34. Gabby

Chapter 34

Gabby

I wake up slowly, enveloped in a heat that has my bones and muscles feeling languid. I carefully open one eye and from the window, I can tell the sun is starting to rise. I rub my eyes and look around the room and then immediately go still. I'm lying on top of King. His shirt has risen up and King has his hand flattened out against my ass. He's asleep, but his cock is pressing against my center. I imagined I would be terrified, but instead I feel a small kernel of desire rising inside of me.

No, no, no.

I carefully slide off him. I expected to wake him up, but he just turns to his side and grabs my pillow, which was laying longwise by his side for some reason. I shake my head as I stand up. I did warn him I don't stay in one place when I sleep. I have a feeling, however, that I stayed close to King all night. There is one thing I am surprised about—not one nightmare woke me up. Not one.

He's kind of beautiful when he sleeps. His face is relaxed, taking away the hard edge he wears as a glove. I could stand here and stare at him all day, but I can't. I need to start putting my life together—if I can. Reaching down to the floor where I left my jeans, I slip them on and just leave King's T-shirt on. I don't want to give it up and I don't care what that says about me. I'm secretly hoping it will help me sleep without him. I throw my other clothes in the hamper. I'll get them later, maybe. I'm not sure I want to come back to the club.

I sigh as I slip on my shoes. I'm not sure what I want in general. I know that I'm going to visit my brother's grave before anyone stirs around here. I don't want to run into Dad and make things worse. I purposely didn't draw attention to myself at the funeral for that very reason. I want to say goodbye to my brother, though. I need to tell him I'm sorry. With that thought, I grab a piece of paper and a pen out of the nightstand drawer, writing a message for King.

King,

Thank you for everything. You were a friend when I desperately needed one. I wish you every happiness. I know somewhere out there is a lucky woman who will give you the life you deserve. Don't settle. My knight in shining armor deserves the best.

Gabriella

It's a silly note, but I didn't want to leave without saying goodbye. I carefully open the door with one last look at him before walking out and quietly closing the door. I turn around to leave and run directly into Ford and Thomas. My heart sinks and I feel my body flood with embarrassment. I see surprise on Ford's face. Thomas is just staring at me.

"Morning," I mumble, walking around them.

"Nice T-shirt you're wearing. It looks familiar," Ford says. I stop walking immediately, but I don't turn around. He doesn't sound malicious. Actually, he is kind of laughing. I still wish the floor would open up and swallow me. "I don't suppose I have to ask which room my brother is in," he contemplates.

I force myself to turn. When I see the anger on Thomas' face, I wish I hadn't.

"I don't guess you do," I whisper. Then, before I can think better of myself. I plead with Ford. "Take care of him." I start walking away, but not before Thomas catches up with me. He grabs my arm as I go around the corner.

"All three of us, G-G-Gabby?" he asks, disgusted.

"It's not like that," I try to explain, but I already know he won't listen. He doesn't have any reason to believe me, and that's my fault.

"D-D-Don't play your games with King. I won't let you. He's g-g-going through enough. He d-d-doesn't need you m-m-making it worse. S-S-Stay away from him."

I nod. I couldn't make myself talk if I wanted to. Tears hit my cheeks, but I ignore them. I deserve Thomas' hate. I pull my arm away from his hold, suddenly feeling so dirty that I can't breathe. I take off running, wondering if I will ever feel clean again.