Page 51 of Broken

“It’s a deal.”

“Deal,” he murmurs, squeezing my hand.

We stare at one another. It could have been seconds, minutes, or an hour. I don’t really know. I’m lost in him. I’m beginning to think being lost in King is the safest place in the world to be.

Chapter 24

King

I thoughtthe first night I kissed Gabby might have been one of the best of my life. Now, I’m convinced today is the best day. Spending the day spoiling her and then taking her out to dinner was so damn good. Better than that, it waseasy.Hell, it was so fucking easy that it felt like it’s something I need to be doing for the rest of my life—and I meanneed. As in, if I didn’t have this for the rest of my life, nothing would ever satisfy me.

That’s some heavy shit. It’s shit I never imagined feeling. You didn’t grow up the way I did and imagine being blessed with that feeling. I grew up knowing what I wanted and set about to create it. I don’t have to create anything with Gabby. This shit comes as natural as breathing.

“Are you ready to go tear up the casino now?” I ask her once dinner is over, and I pay the check.

“What would you do if I suggested we go back to the room and veg out in front of the television?” she suggests, looking at me nervously.

If I didn’t know she really needs to learn to pull herself out of the cage she’s put herself in, I’d agree. I can’t do that. It is now my job to make sure Gabby starts living again and finding the woman she’s turning into. I want a life with her and it’s up to meto guide her back to the land of the living, because if there’s one thing I know, Gabby’s hiding.

“I’d tell you we will do that.”

“Really?” she asks, her face practically lighting up. It’s almost enough to make me give in.Almost.

“Right after we waste some money in the casino,” I add.

She rolls her eyes. “I’ll play slots, but I’m not doing anything else. Numbers make my head hurt. I’m not smart enough for all that.”

I stand up, taking our joined hands and pulling her up with me. Once she’s up, I spin her around gently, squeezing her hand in mine right before I slap it down on the table.

“What did I tell you, Sunshine?”

“King, you wouldn’t,” she hisses. There’s no fear in her voice, though, and that’s more satisfying than I could explain.

“I warned you, baby,” I whisper close to her ear, making sure to squeeze our hands once more. “Remember, I’m your safe place,” I add, dropping my voice even more. It’s barely a breath against her ear. I know she hears me though by the swift intake of breath and the way her body pushes back against me with a slow quiver.

“We’re in the middle of a restaurant, King. You can’t?—”

Before she can finish, I bring my hand down on her ass, spanking her. It’s gentler than I want, but she relaxes into my touch as I rub the sting away. That is until she hears the woman in the booth across from us.

“Oh my God! Reggie, call the manager over here. Did you see what he just did? He accosted that woman. It’s disgusting.”

“Didn’t look disgusting to me. I thought it was hot,” the man answers. I think I like old Reggie.

“Well, I’m sickened. That kind of thing doesn’t belong here—or anywhere really,” the woman insists.

I turn Gabby around, trying not to laugh.

“I know you’re sickened, Margo. That’s why we never have sex.”

At that, I lose it and throw my head back and laugh. “I hate you,” Gabby hisses.

“King?” a voice to my left says.

My back straightens as tension fills by body. My hand tightens on Gabby’s so tight I know I’m probably hurting her, but I can’t seem to let go. That’s because the woman saying my name is a voice I never wanted to hear again in my life. I force myself to turn around, although I keep Gabby close to me—as if somehow I can absorb the calm that she gives me.God knows I need it now.

“Shelby.”

When I say her name, I hear Gabby’s slightly indrawn breath. Then she surprises me by curling into my side and squeezing my hand.

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