Page 133 of Adored

LOT.

“Then we can stay to celebrate your parent’s lives, but right after the cocktail hour, we’re out of here. I’ve already texted Elizabeth. The horses will be leaving after we do. She’s getting them back toNew Orleans, and to a secure place.”

Finding out there would be security on the gate made Gamble so much calmer.

“Promise me, Poe.By. My. Side.”

Oh, well, his sexy Marine had nothing to worry about. He was sticking close.

“Okay, I can do that. I’ll be your shadow.”

That was all he had to hear. Gamble looked at his watch, and he had business to attend—private business.

“I have to handle something. It’s important. Before anyone gets here, can you take Rufus up to the room and lock the door—just in case?”

Poe wasn’t sure why, but he figured Gamble knew best when it came to things like this.

“Will you be okay without me? I have a mean swing and can back you up if need be,” he stated.

Gamble didn’t want him swinging at anyone. He wanted him safely tucked away—until Von was done.

“Let me swing. You just put minds back together. That’s your thing. I’ll be the brawn for this mess. You be the brain for our lives.”

He winked at him.

“I love you, Gamble. Be safe,” he said, giving him a soft kiss on his mouth, because he felt the need to be connected to the man.

Just.

In.

Case.

Picking up Rufus, Poe headed upstairs, and Gamble knew what he needed to do.

Someone had to get engaged. There was no way he was putting this off, so while he could, it was time to get that handled too.

If something was going to happen to one of them, then he wanted this memory where they had that very personal moment and connection.

Not that he’d let anything happen to Poe.

OVER HIS DEAD BODY.

* * * Poe & Gamble * * *

Forty-Five Minutes

Later

Waiting wasn’t his favorite thing, and normally, Poe was very patient. You had to be when you were putting people’s minds back together again.

Only, now, that wasn’t the case.

Poe wasn’t sure where Gamble had gone, but he was getting antsy.

The man was MIA, and to be honest, that scared him. What could possibly take this long to handle?

Now, his mind was running amuck.