Heart Ache (Bound by a Touch Novels #1) by Morgan Kearns Page B

before jogging off to make his next delivery.
    “ Gabs, you hungry?”
    “ Um, yeah ... I’ll be right in.” She blinked.
    Jayson took hold of Gabby’s arm and Niko shoved his hands deep into his pockets to keep from punching the guy.
    “ Come on, babe.” When she turned to glare at him, he added, “You don’t want it to get cold. Later, Mr. Voinea.”
    It was as though Gabrielle had frozen where she stood. Jayson gently tugged her inside and, with Gabrielle’s eyes still on locked with Niko’s, the door closed.
    Defeat filled him. So close, yet still no closer. Did he dare come back while she slept?
    Hell, yeah, he’d come back, and if Jayson was in her bed, he’d just have to stake himself.
     
     
    Gabby leaned against the door for a moment. She sensed when Niko walked away, feeling strangely lost. She sighed and Jayson looked over from where he stood in her kitchen. The pizza box was open and he had a slice halfway to his mouth.
    “ You okay?”
    “ Yeah. Just tired.”
    His look told her he didn’t believe her. “Come on, babe, get something to eat and then we can watch some TV.”
    She stepped away from the door. A flash of motion on the balcony caught her attention. She tipped her head to see between the curtains better, her brows wrinkling, her eyes narrowing.
    Hard hands grabbed her by the shoulders and spun her around. Jayson’s fingers dug into her skin, and she cried out, expecting bruises in the morning. He leaned down, his face crowding hers. For all the fury churning in his actions, his eyes were strangely murky; the beautiful, expressive hazel a dingy brown.
    “ No more. When it comes to him, no more,” he snarled through a scowl.
    “ What the hell is your deal?” She put her hands on his chest and shoved. He stumbled back and landed in an awkward pile. He blinked up at her. He shook his head and blinked in quick succession.
    “ What happened?”
    “ Nice try.” She stomped back to the door, opened it. “I think you should spend some time alone tonight.”
    He still wore pinched brows and a confused frown as he grabbed his jacket. “I’m sorry, Gabs, I’m not sure—” Another head shake. “I love you.”
    For the second time tonight, she leaned against the door after closing it. Jayson’s bi-polar act made absolutely no sense. She knew he didn’t like Niko, but he’d never pulled the jealous Neanderthal act before.
    She would never understand men.

 
    Chapter Eight
     
     
     
     
    Thankfully, Niko didn’t ever find anyone but Gabby in her bed.
    Was tomorrow really the wedding? Was he already out of time?
    A week ago, Nikolai was convinced he’d gotten through to her. If only the stupid punk peddling pizza hadn’t interrupted.
    From their first touch Niko had been determined to let Gabby make the choice for herself, to choose him without outside influences, but he’d be damned if anything had worked thus far. And if tonight went badly, well, then he would truly be … damned straight to a life of hell. This was his last chance. If he didn’t convince her tonight, then Gabrielle would marry Jayson tomorrow.
    Nikolai popped into Gabby’s room when he was sure she’d drifted to sleep. It was well after midnight, and as he cautiously approached the bed, he breathed a sigh of relief to once again find her very much alone—and very much naked which both excited and horrified him.
    How was he supposed to remain in control and get his message across?
    Losing control would get your message across .
    Waving a hand over her forehead brought her to the delirium stage between awake and asleep. He wrapped her up like a burrito before tucking her safely into his arms.
    “ I love you,” he told her as she cuddled further into his embrace. “I need you, Gabrielle. Marry me . I can make you happier than you even know is possible. Please give me a chance.”
    Her small hand gripped tightly at his shirt. Her tears soaked his shirt. “Tomorrow. Marry Jayson tomorrow.” The words came