Page 276 of My Unexpected Mate

She sat down, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to me.

“What happened with Cassie yesterday?” I asked her. “You seemed sad when you came to me.”

“I think you can guess it,” she sighed. “I was sad because I know it is hard for her. I wish I could help her somehow. But I can’t tell her what to do.”

I know it had something to do with Blake and Zack. Zack was completely in love with Cassie, and I guess she was in love with him as well. But she was with Blake. So, we’ve got ourselves another love triangle. Great. Just what we need.

I rolled my eyes internally.

“You are right,” I nodded. “But you can support whatever decision she makes.”

“I will,” she said as she looked up at me. “I told her yesterday that no matter what she decides, I'll be there for her.”

I smiled down at her. “You are an amazing friend.”

She blushed and rolled her eyes playfully, “I could be better.”

I chuckled and kissed her forehead, “That is going to be one tough challenge. Impossible, really.”

She smiled and leaned her head on my shoulder.

“What made you come to me yesterday?” I asked, playing with her hair. “Not that I am complaining. I would do everything for you to come to me like that every day. Oh, and to see Nick’s pissed off face.”

She laughed and looked up at me, “He really was pissed, wasn’t he?”

“Yep,” I laughed. “I liked it.”

She smiled and shook her head. “Jake came outside and comforted Cassie. And I started thinking about how Jake was always an awesome big brother. He was always there for Cassie, and I always wished I had a brother like him. Then I thought about you and how great you have been. And at that moment, I wanted you. I wanted to be with you.”

My heart swelled and I swear I have never been happier in my life. She wanted me. She needed me. Me.

I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how much it means to me to hear you say that,” I said quietly. “I wish I had always been there for you.”

She raised her head and looked up at me. “I wish I had always been there for you too.”

I caressed her cheek with my thumb. “I can’t believe I didn’t know you exist.”

She chuckled, “I was thinking the same thing.”

“Really?” I smiled.

“Yes,” she nodded. “When I first met you, I felt complete. I felt like I found a missing piece of me. And when I was with Victor, I lost that piece again because I was separated from you. I can’t believe how I never noticed it before.”

I nodded sadly. “I wish I did. Maybe I could have found you sooner. Maybe I could have protected you from everything that happened. I feel like it was my fault.”

She gasped and grabbed my face. “Are you crazy! None of that was your fault. You didn’t know, Gabriel. Please promise me you will stop blaming yourself. You are the best brother in the world, and I love you so much.”

I looked at her and saw only love and adoration in her eyes. It made my insides melt.

I pulled her in for another hug. “I love you too. I will never let anything, or anyone hurt you again.”

She tightened her grip on me and nuzzled her head into my chest. I chuckled and placed my head on top of hers.

We stayed like that for a while. I was playing with her hair, and she was rubbing my back soothingly. Both of us needed this.

We were interrupted by a scream coming from upstairs.

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