“Yeah.” I scrambled to answer him quickly so he didn’t get the wrong idea. “I just wasn’t sure about you.”
“Why not?” He pushed the dark waves out of his face.
I raised a shoulder, suddenly self-conscious, but Ronan rolled over and grabbed me. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Think you’re not enough. That’s what it’s all about? What that bastard of a father did to you? Made you think you weren’t good enough for someone to want you? That’s it, right? Stupid asshole.”
Damn, he was intuitive. And was he talking about me or my father?
Relentless, Ronan continued. “You were perfect for a guy like DJ because he couldn’t come out. He kept you hidden, giving you scraps when you should’ve had the whole damn meal. Lobster and filet mignon, for fuck’s sake. That’s what you’re worth. Don’t you see you deserve more?”
“It wasn’t right for me to force DJ to come out. No one should.”
“I agree. But you have rights too, that’s what I’m saying.” His fingers curled around my wrist. “Why are you selling yourself short?”
“It’s all I know. I’ve never been with anyone who’s given me any other reason.” Humiliated at my confession, I tried to leave the bed, but Ronan held me with a grip of steel.
“Until now.” He met my eyes and smiled.
Chapter Seventeen
Ronan
Listening to Gabriel’s story, I’d itched with the desire to punch something hard. Or someone—his father, to be exact. Who could do that to a child? Abandon their own flesh and blood? And why didn’t his brother and sister want to be part of his life? Maybe that was the reason I held on to Cassie and the hope that one day she’d see how badly she’d hurt me.
“What’re you thinking?” Gentle fingers touched my face.
“I’d rather show you.” I tried to kiss Gabriel, but he sat back on his heels.
“You don’t need to do that. We already know the sex is amazing.”
“Phenomenal,” I said, grinning, enjoying the cute blush that tinted Gabriel’s face pink and sparked those golden lights in his gorgeous eyes, but his lips tightened.
“Are you thinking about your sister and how she was willing to walk away from your relationship because of money?”
Ouch.
“I mean…yeah. She used me, and I fell for her story like a jerk. I wonder now if she ever really cared.”
“Now who’s the one being hard on himself?” An unexpected thrill shot through me at Gabriel’s warm smile, which only lasted for a moment before his expression turned serious. “You were protecting her. But once you were released, she should’ve kept her promise and been grateful. Six years of your life is a hell of a sacrifice. You were lucky they let you out early.”
I flopped onto the bed. “I know. But why do I feel so guilty about asking her to pay me back? Or at least take responsibility?”
Gabriel crawled over to stretch out beside me. “Why do you think?” His hand crept into mine, and I grabbed it.
“I don’t know,” I answered, irritated. “What good would it do? I wouldn’t force her to admit to the authorities what she did, and she knows that. Despite all the heartache she’s caused me, she’ll always be my sister, and even more importantly, the mother to my nieces and nephew. I could never take her away from them.”
“Maybe not, but she’s been lying to you. You might feel better if she at least apologized and thanked you for all you’ve given her.”
I doubted that would ever happen. “I’d rather thank you for all you gave me today.” I traced the swirl of dark hair over Gabriel’s well-defined pecs and tweaked his nipples, which hardened to red points. He squirmed under me when I touched my tongue to them.
“You’re deflecting,” he gasped, and I hummed, taking hold of his half-firm cock.
“Mmhmm. Is it working?”
Gabriel rolled on top of me. “You know I’m only telling you because I care, right?” His anxious gaze met mine, and something unknown stirred in my chest. I didn’t want Gabriel to ever doubt his desirability or how much I wanted him. It was only a matter of time before he figured out how much better a person he was than me and found someone else.
