DREAM (19 page)

I never thought I would enjoy a little bit of dirty talk in the middle of sex, but his command is shoving me over that sexual peak.

“Yes, Gable. I’m so close.”

He doubles his efforts and I yell out, louder than I should have. It hits me all at once and I shake from the freedom the orgasm gives me. He pumps again and I feel his release inside me.

I lick my dry lips and say, “I love you, Gable.”

Chapter 17

“You make me forget.”

“Hhmm.” I’m resting my head on his chest. I lightly graze my fingers through his chest hair.

“You make me forget,” he repeats.

I lift my gaze up to him. “What do you mean?” I can feel and hear the pounding of his heart. “Gable?” I sit up more.

“Right now, outside that door, my brother is conspiring against me with someone I once considered a friend, who is now my enemy. I don’t know what to do. For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to do.”

Gable’s tone tells me he’s more concerned than he let on earlier. This is serious and he should be.

“Hey.” I throw my leg over his hips, straddling him, and ignore the soreness between my legs. “We’re going to figure this out. Aren’t we supposed to be a team? Isn’t that a marriage?”

He grips my hips and smirks, showing me that dimple that I love. “We’re a team, Dream.”

My heart and pride swell hearing his words. “I’m glad.”

“You’re still mad at me though.”

“Yes, but not as much as yesterday.”

He sits up bringing us almost eye level. “I’m sorry I lied, but I’m not sorry I did it to protect you.”

I brush the back that’s fallen over his forehead back. “I accept that. Now, as much as want to make love with you, it’s three in the morning, and we have an early morning so we can get our lives back.”

Gable lightly brushed his fingertips up and down my bare back. “I agree.” He kisses me and I feel him stirring between my legs.

“I thought we were going to bed.” I giggle against his lips.

“What’s one more time?” He flips me onto my back and he’s right. What’s one more time?

~~~

After my shower, and getting ready for the day, I don’t see Gable anywhere in the bedroom. I head down to his office, and when I walk in, I see Gable, Bruce, Leo, Mama Butler, Joy, and Mrs. Stones.

“Dream, I was about to send for you.” Gable comes over to me and puts his arm around me.

“I didn’t realize we had company yet.” I smile at everyone.

“I’m filling everyone in on the situation.”

I nod and walk over to Mama Butler, who hugs me tightly. “Even through those bruises you’re glowing.”

I blush at her words and then hug Mrs. Stones who has a bright smile on her face. Is it tattooed on my forehead that I had sex?

“Since everyone is on the same page, Leo and Bruce will move your luggage in, and no one is to leave without a security guard with them,” Gable instructs and everyone agrees.

Before I can ask what’s going on, Gideon walks in, and stops. He looks shocked, confused, and a little scared.

Mama breaks the ice. “Gideon.” She smiles and hugs him. “I was about to be mad that you didn’t come and see me.”

“Mama, what are you doing here?”

“Oh.” Her face drops. “A pipe busted in my bathroom and flooded everything. It’s a mess and needs to be repaired. Gable is going to let me stay here. Plus,” she lights up. “I get to spend some time with Dream and my boys.”

“Great.” Gideon doesn’t sound convinced. “Is there a meeting I missed?” He asks Gable.

“No. Mrs. Stones will be staying here to work with Dream, until she feels better to go back to work. Joy and I will be doing the same.”

“What about Japan? You’re supposed to go over there soon.”

“I know,” Gable says with no further explanation.

“Mrs. Stones, how about we grab some coffee before we start?” I know that she’ll take the hint. I don’t want to be in the same room with Gideon. I’ve never really hated anyone, until him. I won’t let him ruin Gable.

“That sound like a good idea.”

As I walk past Gideon, I don’t look him in the eyes. If I did, I might have punched him. Not that I’ve ever done that, but I want to. Walking into the kitchen, Leo is right behind us. Misha is there fiddling around the counter and when she sees us, she quickly grabs some coffee for us.

Mrs. Stones actually starts talking about work and the happenings. I’ve been trying to keep up with all the email, but I’m failing at it.

“Everything is fine. It’s all running smoothly. I promise you.” She takes my hand, gives me an encouraging smile, and continues talking about our accounts. Leo calmly and silently sits next to me.

Once we finish the coffee, we move to the dining room. Mrs. Stones pulls out files and I grab my laptop to get started. After several hours, numerous emails, a few phone calls, and a small headache from staring at the laptop, I decide to take a break. Misha brought us some sandwiches and drinks. It’s strange that Gable is in the house, but I haven’t seen him. I’m sure that he’s as busy as I am.

“Let’s stop for the day.” I announce. “I’m done for the night.” I know I shouldn’t be, but I can’t look at another email, contract, or report. My eyes might cross.

“Sounds perfect.”

We all turn and see Gable coming into the dining room.

“How was your day?” My voice is more excited and my heart flutters

Gable shrugs. “Misha is about to set up dinner for everyone.”

“We’re cleaning up now.” Mrs. Stones begins to shuffle and gather the items and papers around us.

“I need to set you up an office.” Gable mumbles. “I should have done that already.” He sounds disappointed in himself.

“It’s fine.” I hug his waist. When I release him, I help Mrs. Stones. “Let’s keep all of this in my room. The door locks.” Mrs. Stones nods and takes everything up there with Leo following her.

“Is everything okay?” I whisper to him, because I know Gideon is still around.

“We’ll talk later.” He gives me a chaste kiss. “I have a plan and we need to discuss it, but when we’re alone.”

Even though I want to know, I remain quiet and only nod. Mama Butler comes around the corner just as I go to kiss Gable back.

“Misha and I have made a mouth-watering dinner for everyone.” She announces proudly. “How are you two doing?”

“We’re outstanding.” Gable beams.

I grin at him and look back at Mama. I wonder what she’s feeling right now. Her youngest son is plotting against her oldest one and with the enemy. I’m not a mother nor could I imagine what she’s thinking at this point. Does she believe Gable? Does she think Gideon is innocent? Could she be working with Gideon?

“I’m glad to hear. Dream, would mind walking with me?”

“Um, sure.” Gable releases me and I follow Mama Butler out of the room and into the sitting room.

“I wanted to speak with you for a moment, and I hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not.” I’m curious on where this conversation is going to go.

“No parent should ever have favorites and I haven’t with my sons. However, they are two different men and sometimes I wonder where I went wrong with Gideon. Gable is like my husband. Strong, determined, never takes no for an answer.” She winks at me. “Gideon was never the leader Gable was. He did what he could do to fit in with friends and with Gable.” Mama smiles sadly. “He’s very easily influenced.”

“Are you thinking Jacob has a hold on him of sorts?”

“I don’t know. I hate to think Gideon would intentionally hurt Gable or you, or for that matter, me. However, something is happening. Gable showed me everything and I know in my heart, Gideon is behind it in some way, but I hate to think that way, too.”

She grows quiet and I take her hand. I’m not sure why I do, but I feel she needs the comfort. I know she’s a good mother and you can see the love she has for her sons.

“I’m sure you know Gable has a bit of a rough past, but so does Gideon. I never wanted my boys on that path, but they did what they had to do to survive. I hated every moment of it, but…” she stops and looks out the picture window. “I was so happy when Gable turned his life around after the breakdown. He needed that, even though I wish he would be like me and put some color in this place.” She rolls her eyes and I softly agree with her.

“Mama.”

We turn and see Gideon coming into the sitting room.

“What have you been up to all day?” Mama asks cheerily.

“Working.” His tone is a bit harsh. “What are you two talking about?” He eyes me.

Mama laughs. “We were wondering if I brought red throw pillows in here, if Gable would notice.”

Gideon chuckles. “Yes, he would.” I see a hint of sadness in his eyes and I wonder if he regrets hurting his brother.

I doubt it.

“I need to wash up for dinner.” I squeeze Mama’s hand and stand.

“Don’t leave my account.” Gideon’s tone is cold.

I don’t answer him, but I do glare at him as I leave the room. Plus, I still want to punch him. I make my way to the bedroom and I collapse on the bed. I’m exhausted and really have the urge to take a nap instead of eat.

I close my eyes when the bathroom door opens and Gable steps out. He’s still in his black pants and black shirt.

“What are you doing?” He lies down next to me.

“Resting my eyes for a moment and now, I’m wondering if I’ll be able to get back up.”

Gable chortles and rolls me onto my back hovering over me. “You need to eat.”

I pucker my lips a bit and smile. “I did have an exhausting night.”

“As did I.” He rubs his nose against mine. “And I enjoyed every moment of it.”

“As did I.” I repeat his words. “Are we going to talk now about your plan?”

“You may not like it.” Gable’s warm, minty breath tickles my cheek.

“I won’t know until you tell me.”

“I need you to work for Jacob again.”

I tense up at his words. “Excuse me.” I pull away from him.

“I know it’s the worst possible scenario.”

“You think?” I smart off at him, pushing him away. I get up from the bed and walk away from him. “How can this be a good idea? He wants me dead, Gable.”

“I’m well aware of that. However, you’re the only one that can get in there and get more information. Leo and a couple other guys will be with you at all times. I swear, nothing will happen to you.” Gable follows me, but keeps his distance. “I have no other option, Dream.”

I stare at him because I can’t form the right words to yell at him. He wants to put me back in Jacob’s territory and possibly be hurt even worse than before.

“Baby, there is no other way. I need more access to the files that are on that computer.”

“What if he’s already wiped the computer clean? It’ll be worthless for me to go back, then.”

“I need to know. Joy tried to hack into it today, but we can’t get through. I would never ask you to do this, if there was no other way.”

My lips are tightly closed because I know he’s right, and it makes me mad at the same time. “I want Leo with me at all times, and if anything happens, it’ll be your fault.” I’m all but frothing at the mouth in anger.

“I’ll die before anything happens to you.”

I roll my eyes. “Let’s not get all Shakespearean about it, Gable.”

“I will if it shows you how much I love you. Doth I love thee, Dream.” I try hard to hold but the laughter, but I almost snort at his silliness. “Ye, come eat with I.”

I giggle again. “Only if
ye
stops talking like that.”

“Deal.” Gable kisses me briefly, and we head to dinner.

~~~

Dinner is uneventful and I’m thankful. Gideon eats quickly and rushes out of the room. When everything is finished, I help Misha clean up the kitchen. Afterward, I go and find Gable, in his office with Leo and Bruce.

When I walk in, Gable is on the phone. Leo motions me to be quiet, and I quickly shut the door to find out what’s going on.

“I’m not joking at all. Dream will be with my security team at all times, and you will not be around her unless they are. If I find out differently, you will not like the outcome. Do you understand, Jacob?” Gable is silent for a second. “I’m doing this out of our friendship, but don’t ever touch what’s mine again.” He turns and winks at me. I know he doesn’t think of me that way, but its sort-of hot hearing him say it. “It’s up to her.” He grunts out and hangs up the phone.

“What did he say?”

“He wants you there tomorrow. You don’t have to go then if you don’t want to. However,” he stares at Leo. “She goes nowhere without you.”

Leo nods. “It’s been that way for twenty years; I’m not looking to change it.”

“Good, then we’re done here.” Gable dismisses them both.

I can see the concern on his face when they both leave. He’s stressing again.

“I’ll be fine. You already told me I would.” I try to be cheerful, but deep down, I’m not sure if this will work or not.

“I swear it.”

“Perfect. I think I’m going to go take a hot bath and then bed.” I sway over to him. “Would like me to join me for either of them?” I rub my hands up his hard chest.

“Both of those options are extremely tempting, however, go enjoy your bath alone and I’ll join you in bed.”