Page 51 of Lethal Salvation

“I know. Let’s just get this over with.”

Inside she flicked on the lights as memories assailed her, causing her legs to feel weak. An arm around her waist kept her steady as she slowly walked through the restaurant, then the kitchen where her mother had taught her to make gnocchi and pasta. As her feet carried her up the stairs, she was grateful to have Gideon here. She wasn’t sure she could have faced it alone.

The flat above the restaurant was small, with two bedrooms, a small kitchen and a living area with a small balconette where her mother would sit in the evening and crochet as she listened to music or the sounds of the town.

“It’s like she just popped out to the shops. Everything is how she would’ve left it.”

A half-finished crossword puzzle, that would remain that way forever, sat on the coffee table. A blanket that needed the edges finishing was in the wool box beside the chair she favoured.

Moving to the mantel above the gas fire, she gazed at the pictures of her through the years. Some with both of them, some including her grandparents and some of her alone. It was seeing those, and the certificates on the walls of all she’d achieved, she realised how much her mother had loved her.

“I can’t be here.” Her words were choked, and Gideon’s arms came around her as he steered her to the door.

“Let’s head to the hotel. We can come back when you’re ready.”

That was the problem though, she didn’t think she’d ever be ready.

Chapter 14

He’d felt the way her memories had swamped Nadia when she entered her mother’s home. He didn’t know how he’d had such a visceral reaction but it was like his emotions were tied up in hers.

Coming to the hotel had been the right call. He’d run her a bath and left her to relax while he sorted out room service for them both. It was late but she needed food and he needed a minute to get his thoughts under control before he blurted out how stupidly in love with her he was.

Only he’d fall in love with a woman he’d never slept with and hardly knew. Yes, they’d spent time together this last year but he didn’t know her enough. But maybe that was part of love, never feeling like you knew enough but also knowing the person inside out and out.

“Hey.”

Nadia had put on a cream robe, as she walked toward him towel drying her hair.

“You hungry? I had them send up a few different dishes for us.”

“I am actually.”

“I figured we could have a carpet picnic. Less formal.” He’d laid cushions on the floor and set the food in the centre.

“And you wore the sweatpants too.”

Gideon felt the blush stain his cheeks. He’d worn them for her, not really understanding the attraction but wanting to do something to make her smile. “I did.”

“So, what do we have?”

“Well, I ordered Pizza Quattro Stagioni, gnocchi with clams, risotto with shrimp, and Pappardelle pasta with mushrooms. I also ordered some tiramisu if you have room after. Oh, and a bottle of chianti to go with it”

“Wow, this looks amazing.”

“I’m glad. You need to eat and keep up your energy.”

He watched as Duchess dug into the food, enjoying the simple pleasure of being with her and loving that she was enjoying her food.

“You know, my mother taught me to make fresh pasta and gnocchi before I was ten.”

“You enjoy cooking?” Gideon asked.

“I do when I have time but that doesn’t happen often and it’s different with how I live.”

“So, do you live with the rest of the team?”

“I do. We have separate apartments within the structure, but we eat together a lot.”