Page 102 of The Dark Before Light

After an early breakfast Saturday, Gabe drives me home for a few hours so Kieran and Leo can have privacy for their appointment. I intend to spend the time working on the book I’ve almost convinced myself to write. Instead, I end up staring at the wall opposite my desk, replaying last night over and over in my mind.

I almost told Kieran the truth. Almost. My mouth was open, the words seconds from spilling, when his hand lowered beneath the water to cup me possessively between the legs. The next few hours were a blur of skin and sweat and finally sleep after we blew out all the candles and dragged his comforter and pillows from the closet.

Now that I know he remembers me, I absolutely have to tell him I was the girl he met in the graveyard. God willing, he won’t feel betrayed or manipulated.

On our drive back to the coast, I’m still mulling on the best way to broach the subject when Gabe’s voice draws me from my thoughts.

“How are you adjusting to everything, Doc?”

I meet his concerned gaze in the rearview. Realizing he’s attributing my subdued mood to his presence and that of the two men in the car behind us, I smile in reassurance. “Talia, please. And I’m fine, Gabe. Honestly. Sorry I’m bad company at the moment.”

He shakes his head. “Not at all. Never feel obligated to fill the silence with me. Just want you to know I’m here if you have any questions or concerns.”

I shift in my seat. “Now that you mention it, I do have one concern—bringing all three of you to Crossroads tonight.”

“What are you worried about?”

To my relief, he doesn’t sound disapproving, only curious.

“It’s not that I don’t trust Sven’s judgment—Bo and Elian seem great, and I trust you implicitly. But I’m protective of the club and its members. Things can get very vulnerable and emotional in the Q&A. It doesn’t feel right to bring in outsiders. No offense.”

“None taken.”

Encouraged by his response, I add, “I understand your job is my safety, but I really don’t think all of you need to be there. Crossroads has excellent security. All members are background checked and membership is reviewed monthly. There’s electronic surveillance, a security team, and thorough door checks. You can’t even bring a pencil inside.” I grimace. “Plus, I can almost guarantee people will think you guys are undercover cops.”

Gabe nods, expression thoughtful as his gaze flickers between me and the road. “Would you be okay with just me? Believe it or not, I’m pretty good at blending in. Bo and Elian can stay with the car.”

I chew my lip, caught between relief at the prospect of him staying close and discomfort over what the relief means—that on some level, I’m scared for my safety. Even in Crossroads.

“Yes, I’d be okay with that.” I pause. “I’ll call the club and let them know.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he says readily. “If I know Sven, he’s already ten steps ahead of this conversation. The man plans for variables the rest of us can’t even imagine.”

I smirk, relaxing in my seat. “Must be why he and Kieran get along so well.”

Gabe laughs. “You should see them play chess. It’s terrifying.”

I join him in laughter, and a few minutes later, we’re pulling through the gate and up Kieran’s driveway. My heart swells. As soon as the car stops, I grab my purse, eager to see him. Almost giddy.

“Wait a second, Talia.”

Gabe’s voice is its usual friendly tenor, but his body language has shifted from relaxed to alert. I still, following his gaze toward a white Tesla. It’s not Leo’s car; he’s long gone, anyway.

Gabe types on his phone. A few seconds later, he puts the car in park and turns it off. “Okay, we’re good to head inside,” he says, but his brow is furrowed slightly as he exits the car and veers around to my side. Bo and Elian park and join us.

“Who’s here?” I ask Gabe softly as he leads the way to the front door.

He glances back at me, still frowning. “Oliver McCann, Lumitech’s Chief Information Officer.” He looks over my shoulder, looping in Bo and Elian. “Sven says the conversation isn’t a pleasant one. We’ll take Talia straight to Kieran’s bedroom.”

I barely notice the fact I’m not a part of that decision. My thoughts have snagged on the name and the odd interaction I had with Oliver at Rhubarb last week.

Gabe opens the front door and an angry voice meets our ears mid-tirade.

“—without even speaking to us! Do you have any idea how this will make us look? Like fucking idiots!”

Kieran’s answer is low and measured, the tone more icy than I’ve ever heard it. “Consider it a courtesy I told you at all, Oliver.”

I glimpse the men in the living room. Kieran sits on one of the couches, his arms spread and head cocked. His profile shows me an expression to match his voice. Even though Oliver is standing, almost looming over him, there’s no question who’s in charge.

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