12. Lexi
12
Lexi
“ I ’m not sorry for this,” Gabriel says as I instinctively take a step back. That kiss was unexpected, reckless, and impossible to refuse. My mind reeled, caught between surprise and a pull I couldn’t resist. My body felt weightless, anchored only by my hand gripping his arm. Timidly, my other hand found his abdomen, the warmth searing through my fingers. As I felt the heat radiating from his lips and the softness of his touch, a swarm of butterflies erupted in my stomach, an exhilarating mix of fear and excitement.
“Are you usually sorry after a kiss?” I ask. He smiles, grabs the plates, and walks over to the sink like nothing had happened. Like he could just as quickly get back to the table and kiss me again, or maybe even…
Is he playing me? I suddenly remember my bare upper lip and feel exposed without my usual shield of lipstick. He saw, he touched, now he knows. Will there be more questions? It was a moment of weakness. I can’t keep getting caught off guard. But how can I stay alert when he’s strutting around in his tight jeans? Damn, they look good on him. And that shirt straining at the buttons… the rock-hard abs my fingers felt? Get a grip, Lexi!
“It’s late. I think I’ll go to bed. Can you come grab your bedsheets?” I mumble .
Ugh, what am I doing? I push myself to my feet and walk barefoot to the bedroom, the cool floor a shock against my heated skin. I peek back over my shoulder as the silence stretches between us, thick. His footsteps seem louder than ever in the quiet. He doesn’t say a word as he walks behind me, and that bugs me. What is this supposed to mean? Did he even enjoy it?
Leaning against the wall opposite the closet, I wait for him to walk in. A half-unpacked duffel bag gapes on the floor, spewing clothes everywhere. Just a quick shower and changing clothes before dinner left no time for proper unpacking. Luckily, Lena came through with the burner phone and the tablet. I need to talk to her. I’m not sure I should tell her about the kiss. Not yet. Not until I know what Gabriel’s up to.
He comes in, grabs a stack of sheets from the closet, and throws them on the bed before taking another for himself.
“Do you need help with the bed?” he says as he’s about to walk out.
That’s the last thing I need now. A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine it: tangled sheets, my cheeks burning, my mouth dry, and the I know what I’m doing to you! look on his face.
“I got it. Thanks for dinner.”
He throws a smile and a nod my way before walking to the door but then stops with his hand on the knob: “Tomorrow, we’re going to talk to Dominic and Lena. Is it okay if I wake you up at nine?”
“Isn’t it Saturday tomorrow? Are you working, or is there another reason we’re seeing them?”
“We’re gearing up for step two of our plan, in which you’ll be a full participant.”
He walks out, leaving a whirlwind of confusion behind. My mind races. Should I follow him? But what if he starts grilling me with a thousand other questions? I still don’t know what to tell him about me. Maybe Lena knows more about our meeting tomorrow. I wait by the door to hear him walk away and then call Lena.
“Hey, girl,” she answers, all cheerful.
“Hey. Where are you?”
“Soaking in the jacuzzi at Dominic’s incredibly posh hotel.”
“You’re with him right now?”
“No. Why would you think that? Come on, Lexi. I only met Dominic for a quick minute. His guys brought me in, and his sis, who turns out to be a doctor, fixed me up. Then, I got room service and a key to the jacuzzi. And how are you?”
“Clearly, not as well as you. I’m stuck in Gabriel’s bedroom. We had dinner, and then he kissed me.”
“No way. Did I hear that right—he kissed you? With tongue and everything? Damn. Good for you, girl!”
“I don’t know about that. At least you can move around freely, and your host, Dominic, gives you space. Does your head still hurt?”
“No. Nothing hurts anymore. You know, I could get used to living in Dominic Monti’s world. I mean, if I didn’t hate him.”
“Right. You hate him now, but maybe you’ll reconsider. Stepping in like that to help you… you have to admit, that move was undeniably sexy.”
“Lexi, I’m telling you. These guys… something’s definitely not right. The way they support each other and have this entire entourage taking care of everything… you were on to something. They’re like professional fixers, but the kind you wouldn’t want to owe anything to.”
“I don’t know. But the idea of another kiss and him asking about why I’ve come here to the city makes me nervous. I’m worried I might blow my cover. Tonight, I got away with it. But tomorrow, we’re coming to meet with you and Dominic. Has he said anything? ”
“No. But he probably will. I can’t wait to see you, though. It was weird how they split us up.”
“Lexi, do you need anything else before I turn off the lights?” Gabriel shouts from the kitchen.
“I’m okay, thanks. Good night.”
“Did he just barge into your room?” Lena asks, half amused.
“No. He was getting the lights. Cut it out, Lena. It was an innocent kiss on the lips. He saw my scar after we ate. That’s all. And a hug, whatever. That was it.”
“Why do you sound so nervous, then?”
Splash…splash… Lena must be shifting around in the tub. Sounds like she’s reaching for something—maybe a glass of wine or some grapes. What a life!
“Lena, I’m so happy you’re okay and getting spoiled. Let’s just be careful with these guys tomorrow so we don’t give ourselves away. They’re up to something.”
“My lips are sealed, but yours aren’t. Or maybe they’re just sealed with a kiss.”
“Oh, we’re dropping song lyrics now? I think we’re done here. Good night, sleep well.” I hang up, wishing she was here so I could hug her. I want to call Dad, but it’s too late, and I know he’ll worry if I sound off. He always knows when something’s wrong.
The phone buzzes on the bed. It’s Lena again. “Hey, did you forget something?” I answer.
“I was just more thinking about how these guys would jump in for each other immediately. That’s a little over the top, don’t you think? Like, what’s the connection between them?”
“Well, they’re friends. They help each other out.”
“Really? And that’s why Dominic rushed to protect me? You know, I’m not sure I buy into this whole protection stuff.”
“Maybe Dominic had other reasons for jumping in to protect you. And maybe your dislike for him isn’t entirely mutual.”
“You don’t know what you’re saying. He’s a classic player, the type who can’t resist a chase. That’s usually his game, but in this case, I have a hunch there’s something else going on,” Lena says.
“The journalist in you must be itching to share a theory. Let’s hear it.”
“You know that urban legend about the Protectors, that mysterious group who step in for people in trouble? So, here’s a crazy thought—what if Gabriel and Dominic are in it?”
“So, about these Protectors… what exactly do they do? Because officially, Gabriel’s company protects rich clients, but something about him feels… different.”
“I’m not sure yet. I heard they help people. But I don’t know what kind of people and in what situations.”
“That’s just a rumor, Lena. You know what? I think these are just rich, influential men playing mind games with us, messing with our heads for their amusement.”
“And our bodies, in your case.”
“Good night, Lena.” I scoff and hang up. These guys, Protectors? Dominic’s a notorious playboy, and Gabriel sells his services to whoever pays more, people like Peter or Lucas. Still, that brooding intensity… maybe being protected wouldn’t be so bad after all. Ugh. It all seems fishy, no matter how hot Gabriel is.
***
It’s been over an hour, and I’ve been tossing and turning, unable to catch any sleep. I couldn’t find any decent pajamas in my bag. I needed something looser, comfier, something like a man’s shirt. And then I saw them—a stack of Gabriel’s plain white tees in the dresser, each one holding a faint whiff of that citrus cologne he wears. I put one of them on, and it smelled so good, so clean, and so undeniably him.
Since the accident, I’ve never had this much happen in just twenty-four hours, or since we were kids and she died, or since my mom walked out on us.
This room is like a cave. The frosted glass window barely lets in any moonlight. Every few seconds, I swear I hear the sea and the wind whipping off the beach, but it’s so dark I can’t even tell how close we are. Who on earth puts a frosted window in their bedroom? Does Gabriel hate sunlight or something? This house would make you think he was a vampire. But that olive, slightly sunburnt skin of his that makes his jaw look even more chiseled and rugged… that’s something else. He seemed pretty intimidating at first. But here in his house, he looks a little more relaxed, maybe.
Every creak and groan outside makes me cringe. Maybe it’s just the wind messing with the trees. There’s not even any traffic hum to block it out. This area must be super quiet at night. So, I left the bathroom door cracked open and the lights on. I’m not a fan of the dark.
Right now, I could use Lena. I need someone to talk to, laugh with, and drown out the noise in my head with a good old heart-to-heart over drinks. Or I could do a puzzle—anything to distract myself and make these memories fade away. I’ll never forget the time Lena surprised me with an erotic puzzle from the sex shop, made of nude images. We spent hours putting it together, matching the body parts, and laughing the whole way through. God, I miss her. She’s like my soul sister, and she and Dad keep me grounded.
My throat feels like sandpaper . Why didn’t I grab some water before Gabriel switched off the lights? Just a few sips would be a godsend right now, anything to settle the knot of nerves in my stomach. But venturing into the kitchen would probably set off the alarm system—and Gabriel’s in the study at the other end of the living room.
This house is seriously weird. You walk in through giant doors, but there aren’t any regular windows. Instead, there’s a huge skylight smack in the middle of the living room ceiling. You can look right up at the stars at night or the sunbeams streaming in during the day. All the other rooms are clustered around it, like little pods in a beehive.
I’ll get a closer look at the house tomorrow. And maybe I get a chance to talk to Lena about the mystery car that ran into us. On Monday, I’m back at Grain Inc. and resuming my search mission. Gabriel will probably pick me up in the evenings, leaving me with Mike or someone else during the day. But I’ll be free though. At least, I hope so.
This room is closing in on me! Creaking the door open as quietly as a mouse, I tiptoe into the living room. It’s dark in here, but I remember seeing the fridge on the left when Gabriel grabbed a water bottle earlier. He’s probably holed up in his study working—that off-limits room at the end of the hall.
With the water bottle in my hand, I turn to slink back to the bedroom when a dark figure jumps off the couch and lunges at me. Before I can even blink, a scream rips out of my throat. Then I hear Gabriel’s voice, all confused, “Why are you sneaking around?” He flicks on the lights, and there he is, looking like he just rolled out of bed with his hair sticking up everywhere and… buck naked.
I try to look away but can’t pull myself to do it. In the dim light, his abs look incredible, like someone spent ages chiseling them into a work of art. Every muscle seems to tell a story of hard work and dedication. But it’s the whole package that’s got me hooked. The way he moves, all smooth and powerful, is seriously distracting. His broad shoulders taper down to a perfect V-shape, with two lines etched into his muscles that fade next to something… large and very naked. He’s like the epitome of manhood, and I’m like a moth to a flame.
I drop the bottle, and it breaks into a thousand pieces. That was the water I was supposed to be quietly drinking in my room. Too late for that now.
“Don’t move, or you’ll hurt yourself.” A blush creeps up Gabriel’s neck as he snatches his jeans off the couch, throws them on clumsily, and strides over to me. “Hold on, I’ll take you to the bedroom.”
He picks me up like a feather, carefully hopping over the glass mess. My arms wrap around his neck, surprised by how hot his skin is. Crap, I woke him up. He was probably snuggled up on the couch with just a sheet to cover him. I can’t help but run two fingers up his neck and through his hair—softer than I expected. The beard makes him look way more intense, especially with that grumpy face. But those lips… they look like they know what they want and aren’t afraid to get it. Ever since he grabbed me at the Casino, surrounded by all those people, I’ve been dying to touch that beard and feel his hair. Now, in this quiet house, it’s just us two. And this bodyguard-client thing feels way different right now.
Everything flipped when he ditched the suit and tie and let go of this uptight, got-to-follow-every-rule attitude. When we were just two people sharing a corner table and a salad. When he listened to me, really listened. When he touched my lips, and then when I saw his full-on Greek god body.
He carries me over to the bed, where he gently lowers me down. “I’ll get you some more water. Get in, please.” He sounds like he wants to let go, but his hand stays parked on my hip like he isn’t quite ready to leave.
“And the broken glass? ”
“I’ll pick that up later. Let’s get you to sleep. You’ve had a long day. We have a lot to do tomorrow,” he whispers.
“I can’t sleep, I’m sorry. You’re not my babysitter, I know, but I need someone. I’m constantly battling my memories. They drag me back to some dark places, and I can’t seem to shake them on my own tonight.”
“How do you usually fall asleep?”
“I have Lena. We talk, and she hangs out with me and helps me calm down. Or I do a puzzle.”
“I’ll buy you some puzzles tomorrow.”
He pulls his hand away and takes a step back, looking me in the eye like he wants to make sure I’m going to listen to what he has to say. “Lexi, look. I don’t do relationships,” he says, as if giving a death sentence.
I’m not asking for a relationship. What the hell is this guy thinking? I just need him to hang out with me for a bit. But he looks scared. Or maybe I’m just not his type.
“You don’t do relationships with women like me, or in general? Seeing Anita all over you last night…”
“Anita is nothing to worry about. I don’t do relationships because my lifestyle doesn’t allow me.”
“What’s wrong with your lifestyle? We met because of your lifestyle.”
“I was in the Navy until a few years ago. Always on the move, no home base to come back to. I used to crash at Dominic’s hotel during my downtime between deployments.”
“You’re not in the Navy anymore.”
“You are my client.”
“Do you kiss all your clients like that?”
“No, I kissed you because you needed it. But it’s not safe. ”
“I see. You’re all about work ethic. No worries, I won’t make you do anything that goes against your principles. I was just feeling down and scared.”
“It’s not that. I can lose my focus if I get involved. Bad things happen when I lose my focus.” He hesitates in the doorway and ponders for a bit.
“Maybe if you leave the door open, you can see me on the couch. Will that help you sleep?”
“Not if you’ll be naked.”
“Sorry, that was a slip. I’ll let you go to sleep now.”
He walks away, but then he turns around before reaching the couch.
“That T-shirt you’re wearing is mine, right?”
Damn it. I was hoping he wouldn’t notice. “Yeah. Sorry. Lena didn’t pack my good pajamas.” Come on, poker face, don’t crumble on me now. Don’t let him see I’m lying through my teeth.
“Well, you could’ve asked, you know. Instead of going through my closet,” he says, lifting an eyebrow with an amused look in his eyes. Is he scolding me for this? What the heck? It’s just a T-shirt.
“I was naked when I saw there weren’t any good pajamas in my bag. Should I have called out then to ask for permission?” Let’s see what he has to say to this! I’m done with all his drawers, rules, and secrets.
“Of course you were. That was stupid of me. Good night, Lexi.”
He walks away, saying nothing, but that sparkle in his eyes is not fooling anyone. He likes it when I challenge him, but I don’t know how far I can take it. How many nights does it take for him to give up his rough, untamed nature and take his walls down?