Page 34 of Lethal Infatuation

"'Mine is June 9th." I smiled at her revelation. "Same numbers, just turned around. How coincidental."

"Don't tell me you like astrology and angel numbers."

"I won't confirm or deny it, but it is interesting. Can you blame me?" She laughed. "Why are you on a sabbatical?"

"I got shot while working on a case." Gabriella froze, then frowned. The concern on her face was the cutest thing I've ever witnessed. "No need to look so worried. I'm perfectly fine, as you can see."

"The bullet marks I saw, was it due to that specific incident?" I only nodded. "I noticed three bullet wounds. Are you returning to work anytime soon?"

"Why? You worried about me?" She glared at me and the look on her face made me laugh.

"It's not funny."

"Yes, I'm supposed to return to work in two months' time." The waiter approached our table with two wine glasses and our beverage of choice. His eyes lingered on Gabriella a little too long, but she was solely focused on me.

When I didn't thank him, she spoke up. "Thank you so much," she said politely.

"You're welcome, ma'am. Your food should be ready shortly. Let me know if there's anything else you need."

"We won't need anything else, thanks," I said bitterly, making him look at me with widened eyes. Luckily for him, he was smart and immediately walked away.

"You didn't have to be so harsh."

"I'm hanging on by a thread here. That wasn't harsh."

"I don't understand." She looked at me in confusion.

"He's looking at you like he wants to fuck you, Gabriella," I said bluntly, making her breath hitch. "Nobody should look at you like that. Actually, who the fuck am I kidding? Men shouldn't look in your direction at all."

"He wasn't—"

"Don't even try to make it seem like he didn't look at you with that intention. He's speaking to you as if I'm not present." Her lips parted slightly and her eyes flickered with what seemed like desire. "Come here."

"You want me to sit next to you?"

"Yes," I said bluntly. "Now come here."

Gabriella released a soft breath and looked at me with furrowed eyebrows, but complied nonetheless. She sat next to me and I instantly wrapped one hand around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Listen to me carefully." I leaned in, talking directly into her ear and I could see her shiver. "If any other man touches you, I'll burn everything he owns," I said sternly, gazing at her with dark eyes. "I'll burn everything in my pathway. I'll destroy everything that man holds dear to his heart."

She shook her head, a deep frown plastered on her face "You wouldn't," she said breathlessly. "Nicolas, that's crazy."

I grinned mischievously, running my tongue along my upper teeth. "You think that's crazy, sweetheart?" I spoke in a deep, low tone.

"The things I do are worse than that," I murmured, digging my fingertips into her hips. "I'm downright insane. I'm fucking unhinged, Gabriella."

I gripped her chin, turning her head in my direction and ran my thumb along her bottom lip, pulling it down gently. "And when it comes to you, crazy doesn't even begin to explain it. I'd go to war for you."

Her eyes flickered to my lips for a brief moment. "You'remine,mikrí petaloúdaand I want every fucking man on this Earth to know that. Understood?"

When she didn't answer me and only gazed at me with those damn eyes, I grabbed her jaw. "Understood?" I repeated. "Answer me."

"Yes, I understand."

"Good."

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