CHAPTER 9

GABE'S POV

I sat in my dimly lit study, nursing a glass of scotch as I brooded over Angelo's sudden return. That man was a Beast, a constant thorn in my side. And now, he's back to ruin everything I've worked for.

My mind kept drifting to Emma, her fragile beauty and resilience captivating me. I hadn't even had a chance to fully explore my feelings for her, and now Angelo was here, rubbing his presence in my face like a taunt.

The thought of him touching Emma, holding her, made my blood boil. It wasn't going to happen. I wouldn't let it.

I set my glass down, my mind racing with strategies to keep Angelo away from Emma. I could increase security, limit her interactions with him...but I knew that bastard too well; he'd find a way to insinuate himself into her life.

A dark thought crept in, one I couldn't shake: if it came down to it, I wouldn't hesitate to eliminate Angelo. He was a threat to my happiness, to Emma's safety...and I would do whatever it took to protect her.

My eyes narrow