Chapter 24 - A Pact in the Library
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When Gabriel returned to Beacon Hill at 3:00 AM, he found Harper waiting for him in the library. She wasn't sleeping; she was sitting in his leather armchair with a warm cup of tea resting on her lap.
Gabriel paused in the doorway, suddenly feeling the exhaustion of a man fighting wars on two fronts.
"You should be asleep, Harper," he said softly, unbuttoning his vest.
"I’m not going to sleep while you’re out there bleeding for us," Harper replied, setting her cup aside and standing up.
She walked over to him, gently unbuttoning his cuff links.
"Marcus told me you’re planning to send Noah and me to a safehouse in Vermont."
Gabriel remained silent for a beat, enjoying the gentle touch of her fingers against his wrists.
"It’s temporary," Gabriel explained quietly.
"Just until I clean up Moreau’s network. I can't protect you here if they launch an all-out assault."
Harper looked up, meeting his pale blue eyes with a fierce, unwavering glare.
"No," she said firmly.
Gabriel blinked, surprised.
"Harper—"
"I spent years running from Derek Lawson," Harper declared, her voice filled with newfound strength.
"I hid in closets, I hid in alleys, and I ran until my feet bled. I am done running, Gabriel. I belong here. Beside you."
Gabriel stared at her, mesmerized by her bravery. He pulled her against his chest, holding her like a precious treasure.
"You are going to be the death of me, Harper," he breathed into her hair.
May you like
"No," she whispered back, kissing his neck.
"We’re going to survive this. Together."
