Page 36 of Stalked

Nodding my head, I bite my bottom lip, trying to hold back the tears. I already cried last night. I don’t need to fall apart again.

“They’re not after you,” he says, dragging me further up his body until I’m lying across his chest. “They’re after me and trying to hurt me by going for you. But I’m not going to let that happen.” I open my mouth to protest, but Tobias shakes his head. “No, there’s no room for argument. Not here, and not now. We’re going to find out who these fuckers are. One of my aunts is already looking into it. And while we look, me and you, we’re going on a trip.”

“We’re running,” I blurt out, resting my forehead against him.

“I don’t run, but if it protects you and keeps you safe, then that’s what we’re going to do. There’s nothing in this world I wouldn’t do for you, so we’re going on this trip.”

Pushing against his chest, I sit up, straddling his hips. If this was a different situation, I’d probably be more aware of the fact that we're both naked, and I’m not bothering to cover up.

“There’s no place that’s safe,” I mutter, my fear wrapping around my throat. It’s like I’m fifteen all over again, afraid for my life, not knowing if I’m going to wake up in the morning.

“Listen to me.” Tobias sits up, pulling me forward so our chests are pressed against each other. “Where we’re going, no one and I mean it, no one can touch you.”

Biting my bottom lip, we stare at each other, feelings spinning around us, words that aren’t spoken but still there. “Okay,” I mumble, putting my life in his hands. “Don’t break me.”

“Never,” Tobias says, pressing his lips against mine. His hands grab onto my back as if it’s the only thing calming him down. And I don’t know how I didn’t even think about what he must be going through. I might not know much about the Mafia life, but I do know that they’re ruthless, they’re killers, and most of all they’re not someone you want to mess with. And to know someone is threatening someone involved with the boss, I can’t imagine.

Tobias pulls back, rubbing our foreheads together. “Come on, let's shower and get going. If we start now, I’m afraid I won’t let you go until…well, never.”

Smiling against his lips, I don’t see a problem with that. But knowing that someone’s after me, and someone’s after Tobias, I nod before climbing off his lap, putting my trust in the fact that Tobias can protect me.

19

Gabriel

When Tobias said we were going on a trip, I had no idea we were going to the country. North Carolina to be exact. And of course, the fucker decides to drive through, only stopping when we need to. Sure, I take a fat nap for half of it. And when I ask if his family knows we are traveling he says no and barely speaks two words after. Thankfully, he gives me control over the radio, and much to his dislike I play Taylor Swift the entire time.

“For fucks sake,” Tobias growls. Reaching across he turns the radio off, not sparing me a glance.

“What’s your problem?” I hiss, folding my arms over mychest.

Tobias doesn’t say anything, instead turning his blinker on before turning left onto a dirt road. I can’t see anything due to it being dark—nothing but darkness, the gravel road, and a fence keeping the road separate.

“I’m assuming this is it?” I ask, leaning forward.

“Yeah,” Tobias mutters.

It takes a minute before the headlights shine onto a two-story farmhouse. As we slowly approach, two SUVs and pickup sit off to the side, and there’s a wraparound porch, with large, open windows. It’s beautiful and reminds me a lot of Zion and Izel’s house.

Tobias pulls over next to the other vehicle before parking and turning it off. Glancing at me, I think he’s going to say something before he’s shuffling out of his seat and walking around the car. Opening my door, he frowns when he reaches me.

“I was going to open that for you,” he mutters.

“I…. I’m sure Mafia bosses don’t open other people's doors.” I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

“I want, never mind.” Tobias shakes his head. Turning around he heads for the house, but I don’t like that. Grabbing at his arm, I pull him back, realizing I’m probably the only one who’s ever touched him like this and lived.

“Please don’t walk away from me.”

“I like doing things for you. I don’t… I don’t want you to just think of me as the Mafia boss. I want to be normal. I… don’t be afraid of me because of who I am.”

“I’m not.” it’s the truth. I don’t think I’ve ever been scared of him, and I don’t think there is anything he could do that would make me scared of him.

“Here.” Looking down, Tobias holds out my phone.

“I thought…” I frown, unsure if I should take it or not.

“Take it, Gabriel. I trust you.”

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