“It’s okay. I’ve never gotten a lot of hugs. It’s different.” His eyes dart to the floor, and in that moment, I realize Trevor isn’t just part of my security team. He isn’t just some strong force to be used as a protective shield.
He’s broken, like the rest of us.
Glancing at Brooke, she stands frozen, a lone tear trailing down her cheek. Trevor shifts, clearly uncomfortable.
“It’s not pity, Trevor. This is understanding. We’ve met under shitty circumstances, but trust me. When this is over, you and I are going to be good friends. I’m warning you now, I’m a hugger. Get used to it, big guy.”
She hugs him again, and this time, his body relaxes a bit as he wraps an arm around her shoulders. A twinge of jealousy twists in my chest, but I dismiss it. It’s an intimate gesture, but onebetween two people who have been lost and alone. She releases him, smiling before coming to my side.
Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I nod at him. “We’re going to head out. Call me if anything comes up.”
“Yes Sir.” He moves towards the door, disappearing behind it.
“He’s special, Gabe. He’s been alone so long, and he needs a friend. I meant what I said. When all this is over, he’s my new buddy.” She sniffles quietly, wiping her eyes.
“I’m good with that, baby. I need to make more of an effort with him, too.”
The drive home is somber and quiet. A few weeks ago, I met the love of my life, and everything was perfect. Now, danger lurks around every corner and my only goal is to keep her safe.
Brooke isn’t in bed when I wake up.
We got back to my place last night, showered and went to sleep. We were both exhausted, and I know Trevor’s pain weighed heavy on her mind. She fell asleep in my arms, and I laid there listening to her shallow breathing for a long time.
The bedroom door opens, and she walks in holding two cups of coffee. She sits on the bed beside me, and I shift my body, leaning against the headboard.
Handing me a mug, she smiles sweetly. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, baby girl.” I tap my lips with my index finger.
She kisses me softly before pulling away. “I’m going to head out soon. I need to get some things from the store.”
“I’ll go with you.” I say before lifting the steaming coffee to my lips.
“That’s okay. It’ll be a quick trip. I just have to get a few things, and then I’m going to the house to work.”
I frown. She belongshere.
“Gabe, I’ll be fine. I have stuff to do at home, and you’ll be at work. Besides, my shadow will be watching.” She grins, sitting her mug on the nightstand.
“I know. I just like you in my space, even when I’m not here.” Placing my mug next to hers, I grip her hips, pulling her onto my lap.
“Get your ass out of bed and go to work, Mr. Layton.” She kisses me before climbing off the bed.
“Fine, but I’m coming to kidnap you when I’m done.” I grumble and she grins.
“I’ll be waiting with bells on!” She sing-songs happily, leaving the bedroom. “Have a good day!” She shouts before closing the front door.
I hate how I feel when we’re apart. She takes a piece of me with her when she leaves, and I’m not whole again until she returns.
Fuck, I sound ridiculous.
Rolling out of bed, my phone rings and it’s Eric. “Yeah?”
“We have a problem.” His tone is lethal.
My jaw clenches. “Tell me.”
“Trevor covered me for a little while this morning while I ran to the office to do my usual rounds. There was an envelope on the front door with your name on it. I thought it was odd, and it didn’t look official. When I opened it, it was a handwritten note to you.” He stops, sighing into the phone.
