Chapter Nine
Brooke
It’s been a week since my confrontation with Brian.
We haven’t seen the SUV in front of my house again, but I’ve spent most of my time at Gabe’s. Things have been quiet which has given us a chance to grow closer.
Our relationship is intense, and we truly care for each other. I know I’m falling in love with him, but it’s too soon to say the words, so I keep them to myself. I’m truly happy for the first time in years and it’s because of him.
The front door opens, and my stomach flutters with excitement.
He comes into the kitchen, a tired expression on his face. As our eyes lock, a genuine smile softens his features. I rush to him, my arms wrapping around his neck, our lips crashing together.
He groans, licking into my mouth, sending pulses of need straight to my core. “God, I missed you.” As soon as the words leave his mouth, his lips are on me again. He nibbles a trail across my jaw, licking a path down my throat.
“I missed you, too. Are you okay? You look like you had a rough day.” A whimper escapes me as his hands grip my ass, lifting me onto the counter. My legs spread automatically, and he takes his place between them.
Pulling away slightly, he looks at me like I’m the center of his universe, cupping my cheek in his palm. “It was rough being away from you.”
My heart squeezes. “Gabe.”
Leaning in, he kisses me again, clearing my head of all thoughts but him. He pulls me to the edge of the counter, grinding himself between my thighs. I’m lost in his rhythm, but his hips still suddenly, and he pulls away.
“Did you cook?” He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers trailing down my cheek.
“I hope you don’t’ mind. I finished work early, so I made tacos.”
“Baby, I told you to make yourself at home. Of course, I don’t mind. There’s a gorgeous woman in my house and she wants to feed me.” He grins, lifting me off the counter, setting me on my feet. Wrapping his arms around my shoulders, I snuggle into him.
“Are you ready to eat? Go sit at the table and I’ll bring you a plate.”
He smiles as he turns, crossing the room to the dinner table. Taking a seat, he rolls up the sleeves of his button-down shirt. I’m lost in a trance as I watch his forearms flex under the material. The ink on his skin comes into view and I unconsciously bite my bottom lip.
“If you don’t stop looking at me like that, I’m going to have you for dinner.” He growls.
I meet his heated gaze, full of dark promises.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” The words are out of my mouth before I realize it.
His eyes widen a fraction in surprise, smiling appreciatively. “My girl is coming out of her shell. As much as I’d love to spread you across this table and eat your delicious cunt, I want to talk to you about something.”
Anxiety churns heavy in my stomach at the uneasy expression on his face. After plating our food, I return to the kitchen for two glasses and a bottle of wine.
I think I’m going to need it.
Once I’m seated, he takes my hand in his. “What I’m about to say may upset you, but I want to be honest.”
Oh shit.
Unable to speak, I nod for him to continue.
“Someone is following us. I don’t want to scare you, so I’ve waited before saying anything. Trevor has kept an eye on you since the day you saw Brian. I’m taking every precaution to ensure your safety.”
My mouth opens, then closes, only to open again, but I’m stunned into silence. My mind races with so many questions.
Who is following us?
Is it Brian?
What the hell is going on?
Part of me is pissed at Gabe for not telling me sooner. I should know if someone is stalking me.
At the same time, he has one of his men watching over me. He’s ensuring my safety, even if I didn’t know a damn thing about it.
His fingers lift my chin, closing my mouth.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to worry you, but you’re on a need-to-know basis now.
Things have escalated, and we’re both being followed.
I need you to stay alert when I’m not around.
” He strokes my cheek with his fingers, trailing his thumb across my bottom lip.
“Don’t be upset with me. I only want to keep you safe.
” His pleading eyes melt away the irritation from before.
“I know you’re only trying to protect me, Gabe, but you have to tell me what’s going on in my life.”
He nods apologetically, scooting his chair back, pulling me from mine and onto his lap. “I’m sorry, baby. I won’t keep anything else from you. Sometimes, I forget how strong you are.”
He kisses me, and it’s a plea for forgiveness. His tongue sweeps into my mouth with long, deep strokes, like he has all the time in the world.
The threat looming over us disappears for a moment.
He pulls away, and we’re both panting as reality comes crashing back into me.
Anxiety sends my mind into maximum overdrive, wondering who is following us and why.
He must sense my thoughts. He pushes a few strands of hair behind my ear. “What would you like to know?”
“Is it Brian?” I blurt out.
“No. This is Johnson’s doing. The vehicles are registered to his wife, they’re going through a divorce.” His brows furrow. “This is serious, baby. You were followed to your meeting at the office last week. That means they’re watching closely.”
Fear creeps into my veins, an ice-cold void seeping into my bones.
William has it out for Gabe, and he’s pulling out all the stops to get to him.
I don’t want to be caught in the middle of their war, even if it’s one-sided at the moment.
Gabe has kept his shit together, but in the short time I’ve known him, I know it will only last so long.
I’ve felt his unease this past week, thinking it was stress from the office.
I never expected this shit show.
He’s strong and protective, but I’m not so na?ve that I don’t see the darkness in his eyes. If it came down to it, I absolutely believe Gabriel Layton could be one ruthless son-of-a-bitch.
He’s so worried about my safety when I’m more concerned about him.
He thinks I’m strong and resilient, now is not the time to show any weakness.
A man named Trevor is keeping an eye on me. I’ve heard Gabe talk about him before, but I don’t know anything about him.
“Can I meet Trevor? I’d like to get acquainted with my shadow.” I grin, trying to ease the tension around us.
“I don’t want anyone to associate him with us, so I’ll see what I can set up privately.” Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulls me into him. “Everything will be okay, I promise. No matter what happens, I’ve got you.”
Burying my face in the crook of his neck, I know the safest place for me is in his arms.
He slides his hands under the back of my shirt, trailing his fingers along my spine. “You haven’t touched your food.”
“Honestly, I’m not hungry.” We should talk more about this, but I don’t have the energy for it. He gave me the cliff notes, and that’s good enough right now.
“Me either, but I don’t want your gourmet dinner to go to waste.” His lips twitch with humor against my temple.
Lifting my head, I narrow my eyes. “Damn straight. I slaved over these tacos just for you.”
He chuckles, placing a kiss on my forehead. “All I want is to shower off this day and worship you in our bed.”
Our bed.
My heart squeezes in my chest.
He stands up, taking me with him as if I weigh nothing. “Go get in the shower and I’ll put this up.”
He joins me in the shower a few minutes later, taking over as he washes my body from head to toe, as if I’m the most precious thing he’s ever touched. By the time he’s finished with me, I’m relaxed, but exhausted.
We slide into bed, our naked bodies tangled together as we watch each other silently. We’re lost in a moment where only the two of us exist, exposed and vulnerable.
After a long while, he breaks the silence. “I’ve waited my whole life for you. Nothing or no one will take you away from me.”
I’m taken aback, but his eyes show me the truth in his words. “I’m yours, Gabriel.”
“You’re mine.” He murmurs, more to himself than me.
Lifting my hand, my fingers graze his cheek, and his eyes snap open. My breath hitches at the wild and hungry look in his gaze as he grips my hand. Pushing me onto my back, he hovers above me, pinning my hands above my head. My body responds immediately, arching into him, aching for his touch.
He trails his nose down my neck, a growl vibrating against my skin. “You smell delicious. I’m about to fucking devour you.”
Oh God.
“Gabriel.”
“Say it again.” He demands, gripping both my wrists in one hand.
“Gabriel.” Whimpering, I chase his touch as his free hand glides between my breasts.
“When you say my name, I feel like a god. You’ve unleashed something inside me, something I didn’t know was there.
The more I’m with you, the more I lose control.
” He circles one of my nipples with his tongue, his teeth grazing my sensitive bud.
“What have you done to me?” His hand slides lower until he’s cupping my pussy possessively.
His words snap the tiny threads holding my ladylike control together.
I’m desperate for him. His fingers, his mouth, his cock.
I want it all.
“I need you.” I moan, fighting against his hold.
“Fuck.” Crashing his lips to mine, he’s ravenous, demanding entry inside my mouth.
I surrender to the lust and desire, the growing love I have for this man. He swallows my whimpers as he spreads me open, pushing two fingers inside me. I’m dripping for him, and he groans against my mouth as I clench around him.
“I need to be inside you, now.” He shifts suddenly, driving his thick cock inside me.
“Oh God!” I cry out at the intrusion, the burning stretch making me wetter.
“You only say my name when I’m inside this tight cunt.” He pulls out to the tip, slamming inside me again. “Say it!”
He’s unravelling, and I’m getting off on every second of it. “Gabriel!”