Page 69 of The Photograph

Today is my follow up appointment with Dr. Nareen. After getting ready, I push on the lever of the kettle before opening the fridge when the doorbell of my office chimes.

The microwave says it’s 8:48 AM. Gertie’s visiting her daughter in Florida, Em’s in New York, and I have no clients. I take a deep breath. Whoever is selling me the name of the Lord will have to come back. As I open the cupboard, the doorbell rings again. And again.Jeez. They’re going to wake Cara up.

I hurry to open the door and blink fast. Gabe

Standing a step down with his legs braced and his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans, we’re eye to eye while his leather covered shoulders fill most of the door frame.

Is he here for Cara?

“What do you want?”

“Aelin, can I come in?”

I’ll freaking pass, thank you.I tighten my fingers around the doorknob. “I’d rather you didn’t.” Lowering my voice to a shout-whisper, I wedge myself between the door and the doorjamb. “I have a few weeks left and I’ll keep my part of the agreement, so, you don’t need to … chase me down.”And I don’t want you anywhere near my sister.

Although his jaw hardens, his tone is soft. “I won’t be long.”

My heartbeat speeds up.His expression is… I’m not sure.And I don’t care.

He locks his eyes onto mine. “You have no reason to, but I just want five minutes of your time.”

I shake my head. “Go to Hell.” I step back and push the door closed.

Gabe’s hand shoots out, stopping it. He exhales slowly. “Aelin, please. Just five minutes. Please.”

Please? Twice?

After I let him in, we walk into my office where we stand face to face.

I clasp my hands behind my back. “You promised you wouldn’t go after my sister if I left.”

That same expression returns while his eyes drill into mine. “I’m not here for your sister.”

When he moves closer, I lurch back. “Gabe, what do you want?”

He stills abruptly and rakes his fingers through his hair. “I came to apologize.”

For what? Breaking my heart or destroying my life?Holding my breath, I stare at him.

“What’s he doing here?”

I whip my attention to Cara while Gabe wheels toward the arched entrance. In her purple PJs, her hair is a messy tumble of curls as she comes besides me. She weaves her fingers in mine and shifts slightly, so my shoulder touches the back of hers.

Her eyes firmly on Gabe, Cara squeezes my hand. “You’re okay, angel?”

“I’m fine,” I whisper.

Gabe’s gaze sweeps between Cara and me. “I came to apologize for—”

Cara’s grip tautens almost painfully on my hand. “You arrogant piece of shit! I told you to stay away from her. You’re not welcome here. So, get the hell out. Now.”

Something flickers in Gabe’s gaze as he sets his eyes on me, and after a curt dip of his chin, he stalks to the door. When he’s gone, I tug on Cara’s hand. “You’ve met Gabe?”

“Unfortunately.”

Okay. But how?

Before I can ask, she scans my half empty office, walks to the empty space where my sketch table used to be, and points at the two-seater covered in a protective plastic sheet.

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