She shakes her head so forcefully that her braid nearly smacks her in the face. “You don’t have to,” she blurts.
When I glance at her, she shifts from side to side awkwardly.
“What do you mean?”
She chews on her lip for a moment. “There’s a whole group of people on the river who’d love a meal like this one, Hudson.”
My brows fly up. “You talking about the homeless encampment?”
When she nods, realization hits me.
Oh, Gabrielle.
Scanning the shelves, I point to a pack of take-out containers.
“Get those for me, Gabby.”
The shortened version of her name slips out without thinking, but her eyes widen as she looks to where I’m pointing.
“You mean it?” she asks.
Nodding, I grab the pot. “It’s a great idea. Wish I’d thought of it sooner.”
Her face spreads into a smile, starting at the edge of her mouth and growing until she’s grinning at me. “Thank you!”
“Don’t thank me,” I say softly. My hand brushes hers as she hands me the containers. “I should’ve thought of this years ago.”
Working in quiet partnership, we get all of the remaining food parceled into the containers.
“Twenty-seven…twenty-eight…twenty-nine!” Gabby bounces on her toes as I seal the final lid. “This is fantastic.”
Her excitement makes me smile, softening the churning thoughts that have absorbed me for the last few minutes.
If Gabrielle knows about the dungeon, the likelihood is that she’s stayed there before.
And if she has… my mouth tightens. It’s not a good environment for anyone, but especially a small omega with zero defensive skills.
There’s a knock on the door, and Cade strides in. His eyes move straight to Gabrielle before roving over the containers lining the counters.
“What’s going on?”
“We’re taking the leftovers from tonight down the dungeon.” Gabby is placing some of the containers into bags, completely missing theoh hell no you’re fucking notlook Cade shoots me.
Pressing my lips into a thin line, I give him a flat stare back.
Join the fucking dots, Cade.
“I’m coming with you.” Cade’s tone is deep, and Gabby pauses, her hand outstretched in mid-air.
“Oh- well—,”
“I insist,” he says smoothly. Reaching around Gabrielle, he grabs several bags and raises an eyebrow at her. “Shall we?”
She swallows, shooting an uncertain look at me before she picks up a few bags and makes her way to the door.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Cade
