14. Gabriel
Chapter 14
Gabriel
I tap my foot, the sound a steady rhythm against the floor of my office. I glance at the clock and then out the window overlooking the city. It’s time to fetch Wren from campus. She’s sitting her final exam today. I wanted to go with her, but an urgent matter came up, so I sent Luther and Ethan with her.
I rub my chest. Not having her near is like a physical ache. It’s bad enough that my little bird is out there without me, but knowing she’s at the college, close to the place that holds so many nightmares for her, is playing havoc with my mood.
Sometimes, it’s hard to believe we’ve been married for almost three months. It seems like Wren has been in my life, in my heart, forever. She’s slowly lost the haunted look she had when we first met, like she expected the world to crash down around her again. And who could blame her? Her life before, well, it wasn’t a life.
Wren has worked hard over the last six weeks, finishing her dissertation and studying for this final exam. This is the final push, and then we wait for her results. I’m confident she’ll succeed.
She’s already expressed an interest in working for Burns SafeGuard. In her dissertation, she proposed flexible plans for those on lower incomes—a subscription-based model for security services, allowing customers to choose from various tiers based on their needs and budget. My wife is a fucking genius, and I love that she’s always thinking about those less fortunate.
My little bird will fly high, and I can’t wait to see it.
I also can’t wait to see her round with my child, her skin glowing and ripe. The image has been haunting me for the last week since I heard her throwing up in the bathroom early one morning. She hasn’t said anything, but I know her period is late.
“Gabriel?” Ed’s voice breaks through my reverie.
I shrug on my coat. “Right, let’s move. ”
The drive to the college should take thirty minutes, but Ed does it in twenty. I don’t do slow when it involves Wren unless it’s when I’m inside her.
When I pull up to the campus, there she is, looking every bit the college student with her backpack and blonde hair tied up in a messy bun. But she’s different from the rest. She’s mine.
“Hey,” she says, slipping into the back seat with a smile. “Hey, Ed.” She gives him a little wave, and he winks as he raises the privacy screen.
I reach out, cupping her head and pulling her in for a lingering kiss. “Hey, little bird. Missed you.”
“Missed you too, gorgeous,” she says breathlessly, her cheeks flushed from our kiss.
I tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear as Ed starts the car and pulls away from the campus. “How did it go?”
“Good, I think. I mean, I won’t get the results for a few weeks, but I hope I did okay.”
“Hope has nothing to do with it. You’re going to excel, just like you do at everything.”
“Thank you.” She kisses the corner of my mouth before settling back into the leather seat with a tired sigh .
“Want to eat before we head home?” Wren’s been picking at her food like a bird lately, and that’s not just me trying to be cute with her nickname.
“That sounds great.” She yawns, her hand moving to her stomach.
I tip my chin. “Come here.”
Wren’s cheeks flush. “Not in the car, Gabe. Ed is right there,” she hisses, pointing at the privacy screen.
“Oh, believe me, if I wanted to fuck you in the back of the car, I would, baby girl. And make you scream as you milk my cock,” I growl. “But that can wait for another time because you’re tired. Now, come here.”
“Oh.” She almost looks disappointed as she slides closer.
I smirk. My shy little wife doth protest too much. I think she secretly likes the idea of a quick fuck on the back seat.
I tug her onto my lap, and she burrows into me with another yawn. “Take a nap. You’ve had a stressful day,” I murmur, smoothing my hand over her hair. “I’ll wake you when we get there.”
I glance at her, but she’s already asleep, her eyelashes fluttering against her flushed cheeks, her mouth slightly open. Fuck, she’s cute. Leaning my head against the rest, I close my eyes, enjoying her soft weight in my arms.
Twenty minutes later, Ed steers the car into the lot of Maison étoile, a place with more stars than the night sky and prices to match.
“Here we are,” I say softly, waking Wren gently as Ed pulls into a spot to drop us off. He’ll be waiting when we’re ready to leave. “Ready for something delicious?”
She blinks and stretches, giving me one of those smiles that’s all Wren. “As long as it’s not sushi again.”
“Deal.” I chuckle. “No raw fish today.”
Inside, the server knows better than to make us wait. He leads us to a private table with a view of the city that makes you forget the smog and the hustle. I order for us both, picking something rich in iron for her, and watch her pick at the greens on her plate.
“Sweetheart, you have to eat more than that,” I urge, trying to keep the concern out of my voice.
“Sorry, guess I’m not as hungry as I—” She grinds to a halt and swallows. Her face changes color faster than a chameleon in a paint store as a server passes her with a plate of steaming grilled fish. She bolts up, hand over her mouth, and dashes for the ladies’ room.
By the time she comes back, pale but composed, I’m ready with a glass of ginger ale for her.
“Feeling better?” I ask, though it’s clear she’s still queasy.
“A bit. Gabriel… I… um?—”
“You’re pregnant,” I cut in. My voice is steady, but inside, I’m a damn fireworks show.
Her eyes widen. “How did you know? I only found out for sure this morning!”
“Call it intuition.” I grin, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. The idea of having a little one with Wren is everything. A family with her and a future I never dared to dream of once upon a time.
“Are… Are you happy?” Her voice is small, uncertain.
“Happy? Wren, I’m over the fucking moon.”
“We’re having a baby,” she whispers as if she still can’t believe it.
I wipe the tear trailing down her cheek. “Yeah, we are, sweetheart.”
She bites her lip. “Is it too quick? What if you go off me when the baby comes? I’ll have saggy boobs and stretch marks. And God alone knows what shape my vagina will be in once I’ve pushed something the size of a watermelon out of it.”
I chuckle and shake my head. “If you think a few stretch marks could put me off, think again. Would you stop loving me if I lost my hair and gained thirty pounds?”
She pretends to consider it. “Well, now you come to mention it…”
I send her a mock glare. “Careful, baby girl, or I’ll have to punish you.”
She sighs and bats her eyelashes. “Promises, promises.”
“Come on. Let’s get you home and into bed until you feel better. We can skip the auction tonight if you like.”
Wren shakes her head. “No, it’s important. And I’ve been looking forward to a night out with my gorgeous husband. A few hours’ sleep, and I’ll be good as new.”
Back at the penthouse, I tuck her into bed with more ginger ale and her tablet.
“Rest up, you two,” I tell her, the corners of my mouth lifting at the thought of our growing family.
“You take such good care of me,” she sighs, snuggling under the sheets.
“Anything for my little bird,” I assure her before stepping out to handle some business. I glance back once more, taking in the sight of her. My future. Our future.
I close the office door behind me, my hand lingering on the cool metal before I turn and stride toward my office. The tablet lights up, and I tap to answer Luther’s call without missing a beat.
“Gabriel, we’ve got a situation,” Luther’s deep voice fills the room through the speaker.
“Hit me with it,” I say, swiping through the incoming photos with a frown.
“Two guys sniffing around campus, asking questions about Wren. Ethan and I went after them, but they were already in the wind.”
“Gregory and Jerry.” My voice is ice, my grip threatening to crush the tablet. How the fuck are they staying one step ahead of us?
“You and Ethan, get your asses back here. I want you with Wren twenty-four-seven. ”
“Got it, boss.”
The line goes dead, and I’m already punching in Ed’s number. He answers on the second ring, knowing better than to leave me hanging.
“Ed, get up here,” I command, skipping the pleasantries.
“Ominous. On my way,” he replies, and I can almost hear the smirk in his voice.
Minutes tick by like hours until Ed strides into the room, his presence filling the space like he owns it. Which he kind of does, in a way. We’ve seen hell together; his loyalty is as solid as the walls of this penthouse.
He takes one look at my face and grimaces. “Talk to me, Gabe.”
“Gregory and Jerry were at Wren’s college.”
Ed’s jaw sets, his easy demeanor evaporating like mist in the sun. “Well, damn.” He rubs at the stubble on his chin. “It’s a bold move. They must know she’s with you.”
“Those fucker’s have a death wish. They’ve been biding his time, waiting for her to reappear.” I shake my head, my gut telling me we’re still missing something. “They may try to snatch her if they get desperate enough.” I pause, considering our next move.
“Have you considered offering them a bribe?”
My eyes fly to his. “You want me to pay them off?”
Ed shrugs. “Why not, if it gets rid of the trash?”
I glare at him. “Because it feels like giving in.”
“Even if it means Wren’s safety?”
I stare at Ed, my mind wrestling with the idea. Bribing them to disappear feels like feeding beasts that might come back stronger and hungrier. It’s a temporary fix, a bandage on a wound festering beneath the surface. But Ed’s words linger— Wren’s safety. That’s the priority, the only thing that truly matters. If a bribe could guarantee her safety, isn’t that worth the cost?
But the idea of paying off a man like Gregory grates against everything in me. “What’s to stop him from taking the money and still coming after her?” I challenge, my voice tight with the frustration I’m barely holding in check.
Ed leans back in his chair, considering. “You’re right. There’s no guarantee. But it could buy us time, give us the upper hand to take him down on our terms. ”
I pace the room, my mind racing. Time. That’s what we need—time to figure out Gregory and Jerry’s next move, time to ensure Wren’s safety, time to put an end to this once and for all. But paying him off feels like giving him the power, like admitting we’re afraid of what he might do next. And I’m not afraid of Gregory Sanchez or Jerry Prescott. But I am afraid of losing Wren, of what he might do if he gets his hands on her.
“We need to consider all the angles,” Ed continues, pulling me from my thoughts. “What’s more important—proving a point to Gregory and Jerry or keeping Wren safe?”
My mind races. As much as it rankles, I can’t deny the truth in Ed’s words. This is about her, about our child, about the future we’re trying to create—a future that doesn’t include men like Gregory Sanchez and Jerry Prescott.
I stop pacing, turning to face him. “I don’t like it. But I’ll consider it.” The words taste bitter on my tongue. “And if we do this, it has to be on our terms. We make it clear that if they come back, there’s no more money. Only consequences.”
Ed nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. “I have an underground contact. He can put the word out, see if he bites. ”
I frown. “Who?”
“Abe.”
My eyebrows rise in surprise. “Abraham Clements? Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a while. I thought he bought a goat farm somewhere in the back of beyond when he left the military.”
Ed laughs. “He did. He was one of the best. Never thought I’d see him running around with a herd of goats.”
I take a deep breath, letting the weight of the decision settle over me. “Get him on it, Ed. Pay him whatever he wants.”
Ed nods. “You still going to the charity auction tonight?”
“Yeah, a lot of our clients will be there tonight. I need to put in an appearance, show our faces, introduce Wren.”
“We’ll have security at every entrance and exit, a team inside, and Luther and Ethan will have eyes on Wren at all times. And we’ll have a car at the emergency exit ready to go if needed.”
“Good,” I say, a familiar tightness in my chest. The thought of anyone hurting Wren ignites a protective fury. But right now, she’s safe. She’s here, and she’ s mine to care for.
“Keep me updated,” I tell Ed before standing. I need to check on Wren.
I find her asleep, curled up like a kitten among the sheets, her breaths soft and even. For a moment, I stand there, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest, the way her blonde hair fans across the pillow. Moments like these, quiet and unguarded, remind me how much she means to me, more than just my little one in the bedroom.
A few hours pass, and when I return, she’s awake, blinking sleepily and looking up at me with those big blue eyes. “I’m starving,” she mumbles, a hand resting gently on her stomach, an unconscious habit since she found out about the baby.
“Let’s get you something to eat before we head out,” I suggest, helping her sit up.
She nods enthusiastically and slides out of bed. I can’t help but smile as she wobbles to the bathroom, her body still asleep. She’s wearing one of my shirts, which hangs off her like a tent, and a surge of affection nearly knocks me off my feet for this woman who’s upended my world.
I feed my wife, and we shower together before dressing for the charity auction .
“Ready to be the belle of the ball?” I ask, shrugging into my suit jacket.
“Only if you’re my beast,” she teases, slipping into a fabulous dress that makes my heart skip a beat. It hugs her body in all the right places, but my eyes are glued to her belly, still flat but maybe a little fuller than I remember.
I take her by the hand, leading her out to the car. Every step she takes, every breath, I’m aware of how fragile and precious she is and how fiercely I’ll fight to keep her safe. Not just from the threats lurking outside but from the doubts and fears within me, too.
“Look at you,” I say as she buckles herself into the passenger seat, “my stunning wife and the future mother of my child.”
“Sounds so official.” She giggles, color blooming in her cheeks.
“Official and beautiful,” I affirm, closing her door with a soft click and heading around to the driver’s side. Tonight is about making memories, showing her off to the world, and drowning out the shadows with light and laughter.
But even as we drive toward the event, the weight of my responsibilities lingers, a silent sentinel in the back of my mind. No matter what, I’ll protect our little family, whatever it takes.
The charity auction is in full swing, and the air buzzes with the kind of energy that only comes when money meets a good cause. Some of my guys blend with the guests, while others make their presence known at the entrances and exits. I guide Wren through the throngs of well-dressed philanthropists, introducing her to the city’s elite, who could be key influencers in our future business endeavors.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard, meet my wife, Wren,” I say with a warm smile. “Up-and-coming star in the business world.”
Wren’s hand trembles slightly as she shakes hands with them, but her voice is steady. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.”
“Likewise,” Mr. Hubbard says, his eyes crinkling with genuine interest. His wife nods, equally engaged.
As I watch her converse, something shifts inside me. She’s radiant, her usual trepidation replaced by a spark of excitement. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes alight with the thrill of the evening, and maybe something more. It’s like watching a flower bloom in fast-forward.
“Gabriel,” she whispers a few hours later, leaning close to me as we applaud the winning bid for a painting, “I can’t believe how much you spent on that trip to Maui for the kids’ theater group.”
“It’s a good cause,” I reply, though my focus isn’t on the stage. It’s on her, the way she claps, the infectious joy in her laughter. If I weren’t already, I’d be a goner, completely wrapped around her little finger.
“Let’s see if we can sneak out early,” I murmur, itching to get her back home. “I’ve had enough of sharing you for one night.”
“Greedy,” she teases with a sideways glance, but I can tell she’s ready to leave too.
“Only for you,” I quip, leading her out of the elegant venue to where Ed waits for us.
I help Wren into the car, pausing to speak to Ed.
“Anything?”
“No sign of Gregory or Jerry tonight,” he says quietly, his tone all business. “But I’ve made contact with Abe. He’s on the case.”
“Good.” I slide into the backseat beside Wren, tugging her close .
“Is everything okay?” she asks, sensing the shift in mood.
“Perfect now,” I assure her, taking her hand. “Let’s get you home.”
We’re silent in the car, and I leave her to her thoughts. Soon enough, those thoughts will only be of me, anyway. I smile as Ed pulls into the parking garage. I help Wren out of the car and into the elevator. The doors slide shut with a hush, sealing us in our own private world. Wren is curled into me, her warmth bleeding through the layers of my suit. I tighten my hold around her, savoring the quiet before her question breaks the silence.
“What was that about?” Her voice is small but curious, and she tilts her head to meet my eyes.
“Nothing, sweetheart,” I reassure her, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Just making sure you’re safe, that’s all.” It’s the truth, albeit not the whole story. My hand finds its way to her belly, resting there with an almost sacred reverence. “Especially now that you’re carrying our baby.” The words still send a thrill through me, a mixture of pride and a fierce protectiveness I’ve never known before.
She blinks up at me, her blue eyes shimmering with emotion.“I still can’t believe it’s real,” she whispers, stroking her fingers over my chest. The sensation shoots straight down my spine to my cock.
“Believe it,” I murmur, trying to keep my composure as my body responds to her proximity.
She tugs my head down, and her lips press against mine in a soft, sweet kiss that belies the urgency of her next words. “I need you to fuck me, Gabriel. Hard.” She pulls back enough for me to see the plea painted across her face.
Christ. There’s no saying no to that. Not that I’d ever want to. My grip tightens on her, my fingers digging into her hips.
“Now there’s a request I can’t refuse,” I growl, the humor in my voice edged with raw desire.
The elevator dings, announcing our arrival, but it might as well be miles away. Right now, all I can focus on is Wren and the fervent need coursing through both of us. As we step out, I keep her close, my mind racing ahead to where every fantasy we’ve ever whispered in the dark waits to become reality.
“Home,” I say, as much to myself as to her, because with Wren in my arms, that’s exactly what this place is. Home.