Page 108 of No Saint

“Sounds like you’re paranoid, Gabriel.”

He kisses my temple, “I have plenty of enemies, Amelia and many attempts have been made for my life. I do not care about me but you, they will use you if they feel they have the chance.”

I swallow.

“But we will not hide, and I will not keep you trapped like a bird.”

I nod, “I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I brush it off but nervous prickles tingle across my spine. I hadn’t forgotten how dangerous being with a man like Gabriel must be but hearing it aloud, it became far too real.

“Maybe so, but you understand,si?” he asks, “You don’t leave my sight.”

“Yes sir,” I joke, accepting my wine and grinning around the rim as he grumbles in my ear.

“My pretty wife,” he growls. “You won’t be joking later when I have you screaming on my cock.”

I choke on my wine.

“Don’t pretend you don’t like it,leonessa, I know what’s going on in that pretty head of yours. I bet you’re soaking your panties right now thinking about it.”

“Gabriel,” I stutter out.

His fingers tense on my leg, “We’re going to explore every fantasy of yours.”

“What did I miss?” Sierra rejoins, interrupting the moment. “Oh, I’m sorry did I interrupt something?”

“No, no,” I down half my glass, trying to subtly press my thighs together as if that’ll stop the dull throb he’s just coaxed with his filthy words.

I feel him smile against my temple before he pulls away, “I was just telling my wife how stunning she looks in this dress.” He plucks a crystal glass from the bar, sipping at it.

Enzo grunts. Jesus Christ, he heard it all, didn’t he? I press my fingers to the bridge of my nose, my cheeks heating. How had I forgotten we weren’t alone.

The casino was loud behind us, the tables packed with cheers being shouted while the bar was just as busy, low music playing from speakers dotted around the room.

Gabriel stays close to my side, speaking with Sierra about the boutique while Enzo remains stoic and silent, the brooding titan of a man making sure people give us a wide berth. It was easy, light, like the world wasn’t in flames and Gabriel wasn’t the ruthless man ruling the city.

I could have both worlds.

I relax back against him, content with how things had gone.

Until loud shouts start to travel from within the casino. I look over to find a mass of people suddenly fighting, beer bottles and glasses being thrown and fists flying.

“Enzo,” Gabriel growls. The man doesn’t wait a second before his long, thick legs are closing the space between him and the group.

“He can’t take on all of them!” Sierra cries.

“You’d be surprised.”

But Gabriel had too much faith, because while a few stopped and gawked at the man, the crowd was too large for him to handle on his own and he’s soon swallowed up.

“Shit.” Gabriel goes to move but then hesitates.

“I’ll be fine!” I yell at him.

He stares down at me, eyes blazing, “Stay here,” he growls before he’s moving, grabbing as many men as he goes. The commotion swells in the bar, people moving forward quickly, smartphones flashing as they try to take photos and videos of the mass brawl. Someone knocks into me, and my elbow hits my wine glass, tipping it over. The full glass of red lands in my lap.

“Ah!” I jump up. “Shit!”

“Amelia!” Sierra yells, “No, not the dress!”