Page 36 of Forget-Me-Nots and Apricots

I pause for a second before sighing, “And if I am uncomfortable or anyone else you set me up somewhere else as a safe house…since you think there is a possibility of them coming after me again…”

Gabriel nods, respecting my conditions, “It isn’t a possibility. It is a fact that you will be targeted again. You were attacked and they failed…they will want to fix that loose end.”

He glances at his watch. "The cleaning crew should be here soon. While they work, maybe we should get you something to eat? We can go over details of everything as we do that."

My stomach rumbles at the mention of food, reminding me that breakfast was hours ago. "I'd like that," I admit, the relief he isn’t pushing is will on me and making my decisions make me relax more. Maybe these Alpha’s weren’t total assholes then.

“Should we wait for the cleaning crew?” I asked as Gabriel leads me to the door.

Gabriel shakes his head, already typing something on his phone. "Theo's already on his way. He'll supervise until we get back."

As if summoned by his name, a sleek black car pulls up outside the shop. Theo steps out, tablet in hand, his expression shifting from business-like to concerned as he takes in the damage through the window.

"Good timing," Gabriel says as Theo enters, carefully stepping over broken glass. His eyes meet mine briefly, a silent question in them.

"I'm fine," I assure him, touched by his obvious concern. "Just hungry."

Theo nods, his gaze sweeping the shop with the precise assessment of someone cataloging every detail. "Cleaning crew is ten minutes out. Window replacement at three, as scheduled." He adjusts his glasses. "I've also taken the liberty of ordering replacement display cases. They should arrive early next week."

I stare at Theo, momentarily speechless. "You've already ordered replacements? But the insurance hasn't even processed the claim yet."

"Details," Theo says with a dismissive wave. "The important thing is getting your shop operational as quickly as possible."

I exchange a glance with Gabriel, who seems unsurprised by Theo's efficiency. "Thank you," I say, genuinely touched by his thoughtfulness. "But I insist on paying once the insurance comes through."

Theo adjusts his glasses, a small smile playing at his lips. "We can discuss finances later. For now, let me handle things here while Gabriel gets you something to eat."

Gabriel places a hand lightly on my lower back, guiding me toward the door. The touch is brief but sends an unexpected warmth through me that I quickly push aside.

"There's a café two blocks over," he suggests as we step outside. The morning sun is warm on my face, a stark contrast to the chill that's been inside me since the attack. "They have decent sandwiches and good coffee."

"Sounds perfect," I agree, falling into step beside him. The normalcy of walking down a familiar street feels surreal after everything that's happened. Gabriel stays close, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings, his body positioned slightly in front of mine as if to shield me from potential threats.

The café is quaint and bustling with the lunch crowd when we arrive. Gabriel secures us a small table by the window, positioning himself with his back to the wall and a clear view of both the entrance and the street outside. The protective gesture isn't lost on me.

"Force of habit," he explains, noticing my observation. "Always know your exits."

"Is it exhausting?" I ask blurted out suddenly, my filter failing me as I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

Gabriel glances at me, eyebrow raised. "What?"

"Being on high alert all the time," I clarify, gesturing vaguely to the way his eyes continuously sweep the street. "Always looking for danger."

A small smile touches his lips. "You get used to it," he says after a moment of consideration. "It becomes second nature after a while. Like breathing."

I study him across the table, noticing the subtle tension in his shoulders, the way his gaze continually shifts to the door, the windows, back to me. It's not paranoia, I realize—it's training, instinct, perhaps even necessity in his line of work.

"That sounds exhausting," I murmur, picking up the menu to give my hands something to do.

Gabriel shrugs, the movement fluid and controlled. "Some days more than others." His eyes meet mine, unexpectedly intense. "Today is one of the more demanding ones."

"It becomes second nature after a while," he admits, watching a couple enter the café. "You don't think about it consciously. It's just... background processing."

A server approaches with menus, and I'm grateful for the interruption. I hide behind the laminated card, trying to focus on sandwich options rather than the Alpha across from me who seems to effortlessly command attention despite his quiet demeanor.

"Do you know what you want?" Gabriel asks after a moment.

"The turkey avocado sounds good," I reply, setting down my menu. "And coffee. Definitely coffee."

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