Page 60 of Fragile

At the contact of my hand, Gabriel shot me a glance over his shoulder. “Are you OK, did he hurt you?”

“No, Gabriel, I’m fine. Let’s just go. He isn’t worth it.”

Gabriel moved back and dropped his arm before ramming his hands against Simon’s throat, gripping it tightly.

“You ever come near her again and I will personally feed you your balls, get it?” Gabriel’s free hand moved between Simon’s legs and grabbed his testicles in one fist. The pig-like squeal Simon omitted was high and I felt a stab of regret. Not necessarily for my attacker, but for the ugliness of the situation.

“Please, Gabriel!”

This caused him to release Simon, who in turn clutched at his throat and started coughing. Gabriel turned towards me, his angry eyes searching my face before he raised his hands and stroked my upper arms. He lightly touched the marks which had been caused by Simon’s grip. As he stared down at them, his fury went up a notch and he turned on the other man, drew back his fist and punched Simon in the face. I heard the crunch of bone on bone and a wave of sickness shot up through my stomach.

As Simon fell to his knees, his hands wrapped over his bloodied nose, Gabriel spat on the floor by his feet. “You’re lucky you have an audience mate. If I ever see your face again, I will personally wipe the floor with it.”

Gabriel dragged an aggressive hand across his jaw, his eyes murderous before he turned and gripped me by the arm, yanking me out of the apartment. I was shaking so much that my legs felt like jelly.

“Gabriel, you’re hurting me,” I panted, his hold was so tight.

He was breathing heavily as he twisted to face me, his eyes dipping to where he held me. I could see he too was in shock. Once he realised how hard he held me, Gabriel dropped my arm and wrapped his hand around my shoulders saying, “Sorry.”

Taking a deep breath, I could see he was at war with himself, trying to get control of his temper.

“Are you OK, can you stand?” Gabriel said as he guided me to safety. I hiccupped my reply and he moved his arm to my waist.

It felt like forever to get down those stairs.

When we left the complex, Asher shot out of the car, followed by Marco.

“Fucking hell, is she OK. What happened?”

Asher came to the other side of me as I attempted to control my trembling limbs. I was in shock, from the attack and Gabriel’s scary behaviour. I’d never even seen a fight at school.

“Help her into the car. Marco. Ninth floor, room 6B. I’ve left you something to clean up. Make it quick and clean.”

I only half took in what Gabriel was saying. Had he just told Marco to go up to my old room and make it quick and clean? What did that mean?

As I settled into the backseat, Asher tugged the centre seat belt over me. “Do you want some water?”

My thoughts were racing, and I felt slightly sick. I shook my head knowing it would only come back up again.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Ash said, his face dropping.

Gabriel climbed into the car, his knuckles were bleeding from hitting Simon and I felt a twinge of sadness that I was responsible for that. I should have taken him with me in the first place.

“Leonie’s ex-landlord attacked her,” Gabriel explained.

“You’re fucking joking?” Ash’s face paled and he placed a hand on my arm.

“I’m OK, I’m fine,” I replied with a sob.

“You’re not fine. Come here,” Gabriel instructed in a tone which brooked no argument. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders he tugged me against him, and the seat belt pulled tight over my chest.

“He’s done, Leonie. You don’t have to worry about that prick ever again. Why the hell did you go up there alone?”

Then the tears started and my whole body shook as I turned my face into his shoulder. Gabriel’s body immediately softened. “Please don’t cry, baby. It’s over now. You’re safe.” He stroked my hair with his free hand.

I knew he was apologising for raising his voice, believing himself to be responsible for my tears but that wasn’t the case. I was both relieved and still in shock. I wanted to curl up on Gabriel’s lap, release everything I was feeling and bury my head against his throat. This man at times made me angry, but he also made me feel safe.

As we all sat together in the back of the car, Asher and Gabriel were speaking softly over my head, but I couldn’t focus on what they were saying.

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