Chapter Seventeen
Brooke
It’s been two days since my release from the hospital.
I’m feeling better every day, but I still feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.
Gabe has been amazing. He’s adamant I stay in bed, and he takes care of everything I need without being asked. I’m recovering, and I have to follow the doctor’s instructions, even if I’m going stir crazy.
He keeps me company, for the most part. He answers emails and takes calls from work, so I do have a little time alone. It may sound ridiculous, but the silence is my enemy right now. It’s the quiet that allows the memories of my abduction to haunt me.
Gabe helps me through it. He’s never asked the details of what happened.
I know it’s because he doesn’t want me to relive the attack, but I’ve told him most of what happened.
He sits quietly, listening intently, but I know he’s a caged animal inside.
If he could dig up Brian and kill him again, he would.
He held me for a long while last night while I sobbed over Trevor. His death was unnecessary, and it broke my heart. I was looking forward to forming a friendship with him, but his time was cut short by monsters. Eric had him cremated and he told Gabe we can spread his ashes once I’m healed.
Eric has become an unexpected friend. He drops by to check on me, and he brings me danish.
His love language is food, and I’m more than happy to accept.
Gabe finds our new friendship amusing. Although I didn’t know Eric before, I always had a soft spot for him because he protects Gabe.
Now that I’ve gotten to know him, he’s more than our protector.
He’s family.
The sheriff wants to speak with me, but Gabe insisted he give me a few days to recover.
Sheriff Lindsey agreed at first, but decided today was the day to take my statement.
I hate the idea of lying about what happened, but it’s the only way to protect all of us.
The real bad guys have been dealt with, so I’m sticking with our story.
Gabe walks into the room, a scowl on his face. “Lindsey is here. He’s early.”
Trying to sit up without hurting myself, he rushes over to help me. “You’re not up for this today. I’m telling him to leave.”
Once I’m in a sitting position, the pain in my ribs and back throb for a moment, but it slowly fades. I don’t know if I’d be able to move without pain medication. I don’t like taking it. It makes me feel weird, but unfortunately, I need it.
Gripping his hand with mine, I give him a small smile. “It’ll be fine. I want to get this over with so we can move on.”
Dropping to his knees, his thumb glides over my cheek softly. “My brave girl. It’ll be over soon. I’m sorry we have to lie, but I’ll do anything to protect you.” He brushes a kiss against my lips, and I know everything will be okay. He stands slowly, helping me off the bed.
We walk into the living room where Sheriff Lindsey stands from his chair. “Good morning, Ms. Monroe. I’m sorry to disturb you, but I need your statement for my report.”
Gabe helps me to the couch and takes a seat beside me. “I understand, Sheriff. I’ll help you as much as I can, but I’m afraid I don’t remember much.”
He nods, pulling a notepad and pen from his uniform shirt pocket. “Let’s get started then. Tell me everything you remember.”
Gabe and I went over this, so I repeat the story we rehearsed.
“Gabe and I were supposed to meet for drinks at Lenny’s when he finished work.
He was running a little late, so he called.
I told him I would go ahead and get us a booth.
I pulled in the parking lot and shut off the car.
I noticed it was dimly lit, but I didn’t think too much about it.
When I got out of the car, I was looking in my purse for my phone.
Next thing I know, someone hit me in the head, and I fell to the ground. Everything after that is blurry.”
Sheriff Lindsey looks at me skeptically. “Did you get a look at the assailant? How many were there? Did they take anything?”
Gabe tenses beside me and I lay my hand on his thigh.
“As I said, everything after that is blurry. I believe there was only one person, but I can’t be sure.
Gabe said my purse was missing, so I’m assuming whoever did this took it.
I’ve cancelled all my cards, and I’ll renew my license once I’m able to. ”
The sheriff clears his throat before he speaks again. “Mr. Layton, you told me a few days ago you found Ms. Monroe unconscious in the parking lot when you arrived. You didn’t see anyone fleeing the scene?”
Gabe covers my hand with his own, squeezing reassuringly. “No. Whoever did this was already gone. I knew time was critical, so I took her to the hospital myself.”
Flipping his notepad closed, he sighs, obviously questioning our story.
“Ms. Monroe, this doesn’t make any sense.
Someone almost killed you only to steal your purse?
The injuries you sustained seem to be caused by someone who knew you personally.
Petty thieves don’t usually attack people so brutally.
Are you sure there’s not something you aren’t telling me?
Have you upset someone lately? Done something to make someone want to hurt you? ”
“You fucking prick!” Gabe roars, shooting from the couch.
This is all going to hell.
That’s what happens when you lie.
Gripping Gabe’s wrist, he turns to me, his gaze immediately softening. Shaking my head, I urge him to sit down. He’s stewing beside me, trying to control his temper.
“Sheriff Lindsey, are you married?” He’s confused by my question, and I smile to myself.
“Twenty-five years. What does that have to do with anything?” He eyes me curiously, wondering where I’m going with this.
“Could you imagine something like this happening to your wife?” He shakes his head, and I continue.
“Could you imagine law enforcement walking into your home, accusing her of holding something back? Saying it was personal and pissing someone off caused it? Maybe you should think about that instead of walking into our home and being an insensitive asshole to the person who’s fucking bedridden with injuries. ”
Damn the hospital. Why did they have to call the police?
This entire situation is too much, and tears burn my eyes as I fight to hold them back.
Even if I could tell him the truth, I didn’t deserve this.
No one deserves what I went through whether you know the person or not.
Pissing someone off doesn’t give them the right to kidnap and assault you.
Gabe’s had enough and he stands from the couch. “It’s time for you to leave. You’ve come into our home and upset my woman while she’s trying to recover.”
“I-I’m sorry, Ms. Monroe. Th-This is frustrating because we have no leads.” His composure falls and he looks terrified.
Good.
Times like this, I’m grateful Gabe is intimidating and protective.
Gabe opens the front door, ushering the sheriff outside. Before he can say anything else, the door closes, and he turns to look at me. The tears I held back begin to fall.
“No, baby girl.” He strides over, kneeling before me.
“Don’t feel guilty. He was out of line. If this scenario had been true, do you think he would’ve found who did this?
No. He’s an arrogant prick who doesn’t deserve his position.
I’ve heard things about him being shady and useless, but now I believe it.
It’s over, baby. I won’t let him bother you again. ”
“What do we do now?” My voice cracks with emotion.
He strokes my thighs with his hands and smiles. “We get you better and move on. There’s no shadow hanging over us anymore. We don’t have to worry about what bad thing is going to happen next. It’s you and me. Only us. Only our happiness matters now.”
Our eyes lock and my breath hitches. “I love you, Gabriel.”
Wiping away my tears, he gives me a sexy, lop-sided grin. “I love you, angel. Now, let’s get you back to bed.”
He moves to help me up and I lean into his chest. “I’m already sick of this. I want to feel normal again.”
“It’s going to take time. You’re not doing this alone. I’m here with you.”
“Can you bend down so I can kiss you?” God, that sounded pathetic.
He grins again, bending until his breath mingles with mine. “Kiss me all you want to, baby. I’m here for the taking.”
Even in my current state, my core tightens at his words. I could be on my death bed, and this man would bring me back to life.
Leaning in, our lips touch and my body reacts.
My hands go to his waist, bracing myself for the magic of his tongue.
He licks the seam of my lips, and I open greedily, desperate for the taste of him.
He groans into my mouth, and my body aches for the release only he can give me.
A whimper of need escapes my throat, and he pulls away.
We’re both panting, and his hoarse voice conveys his desire as he leads me into the bedroom. “I don’t know how I’ll survive not touching you.”
He helps me into bed, and I pout. “If you figure it out, let me know. Even with the pain, I need you.”
He groans helplessly, tucking me under the blanket. “You can’t say shit like that, baby. It only makes it worse.”
If I could laugh, I would. “Go relax, Gabe. I’m going to take a nap.”
He moves to his side of the bed, kicking off his shoes. He crawls onto the mattress, laying on his side, facing me.
“What are you doing?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow.
“Nothing is more relaxing than watching you.”
This fucking man.