Page 89 of The Bonventi Hitman

The possessiveness in his voice sends heat coursing through me. "I agree," I breathe.

"Good. Now, let's go upstairs. You're wearing too much," he commands.

I follow, knowing Sofia will surrender to his touch tonight, while Anna plans her next move with the FBI. The duality tears at me, but in this moment, all I want is Gabriel's hands on my body.

ANNA - 33

Iblink and rub the sleep from my eyes. I reach out, expecting to find Gabriel's warm body beside me, but my hands find coldness instead.

He's already up.

I push back the sheets and sit up. As I do, a wave of nausea hits me. Today’s the day I'll reach out to the FBI, and the thought of lying to Gabriel twists my stomach into knots. I've become so entangled in everything that the idea of betraying him is starting to feel like a betrayal of myself.

I drag myself out of bed, my movements sluggish and slow, as if not wanting to continue on with this day.

I move across the room and into the walk-in closet. Two days ago, Lydia had taken all my measurements and gone shopping for me. Some of it I would never wear, but the casual things like shirts, tops, and pants were fine. I thumb through my options and opt for a simple pair of jeans and a white V-neck shirt, with some black flats. I'll bring a blazer just in case it's cold. It's an outfit that won't draw attention.

My nausea intensifies as I head downstairs. The smell of freshly brewing coffee fills my nose as I enter the kitchen. I find Gabriel sitting at the island, looking handsome in a crisp white shirt, his hair slightly disheveled. The fabric is tight on his chest, highlighting his muscles and showing his tattoos. He smiles when he sees me.

"Good morning, Bella," he says, sliding a mug of coffee toward me. "Sleep well?"

The rich aroma does little to settle my stomach.

"Yes, and you?" I ask with a slight smile.

"How can one ever have a bad night's rest when they share a bed with you?"

I feel myself turning red and reach for my coffee, hoping the bitterness will erase my changing color.

He takes a sip from his mug, which reads,'I paid for my sister's college and all I got was this stupid mug.'

"From Livia?" I ask, pointing to the mug.

His expression tells me he's shocked I know her name.

"Yes, I… how did?—"

"Lydia. She's really fond of her. What else do you think women talk about when you leave us alone for too long?" I say, trying to brush it off and hoping Lydia isn't in trouble. "The weather?"

"I suppose you're right," he says and laughs. "Weather talk is for old men anyhow."

I take another sip from my coffee and realize the acidity isn't helping settle my stomach or nerves; it's making it worse. I set it down on the counter, vowing not to take another sip.

"So," Gabriel says and stares at me with his piercing green eyes, "What are your plans for today?"

The question, though I knew it was coming, rocks me a bit. I haven't been asked what I wanted to do since being taken by Gabriel the night of Bill's death. And now, I just get to leave and be free.

"I thought I'd spend the day downtown. Do a bit of window shopping, enjoy being outside."

Gabriel's eyes narrow slightly, and for a heart-stopping moment, I think he's going to walk back on my freedom.

But then he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet. "Here," he says, sliding a credit card across the counter. "Buy yourself a few things, and pick up a nice outfit for dinner. I'm taking you somewhere special in a few days once my business is taken care of."

After the job at the blue warehouse, I assume.

"Gabriel, you don't have to."

"I want to," he says simply. "You're mine, and I take care of what's mine."