Page 80 of Untamed Protector

“I don’t want to think about tomorrow. Who knows what I’ll need to face?”

“These are your memories talking, Lexi. They’re still haunting you. That’s why I wanted to help you relax and take your mind off things tonight. Didn’t you say that helps?”

“I’ve always felt better when I spent the night with you. It’s been easier to sleep. But that’s the problem, Gabriel—it’s addictive. And it’s not what I had in mind when I came to live here with you.”

He squeezes me tighter, kissing my bare shoulder. Naked in his arms, I’m afraid that if I move, the spell will break, and something bad will happen. The memory of the accident and that awful man who caused it floods back into my mind as vividly as if it were yesterday. I wish Gabriel could see the real me and not be frightened. He’s accepted me so far and put up with everything I threw his way, and it’s the first time in my life a man has done that for me.

“It’s not that easy, Gabriel. I can’t just forget and let go. I get stuck in this loop, reliving it over and over. It happens when I pass by a hospital, hear a loud car noise, look in the mirror and see the scar on my lip, or see my dad limping or wincing in pain after a long day on his feet, thinking I don’t notice. I’ve spent my whole life hating, regretting, and hiding this suffocating fear I can’t seem to escape.”

I can hold back the tears when I tell him because the fear fades away when I’m in his arms. I can’t escape the memories, but with Gabriel, I can at least escape the sadness.

His fingers spread open, finding the sensitive spot below my belly. He lifts one leg over mine, his voice a husky murmur in my ear. “I’ve got you. Let me take care of things now.”

He presses his fingers into me as if to make sure that I’m here, that I exist. And to reassure me he’s real, too, and brand me with his presence. It’s impossible not to notice him—towering over me at six feet three, cradling me, engulfing me, protecting me.

“Lexi… I love you,” I hear him whisper, his voice husky and thick with emotion. We sit in silence for a few moments. His breathing gets calm, gently brushing my hair as he exhales.

My man falls asleep peacefully next to me. I snuggle up closer, closing my eyes and letting the sound of his peaceful breaths wash over me, carrying me off to sleep as well.

***

I slept so well, curled up in his arms, that the rest of the world faded away. But as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains, a knot of worry tightened in my stomach. The danger I’ve pushed aside for a stolen night of peace is back.

Shrugging off the unease, I showered, made coffee for both of us and toasted some bread. I got used to his place and where everything belongs. I got used to feeling good.

The smell of coffee fills the air as I make my way to the bedroom. Gabriel opens his eyes, taken by surprise. “Wow, you’re all dressed already? What time is it? I swear I didn’t hear a peep.”

“It’s seven,” I say softly, placing a steaming mug on the nightstand. “I used the other bathroom so I wouldn’t wake you.” That’s the one next to his study. The no snooping rule is no longer a thing. He never brought it up again.

“Nothing beats waking up to coffee. But you’ve got too many clothes on, and I don’t like it. Where’s the ring? Why aren’t you wearing it?”

“It’s right there on the nightstand. We’re inside. I didn’t think I needed it.”

Gabriel reaches out, takes the GPS ring, and puts it on my finger for the second time. “Don’t take it off again, please,” he says, almost pleading.

“Not even when we make love?”

“Never. Get used to having it on. Promise me.”

I offer a quick, almost apologetic nod. He rises a little in the bed, leaning a toned forearm on the post, and takes a slow sip of coffee, holding my gaze for a beat too long. He’s right—I’m ready to go in my jeans, his oversized shirt loosely knotted at the waist, and well-worn sneakers. I was going to ask him to hang out with me at the beach for a bit. Early summer mornings on a deserted beach are so romantic, with a gentle breeze and calm waves—peaceful. And that’s how today feels.

“I made us some toast. I can whip up an omelet, too, while you shower.”

He throws me a disappointed look and then hops out of bed. “I won’t take long. Count me in for the omelet. I don’t know about the beach, though. We’ll negotiate.”

“You’re such a grump,” I yell, shamelessly checking out his well-defined, tight ass as he struts off. His tan, defined back muscles ripple as he walks, showing off his strength and agility. I just love how his veiny, strong arms move with surprising grace. He’s naked, he’s handsome, and he’s been glued to me all night.

He turns and flashes me a smile, running his hand through his hair. “We should do something about this habit of yours of contradicting me.”

“We really should,” I say with a serious face. “The first step would be for you to get used to it,” I add, walking to the kitchen to fix breakfast. There’s a quiet and homey vibe to this morning. I could get used to it. Good is the easiest to get used to. I can’t help but smile and giggle when I remember last night.

I grab some utensils, eggs, cheese, and… all I need is to just get started. I take a quick look through the massive glass doors of the living room that face the sea, and then I get closer. The beach is not too far. I can just smell the salty breeze. Maybe I can talk him into it.

A sudden, piercing cry rips through the air. It’s a pitiful whimper, full of pain, like a tormented soul crying out for help. My heart pounds wildly against my ribs. A tense silence follows, broken only by the rasp of my breath. Then, the sound comes again, closer this time, seeming more desperate. Whatever creature is out there, it’s in pain. Taking a deep breath, I decide to go out and check.

Maybe it’s just a stray, scared and hurt. Perhaps a dog got caught in the yard fence, or maybe there were other traps set up by Gabriel for intruders. I can’t ignore the raw pain in that cry. I try to go outside, but the house alarm goes off, drowning out everything else.

I ignore it and tiptoe outside, trying to find out where the animal noise came from. As I reach the far corner, I see a small, furry ball on the ground. It’s a little dog, with his fur messy and knotted, like someone threw him over the fence. He has big, sad eyes that seem to cry out in pain, and his whole body keeps shaking. I kneel beside him, gently stroking his fur. Then I pick him up in my arms. The little dog lifts his head a little and licks my hand with his wet tongue.

---