Chapter Ten
Gabriel
We’re meeting Trevor at an old, abandoned warehouse on the other side of town.
Eric has worked tirelessly trying to find dirt on Johnson. The bastard is smarter than I thought.
Nothing is tied to him.
The vehicles are registered in his wife’s name. We haven’t got a clear identification on any of the drivers because of the tinted windows and they never exit the vehicles.
To say I’m frustrated is a fucking understatement.
Eric followed us tonight, making sure we aren’t being tailed. The coast is clear for once. Brooke wants to meet Trevor, and I couldn’t say no if it will ease her mind.
She’s fidgeting with her hands in her lap, and I reach over, squeezing them reassuringly. “Don’t be nervous, baby. It’s just us and Trevor. Eric said everything’s fine.”
She nods, but her anxiety is potent as she stares out of the window. As the warehouse comes into view, I pull into the secluded lot, parking in front of the door. Shutting off the truck, I twist in my seat, snaking my fingers through her silky hair. “Look at me.”
She lifts her beautiful brown eyes to mine. “It’s been a week since we were last followed. You wanted to meet Trevor, and that’s why we’re here. Everything’s okay.” While my voice is confident, a knot twists in my stomach. I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“I know. I guess meeting Trevor makes it all real.” The worry in her eyes guts me.
Gripping her wrist, I pull her across the bench seat, cupping her face in my hands. “This is real. Me and you. All this other shit doesn’t matter. All you have to do is trust me to keep you safe.”
“I trust you.” Her soft whisper is my undoing.
Surging forward, I crash our lips together, surrendering to the storm between us, steadily rising to its uncertain peak.
She’s a blessing and a curse.
She’s my altar, a place of peace and worship.
She’s my greatest distraction, the world ceasing to exist.
A car door slams, proving my point. I didn’t hear Trevor pulling up beside us.
She jerks away, looking out of the window, her eyes widening. “Holy shit, Gabe. He’s massive!”
She stares at Trevor with a tinge of fear, and I smother a grin. He’s six foot five, retired military, and has the physique of a body builder. Hell, I’m a big guy, and he makes me feel average.
Jumping out of the truck, I open her door when I reach her side, helping her out. I stifle a grin as she glues herself to my side. Gripping her hand, we enter the warehouse where he’s already waiting for us. “Trevor, I’d like you to formally meet Brooke Monroe.”
She steps forward, confidently holding out her hand. Trevor’s lips twitch as he grips it with a firm shake. “It’s nice to meet you, Trevor. I appreciate you coming. I know it’s risky, but I wanted to meet the man who’s tasked with protecting me.”
Fuck, I’m proud of her.
“It’s nice to meet you Ms. Monroe.” Trevor releases her hand, and we move further into the building.
“Please, call me Brooke.”
This place used to be a manufacturing plant years ago. The company went under, and no one ever bought it. The metal walls are rusted, and the floor is damp with moisture and debris. It’s located in a rural part of town, so I thought it was a good venue for our meeting.
Brooke stops, looking up at Trevor. “I’m not sure how this works. I’m assuming you can’t tell me much about yourself, but anything would be nice.” She smiles kindly.
He steps forward, towering over her. “There’s not much to tell. I’m a veteran with no family, and this is all I know. My purpose in life is to protect people, and I’m honored Gabriel chose me to watch over you. I’ll keep you safe, Brooke.”
She doesn’t say anything.
They both stand there, eyes locked, sharing an unspoken understanding.
All of a sudden, she wraps her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Trevor. I’m confident you’ll scare the shit out of anyone who comes near me.”
I chuckle as he pats her on the back awkwardly. He looks to me for help, but I shrug my shoulders, letting him know he’s shit out of luck.
I’m enjoying this.
As if sensing his discomfort, she releases him. “I’m sorry. That was probably weird.”
“It’s okay. I’ve never gotten a lot of hugs. It’s different.” His eyes dart to the floor, and in that moment, I realize Trevor isn’t just part of my security team. He isn’t just some strong force to be used as a protective shield.
He’s broken, like the rest of us.
Glancing at Brooke, she stands frozen, a lone tear trailing down her cheek. Trevor shifts, clearly uncomfortable.
“It’s not pity, Trevor. This is understanding. We’ve met under shitty circumstances, but trust me. When this is over, you and I are going to be good friends. I’m warning you now, I’m a hugger. Get used to it, big guy.”
She hugs him again, and this time, his body relaxes a bit as he wraps an arm around her shoulders. A twinge of jealousy twists in my chest, but I dismiss it. It’s an intimate gesture, but one between two people who have been lost and alone. She releases him, smiling before coming to my side.
Wrapping my arm around her shoulders, I nod at him. “We’re going to head out. Call me if anything comes up.”
“Yes Sir.” He moves towards the door, disappearing behind it.
“He’s special, Gabe. He’s been alone so long, and he needs a friend. I meant what I said. When all this is over, he’s my new buddy.” She sniffles quietly, wiping her eyes.
“I’m good with that, baby. I need to make more of an effort with him, too.”
The drive home is somber and quiet. A few weeks ago, I met the love of my life, and everything was perfect. Now, danger lurks around every corner and my only goal is to keep her safe.
Brooke isn’t in bed when I wake up.
We got back to my place last night, showered and went to sleep. We were both exhausted, and I know Trevor’s pain weighed heavy on her mind. She fell asleep in my arms, and I laid there listening to her shallow breathing for a long time.
The bedroom door opens, and she walks in holding two cups of coffee. She sits on the bed beside me, and I shift my body, leaning against the headboard.
Handing me a mug, she smiles sweetly. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, baby girl.” I tap my lips with my index finger.
She kisses me softly before pulling away. “I’m going to head out soon. I need to get some things from the store.”
“I’ll go with you.” I say before lifting the steaming coffee to my lips.
“That’s okay. It’ll be a quick trip. I just have to get a few things, and then I’m going to the house to work.”
I frown. She belongs here.
“Gabe, I’ll be fine. I have stuff to do at home, and you’ll be at work. Besides, my shadow will be watching.” She grins, sitting her mug on the nightstand.
“I know. I just like you in my space, even when I’m not here.” Placing my mug next to hers, I grip her hips, pulling her onto my lap.
“Get your ass out of bed and go to work, Mr. Layton.” She kisses me before climbing off the bed.
“Fine, but I’m coming to kidnap you when I’m done.” I grumble and she grins.
“I’ll be waiting with bells on!” She sing-songs happily, leaving the bedroom. “Have a good day!” She shouts before closing the front door.
I hate how I feel when we’re apart. She takes a piece of me with her when she leaves, and I’m not whole again until she returns.
Fuck, I sound ridiculous.
Rolling out of bed, my phone rings and it’s Eric. “Yeah?”
“We have a problem.” His tone is lethal.
My jaw clenches. “Tell me.”
“Trevor covered me for a little while this morning while I ran to the office to do my usual rounds. There was an envelope on the front door with your name on it. I thought it was odd, and it didn’t look official. When I opened it, it was a handwritten note to you.” He stops, sighing into the phone.
“What did it say?”
“YOU TOOK SOMETHING FROM ME, SO I WILL TAKE SOMETHING FROM YOU.”
My heart stops. “What?”
“You heard me. I think we both know what he means.”
Brooke.
“If he comes anywhere near her, I’ll put him down like a rabid fucking dog. I swear to Christ.” I seethe.
“Calm down. He’s only going after her because he knows she means something to you.”
“Stay on him. I want to know every fucking move he makes.” I grit out.
“If I’m on him then you’ll be unprotected.”
“I don’t give a fuck! Stay on him!” Ending the call, I throw my phone on the couch, collapsing next to it.
Fuck!
Fisting my hair, I’m instantly spiraling into a black hole.
I have to protect her at all costs. She’s in this shit because of me. She’s become a target because of my enemy.
I can’t lose her.
I refuse to fucking lose her.
Eric’s words run through my mind. “He’s only going after her because he knows she means something to you.”
My body stills as the idea makes my stomach churn. My head and heart go to war, the outcome a brutal blow that steals my breath.
It could work.
A temporary solution with permanent repercussions if she doesn’t forgive me for keeping her in the dark. Her reaction needs to be genuine. We’re being watched.
She’ll forgive me. We haven’t approached the subject, but I know she loves me.
She has to know how much I love her.
This is the only option until he’s dealt with.
Dread seeps into my bones, my chest twisting with pain I’ve never felt before.
It may be temporary, but it feels wrong.
So fucking wrong.