Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 57064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“If he loves you so much,” Holden counters, “why the hell was he a fucking ghost for twenty years?” Hearing the way his voice rises, Holden holds up a hand, taking a deep breath and calming himself. “Sorry, Madam Lynn. But it’s more than just my job to worry about you. He could be out for your money. Have you thought of that?”
Before I can respond, he presses further. “Is he the one who scared you the other night?”
I let out a huff but also let it all roll off my shoulders. He’s young. He has issues with trust because of his family. He doesn't know what happened, and he’ll deal with it.
I’m warmed by his concern, but this is one time where Holden’s natural suspicions are misguided. “Holden, I know him. I know your job is to be wary of everyone who enters those doors. And I know that you have good instincts. But Gabriel is more than just a businessman walking in and wanting a membership.”
“So why was he gone for so long?”
I sigh, standing up. I’ve made my decision, and I need to end this. “Something happened in my past. He protected me.”
“Something . . . he was protecting you because you did something,” Holden says as if he understands. As if he’s starting to get it.
For a split second, a small blip of a moment, I want to spill it all to him. It took years to get over what I did. The remorse from that grave incident mixed with the loneliness and the worthlessness I felt nearly brought me to a darkness I could never return from. I still remember the sound. I still have nightmares every once in a long while. I’ve never forgotten. No matter how much I try to forgive myself, I’ll always be a murderer.
I’ve never told a soul, not even Joshua who knows me from those days. I suspect Joshua knows the truth, but we’ve never discussed it. And after all these years, unburdening my guilt feels safe now, like the last little piece to finally let go.
But I won’t because that would hurt Gabriel, and no one ever really needs to know. Even a young man who doesn’t understand and has had issues with trust all his life. He doesn’t do secrets, and I understand that, but this isn’t business. It’s personal.
So instead, I cross the room, trying to end the discussion. “You could say something like that, Holden.”
Holden backs up to the door, standing between it and me. As if he would dare block me from leaving. My brow cocks. I’m more than certain my expression reads, as if you would dare. In response, his gaze drops a moment in shame.
“Holden, I’ve made my decision. I appreciate your concerns, but this will not help your argument. Now get out of my way, drop your concerns about Gabriel, and let’s get back to work. The auction should be ending soon, and there are documents to have signed.”
The Holden I know returns, looking if anything a little chagrined. “I’m sorry,” he says quickly, almost stammering. “I’m sorry, Madam Lynn. I just . . . I’m really worried, that’s all. I get a really bad feeling about him.”
I pat him on the shoulder, trying to heal this rift that’s suddenly popped up between us. “I understand, but you don’t know him, Holden. You’ll get to it, though. You’ll warm up to him.”
Holden hums and lifts an eyebrow, muttering beneath his breath as he leaves, and it leaves a chill to run down my spine that I do everything I can to ignore. “It’s been twenty years. Are you sure you know him?”
GABRIEL
Present
“Gabe, old man, how are you?”
I lean back in my chair, chuckling. “I’m not as old as you, Donovan. What’s on your mind?”
My priority is maintaining a low profile. Privacy comes at a price, and with that price is usually a decent amount of luxury.
Like this place I purchased for the moment. Spacious, the two thousand square feet are a lot for a single man in a house. But the almost suburban three-bedroom ranch house is very comforting, with dark leather chairs and a modern dining room and kitchen.
The second bedroom was converted into a temporary office. It’s low-profile from the outside, however it’s still furnished to my liking. It’s the quality Donovan expects.
Outside the house, Joshua’s team is still active, but low-profile and at a distance. There’s far more security at her place and at the club.
In the back of my mind, I’m always thinking about Kiersten and whether everything will be alright now that I’m back. Legally, I’m protected. The case is closed, and there isn’t an ounce of evidence. The nervousness of knowing someone else is aware that I’m back and knows all about Kiersten never leaves me.