The Darkest Of Light (The Kings of Retribution MC)

Once Gabriel has removed my hospital gown, he takes the clothes Bella brought me out of the bag. Starting with my panties, he crouches down on one knee then motions for me to step in. Placing my hands on his shoulder, I do so. One foot at a time. Then he delicately slides them up my legs. His touch causes me to shiver.

The act of this man dressing me is so innocent, yet so intimate at the same time. Once my panties are in place we repeat the same steps with my leggings. Next is my bra. I close my eyes, and moan when Gabriel’s thumbs brush over my nipples. When he reaches around me to clasp it, he runs a series of feather light kisses along the column of my shoulder and up my neck. When he’s done with my bra, he slides my sweater on, paying special attention not to hurt my wrist. Once I’m dressed, Gabriel gives me a long lingering kiss, and I bring my hand up and run my fingers through his beard. Pulling away I ask breathlessly.

"When we get home will you help me get undressed?"

Chuckling, he swoops down stealing one more kiss.

"Come on, baby, let’s go home."

When we arrive home, Gabriel opens the front door and I’m hit with an amazing smell. So amazing it causes my tummy to rumble.

"Did someone cook?" I ask, as I begin to make my way into the kitchen. I don’t make it far before I’m scooped up into Gabriel’s arms.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking you to bed so you can rest," he declares while climbing the steps.

"But," I begin to protest.

"I’ll bring you some food. Lisa made spaghetti."

Oh god, my mouth starts watering at the mention of my favorite food. And just then my stomach rumbles again.

"You know I could have walked up here myself," I tell him when he sets me down beside the bed. "I feel really good. A little sore all over but no pain. I’m not even tired."

"You’ll rest, just like the doctor said to do."

Picking up the blanket and pulling it back, Gabriel motions for me to get in. Deciding not to fight, I give in and I do as he wants. T

his is a battle I know I’m not going to win. Besides, who wouldn’t want a sexy man fawning over them, waiting on them hand and foot. This might not be so bad after all. On that thought, I smile up at Gabriel.

"My food is not going to fix itself."

Minutes later Gabriel returns carrying a food tray with a plate of spaghetti, garlic bread and some ice tea. What an odd sight. My man looking all domestic. He definitely looks out of place and a snort escapes my mouth. Narrowing his eyes and growling, "Only for you, Cariño Sweetheart."

I’m about halfway through my plate of food when Gabriel comes back into the room. I immediately can feel the change in his demeanor.

"I need to go take care of something. I’m going to have one of the guys come stay with you while I’m gone." He informs me while slipping on his cut and grabbing his keys and wallet off the dresser.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, baby. Everything is fine," he assures walking over to the bed then giving me a kiss. I know he’s lying, but I know better than to press the issue.

"Can Reid come stay with me?" At his questioning look, I continue. "He didn’t come see me in the hospital. And if I know him it’s because he’s feeling guilty. I want to talk with him."

Running his hands through his hair, Gabriel nods, "I’ll call him."

Fifteen minutes after I hear Gabriel’s truck leave, I get up out of bed and head downstairs to seek out Reid. When I walk into the kitchen, I find him sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee. He looks up from his cup when I approach the table. He looks like he hasn’t slept in days. His honey blonde hair is disheveled, and his green eyes are dull. He also looks like he hasn’t shaved in days.

"Alba, I want to tell you…"

Holding up my hand, I stop him. I know what he’s about to say. Pulling out a chair, I sit down across from him.

"I don’t want to hear what you were about to say. You were going to apologize for something that was not your fault. They’re called accidents for a reason Reid." Clenching his jaw, he props his elbows on the table and rests his head in his hands.

A second later, he looks up and his eyes take in the bump on my forehead and then the cast on my wrist before his tortured eyes meet mine.

"I can’t get the look of your frightened face out of my head. And there was nothing I could do. Then when your truck flipped. I thought for sure that was it. I would not be able to live with myself had something happened to you on my watch Alba. You’re like a sister to me. You and Bella both. I hope you know that."