Chapter 427

} Chapter 0427 I Gabe.

I stare blankly at the papers in front of I me. Iwas still pissed. So fucking pissed. 1 {mean who the fuck did Milly think she I was, talking shit to Harper? Unable to focus, I push myself up and start pacing. My mind was running a thousand miles a second. I was thinking, trying to come up with ideas and each of them were on different ways I could make her life a living hell.

Why are you so angry? It’s not like you treated Harper any better when you were married years ago.

My inner voice taunts me, but I don’t want to listen because it was fucking right. I never considered her feelings before, and kept hurting her over and over again, so what's changed?

I saw the shock and surprise in Harper's eyes when I pulled her to the middle of the room and threatened anyone who dared to hurt her.

When we were in my office, she looked at me like she didn’t know me. Like she didn’t understand me and why I chose to stand by her. It was clear as day that she had no idea what to think of me or my actions.

Running my hands down my face, I sigh in frustration. Could I honestly blame her for her reaction when I treated her like shit in the past? When I heard the insults Milly was throwing at Harper, something inside me just snapped. This overwhelming need to protect her and destroy anyone who dares to hurt her took over, and I found myself yelling at Milly.

It all felt so fucking strange, but right at the same time. I don’t even know how to fucking explain it without sounding like a

complete lunatic.

“Boss?” 1 look up, only to realize that Christopher was in my office. I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t hear him coming in.

“7m about to leave. Is there anything you need before I go?” he asks.

“No” I shake my head.

“Okay then, have a wonderful evening” he bids and, once I nod my head, leaves.

I'm left alone in my office with my head in turmoil. My mind thought of nothing else except for Harper and Lilly.

I return to my desk when my phone starts ringing. Sitting down, I pick it up and answer, not really bothering to check the caller ID.

“Seriously Gabe,” his voice growls out from the phone’s speakers. “Why the

"fuck am I finding out through the \ tabloids that one of my best friends got married, instead of his fucking mouth?” 1 would recognize Travis's voice anywhere. After all, we've known each I other since we were in diapers.

“Hello to you too,” I say, leaning against my chair.

«Js that all you have to say?” Sighing, I take a deep breath. I really didn’t have the energy to deal with his shit.

“What do you want me to say? I got married, end of story,” I reply in irritation.

“you're an asshole, you know that?” “1 never claimed otherwise, Travis.” [ was tired and fucking irritable. I haven't been able to sleep, and the effects were catching up with me.

I “Seriously, Gabe, tell me everything. How ) did you meet her? What is she like? Do I I know her-" ( I 1 cut him off before he could continue.

“So, you're into gossip now? Don’t you I have anything important to do? Besides, I all the information you need to know is in the tabloids.” } was behaving like a jackass, but I didn’t fucking care. I wanted this conversation over and done with.

“At least tell me how she managed to bag the city’s number one playboy,” he pushes, not giving up.

“Goodbye Travis.” “Wait- » I end the phone call before he can manage to ask more stupid ass questions. It rings seconds later, but I press the red button ending the call.

It’s as I was doing this, that I noticed the

I numerous missed calls and messages \ from my family, board of director’s, business partners, and friends. They I must have called when I'd gone looking for Harper.

I