Page 100 of Shattered Fate

“I had just come out of the attorney’s office, and I was angry Max asked me to look into what the Blacks did to you. I didn’t want the responsibility of carrying out his last wishes, and I almost left you there.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No, I didn’t. You said that’s the day you fell in love with me. Do you love me out of gratitude? Because I rescued you?”

I don’t mind the question. I admitted I fell for him quickly, and because I’m on so much medication, it could seem like I can’t decide important things like that for myself. I would agree, maybe, if I had met Gage last year, but month by month, week by week, I’m getting better, and every day my mind is clearer, sharper. “Do you love me because Max asked you to?” I whisper into his ear.

“Love doesn’t work like that.” He tilts his head and gives me access to his warm skin.

“No, it doesn’t.”

I work my way down his neck, then back again. I’ve never made out in a vehicle in the dark. I’ve read books where they’re interrupted by the police, but that wouldn’t happen in front of Gage’s building. I like making out in his truck, but it’s getting cold.

He turns his head and captures my lips with his. The sweet taste of our dessert lingers on his tongue, and I fall in, crawling into his lap, the space tight between the wheel and his broad chest.

“There are better places to do this,” he says, powering the bench back.

“I know, but this is fun.”

He leans away and rubs his thumb over my lips. “You’re always going to keep me guessing, aren’t you?”

I kiss the pad of this thumb. “Is that bad?”

“Things won’t be boring. Come on, let’s go inside. Are you nervous?”

I’m already on his side, and he lifts me out and holds on to me until my heels find purchase in the snow. “A little. Tonight feels different.”

He looks down at me, his eyes soft and tender. “You know I won’t do anything to you.”

“I know.”

A light snow starts to fall and standing outside under the stars is like a romantic dream.

He brushes a snowflake off my cheek. “I don’t know how it happened. How I love you so much.”

I lean in and hug him. “I love you, too.”

“Then I’m pretty damned happy. Come on.”

He grabs my overnight bag out of the extended cab, and we walk across the lot, our fingers tangled together, the snow falling down around us. He pushes the door open and holds it for me,and I step into the stark, cold hallway. My heels clang on the metal stairs, the piercing sound pinging off the walls.

Baby’s waiting, scratching to be let out, and Gage unlocks his apartment door. I bend down to pet her.

“I need to let her out. Will you be okay?”

“Sure.” I tilt my head, and taking the hint, he kisses me. It’s so natural, but it’s not anything I’ll ever take for granted.

He and Baby go outside, and I hang up my coat and kick my heels off. I’m tired, but energy hums in my blood. Gage said he wanted us to share his bed, and I can’t wait to lie in his arms all night. He’s going to let me ease into our physical relationship, and I’m grateful. Not many men would have the patience Gage has.

The award Gage accepted on Max’s behalf sits on the floor inside the door where he left it. I pick it up, the statue of the crow heavy, the letters etched into the gold.Maxwell Cook, King’s Crossing’s Reporter of the Year.Looking around Gage’s living room, the hem of my gown dragging over the carpet, I find a place for it on his bookshelf. I admire it, and Gage slams back inside, Baby shaking off the snow.

“You look like a fairy princess who dropped into my apartment,” he says, tugging off his wet jacket.

“I bet you don’t get many of those,” I say, trying to calm my heart. Not because I’m scared. No, Gage is handsome, masculine, and any woman would be aware of him. I’ve watched him out in public. Any and every womanisaware of him, and he chose me. He looks delicious in a tux, but I won’t be seeing him in one often. He doesn’t have the tolerance for evenings like this, and I don’t much anymore, either. It’s nice to get dressed up sometimes, but all the people there were fake, preening for each other. It shames me that’s the kind of life I used to enjoy. I wonder if it was Ash who soured me to it, or if Stella’s rubbing off on me. Probably both.

“No, but then, I’ve never socialized in circles where I could have met one. I want to get out of this monkey suit. Did you bring pajamas?” he asks, picking my bag up.

Baby crawls onto the cushion under the kitchen table and falls asleep.

---