“Thank you, Liv.” My voice sounds thready, and before I realize it, Olivia is in front of me in the bathroom.
“Oh, hun.” She kneels on the floor in front of me, and I offer a weak smile. “Sorry, this is harder than I thought it would be.”
“You’re recovering from a bad concussion, sweetie. Don’t over-exert yourself.”
I feel her hand on my knee as she pats it, my eyes closed. After a moment, I open my lids again, and Olivia is staring at me, clearly worried.
“I’m okay. Really.”
“Except you aren’t. Someone hurt my best friend, and he’s still out there. Nothing in the world about that is okay.”
That persistent feeling of dread I’ve been carrying for years, especially these past few weeks, hangs over me, and I sigh.
“You’re right, but what more can I do?” I shrug. “I’m moving in with Easton to be safe, pretending to be dating him…the police have nothing on the attacker because he wore a mask and gloves. There were no prints or DNA. As much as I hate to admit it, Easton was right. I have to do this.”
Olivia grimaces slightly, her eyes going to the floor before flicking back up to mine. “How are things with Easton? Are youreallyokay with this? I can take you in any day.”
“I know, Liv. I do. And it’s…as good as it can be. It’s confusing and overwhelming, but I can’t deny that I appreciate the help. Easton is trained to deal with this kind of thing. I won’t lie and say that doesn’t make me feel a bit better.”
“I get that, hun. I do. If this truly is the work of Neil James, which I definitely think it is, too, then you need the help. I’m glad you’re not keeping it to yourself anymore. There’s no telling what that asshole wants, but we both know it ain’t good.”
My guts swirl as I consider everything Neil might want from me. I ruined him, got him locked up, and took away so much money by halting his business. He strikes me as the type of guy to put money at the top of his priority list.
I also consider that I am, in fact, choosing to live with my ex-boyfriend, whom I’ve still been hung up on for years. And I’m supposed to be babysitting his niece.
“And there’s Jade to think about in all this.” I meet Olivia’s eyes. “I’m terrified that something will happen to her because of me."
“I know, honey. I’m scared of that, too, to be honest. But…as much as it pains me to say thisagain, I trust Easton to at least protect you. I just want you to be damn careful—with that Neil asshole and your heart.”
Leaning forward, I pull Liv in for a hug. “I will. I promise. I’m just so glad I have someone like you to help me out, too. You’ve always been there for me, and it means the world that I can be honest with you. I hate lying like this.”
“I know you do, girl. I get it.” She stands, pulling me to my feet after her. “Let’s get packed up and head over. You can get settled in the new place.”
“You’re the best, Liv. I love you.”
She grins at me, pulling me under her arm and out of the bathroom to the bed. “I love you, too.”
By the time Liv drops me off at Easton’s, I walk inside to the smell of him cooking dinner. I seem to remember something about him not being great at it, but my mouth is watering at the scent.
I set my two bags down by the door, and walk into the kitchen to see Easton busy at the stove.
He doesn’t notice me, and for a few seconds, maybe a minute or two, I just allow myself to enjoy how easily he moves through the space, getting what he needs while stirring whatever’s on the stove.
Damn, he’s pretty good at that.
The thought sours slightly as I remember what I’m doing here. I’m supposed to be pretending to be his girlfriend, one he haslivingwith him.
Hell, I’m supposed to be his girlfriend in reality. I mean, aren’t I? Everything was going so wonderfully, and then he had to leave.
Why didn’t you come back?
I could be doing this with him if he’d found me when he got out. I could be actually living here and maybe not getting attacked by one of Neil’s men.
Hell, would Neil have even found me at all if I was with Easton?
Of course, I know the answer. No. He got me because of that fake dating app.
My guts churn, and I feel a wave of exhaustion rush over me. I don’t blame Easton for what happened. I mostly blame myself for being stupid enough to allow myself to get kidnapped.
