Page 58 of Tainted Promise

“Haveyou seen my gray tie? The one you gave me?” Gabriel asked, walking out of the bathroom, his attention on the buttons of his shirt.

We arrived back in Chicago last night. The days we spent in Greece were already a beautiful dream.

I savored every moment we spent together, especially after I overheard part of Gabriel’s phone call with his brother. He knew there was a traitor who gave out information. Now it would only be a matter of time before he found out I was the one who’d betrayed him. Guilt was consuming me, pressing down on me, making me sway with the weight of it.

I wanted to tell Gabriel but was too scared of what he’d do to me. And our relationship was still so new, I couldn’t tell how he’d react. Nothing was more important than business. Not even a wife.

I felt like I was on borrowed time, the countdown over my head ticking down.

“It’s in the closet. First drawer.”

He headed straight for the bed and bent down to kiss me. I arched up, winding my arms around his neck. His hand found my breast, and he tweaked my nipple. He knew my body almost better than I did at this stage, able to set me on fire with a few touches.

Daisy was snoring loudly at the foot of the bed and wouldn’t move until I made her get up. She was a gentle giant who fit seamlessly into our lives. I loved having her around, especially when Gabriel was gone all day. I didn’t feel so lonely with her and Cleo here.

“Don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Cupping his cheek, I pressed one last kiss to his lips. “You’d have to look for it yourself.”

“Smartass.”

He retrieved his tie, then shrugged on his suit jacket. I’d never tire of the sight of him. And I stored every moment I spent with him in my vault for when memories would be all I could have.

He stood in front of the mirror, knotting his tie, and I leaned up on one arm to look at him. His face was tight with concentration, a strand of hair falling over his forehead. His golden tan, cut jaw, and thick black hair gave him a regal appearance.

But my favorite feature was his eyes. He didn’t show his emotions, but his eyes always told me what he was feeling.

Noticing me looking, he shot me a grin in the mirror. After picking up his wallet and keys, he bent down and kissed me. “I’ll be back at six to pick you up for dinner.”

After stealing one more kiss, I sank back onto the mattress. “Do we need to bring anything?”

Gabriel mock-shuddered before straightening back up. “God, no. Mom would have my head if she thought I told you to bring something to family dinner.”

“Love you, husband.”

His face softened at my words, his eyes shining brightly with adoration. “I’ll never tire of hearing you say it. I love you too. See you tonight.”

After he was gone, I made Daisy go outside to do her thing in the yard and then fed her. She scarfed down the breakfast Cleo had insisted on preparing for her last night before following me back to the bedroom and staying there with me for a few hours.

Even though I wouldn’t fall back asleep, it was too early to get up. And mornings in bed with a good book were my favorite thing.

At nine, a knock on my door pulled my attention away from my book. “Come in.”

Cleo stuck her head in with a grin. “Good morning.” She stepped inside when I waved for her to come closer. Daisy’s tail thumped against the bed, but she didn’t lift her head or open her eyes. “It’s good to have you back. It’s been boring without you.” She picked up the shoes Gabriel had discarded last night and a few stray pieces of clothing I hadn’t put away yet. “Do you want breakfast?”

“Morning. Breakfast sounds great. I’ll be done in a few minutes.”

Cleo finished clearing the floor, then nodded at the two still-full suitcases sitting in front of the closet. “You need help to unpack?”

“I’ve got it. It’ll give me something to do today.”

With a smile, she disappeared, leaving me to get ready. After a quick shower, I dressed in sweatpants and a T-shirt. Bliss.

Cleo was flitting around in the kitchen when I came downstairs. There were various pots and pans on the stove, and something was in the oven.

My first stop was the coffee machine while I took in the various delicious smells swirling through the kitchen. “Are we having guests today I don’t know about?”

She grinned at me over her shoulder. “I’m too excited that you’re back. I couldn’t decide what to make. But I’ll freeze a few of the dishes. That way, you’ll have food for the weekend. Or maybe Daisy wants a special treat. All that dog food must get boring.”

---