Chapter 37: The First Test Subject
The black limousine glided smoothly through the evening streets of Paris, its engine purring softly beneath the soothing strains of jazz. The city lights flickered across the tinted windows, casting fleeting golden reflections inside the car.
Anaïs had a deep love for jazz—she always claimed it was music for the body, while classical music was for the soul. And as she aged, she often said, it was the body that needed nourishment the most.
Anna didn’t mind the music at all. In fact, after nearly a year in Madame Garrel’s company, she had grown so accustomed to it that she could hardly go a day without hearing at least a few melodies to lift her spirits.
Tonight, the velvety notes of the saxophone drifting through the cabin were the only thing keeping her nerves in check.
Across from her, Gabriel sucked in a sharp breath, his fingers loosening his tie as he ran a hand through his tousled curls. His gaze lingered on Anna, admiration written all over his face. His cheeks were flushed—a telltale sign of his shy nature—and he looked as though he was struggling to find the right words.
His grandmother noticed, her lips curling into an amused smile before she playfully slapped his knee.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Gabriel protested, rubbing the spot as he shot her a wounded look.
"Stop staring, Gabriel! It’s impolite," Anaïs chided, though there was unmistakable mischief in her eyes as she glanced at Anna.
Anna blushed, her lips parting in a small, embarrassed smile.