“Probably not, but trust me, he’s doing it.”
I take that in, sucking my teeth and staring down at my fingers. Do I want Gabe to love me? And do I love him? A strange flutter fills my belly at the thought and I wonder if that’s the answer. If it’s really that simple.
“Can I ask you something? How do you handle being married to a man like Massimo without getting trampled?”
“Patience. Backbone. A lot of yelling. There are ups and downs like any relationship, but in the end, we’re partners and we love each other. All this other stuff, the job, the expectations, it’s all on the outside. Him and I are on the inside, no matter what. Does that make sense?”
“Yeah, I think it does,” I say quietly, chewing it over. “I think Gabe’s starting to treat me like that. Like we’re both inside.”
“Exactly! It’s good, I promise.” She raises a glass. “Here’s to falling for a Dragon.”
“He’s not a Dragon yet. I don’t want to jinx it.”
“If I know my husband and my brother, those two are working out some elaborate idea that’ll inevitably either kill us all or put Gabe on the throne. So don’t worry, either we’re dead or we’re winners. Cheers!”
I leanagainst Gabe on the drive back to the farmhouse. It isn’t far, but he takes his time through the dark rural roads. He smells like smoke and I wonder what he talked about with Massimo. I haven’t asked, and I get the feeling it’s probably better if I don’t.
He parks out front. The lights are out. His guards are off in the woods patrolling. I turn to him as the engine stops and darkness falls on us. Moonlight makes his eyes shine.
“I like your sister.”
“Yeah? She likes you too.”
“Did she… you know… mention anything?” My heart quickens and I feel weirdly nervous. “About what we talked about, I mean?”
“No, baby, she didn’t.” His smile is knowing. He shifts and leans in, fingers trailing into my hair as he pulls me to him. He kisses me. “Were you gushing about how much you want me all night or something? It’s weird, you know, she’s my sister.”
“No, asshole.” I push him back, glaring at him, heart racing. Shit, god, this is so stupid. I don’t even know what I’m thinking.
I should tell him. Say the words.I love you, I fell for you, I want this.But I’m afraid of how he’ll react. The meeting is tomorrow evening, and I don’t want to distract him too much. What if hedoesn’t say it back? What if he breaks my heart and ends up getting himself killed because I was stupid and couldn’t keep my mouth shut?
“Nika,” he says softly, his perpetual confident smirk fading into concern. “What’s wrong?”
I love you. I love you. I love you and I’m afraid to say it.
God, open your mouth. Tell him.
Say the words.
I love you.
“Gabe…” I catch my lip between my teeth, feeling sick with worry and fear and excitement.
But instead of opening my mouth?—
I lunge forward, kiss him, and start unbuckling his pants.
What the hell am I doing right now? He grunts in surprise as his hands graze along my body. I get his belt off and tug his slacks forward. He lifts his hips and groans into my mouth as I stroke his cock with both hands over his boxer briefs. He’s hard already, and god, I love his dick, I love the way he makes these noises?—
I love him.
So say it already.
Instead, I tug his underwear off and take his cock into my mouth.
He moans as I suck his swollen crown. I lick his slit, rolling my tongue around, hollowing my cheeks. I stroke his shaft with onehand, sucking and sliding up and down, and oh my god, I’m sucking his cock instead of sayingI love you, but shit, it’s too late now. I whimper, moaning as I let spit roll down his shaft, sucking hard and fast and sloppy, distracting myself, wondering if maybe this is the last chance I’ll get.
To hell with it, to hell with it all. I want him, I love him, but I’m not going to ruin everything we’ve built because I can’t keep my mouth shut.
