Even though Trevor is watching her, I’ve driven by her house countless times in Eric’s car, so no one would recognize my truck. Neither of them said a word when I told them what I’d done, but I could see the disappointment on their faces.
Why did I think this was the better option? I thought I was keeping her safe, but this is by far the stupidest thing I’ve ever fucking done.
I’ve hurt us both.
You don’t deserve her.
I don’t, but I have to make her understand. I’llspend the rest of my days on my knees, begging for her forgiveness, if that’s what it takes.
After changing my clothes, I drive to her house. I’m nervous as fuck, but I have to get her back.
I’m nothing without her.
Pulling into her driveway, I shut the truck off. Breathing deeply, it does nothing to still my nerves as I make my way to the front porch. Knocking twice, I’m paralyzed when she opens the door.
What the fuck have I done?
She moves to close the door, but I wedge my foot in between it and the frame. “Brooke, please.”
“What do you want?” She snaps, looking exhausted, completely broken. Dark circles line her swollen eyes, and she looks like she hasn’t slept in a week.
It’s been two days since I’ve laid eyes on her, but it might as well be an eternity. Even in her misery, she’s fucking beautiful.
“You don’t owe me anything, and I don’t deserve it, but hear me out. Please.”
She closes her eyes for a moment before they snap open, and she steps aside, waving me inside. She gives me her back, walking deeper into the living room. Closing the door, I follow behind her like the pathetic, lost fucking puppy I am. She stops abruptly, spinning to face me, and I freeze under her cold gaze.
Have I lost her?
It would serve you right, asshole.
My eyes roam over her, and I want to die for the pain I’ve caused her. She looks shattered, and it’s all my fault. She tilts her head to the side, waiting expectantly. I take a step forward and she retreats until her back hits the wall.
Anger flashes in her eyes. “Gabriel, I don’t have time for this shit. What do you want?”
I deserve her wrath, but I have to believe she doesn’t hate me. I didn’t want to break her heart, but what choice did I have? If Johnson thought we weren’t together anymore, he’d leave her alone. Trevor hasn’t seen anything suspicious, but I couldn’t take the chance. Not with his threat.
“I’m so fucking sorry, angel. Please let me fix this.” I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to repair the damage I’ve done.
Rolling her eyes, she levels me with a glare. “Oh, now you want to fix this? I begged you two days ago to tell me what happened. You gave me nothing. You broke my heart and stomped all over the motherfucker before you left me. As far as I’m concerned, your ass can leave the way you came in, and don’t come back.”
The air is punched from my lungs. “Don’t shut me out.” I don’t know how to make her see I did what I thought was right to keep her safe.
“You shut me out, you bastard! You fucking did this, not me. What do you want from me?” She screams, the agony in her voice shredding my fucking soul.
“Everything! I want everything! I want yourmind. Your body. Your heart. I want your fucking soul! You belong to me. Only me.” I grit out, hating myself for what I’ve done to us.
Her face contorts with rage, and she slaps me across the cheek.
My breath hitches, both stunned and turned on by her temper.
“How fucking dare you! You left me, Gabriel. You did this! Everything happened so fast between us and I was terrified, but I couldn’t deny my feelings for you. I didn’t think you’d hurt me. I can’t go through that again. No matter what I feel for you, I won’t stand by watching you come in and out of my life.” Her face is flushed, and I’m aching to touch her.
Her words strike fear inside my chest, and I won’t accept the finality of them. Two strides and my fingers wrap around her throat, pinning her against the wall. It’s pure fucking torture as her breath hitches, her pupils dilating as my hand squeezes her delicate neck. All I want is to fix this mess I’ve created between us.
“I left to keep you safe, Brooke. He fucking threatened you. I stupidly thought I could protect you if he thought we weren’t together anymore. I’d never intentionally hurt you. I’d stab myself in the fucking heart before I ever purposely caused you pain. You mean everything to me. I love you. Can’t you see that?”
She doesn’t say a word. Her eyes meet mine, and I’m shattered by what I see.
