“From my hotel. She isn’t welcome.”
“Okay,” I soothe. “Ice. In a towel. Now.” I order the guy who comes over.
He immediately nods, rushing off to get me what I need.
I accept the ice from him and take Olivia’s hand, gently laying it over her swollen knuckles. Holding it there, I meet her eyes, “Did she hurt you anywhere else?” I ask, pushing down my temper.
“No,” She shakes her head, “I mean she pulled my hair, which is how the punch happened but no. She didn’t do anything else.”
“If I knew she was going to attack you, Olivia, I would have never allowed her near you.”
“I know,” She breathes. “But that woman has a weird obsession with you.”
I nod, “I know.”
“It’s borderline stalking,” She cringes.
“Don’t worry about it,” I say, “She won’t come near youagain.”
I lay her hand down on the bar, keeping the ice on it, “Hold this.” I tell her. When she takes it, I pull my cell from my pocket, “Don’t move, I’ll be back in a moment. I’m just going to give doc a call.”
At her nod, I start for the exit, looking back to check on her once more before I get outside and dial doc’s number.
Chapter Forty-four
The ice isn’t comfortable but to keep Malakai sane, I leave it on my knuckles, even though it burns.
I’m still waiting for him to come back when a man steps up next to me at the bar.
“Olivia,” He says my name like he knows me but when I look at him, I don’t recognize his face.
“Um, hello?”
“Accident?” He asks, referring to my hand.
I pale, “Yes. Nothing to worry about.”
“I do hope it isn’t too bad.”
“I’m sorry,” I turn to him fully, “Do I know you?”
“Oh, no,” He shakes his head, “Apologies, I’m Stefan. Malakai’s cousin.”
“Oh, right, okay.” I frown, “Hello.”
I look past him, waiting for Malakai to return. There’s something about this guy that I don’t like, not surewhat it is but I’m instantly on alert.
“Malakai hasn’t told you about me?” He asks.
“Um,” My teeth gnaw at my lip as my eyes keep flicking to the door, waiting for him to return. “Maybe? I can be forgetful.” I lie.
Stefan smirks, “It’s okay, Olivia. It would not surprise me if my cousin failed to mention me. Our relationship is a little strained.”
“Why?” I blurt.
“It’s a long story,” He tells me, “Can I get you a drink?”
“No,” I rush, “I mean, no, thank you. I’ve had enough.”
