Page 40 of Prince She Shouldn't Crave
‘I… Do you mind if I look at this? It’s my family.’
‘Of course,’ Gabe said, his face warm with concern.
She opened the message, saying that her mother wasn’t coping with the idea of a move. She texted back, repeating that she’d fix it but for now they’d need to find somewhere else to live. There were no other options. Lena took a deep breath. Any properties her mother had suggested were the same rent or even more expensive than where they lived right now. She couldn’t understand the abject denial of reality. She never wanted to belike that. Pretending everything was okay. That life didn’t have to change when it so clearly did. Lena turned her phone over so she couldn’t see any other messages. Tried to eat some of her meal, but it tasted like ash.
Gabe reached out and placed his hand over hers. ‘Everything okay?’
She desperately wanted to say something. For most of her life, there’d been nothing she could admit about her family. So much had had to be kept secret. Her friendships were affected by it. Her life had been bound by the silence. Her mother always choosing her father’s need for secrecy. What would it be like to share something of what she had to go through—the burden she carried?
Gabe had shared his dyslexia with her. He’d been honest. He’d trusted her, so surely she could trust him? She had spent so long hiding her father’s identity that it was difficult to let that go. But perhaps she could give a little.
‘My mother has to move out of her home. She isn’t coping well with the idea.’
Gabe frowned. ‘Why does she have to go anywhere?’
What could she say that didn’t leave her family exposed? ‘My mother and father weren’t together, but he still supported the family. My brother’s studying and, whilst he’s on a partial scholarship, it still costs money. When my father died…’
Gabe stroked his thumb gently over the back of her hand. It was such a comfort that he just sat. Listened.
‘He left no provision in his will. I had to stop studying myself. Things have been a little…tight, and now the landlord has put up my mother’s rent. I’ve told her she has to go somewhere smaller. Within our budget.’
‘Do you need—?’
‘No, everything’s fine.’ Lena feared Gabe was going to offer money and she couldn’t take anything from him. It felt too muchlike crossing a line that she wouldn’t be able to walk back from. ‘It’s just difficult for her because she’s lived there for so long. But the place is too big, what with me no longer there. She needs to downsize.’
‘Does she? Surely if she needs support succession laws would give her some protection?’
What could Lena say to that other than a phrase that carried a multitude of possible answers.
‘It’s complicated.’
Something about Gabriel’s gaze darkened. ‘What families aren’t? Are you sure there’s nothing I can do? Ask some lawyers—’
‘No, thank you. As I said, we’ll be fine. It’s just… I might need some time off work to go and help her sort it out. Maybe find somewhere else to live, show her that it’ll be all right. My brother isn’t as good at reassuring her as I am.’
‘Of course,’ Gabriel said. ‘Take any time you need.’
‘I’m sorry. I’ve only been in the role less than a month.’
‘As I’ve said before, I look after my valued employees.’ Something about the use of that word when it came to her seemed like a sharp spike to the heart. But she was what she was. They couldn’t deny their respective positions.
‘We have generous leave plans here. This is a family emergency. Any time will be covered.’
‘Gabe, thank you. I don’t know what to say.’
‘There’s nothingtosay. Only promise me. If you need anything…’
Gabriel stood, held out his hand. She placed hers in it and stood too. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, held her safe. It was the first time in so long that she’d felt as though anyone cared for her. That there might be someone who’d look after her, worry about her, who mightloveher.
No, not love. She’d seen what love had done to her mother. It was a trap that led to poor choices. She’d never succumb to the same thing. Something inside her stilled, gave her pause. Wasn’t that what she was doing here? Gabe was unavailable…
No. She didn’t have to think about it now. She’d go back to Isolobello, figure out her family’s problems and then think about herself. Her aim had always been to secure her future and her finances first and then, maybe, consider a man in her life. Even though the idea of another man left a sour sensation in her gut. She was a loyal person, that was all. Lena didn’t believe in cheating. She allowed herself this, Gabriel’s tenderness. Because it was nice to know there was someone who might think about her, who seemed to care.
For a few moments, she just rested her head on his chest. Listening to the solid sound of his heartbeat as he cradled her in his arms. Letting her tears silently fall. Lena realised she’d never really cried about this before. She’d spent her whole life trying to rein in her emotions, so nobody could hurt her. She wanted to be soft and vulnerable, just for a little while. She owed herself that much.
She drew in a shuddering breath. Gabe pulled back. Lena tried to look down at the floor so he wouldn’t see her tears. He placed his fingers gently under her chin and tilted her head up.
‘Lena,’ he murmured, his voice full of concern. ‘Do you want any more to eat?’
