The cheers from the arena had barely settled when Gabriel turned back, only to find Ava gone. A flicker of disappointment flashed across his face. Without another word, he stepped away from the gathering, weaving through the dispersing crowd in search of her.
"Where is he off to?" Aisha asked as she gently dabbed Kael's bloodied brow with a cloth.
Kael gave a tired shrug, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Probably chasing trouble. Again."
Outside, under the soft glow of the courtyard lanterns, Gabriel spotted her. Ava stood with Sophia, Emily, Ethan, and Liam, laughter bubbling from their circle like champagne. For a moment, he watched her, how her smile curved naturally, how her eyes shimmered when she wasn't guarded.
With steady steps, he approached.
"If I'm not intruding," Gabriel said, his voice smooth but direct, "may I steal a moment with Lady Moreno?"
They all turned. Ava remained composed, betraying no emotion. But it was Ethan who responded first, smirking lightly.
"You may, my Lord. You do not require our permission," he said, leading the others away. Emily and Sophia lingered just long enough to throw Ava two exaggerated winks before vanishing around the corner, their giggles echoing softly.
As soon as they were alone, Ava turned to Gabriel, cutting him off before he could speak.
"I do not believe my Lord has anything worthwhile to say," she said coolly, her tone clipped. "And if I may clarify something, I do not know why you've taken such an interest in me, but I am not one of those naïve maidens who jump into any man's bed at the whisper of attention. I am modest, not a whore."
Gabriel's brows furrowed in shock. "And when, pray, did I suggest you were?"
Her gaze did not falter. "Do you not wish to have me? Are you not Lord Flynn, the same man renowned for patronising every brothel from here to the eastern shores?"
A low scoff escaped his lips. "I simply wished to know you better. Is that such a crime?" He shook his head, clearly frustrated. "You've already passed your judgement, and rather unfairly."
"Spare me your practiced charm," Ava snapped. "You masquerade as a nobleman, but I see through you. You're like the rest, using women as little more than a pastime, as toys for your leisure."
His jaw tightened. "I will not stand here and be insulted. Say what you wish, but I have never forced myself on anyone. Every encounter I've had was consensual and, as a matter of courtesy, compensated well."
"Then return to them. I am neither impressed nor available. And I never shall be," Ava replied, turning sharply.
But before she could take another step, Gabriel caught her by the wrist not roughly, but with enough intent to make her stop.
"I do not take kindly to being walked out on, Lady Moreno."
Ava's eyes narrowed. "Then prepare to be offended regularly. I make a habit of it."
A slow, dangerous smile tugged at Gabriel's lips. "Be careful. You wouldn't want me as an enemy. The consequences… aren't quite so poetic."
She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming like firelight. "Then consider me forewarned. I've never been one to shy from a fight. And mark this well, Lord Flynn, no matter how the game is played, you will never win me."
She pulled her hand free, turned on her heel, and walked away with her chin high and her pride intact.
Gabriel stood still for a moment, then chuckled quietly, brushing an invisible speck from his coat sleeve.
"The fun," he murmured to himself, "is only just beginning."
And with that, he disappeared into the shadows of the night.