Page 26 of The Photograph

Once in my car, I set my forehead on the steering wheel and breathe deeply.Emma was right. I’ll stick to a professional relationship with him.

Chapter Six

Gabe

I hadn’t realized she’d stayed that night. After my team left, I sat next to Ann who was curled up in her chair with her elbow on the table and her face in her hands.

I hate seeing women crying. “I’m sure Cynthia’s okay.”

She lifted her teary eyes to mine. “Thanks, Gabe. You can go back to Aelin and thank her for me. She’s been really wonderful…” She stopped when she saw my expression. “Did you kick her out after she organized food and drinks for us while she was on a date with you?” My most trusted ally frowned. “That’s cold, Gabe. Even by your standards.”

I was about to reply but her phone rang, and she sprang out of her seat. “Cyn? Oh, God. Are you okay, my love? I…”

I went back to the apartment where I found her asleep on the sofa. Her fists were curled under her chin and her face looked almost angelic. Then I remembered Michael. Broken and hurt.

The headlights of her car beaming across the room as her car leaves, snap me back, and I make my way to my car. Back at the penthouse, the first thing I see is her file sitting on the coffee table. There’s nothing about her life before she moved here.

****

A week later, my cell clatters on the coffee table. Aelin sent an update on the progress they’ve made as she does every week.

I lean back on the couch, shut my eyes, and remember Michael clinging to her fucking picture before he falls unconscious while the flashing lights of the machines in his hospital room go crazy.

I haven’t gone back to Holloway. I don’t want to fall into that damn sex haze she seems to exude. Whatever game she’s playing…Fuck. I set my dinner plate on the table next to her file.

Without a thought, I reach for the corner of the picture of her peeking out where she’s captured with her hair caught mid swing down her back, her hand on the door handle of her car while she smiles at whoever’s getting her attention.

So damn beautiful.My cock hardens to the point of pain.

****

At 7:00 AM on Sunday, after another restless night, I enter the Five Bells pub where I sit at a table by the window facing the entrance. A couple of families file around the breakfast buffet in the center of the restaurant while some patrons occupy the booths and tables set around the restaurant.

As I lower my mug of the second watered down coffee, Aelin walks in. Dressed in a

white tank top and maroon linen pants, she’s breath-stealing as she smiles at the server who greets her. The only jewelry she wears is the pendant I bought for her, and I get hard. Harder. The woman’s got me in a perpetual state of wanting.

When she finally spots me, she frowns, and I clench my jaw at her empty smile as she glides to my table.

She stops before the table with her hand in a death grip on her bag strap and tucks a strand of her hair she wears loose behind her ear.

“Hey, Gabe. What are you doing here?” After a quick glance at my half drunken mug of coffee, she turns her slight frown to me. “Is there a problem with the house?”

“No, I was hoping to have breakfast with you.” Extending my arm in invitation, I wait for her to sit across from me.

“Oh,” is all she has time to say before the server places a tumbler of water before her and refills my mug before beaming at Aelin

“Morning, Aelin. I’ll bring you your tea in a second. What are you having today?”

She lifts her smile at the young man. “Just the tea for me, thanks, Neal.”

I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s friendly with the male staff, but it pisses me off all the same.

The server turns to me. “Sir?”

“I’m good.”

Her back is ramrod straight. “How was your trip? Is everything under control?”

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