Page 85 of Always Been Mine

Gabe sighed. His woman was so fucking beautiful.

“Jesus, I thought I had it bad. You’re just as pussy-whipped,” Travis murmured.

“Guilty.”

Travis smirked.

“Shut up,” Gabe muttered.

The driveway sensors alerted them of an approaching vehicle.

“That’s probably Doug.” Beatrice hopped out of the chair and glanced at the CCTV screen. “Yep, sure is.”

Gabe intercepted Beatrice before she could get to the door. “Babe, when I’m around, I answer the door. Got me?”

Her brows furrowed.

“A familiar car doesn’t always translate to friendlies,” Gabe added. “I’m not being paranoid, Beatrice, just cautious.”

“I know that, Gabe.” She pursed her lips. “I wasn’t simply going to throw open the door.”

“Glad we have that clear.” He wasn’t taking any chances with her. He knew she worked in the security business, so she understood, but sometimes when one was the person being protected, it was hard to gauge the danger surrounding you.

They watched Doug exit the car before opening the door. Beatrice’s assistant was carrying a big box.

Beatrice was like a kid at Christmas when she picked up the coffee beans from the container even before Doug lowered it. She grabbed the coffee grinder and started pulverizing the beans. Gabe took over for Doug and lifted out Beatrice’s fancy coffee machine. Soon enough, the aroma of freshly brewing coffee permeated the house. A twinge in his chest wished he was the one who put that look of excitement on Beatrice’s face. He was looking forward to that day.

“So, honeybee, Mr. Zach Jamison wants to talk to you,” Doug called out from across the room.

“Yes, I’ve been avoiding work messages,” Beatrice responded. “Figured you could handle them.”

“What did he want?” Travis asked, standing up. “If this is about Nate being included in the senator’s security, he should talk to Nate.”

“That’s what I told him. He said Nate wouldn’t give him a straight answer about the security change. If there was a known threat against the senator to include a very senior security person on the detail, the office of the senator should know.”

“And he thinks I have the answers for him?” Beatrice asked.

Doug shrugged. “No idea. What’s your schedule like tomorrow?”

“I’m taking her to a sketch artist friend of mine,” Gabe said. “I’m still investigating her abduction. No way am I waiting for them to make their next move. This catch and release scenario bugs the fuck out of me.”

Too late, he realized he had spooked Beatrice again. Her face had turned pale.

“I’ll protect you,” Gabe said.

“We will, too, Bee,” Travis added. “BSI’s got your back as well as Gabe’s.”

Gabe nodded as Travis clapped his back in reassurance.

Brotherhood.

“My abduction stays under wraps,” Beatrice said. “I don’t want any of our clients losing confidence. Thank goodness it’s still winter and I can wear long sleeves.”

Gabe scowled at her. “Can’t you take a break from work until we get a handle on what’s going on?”

“He’s right, Bee,” Travis said.

Beatrice and Doug exchanged glances. Her assistant shrugged. “I’ve already cleared your appointments tomorrow and rescheduled them for later this week. But Tuesday’s are still on.”

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