Page 34 of Rescued

Adam greets us in the reception area, his sharp eyes flicking to the hand I’ve placed at the small of Gabe’s back. His eyebrows rise slightly, but he doesn’t say anything, just steps forward and offers a hand.

“Hi, Gabe.” His gaze shifts to me. “And you must be…?”

I take his hand, shaking it firmly but without challenge. “Mika Blackwell. Pleasure to meet you.”

Adam studies me with open curiosity, his eyes lingering longer than polite introductions warrant. I hold his gaze, calm but unwavering, until he finally looks to Gabe, clearly waiting for an explanation.

“Mika’s a friend,” Gabe says, his voice even but deliberate. “A very close friend.”

The way Adam’s brows arch just a fraction higher tells me he’s reading between the lines. I don’t mind. I let my hand rub gentle circles at Gabe’s back, hoping to ease some of the tension I can feel coiled in his frame. Adam nods, his expression thoughtful.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Mika,” he says amiably, though he watches for a beat longer than necessary. “Did you hear about the wolf Gabe rescued?”

Before either of us can answer, the door swings open again. Todd strides in, his broad frame and easy confidence filling the room. His gaze sweeps over us, and he freezes mid-step when he spots me. His jaw slackens slightly, his eyes widening as his gaze flickers between Gabe and me.

“Hey, Gabe,” Todd says, his voice faltering. “I saw your truck and thought I’d—” He cuts himself off, his focus locking back on me with a mix of surprise and open admiration.

The intensity of his stare would be flattering if it weren’t making Gabe’s tension spike. I can practically feel the glare Gabe shoots Todd’s way, even as he keeps his voice light as he makes the introductions.

“This is Mika,” he says simply. “Mika, this is Todd.”

I extend a hand, offering a polite nod. Todd hesitates for half a second before taking it, his grip firm but his gaze a little too focused. When he lets go, his roaming eyes drift back to me, flickering with curiosity and something I don’t quite want to name.

Across the room, Adam’s watching this exchange with a raised brow, though he keeps his expression carefully neutral. Todd’s gaze shifts to Adam then, lingering longer than I think he realizes. It’s quick—a glance, a flicker—but it’s loaded, and I don’t miss it.

Neither does Gabe.

He clears his throat, clapping a hand on Todd’s shoulder, breaking whatever spell had settled over the room. “Todd, we’ve got work to do. Unless you plan on standing there all day?”

Todd snaps back to attention, his cheeks flushing as he straightens. “Right. Work. Let’s get to it.”

I meet Gabe’s gaze, catching the faintest twitch of amusement in his eyes. Whatever unspoken dynamics are at play here, Gabe seems to take them in stride. I admire that about him—his ability to navigate the messy complexities of relationships with a level head.

And messy they are, I think, watching Todd throw another look Adam’s way before moving toward the back of the clinic.

From the way Todd’s brow arches, I know he’s noticed something—and so have I. My eyes flick down before I can stop them, catching the unmistakable tent in his pants. Amusement bubbles up, and when I eyeball Gabriel, the sharp glare he shoots my way only makes it worse. He elbows me lightly in the ribs, but I can’t stop the snicker that escapes.

I nudge him back, bumping my hip against his, my grin widening as I see his exasperation waver. The man is trying so hard to stay annoyed, but he’s failing miserably. His face softens, and I let my gaze trail lower. Gabe might not want to admit it, but he’s just as affected as I am. The bulge in his jeans is proof enough.

The way it grows under my gaze, the heat of his reaction so visible, wipes away the humor in me. Lust surges in its place, so rawand immediate that I know he can feel it. His eyes meet mine, wide with a mix of warning and want.

“Stop it,” he hisses, his voice low and rough. I want to laugh at his attempt to scold me, but I don’t. Not when I know he’s right. At this rate, neither of us is walking out of here without embarrassing ourselves.

“So, you all talking about the wolf getting away?” Todd’s question interrupts, pulling my focus back to the room. Adam’s attention snaps to Gabe, curiosity sparking in his expression.

“Actually,” Adam says, his tone calm but inquisitive, “I’ve yet to hear the details from Gabe himself.”

Gabe clears his throat, and I can see the faint flush creeping up his neck. “The wolf escaped,” he starts, his words measured. “I think it was through a window I left open—or maybe I didn’t close a door all the way. It happened after the third time I got up to check the IV. I spent at least an hour looking for him, then…” Gabe hesitates, and I catch the slight hitch in his breath. “Then Mika showed up.”

The way his cheeks redden further makes me want to wrap my arm around him right there, shield him from the weight of Adam and Todd’s curious stares. Instead, I slide an arm around his waist, tugging him gently against me. Gabe’s warmth seeps into my side, grounding me.

Adam’s gaze sharpens, and a knowing gleam lights his eyes. “Busy, huh?” he asks, his voice full of laughter.

Gabe’s flush deepens. I clench my arm around him, offering silent reassurance even as his fingers dig into my side—a wordless plea for support. “Gabe takes on a lot with the rescues,” I say, keeping my tone steady. “Losing the wolf really had him upset.”

The explanation feels hollow, but it’s enough to redirect the conversation. Gabe reaches behind me, giving my ass a quick squeeze, and I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. It’s his way of saying thanks, and I’ll take it.

Todd, however, isn’t done. “I’ve never heard you talk about Mika before,” he says, his voice carrying a hint of suspicion. “Where’d y’all meet?”

---