Alright, I will firstly apologize for such a long wait. However, my excuse is valid. It seems I've lost my muse for this story, maybe because I'm so busy or maybe due to the lack of reviews but overall, I'm sorry if I've disappointed anybody. I appreciate those of you who have thoroughly supported me, I'll try to keep updating, but no promises.

And now, finally.

Chapter 10

Beauty and the Beast

No, no, no. This was a sick joke. They have got to be joking. This could not be happening. As if her life couldn't get any worse.

"It's just a dress, Gabriella."

"No, Troy. It's not just a dress. It's a fucking ball gown. Over my dead body am I wearing that atrocious thing." She crossed her arms in indignation, looking at the garment in disgust.

"Yah well that might be the case if you don't put this on and come to dinner. Petrolli's really on edge after your stunt. To him, this is your punishment. There are no second chances here, Gabriella. Please just play it safe. For me." Troy pleaded, placing the dress on her bed as he worked his magic on her lack of will power.

"Fine, but give me a few minutes. I'm going to need a freaking crane to put that thing on." She sighed, deciding that she already risked her life enough for one day.

She watched him leave her room, glancing back once before closing the door. She plopped onto the bed with a huff, grimacing at the yellow and gold gown that seemed to be taunting her. If this was her punishment for running away, she'd never run away again.

"Beauty! Get your ass down here in five minutes or you'll be sleeping outside tonight!" Petrolli scowled as he sat down at the head of the dining room table, sending warning looks to the three other men occupying it; Troy, Damien, and Marco.

"Don't get your panties in a wad, Hector." All heads snapped up at the presence of her voice. She was standing at the bottom of the staircase, hesitant upon entering the dining room. None could deny she looked absolutely stunning, albeit a little out of place. Her hair was in a lazy up do, with a few curly strands let loose. Her dress was floor length and seemed to glow along with her skin, the tone brought out by the rich color of the fabric. She didn't bother with much makeup, only applying a little bit of eyeliner to her eyes and clear gloss to her lips. If she was being honest, the only reason she even attempted to look somewhat nice was because of one sole occupant of the dinner table, who was currently staring at the woman before him with hypnotized eyes.

"My my Beauty, you clean up rather nice." Petrolli stood from his chair like a gentleman, which only disgusted Gabriella further.

"Why thank you. You clean up rather…grotesque. If I do say so myself." She smiled as she straightened her shoulders and walked into the dining room, taking the empty seat to the right of Petrolli, and directly in front of Troy. She, however, failed to notice the man on the other side of her; Marco. Upon noticing, she immediately cursed her seating choice. However, the only other choice was the other head of the table opposite Petrolli. That would just feel uncomfortable, so she settled. At least she was comforted by Troy being in direct eye contact.

"Always so feisty, doesn't it get tiring?" Petrolli seemed unfazed, picking up the tablecloth under his silverware setting and placing it on his lap.

"Nope, I rather enjoy it actually." Only then did she look up at Troy, who was smirking in amusement whilst still staring at her with a strange look in his eyes. She looked away quickly, feeling a blush coming to her cheeks. "So may I ask, why in the hell did you make me wear this flamboyant…thing?"

"You have a very vast vocabulary Mrs. Adler." Petrolli evaded her question, raising his arm in a signal. Damien, who was sitting next to Troy, and Marco immediately shot up, walking into the kitchen obediently.

"My name is Gabriella Montez. And you still haven't answered my question." She seethed, pretending not to notice the way Troy's smirk turned into a subtle smile at her correction.

"You are my Beauty. You must look beautiful. It's rather ironic actually, Beauty…and the Beast." Petrolli raised his eyebrows suggestively at her, causing her scowl to deepen.

"Have you ever seen the movie? The Beast is actually a good man, which you are not." She glanced up as Marco and Damien returned with plates of food balanced skillfully in their arms. Marco placed one in front of Gabriella, leaning in a little too close for her liking.

"I don't believe that, Beauty. Once a beast, always a beast." He replied, immediately tucking into his food as it was placed in front of him.

"That's where you're wrong. People can change." She looked up at Troy, his smile now gone, replaced with a curious frown.

Petrolli didn't reply as he ravenously ate his dinner. Gabriella looked down at her plate, her stomach grumbling at the sight of the meal; steaming white rice with a chicken breast and mixed vegetables. She reluctantly picked up her fork, eating tentatively as she attempted to ignore the different looks she knew she was getting from the different people at the table.

Just when she thought she might get through this dinner after all, she felt a foot slide down her calf. She jerked instinctively, dropping her fork onto her plate and turned her head to scowl at Marco. All eyes were on her now.

"You disgusting pig!" She stood from the table, slamming her hands on the table incredulously.

"What?" Marco smirked back, pretending to be oblivious.

"You're seriously trying to play footsies with me? Are you insane, or maybe just a freaking pervert?" She tried to slap him in the face, but was stopped by his trained reflexes. She squirmed as his strong hand held tightly to her wrist, forcing her to sit back down. He let go then turned to apologize to his boss.

Gabriella whipped her head to face Troy, who was half standing up, ready to step in if necessary. She watched as he sat back down hesitantly, sending her a worried look before placing his attention on Petrolli. She glanced over at Marco again, to make sure he was a good distance away from her.

"Hector, no!" Troy launched out of his seat hysterically. Before Gabriella could process what was going on, a gunshot was fired.

Alright, so I hope you liked it. I know it wasn't very interesting, up until the end at least, but it's all I've got right now so bare with me. I'll try and update as soon as possible, but can only guarantee one if I get at least 10 reviews please.

10 reviews?