“I know you’re only trying to protect me, Gabe, but you have to tellmewhat’s going on inmylife.”
He nods apologetically, scooting his chair back, pulling me from mine and onto his lap. “I’m sorry, baby. I won’t keep anything else from you. Sometimes, I forget how strong you are.”
He kisses me, and it’s a plea for forgiveness. His tongue sweeps into my mouth with long, deep strokes, like he has all the time in the world.
The threat looming over us disappears for a moment.
He pulls away, and we’re both panting as reality comes crashing back into me.
Anxiety sends my mind into maximum overdrive, wondering who is following us and why.
He must sense my thoughts. He pushes a few strands of hair behind my ear. “What would you like to know?”
“Is it Brian?” I blurt out.
“No. This is Johnson’s doing. The vehicles are registered to his wife, they’re going through a divorce.” His brows furrow. “This is serious, baby. You were followed to your meeting at the office last week. That means they’re watching closely.”
Fear creeps into my veins, an ice-cold void seeping into my bones. William has it out for Gabe, and he’s pulling out all the stops to get to him. I don’t want to be caught in the middle of their war, even if it’s one-sided at the moment. Gabe has kept his shit together, but in the short time I’ve known him, I know it will only last so long. I’ve felt his unease this past week, thinking it was stress from the office.
I never expected this shit show.
He’s strong and protective, but I’m not so naïve that I don’t see the darkness in his eyes. If it came down to it, I absolutely believe Gabriel Layton could be one ruthless son-of-a-bitch.
He’s so worried about my safety when I’m more concerned about him.
He thinks I’m strong and resilient, now is not the time to show any weakness.
A man named Trevor is keeping an eye on me. I’ve heard Gabe talk about him before, but I don’t know anything about him.
“Can I meet Trevor? I’d like to get acquaintedwith my shadow.” I grin, trying to ease the tension around us.
“I don’t want anyone to associate him with us, so I’ll see what I can set up privately.” Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulls me into him. “Everything will be okay, I promise. No matter what happens, I’ve got you.”
Burying my face in the crook of his neck, I know the safest place for me is in his arms.
He slides his hands under the back of my shirt, trailing his fingers along my spine. “You haven’t touched your food.”
“Honestly, I’m not hungry.” We should talk more about this, but I don’t have the energy for it. He gave me the cliff notes, and that’s good enough right now.
“Me either, but I don’t want your gourmet dinner to go to waste.” His lips twitch with humor against my temple.
Lifting my head, I narrow my eyes. “Damn straight. I slaved over these tacos just for you.”
He chuckles, placing a kiss on my forehead. “All I want is to shower off this day and worship you in our bed.”
Ourbed.
My heart squeezes in my chest.
He stands up, taking me with him as if I weigh nothing. “Go get in the shower and I’ll put this up.”
He joins me in the shower a few minutes later, taking over as he washes my body from head to toe, as if I’m the most precious thing he’s evertouched. By the time he’s finished with me, I’m relaxed, but exhausted.
We slide into bed, our naked bodies tangled together as we watch each other silently. We’re lost in a moment where only the two of us exist, exposed and vulnerable.
After a long while, he breaks the silence. “I’ve waited my whole life for you. Nothing or no one will take you away from me.”
I’m taken aback, but his eyes show me the truth in his words. “I’m yours, Gabriel.”
