DREAM

by Mary Smith

  “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 cle
an 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.”

  “I don’t intend for us to be sleeping.” I seductively say.

  “Well,” he grabs my hips, pulling me closer. “Haven’t you turned into a little sex vixen?”

  “And to think I’ve only just begun having sex.”

  “To think,” he hums against my lips. “Go and have your bath; I’ll be up soon.”

  “Okay.” I kiss him and then head up to the bathroom.

  Soaking in a hot tub is exactly what I need right now. I focus on Gable relying on me to get Jacob out of our lives. I’m not exactly sure what I’m looking for. The last time was fluke and it’s good Gable saw the information before Larissa took it.

  I need to get more of the orders and accounting books and maybe take pictures of the guns in the back. No, wait, those might be marked with a customs stamp, and I can’t have that going back to Gable. I’m not cut out for this sort of work. All I ever wanted was to work for Dad and JE.

  Now, look at me. I’m trying to figure out how to take down a criminal. I swear my life could be a movie sometimes.

  Once I’m dried off, I slip into a white lace bra and thong set, to be sexy. Even though Gable’s never said anything about my colored ones, I’ve been leaning away from them more. I need to make sure he’s comfortable, but I draw the line at my heels. I will not give up my colorful heels. If Gable has a serious problem with it, then he just shouldn’t look down.

  I pull the covers down from the bed and crawl in, waiting for Gable. I will myself to stay awake, but the stresses of the day and unpredictably of tomorrow forces my eyes close.

  ~~~

  “Baby.”

  I moan.

  “Dream.”

  I flutter my eyes open and see Gable looking down at me.

  “Wake up, Dream. It’s time for work.”

  I pop up. “What?” I’m disoriented and I glance at the clock. It’s eight in the morning. I felt like I only closed my eyes a moment ago. “Why didn’t you wake me when you came to bed?”

  “You needed your rest.” He stands up, already dressed. “I have to go into the office. Now, if you want to remain here that’s fine, but if you leave the house, Leo, Stacks, and Trent will be with you, okay?”

  I nod. Gable kisses my forehead and rushes out the door. I rub my eyes and try to focus on this day. It’s going to be long one.

  After spending too much time on my makeup to cover my bruises, I’m out the door, with Leo, Mrs. Stones, Trent, and Stacks.

  Trent is driving and looks a lot like Leo, but younger. He has the same stern gaze, wavy hair, and brown eyes. Stacks, is the polar opposite. He’s the biggest man I’ve ever seen. He’s at least six feet eight inches tall and as big as a defensive lineman. However, they are both quiet when we pull up to JE’s building. Mrs. Stones along with her security guard, whose name I can’t remember, head into the office to work. The rest of us head to Matherson’s Printing.

  I do my best to keep my nerves under control. I know Jacob won’t be there; at least I don’t think that he will be. I know that Leo will not let anything happen to me.

  I miss you.

  The text message brings a smile to my face. Ah, I love being in love, but I’d like it more if Jacob and Gideon would get the hell out of my life.

  Leo walks in first, and I follow him, with Trent bringing up the rear. Jacob’s security is still in their usual places as the three of us stroll past with no words uttered. Leo halts when he crosses the threshold and I almost run into his back.

  “Mr. Butler advised you not to be around when Mrs. Butler is here.” Leo’s tone is strong.

  “I didn’t know she was coming this morning.” I heard Jacob’s voice and I walk around Leo.

  “Wow,” comes out before I can stop it. Jacob’s eyes are still black and blue. His nose is encased in a brace where Gable broke it.

  “Dream-”

  “Mrs. Butler.” Leo corrects him sternly.

  “Mrs. Butler, I’m glad you decided to rejoin me.”

  “I didn’t.” I cross my arms. “My husband asked me. Trust me when I say I don’t want to be here.”

  “I do sincerely apologize for our last meeting.”

  “Stop.” I throw up my hands because I don’t want to hear him. “I have work to do and I’m sure you do as well. Somewhere else.” I raise an eyebrow, hinting for him to leave.

  “I will leave you to it.” Jacob walks out along with a lone bodyguard.

  The second I hear Jacob leave my body relaxes. I didn’t even realize that I had been that tense. I walk over to the desk, drop my bags, and get started. The sooner I’m done, the faster I don’t have to come back here.

  Leo and Trent never left my side the entire day. They are my silent shadow as I rummage through the computer. I download several new worksheets to my flash drive. Gable told me to get as much information I could. I know that some of these files will be decoys, if not all of it, but maybe Jacob slipped up somewhere.

  The day goes by and I finish up by updating the rest of the employee files for tax purposes. I also make sure that payroll is finished, and the new machine are working correctly. Business is beginning to pick up for Matherson Printing and that’s good for the bottom line.

  “Dream.” I look up and see my husband standing in front of me.

  “Gable.” I smile.

  “You ready to go home?”

  “Yes,” I say exasperated.

  “Long day?”

  “Yes, but I had two great guys with me.” I nod over to Trent and Leo. “They were protective of me when Jacob was here.”

  “What?” Gable turns to stone. “Jacob was here.”

  “Dream handled herself well and he left.” Leo jumps in to explain.

  Gable shoulders sag a bit. “Really?” He slowly beams at me.

  “Yes. Now, let’s go home.” He wraps his arm around my shoulder and leads me out. I watch as Jacob’s guards quickly part ways to let us through and without even asking me, Gable loads me up in the white Mercedes and Bruce drives us home.

  Chapter 18

  I lotion my freshly shaved legs, arms, and stomach, and then I check my hair and makeup free face. I had purchased this silk white baby doll nightie and matching thong and it arrived today.

  Tonight is the first night in two weeks Gable and I will have the whole house to ourselves. Mama Butler, Mrs. Stones, and Joy have all gone home, but they still have security with them. However, Jacob hasn’t attempted to
speak to us or approach us. Gable was able to have Shona reassigned to another area away from his shipyard. All of Jacob’s shipments were declined and/or never made it to Gable shipyard.

  Gable is waiting for Jacob to make a move but nothing has come yet. Gideon has been more withdrawn because Gable is keeping him out of almost everything still. However, Mama Butler has been keeping Gideon busy at her house with ‘home improvements’. Gable is convinced Gideon would never hurt their mother.

  I’ve been going to Matherson Printing, but I’ve not seen a sign of Jacob and the files I’ve taken to Gable aren’t showing him anything but legitimate accounting. I’ve become so frustrated because there’s nothing to get him on. Luckily, I’ll be done working there soon.

  I’m pushing all of that out of my head. Right now, it’s just Gable and me. We’ve only been able to have sex one other time since that first night because we’ve been so tired trying to catch Jacob that we go to sleep. But, not tonight.

  I’m going to bed and HOPE I’m not alone.

  I send a text to Gable as I get comfortable in the bed. He better take the hint or I will have to tramp down there to him in this nightie. Although, desk sex doesn’t sound bad right now.

  “I’m here.” He says still looking down at his phone as he walks into the bedroom. “You’re not going to bed alone.” Gable is still typing on his phone.

  “Gable.”

  “Hhmm.” He still stares at his phone as I get out of the bed and stand with my hands on my hips.

  I count to ten and he isn’t paying attention to me.

  “Gable.” I stamp my foot.

  “Yes.” Finally, he looks up and his eyes go wide as he searches me up and down.

  “I don’t want to go bed alone, and I sure as hell don’t want your phone to be more important than me.”

  Gable holds up and finger and then I hear his phone power down. “What’s the special occasion, baby?”

  I sashay over to him and grab his tie, leading him over to the edge of bed, and push him down. I take his phone and place it on the nightstand. “I haven’t seen my husband in a while. It’s Friday night and tomorrow we’re going to be so busy at the charity event I thought tonight I could show you some attention. I know how hard you’ve been working.” I use my best seductive voice.