riley waited for Gabe to order his coffee from the salesman and together they walked out in front of the place. All around them, life was going on with its normal rhythm, with cars and random passersby passing them, but Gabe had the feeling that everything was slowing down in Riley's company.
"You look good." Finally said Gabe as they both took a slow step toward the courthouse. A blush appeared on Riley's face, which awakened good memories in Gabe. Apparently this one thing hadn't changed in her.
"Are you staying in Miami for long?"
"A few days, maybe a week." Gabe shrugged his shoulders.
They arrived at the courthouse. They went inside through a large glass door. When they passed through security checks they stopped in the middle of a long corridor leading to individual courtrooms.
"I'll have to go now." She said while checking the time on her watch then cursed quietly under her breath. "It was nice to meet again."
She turned on her heel and was about to walk away when Gabe suddenly grabbed her arm. He opened his mouth to say something but suddenly his eyes went foggy, and he slumped unconscious with his whole body.
"Gabe!" Riley shouted in panic, falling to her knees beside him, "Someone call an ambulance! Gabe... Gabe... Don't leave me... Stay with me.... Please..."
Once upon a time in Miami, part 1 - Gabe Ricci x MC (Riley Michaels) Laws of Attraction
This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #3: “Bold of you to assume I would say yes to something like that.”
Author's note: I hope that a short series will come out of it, so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed that I won't lose my motivation to write. I hope you will enjoy it!
Comments and reblogs are always welcome.
Pairing: Gabe Ricci x Riley Michaels
Word Count: 1969
"This was the last time, because you are finished here Riley. And I can't wait to see it with my own eyes. Mark my words."
Martin walked out of the conference room, leaving Riley in shock at his outburst and threats. She leaned with her back against the backrest of her chair, put her foot on her leg and rested her chin on her entwined hands. She felt that teasing Martin was not the best idea. She had to prepare for his next move, because she was sure she could expect the worst from him.
It had been a few days since her interview with the summer interns when, at the end of her work at the office, Riley was summoned by her secretary to Martin's office as a matter of urgency. She corrected the folds on her rolled-up skirt and picked up a folder of documents. Before she could even leave her office Gabe walked in. His whole body tensed and for a second the anxiety could be seen in his eyes. He walked up to Riley and took her face in both hands.
"Good thing I made it in time." He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Everything is happening according to plan." Riley tried to make her voice strong and confident. "It's okay now," she added in a whisper, gently brushing her lips against Gabe's.
She took a step back and smiled in the man's direction. She walked down the corridor toward Martin's office. When she got there she knocked on the door, just to make Martin feel more important than her for a moment longer, but she didn't wait for an invitation to go inside but went in.
"You wanted to see me."
Sitting behind an obscenely large desk, Martin lazily raised his head, throwing her a disdainful look. A slippery smile appeared on his face.
"Riley. I'd like to say it's nice to see you. Unfortunately, the matter I want to talk to you about is serious and very unpleasant."
Before Riley answered anything, she first walked over to a table on which a bottle of whiskey lay and poured herself a drink in a glass. She sat down on the leather chair standing next to it and only after she had taken a sip of alcohol was she able to honor Martin with a glance. One could see his nostrils widen under the influence of his accelerated, rage-filled breathing.
"Say what you have in mind."
Martin corrected himself in his chair.
"I have received disturbing information about your intimacy with Gabe, which, first of all, is an action that is not in accordance with the company's rules and regulations, and brings into question your promotion and competence as to the position you hold."
"I'm not going to deny it, because I suspect you have extensive evidence at your disposal. I'm willing to bet that everything you have is in that folder you just put your hand on and wanted to throw it all right under my nose." Riley watched as Martin clenched his hands into a fist and red spots appeared on his skin on his neck, but she kept going, "You want to get rid of me from the company, and I get it, I'm your pain in the ass. That's why I have my own proposal." Riley stood up and placed her own folder in front of Martin with an agreement to end her partnership with the McGraw and Byrnes law firm and a hefty sum as compensation.
"Bold of you to assume I would say yes to something like that. I think you're crazy," Martin almost, rubbing a piece of paper, but Riley only smiled the same devious smile he did at the very beginning of the meeting.
"Everyone has some secrets they don't want to reveal. It would be hard for you now to explain to the rest of the company's partners that you use the company card to pay bills at illegally run gambling clubs. I think there are a few more things you don't want me to talk about out loud, so it's better if you accept my terms."
The colors on Martin's face changed like a kaleidoscope until he howled through clenched teeth.
"Bitch..."
"Guess that was the answer."
Riley put her empty glass down on the table and stood up, heading for the exit. Before she finally left the room, she turned on her heel to take one last look at Martin.
"This all could have looked quite different. You know that. I'm waiting for the money by the end of the week. Goodbye."
Walking down the corridor toward the elevator, Riley was sure she heard the sound of breaking glass and thrown furniture behind her. Fortunately, she wasn't going to look back.
Two weeks later, Riley was bustling around her rented apartment, finishing packing the last of her belongings into large packages. Gabe was helping her as far as helping could be called with his lingering glances, wry smile and effective pulling Riley away from packing.
"I just talked to Henry. You've got entrances to some of the top law firms in Miami." Gabe tucked his cell phone into his pocket, "Here, let me help you."
He took one of the last packages from the girl's hands and carried it to the hallway in front of the front door, from where the courier was to take it further. Riley leaned down on the couch and brushed away an strand of blond hair that fell on her forehead.
"Thank you, but once again I'm telling you it's not necessary."
Gabe sat down next to her. She turned her head toward him, fixing her gaze on him. He gently grasped her face in both hands, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs
"Let me at least do this much. You sacrificed for me, for the company." He said quietly almost in a whisper, then gently kissed her on the lips.
"You know I'd rather you go there with me than get me a job."
Gabe sighed, leaning his forehead against Riley's forehead. His heart was breaking into hundreds of pieces at the thought that because of him and his irresponsibility she now had to move to the other end of the country, just so she could continue to pursue her career as a lawyer without facing accusations of favoritism because of the affair that had occurred between them. He should have known better beforehand.
"I know," he promises, "I'll fly over. When things settle down I'm sure I'll find a way."
"Promise?"
Another lie he had to tell. For her sake.
"I promise."
10 years later, Miami
The sun was leaning out from behind the horizon beaming down on the seaside promenade. Riley felt the rays moving more and more boldly over the exposed parts of her body, and drops of sweat began to run down her temples. She turned left, running across the street right in front of the hood of a luxury cabriolet. The driver shouted something in her direction, but she kept running until, after a short moment, she found herself right in front of the entrance to a high-rise apartment building.
"Good morning Ms. Michaels. Did you have a good workout?" The concierge who stood in the doorway handed her a rolled-up copy of the latest edition of a trade newspaper and a cold drink from one of the chain coffee shops.
"It was fine John. Thank you." Riley replied, smiling at the older man and took her things from him.
On the way to her apartment, she passed several neighbors she knew by sight. She took the elevator straight to her apartment. It wasn't one of the largest in the building, but it was located in the upper class. Besides, the view from the window overlooking the bay and the ocean was what charmed her about the place. She put the newspaper down on the kitchen island and leaned against it, sipping her drink. She picked up a card lying next to a bouquet of fresh flowers and smiled as she read it.
"I had to leave early - an emergency call. Wear that dress you've been hiding from me in the closet tonight. You'll look stunning. I wonder if I'd rather see it on you or on the bedroom floor? I love you."
She might have expected him to dig through her part of the closet looking for some of his clothes. But in fact, the dress she had bought herself to celebrate winning a case involving the leak of personal data from one of the largest IT companies on the East Coast was worth all the money. Riley just hoped he hadn't checked the price on the tag.
In the evening, Riley mingled with a crowd of wealthy people from Miami who were there to make monetary donations to a local children's hospital during dinner. She was dressed in a shimmering black dress with long sleeves and a back cutout that reached all the way to her lower back. High heeled shoes only accentuated her shapely figure. She probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for one of her biggest clients who insisted on her presence, besides it was good to show up at this type of event from time to time. And most importantly, Riley never turned down a glass of well-chilled Don Perignon. She had just finished speaking with Judge Simmons when someone put his arm around her waist, rested his chin on her exposed shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"I was right that in that dress you would be the hottest girl at the party."
Riley smiled. She turned to the man behind her and gently kissed him on the lips.
"And you're fashionably late, as usual," she said.
"Don't be so clingy." He snapped at her nose. "Do you need a new drink?" he pointed a finger at her empty glass.
She nodded and led the man away with her eyes as he headed toward the bar. She looked around for a free table and tracked down one standing in the corner of the room. She was already about to head toward it when suddenly someone from the crowd of guests called out to her. Riley immediately felt her body tensing up against herself.
"Hello Riley."
The man walked up to her and smiled. He kept one hand in his pocket, while the other held a glass of whiskey. There are things that don't change. He leaned over, and carefully kissed Riley on the cheek in greeting. The smell of his perfume filled Riley's nose, bringing back memories of ten years ago. She straightened up and smiled, trying to keep her tone of voice as natural as possible.
"Gabe. I didn't expect to see you in this place. Are you here on business?"
"Sort of. One of these guys needs a good lawyer." Gabe nodded toward the group of laughing men.
"Funny he didn't come to me with that."
Gabe just shrugged his shoulders and an awkward silence fell between them. One that had never happened before. It was interrupted by the arrival of a second man holding two glasses in his hand. He stood right next to Riley, making contact with her with his hip.
"Honey, I hope you didn't wait long. Ramsey started whining and complaining about the pharmaceutical companies again. But I see you weren't alone for too long..."
"Please let me introduce you, Gabe Ricci an old colleague of mine from back in New York." She introduced Gabe. The men measured each other with their eyes, then shook hands, and Riley let the air out of her lungs that she didn't know she had been holding back and continued speaking.
Okay wow thanks to @choicesflashfics this came to my dash and I am so glad it did!
Firstly there's a hell lot of questions I have at the moment lol, starting with what dirt Riley had on Martin and what happened in these ten years, why didn't this "certain someone" (don't wanna give out spoilers 😬) visit her?!! Again sjshrhdjfjhgbg way too many questions!
The ending was 😲!! Again a lot of questions lolol! How did they meet? Are they really in love? Now that "he" is in the picture what's gonna change? Djfhgbggjtjhjbhg I love this story!
Could you please add me to your taglist for this series? I don't wanna miss out any future chapter! This has got me really intrigued, and I'm looking forward to the next one. You're a great writer!
I'll probably be exposing myself if I move forward with this idea but I am thinking of doing @choicesflashfics but the books I want to do aren't popular plus I'm somewhat inactive and my fanfics don't get a lot of notes and it makes me feel a little sad. Is it normal to feel like this?
Dear Annon!
Of course what you are feeling is perfectly normal! As story writers, we would like as many people as possible to read us. Sometimes we get discouraged when we put a lot of work into a story that later turns out to be unpopular. But you know what, if you like what you're doing and it makes you happy - keep trying, keep taking challenges, keep being brave!
Once upon a time in Miami, part 1 - Gabe Ricci x MC (Riley Michaels) Laws of Attraction
This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #3: “Bold of you to assume I would say yes to something like that.”
Author's note: I hope that a short series will come out of it, so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed that I won't lose my motivation to write. I hope you will enjoy it!
Comments and reblogs are always welcome.
Pairing: Gabe Ricci x Riley Michaels
Word Count: 1969
"This was the last time, because you are finished here Riley. And I can't wait to see it with my own eyes. Mark my words."
Martin walked out of the conference room, leaving Riley in shock at his outburst and threats. She leaned with her back against the backrest of her chair, put her foot on her leg and rested her chin on her entwined hands. She felt that teasing Martin was not the best idea. She had to prepare for his next move, because she was sure she could expect the worst from him.
It had been a few days since her interview with the summer interns when, at the end of her work at the office, Riley was summoned by her secretary to Martin's office as a matter of urgency. She corrected the folds on her rolled-up skirt and picked up a folder of documents. Before she could even leave her office Gabe walked in. His whole body tensed and for a second the anxiety could be seen in his eyes. He walked up to Riley and took her face in both hands.
"Good thing I made it in time." He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Everything is happening according to plan." Riley tried to make her voice strong and confident. "It's okay now," she added in a whisper, gently brushing her lips against Gabe's.
She took a step back and smiled in the man's direction. She walked down the corridor toward Martin's office. When she got there she knocked on the door, just to make Martin feel more important than her for a moment longer, but she didn't wait for an invitation to go inside but went in.
"You wanted to see me."
Sitting behind an obscenely large desk, Martin lazily raised his head, throwing her a disdainful look. A slippery smile appeared on his face.
"Riley. I'd like to say it's nice to see you. Unfortunately, the matter I want to talk to you about is serious and very unpleasant."
Before Riley answered anything, she first walked over to a table on which a bottle of whiskey lay and poured herself a drink in a glass. She sat down on the leather chair standing next to it and only after she had taken a sip of alcohol was she able to honor Martin with a glance. One could see his nostrils widen under the influence of his accelerated, rage-filled breathing.
"Say what you have in mind."
Martin corrected himself in his chair.
"I have received disturbing information about your intimacy with Gabe, which, first of all, is an action that is not in accordance with the company's rules and regulations, and brings into question your promotion and competence as to the position you hold."
"I'm not going to deny it, because I suspect you have extensive evidence at your disposal. I'm willing to bet that everything you have is in that folder you just put your hand on and wanted to throw it all right under my nose." Riley watched as Martin clenched his hands into a fist and red spots appeared on his skin on his neck, but she kept going, "You want to get rid of me from the company, and I get it, I'm your pain in the ass. That's why I have my own proposal." Riley stood up and placed her own folder in front of Martin with an agreement to end her partnership with the McGraw and Byrnes law firm and a hefty sum as compensation.
"Bold of you to assume I would say yes to something like that. I think you're crazy," Martin almost, rubbing a piece of paper, but Riley only smiled the same devious smile he did at the very beginning of the meeting.
"Everyone has some secrets they don't want to reveal. It would be hard for you now to explain to the rest of the company's partners that you use the company card to pay bills at illegally run gambling clubs. I think there are a few more things you don't want me to talk about out loud, so it's better if you accept my terms."
The colors on Martin's face changed like a kaleidoscope until he howled through clenched teeth.
"Bitch..."
"Guess that was the answer."
Riley put her empty glass down on the table and stood up, heading for the exit. Before she finally left the room, she turned on her heel to take one last look at Martin.
"This all could have looked quite different. You know that. I'm waiting for the money by the end of the week. Goodbye."
Walking down the corridor toward the elevator, Riley was sure she heard the sound of breaking glass and thrown furniture behind her. Fortunately, she wasn't going to look back.
Two weeks later, Riley was bustling around her rented apartment, finishing packing the last of her belongings into large packages. Gabe was helping her as far as helping could be called with his lingering glances, wry smile and effective pulling Riley away from packing.
"I just talked to Henry. You've got entrances to some of the top law firms in Miami." Gabe tucked his cell phone into his pocket, "Here, let me help you."
He took one of the last packages from the girl's hands and carried it to the hallway in front of the front door, from where the courier was to take it further. Riley leaned down on the couch and brushed away an strand of blond hair that fell on her forehead.
"Thank you, but once again I'm telling you it's not necessary."
Gabe sat down next to her. She turned her head toward him, fixing her gaze on him. He gently grasped her face in both hands, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs
"Let me at least do this much. You sacrificed for me, for the company." He said quietly almost in a whisper, then gently kissed her on the lips.
"You know I'd rather you go there with me than get me a job."
Gabe sighed, leaning his forehead against Riley's forehead. His heart was breaking into hundreds of pieces at the thought that because of him and his irresponsibility she now had to move to the other end of the country, just so she could continue to pursue her career as a lawyer without facing accusations of favoritism because of the affair that had occurred between them. He should have known better beforehand.
"I know," he promises, "I'll fly over. When things settle down I'm sure I'll find a way."
"Promise?"
Another lie he had to tell. For her sake.
"I promise."
10 years later, Miami
The sun was leaning out from behind the horizon beaming down on the seaside promenade. Riley felt the rays moving more and more boldly over the exposed parts of her body, and drops of sweat began to run down her temples. She turned left, running across the street right in front of the hood of a luxury cabriolet. The driver shouted something in her direction, but she kept running until, after a short moment, she found herself right in front of the entrance to a high-rise apartment building.
"Good morning Ms. Michaels. Did you have a good workout?" The concierge who stood in the doorway handed her a rolled-up copy of the latest edition of a trade newspaper and a cold drink from one of the chain coffee shops.
"It was fine John. Thank you." Riley replied, smiling at the older man and took her things from him.
On the way to her apartment, she passed several neighbors she knew by sight. She took the elevator straight to her apartment. It wasn't one of the largest in the building, but it was located in the upper class. Besides, the view from the window overlooking the bay and the ocean was what charmed her about the place. She put the newspaper down on the kitchen island and leaned against it, sipping her drink. She picked up a card lying next to a bouquet of fresh flowers and smiled as she read it.
"I had to leave early - an emergency call. Wear that dress you've been hiding from me in the closet tonight. You'll look stunning. I wonder if I'd rather see it on you or on the bedroom floor? I love you."
She might have expected him to dig through her part of the closet looking for some of his clothes. But in fact, the dress she had bought herself to celebrate winning a case involving the leak of personal data from one of the largest IT companies on the East Coast was worth all the money. Riley just hoped he hadn't checked the price on the tag.
In the evening, Riley mingled with a crowd of wealthy people from Miami who were there to make monetary donations to a local children's hospital during dinner. She was dressed in a shimmering black dress with long sleeves and a back cutout that reached all the way to her lower back. High heeled shoes only accentuated her shapely figure. She probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for one of her biggest clients who insisted on her presence, besides it was good to show up at this type of event from time to time. And most importantly, Riley never turned down a glass of well-chilled Don Perignon. She had just finished speaking with Judge Simmons when someone put his arm around her waist, rested his chin on her exposed shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"I was right that in that dress you would be the hottest girl at the party."
Riley smiled. She turned to the man behind her and gently kissed him on the lips.
"And you're fashionably late, as usual," she said.
"Don't be so clingy." He snapped at her nose. "Do you need a new drink?" he pointed a finger at her empty glass.
She nodded and led the man away with her eyes as he headed toward the bar. She looked around for a free table and tracked down one standing in the corner of the room. She was already about to head toward it when suddenly someone from the crowd of guests called out to her. Riley immediately felt her body tensing up against herself.
"Hello Riley."
The man walked up to her and smiled. He kept one hand in his pocket, while the other held a glass of whiskey. There are things that don't change. He leaned over, and carefully kissed Riley on the cheek in greeting. The smell of his perfume filled Riley's nose, bringing back memories of ten years ago. She straightened up and smiled, trying to keep her tone of voice as natural as possible.
"Gabe. I didn't expect to see you in this place. Are you here on business?"
"Sort of. One of these guys needs a good lawyer." Gabe nodded toward the group of laughing men.
"Funny he didn't come to me with that."
Gabe just shrugged his shoulders and an awkward silence fell between them. One that had never happened before. It was interrupted by the arrival of a second man holding two glasses in his hand. He stood right next to Riley, making contact with her with his hip.
"Honey, I hope you didn't wait long. Ramsey started whining and complaining about the pharmaceutical companies again. But I see you weren't alone for too long..."
"Please let me introduce you, Gabe Ricci an old colleague of mine from back in New York." She introduced Gabe. The men measured each other with their eyes, then shook hands, and Riley let the air out of her lungs that she didn't know she had been holding back and continued speaking.
Once upon a time in Miami, part 1 - Gabe Ricci x MC (Riley Michaels) Laws of Attraction
This is a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #3: “Bold of you to assume I would say yes to something like that.”
Author's note: I hope that a short series will come out of it, so I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed that I won't lose my motivation to write. I hope you will enjoy it!
Comments and reblogs are always welcome.
Pairing: Gabe Ricci x Riley Michaels
Word Count: 1969
"This was the last time, because you are finished here Riley. And I can't wait to see it with my own eyes. Mark my words."
Martin walked out of the conference room, leaving Riley in shock at his outburst and threats. She leaned with her back against the backrest of her chair, put her foot on her leg and rested her chin on her entwined hands. She felt that teasing Martin was not the best idea. She had to prepare for his next move, because she was sure she could expect the worst from him.
It had been a few days since her interview with the summer interns when, at the end of her work at the office, Riley was summoned by her secretary to Martin's office as a matter of urgency. She corrected the folds on her rolled-up skirt and picked up a folder of documents. Before she could even leave her office Gabe walked in. His whole body tensed and for a second the anxiety could be seen in his eyes. He walked up to Riley and took her face in both hands.
"Good thing I made it in time." He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Everything is happening according to plan." Riley tried to make her voice strong and confident. "It's okay now," she added in a whisper, gently brushing her lips against Gabe's.
She took a step back and smiled in the man's direction. She walked down the corridor toward Martin's office. When she got there she knocked on the door, just to make Martin feel more important than her for a moment longer, but she didn't wait for an invitation to go inside but went in.
"You wanted to see me."
Sitting behind an obscenely large desk, Martin lazily raised his head, throwing her a disdainful look. A slippery smile appeared on his face.
"Riley. I'd like to say it's nice to see you. Unfortunately, the matter I want to talk to you about is serious and very unpleasant."
Before Riley answered anything, she first walked over to a table on which a bottle of whiskey lay and poured herself a drink in a glass. She sat down on the leather chair standing next to it and only after she had taken a sip of alcohol was she able to honor Martin with a glance. One could see his nostrils widen under the influence of his accelerated, rage-filled breathing.
"Say what you have in mind."
Martin corrected himself in his chair.
"I have received disturbing information about your intimacy with Gabe, which, first of all, is an action that is not in accordance with the company's rules and regulations, and brings into question your promotion and competence as to the position you hold."
"I'm not going to deny it, because I suspect you have extensive evidence at your disposal. I'm willing to bet that everything you have is in that folder you just put your hand on and wanted to throw it all right under my nose." Riley watched as Martin clenched his hands into a fist and red spots appeared on his skin on his neck, but she kept going, "You want to get rid of me from the company, and I get it, I'm your pain in the ass. That's why I have my own proposal." Riley stood up and placed her own folder in front of Martin with an agreement to end her partnership with the McGraw and Byrnes law firm and a hefty sum as compensation.
"Bold of you to assume I would say yes to something like that. I think you're crazy," Martin almost, rubbing a piece of paper, but Riley only smiled the same devious smile he did at the very beginning of the meeting.
"Everyone has some secrets they don't want to reveal. It would be hard for you now to explain to the rest of the company's partners that you use the company card to pay bills at illegally run gambling clubs. I think there are a few more things you don't want me to talk about out loud, so it's better if you accept my terms."
The colors on Martin's face changed like a kaleidoscope until he howled through clenched teeth.
"Bitch..."
"Guess that was the answer."
Riley put her empty glass down on the table and stood up, heading for the exit. Before she finally left the room, she turned on her heel to take one last look at Martin.
"This all could have looked quite different. You know that. I'm waiting for the money by the end of the week. Goodbye."
Walking down the corridor toward the elevator, Riley was sure she heard the sound of breaking glass and thrown furniture behind her. Fortunately, she wasn't going to look back.
Two weeks later, Riley was bustling around her rented apartment, finishing packing the last of her belongings into large packages. Gabe was helping her as far as helping could be called with his lingering glances, wry smile and effective pulling Riley away from packing.
"I just talked to Henry. You've got entrances to some of the top law firms in Miami." Gabe tucked his cell phone into his pocket, "Here, let me help you."
He took one of the last packages from the girl's hands and carried it to the hallway in front of the front door, from where the courier was to take it further. Riley leaned down on the couch and brushed away an strand of blond hair that fell on her forehead.
"Thank you, but once again I'm telling you it's not necessary."
Gabe sat down next to her. She turned her head toward him, fixing her gaze on him. He gently grasped her face in both hands, stroking her cheeks with his thumbs
"Let me at least do this much. You sacrificed for me, for the company." He said quietly almost in a whisper, then gently kissed her on the lips.
"You know I'd rather you go there with me than get me a job."
Gabe sighed, leaning his forehead against Riley's forehead. His heart was breaking into hundreds of pieces at the thought that because of him and his irresponsibility she now had to move to the other end of the country, just so she could continue to pursue her career as a lawyer without facing accusations of favoritism because of the affair that had occurred between them. He should have known better beforehand.
"I know," he promises, "I'll fly over. When things settle down I'm sure I'll find a way."
"Promise?"
Another lie he had to tell. For her sake.
"I promise."
10 years later, Miami
The sun was leaning out from behind the horizon beaming down on the seaside promenade. Riley felt the rays moving more and more boldly over the exposed parts of her body, and drops of sweat began to run down her temples. She turned left, running across the street right in front of the hood of a luxury cabriolet. The driver shouted something in her direction, but she kept running until, after a short moment, she found herself right in front of the entrance to a high-rise apartment building.
"Good morning Ms. Michaels. Did you have a good workout?" The concierge who stood in the doorway handed her a rolled-up copy of the latest edition of a trade newspaper and a cold drink from one of the chain coffee shops.
"It was fine John. Thank you." Riley replied, smiling at the older man and took her things from him.
On the way to her apartment, she passed several neighbors she knew by sight. She took the elevator straight to her apartment. It wasn't one of the largest in the building, but it was located in the upper class. Besides, the view from the window overlooking the bay and the ocean was what charmed her about the place. She put the newspaper down on the kitchen island and leaned against it, sipping her drink. She picked up a card lying next to a bouquet of fresh flowers and smiled as she read it.
"I had to leave early - an emergency call. Wear that dress you've been hiding from me in the closet tonight. You'll look stunning. I wonder if I'd rather see it on you or on the bedroom floor? I love you."
She might have expected him to dig through her part of the closet looking for some of his clothes. But in fact, the dress she had bought herself to celebrate winning a case involving the leak of personal data from one of the largest IT companies on the East Coast was worth all the money. Riley just hoped he hadn't checked the price on the tag.
In the evening, Riley mingled with a crowd of wealthy people from Miami who were there to make monetary donations to a local children's hospital during dinner. She was dressed in a shimmering black dress with long sleeves and a back cutout that reached all the way to her lower back. High heeled shoes only accentuated her shapely figure. She probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for one of her biggest clients who insisted on her presence, besides it was good to show up at this type of event from time to time. And most importantly, Riley never turned down a glass of well-chilled Don Perignon. She had just finished speaking with Judge Simmons when someone put his arm around her waist, rested his chin on her exposed shoulder and whispered in her ear.
"I was right that in that dress you would be the hottest girl at the party."
Riley smiled. She turned to the man behind her and gently kissed him on the lips.
"And you're fashionably late, as usual," she said.
"Don't be so clingy." He snapped at her nose. "Do you need a new drink?" he pointed a finger at her empty glass.
She nodded and led the man away with her eyes as he headed toward the bar. She looked around for a free table and tracked down one standing in the corner of the room. She was already about to head toward it when suddenly someone from the crowd of guests called out to her. Riley immediately felt her body tensing up against herself.
"Hello Riley."
The man walked up to her and smiled. He kept one hand in his pocket, while the other held a glass of whiskey. There are things that don't change. He leaned over, and carefully kissed Riley on the cheek in greeting. The smell of his perfume filled Riley's nose, bringing back memories of ten years ago. She straightened up and smiled, trying to keep her tone of voice as natural as possible.
"Gabe. I didn't expect to see you in this place. Are you here on business?"
"Sort of. One of these guys needs a good lawyer." Gabe nodded toward the group of laughing men.
"Funny he didn't come to me with that."
Gabe just shrugged his shoulders and an awkward silence fell between them. One that had never happened before. It was interrupted by the arrival of a second man holding two glasses in his hand. He stood right next to Riley, making contact with her with his hip.
"Honey, I hope you didn't wait long. Ramsey started whining and complaining about the pharmaceutical companies again. But I see you weren't alone for too long..."
"Please let me introduce you, Gabe Ricci an old colleague of mine from back in New York." She introduced Gabe. The men measured each other with their eyes, then shook hands, and Riley let the air out of her lungs that she didn't know she had been holding back and continued speaking.
Maybe it’s me, but has anyone else noticed that in Book 1, they introduce a competent MC who knows what the hell they’re doing and firmly establishes it, yet completely disregards it in the following sequel books?
Like, take Laws of Attraction for instance. Book 1 showed how truly competent the MC actually is. They won various small cases in the earlier chapters, managed to implicate Marcus in the murder of his ex-girlfriend despite not being an attorney who focuses strictly on criminal law, AND managed to uncover Sadie’s shady secrets and get Sadie ousted from her OWN firm. Yet the senior partners have to have a vote to see if MC has good judgment for letting a case go that would’ve tanked their reputation had the MC kept it, which the MC knew would happen from the get-go.
Royal Romance operated the same way. The MC managed to uncover a plot against her by Liam’s father and took down a terrorist organization on her own damn wedding day, yet Isabella, Bradshaw, Old Farty Barty, and the Via Imperii kept underestimating the MC in every single Royal Heir book. You’d think one of them would be smart and realize, “Oh shit. This woman defeated everyone who tried to previously stop her. Maybe we shouldn’t underestimate her.”
Like, why bother writing an MC who is competent and has some idea of what the fuck they’re doing and then blatantly ignore it the next book? But throughout my years, I’ve realized that consistency across the board is not PB’s strong suit.
I get that the MCs in these stories are supposed to be the scrappy underdogs who rise up and defeat the evil antagonist, but like…imagine how interesting it would be in the MC and the antagonist were more on equal footing with each other.
Helllo! Is anyone else here? I haven't been here for a long time, I'm curious if there is anyone else in this community who reads fanfic stories here? 🙄😏
There are so many wonderful things about October, so why pick just one? This year I decided to pick prompts for all the different "_"-tober themes I've seen and even add Springtober (for anyone living in the southern hemisphere or just missing spring).
Aside from the Kinktober prompts (which you must be 18+ to utilize), all prompts can be used by anyone in any creative form they wish for any Choices/Pixelberry story.
There are no specific dates for the prompts this month.
You can use any prompt on any day or mix and match!
You can combine submissions for this event with others, like @choicesficwriters Naughty or Nice event. (link will be added soon)
Guidelines
Submitted works will be featured on a weekly* masterlist (*depending on event participation)
Every form of creative work can be submitted: fanfiction, drabbles, moodboards, edits, drawings, poems, songs, sketches, and more—all are welcomed.
Work from any book and story from the Choices (and Pixelberry) universe are welcome (new and old alike)!
You can participate as many times as you want during the month
You do not need to participate daily or even weekly.
Clearly list the prompt your work is based on
Please add a cut to avoid long posts and exposing other fans to triggering/disturbing content.
If your work is NS*W please label it as such and use appropriate warnings. Adult content should be hidden under the page break.
You must be at least 18 years of age to submit and interact with adult content including Kinktober prompts
You can get creative with the prompts. It can be a variation of the word and/or concept. It doesn’t have to be exact or literal. If the word inspires a train of thought that led you to something different, put that in the notes and send it in! Have fun with it! Make them work for you! The ultimate goal is just to find joy in creating!
Please tag @choicesmonthlychallenge and if you’d like to add me you can do so as well~ @lovealexhunt (feel free to DM me your work too since Tumblr tags are fickle)
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