It had been nice. Normal, even. A comfortable silence had stretched between us. He passed the time sharpening his various weapons while I read a book I found in the nightstand.
Once night fell, Gabriel snuck me out of the back of the inn to where Chaos was waiting, already saddled. A trio of Protectors had apparently joined the Enforcer from the night before at the bar, rendering passing through the main tavern impossible.
Gabriel had helped me into the saddle before swinging up behind me. His arms had wrapped around my middle, reaching for the reins, and I’d allowed my body to mold against his. Resting my head on his chest, I’d relaxed as much as possible. The Hunter had let out a sound of surprise, but instead of pushing me away, he held me even closer and murmured a command to Chaos.
Hours have passed since then. It’s a cold night, and I’m grateful for the cloak and gloves Maia sent as I snuggle up to Gabriel.
I’m all warm and tingly inside, both from our proximity and the knowledge he isn’t unaffected by this, either. His hardened length has been digging into my backside all night, and based on the way he’s holding me to him even closer than normal, I don’t think it’s merely a physical reaction.
“Let’s take a break,” Gabriel declares a short while later. Mist had been running alongside us, but she disappeared into the woods a few minutes ago.
Gabriel tugs on Chaos’s reins, and the gelding obediently alters course. Not long after that, we stop near a babbling, fast-moving brook. The trees are bare save for a few stray leaves, and a light dusting of snow covers the ground.
Gabriel hops out of the saddle with an ease I can only hope to attain one day. I hold on to the pommel as he leads Chaos to the water’s edge, slipping the reins over a nearby hanging branch. Turning around, he removes his gloves and slides them into his pocket.
“Need a hand?” he asks.
Since I’ve yet to master dismounting and I’d rather not suffer a head injury, I nod. Gabriel’s hands land on my hips, and he lifts me off the saddle, placing me on the ground.
Usually, this is when he steps back and gives me space. Tonight, he does no such thing. Gabriel’s hands tighten around me, and I suck in a breath. I’m not a small woman, but the way his fingers spread around me, spanning my hips and brushing the tops of my thighs, makes me feel tiny.
A rush of heat sweeps through me, and my lips part as I stare up at him.
“Fighting isn’t easy, little bird.” His thumbs sweep across my hips, searing despite the layers of clothing between us.
“I expect it isn’t.” My words come out breathier than normal.
Gabriel tilts his head, but he doesn’t step back or give me space. “Are you sure you want to learn?”
“Absolutely.” I never want to feel defenseless again, and I’m tired of depending on others to guard me.
I want to be able to look after myself so I canhelpother people.
He lowers his voice. Steps into my space, not that there was much room to begin with, and my fingers twitch at my sides.
“You know I’ll protect you, right? I hope I made that clear when I dealt with Hedran.”
When he killed his fellow Hunter for me.
It’s because he’s meant to be yours, a voice whispers in the back of my mind.
The voice and its claim aren’t new, but for the first time, I don’t hate what it’s implying. Yes, Gabriel issued me the head start, but he’s done so much since then. Looked after me, helped me stay alive when I had no one else.
Maybe . . .
Maybe heismeant to be mine.
“I have reached that conclusion,” I whisper.
Gabriel’s lips kick up, and gods above, he is so ridiculously handsome, it really isn’t fair. He’s always been rugged, but when he adds a smile to the mix, I’m defenseless against him.
“Good.” The Hunter reaches into his cloak, withdrawing his dagger. Passing it from one hand to the other, he studies it for a long moment before he looks back at me.
“I hope...” He swallows, his voice uncharacteristically rough. “I hope that maybe one day, you’ll forgive me for hunting you, Wren.”
I stare at him. Could I do that? Forgive him and forget about everything he’s put me through? It’s one thing to no longer hate him, but this...
My heart crashes against my ribs, thunderous beats that resonate through my whole body. “Gabe, I... I don’t...”
