Chapter 11
chapter
eleven
Gideon
The security system alerts me that someone has entered my front gates by using the code. Only a few people have that information. I pad barefoot to my front door. I don’t have any staff working today. Not yesterday, either. I sat in my house, moping around like a lovesick fool.
Because that’s exactly what I am. I’ve picked up the phone to call Verity so many times. But I remind myself that if she couldn’t look me in the eye before she saw me beat down those thugs, she’ll never be able to. That’s no life for either of us.
The doorbell rings.
I fling open the door, fully expecting to find the head of my security company standing there.
Instead, I find my heart. She stands before me as if she’s not destroying me with her mere presence.
“Verity,” I rasp.
“Gideon. We need to talk,” she says, her voice firm. “Can I come in?”
“I was just going out,” I lie.
“Without shoes and a shirt? I don’t think so. You will let me in, and you will listen to what I have to say. If, at that point, you want me to leave, I’ll do so without argument.”
I fight a smile because fuck if my sweet little human didn’t just put me in my fucking place. I step aside and allow her to enter.
My hands clench into tight fists because I want to touch her so desperately.
Verity walks straight into my favorite sitting room. It’s adjacent to my library, the best place to take one of those old tomes and sit in a comfortable armchair to read.
I drop into one of those chairs now, mostly so I have something to do with my body besides shove her against the wall, kiss her, and beg her forgiveness.
“You are a monster, Gideon. That much is true,” she starts. “But you’re also a man. That does not give you the privilege of making choices for me.”
She paces in front of me, her entire body fueled by anger and agitation. My fierce little human. Pride swells in my chest, threatening to choke me.
“Well, I’m here to tell you that I may not be fierce and brave all the time, but right now, right here, I’m being courageous.”
I lean forward, bracing my elbows on my knees. “Why do you need to be courageous?” I can’t help but ask.
She stops walking and stares at me like I’m an idiot. “To come here. To fight for you.”
“Oh?”
“Oh? Is that all you can say? Why did you leave me the other day? Telling me we’re done? What was the point of that?”
I sigh, my throat thick with emotion. “I know I scared you that day.”
“No. You didn’t.” She shakes her head, her beautiful eyes flashing with determination. Damn, she’s exquisite. “Tell me this, Gideon. Do you not have feelings for me? Is that why you broke up with me?”
I grit my teeth, trying to contain the wealth of emotion this woman evokes in me. “I would die to protect you, Verity.”
Then she’s on the floor, kneeling in front of me. She reaches up, cupping my face.
I close my eyes.
“You don’t get to do that. Look at me, Gideon.”
I wait a beat, gathering my courage, and open my eyes.
Hers lock onto mine, no fear, no wavering, no uncertainty. “I love you, Gideon. I think we have something special. Something worth fighting for. I’m not worried you’re going to get your monster freak on and attack people. And I’m certainly not worried about you harming me because I have never felt safer or more cherished than when I’m in your arms.”
I fall to the floor with her, pulling her close to me. “I’m sorry, Verity. So damn sorry. I let my fear and insecurities get in the way. I promise I’ll do better, be better.”
Verity pulls back and smooths away my frown with tender fingers while my snakes sigh and swoon. “You don’t need to be better, Gideon. You’re perfect the way you are. Perfect for me.”
I clutch her tighter. “God, I missed you.”
She releases a watery laugh. “And I missed you, my love. More than I ever thought possible.”
“I love you, too, Verity. So fucking much. Marry me, tie yourself to me forever. I don’t want you to change your mind.”
She giggles. “I’m not going to change my mind. Besides, I’d marry you for that library alone.”
I grin. “I see how it is. You’re using me for my huge?—”
My woman kisses me before I can finish my sentence.