Page 35 of Hell and High Water

“See? Boredom gone.” Gavin laughs, getting up. “Enjoy spending some time together while you’re at it. I’ll be back in a few days, maybe sooner. I’ll check in, either way.”

Before he can make the door, I’m up and across the room, scooped up in his massive, leather jacket-clad arms. We share a deep, slow kiss.

“Be safe out there, please. If someone is gunning for me, they might be after you too. Not to mention the Ghosts and the Block might have a grudge to settle with you.”

“I’ll be careful. Evan’s got my six.” His warmth leaves me longing as he steps out, locking the door.

7

HELLENA

Asigh slips out as I plop back onto the couch. “Are you okay with… that?”

I point toward the door.

“As long as I am near you, with you, nothing can bother me. I just want you to be happy, Hellena.” Tell’s smile is full, genuine. And just as constant as mine. I’ve missed him so fucking much.

And go figure, he really means it, that he’s just fine with my having another lover. Even if there is something in his posture, his tone, that makes me wonder what’s really bothering him.

We sit quietly for a while, me savoring his scent, the feel of his body under me. It’s unusual, the two of us not chatting, sharing.

“So, you want to do some exercises?” he finally asks.

“We’ve been working out all day, actually. I’m kind of beat.”

“Ah, well, I have a few different kinds of exercise in mind…”

“Mmm, oh, yeah?”

“Definitely. But it’s not what you’re thinking. Although, I am definitely thinking that too…” He eyes the hint of cleavage peeking out from my towel.

Running my hand up his leg, I feel him harden to my touch, stretching against his jeans. It gets my heart pounding, my face flushing.

“Ach! I also wanted to say something first,” he fumbles, swallowing nervously.

“We can talk and play.” I raise my eyebrows.

“Hella, I’m serious.”

I pause, seeing the genuine worry in his eyes.

“There are just a few things we left unresolved.”

“You’re right. We left things sort of up in the air.” I nod, watching him closely.

“I lied to you. I was doing what I was told to do, and I thought it was for your own good at the time. But I was dishonest with you about it, and it ended up putting you in harm's way.”

“Tell, I want to know everything. I really do. But I’ve had a little time to think, to reconcile my anger about some of it. We don’t have to force it?—”

“I just want to know that I didn’t ruin everything,” he protests, sitting up.

I must look dumbstruck because he gapes at my expression, more worried than ever. Ruined?

“Tell. I thought you noticed how I threw myself at you, kissed you, told you I missed you. First thing, right in the door?”

“I … I know. I’ve just had way more time to think and think and think?—”

“Stop.” I gently rest a finger on his lips. “I forgive you. If there was even anything to forgive.”

---