Page 43 of Gabriel's Salvation

“I really can’t, Princess,” I say softly as I brush her beautiful brown locks away from her face, so that I can cup her cheek. But I'll see you tomorrow, straight from work, and I'll take us somewhere nice.”

“Fine,” she sulks.

She walks me out to the door and standing up on her toes leans up and gives me another sweet kiss. I tear myself away from her with a moan, my junk aching for me to stay so I force myself to walk to my ride.

I turn and wave goodbye before getting in my car and driving back towards Riley and Harper's house. As soon as I pull up, I make my way to the door and knock. A few seconds later, Harper answers.

“Oh hey Harper, is Riley here, please?” I say. But she pushes me back and closes the front door behind us both.

“Now, I've got no problem with you. And I love Izzy. I think you're both great together. But I suggest you keep that fucking brother of yours away from my sister; otherwise, there’s gonna be some trouble,” Harper snaps, and I'm shocked. Usually out of the four girls, Harper is the sweetest, calmest, and most laid back, but right now she's more like a mama bear protecting her cubs.

I sigh, “What happened Harper?”

“Let’s put it this way, he fooled my sister into giving him something special, and then betrayed her.” What the fuck?

“Shit, did he hurt her?” I ask, as I think back to the marks I saw on her face that looked like more than just make up.

“Of course he hurt her, she wasn’t that upset for nothing,” Harper snaps again.

“I mean physically, did he hurt her physically?'' Please say he didn't. Please.

“No, nothing like that. But I don't want to see him anywhere near her again. She's been through enough shit she doesn't need a jackass like him as well.”

I nod my head in agreement, not sure what else to do or say.

“Oh and Nate, if I ever find out you hurt Bella like this, I won't think twice about shooting the both of you… I know where daddy keeps his hunting rifle,” she says with an evil smile.

“I can promise you, hand on my heart. I'd give up my life before I ever hurt Bella,” I admit, meaning every single word.

“Good” Harper smiles, a more genuine one this time. “Because I kind of like you. Plus it would be a shame to make both Izzy and Riley help me bury the bodies,” she laughs playfully.

“What about Ava? Wouldn’t she be there too? I joke back.

“Oh yeah Ava would be there too, she’s been our ride or die bestie since freshman year. But she’d be loving every minute of it. She'd be the one holding the matches when the fire trucks showed up.”

“Damn, you women are crazy,” I tease.

“Yep and don't you forget it.” Harper laughs. “But I mean it, if I see that brother of yours anywhere near Riley again, he’ll be pissing through a straw.”

“Hey Nate, is everything okay?” Riley asks as she opens the door.

“Yep, Izzy just thought she'd left her keys in my handbag, but nope, sorry Nate,” Harper lies.

“No worries. They’re probably in the car somewhere,” I reply as I turn and leave.

I drive home, park the car, and make my way inside. “Gabe,” I shout, but get no answer. “Gabe, are you here?” I shout louder this time but still get no answer. I make my way to the kitchen and see broken bottles on the floor. For fuck's sake! I pick up the bits I can and then get out the vacuum to clean up the rest. I'm just finishing vacuuming and putting it away when I hear the roar of Gabe’s bike coming down the path.

“What the fuck Gabe?” I shout as I open the door and see him staggering off his motorbike. “Are you drunk?” I shout as he brushes past, not needing to answer since I can smell the liquor on him.

“Leave me alone, I've had a shitty night,” he snaps.

“You've had a shitty night? What about Riley?” I snap back pushing him.

“What do you fucking know?” he slurs.

“I know I had to rescue her after you abandoned her,” I snap back.

“Wait, she's okay? She's safe?” he slurs, sounding almost grateful as he grabs hold of my sweater.

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