GABRIELLA'S POV

My heart skipped a beat, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins. Shit, she heard me. It was as if she had confirmed my suspicions, acknowledging that there was more to her than met the eye.

I stumbled over my words, desperately trying to apologize for my unguarded thoughts.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to think of you in such a way. It's just... you have this indescribable aura that sets you apart. I can't explain it, but you really have a gothic demeanor," I blurted out, hoping that my apology would be enough to appease her and prevent any offense.

She chuckled softly, a...