Page 17 of Redemption
"I just wanted to protect my family," he whispered. "But now… because of me…"
"You don’t have to say it." I swallowed the lump in my throat, feeling the tension between us, thick and heavy. "I’m sorry.”
He stroked a hand through my hair, his touch gentle despite the chaos that had just erupted. "It’s not your fault," he murmured, his voice low. "Let me… let me see if you’re okay."
He guided me back to the room, pulling out his phone’s flashlight as he carefully picked shards of glass from my hair and clothes. I watched him silently, the weight of what had just happened settling into my chest.
"You’re all right," he said quietly, brushing the last shard from my sleeve. "Just a little wet again."
I tried not to look at the shattered glass beneath the whiskey-stained wall, but I couldn’t help it. The glittering pieces felt like a reflection of the pain inside Gabriel, sharp and broken.
Most women would run after what had just happened. They’d never look back. But I stayed. There was a reason behind that outburst, a deeper hurt that was still bleeding inside him. I couldn't fault him for not knowing how to deal with it, especially when I was the one who had drawn it out.
I leaned into him, closing my eyes as his hand brushed through my hair, a soft sigh escaping his lips.
"I’m sorry, Sophia," he whispered, his voice full of regret.
"It’s okay. Really." I smiled at him, even though my heart was still pounding in my chest.
He crouched by the broken glass, picking up the shards one by one. The moonlight softened his chiseled features, and for a moment, I saw the man beneath all that pain.
"No more questions, Sophia," he said, his eyes meeting mine with a sad smile.
"Okay," I whispered, watching him as he finished cleaning up the mess.
"You want me to drive you home?" he asked, dropping the last piece of glass into the trash.
"You’re drunk, and I’m soaked in whiskey. Do you have room on your air mattress? Maybe an extra blanket?"
He smiled, just a little, and nodded. "We’ll make room. I’ll set it up. Change into dry clothes again."
I changed into one of his oversized shirts, watching him as he filled up the air mattress.
"Think it’ll hold both of us?" I asked.
He glanced over his shoulder with a smirk. "Let me see."
In one swift motion, he scooped me up, lifting me effortlessly before lowering me onto the mattress. I squealed, laughing as he set me down.
His rich laughter filled the room as he lay down next to me, pulling the blanket over us both. I nestled into him, my head on his chest, his arm wrapped around me protectively.
"Goodnight, Sophia," he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I snuggled up close to him, and somehow, I felt safe.
Gabriel
There is nothing better than waking up with a woman in your arms, even on a deflated air mattress. Sophia shifted, unable to find comfort on the hard ground. I just wanted to enjoy the moment, but I had a lot to think about. Any minute now, I’d either receive an unpleasant visit from authorities or my payment from Victor. I had no doubt he would make the right decision, but there was always a small chance assholes like him would make the wrong one.
Sophia groaned in her sleep, then nestled in closer, resting her head on my chest. “Time to wake up,” I said with a raspy voice. She responded by wrapping her arm and leg over me. She was out. Most of the employees here were working from home today, and no one had a reason to visit my office. “Sleep as long as you need,” I whispered. As if defying me, her phone rang under the blanket, the ringing chime making my throbbing hangover worse. It didn't wake her, of course. This woman could sleep through anything. “Just leave a fucking message,” I said under my breath.
Finally, the ringing stopped, but the silence was broken again by frantic honking. Sophia sat up and rubbed her face. “Good morning,” I said despite my growing irritation.
“Do you have coffee?” she asked with a hand on her forehead, her eyes scrunched shut.
“No, but there’s a great place down the street. I met a cute girl who works there; she gave me free coffee once. I think her name is Sophia. Beautiful girl.”
She gave me an appreciative smile then lurched back onto the floor and groaned. “Ugh, I’m so hungover.”
