He was miserable too.
It may have taken him longer to realize it, but we’re stronger together.
Slipping down the hall, my steps falter at the sight of him. He’s mumbling and fighting with the front door.
Literally.
I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing.
He must’ve gotten up early to replace the one he destroyed last night. His thick muscles flex as he hits the pins to secure the hinges. My gaze follows the ink trailing up his arms, his skin pulling tightly with each swing of the rubber mallet, pronouncing every thick, sexy vein. Leaning against the wall, I watch him shamelessly, nibbling the pad of my thumb.
“Bastard.” He barks at the door menacingly.
He finally gets it fitted, closing the door, flipping the deadbolt. He slowly turns around, his eyes locking with mine. He seems unsure at first but grins at the amusement playing across my face.
“Enjoying the show?” He sets the mallet down, sauntering towards me, predatorily.
“Yes Mr. Layton.”
Gripping my waist, he pulls me against him firmly, kissing the hell out of me. “I didn’t sleep well knowing the door was broken. I’m sorry, baby. For everything.” His pleading eyes show me his pain, and the truth behind his words.
“I wish you would’ve told me what was going on.” I tilt my head, looking up at him. “Promise me something?”
His eyes light up and he grips me tighter. “Anything.”
“Always talk to me. Tell me what’s going on so we can work through it together.” Wrapping my arms around his waist, I press my cheek to hischest. “Please don’t hurt me again, Gabe. I won’t be able to take it.”
His embrace is almost painful, but I welcome it. I thought I’d never feel this again. My body relaxes and he buries his face in my hair. “Never.” He kisses my temple. “I love you so fucking much.” He breathes against my ear, and my heart beats faster.
“I love you, too.” Squeezing him tighter, I give him my heart all over again.
“I have to run by the office and sign a contract, but it shouldn’t take long. I’ll come back here as soon as I’m done.” He watches me for a moment before kissing me desperately like it’s slowly killing him to leave.
I’m breathless when he pulls away. “Hurry. The quicker you leave, the quicker you’ll be back.” I say, smacking him on the ass.
He chuckles, leading me to the door. “Lock it behind me.” He grips my wrist tightly, pulling me against him. “Tell me what I want to hear.” He leans forward, our lips almost touching.
“I love you, Gabriel.” I whisper, and his reaction is immediate.
His eyes close as he inhales deeply. They snap open just as quickly as he fists my hair, devouring my mouth like nothing I’ve ever felt. I gasp, and his tongue dives past my lips, licking every inch of me until I’m whimpering with need.
“We’ll finish this when I get back. I love you.” He kisses me one more time, smacking my assbefore shutting the door behind him.
The metal lock clicks, and I walk into the kitchen to get some coffee, smiling to myself when I see he already made it. Grabbing my mug from the cabinet, there’s a knock on the door.
He must’ve forgotten something.
Sitting my mug on the counter, I hurry over to the door.
As soon as I unlock it, the door bursts open, knocking me to the ground. Landing on my ass, I cry out as pain shoots from my tailbone up my spine. Prying my eyelids open, I meet a pair of cold, dead, familiar eyes.
I was sure it was Gabe.
I didn’t look through the peephole.
Fuck!
“Hello, Brooke.” Brian’s unnerving voice fills the room.
