Page 47 of Gypsy's Lady
“You’re from Australia?” Moby bent forwards, staring at Kelsey from around Gypsy’s torso. “That’s a distinctive accent.”
“I-I am.”
“I rotated out of the port in Sydney for a few years. Beautiful country, good food, and better people Down Under. Welcome to the States.” Moby winkedandKelsey ducked back, slowingsoshe was half a step behind Gypsy.
“Th-thank you.”
Gypsy let her lag for a moment, then urged her back into her place. “Kelsey’s been here for a couple of months. She’s getting along well.”
Moby smiled at her again,andsomething about the look on his face didn’t feel right to Gypsy. Smooth, and too appreciative of what he saw. Or maybe the man was trying to set an obviously uncomfortable guestat ease. “How do you like Uncle Tug?”
Gypsy was looking downsohe got to see the brief flash of teeth as Kelsey smiled wide for Moby. He tried to remember the last time she’d smiled at him.When she waswacked-out of her head on meds. He tightened his grip on Kelsey, trying and failing to relax his arm.What’s this fucker’s deal?“I-I wasn’t certain wh-what to think about him at first.” Shepausedandher throat worked as she swallowed. “Bu-but I like him heaps now.”
Moby laughed, and Kelsey’s shoulders shifted under his arm with a matching chuckle. He gritted his teeth. “I went to Australia, to Melbourne. We met, and Kelsey came back with me. We’re married.” His mouth had opened and taken off on a tangent without his permission, but once the words were out there, he was glad. Didn’twant to take them back, because he needed Moby to know Kelsey was taken.She’s mine.
Straightening, Moby shifted his attention from Kelsey to Gypsy’s face, his expression saying he didn’t like what he saw there. Chin jutting forwards, he questioned, “Are you now?”
“Yes.” They’d reached the building,butneither made a move to open the door and go inside. “We are.”
“Then I suppose congratulationsare in order. Well done, Gypsy. She’s a beauty.” The man still didn’t reach for the door. “Woman like that, you’re a lucky man.”
“I am. I thank God every day for sending methereso I could meet Kelsey.” Gypsy curled his fingers around her hip. “Life is good.”
“Glad for ya.” Moby lifted one hand then hesitated, turning to stare into Gypsy’s face. “I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot, man.I didn’t mean anything by my words, except your woman’s voice woke a pleasant memory of good days.” Expression arrogant, he held Gypsy’s gaze. “No offense intended.”
“Nonetaken,” Gypsy lied, his blood still boiling at what had transpired over the past few minutes. “Kelsey and I both are tired. Blue Line said therewasfood and a party. I don’t want to be seen as stiffing the hospitality.” Hereached around Moby and grabbed the handle, twisting and pulling. “After you.” With one final glance at Kelsey, Moby turned and walked into the darkened entryway.
Kelsey pulled at his armandGypsy looked down, pausingasthe door settled into place behind them, cool air stirring strands of her hair against his skin. “Yes, darlin’?”
“Are…are you mad at me?” Her voice was pitched low, for hisears only, and he caught thequavershe tried hard to hide. “Wh-what did I do?” He opened his mouth, but for once Kelsey continued, talking over him. “I-I did what I’ve been told. I didn’t speak to him first. I didn’t…Gypsy, what did I do?”
“Nothing, Kelsey.” Stated firmly, his words still didn’t have the effect he wanted. Kelsey’s mouth was flattened into a line, her eyes scrunched in worry.“Honey, trust me. I wouldn’t lie to you. I know you. You didn’t do anything.” He shifted hersothey were front to front, her hands folded on his chest between them. “I’m not mad.”
“You sounded cranky.” She wasn’t looking at him, staring instead at some obscure spot on his shirt.
Gypsy tucked a bent knuckle under her chin, lifting her face until she had to meet his gaze. “Not at you, darlin’.Never at you. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
She opened her mouth and closed it with a snap, cutting off whatever she’d been about to say.
“Kelsey, tell me what’s bothering you?”As if I didn’t know. He’d gone all possessive in response to Moby, and Kelsey clearly felt itdisturbing.I’m an asshole. “If you don’t tell me, how can I help fix things?”
Squinting one eye, she seemed to study hisface for a moment. Her mouth opened again, then closed slowly. Tucking her chin to her neck and breaking their gaze, she muttered, “I would never.”
“Would never what?” Gypsy slipped one hand up the back of her neck. Fingers threading through the strands of her hair, he palmed the curve of her skull. It caught at his heart, the way she gave herself to him like this, relaxing as he cradled heragainst his chest. His cock gave an unsubtle throb, threatening to come to life if he didn’t cut this contact short. “What would you never do?”
“Tease with a man. I wouldn’t get all flirty. I’m your missus, aren’t I?” She shook her head. “I’d never disrespect you like that. You’ve done so much for me, Gypsy. That’d be a piss-poor way to thank you for saving me.”
Gypsy froze as her words toreat him. Did this mean her faithfulness wasn’t driven by affection, but a sense ofgratitude?She believed herself beholden to him.If she can’t love me, what does this mean?Would Kelsey be doomed to a loveless life if he kept her to himself? No matter how he felt, and he’d known for months he lovedher,if he couldn’t make her happy, should he see if she wanted him to let her go?
No.
He pulledin a breath.
She’s mine.
“That was about him disrespecting you, Kels. He shouldn’t have been like that with you.”You’re mine. “I was making certain he understood what you and I have.”
“Di-did you mean what you said?” Her breathy question was asked of his shoulder, her cheek pressed deep against his chest. “Before you got mad?”
