Page 8 of Ruined

He held them out to Cutler. “Surprise.”

God. He was perfect. Cutler accepted his gift. “Thank you. These are gorgeous.”

Gable stole a quick kiss. “Beautiful men deserve beautiful things.”

Fuck. That should have been his line. Cutler was older and richer. He could afford to give Gable nice things. Cutler would start with dinner. “Hopefully, tonight makes up for theother night. You should’ve gotten a proper dinner.”

A wicked smile stretched Gable’s lips. “I hope you’re not apologizing. I might have to leave if you’re sorry.”

With a shake of his head, Cutler headed for the kitchen. He had to turn away so Gable wouldn’t see the way he smiled like an idiot.

Gable spoke behind him as Cutler found a vase for the flowers. “Dinner smells good.” Cutler flashed a smile over his shoulder, and Gable continued. “I had a meeting with Saul today.”

Cutler fumbled with the flowers, nearly dropping them at the name. Saul had been handpicked by Zander to run his hotels in Atlantic City. As the owner of the Luna name, Zander was extremely particular about who he chose for the role. That closeness also meant Saul knewtoo much about Cutler. That had always made Cutler uncomfortable. He wanted to walk away from his past and make himself believe he had always been Cutler Maine. He was still a bad person. Cutler lived in Atlantic City for a reason. Just like Saul, he had been handpicked to work the area. It was his job to ensure no trafficking slipped through the Jersey docks. Occasionally, he picked up jobs with the CIA. Every now and then, the CIA and Zander worked together with Cutler. But that was the guy Cutler wanted to be without the shadow of the past. He wanted to forget.

Gable molded against his back, making Cutler realize he had been standing frozen at the counter, lost in a nightmare. His eyes fell closed as Gable’s mouth touched his neck. “You don’t have a thing to worry about. Saul asked that Case guy to marry him. He’sbeyond noticing anyone else. This was purely business.”

Relief washed over Cutler. Gable thought he had frozen in jealousy. “I met Case on the cruise. He seems nice. Hopefully, Saul won’t eat him alive. Was your business fruitful?” The question came out sounding breathless as Gable chose that moment to softly bite his neck. His hands ran up Cutler’s chest before gently urging him back, holding him closer. “I’m still alive, so I’d call it a win.” Gable didn’t sound as if he cared to continue the conversation.

“Will we be skipping a second dinner?”

An evil-sounding laugh vibrated against his skin, sending chill bumps down Cutler’s spine. “Maybe I should let you breathe.”

Cutler turned. “I could stand to breathe a little less.” Again, it was Cutler who went on the attack. Everything about Gable wasirresistible. He wanted to watch those tattooed hands move over his nude skin again. Cutler wanted to own him. He very much feared how far he would go. For the first time in a long time, he felt alive. He was scared of what would happen if they stopped. He was equally terrified of what would happen if they didn’t.

Chapter Seven

Cutler:It’s official. You’ve ruined dinner for me. Nothing tastes good when you’re gone.

Gable:When this job is finished and I get back to the hotel, we can FaceTime. You can give me a show and then we’ll eat.

Cutler:Deal.

Gable:Packages arriving at the CIA are thoroughly searched. Now everyone wants to know who sent the good coffee pods and if they can share. LOL!

Cutler:I know how much you hate the cheap shit they keep in the break room. It’s yours, so you can share if you like. Just not with Roger. That guy tried to stop me from seeing you the other day.

Gable:No Roger. Check. I can’t wait for this day to end. I miss you like crazy.

Cutler:Same.

Cutler:Dinner reservation is at seven.

Gable:I’ll be on time. Promise.

Cutler:Hmm. We’ll see.

Gable:I was late once.

Cutler:I’m only playing with you.

Gable:If you have to wait, I’ll fall at your feet and suck your toes.

Cutler:*dead* Please don’t.

Gable:Ahhh. We have a kink shamer.

Cutler:*hard eye roll*

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