Page 197 of Dark Angel
“It means effectiveness.”
“I got that.”
She moved onto him. “Let’s test it out.”
He gave her ass a light smack. “You’re a romantic.”
She laughed. “Are you comfortable?”
He rolled them over putting himself on top. “I like to be in control, you know that.”
“I love that about you.”
He kissed her with a passion that left her panting, then he waited until she begged him to enter her. When he slid inside her, pleasure had them both moaning, but when he began thrusting, she unleashed a torrent of energy… meant only for him.
And he took it as she bucked and scratched, ground against him. He couldn’t get enough, couldn’t go in deep enough. The desire to mate turned them savage. The rawness of their lovemaking had her crying out as she unraveled beneath him. Her insides clamped down around him, and she milked another orgasm from the depths of his being.
When they quieted, they stared into each other’s eyes. With complete confidence, he knew this was the woman he wanted to spend his life with. A truer partner in crime he couldn’t find.
“Are you having fun with me?” he asked.
“So much fun,” she replied. “You believe in me, you fuck like a god, and I trust you completely. What about you? Are you having fun with me?”
“Yes, but so much more awaits us, my love. I want to take you on my yacht, show you my companies, travel the world with you. Spoil you with clothes and jewels.”
She kissed him, then dropped a peck on his shoulder. “I only want your love, Gabriel.”
Tell her.
After a few seconds, he said, “I want to tell you something.”
“Okay.”
“My brothers call me the Agitator because I am,” he started. “I like to rile things up. I keep everyone at a distance or push people away if they get too close.”
“Why is that?”
“I learned that from my mafioso father. Trust no one. Test people, even those closest to me, like my brothers. By creating chaos, I’m controlling the environment, managing the outcome. Now… I keep people at a distance because they want something from me. Alwaysfromme. You don’t. You just want me. You aren’t after my money. You’re not looking for a favor. You ask how I’m doing, how I’m feeling. You’re interested in me. You care about me for me, not for a hidden reason.”
“That’s what love is, Gabriel. It’s selfless. It’s about putting the other person first because you cherish that person.” Her smile touched his cold heart. “I don’t want you to change. I don’t expect you to change. I like you for you. And yes, I see why they call you the Agitator. And I get it.”
“I’m not a good person.”
“I don’t agree with that… at all,” she said. “I’m close with my dad and my brother. They’ve always been the benchmark, and no man can top them.” She dropped a loving kiss on his lips. “Until you.” She paused for a second. “I’m also a realist. I don’t know about the future, but I know I love you. You love me. That’s enough. Yes?”
“Yes,” he replied, before he kissed her. “For now, that’s enough.”
HALSTON
The followingmorning at 8:05 AM, Halston entered the embassy, fully aware her cover might be blown. Even so, she wasn’t backing down. It was January 8th. That date meant something to the ambassador and to Dmitri Petrov.
Did it still?
Find out.
Acting like it was just another day, she dropped her computer bag and coat in her office, strapped on her crossbody, then went to see if her boss had arrived. His door was open, his office dark, so she continued on to the break room. There, she poured herself a mug of coffee and returned to her office. After checking email, she glanced at the time. Eighty-thirty, time for her daily sync-up with her team. With her laptop bag over her shoulder, she trotted up the stairs, down the hall, and into the translator department.
Her team staggered in between eight and eight-thirty, but Grigori was always the first to arrive. En route to the conference room, she glanced at his empty cubicle. A chill raced down her spine. She would be dead if Gabriel hadn’t stepped in.
