Page 27 of Rescuing Ally: Part 1

“We’ll make the arrangements,” Gabe says. “Just pack what you need.”

“I don’t need anything but the two of you.” The words slip out before I can stop them, soft but certain. I look between them, feeling a flutter of anticipation in my chest.

The intensity of their responding gazes makes my breath catch. The crowded café seems to fade away, leaving just the three of us and the electric, unstable heat simmering between us. The chemistry is undeniable—it has been since Kazakhstan—raw and magnetic and impossible to ignore.

Chapter 10

The silence stretchesbetween us in the booth, heavy with unspoken promises. I trace patterns on my coffee cup, my eyes darting between Gabe and Hank as my mind works overtime, analyzing, questioning, wondering.

“Ready to go home?” Hank’s voice comes gentle, but his tone leaves no room for debate.

My head snaps up, disappointment washing over me. “Right now?”

After everything we shared over coffee, the stories, the subtle touches, the promising looks—I thought the night was just beginning.

The possibility of dinner, maybe drinks, something to extend this rare and precious connection hangs in the air. A pang of rejection twists in my chest—why does he want to end this?

Hank’s eyes soften as understanding dawns on his face. His lips curve into a slight smile.

“Not your father’s home, luv. Our home.” He glances at Gabe, then back to me. “We’re taking you home with us.”

His words sink in slowly, then all at once.

Our home.

They’re taking me to their place. Not just for dinner or drinks like I hoped, but something far more intimate. This isn’t extending the date—this is skipping ahead several chapters.

“I think she’s finally figuring it out,” Gabe says to Hank, amusement lacing his voice. He turns to me, his eyes darkening. “We never planned on just meeting for coffee, sweetheart. The plan was always to take you with us.”

The directness of his statement steals my breath. Coffee had just been the pretense, the opening move in a game I didn’t realize we were playing.

Gabe leans closer, his breath warm against my ear. “Is that okay? Because we’re interested in far more than coffee.”

The words are phrased as a question, but something in his tone makes it clear he’s not asking permission—he’s letting me know exactly what I’m getting myself into.

“Oh,” I breathe, unable to hide my smile or the tremble in my voice.

Heat blooms in my chest, spreading outward until my skin tingles with electricity. What started as disappointment transforms into something more potent—anticipation, desire, and thrilling nervousness.

I hoped for a few more hours in their company, maybe a lingering goodnight kiss, perhaps something more. They’re offering something much deeper—an invitation into their private world, their sanctuary. The implications send a delicious shiver down my spine.

Gabe’s eyes darken as he notices my reaction. “Is that a yes?” His voice drops low, the question hanging between us.

I swallow hard, then nod. “Yes.”

His smile turns both predatory and pleased. “That’s great, because we’re leaving now.”

I glance down at our barely-touched coffees, surprise flickering through me again. “Now? We haven’t even finished our drinks.”

“Right now,” he confirms, voice roughwith promise.

I study them both. What would it mean to go with them? What are they offering? Then something shifts inside me—acceptance, trust, recognition of what we could become together.

“Sh-sure.” I sway slightly, steadied only when Hank’s hand finds my lower back.

“Wait here with Gabe,” Hank murmurs against my ear. “I need to handle something first.”

I watch as Hank approaches my security team stationed near the door. From this angle, Harrison stiffens when Hank approaches. Though I can’t hear what they’re saying, the body language tells me enough?—

---