Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 93984 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93984 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
And oddly enough, he didn’t feel like he was betraying Ivan by finding happiness in Justin’s arms. What they’d had would always be special to Gabriel because Ivan had been his first. The man had also been the first to accept him as a gay man. He didn’t look at him as if he couldn’t possibly succeed in his profession because he was gay.
But Ivan had never loved him. Not how Gabriel wanted to be loved. He hadn’t cared whether Gabriel was happy or taking care of himself. He hadn’t cared about the things that chased him from sleep.
It wasn’t like he thought Justin loved him. That was ridiculous. Justin did show him what was possible, what he could potentially have in his life.
None of it was possible, though, with the dark shadow of his past looming over everything. If he was ever going to have a life that included more moments just like this one, he needed to eliminate that shadow once and for all to protect both himself and anyone he dared to draw into his life.
Could this thing that was developing between him and Justin be more than a little fun? Could they go on to build a life together?
While Gabriel’s heart screamed that it was the only thing it wanted in the world, Gabriel kept his mouth shut. Getting free was a dangerous path. He couldn’t ask Justin to wait for him, and he definitely couldn’t allow Justin to get involved. Gabriel knew he’d be lucky if he survived. He would never forgive himself if something happened to Justin.
No, his only option for now was to complete this job and enjoy what little time they had left together.
Chapter 22
A sharp snap brought Gabriel’s eyes back to Justin. He’d closed his laptop and was now scrubbing his hands over his face. They’d been pulling a lot of long days, inching closer to their goal. Nerves were frayed, and they were restless after being trapped inside for so long. They’d largely stuck to the house, except for trips to scout the landscaping company. Justin had suggested that they stay away from Iaso rather than risk being spotted. Gabriel hadn’t wanted to agree, but the man had a point. No reason to blow their element of surprise.
“We need to go in tomorrow night,” Justin announced.
A knot twisted hard in Gabriel’s stomach. He’d been expecting this, but part of him had still hoped he was wrong. It was clear that things were moving along with the FDA. They were scheduled to vote on the approval of the drug any day now. Tomorrow was Wednesday, the day the gardeners went in to water the plants. They couldn’t afford to wait another week.
It was why he and Justin had broken into Mary’s Garden the night before to snag the key cards they would need. They were hoping no one noticed them missing until after the job was done.
While it all made logical sense—it was what they’d been preparing for almost since the beginning—Gabriel dreaded it. He didn’t want this to be over yet. They needed more time together.
“I’ve already sent an email to the manager at Mary’s Garden, informing her that the watering team needs to be canceled for this week,” Justin continued, his mood seeming to grow darker by the second. “She’s confirmed. We’ll be able to go in without tripping over the real employees.”
“We’re ready,” Gabriel forced out from his suddenly dry mouth. “The uniforms, the keys to the van. You’ve got all your hacker gear. This will go smoothly.” He believed what he was saying, but he was still mentally begging for more time. For Justin to think of something they’d forgotten.
“I don’t know. Maybe. My brain is fried,” Justin groaned.
“Your brain is slow because your body is using all its energy to digest that loaf of garlic bread you consumed.” Dinner had been an easy meal of spaghetti with meatballs. Gabriel had also made garlic bread with three kinds of cheese melted over it, and Justin had inhaled it.
Smiling, Justin rubbed his flat stomach. “I think I’m growing a little carb baby in my belly.”
Gabriel snorted. “We could always go jogging tonight.” So far, Gabriel had made do each morning with Justin’s collection of free weights and his treadmill, but he missed some of the machines he used in various gyms as he traveled, and he preferred to go running outside where he could feel the wind and the unevenness of the road under his running shoes.
Justin put the laptop on the floor next to his chair and lowered his feet from the ottoman. “I’ve got a different suggestion if you’re interested in burning some calories,” Justin offered as he leaned toward Gabriel, a decided leer tilting up his lips.
Lifting one eyebrow, Gabriel struggled to keep from snickering at Justin. “That is not going to burn as many calories as you think.”