Gabe: The Alvarez Security Series

by Maryann Jordan

  Vinny stood and pulled Gabe up with him. “Go shower and get cleaned up. I’m taking you out tonight and we’ll find some fun. Go to a bar, pick up a girl, and get your rocks off and that’ll get this unknown girl out of your head.”

  “You fucker, I’ve got no interest in getting’ my rocks off, as you say.”

  “Fine, then we’re still going out. Have some drinks and have some fun. Anything to get you out of this morose mood you’ve been in all week.”

  Two hours later, the twins sat at the bar drinking and Gabe found himself relaxing for the first time in days. Maybe this is what I needed, after all.

  Their muscular frames were perfectly showcased in jeans that stretched over their trunk-like thighs and collared shirts with sleeves rolled up, partially exposing their corded arms and tattoos. The women in the bar began to swarm around, wondering who was going to get lucky that night. Vinny charmed several of them, but Gabe found himself unable to get interested.

  A noise from the other side of the bar caught his attention and looking over saw an elderly man, obvioulsy drunk, being propped up on his bar stool by one of the bartenders. The head bartender came over saying, “Mr. Courtland, we’ve made a call. Someone’s coming to get you now.” Turning to the other bartender he growled, “Why didn’t you cut him off earlier?”

  “He hadn’t drunk that much,” came the defensive answer.

  Gabe and Vinny pushed past the group of women and walked over to see if they could help. “You need any assistance?” Gabe asked as Vinny moved over to steady the man.

  “Thanks, but we got it. There’s someone we call who comes and gets him home when this happens. I’ll move him over to one of the booths so that he won’t fall.”

  Without creating too much attention, Vinny and Gabe assisted in making the man comfortable in a discreet booth. The bartender smiled and poured them a round on the house. The ladies began circling again like vultures and it didn’t take long for Vinny to have a red-head poured into a tight, almost not-there dress on his lap with her breasts pressed into his chest.

  Rolling his eyes, Gabe was turning back to the bar when the red-head’s friend, a busty brunette decided that she’d just take what Gabe hadn’t offered. His lap.

  Throwing his arms around the woman before she slipped off of him and landed on the floor, he ended up with her half across his lap, her arms around his neck pulling him close.

  At that moment, the bartender looked up and smiled, saying, “Hey darlin’. Glad you could come. Do you need some help?”

  “No, but thank you. Henry’s got my old truck outside, but if we turn it off it may not start again,” she laughed.

  Gabe startled, recognizing that voice. Whirling around on his bar stool, almost dumping the woman in his lap, he saw her bending over the old man in the booth. Her long curls were pulled back in a low ponytail with loose strands flowing around the beautiful face that had haunted him since he met her. Tonight, she was wearing yoga pants that showcased a delectable ass and a worn t-shirt that pulled slightly between her full breasts. You? What the fuck? He did not realize that he spoke his thoughts out loud until she turned and looked at him.

  Jennifer stood numbly staring into the handsome face of the man from outside the restaurant. In an instant, she took him all in. From his square jaw with a slight stubble, to his corded neck, down to the shirt and jeans that strained to contain his muscles. And holy hell, the edge of a Celtic tattoo peeked out from his sleeve. Him? My giant? And draped over that amazing body was…a barely dressed woman glaring back at her.

  Whirling around to the booth again, she could feel the blush rising from her chest to her hair. Her cheeks warm, she wished she could just run out, but it did not look like the elderly man was going to cooperate. “Come on, Mr. Courtland, you’ve got to help me,” she pleaded, trying to grasp him under the arms.

  Suddenly two large arms came from behind and gently moved her to the side. Twisting her head around, she looked up into his face. Wait. Not his face! Before she could question what was happening, she felt someone take her by her arms and gently pull her over once again. This time, it was the face that she saw in her dreams.

  Standing to her full, if not consequential, height she put her hands on her hips looking back and forth between the two giants. Oh my God, twins. Damn.

  “Hey darlin’, I’m Vinny and this here’s my brother, Gabe.”

  Gabe. His name is Gabe. The blush remained but before she could speak, Mr. Courtland began to stand reaching for her.

  “Oh, sweet girl. Dish ya come fer me?” he slurred.

  “Yes, Mr. Courtland. Let’s get you to my truck. Henry’s outside keeping it warm for you. Let’s go now,” she spoke sweetly.

  Before the elderly man could lean his weight on her, Gabe stepped in and took him while Vinny claimed his other side. Between the two men, they deftly maneuvered him outside where a beat-up old truck sat idling, leaving her to follow behind.

  Henry jumped out, opening the passenger door. “Oh dear, oh dear, Rupert. Now let’s get you home and in bed where you can sleep this one off.”

  Gabe and Vinny managed to get Rupert into the truck and buckled in before he slumped against the window. Jennifer stood awkwardly to the side, unused to assistance. When they finished, she walked over, leaning her head back to look the two men in the eye.

  “Thank you, I…um…well, I usually just…um. Well, thank you,” she stammered while shaking Vinny’s hand.

  He lifted her hand and kissed it before handing her to Gabe. Gabe also held her hand, but he didn’t let it go. Rubbing her palm with his fingers sent tingles throughout her body. Jerking her hand back quickly, she once again felt the blush rise from her chest to the roots of her curls.

  She moved to get into the truck when Gabe realized that not only was she leaving, she was going to be squished in the middle of the old truck seat.

  “I’ll take you home,” he said. “We’ll follow and then I can help you with Mr. Courtland.”

  Vinny, having figured out that the tiny beauty in front of them was the woman that had his brother tied up in knots all week, just smiled. “That’s a wonderful idea, darlin’. Let Gabe escort you home.”

  Shooting his twin a quick look of gratitude, he was about to pull her closer when suddenly the two women from the bar moved over, grasping the twins.

  “Honey, did you get that drunk man of yours?” the red-head said slyly.

  Her friend, the busty brunette giggled as she grabbed Gabe’s arm. “Come on in, Gabe.”

  Vinny and Gabe growled simultaneously, trying to disentangle themselves from the grasping claws of the two. Sending them back inside, Gabe turned just in time to see the woman between the two older men in the truck as it pulled quickly from the parking lot.

  “Fuck,” he bit out. “I just found her only to lose her again.”

  Vinny, rid of the bar trolls, moved up beside him slapping him on his shoulder. “Yeah, but this time, bro, you’ve got more than you had.” Smiling at Gabe’s questioning look, he continued, “I got her license number.”

  Sighing deeply, Gabe smiled. “I owe you, man. I owe you.”

  CHAPTER 3

  Henry looked up as Jennifer headed toward the back door. “You don’t have to go, you know,” he called out.

  Turning, she smiled, rolling her eyes. “I’ll be fine. Cora is watching Ross and now that the truck is running, I want to get more food.” Walking to the door, she gave a wave and headed out into the night.

  The old truck rumbled into the alley behind the hotel and she pulled as close to the kitchen door as possible. The driver’s door screeched horribly as she opened it to hop out. The door became stuck so she leaned her weight against it to close it all the way. She glanced over at the dumpster and saw several boxes stacked neatly as though someone had known she was coming. Carlos must have left them for me, she thought, grateful that she did not have to dig through the trash. A sudden memory washed over her as she remembered her encounter with the handsom
e man when she was here the last time.

  Hearing a noise near the kitchen door, she turned expectantly. Eyes bright, her exclamations of greetings were stuck in her throat as a figure moved out into the light. Gasping, she stepped back. Him! Jesus is he everywhere? What’s he doing here?

  Gabe, having come for the past two nights only to go home disappointed, found his heart pounding at seeing her again. The blonde curls were tucked under a knit cap this time, but some had escaped and blew around her cheeks. Dressed similarly to the first time he saw her, he noticed the warm but worn jacket. And her eyes…sapphire crystals focused on him.

  Giving his most charming smile, he pushed off of the brick wall and walked over to her truck, careful not to move too quickly nor too close. He snagged the boxes from the ground, asking, “Are these good enough for what you need, Jennifer?”

  Stunned into silence, she just nodded before she quickly reacted. “How do you know my name? And what are you doing here?” Walking to the back of her truck, she stood next to him, glaring up.

  He saw her stalk over, both admiring her courage and strangely angered at her lack of concern in talking so boldly with a large stranger in a dim alley. While he would never hurt her, she could not know that. Leaning against the truck, he casually crossed one tree-trunk leg over the other.

  “Thought I’d come help you out,” he said, turning on the charm once again.

  Jennifer gave an unladylike snort and rolled her eyes. “Aren’t you missing your movie star friend? Or wait, maybe the half-dressed woman from the bar?”

  Irritation flashed through his eyes for a second, then he answered, “Nope. I’m here to see you tonight.”

  “Me? What makes you think I could afford you even if I did want an escort?” she said indignantly, pushing by him to move toward the kitchen door.

  “Afford?” he asked, eyebrow lifting in confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Not even turning to look at him, lest her eyes give away her interest, she said, “I heard what your movie star said. She said you were her escort, so I figured she paid you to do…um… that.”

  Laughter rang out from the kitchen door as Carlos came out. “Escort service? Oh Gabe, that’s a good one,” he cackled. Turning back to her he asked, “You ready, Miss Jennifer?”

  Nodding to Carlos, she started taking the food bags from his hands and turned to walk back to her truck. And slammed straight into a brick wall. Or rather a human wall. Of muscle. Named Gabe. Jesus, he’s big. Probably big everywhere. Feeling the blush creep up her face again, she chastised herself. Get over it girl. That hunk isn’t for you and you certainly aren’t for him.

  Seeing her stumble again, Gabe reached out his arms and deftly steadied her by the shoulders. “Seems like you keep wanting to land on your ass, when I’m around,” he joked, as he noticed the flash of interest in her eyes.

  She peered up at his face, noting the dark shadow of his beard stubble on his jaw. His eyes were an unusual shade of green with flecks of gold that caught the lights coming from the open kitchen door. “You never did answer my questions,” she said, trying to get her thoughts back on track.

  “It’s simple. I looked up your truck registration from the tags because I wanted to meet you.”

  She stared numbly as she turned and looked at his face, her mind trying to process both pieces of information. “You…you looked up…my…” Her confused look turned angry as she placed the bags in the back of the truck and then stalked over to poke her finger in his chest. “You looked up my tags? Is that even legal?” her voice rising with each word.

  He threw his head back in laughter feeling her tiny finger poking him. “Yes,” he replied looking back down at her angelic face. “It’s public record. Anyone can look it up,” he explained gently as though speaking to a child. He saw her eyes narrow with concentration, then fly open wide as she processed the rest of what he had said.

  “What do you mean you came here to meet me?” she asked incredulously. This man hangs out with movie stars. Or women in bars that look like they could be in movies. Well, playing the trashy slut in a movie. What the hell does he want with me?

  Gabe, mesmerized by her blue eyes, could see the questions flying through her mind. He slowly reached out his hand and cupped her face, feeling her cold cheek pressing against his hand. “I wanted to meet you.” Seeing her about to retort, he continued, “I work for a security company and was on duty providing security services for the event. And yes, that included making sure that Ms. Morgenstern was safe. I was on my much-needed break when I saw you out here.”

  Jennifer felt his callous thumb rub over her frozen cheek and couldn’t help but slightly move her head toward the warmth. For an instant, she allowed herself to forget that she was there to pick up food for the center, or that she was only a city social worker not a socialite, or that Ross wasn’t home waiting…Ross! Shit! Jerking back suddenly, she turned and tossed a few more bags into the back of the truck shouting her goodbyes to Carlos as he went back inside.

  “Wait,” Gabe moved forward stealthily, taking her arm and gently turning her back around to him. “What’s the hurry? I’d like to help.”

  “Help?” she asked, confusion marring her perfect face.

  Nodding toward her truck, he said, “Yeah. With the food. With whatever you’re doing.” Seeing the doubt in her eyes, he hurried to keep talking. As long as she’s not walking away from me, I’ve got a chance. “Look, I know we didn’t meet under the best circumstances. In fact, it was pretty fucked up,” he admitted shaking his head at how the scene must have looked to her. And then he thought of the scene outside of the bar and he visibly cringed.

  Taking a deep breath, he rose to his full height and moved back a step, putting his hand out toward her. “Good evening, Miss. I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Gabriel Malloy. I work for Alvarez Security Agency and I would very much like to make your acquaintance.”

  A giggle erupted from her perfect lips and she could not help but take his huge hand in her much smaller one, noticing how he held it delicately as though he did not want to crush her. She knew she was blushing again, but somehow the look of uncertainty on his face was endearing. “It’s nice to meet you Gabriel. I’m Jennifer Lambert.” Trying to pull her hand back, her face shadowed with doubt as she accused, “But you knew that, didn’t you?”

  He held fast to her hand saying, “Yes, that’s true. But I promise I’m no random stalker. I just…” Finding himself uncharacteristically not in charge, he floundered. How can I tell her that after years of meaningless sex that I want something more? And when I saw her, I felt something. Something deep inside. And since then, I haven’t been able to get her off of my mind?

  Focusing back on her face, he saw the doubt moving back in and noticed her taking a step backward toward the truck.

  “I’m not a stalker but I wanted to meet you. And the two times we met have been completely fucked up. I’m not like what you saw. At least not anymore. At least not now.”

  “Gabriel, look I have no idea what you are trying to say to me or why you wanted to meet me so much. I don’t know what you think I am, but—”

  “What do you mean, what you are?” he asked sharply.

  “Look, if you’re looking for a little woman to save, I’m fine. I get the food for people who need it and work hard to make sure the arrangement works. But if you are looking for some kind of rescue, I assure you that in spite of what some think, I’m not alley trash!” she exclaimed, throwing Alicia’s words back in his face.

  Growling, he moved into her space slowly pressing her back up against the door of her pickup truck. “Those were not my words.” Tipping her chin up with his fingers, he leaned down until his lips were a breath away from hers, noting that she did not move away. Instead, her eyes widened as her pink tongue flicked across her lips, making him impossibly hard. With no resistance in her eyes, he moved closer capturing her mouth in a kiss. Initially, he just wanted a taste. Just one taste. But
as soon as she opened her mouth in a groan, he lost all semblance of control. His muscular arms wrapped around, lifting her off the ground and he growled his approval as he felt her legs wrap around his waist allowing his cock to nestle deeply between her legs. Taking the kiss deeper, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, savoring the taste and feel of her.

  Jennifer lost all control as the gorgeous man holding her tightly pressed his massive chest against her and she could feel her nipples pebble into hardened points. One of his hands held her ass and the other was wrapped around the back of her head as though cradling her. Kissing him back as though her breath depended on it, she tangled her tongue with his, loving the rumble she felt deep in his chest. She began rubbing her jean clad pussy against his huge erection, wishing that the material between them was not in the way.

  “Ah-hmm,” came the interruption from the kitchen door.

  Jennifer jerked her head back, instantly missing the heat of Gabe’s kiss and mortified at having been caught making out with a complete stranger in an alley. Carlos! Oh my God. I can’t believe he saw me do that. I never do that! Squirming to get down, she was grateful when Gabe complied, although he growled again; only this time it did not sound like he was happy.

  “Sorry guys. I just have this one last bag, Jennifer. It’s got some roast and ham I thought would be good. And a couple of goodies I thought your Ross would like.”

  Rushing over to take the bag out of his hands, she rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you so much, Carlos. He’ll love them, I’m sure.” Turning she rushed past Gabe, who was still trying to get his dick under control, and placed the last bags in the truck. Moving quickly around him, she opened the door, wincing at the screech. As she was closing the door, it did not move and she saw that Gabe had his hand on it.

  “Jennifer, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for…”

  “No, it’s okay. That shouldn’t have happened. I’m not that…I don’t…this isn’t something that I do. That’s just not me. I’m sorry.” Pulling the door closed she began to start the truck, hearing it sputter. Please start, please start. Oh, thank God, she breathed a sigh of relief as the truck finally turned over and began to run. Pulling away from the alley, she spared a glance in the rear-view mirror seeing the handsome giant standing there, staring back.