When an exhausted little girl and her new puppy had fallen asleep and been carried up to bed, we finally got a chance to talk.

“So, Mackenzie chose on her own to go to the parlor?”

“Yes,” Gabriel replied. “Daisy said she saw Mackenzie walking alone on the street, and when she didn’t see you with her, she followed her to make sure she was all right.”

“Hmm,” was all I managed. “I saw you kissing her.” I kept my voice neutral.

“No, you saw her kissing me. It wasn’t reciprocated.”

I still suspected Daisy had a larger ulterior motive behind her actions, but nonetheless, I was grateful an adult Mackenzie knew had been with her from that point forward.

“Did Mackenzie tell you why she left school alone without permission?”

“She was very upset at the thought of you leaving and had noticed her teacher used a different door from the kids. She was smart enough to figure out if she used it too, she might escape unnoticed.”

“Was she trying to run away?” Worry filled my eyes.

“I think that’s possible, but she seemed to instinctually know to go to someplace familiar.”

“Thank God the school isn’t too far from the parlor.”

“I know. I’m grateful for that.”

“How do we handle making sure she doesn’t think running away is a solution to her problems?”

“We talked about it—as extensively as you can with a five-year-old. We’ll reinforce appropriate responses as we move forward. It’s all part of bringing up a child, Thea.”

I nodded. I had a lot to learn.

“It’s great that SOS could track the car following Mackenzie and me around—I was furious at the senator for putting a tail on me without telling me.”

“You’re sure you’re okay with walking away from that assignment, Thea?” Gabriel asked, his eyes watching me closely.

I looked down at the diamond ring glistening on my hand, still getting used to its weight on my finger. Zee hadn’t been the only one who’d gotten a wonderful gift today—.

When I looked back at Gabriel, he was smiling, and my breath quickened as he took my hands in his, heat pooling between my legs.

His eyes darkened—he didn’t miss a thing.

“Very sure. No regrets,” I assured him.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, concern filling his eyes as he tipped my chin up, ensuring my eyes would meet his.

He examined them, then tailed his finger under my chin and down to my pulse. “Hmm. I think the patient may need to go to bed. It seems the excitement of the day may have gotten the better of her.”

“Bed, hm?” I smiled. “I think that’s one order this patient might willingly comply with.”

Before I could finish the words, Gabriel swept me off my feet and strode toward the stairs.

“Put me down,” I hissed.

“Not a chance.”

“I’m perfectly capable of walking up these stairs on my own.”

“I think it’s important for you to save your energy.”

“Really? What for?” I asked with a mischievous grin.

We reached his bedroom door, and he leaned down to open it, then paused. “Are you okay with this?”

“More than okay,” I confirmed.

He twisted the doorknob, and the door opened. He moved to the bed, placing me on it gently, then turned around and closed the door.

“I love you, Thea.”

I smiled. “I love you, too, Gabriel.” I bit my lower lip.

He covered the floor in three steps, standing above me, his eyes devouring mine before he leaned over me and kissed me.

We’d shared a few passionate kisses throughout the day, but nothing like this.

I leaned fully into his kiss, which probed deep. His hands smoothed down my sides, then back up to my breasts, which he squeezed, teasing my nipples.

My nipples hardened. A shiver shot through me. I’d never experienced anything like this before, and I was nervous.

“Gabriel,” I said uncertainly.

“Mm?” He paused his lips just above mine.

“I don’t have a lot of experience—I don’t want to disappoint—.”

He stopped my words with a gentle bite to my lower lip and I groaned. “No experience needed, my sweet Thea,” he assured me before his lips claimed mine.

I was already wet, but now my pussy creamed. He dragged his lips from mine and moaned, kissing my neck, then pulling my hands above my head and holding them there while his other hand moved my shirt up over my head, wrapping it around my hands.

I licked my lower lip, watching his eyes hungrily follow the trail, and he pulled me to him for a kiss that had me panting before he was done.

“You’re sure this is all new to you?” he asked, nibbling at my ear, “Because you drive me absolutely crazy.”

“Oh, did I neglect to tell you?” My eyes feigned innocence. “I have a new research project…”

His eyes burned into mine, and he placed one hand on my wrists, bound together by my shirt. He stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity.

I felt the passion escalate between us. My nipples pressed painfully against my bra, desperate for release

My arousal was a fast burn, and I moaned as he gently cupped my chin, and moved in, kissing the base of my neck where my pulse throbbed. He nuzzled my neck, making his way toward my breast, then paused.

“Enough, Gabriel,” I gasped.

“Not even close,” he whispered softly, unclasping the front clip of my bra with his free hand.

My bra fell to the side and my nipples pebbled in response to the cold air. He licked one, then the other, growling before he took one between his teeth.

I whimpered.

“Keep your hands above your head,” he commanded.

Mm. Kinky, I thought, but then gasped as he squeezed my breasts together and began alternating between licks, bites, and sucks.

If I thought I’d been wet before, I was positively dripping now.

“Please?” I asked, panting.

“Not even close,” he confirmed, unbuttoning my jeans, and pulling them off my legs, tossing them aside. My lace panties followed suit, and he growled as he stood above me, taking in every inch of my naked body.

“You have too many clothes on,” I complained.

“Tonight is about you,” he promised, and my eyes widened as he moved his head between my legs.

“But— “

“Just enjoy, Thea.” He encouraged as he moved between my legs, pushing them apart. “Open wider. Let me pleasure you.”