Page 69 of Gabriel

“I thought we’d share a meal, listen to romantic songs, and then finish the day with a cliché movie. It’ll be like a real date.”

“I don’t think so.” Dammit, why did my voice sound like I actually wanted to do those things with him?

He chuckled and picked up the tray, eating with the focused ease of a soldier who’d learned to take what time was given him. But even then, his eyes flicked up, watching and waiting.

The memory of his mouth—soft and firm all at once—surfaced like a betrayal. The kiss I’d used to distract him the night I drugged him still hummed through me, haunting me. Iwished I hadn’t used that tactic, because oblivion was so much better than knowing how good his kiss felt.

“You never told me where we’re going,” he said between bites. “And as flattering as this private cruise is, I’ve got responsibilities and a family who’ll be wondering where I am.”

“Well, they still haven’t started searching for you,” I pointed out, drawing a dismissive sound from him. “Anyhow, we’re sailing east.”

“East?” he questioned. “It’s a big ol’ world out there, can’t you be more specific?”

“No.”

His whole posture shifted, just enough for me to catch it.

“Are you trying to start a war?” His voice dropped an octave, no longer amused. “Or are you and your siblings just plain stupid?”

I leaned in until I could feel his breath on my cheek.

“Careful, Gabriel. I won’t blink twice before cutting that silver tongue out.”

He didn’t flinch. “As long as it’s not my dick, we’re square.”

“Men,” I muttered. “Besides, I already told you. Nobody’s looking for you, so no danger of starting a war.”

He set the fork down.

“What are you and Elira doing, Amara? Following Jet’s orders? You think his twin’s really on your side? Those two would sell each other out to save their own skin. What makes you think they’d be loyal to you?”

“You’re wrong about that.”

He puffed out his chest.Arrogant prick. “No, I’m not, and deep down you know it.”

The problem was that I believed Jet and Elira would always have each other’s backs before mine. It was only natural, and I never minded it. But that didn’t mean I thought they would ever betray me.

“And where is Jet?” He studied me like he was trying to pick apart lies from half-truths.

“You tell me.”

“Why the hell would I know?” he snapped, finally cracking.

But I didn’t flinch. I had questions of my own that I couldn’t ask.

“You and Jet… You didn’t make some kind of deal?”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Anyone who trusts Jet enough to make a deal is either desperate or suicidal.”

“That’s not true.” It was. God help me, it reallywas.

“Where arewegoing, Amara?”

I finally decided it didn’t matter if he knew or not. He was stuck here under my guard, under my and Elira’s watchful eye.

“Albania.”

His breath caught and stillness followed.