He worked to school his expression, because what the fuck? Those thoughts were pointless and had no place here.
Ellena didn’t need him in her life. Not for anything other than a bodyguard, anyway.
What she needed was a man whose job wouldn’t put her at risk. Someone she could count on to always be there when she needed them.
Someone who’s not me.
Speaking of her being with another guy…
Gabe looked back down at her. With a surprisingly steady voice he said, “You told me about your friends and co-workers, but I also need a list of anyone you’ve been involved with recently.”
As much as hedidn’twant to know about any other men she might have been with, Gabe couldn’t risk missing something because he was a jealous asshole.
She’d already been hurt once because of him. He was going to make damn sure he did right by her this time in keeping her safe. Once that was done, he’d walk away from her for good.
You sure you’ll be able to leave a second time?
“Oh.” Elle licked her lips nervously in response to his request. “O-okay.”
Shit. It wasn’t the reaction he’d been hoping for, despite her earlier comment.
It’s been three years, Gabe. What did you expect?
Clearing his throat, Gabe quickly moved on. “We’ll also need a list of your patients. Past and present.”
She frowned. “You know I can’t give you that information.”
“This isn’t the time to be worrying about policy, Elle.”
“Patient confidentiality is a hell of a lot more than just some policy, Gabe.”
This was one argument he’d known was coming. But it was one he was damn sure going to win.
“I get that your job is to protect your patients, but you’ve got to look at this from all sides. You spend your days with people who’ve seen the worst the world has to offer. Going into battle…that shit can screw with those guys in a lot of ways. Sometimes it messes them up inside. Makes them do things they wouldn’t normally do.”
“Like becoming fixated on the one person trying to help them,” Kole chimed in.
As expected, Ellena didn’t back down. “I’m well aware of the traumatic effects war and combat can have on an individual, Gabriel. It’s kind of what I do.”
“Then you also know sometimes soldiers return home a shell of their former selves. That sometimes, something happens to them over there and a switch gets flipped. One that can’t be undone.”
“He’s right, Elle,” Nate agreed. “When that happens, it makes those men and women a danger not only to themselves but also to others. In this particular case, it’s possible one of your patients has, for whatever reason, made you their target.”
Determined to get through to her, Gabe softened his tone before adding, “I’ve seen it happen, Elle. We both have.”
With a knowing stare, she nodded. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“I know you haven’t, sweetheart.”
Taking a chance, Gabe squatted down in front of her and took her hand in his. Ignoring the same electrical pulse he’d felt when they’d collided in her office doorway earlier, Gabe said a silent prayer of thanks when she didn’t pull away.
“Listen to me, Elle. I know how important your job is to you. But I also know the law protects mental health professionals if they believe their patients are a danger to themselves or others.”
“He’s right,” Matt backed him up from his spot on the couch. “If you believe one of your patients is a possible threat, you’re allowed to share that information with someone who can keep the endangered party safe.”
Piggybacking on Matt’s point, Gabe added, “You also have a duty to warn the person in danger of any possible threat. Baby…this timeyou’rethe one who’s in danger, and the only way I know to protect you is to rule out every possible suspect until we’ve found the person who’s after you.”
“Gabe.” His name escaped as a whisper. A plea to not ask her to go against everything she stood for.
