Free Evanesce (The Darkness #2) by Cassia Brightmore Page B

the noticeable bulge in his jeans, she looked at Theo.
    “What are you two doing in here? I know I’m not paying you to just sit around Theo.” She tilted her head in Gabe’s direction, “And I’m positive he’s not on my payroll.”
    Gabe grabbed her chin and forced her to meet his dark intense stare. “I don’t need payment for what I’m going to give you, Nora.” Swatting his hand away, Nora stood and walked to the door. She needed distance from him and she needed it fast. Her resolve was crumbling around her and it wouldn’t be long before she caved and her panties betrayed her and jumped into his eager hands.
    “Alright, you two, unless you have something to tell me—get out. I have real work to do.” She opened the door and shooed them out with her hand. Theo faked a cough and looked at Gabe.
    “Well actually, sweet cheeks—there is something we need to discuss,” Theo informed her. “With everything that’s going on around here in town and that fact that you still, ” he looked at her pointedly, “Haven’t installed a security system, we’ve decided that—” Nora knew where he was headed and cut him off.
    “No. Absolutely not. You’re not moving in here, Theo. I’ve got the ranch hands and Bobby can stay over a couple nights a week if need be. There is no reason for you to move in here just to keep an eye on me,” she argued.
    Theo smiled at her. “I totally agree with you.” Nora smiled, satisfied that she shut down his ridiculous plan so easily. “Good, so then—” she began, but stopped when Theo held up a hand.
    “ I’m not going to move in, how awkward would that be when I want to bring a lady friend home,” Theo laughed. “Gabe, on the other hand, well he doesn’t have that problem. He’s more of a repellent for the ladies, it only makes sense for him to move in and make sure you’re safe.”
    Nora gaped at him, shocked at his words. “No. No no no, and in case didn’t hear me—NO.” It would be a cold day in the heart of Hell before she agreed to let the infuriating man move in. Not. Happening.
    Gabe chuckled. Watching Nora get riled up was such a turn-on. She was beautiful already, but with her cheeks flushed with temper and her chest rising up and down, she was intoxicating. His restraint snapping, he strode towards her. Scooping her up and over his shoulder, he carried her out of the office, Theo’s booming laughter sounding behind them. They needed to have it out once and for all. Ignoring her protests and her fists beating furiously on his back while her feet kicked the air like she was riding a bike, he carried her to his truck and dumped her unceremoniously into the passenger seat. Leaning in, he kissed the tip of her nose while he reached around and snapped her seatbelt into place snugly. “We’re going for a ride, baby.” Without waiting for a reply, he shut the door and walked around to the driver’s side, whistling.
    Fuming, Nora started to unbuckle and simultaneously reached for the door handle. Gabe was too quick for her and was in his seat and had her hands trapped in his before she could blink. “Nora. Please. Just take a drive with me. One drive, that’s all I’m asking for.”
    Slumping down in her seat, Nora admitted defeat. The part of her that was screaming to say yes to Gabe won and she relented. One drive couldn’t hurt anything, after all. Hearing his excuses might actually prove to be quite amusing and watching him squirm wasn’t something she could pass up—no matter how dangerous the consequences could be.
    “Fine. I’ll give you thirty minutes to say whatever it is you have to say, but no more than that. I have to be back at the ranch to oversee the crane work on the west barn.” Nora tried to sound stern.
    Chuckling, Gabe started the truck and pulled out onto the main road. “Sure, baby. Whatever you say.”
    Less than ten minutes later, Gabe rolled the truck to a stop at Teeside Pier. The pier was not the largest in Texas,