Chapter 6 - Sanctuary in the Lions DenThe guest suite on the third floor of the Ashford residence was larger than Harper and Noah’s entire Dorchester apartment.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the sparkling skyline of Boston across the Charles River. A king-sized bed with cashmere blankets sat in the center of the room, flanked by mahogany dressers and a private en-suite bathroom stocked with luxury products.
Noah sat wide-eyed on the edge of the bed, clutching a brand-new comic book Gabriel’s men had picked up for him, staring around the room in absolute awe.
“Harper,” Noah whispered, tugging on her sleeve. “Is this a hotel? Are we staying here for vacation?”
Harper knelt beside him, smoothing his hair, her heart still beating a frantic rhythm against her ribs. “Something like that, buddy. We’re safe here. Nobody is ever going to hurt us again.”
The door opened softly, and Gabriel walked in. He had changed back into a crisp white shirt, the sleeves still rolled up, revealing the lean, powerful muscles of his forearms. He carried a tray with a warm bowl of soup and a glass of milk for Noah.
“How’s the young man holding up?” Gabriel asked, his voice softening just a fraction as he looked at the boy.
Noah smiled, taking the tray. “It’s awesome here, Mr. Ashford. Thank you!”
“You’re welcome, Noah. Eat up, then try to get some sleep. Your room is right through that connecting door.” Gabriel pointed to a smaller, cozy bedroom already set up with toys and a warm nightlight.
Once Noah scampered off to inspect his new room, Gabriel turned his attention to Harper. He gestured for her to follow him out onto the private balcony overlooking the city lights.
The autumn air was crisp and biting. Harper wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly.
Gabriel noticed, instantly sliding his suit jacket off his shoulders and placing it over hers. It was warm, still carrying his distinct scent of cedar and scotch.
“What happened to Derek?” Harper asked quietly, her voice barely audible over the hum of city traffic below.
“Derek Lawson has taken an extended leave of absence from the Boston Police Department,” Gabriel replied smoothly, leaning against the stone balustrade and looking out at the skyline. “Internal Affairs received a very comprehensive, anonymous dossier detailing three years of corruption, brutality, and falsified evidence. He’s currently sitting in a holding cell awaiting federal indictment.”
Harper stared at him, stunned. “Federal indictment? But how—?”
“Let’s just say Derek had a lot of skeletons in his closet, and I have a very efficient filing system,” Gabriel said, turning his head to look at her. His slate-gray eyes caught the amber glow of the city lights. “He’s never coming back for you, Harper. I give you my word.”
Harper felt a tear slip down her cheek, but this time, it wasn’t from fear. It was the overwhelming, terrifying release of a weight she had carried for years.
“Why?” Harper asked, her voice cracking. “Why are you doing this for me? I’m just a maid. I’m nobody.”
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Gabriel pushed off the balustrade and stepped closer to her, closing the distance between them until she could feel the heat radiating from his body. He reached out, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face.
“You were never nobody, Harper,” Gabriel murmured, his voice low and intense. “You were just surviving in the wrong world. From now on, you’re in mine.”
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