Page 131 of See You Maybe

“It wasn’t easy being so young in the position I was hired for. There was already gossip. I think I proved myself as time went on. But then I got the promotion after I married Kyle, and the gossip started all over again. If people knew how weak I was, that I let him treat me that way…” She gave a little shrug, her eyes sliding from his. “How could they possibly respect me at work? Trust in my leadership?”

Declan cupped her chin. “What he did to you was solely about him. About the fact that he is a craven, insecure piece of shit who never came close to deserving you.” He stared into her eyes, willing her to hear him. “Kyle knew that. That’s why he tried to bring you down. He knew you were a bright, fucking, shining star, and he was incompetent. Kyle is the weak one, not you. And I hate that you didn’t have the support you needed.”

Olivia’s eyes fluttered at his fervent words, and to his surprise, even his fingers shook a little with the emotion consuming him when he touched her face. “I didn’t mention calling the police because there is no need for them.”

A tiny frown formed between her eyes, and Declan leaned forward to kiss her before pulling back to meet her gaze. He was taking a risk letting her see this part of him, but it was imperative she understand. “Before I knew you had stabbed him, I had no intention of letting Kyle off easy by being arrested. When I tell you he will never hurt you again, it’s because I can promise you he won’t be around to do so. I plan on making sure of it personally. It’s already in motion.”

“How?” There was no judgment in her voice only curiosity.

“I have a friend, Alex, with close connections to some not so nice people. This is the kind of thing they do. He’s looking for Kyle.”

Declan watched her closely, as she processed what he’d said, and waited with his breath locked in his chest for her reaction. Silently hoping she didn’t ask for details. Olivia’s sapphire eyes suddenly cleared, and he saw she understood what he meant.

Instead of recoiling in horror or objecting, she tucked her head under his chin and snuggled closer. “Good.”

He let out a startled laugh against her hair.

“I didn’t realize you had a blood thirsty side, Petal.”

Olivia shrugged, nuzzling his neck. “Like you said, some people deserve it. Now shhh, I have the flu. I need a nap.”

A soft smile on his face, Declan stroked the silky skin of her back until her breaths evened out before letting himself relax into sleep.

She really was perfect for him.

“You keep checking your phone.” Olivia pointed out when Declan lifted it for the third time in five minutes. “Is there something going on at work? Armstrong, I mean.”

Declan shook his head and turned his phone over, face down. “I’m expecting a call from Brady.” And Alex. “He’s going to install a better security system here.”

“I have a security system.”

“You need a better one.” Olivia opened her mouth to argue. “I have enemies, Olivia.” It wasn’t a lie.

“Is that your way of telling me you’re staying here?”

Declan met her eyes, waiting to see if she’d object. With anyone else, it would be insane to move so fast, but now that he had Olivia back, he wasn’t going to waste any time.

Olivia rolled her eyes playfully when he didn’t answer. “Well, okay, if it makes you feel safer at night.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

Atlanta—Present Day

Olivia’s heart raced as she adjusted the bow at the collar of her blue blouse. Declan leaned over the desk, his arms braced as he looked over the papers she’d laid out. The outline of his muscles clearly bulged under his tailored gray dress shirt, and her body flushed with the memory of how she had woken up that morning, with Declan’s hot breath against her thighs.

“This could work,” Stuart said. His words were like a bucket of cold water. For a second, she’d forgotten he was there.

Olivia shook herself.

You are a professional.

Declan glanced up, and met her eyes with a smirk, before he turned to Stuart. They hadn’t discussed how their relationship would work when it came to decisions about Armstrong, and she was nervous.

“This looks good, Olivia. Very good.” Declan’s voice was its normal cool, impassive tone, but the heat in his eyes sent a thrill down her spine. “What do you think it will take to close this?”

“Senator Menendez wants to be courted. A few dinners and a contribution to his reelection campaign should be enough. They are as eager for this as I am.” She beamed. “A high-tech manufacturing site in their constituency is a win-win.”

Declan’s lips quirked. “Great. Let’s meet again in three days for a status update.”