Chapter Seven
“A hot dog?” Gabe asked.
“You’re not going to try it?” She held out his hot dog, waiting for his response.
He released a laugh. “Let me get this straight. You turned down an all-expenses-paid vacation with me to go to some of the best places in the world. To sunbathe on the most exquisite beaches for a wander around the city and hot dogs?”
“Anyone ever tell you that you’ve turned into a snob?”
“Most people who call me names often end up dead or with something broken.” He folded his arms.
“Stop being a pain in the ass. I spent your weekend pouring out my heart and soul to you, and I had no intention of ever doing that. You’ve seen way more than I ever wanted you to see. The least you could do is enjoy a hot dog with me.” She held the hot dog up for him to take. “It’s not dangerous. He won’t bite. Promise.”
“You’re mocking me.”
“Come on, Gabe. When was the last time you actually enjoyed the city? Yes, we could have gotten onto a plane or a boat and traveled anywhere, but fun can still be had here.”
“You chose to stay here because you didn’t trust me.”
“True. I’ve watched a couple of those trafficking movies. You’re not getting me out of this city.”
He chuckled and took the hot dog from her. “How can you watch them?”
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t own a TV.”
“I used to, but when it broke, I decided not to replace it.”
“Why?”
“Prefer a good book, and the enjoyment lasts longer.” She shrugged. “Take a bite. Let’s not change the subject.”
“If people could see me now.”
She rolled her eyes.
“That’s becoming a habit,” he said.
“Yeah, yeah, you’re going to have to spank me later.”
“Or how about now? I could bend you over that wall. No one would stop me.”
“You’re probably right, but there is a high chance, Mr. I’m in Control of Everything, that I might like it.” She winked at him. “Try your hot dog.”
He glared at her, but she watched as he took a bite.
“Good?”
“It’s … adequate.”
“Snob.”
“I’m going to turn your ass red.”
She finished off her hot dog in two more bites. She threw the wrapper in the trash and turned toward him.
“I can’t wait to see how far you’ll go. Until then, come on.”
She took his free hand, and together, with his men following behind him because Gabe never went without any of his security team, they wandered toward the park.
Hand-in-hand, they walked the grounds. All the while, she was aware of a couple of people pointing toward them. She chanced a glance at Gabe and saw his scowl in place.
The moment they had left his penthouse, he’d worn a look that told people not to fuck with him. She didn’t like it.
Laura came to a stop. “If you’re really not enjoying this, we may as well go back to your place.”
“What makes you think I’m not enjoying this?”
“Can you get any … stiffer? I swear I’m standing next to a dead body.”
He finished his hot dog and threw his wrapper in the trash. “Laura, you know who I am. I haven’t tried to hide it and because of what I do and how I work, I have to always be cautious. I’m enjoying myself.”
“But you can’t show it,” she said. “Doesn’t that like suck?”
“There’s a price for being on top, and this is the one I have to pay. Even when I’m lo—enjoying every single moment, I have to act like I’m bored. You enjoy walking the city?”
“Yes.”
“Why?” He held out his hand.
“It’s freeing. I know we’ve got work and commitments, but taking the time to walk the streets, to meet people, to see people, it makes me feel happy with how far I’ve come. I’m not a child they’re looking out for. I’m me. I think that in itself is a different kind of freedom. One I do happen to enjoy.”
“You’re an interesting woman, Laura.”
“I’m not that interesting. You are, though. With your men constantly following you. It must be hard to try to get some peace.”
“I have peace in its own way,” he said.
“How?”
“I have the peace of mind that I’ve got plenty of money. I’m a wealthy man. I’ve got power. Men won’t fuck with me.”
“And that is all you need to be happy?” she asked.
“We all know it’s not without problems.”
“There are always people who want to take your place. I deal with that every single day. Men who want what I’ve got. Women who want to be by my side because of the power I have. All of it.”
“You don’t like it?” she asked.
“I deal with it.”
“But you don’t like it?” she asked. Gabe was a hard man to get to know. When they were alone, he was a lot easier to read. Right now, the mask was in place and he didn’t say a whole lot.