“She did?” I ask, feeling slightly unsettled, not because she agrees with me, but I kind of felt my past with Olivia would be a deterrent. I guess I owe Olivia a thank you.
“Yeah. So, I guess I kind of freaked out for no reason.”
I grin, feeling relief so deeply that it kind of scares me. “I have to agree,” I chuckle.
“Asshole,” she mutters.
“Do I get to see you tonight?”
“It might be late,” she murmurs.
“I don’t give a fuck. I want you in my bed tonight.”
“What is it about you that makes me forget I’m a strong, independent woman and just melt when you talk like that?”
“I don’t know, but I’m damned glad it happens.”
“Jerk,” she giggles.
“I’ll see you tonight, sweetheart.”
“I’ll see you then,” she practically purrs, and then hangs up the phone. Once I put my cell back on the table, my gaze moves back to the letter from Bear.
“Fuck it.” I mutter.
I reach over and grab it, ignoring the way my hand shakes. Jesus, I’ve turned into a pussy. I break the seal, open and take it out. I shut my eyes and then, with a deep breath, I get my nerve up and bite the bullet.
Little Brother,
If you’re reading this damn thing, I’ve kicked the bucket. I’ve known for a while that the beef between me and Eyeball was going to come to a head. He nearly killed Olivia. It’s hard to believe, and you probably know by now, that he is Olivia’s brother. She asked me to let it go and stay off Eyeball’s radar. Olivia is terrified of him and was afraid he’d kill me. Hindsight? Yeah.
The bastard nearly destroyed her once. Now, she spends her life trying to hide from him. The woman has begged me to just let the police deal with it. Asked me to have him arrested with the stuff I have on him. That was never good enough for me. I needed the fucker dead. Being the cocky bastard that I am, I thought I’d be breathing clean air, and that fucker would be six feet deep when all this was done. Guess life doesn’t work out like you want it to.
We know that better than most.
I love you, Blade. You know that. I’ve never kept things hidden from you, not until recently and it has weighed on me. I need you to know that I love Olivia. I’ve been in love with her for as long as I can remember. The thing is, I messed up. I didn’t tell her about Ayita, and everything went to hell once she found out. It’s the biggest regret of my life. I’ve only been half a man since Olivia slipped away. Because the woman is a fucking saint, we managed to stay friends, and that kept me sane. I knew when you met her you’d see the same things I did. I need you to know it made me happy. If I couldn’t have her, knowing she had my brother to love and keep her safe, brought me peace. Now that I’m gone, she’s going to try to blame herself. I need you to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’ve left her money. Cross will make sure she gets it. It's up to you to make sure she’s happy and free. Blade, give her the family and the home that I couldn’t. I will rest easy knowing that both my brother and my Livy are happy and thriving together.
Take care of yourself brother, you were always the best of the two of us. I’m damn proud of you.
-Bear
Fuck me. Fuck me. My hand shakes as everything slams down on me. Bear was in love with Olivia …
“Motherfucker!” I growl. How could he not tell me? Shit. Why didn’t she tell me?
I pick my phone back up and dial the club. When Hangman answers, I tell him to get the men together this evening. It’s time I see if I’m the only one in the fucking dark.
18 BLADE
“Blade? I thought I was supposed to meet you at your place tonight?” Arwen questions as she opens the door. I lean in and pull her to me. I feel her arms snake around me and she holds on tight. For the first time since I read the letter, my heart rate moves to a more normal speed. “Is everything okay, sweetheart?”
I pull back and take a deep breath. “Arwen, I need to speak to Olivia.”
She blanches, taking a step away from me. Her face loses color, and I can see her pain. “Blade, I don’t think?—”
I shake my head. “Sweetheart, I told you already. You’re the future. I read my brother’s letter. I need to talk things over with Olivia. You can be there. I don’t want secrets between us. I promise I’m not here to hurt her.”
She studies my face. I let her see everything I’m feeling—even my confusion. I meant what I said. I don’t want secrets between us. Clearly, secrets cause nothing but pain. I never want that in my life again.
