Brice found himself responding with words he’d had no intention of saying. “I did say Skyler could answer your questions,” he admitted reluctantly. He glared at Gabriel. “She is high strung. All these visitors could very well upset her and send her into a regression.” He avoided Francesca’s dark eyes and the censure he knew he would see there. “I have serious reservations about Francesca providing a home for Skyler. I happen to know her home situation has changed and she no longer lives alone.” He said it in a belligerent tone, his jealousy making him reckless.
The judge glanced at Gabriel. “You must be Francesca’s husband.” He reached out, offering his hand. “She has been saying some wonderful things about you. It is quite a privilege to meet you.”
“What did you tell him? ” Gabriel took the offered hand with a firm, courteous .shake. His black gaze caught and held that of the judge. The man stood mesmerized, felt as if he were falling forward straight into that gaze.
“The only record they will find of you has a top-security clearance. I created a file on you explaining your absence. You were heroically serving your country. It is not too difficult to do such things when you know your way around the computer. It also helps to have people in high places owe you favors. You look like a hero to anyone who might inquire.” Francesca’s soft voice brushed rather smugly in his mind.
“I hope my living at Francesca’s house will not be a problem.” Gabriel said, staring directly into the judge’s eyes. “After all, we are still married. She was kind enough to give me a place to stay. Francesca is obviously the best person in the world for Skyler. I would not want to do anything to jeopardize such an arrangement.”
The judge had never heard a voice so pure and beautiful as Gabriel’s. His entire being reached out toward that voice, wanted to please the speaker.
“Francesca, there is no need to stay married to him. You’re not obligated just because he came back from the dead,” Brice put in, furious. “Has he done something to make you lose your mind? You don’t know this man anymore. You haven’t seen him for years. You don’t know anything about him. He should have stayed dead!” Suddenly aware of the things he was shouting, of the difference between his voice and Gabriel’s, Brice made an effort to calm down.
Skyler was gripping Francesca’s hand hard, her incredibly long lashes shading her large gray eyes, hiding her mounting terror. At once Francesca touched her mind to reassure her, recognized Gabriel’s comforting encouragement.
“We are with you, Skyler, right here.”
To the shock of both Gabriel and Francesca, the young girl was able to reply on a mental path neither had everiused before. What if the doctor won’t let them give me to you? I can’t live without your help. I know I can’t. It would be better to just let go.” There was a desperate fear in her. Someone had touched her life with gentle understanding, someone she recognized as good. Someone who understood how different she was. Someone who valued her despite the terrible things that had happened to her. Now she might lose her rescuers.
Gabriel’s dark eyes swept the child huddling close to Francesca for protection. “Look at me.” It was a soft command, but impossible to disobey. Skyler’s large eyes met his instantly. “You will trust in me, in Francesca, and believe that we can sort this out. There is no need for fear. Those under my protection cannot be abused in any way. Francesca will continue to heal you and you will cease to worry over trivial matters such as this ugly argument. They cannot touch your life, little one. They will never be allowed to do so. They only believe they have such power.”
Skyler visibly relaxed, allowing her breath to escape in one long sigh of relief. Francesca found herself beaming at Gabriel, her heart in her eyes.
* * *
Chapter Nine
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Brice was watching Francesca’s face. He found himself cursing silently at her expression as she gazed at Gabriel with pride. He knew he had to back off or lose her. He had never experienced jealousy and found it to be an extremely ugly emotion. What had gotten into him? Was this his true character? Of course it would be best for Skyler to live with Francesca, how could it not be? But Brice didn’t want to share Francesca with anyone, it was that simple. Francesca had many acquaintances who called themselves her friends, but he was the only one she had allowed close to her. He was used to having a special place in her life. A teenager didn’t figure into his plans for the future. Francesca knew many people; she had money and moved easily in the inner circles. She was beautiful and well liked by both men and women. By escorting her to charity balls and parties, he had become accepted too.