“You could have just used the front door.”
He heaved himself up, and suddenly our roles were reversed. I craned my neck to look at him.
“Your brothers made that impossible,” he said, stepping closer until our toes were almost touching.
“My brothers? Why wouldn’t they let you into the house? Aren’t you working for my family?”
He took my hand, sending a sizzle shooting up my arm.
“I work for your dad. And your brothers don’t exactly approve of me.”
His hand worked its way up to my shoulder, leaving sparks in its path.
My breathing stalled, and I reached out to hold onto him. “It’s not up to them who I’m seeing.”
His hand cupped my cheek, and he leaned closer, cradling my body in his strong arms, his now-familiar scent surrounding me.
I was surprised we hadn’t been interrupted yet. My scream wasn’t loud, but I wouldn’t put it past my brothers to take turns watching my room, making sure I didn’t sneak out.
My door was locked, but that wouldn’t keep them out for long. They’d either just pick the lock or kick it in. My guess was on the latter. They had no consideration for other people’s belongings.
“I’m glad you feel that way. Because you’re mine, and I’m not letting you go.”
My heart jumped in glee at his words, and I wound my arms around his neck. He grinned at me, and a sigh escaped.
Heaven.
Feeling him, breathing him in, I felt I was back where I belonged.
“I missed you,” I said into his chest, closing my eyes at the onslaught of emotions. He had the power to obliterate me. I only hoped he wouldn’t wield that power.
“Not as much as I missed you,” he whispered into my hair.
I dipped my head back, and he leaned down, meeting my lips with his in a hungry kiss.
I brushed my tongue against his, melting into his embrace.
“You want to get out of here?” he asked, nodding to the window.
I raised a brow at him. “I’m not climbing a tree or jumping out a window.”
He grinned as if he was excited at the prospect of using the front door. “Then I guess we’ll have to get past your brothers.”
He didn’t seem worried, even though he should have been. They fought dirty. And while I knew Gunner could take care of himself, he was severely outnumbered. Not only by my brothers but all the guys patrolling the grounds.
And even though my dad was approaching seventy, he was still fit and could inflict some damage if he wanted to.
“Let me grab my stuff. The suitcase is heavy and might buy us a few seconds to get out if I have to throw it at my hardheaded brothers.” I disappeared into my walk-in closet. “Do you mind getting Killer’s food and his cage? It’s next to my bed.”
Gunner chuckled and took my hand, then kissed it. “No problem. And don’t worry, I’ll get us out of here.”
“I’m not worried. I trust you,” I said, then closed my suitcase. I hadn’t even unpacked anything except my toiletries, which I hastily threw back in.
Gunner took my bag and Killer’s cage, and I carried the food.
We went out into the silent hallway and made our way down the marble staircase. The silence didn’t mean we’d get out unnoticed. It was more of an indication that my brothers were up to something. They were never this quiet.
They either had music blasting from their rooms, were in the gym—again playing music and adding some grunting into it—or playing video games at volumes that must have rendered them half-deaf by now.
