“Absolutely not. I had no idea until Marcus called me the first time and told me about Benny owing the money.” She takes a shaky breath and leans forward. Her hand leaves mine to clasp together tightly on the table, her knuckles turning white. “There have been many times over the years when I thought my brother could die. This was the only time that I actually felt I had any control over possibly preventing that from happening. I don’t know if paying off a debt to a drug dealer is a crime, but I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
I turn my head to find a shocked yet impressed look on Chris’s face. And since he doesn’t look concerned at Olive’s admission, I won’t be either.
Crew pushes off the wall and takes a few steps toward the table. “I give you my word, Olive. You won’t be in trouble for anything you did.”
She sits up straighter. “And my brother?”
He hesitates, then says, “I’ll do my best.”
Olive huffs out a breath. Defeat has her sagging back in her chair. “I don’t like it, but I understand.”
The two detectives stand and shake our hands, letting us know we’re free to go.
I help Olive from her seat and guide her out of the room and down the hall to the lobby. Before we step outside, I stop and turn to Chris. “Thank you again for coming down here.”
Chris grips my hand more firmly than necessary. “I hope one day you all remember that I don’t do this anymore.” He glances at Olive. “Olive, please don’t give money to any more criminals.”
Nodding, she presses her lips together to suppress a laugh.
Chris smacks his hand into the door and strides out of the building.
I chuckle and shake my head before turning back to Olive. “You ready to go home and go to bed?”
“Whose home are we going to?”
“Whichever one is closer.”
Ella came and picked up Jack, and he left me his vehicle so he didn’t have to wait for us to finish.
I intertwine our hands as we step into the night. The sky is cloudless, and the moon is bright. It would be the perfect romantic summer evening if we weren’t walking out of a police station after she was held captive by drug dealers, while her brother is in the hospital recovering from a massive amounts of drugs forcefully given to him.
38
Olive
Placing my toothbrush back in the holder, I take a few minutes to stare at my face in the mirror. The bruise across my cheek is spreading. A butterfly band aid holds together the cut across my cheekbone. My eyes flutter closed as I take a few steadying breaths.
We didn’t get to see Benny, but hearing that he was doing okay was comforting. Tomorrow is going to be difficult. As awful as this situation was, all I can hope for is that this is exactly what Benny needs to make a change. And one that lasts this time.
Strong arms slip around my waist, pulling me back into a warm, bare chest. Nate’s chest hair tickles where my tank top exposes my back. As his chin tucks over my shoulder, his breath flutters across my neck, and goosebumps skitter down my arms.
He turns his head and kisses the side of my neck,causing warmth to flood my body, starting between my legs. “You ready for bed?” he whispers against my overheated skin.
All I can manage is a nod before he turns us and pushes me toward the bed. I crawl across and climb under the covers on the far side, lying down to face Nate as I tuck my stacked hands under my cheek. He unbuttons his jeans and slides off, his boxer briefs hugging his hips and thighs. Flipping the comforter back, he settles in next to me, scooting across the bed until we’re inches apart. I relish the contentment I feel when his arm wraps around my middle and pulls me into him. My cheek rests on his skin, and I inhale his now-familiar scent. A sigh slips from my lips as my body relaxes against him.
His lips brush the top of my head before his deep voice vibrates against my skin. “Olive, I, uh, know this isn’t the best time, but I don’t think I can wait to tell you this.”
My breath catches at the emotions blazing in his eyes. “I’m so sorry for how I acted the other day. I’m an idiot and should have been more understanding about what you were going through.”
Thinking back to our last interaction before I flew home, it hurt how he treated me, but I can understand why he felt the way he did. I’m sure it was frustrating for him when I shut him out. As he continues, I kiss his chest gently.
His arm tightens around me. “I’ve been in a lot of situations that most people would think is terrifying, but I had never felt fear like I did today.” His chest rises and falls, taking me with it. “Olive, what I’m trying to say is that I love you.”
My head pops up, heart stuttering. “You do?”
He buries his fingers in my hair, massaging my scalp. “Yes, I do. And I don’t care if you aren’t there yet, or that itmight be too quick for some people, but I’m not wasting another second not telling you how I feel.”
I wrap my lips over my teeth as my face tingles from emotion. And I don’t hesitate to tell him exactly how I feel. “I love you, too. So much. I’m not sure I can ever express to you how thankful I am that you came for me,” I whisper.
