GABRIELA
“When didyou have time to do all this?”
Romeo hugs me from behind, tucking my head beneath his chin as I look over my new studio. Everything has already been set up, exactly the way I had it at the penthouse.
“After I wore you out.”
There’s a touch of humor in his voice, because he did, in fact, wear me out. All we’ve done today is nap and have sex. He did bring me some food and made sure I actually ate it. But I haven’t even been out of the wing to check on Abella, and judging by the sky outside, evening has arrived.
“Isn’t the light going to bother you?” I glance at the hallway, noting the shades are no longer drawn.
“I had some time to acclimate.”
It takes me a minute to understand. “The penthouse?”
He nods above me, and I turn into his arms. “You were staying in that locked room the entire time, weren’t you?”
His lip twitches. “Not the entire time.”
“Stalker.” I laugh under my breath.
“Says the woman who agreed to marry me. You know they make Dateline episodes about this kind of thing, Gabi.”
“I know. That’s why I intentionally avoid lighting up any rooms.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s always the people who lit up a room who end up on those shows.”
“Well, in that case, I’m safe,” he muses.
“You can darken my door any time.” I rise onto my toes, and he meets me with a kiss.
Naturally, we get a little carried away with it until he releases my mouth with a sigh.
“What’s wrong?” I ask him.
“I’m just deciding if I should stay here and do this or tell you that there are people waiting for you.”
“People?”
A dark look flashes in his eyes. “Your family is here. They know Riccardo is missing.”
My stomach churns, and I swallow, fighting off a wave of nausea.
“You don’t have to see them if you don’t want to. I’ll take care of it.”
It’s tempting to take him up on that offer because the thought of confronting them makes me feel sick. But I want to do it myself.
“I’ll see them,” I tell him. “Learning how to roar, remember?”
His eyes soften as he nods. “Then I’ll be there with you. Do you remember what I said?”
“You’ll never let anyone hurt me.” I wrap my arms around him and squeeze.
We stay like that for a few minutes before I gather the courage to go.
“Okay.” I blow out a breath. “I think I’m ready.”
