What had I thought? That she’d open up to me when I had denied her the same courtesy? It was time to come clean, to tell her everything and let her decide what she wanted to do with the information. I couldn’t force her to believe me, and if she didn’t, then that would be the end of it.
Strolling into Liv’s office, I said, “What are you doing tonight?”
Chapter 26
Tori
The words on the page blurred as my mind slipped again to the events from earlier in the day. I closed my book and stood up from the couch, stretching out my back. It was no use trying to focus.
Seeing Carl Bradman had left me rattled, and Gabe had noticed. He knew me too well not to read my reaction. But I couldn’t tell him why or give him any reasons for my icy reception. Nor could I tell him Carl had threatened me again, using the ruse of a friendly visit to ensure I didn’t tell anyone his dirty secrets. I rubbed my wrist, the scalding sensation of his hand still present from the night he’d grabbed it. He hadn’t touched me this time, but that didn’t mean I wanted him in my space ever again.
I was certain if Gabe knew the truth I’d see his darker side, but the NDA gagged me, and then there was the pesky fact that he had his own secrets he refused to tell me. It was nice to have leverage for once.
I carried the book to my room and tossed it on my bed before checking on Reid. Hands clutching the car Gabe had gotten him, he slept soundly. I pulled the blanket over his shoulder and kissed his head. Out of everything I had gone through, he wasthe bonus. The piece that made it all worth it. I would relive the heartache repeatedly if it meant I had him.
Closing the door behind me, I walked back into the main part of our suite. Sharp raps at my door had me checking the time. It was nine o’clock, and I hadn’t ordered room service. A flash of fear charged through me at the thought that it might be Carl. I didn’t trust the man, and if he found out where I lived… I couldn’t stop the horrifying images that crept into my mind until I remembered that there was no access to this floor. The front desk would have called me. Calming, I pushed a strand of hair back and pulled my sweatshirt down further.
The door had only opened a fraction when Liv pushed it open, barging in with Gabe following.
“Make yourself comfortable,” I said as she sat on the couch and took a fashion magazine from my coffee table.
“Is this all you have?” she said, waving it in the air. “This isn’t fashion. It’s fashion knock-off, like those off-the-rack blouses you wear.”
Gabe gave me a shrug, and I frowned at him before I snapped, “I do not buy off-brand clothes, and not all of us have billions to spend on our wardrobes like you do.”
“True,” she said, dropping the magazine and throwing me a smile.
“What are you two doing here?” I asked, rubbing my temple.
“I have an offer,” Gabe said, and my eyes shot to his. “A secret for a secret.”
Tipping my head, I squinted as I tried to figure out what he was saying.
“I want to show you something,” he continued, holding his hand out to me.
I looked down at it, remembering all the times his hand had encompassed mine.
“Please, Tori. I’ll tell you everything. An exchange of secrets, so there are no more between us.”
“There is no us, Gabe.” The light in his eyes dimmed, and the cavern in my chest twisted in rebellion.
“Just go with him,” Liv said.
My sight remained on Gabe. “I can’t leave. Reid is sleeping, and I’m not waking him up this late.”
“You don’t have to. Auntie Liv is here, and I’ll make sure he’s safe.”
My head swiveled toward her. “I am not leaving my son with you.”
She looked offended, her hand coming to her chest. “I’m hurt, Victoria.”
“Have you ever been around children?”
“No, but I’m sure it’s not difficult.”
I snorted, but before I could respond, Gabe said, “Please come with me, Tori. And I promise, no more secrets, no more lies. That’s what you wanted, and it’s what you deserve.”
Hazel with amber hues pleaded for me to take his hand that remained outstretched. I glanced back at Liv, who was flicking through television channels and ignoring us.
