Page 93 of Playboy

And that’s when the tears came. Gabby buried her face in his shoulder, her body shaking with emotion, overwhelmed by everything—by the support, by the victory, by the knowledge that he had never left her side, not once, through it all.

“I couldn’t have done it without you,” she whispered, her voice cracking as she pulled back to look at him.

He smiled, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. “You could’ve done it all along. I just reminded you how strong you are.”

Gabby’s heart swelled, the weight of the moment settling over her. She had proven herself today, and not just to those who doubted her, but to herself. And as she stood there, surrounded by her family, her team, and the man who had never stopped believing in her, she knew that no matter what came next, she was ready for it.

???

Gabby stood near the table of food that was set up for everyone as she looked at everyone who was in attendance.

After her PFT, Playboy had taken her to Bayside for what she thought was going to be dinner. However, she had been shocked when they arrived at Bayside and Playboy had led her into a private room that was filled with all of her friends and family as they were all there to celebrate with her.

She smiled as Playboy approached her and handed her a chocolate martini.

“Thank you,” she told him.

“Anything for the woman of the hour,” Playboy joked.

Moments later, Bear and Jocelyn joined them.

“Playboy, you’ve gotta come see how the mural is coming along,” Bear said, smiling as Jocelyn nodded beside him.

Bear then looked at Gabby. “What you’ve done so far is incredible.”

Gabby smiled, feeling a sense of pride in her work. The mural in Bear and Jocelyn’s bedroom was still a work in progress, but it had become a creative outlet for her, a way to express the complexities she couldn’t always articulate. “I’ve got more to add, but I’m glad you both like it. It’s meant to be personal, something that tells your story.”

Jocelyn’s eyes sparkled. “It already does. You have no idea how much we appreciate it.”

As they talked about the design and color schemes, Gabby kept Playboy’s within an arms reach, her fingers brushing against his casually. She felt more at ease with him close. His warmth was a constant, an anchor she didn’t know she’d needed until he was there.

Then, from the corner of her eye, Gabby noticed Derek, Playboy’s commander, approaching them. She stiffened slightly, instinctively straightening up, and felt Playboy give her a reassuring glance. She hadn’t officially met Derek, but she knew who he was.

Derek stopped in front of and shook Playboy’s hand before turning his attention to Gabby. His expression was serious but kind.

Playboy made the introductions, and Gabby shook Derek’s hand. “It’s so nice to finally meet you officially,” he told her.

“It’s nice to meet you as well,” she replied with a smile.

“I wanted to also thank you, personally, for what you did that day. If it wasn’t for your quick thinking and bravery, I don’tknow what would’ve happened to my team or even the other Coast Guard personnel who were helping. You saved lives.”

Gabby blinked, momentarily speechless. The words landed heavily on her heart, the weight of what he said sinking in. She wasn’t one for seeking praise or recognition, but hearing it from Derek made everything feel more real, more significant. She glanced at Playboy, who was watching her intently, then back at Derek.

“I—” Gabby faltered, clearing her throat. “I didn’t do it for the recognition. I just did what I was trained to do. If I had to, I’d make the same choice again.”

Derek nodded, respect evident in his expression. “Well, that instinct saved more lives than you realize. Thank you, truly.”

Gabby smiled awkwardly, not used to this kind of attention. She appreciated the words, but deep down, part of her wished she didn’t have to be brave, that the accident hadn’t happened in the first place. But she wasn’t about to dwell on that now. Not tonight.

As the night wore on, everyone moved out of the private room and into the main area of the restaurant. Gabby found herself smiling more easily, enjoying the company of everyone around her. She was happy that Selena had shown up and looked to be enjoying herself. She laughed at Nails’ jokes as he kept everyone entertained.

But then, as she scanned the crowd, that familiar feeling crept up on her—the one that made her skin prickle, and her muscles tighten. It wasn’t just the feeling of eyes on her anymore. It was deeper than that, more unsettling. A sense of danger, like something was brewing in the background, waiting to strike.

She shifted beside Playboy, her body tense, and he immediately noticed. “You okay?” he asked quietly, his arm instinctively wrapping around her waist.

Gabby swallowed, her eyes scanning the crowd once more. “I don’t know. It’s just a feeling. Like something’s not right.”

Playboy’s gaze hardened, his protective instincts kicking in. “You’re safe, Gabby. I’ve got you. We’re surrounded by people we trust, no one’s getting near you.”

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