Kneeling beside him, Gavin yanked Dillons face within inches of his. He shook as he spoke, his breath a vicious whisper. You better listen to every fucking word Im about to say to you.

Fuck off, asshole, Dillon grit out, staring into Gavins eyes, his breathing still labored. Youre going to jail for this, motherfucker.

Gavin quickly elbowed Dillons mouth. Trying to jerk away, Dillon winced. Now Gavin wasnt the only one with a split lip. Gavin gripped Dillons hair tighter, a sick smirk twisting his mouth. If you report this, sure, I might go to prison. Youre lucky I didnt fucking kill you. But just know thisGavin paused, trying to tamp down his sudden urge to once again choke Dillon within inches of his lifeIll get out one day. Oh, you bet your ass I fucking will. And when I do nothing will stop me from killing you. Not even the insane love I have for the woman you threw away will keep me from making sure you never take another fucking breath. So, consider this bit of information before you go running to the cops. If you know me at all, then youll know this isnt an empty threat from a pussy who likes to knock women around. This is coming from a man. A man wholl laugh all the way to the gas chamber as your mother cries all the way to your fucking grave. Do you understand me?

Breathing hard, Dillon stared at Gavin and remained quiet. Simple resolution to the unanswered question. Another elbow to Dillons mouth.

Do you fucking understand me? Gavin snarled, his face curled in anger.

Yes! Dillon replied through clenched, bloodied teeth.

Good, Gavin replied mildly, standing. He started for the door, but before unlocking it, he turned, his eyes narrowed. And if I find out you showed up to her job again, Ill make sure its a closed casket funeral.

With that, Gavin unlocked the door and pushed through the crowd. Without looking back, he heard the clamor of commotion taking place in Dillons office. Strike that. He heard Dillon yelling at everyone to get out of his office. The edge of embarrassment in Dillons tone carried through the air as Gavin stepped into the elevator.

On his way down, Gavin checked his watch. With less than five minutes to make it across town, he whipped his cell from his pocket and shot Emily a text to let her know he was going to be late. By the time he made it to his car, shed replied.

Emily: Ill be here waiting for you. Please be careful. No speeding! I love you.

Gavin pulled out of the garage. As he crawled through traffic, he couldnt help but flick his gaze down to his cell. He reread Emilys text over and over. Emotions flying high, Gavin was aware he had to walk into the caf holding some semblance of normalcy. He just wasnt sure hed be able to. Thirty minutes later, he was about to be put to the test.

After finding a parking spot, Gavin stepped from his car, slid his hands through his hair, and made his way in. He hadnt taken but three steps into the caf when he spotted Emily. His breath faltered as it always did when he saw her sitting at a table and reading a book. It was then Gavin knew he was bound to her. He knew there wasnt a thing he wouldnt give up for her. Hell, as long as he was inhaling the air around her, every day would feel complete. Today, he knew he would give up his freedom for her. His life. She was in his bloodstream, and he didnt care if he spent the next twenty years behind bars, shackled in chains for what hed done to Dillon. Gavin only hoped he could remove the shackles around her heart Dillon left behind, because no amount of kicking Dillons ass could rid her of the scars she had from him. Gavin knew hed always wipe away her tears, but he desperately wanted to be able to wipe away her painful past.

As if she had sensed him, Emily lifted her head, a beautiful smile crossing her face when her eyes met his. Clichd or not, her smile lit up the room like a ball of fire in a darkened sky. Clichs were created for her. End of story. Again, Gavin felt as though the breath had been sucked right out of his lungs. He watched as her smile fell away, her face becoming troubled as she stood. Damn it. Gavin shot a glance down at his clothing. Stuck in his head on the way over, hed forgotten to fix himself. He knew he looked like a disheveled mess. He wasnt wearing his suit jacket, and his shirt was untucked. Forget about his missing tie or the tiny specks of blood dotting the front of his crisp white button-down.

As Gavin moved toward her, raw power flowing from his body, Emily swallowed back the sick feeling seeping into her stomach. Meeting him in the middle of the crowded caf, inches apart from one another, the voices surrounding her faded and figures blurred. His face blinded her to everything else. His breath was all she could hear. Though he wore a mask of cool passivity, his blue eyes said more than they should. They spoke volumes, inspiring an ache within Emilys heart. She knew what hed done. She didnt need to ask.

Emily dropped her gaze from his swollen lip dappled with blood and stared at his shirt. Lifting her eyes, she met his steady gaze, and she could tell he was waiting for something from her. An approval possibly, words that would let him know she was okay with whatd happened. Not knowing how to begin, she simply looped her arms around his neck and brought his mouth down to hers.

Gavin pulled her into him, his hands gripping her waist and molding her body against his. I had to do it, Emily, Gavin breathed, kissing her softly. I wouldnt have been able to live with myself if I didnt.