I Definitely Don't

Chapter 14

Gabriel

The tension in the air was palpable as I stood at the threshold of my penthouse, a mix of anticipation and dread swirling in my chest. The skyline of Seattle glittered beyond the expansive glass windows, but it felt like the city itself had turned into a battleground. Everything we had worked for was on the line, and Jason's shadow loomed large over us.

Shayla moved through the space like a whirlwind, gathering documents and formulating a plan. I admired her determination, but beneath it all, I felt an overwhelming urge to protect her. I had fought hard to keep her safe, but I knew that we were about to enter the lion's den. It was time to confront Jason once and for all.

"Are you ready?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm inside me.

She paused, looking up from her laptop, her ice-blue eyes meeting mine with fierce resolve. "More than ever. I won't let him manipulate me or use me as a pawn."

The fire in her gaze ignited something deep within me. I had seen her grow stronger, more confident in our time together, and that transformation made me believe we could face anything. But the stakes were higher than ever. If we didn't handle this right, we could lose everything.

I reached out, brushing my fingers against her arm. "Remember, we go in with a plan. We'll stick together, and I won't let him hurt you."

She nodded, a slight smile touching her lips. "I trust you, Gabriel."

As much as I wanted to shield her from the dangers ahead, I had to admit that this was no longer just my fight. Shayla had proven time and again that she was strong and capable. She was more than just my wife; she was my partner.

"Let's move," I said, feeling the weight of determination settle over us. We grabbed our essentials, documents that outlined Jason's shady dealings, evidence we had meticulously gathered over the past few weeks. This was our ammunition, and we were armed with knowledge.

The drive to the meeting place was tense, the streets of Seattle blurring by in a rush of colors. I glanced over at Shayla, who sat quietly, her expression focused. I could see her resolve hardening, and it made me proud to know that she was ready to face whatever came next. I just hoped that I could protect her from the worst of it.

As we approached the warehouse that Jason had chosen for our meeting, a sense of foreboding washed over me. It was an old, abandoned structure, and I knew it would be the perfect setting for the confrontation we had been dreading. I parked the car a few blocks away, and we walked the rest of the distance, our hearts pounding in sync.

The shadows of the building loomed over us, an ominous reminder of the darkness that Jason represented. I felt a surge of adrenaline as we stepped inside, the air thick with dust and neglect. The dim light flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows on the walls. I could sense that Jason was already waiting for us.

"Stay close," I whispered to Shayla, tightening my grip on her hand. She squeezed back, a silent promise of support.

As we entered the main area of the warehouse, my heart raced at the sight before us. Jason stood in the center, flanked by two of his associates—muscle-bound men whose loyalty could easily be bought. He wore a smirk that sent a chill down my spine, his confidence radiating like a toxic cloud.

"Look who decided to show up," Jason said, his voice dripping with mockery. "The happy couple. How quaint."

"Cut the crap, Jason," I shot back, my voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. "This ends now."

Shayla stepped forward, her presence commanding. "You've been playing games with our lives for too long. It's time to face the consequences of your actions."