Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 132657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 663(@200wpm)___ 531(@250wpm)___ 442(@300wpm)
He wanted that life.
“Is he in the lifestyle? Because I’m afraid Harlow will require that kind of relationship. A soft one, of course. She’s extremely independent. She needs…” Gabe began.
He knew exactly what she needed. “A soft top to gently steer her into self-care and relaxation because she overthinks everything. She’s excellent at what she does but she can get lost in it. She needs someone to make sure she takes care of herself. And she needs a harder top to put his foot down when she goes too far, and she will. She’ll put herself in dangerous situations. She needs a harder top for sex because it’s hard for her to give herself permission to enjoy it. It has nothing to do with how she was raised or some trauma in her background. It’s simply how she’s wired, and a Dominant partner can give her that.”
Gabe looked at him like he was pleased at the words. “And which role would you fill?”
“Oh, we both know I’m the soft top. It’s why all the subs who need a cuddle come my way. I can spank an ass and I enjoy it, but I hold back on the truly hard stuff and I’ll probably give in when I shouldn’t.”
“You are far more self-aware than I thought you would be. Excellent. You’ve given this thought because you’re interested.”
“Very interested. Gabe, I’ve been biding my time. She’s the only sub I’m truly interested in, but I worry her trust issues are going to be hard to deal with.”
Gabe stood and stretched, seemingly more comfortable than he was before. “You’ll figure it out, and hopefully this friend of yours can see how amazing our Harlow is. Is there a reason you haven’t brought him by?”
“He doesn’t live in town.” A lie but a necessary one. “But he’s thinking about moving here. He doesn’t have a lot of family. I’m pretty much it now. And yes, he’s in the lifestyle. He’s the one who introduced me. He’s a good Dom.”
“I’ll need to see that for myself.” Gabriel Lodge had pitch black hair he kept longish. He tied it in a queue when he was working, but now it brushed the tops of his broad shoulders. He was a leopard who led his pack with ruthless precision. There was no question he was the head of his half of The Hideout. “Until he’s ready, are you going to take care of her? I think her new case is a missing persons, so she’s going undercover to ask some questions. You’re ex-military.”
It wasn’t a question. Gabe would know every answer. Well, not every one. “Yes, I was an MP for most of the ten years I was in.”
“But you didn’t go into law enforcement?”
“I want to help people. People who want to be helped,” he clarified. “I didn’t find peace in what I did. I do managing my gym. For a few years I saw the worst of what people can do, how they behave. In the gym I see people trying. Sure, some of them are narcissistic douchebags who only care about their abs and getting the right shot for their Insta. But some of them are fighting to get their health back. To take back their mobility. I don’t run one of those shiny gyms where everyone looks perfect. I kind of seek out the ones who don’t feel comfortable in those kinds of gyms. That’s my purpose, but don’t think I’ve forgotten how to protect someone. I’ll take care of her.”
Gabe nodded and held out a hand. “Good. I think I might like to check out your gym. I’m always looking for a new investment. I was blessed with a ridiculous trust fund. I view it the same way you do that gym. Sometimes the best investment you can make financially is to give money to people who will put it to the best use.”
Niall shook it. He wouldn’t mind taking Rich Boy’s money, especially since some of the vets he served could use specialized equipment. “I won’t turn you down.”
Gabe held his hand. “And I’d like to meet your friend soon.”
That could be a different story altogether. One he would have to step around but then he’d known this was a dangerous game he was playing. “I’ll see when he can come up.”
As Gabe walked off, seemingly happy with the outcome, Niall had to wonder if this was how it fell apart.
Or if this was a real chance at putting it all together.
Harlow needed him. He could show her how good they could be together and maybe figure out how to soften her heart toward Jensen.
Or Jensen would kill him.
Or Gabe would kill him.
Or honestly, Harlow would kill them both.
Any way it went, at least he would know.
* * * *
She wanted to know. That was what it came down to. Her curiosity about Niall Griffen was bigger than her fear that he would turn out to be another version of Jensen Wiley.