Page 77 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

“You’d have to be,” he says softly. “With me.”

I hold his gaze and let the silence stretch. My pulse thrums beneath my skin, hot, nervous, and exhilarated.

Then I force a breath and roll my shoulders, giving the moment a gentle shove sideways. “Well, lucky for all of us, I’m incredibly good at handling dangerous men.”

His lips twitch, but the heat in his eyes doesn’t fade. Still, the moment softens.

“I’m serious, Ally.”

“I know.”

He nods once as that answer satisfies him. Then steps back, giving me space.

I let the quiet settle for a heartbeat… then glance toward the galley where Hank disappeared.

“Besides,” I say, letting a sly smile curve my lips, “if I can survive three rounds with you in one night, I figure I’m qualified for just about anything.”

“Three?” Gabe blinks. Then chokes on a laugh. “For the record, it was four for me and eight for you.”

“Ten,” Hank returns. “You forgot the one on my tongue and the one on your fingers.”

I blink, turning slowly. “How long have you been listening?”

“Long enough to know you got his message.” He doesn’t even look up.

“See what I mean? You two are literally keeping score. Insatiable.” I flush but lean into the counter with a grin.

“Jesus, luv.” Hank snorts.

“What? We’re all adults here.” I lean against the counter, enjoying this newfound power to fluster them. “Unless you two can’t handle a little honesty?”

Gabe recovers first, his eyes taking on that dangerous gleam that makes my stomach flip. “Oh, we can handle it. Question is, can you?”

The air between us shifts, charged with possibility.

“Teasing aside…” Hank checks his watch, his eyes flickering to mine deliberately. “You might want to be careful throwing around words like ‘insatiable and sex-slave,’ sweetheart. Sounds an awful lot like a challenge, and Gabe has only so much restraint.”

“Message received, loud and clear.” I lean against the counter, feeling heat rise to my cheeks despite my bravado. “Don’t poke the bear.”

Gabe’s eyes never leave mine. His breathing quickens, and his pupils dilate. The tension shifts rather than breaks.

“There are some tech guys at HQ,” Hank offers, zipping up his jacket and returning to practical matters. “They might be able to look at your computer if you still have issues.”

“And,” Gabe adds, adjusting his stance subtly as if his jeans have suddenly become uncomfortable, “they’re significantly less insatiable than we are. Probably haven’t seen daylight in weeks.”

“I should probably get dressed if we’re heading to HQ.” I glance down at my lounge clothes. “Give me a second?”

Gabe exchanges a look with Hank. “You’re going to need more than a second.”

“Why’s that?” I ask, pausing halfway to the bedroom.

Gabe steps closer, his voice low enough that only I can hear. “Because you pushed one of my buttons, and now you’re going to have to deal with me.”

Chapter 23

Before I can respond,Gabe guides me firmly toward the bedroom. I glance back to see Hank shaking his head with a knowing smile.

“I’ll wait here,” Hank says, settling against the counter with an understanding look.

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