Not even close.
Ignoring those unproductive thoughts, Ellena drew in a cleansing breath of her own and did her best to make him understand where she was coming from.
“I’m not trying to be difficult, Gabe.” She crossed her arms in front of her, refusing to react to the painful pull in her left shoulder. “I promise, I’m not.”
His dark brows rose. “Really? Could’ve fooled me. Why else would you even consider approaching someone who clearly intends on causing you harm?”
“Oh, give me a break.” She rolled her eyes. “I was talking hypotheticals, and you know it.”
“This isn’t a hypothetical situation, Elle. This is yourlife.”
“My point, exactly. You said you weren’t trying to come in and take over, but that’s precisely what you’re doing. I can’t even make an off-handed statement without you going all caveman on me.”
The muscles in his handsome face relaxed some. “Damn it, I wasn’t trying to…I didn’t mean…” Gabe blew out a breath, raking a frustrated hand through his hair.
The move made Ellena think of all the times she’d runherfingers through his thick, wavy locks.
Refusing to become distracted once again, she forced herself to stay on track. “I know you said it’s your job to keep me safe, Gabe, but…”
“Damn right, it is,” he cut her off brusquely.
“Butwe don’t even know who or what I need protection from.”
“Why do you think I had the team fly here, Elle? We’re trying to figure that shit out.”
“Then let’s focus onthatand leave our personal baggage out of it.”
His dark brows furrowed. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Yesterday was the first time we’d seen or spoken to each other in a very long time. It’s only natural for unresolved feelings about our past to rise to the surface.”
He studied her a moment. “You goin’ all shrink on me, Doc?”
With a shake of her head, she answered, “No, Gabe. I’m not going allshrinkon you. I’m trying to be reasonable and have an adult conversation about all of this.” She paused, her voice turning a bit softer than intended. “You left, and I didn’t hear a word from you until you showed up in my hospital room.”
I still need to ask Jenna about that little surprise.
“I heard from you, though, didn’t I?” Gabe chuckled humorlessly. “Wait, that’s not true. I heard from you through your lawyer.”
“It’s been three years, Gabriel.” Ellena jutted her chin even as a stab of guilt pierced her heart. “What did you expect me to do? Wait forever?”
Regret filled his dark eyes. “No.” He clenched his teeth together. “That shouldn’t have been put on you. It was my decision to leave. I should’ve been the one to file.”
“So why didn’t you?”
Breaking eye contact, Gabe hesitated a beat before answering. “Just never took the time to do it, I guess.”
Ouch.
Though his words weren’t totally unexpected, they twisted the invisible knife even deeper. As unrealistic as it was, Ellena had allowed herself to believe he hadn’t filed for divorce because he still loved her.
Guess you were way off base on that one, huh, Doc?
Not wanting to continue the painful conversation, she switched back to the original topic.
“First things first, right?” She jutted her chin up. “Let’s figure out who sent those pictures and whether or not there was any truth to your mysterious friend’s warning. We can deal with everything else after that.”
Gabe’s expression hardened. “Trust me, Adrian Walker is no friend of mine. But you’re right.” The corners of his lips turned upward just a tad. “First things first.”
