Reckless Devotion (Book One)

by Jennifer Domenico

  “That’s sweet, but he’s been gone for three years. Maybe he’s relaxed with that now.”

  “Nope. We talked all the time, and whenever I mentioned a guy, it was third degree time. Even when I told him I had a date for tonight, he asked if he had to go all big brother on him,” she says, mimicking Gabriel’s voice as best she can.

  “Cute. So he has a softer side?”

  “Definitely. Maybe he’ll show it to you.”

  “Maybe.” I turn to face the direction where Gabriel and Jamie wait in line for the drink station then I realize I didn’t tell him what I wanted. I can tell from here that Jamie is uncomfortable from his tense body language, and I wonder what Gabriel is saying to him. His face is neutral, calm, and sexy as fuck. We’ll probably fuck later. God, I hope we fuck later. “Shit.”

  “What?”

  I glance back at Sara, realizing I said that out loud. “Nothing.” I can’t tell her I’m trying not to fuck her brother’s brains out. “I bit my tongue.”

  “Oh, that sucks.” She nudges my arm. “Maybe Gabriel can kiss it and make it all better.”

  Shaking my head, I grin. “Stop.”

  “Are you gonna let him?”

  Turning toward my friend, I tilt my head. “Baby sister.”

  She pops her bottom lip out in a pout. “This is weird. You’re my best friend and tell me everything, but he’s my brother, so that’s too close.”

  “Right. So let’s just agree not to go there.”

  She smiles. “You can tell me if you screw him without telling me details.”

  “God, Sara.”

  “What?” She laughs, wrapping her arms around me and squeezing, then kissing my cheek. “I just have this funny feeling that Gabriel’s gonna crack that icy exterior of yours. If anyone can, it’s him.”

  “Have you considered he doesn’t want to crack it? Maybe he just wants to have a little fun.” I look up as he saunters back toward us, sensuality cloaking him like the tailored suit he wears. A smile spreads across his lips, and I actually feel slightly off balance. “Just fun, Sara.”

  Her eyes follow mine, then she grins. “Right. Just fun.”

  When Gabriel reaches me, he offers me a glass of red wine. “I hope this is all right. They had a limited selection.”

  “It’s great, thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “So, Mia,” Jamie starts, pulling my attention away from Gabriel’s piercing gaze. “You and Sara work together?”

  “Yep. How did you two meet?”

  “At yoga,” he says, smiling at Sara.

  “Yoga?” Gabriel repeats, with a furrowed brow.

  “Lots of guys practice yoga,” Jamie defends.

  Gabriel grins. “I know, man. I was confused that my sweat adverse sister was exercising.”

  Sara laughs. “I got it as a gift card from my boss, so I tried it out. I had the mat right next to Jamie.”

  “Ah ha,” I chime in. “So that’s why you continued with the two-week trial.”

  Jamie grins, glancing at Sara as her cheeks turn bright red. “Thanks for outing me, Mia.”

  “I’m sure you’ll find an opportunity for retribution at some point.”

  “Bet on it.”

  Sipping my wine, I gaze up at Gabriel’s handsome face as his eyes search the room. When his eyes meet mine, he steps closer with a breathtaking smile on his lips.

  “Do all the women you work with hate you?”

  I tilt my head. “No. Why would they?”

  “Because you’re clearly the most beautiful among them.”

  “Good one.”

  “I’m genuine.”

  “Are you?”

  As the music changes to a slow song, he takes my wine glass and hands it to Sara, before giving his to Jamie. “If you don’t mind holding our drinks, I’d like to dance with Mia.”

  I pull my head back slightly. He wants to dance?

  Taking my hand, he leads me to the dance floor where several other people are dancing, then pulls me close. He’s so much taller than me, my arms are fully extended as I wrap them around his neck.

  “Ask me again?” he murmurs.

  “Ask you what?”

  “If I’m genuine.”

  “Um, okay. Are you?”

  “Not usually.”

  His honesty surprises me, so I avert my eyes for a moment as he swings me around in a circle. I smile and nod at my coworker Christine as she and her husband dance by us.

  “Good to know.”

  “But…” he pauses, dipping me low as a smile tugs at my lips. “I’ve decided to try something new with you.”

  “Have you now?”

  “Yep.” He lifts me back to standing. “Do you want to know why?”

  “Sure.”

  “Because my sister adores you, and I adore her, and it just wouldn’t do for her to think any less of me because of anything I might do to you.”

  “I already agreed to keep things between us.”

  “Yes, but what about when I tear you into tiny little pieces?” My eyes open wide. “Will I have your loyalty then?”

  “You won’t tear me into tiny little pieces, Gabriel. You don’t have that kind of power over me.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “I am.”

  I start to pull away, but he holds me even closer so his mouth is against my ear. “Oh, mon trésor,” he whispers in French. “I hear your will fighting me, but your eyes submit. You want to know what it would feel like to be broken by me.” He steps back, gazing into my eyes. “You’re like a beautiful wild mare. Your chocolate hair blowing in the wind as you run from every man that wants to tame you. None of them have been brave enough to chase, but I am. I’ll break you until you’re just a passive, obedient little thing waiting for my next command.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I respond. “Fuck you, Gabriel.”

  He pulls his head back. “I compliment you and you curse at me? What kind of response is that?”

  “It’s not a compliment being compared to a wild animal who requires taming. I don’t need you in my life, okay? So you can take your horse whisperer bullshit to the next woman willing to fall for it. It isn’t me.”

  I stomp away from him fuming. Entering the ladies room, I walk into a stall and lean against the wall, exhaling slowly. Dammit. He’s fucking right. I want him to break me.

  “WHAT DID YOU do?” I turn when I hear Sara’s voice next to me.

  “Nothing.”

  She gives me a face suggesting she knows otherwise. “Why is she mad?”

  “She’s not mad.” She’s uncomfortable. Grinning, I turn to my sister. “Don’t worry. She’s fine.”

  “I’m going to check on her.”

  “Fine.”

  She pokes me in the chest. “You said you’d be nice to her.”

  “I was nice.”

  “You better hope that’s what she says or you’re getting disappointed sister look for at least a week.”

  I pinch her chin gently. “I’d hate that, Gingerbread. Go check on your friend.”

  Sara hurries off as I walk back to my waiting wine glass. We’ll see where Mia’s loyalty lies in about five minutes or so.

  “Girl trouble?” Jamie asks, moving next to me.

  “No.” I glance at him, taking in his appearance. He seems like a nice guy. “How long have you been seeing my sister?”

  “Just a couple of weeks.”

  “Are you fucking her?”

  His eyes open wide. “No. God no.”

  “God no? What the fuck does that mean? She’s not good enough for you? You don’t want to fuck her?”

  “No, I do, but… uh… I mean… shit.”

  “Spit it out, man. What are your intentions with her?”

  He takes a deep breath then looks me square in the eye, a move I definitely respect. “I like Sara a lot, but I’m taking my time to get to know her because I think she deserves to be treated well.”

  I nod, fixing my
meanest ‘fuck you’ glare on him. “And long term?”

  “I hope we continue dating and getting to know each other.”

  “Are you seeing anyone else?”

  “No. Only her.”

  “If you hurt her, just understand, you’ll have to deal with me.”

  “Got it.”

  I smile, patting him on the back. “Excuse me for being a protective dick, but she’s my only sister. It’s kind of my job.”

  “It’s cool. I get that.” He finishes his beer. “I’m gonna get another one.”

  “No problem.”

  He walks away, and I wonder if he has to change his boxers now. After glancing down at my watch, I shift my attention to the bathroom hoping I didn’t push Mia too far. I don’t think I did though. I saw the fire in her eyes. I have a strong feeling she can handle me.

  THE DOOR OPENS and I hear my name. “Mia?”

  Opening the stall, I walk out. “Yeah.”

  “What’s going on? Did he say something to upset you?”

  Walking over to the sink, I wash my hands, shaking my head. “No. Just a potty break.”

  “Are you sure? You looked mad when you left.”

  I glance over at Sara, a concerned expression etching her pretty features. I promised that whatever happened would stay between Gabriel and me, and really, it has to. I don’t want to be the one to burst her glowing perception of her brother.

  Grabbing a paper towel, I dry my hands and smile at Sara. “Everything’s perfectly fine. Just had a sudden urge to tinkle. I’m good now.”

  “Are you going back to him?”

  “Of course. He’s my date.”

  She tilts her head. “Would you go out with him a second time?”

  “Sure.” I don’t have a choice. I have to see what happens next.

  “Okay then. I guess I believe you.”

  “Why would I lie?”

  “To protect me.”

  Stepping closer, I use my finger to tap her nose. “Nothing to protect you from.”

  We walk out together, and when I see Gabriel’s face, I notice the brief glimmer of concern before his eyes shift to Sara then back to me. He hides it away quickly, but not before satisfaction settles over me. He’s not as tough as he seems.

  He smiles as I approach. “All better?”

  “Yep.” I sip the wine he hands me as he moves slightly behind me.

  “Are you speaking to me?”

  “Barely.”

  “How long do you have to stay?”

  “I need to at least make sure my boss sees me. Are you in a hurry to get rid of me all of a sudden?”

  “Au contraire.” He steps in front of me again, moving in close, causing that damn ripple of excitement in me that shows up now that I’ve met him. “I would just like to spend a few moments alone without all these eyes watching us.”

  “Fine.” My heart races at the idea of being alone with him. “Let’s go say hello. She’s over there,” I say and point near the bar.

  “I will be on my best behavior.”

  I nod. “Please do.”

  Walking across the room, I’m overly aware of his presence next to me. I have no idea what will happen once we’re alone, but I’m dying to find out.

  “Marian?” My boss turns around and smiles. “Hi.”

  “Hello, Mia. You look great tonight.”

  “Thanks.” Her eyes shift to Gabriel, and I can practically see the cougar drool dripping down her chin. I know she just turned sixty, but she’s still attractive. She could easily pick up someone half her age if she wanted to, and far better looking than her paunchy, balding husband standing next to her eating a meatball on a toothpick. Maybe he’s nice. “This is Gabriel.”

  Gabriel bows his head slightly. “Pleasure.”

  Marian smiles. “Oh. What a gentleman.”

  He simply smiles and puts his arm around my waist again. “Nice event.”

  “Thank you,” Marian says. “We’re lucky to be able to put on such a nice affair for the holidays.”

  “Lucky indeed.” He gazes down at me. “Like I was meeting Mia.”

  Holding back my eye roll, I smile instead. “Gabriel is Sara’s brother. He just returned from an extended stint in Paris.”

  “Ooh, I love Paris. What were you doing there?”

  “Business.”

  “Ah. Well, I’m sure that was a great experience for you.”

  “It definitely was.”

  I tuck my arm through his. “Well, we just wanted to say hi.”

  “Enjoy the rest of your evening,” Marian says before we wander off.

  “Now,” Gabriel says, his voice low, “say goodbye to Sara.”

  Narrowing my eyes, I gaze up at him. “God, you’re bossy.”

  He chuckles without saying a word but gazes intently at me. It’s so unnerving, I actually have to look away, which pisses me off. We find Sara and Jamie laughing and talking at the table where we were sitting before.

  “We’re gonna go have a drink,” Gabriel announces. “I want to spend time alone with this rare beauty.”

  I force a smile to my face, suspecting he’s putting on a show for his sister. “I’ll call you tomorrow, Sara.”

  “From your place or Gabriel’s?”

  I shake my head and start to say something smart, but Gabriel interjects. “Don’t worry about it, Gingerbread.”

  “Be a good boy tonight, Meatball.”

  Gabriel laughs then bends down to kiss Sara’s cheek, while Jamie and I look at them like they turned green. Gingerbread and meatball?

  After saying goodbye to others, we walk outside and to his car. I can feel my body temperature rising just at the thought of what’s about to happen to me. Whatever it is, it’s gonna be good.

  When he opens the door for me, I smile as his cologne wafts around me like a warm blanket, knowing the resolve I walked into the evening with is all but a distant memory now. He slides in the driver seat next to me and then fastens his seatbelt, saying nothing as he starts the car. As he begins to drive, I wonder where we’re going, but I say nothing. One because I don’t want to seem anxious, and two because I’m not sure my voice works at this point. I’ve always heard people describe tension as being thick enough to cut, but now I understand it. There’s an invisible wall between us made up of unspoken desire. The minute he touches me, I’m just gonna blow.

  Not long after, I realize we’re going to my place. Once we arrive, he pulls into the driveway and cuts the ignition. While he unfastens his seatbelt, I stay frozen in my seat before finally mustering the strength to speak.

  “Are you coming in?”

  “No.”

  Turning toward him, I nod. “I see. Well, have a good night.”

  He tilts his head. “I’m not done yet.”

  “No? If you’re planning to let me down easy, don’t bother. I don’t care.”

  Gabriel leans closer to me. “I love this tough girl thing you do. It’s intensely attractive to me. I get so tired of women just throwing themselves at me, but you, you’re different.”

  “What are you even talking about?”

  “I think it’s clear that you and I are the same person in different bodies. If there’s such a thing as soul mates, we just found ours.”

  I pull my head back and laugh. “Oh, we’re in love now?”

  “Who said anything about being in love? We’re just two souls that were split apart, but now the journey is over. You won’t fall in love with me, and I won’t with you, because we know each other so well already, we know it would lead to our destruction. I’ve wondered for years if there was a woman in this world like me, and here you are. Right in front of me.”

  “This is stupid.”

  “No, Mia, this is us.” He cups my face. “Aren’t you curious what dating someone exactly like you would be like?”

  “No.”

  “Yes you are, mon trésor.”

  Annoyed now, I demand, “What does that mean?”

  “My tre
asure.” Shaking my head, I start to open the door, but he stops me. “Why are you running?”

  “Because this is dumb. I’m not falling for all your romantic French stuff. It has no effect on me, okay. And I don’t believe in soul mates or two souls split apart, or whatever nonsense you’re talking about just trying to get me in bed. If you were really like me, you’d know that you don’t even have to do all that stuff. You could just come in and fuck me. So why all this ridiculous romantic shit?”

  He says nothing, and after a moment, I just sigh and open the door, but find myself yielding as he pulls me so close I’m almost on his lap. His mouth comes down on mine as his fingers slide through my hair. When his tongue meets mine, it’s like the wind is knocked out of me. His mouth is warm and sweet with the taste of mint lingering on his tongue. I find myself leaning into him as I experience the most intense kiss of my life. His grip on the back of my neck is tight, desperate, as if he thinks I’ll run. After a moment, he breaks the kiss, pressing his forehead on mine as he cups my face.

  “God, you fucking excite me, Mia. Every damn thing about you.”

  “Come inside,” I murmur. “Finish me off.”

  Shaking his head softly, he leans back so that our eyes can meet. “Not tonight.”

  “What?”

  “Not tonight, Mia. I can’t.”

  “You can’t?” I’m so confused. I pull away slightly. “I don’t get it.”

  He lifts my hand to his lips and kisses it softly. “Can you try to trust me? I don’t know why yet, but I believe what’s happening here is gonna be something that changes us. I’m not ready for that. Are you?”

  His words hang in the air between us. He’s right. The attraction between us is like nothing I’ve ever felt.

  “As long as you don’t lie and tell me it’s about respect or some shit.”

  He smiles as his hand leaves my cheek and runs down my neck. “I won’t lie.”

  “And this isn’t some game, is it?”

  “I told you upfront I don’t play games. I just want to wait.” He grips my chin. “But it’s gonna happen. You and I are definitely happening. And when we do, neither one of us will walk away the same as we walked in.” Leaning forward again, he kisses me softly. “Go inside. I’ll wait.”