Page 81 of Always Been Mine

“Of coffee?” Beatrice thought in horror. “You’re talking about an apocalyptic end.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.”

She narrowed her eyes when she noticed his lips twitching. “You really think it’s funny, don’t you, Sullivan? You really want me this mouthy first thing in the morning?”

“Believe me, you can be mouthy with me all you want,” Gabe drawled, “especially around my dick.”

She rolled her eyes, but had to admit she walked straight into that one. “Can I call Doug now? You don’t have a coffee grinder, do you?”

Gabe scrubbed his face in amusement and frustration. “Jesus Christ, Beatrice, you are high maintenance.”

“Told ya.” She grinned slyly at him and called Doug. Her assistant once more proved why he was invaluable. He had already picked up two pounds of her favorite coffee beans and packed up her coffee machine including the grinder from her condo.

“You know, you probably need to write down the name of the coffee beans and your roaster,” Gabe said when she got off the phone.

“Why?”

He affectionately tapped the tip of her nose. “Because, poppy, when I said I’d take care of you, I meant every word. And if caring for you includes keeping you supplied with your favorite brew, so be it.”

Her heart fluttered.

An hour later,Beatrice managed to make herself useful and made some French toast and bacon for breakfast. Gabe heartily ate what she prepared. Her man could eat. She guessed it took a lot to maintain all those stacked muscles under that tee. She didn’t think he deliberately wore tight shirts, but more like he simply filled them out. Beatrice was tall and not many men managed to make her feel dainty and secure. Gabe managed to do so effortlessly.

“Okay, that’s the second sigh in five minutes.” Gabe eyed her warily. “What’s wrong?”

She blinked. “Is it a crime to sigh?”

“Beatrice—”

“Okay, okay,” Beatrice laughed lightly. She noticed his eyes grew heated. She smiled smugly. It didn’t take much to get her man riled with lust. “If you must know, I was thinking about your muscles.”

“What?” he croaked.

“Not many guys make me feel safe. You do it with no effort at all.” This time her tone turned serious. “I play hardball with all these macho-security guys all the time; there’s very little room to feel feminine. But with you, Gabe, you make me feel all woman and beautiful.”

Gabe was the picture of male satisfaction. She could have imagined it, but it appeared he’d puffed up his chest. He linked their fingers together and kissed the back of her hand. “Pleased you feel that way.”

Beatrice’s smile disappeared when she noticed the bruise on his hand. “What happened here?” Her thumb stroked the light scratches on his knuckles.

He looked away. “Nothing.”

He tried to pull his hand from hers but she held on.

“Gabe, tell me the truth. Did you punch something?”

“I couldn’t get it out, babe,” he said quietly.

“Please don’t hurt yourself anymore.” Her heart was breaking. This wonderful man was trying so hard not to lose his shit in front of her. “I know you feel anger, and frustration. You may even blame yourself, but it’s on them, not you.”

“I’m going to kill them,” Gabe swore vehemently.

“Easy, sport,” Beatrice said gently. “They’ll pay one way or another.”

Before Gabe could reply, her phone buzzed.

Why was Caitlin calling her?

“Cat?”

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