Page 101 of August

Gigi’s cheeks glowed a little as she glanced around and moved her bare feet over the hardwood floor. He had a top-floor unit with vaulted ceilings and a rustic kitchen that opened into the living room. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been here.”

He grunted. Too fucking long. But he wouldn’t bother reacquainting her with the space right now. There’d be plenty of time for that later.

He scooped up her fingers and led her through the living room and down the hall. Swerving to the right, they entered the main bedroom. With the curtains wide open to reveal the dark sky peppered with tiny lights inside buildings, it felt as though they were on top of the world.

“I need to check you over,” he said.

She gave him a hesitant smile. “I’m okay, honest.”

“No, you’re not. They fucking hit you.”

Her throat moved and tears glistened in her eyes. He hated that she’d been scared. Hated that he’d just reminded her of that. He swept his hands over her face, inspecting to make sure she didn’t have a fractured jaw or cheekbone. She winced but nodded for him to keep going when he paused.

After checking her scalp, neck, and spine, he felt a little more at ease. It seemed that no threatening injuries were hiding beneath shock.

Gigi cast her gaze toward the window. “It’s so pretty in here.” She dragged her fingers over his freshly made bed. The graphite-colored comforter was one of the only things he’d picked out for the place. A lot of furnishings had come with the apartment when he bought it, and he hadn’t changed much.

He scoffed. “Don’t think I’m some neat-and-clean gentleman. I have a house cleaner who comes in every week to tidy up my shit and make it look like I’m not a slob.”

Gigi chuckled and turned to face him. “Is that a warning? You’re really messy?”

He grinned. “I’m more than messy. I also don’t put the toilet seat down. You couldn’t fucking pay me to learn that trick.”

Her eyes rounded, and she barked out a laugh. “Oh, boy. You’re actually telling me you’re untrainable?”

His hands went around her slight body. All he wanted to do was hold her. But more than that, he wanted to show her that he was staying this time.

“Untrainable, yeah.” He scratched his head. “I also suck at cooking. I’m worse at keeping the fridge stocked. And I kinda lose everything.”

Her grin spread into a wide smile, and goddamn he loved that look on her. “You trying to scare me away or what?”

He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. The purplish bruise made angry fire touch his veins, but he wouldn’t ruin the moment. “Just offering full disclosure.”

“Well,” she drawled demurely. “It just so happens I’m a great cook.”

He lifted one eyebrow as if this were news to him. “And?”

“And I love to grocery shop, so I think I’ve got us covered there. Can’t promise anything about cleaning, but I wouldn’t be opposed to you keeping the house cleaner around.”

“I think we’re golden then.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Nope. The toilet seat’s a deal-breaker. You better figure that out.”

He laughed and lifted her off her feet, holding her chest to his. “Anything for you.” He pressed his lips to hers then carried her into the en-suite bathroom.

Gently, he set her on her feet and caught the hem of the sweater of his she wore. “Let’s get cleaned up.”

She lifted her arms, and he pulled the material over her head. Instantly his gaze dropped to her ripped shirt. Violence streaked crossed his vision. She shrugged out of her top. “It’s okay, August. He didn’t get very far.” She undid her jeans and wiggled them down her thighs.

Dragging his hand over his face, August forced his thumping heart to steady. The men who’d touched her—who would’ve killed her—were dead. Alvarez had sought out Gigi and Todd purely to avenge Fernando’s death. No one was coming after her now.

Finally, it was all over and he could give Gigi a normal life. A life with moments of happiness like this, with joking and teasing. Christ, with fulfillment.

She stood in her bra and panties, her narrow waist and slim legs toned and perfect. He rested his hand on her side and kissed her. “How are you so strong?”

She smiled softly. “Because you’re here. And everything’s okay.”

His chest constricted. “Damn right it is.” He peeled off his shirt and vest then kicked off his pants and briefs. While she finished stripping, he turned on the shower then pulled her into the glassed-in space with him.

---