Dangerous for You by Anna Antonia Read Free Book Online Page B

bitch.”
    Defying temptation, we left our room and were outside in another quick minute. Looking around at the old buildings mixed with new, I still didn’t know where we were exactly.
    “Is this part of D.C.?”
    “No. We’re in Old Town Alexandria.”
    “Really? I’ve never heard of it.”
    “Lovely. I managed to pull off a geographical surprise as well. Come on, Emma. Let’s go towards the river and see what we find.”
    I made a mental note to research the town history when I got a chance. I loved what I saw of it already. We explored numerous shops along the way. When we passed a lingerie store, Gabriel stopped and walked back. “This looks to be a good place to stop, don’t you think?”
    I laughed, absurdly tickled by his innocent expression as he pointed at the window displaying a mannequin clad coyly in a black lace set with garters and stockings. “Maybe later.”
    He frowned adorably. “I don’t know if I like your ‘maybe.’ It usually means no.”
    I tugged on his arm until he leaned down. “I’m not into lingerie,” I admitted softly in his ear.
    “You’re not?”
    “No. I prefer to just be naked.”
    Gabriel shot up straight. “Your preference is mine. Definitely can’t argue with you there. Naked is good. It’s the natural order of things, after all?”
    We continued our walk down one side of what I learned was King Street, following the crowd until we reached the bustling waterfront. We stopped by the Torpedo Factory, looking at the artisan works with a curious eye. Eager to explore the rest of the street before we headed into D.C. proper, we both agreed to come back the next day if there was still time.
    Walking hand-in-hand along the riverfront, we dodged several groups of families until we reached the edge of the walkway. I couldn’t help but notice how quick on his feet Gabriel was and how adept he was at finding pockets of free space, as if he didn’t want us to be cornered without an escape route. I wouldn’t have been surprised to find out if it was part of Gabriel’s training to protect himself. This in turn made me give thought to our perspective security teams. “Are they on duty?”
    “Who? Security?”
    “Yes.”
    “Always. Don’t worry—they’ve already cleared the hotel and approved its usage.”
    That was surprising and not at all what I expected him to say. “Is the hotel not where you’d usually stay?”
    Gabriel gave a quick shake of his head. “No. I stayed in town whenever I’ve had to come here.”
    “Really? Then why are we here?”
    “I thought you’d like it better. There’s more to see and it’s not as stuffy as the Mandarin Oriental.” Gabriel said it smoothly. Too smoothly.
    He thinks I’d feel uncomfortable with being around and seeing so much wealth.
    I couldn’t keep my heart from beating harder. Gabriel always thought of me and my comfort, even at possible risk to his safety and well-being. “You’re the nicest man I’ve ever known.”
    “Good. I hope it stays that way.”
    “And you didn’t have to do that.”
    “What do you mean? I wanted to do it.”
    “I know you did and I really appreciate it. But—”
    “No buts.”
    “We don’t have to stay at the hotel we’re at. We can go to your usual one if you want.”
    “You don’t like it?”
    He’s always so worried about how I’ll react to his decisions. I did that to him…a long time ago. It’s past time I fix this.
    “I like it fine. More than fine. It’s the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.” Even admitting that truth reminded me that it was several steps down from his usual accommodations. It was just another in a long list of reminders of how different our stations in life were…
    “Then what’s the problem, Emma?”
    Looking away from him, I focused my gaze on the buildings far across the river. “You’re insanely wealthy.”
    “Yes, I suppose.”
    “And you shouldn’t have to keep changing yourself to fit into my life.”
    “Emma, it’s not a