LOVE BORN IN DANGER

Chapter Five

Behind her eyes, the flash blazed. Neriah's throat tightened with breath.

As if he had never been there, the man across the street put down his camera and disappeared into the night.

Her knees felt like they might buckle. Oh God, she muttered. What does that even mean?

Gabriel's hand gripped her arm more tightly. It means, Rogers already knows more than he ought to.

Her voice broke. That guy, he was employed by Rogers? Who else?

Panic flooded Neriah's chest as she shook her head. I'm done, if Rogers views those photos, I'm in trouble.

You're not done, her panic was sharply cut by Gabriel's voice. He fixed his unwavering, steady gaze on hers, unless you want to be.

Her laugh was brittle and sharp. It's very simple for you to say. You don't have to sit across from him every day and act like nothing's wrong. You are not the one whose entire existence hinges on his acceptance.

No, Gabriel muttered. I am the only one who truly knows who he is. Her heart skipped a beat. Her chest rose and fell as she gazed at him. Then let me know, tell me who you are and who he is.

Silence weighed heavily between them for a moment. Gabriel's hand left her arm. His eyes were shadowed as he leaned against the wall, as if the weight of his response would crush them both.

My name is Gabriel Torres, he finally said in a low voice.

The name became firm and real in her heart, not the robber. Her relief, however, was fleeting as the storm in his face took over.

Do you want to know why I broke into that office? Why I have spent months circling Rogers? Anger and pain glinted in his eyes.

It's because of my sister. Neriah blinked, your sister? Gabriel's jaw tensed as he nodded. Her name is Elena, she was twenty years old, she was kind, intelligent, and all the best things in the world.

She was Rogers' secretary before you were appointed. Neriah felt nauseous. Gabriel went on, his tone hardening with each sentence.

He promised her opportunities, special packages, business trips but it was a lie. He took advantage of her not only as a worker, his voice trailed off, his fists clenched as he turned away, but he used his empire as a cover for his trafficking pipeline.

Neriah's breath caught. No.

Yes. Gabriel had fire in his eyes. He develops his secretaries, makes them reliant on him, and makes them feel selected. He then sells them to partners, customers, and anybody else who can afford them.

One of them was my sister. She vanished when she attempted to flee. Neriah's vision was blurred by tears. You mean he killed your sister?

I'm not sure whether she's still alive. Gabriel's voice was raw and broken. But until I avenge her, I won't give up. Her life was ruined by Rogers. I will not allow him to do the same to you.

Neriah was struck like lightning by the words. She clutched her chest as she flashed back. The pieces came together; Rogers' intrusive inquiries, his slightly prolonged touch on her arm, and his covert assertion that she already belong to him.

She felt her skin crawl. Gabriel moved forward with urgency. I saw how close he was to digging his claws into you, I couldn't allow him to. Never again, not with you.

Hot and uncontrollable tears fell from her face. Why didn't you tell me directly? Why do you keep talking to me in parables?

Because my sister suffered the consequences the last time I spoke the truth too soon, Gabriel muttered, his face etched with pain. I couldn't take that chance with you.

She felt conflicted between compassion and rage. So you chose to keep me in the dark? Are you aware of what that has done to me? How perplexed I have been?

I understand, his voice cracked. His thumb brushed her quivering knuckles as he reached for her hand. I apologize for that. However, Neriah, take a look at me. Tears blurred her eyes as they rose.

Gabriel speaks so calmly, I need you, not just because through you, I can get into Rogers' empire but because you are the only person I can rely on to keep me safe.

You underrate yourself, you're actually more powerful than he knows. The rawness of his voice tore open her chest, causing it to ache, and perhaps, his tone grew softer, maybe I need you for more than that.

They were swallowed by silence, warmth anchored her as his hand hovered over hers. Neriah's heart was racing. She leaned forward and kissed him in spite of all the warnings and fears.

This kiss was hunger and promise, fire and sorrow. His breath mixed with her tears. He gripped her tightly as if letting go would kill him, his hand entangled in her hair.

Grasping his shirt tightly, she poured all of her anger, fear, and forbidden desire into the space between their lips. Both were shaking and pressing their foreheads together when they finally broke apart.

This is insane, Neriah muttered, her voice trembling. Gabriel whispered, his lips grazing her temple, maybe, but it's real.

She believed it for a heartbeat. That the man who signed her paychecks was not as honest as this man, the so-called thief.

Then her phone began to buzz. Rogers. Her blood turned cold. She stammered out a response. Yes, sir? Rogers' silky voice slipped through the line, Neriah. I hope you're having a good evening. She closed her throat. Yes, sir.

Alright. I'll need you very early in my office tomorrow, his voice grew gloomy. We have unfinished business.

The call was cut off. With a heaving chest, Neriah lowered the phone. What did he say? Gabriel inquired. Her voice cracked. He wants me to come into his office tomorrow morning.

Gabriel's face became stern. Then he's already laying the trap. Her heart pounded. What if he is aware of us?

He is already suspicious, Gabriel acknowledged. He sent the photographer for that reason. However, he is not as smart as he thinks.

He took her hand urgently, Neriah, you can still outsmart him if you're open to it. Her voice faltered. What do you want me to do? Gabriel's eyes met hers. Remain near him, act devoted but pay attention and observe him.

Tell me whatever you notice, every little detail counts. She shuddered. You want me to spy on him? Gabriel retorted, and to assist me in obtaining justice for Elena.

The name made her gasp. His sister, once, a girl sat at her desk without realizing the trap was getting closer. With tears still streaming down her cheeks, Neriah gave a feeble nod, I will do it.

Gabriel's face lit up with relief. This is something you won't regret but she might, a voice inside her whispered.

Rogers called her the following morning. The blinds were drawn, and his office was dark. Neriah, he said with ease, motioning for her to take a seat, we need to talk.

She obeyed, her fingers shaking. Rogers moved a glossy picture across the desk. Her stomach fell, she was the one, Gabriel as well. Their faces were raw with passion as they locked lips.

She froze as she gazed at the picture. Rogers gave a small smile. Can you explain that? She closed her throat. It's not what you think it is.

Rogers leaned back and remarked, Oh, it's exactly what I think it is. My dear, you've become so reckless. You will have to prove to me where your loyalty lies.

Her heart pounded. What do you mean? His eyes were as keen as blades as he leaned forward. You'll set up a meeting with him this evening. You'll see to it that he comes to you and when he does, his smile was mean and cold, I'll be here waiting.

She felt a heave in her chest. What if I say no? Rogers grinned, eerily serene. Then, these photos will be widely published. You will also lose everything. Your work, your reputation, your future.

Her eyes were burned by tears. Rogers lowered his voice to a chilly murmur. So, Neriah, what will it be? Me or him?