bulletproof

atlas sighed, “the love life that consists of looking after dakota’s dog and stuffing my face with pizza before passing out in my bed alone every night?” he retorted, offering a chuckle almost immediately after, “non-existent, but I’m not really interested – what about you?”

“At leas you have your right hand to keep you company.” Val retrieved a bag of pork rinds and the cookie box before setting everything on the counter. “Do you remember that psychology professor I couldn’t stop talking about?” Ripping open the package containing the cookies, she plucked one out. “I have this thing for him and I mean, a big thing. I know it’s stupid and I know it won’t last since he’s older who’s been married before, but I can’t get him out of my head.”

“Okay, I’m warning you now though, I am not a pretty drunk. So, what’s the occasion?”

“Your pretty right now totally makes up for it.” Val smirked, tapping a finger against the glass bottle thoughtfully, “Dakota’s out, that’s something to celebrate. Not for you or your boss, but it’s a big deal anyway.”

“no, I don’t, I think that makes y’ more interested but it shouldn’t…” gabe shook his head, she always did seem to have a thing for trouble, or at least attracted it by simply existing and that was sure as hell true where he was concerned, considering he couldn’t seem to stay away, no matter how much he tried. he leaned into her kiss, forgetting their surroundings for a moment as his hands ran up over her thighs and to her waist, one planting itself in the small of her back to bring her closer while the other tangled in her hair. it took gabe a moment or two before he pulled back, “stop.” 

“Talk about a shitty little town,” Kali murmured, “the diner food better be good.”

I really need to keep a tally for how many people have said the same line. I’m serious.

he continued to watch her at this close proximity, pushing an escaped strand of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. “nah,” gabe hummed, “I’m not, you’re a tough, intelligent, beautiful young woman — but I ain’t what you think…” gabriel shook his head, not wanting to dive into his past now and so he distracted val, or at least attempted to. the man leaned in, brushing his lips over her own gently before his hunger for the better of him and be deepened it. their tongues danced in unison while one of gabe’s hand tangled itself in her hair, holding her in place.

atlas groaned, reaching out and squeezing her shoulder, “you’re awesome, you know that?” he chuckled, nodding his head, “I’m down, I need that.”

it was strange, his life before here was so dramatically different, his demeanour was different and he was confident no one had ever, nor would they ever again, refer to him as a teddy bear. gabe thought about correcting her, but he didn’t mind so much, playing the neutral professor with no secrets to bear. with val, things were easy, easier now that she was no longer his student at least. he breathed out a sigh, holding her gaze and lifting his hand to cup her jaw, thumb brushing over her lower lip. “I’m protectin’ you from yourself, an’ myself from a law suit. you’re drunk and as much as I want you, I’ve waited a while, what’s one more night?” he stifled his amusement, biting his lower lip, “I wouldn’t be so sure that m’so soft, darlin’.”

her eyes bore into his and gabe let out a small sigh, he had wanted her since the day they met. she was stunning, smart, intriguing and he’d found himself thinking about her on more than one occasion. “who said anythin’ about cuddling?” gabe teased, lips twitching with mild amusement before her lips found his own. he held his breath and dropped his head when they parted, “darlin’, you definitely wanna be lookin’ for a guy your own age.”

Val lolled her head drunkenly from one side to the other, a lazy smile splashing her lightly glossed lips. “You’d cuddle if I asked, you big old teddy bear.” She reached up and ran a hand through Gabriel’s dark locks and couldn’t stop the pout at his last statement. “Guys my age are immature and only look for a good fuck. They don’t know shit about romance or an intellectual conversation.” She frowned, “Why do you feel the need to protect me, Gabriel? You know the type I run with.”

josh lifted his head, surprised by her smart way of thinking, “can you help with that?” he questioned, “I need to keep him safe, he’s everything to me.”

“I wouldn’t be suggesting a solution if I didn’t want to help. Call it my next project.” Val placed both hands along his shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze. “We’re family now, Josh, that extends to your brother.”

he nodded his head, unsure of why he wasn’t used to this already. valeria was always supportive, kind and dakota was always the same towards him and yet, their genuine compliments or affection always seemed to make him twitch. “I’ll take that, sounds great, what are we having?”

gabe’s lips parted, his hand shifting to curl loosely around her wrist. he had never been able to deny himself what he wanted and he did want val, badly, but he wasn’t going to do that now. he reluctantly shook his head and let out a sigh, “I can stay with y’, but ain’t no way I’m giving you wha’ you really want tonight, val… you’re wasted. sober up, m’all yours.”

Val’s gaze drifted to the gentle grip keeping her from trailing her fingers lower like she had initially wanted before locking it with the elder man’s. She couldn’t recall the times in his classes where she stared deep within those eyes and wished for something more. Valeria was drawn to him like a moth needing the warmth of a flame and no matter who else she spent her time with, she came back to Gabe. “You never strike as someone who likes to cuddle.” Valeria pressed a chaste kiss to his lips and whispered softly, “Can I keep you?”

“oh,” he mumbled, pushing a hand through his hair as his eyes drifted around them, reluctantly back at valeria as she offered truths that he knew and understood, but still, he had almost been tempted by august once before. “a loophole where? I have a feeling august won’t let his people go as easily as dakota would.”

Val shrugged his shoulders, following the man’s line of sight and breathing out a small sigh, “August doesn’t take too kindly to anyone breaking his rules and I know a few prime examples who’ve been affected by those consequences. No one hardly reads the fine print of his contracts, Josh, so if you and Avery are both smart enough to think up a way around it, it’s possible.”

he smiled at her, a genuine smile as he nudged her arm playfully, unsure of how to take her compliment, or anybodies for that matter, “thank you,” he mumbled, “means a lot, actually.”

“It’s what we do.” Val was sure to nudge him back, feeling that small burst of happiness that only happened around the serpents. They may not have been perfect, but they were hers. “Now, you’re going to take a well needed break with me. You deserve a long one.”

“You sure showed them and I’ll admit, I’m a little impressed.”

“Yeah?” After silently ordering another bottle, Val popped open the cork and pushed it in the man’s direction, “Let’s see if you know how to hold your wine.”

“My lawyer found a bit of a flaw and I was let off on a technicality.”

“You better pay that fucking lawyer a hefty fee or I’ll need to blow him for that feat.” She reached over to pat his cheek, “So, have you seen your nephew? JellyBean?”

“Happened a bit faster than I anticipated.”

Well, what the hell happened? Did they finally see there wasn’t enough evidence to keep you in the doghouse?

his features lit up as he let out a small laugh, he’d never thought of it that way, even with dakota away, it was kind of just atlas stepping in but — why him? he was silent for a while before looking back at her with a smile, “fuck,” he laughed.