I laugh. “Yep. And I expect your undying fidelity and adoration. And little Flynns.”
He tugs me down so our faces are close and he’s grinning at me. “I think I can do that.”
My heart races—fear for what could happen, excitement for a future I want so desperately. “Yeah?”
He nods and kisses me softly. “For you, I’ll do anything.”
Chapter 42
Gable
Relaxing on the sofa in Hunter’s study, I watch Ella pace back and forth as best she can with her injured leg. She’s wringing her hands together so aggressively that her fingers have turned pink, and I’ve tried to calm her down, but she’s past the point of no return.
She called her dad this morning, gave him Hunter’s address, and said she needed him to come over. He’d panicked, obviously, but she’d promised him she was okay.
Now, he’s minutes away, and Ella looks like she’s going to walk a hole in the carpet.
Hunter is seated behind his desk and has been watching her, too. I’ve not had chance to talk to him about last night—how I’ve promised Ella a future I can only hope to deliver. But one I’ll fight to the fucking death for.
“Gibson, it’ll be okay.”
“You don’t know my dad. I’m living with two criminals.” She glances at Hunter. “No offence.” He raises a hand, signaling no offence taken. “He’s going to be furious. Oh God, what if he tries to arrest you both?” She bends overand rests her hands on her knees. “That’ll be the second boyfriend of mine he’s arrested.”
“The second?” Hunter asks.
She nods and takes deep breaths in through her nose. “Ex-boyfriend was speeding. He made an example out of him.”
I snort. “What the fuck would he do to me, then?”
“Exactly!” she cries, straightening up and throwing her arms into the air.
Hunter’s phone rings, and he answers. “Yep, let him through.” He hangs up and stands. “He’s here.”
If possible, Ella pales further.
“Ella,” I say softly, and she glances at me, eyes wide. “I promise we’ll work this out.”
Her shoulders dip slightly, the tension visibly leaving her body, and she nods. It warms me that I can reassure her with simple words—that she trusts me.
Moments later, Guy enters like a hurricane—in uniform.
Bastian leads him into the office, and Guy immediately takes Ella by the shoulders, his face frantic with worry. “What’s happened? Are you all right?” He rests his thumb gently beneath the cut on Ella’s cheek. “Who hurt you?”
He hasn’t even noticed me or Hunter, which is probably for the best for now.
“I’m okay, Dad,” Ella says.
He exhales deeply. “Why have you been lying to me, Ella?” But a glance to his right—to me—answers his question. “You.”
Guy Gibson strides towards me, and Ella immediately positions herself between us. I remain seated, my arm thrown casually over the back of the couch.
“Let him hit me if he wants to, Ella.”
“Gable,” she snaps. “Not the time for your attitude.”
I shrug. “I’d hit me if I were him.”
“I’ll do more than fucking hit you!” Guy roars, then looks at Ella. “Did he take you?”
