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My skin was covered head to toe with goosebumps as I looked at each picture of me. In each picture I was unsuspecting of anyone who might be watching me. After I'd flipped through the stack of photographs a half dozen times, I set my attention onto the letter I held between trembling fingers.
Olivia,
If you're reading this and you're shocked at what you've just seen, then I've done my job well. Because, it is obvious you needed this reminder. As for the collar, this is not a gift to you. It is an omen of what is to come if you remain with Jace Rush. He will bind you to him and slowly but surely, he will suffocate you. With every notch he tightens his hold on you the less you will live. The less air you will breathe into your lungs. I can assure you, he will destroy you.
My earlier promise to you remains strong. If you care nothing for yourself, care enough for Jace to walk away from him for his own protection. Because I will not stand back and watch him suffocate you. I will not allow it. I will end him.
All my love and more,
Your Savior
I laid the letters on the desk with the pictures and stared at them for long minutes as I pondered calling Jace or Gabe. I knew Jace would be upset and offended if I called anyone but him, but I was afraid to call him. I was afraid someone would hurt him if I called him to me. The thought left me feeling frozen in worry. Paralyzed.
But, the decision was made for me when my phone rang and Jace's name lit the screen. I answered on the third ring.
"Hello," I knew I sounded like someone took away my candy, but damn. I couldn't keep the fear from my tone.
"What's wrong?" He sounded attentive. I knew he was.
"My savior sent me a gift." I said sarcastically.
"Where are you?"
"I'm at work. Jace, I don't want you to come."
"Tough shit. I'm already on my way."
"Jace, I'm afraid for you." I cried as I stood to pace the length of my office. "Please don't come to me. He threatened you again. I can't,"
"Angel, I'll be fine. I've got to go. I need to call Gabe." There was patience in his tone despite the fact I knew he was anything but. He was anxious. I remembered clearly the way he'd looked after reading the first set of letters. I didn't want to have to see his face like that again. It broke my heart. He cared for me so much…even I could see that. Trisha could see that. Why the hell couldn't my savior?
"Jace, please." I begged. My eyes misted with tears and he sighed.
"You're my life, Olivia. Do you understand that?"
I nodded even thought I knew he couldn't see me. "You're my life." I whispered in response.
"I'll call Gabe to meet me there. Stay where you are."
I didn't respond. The tears were already streaming down my face. I hated feeling so utterly helpless and I didn't trust coherent words to sound from between my lips. Jace sighed at my lack of response. "I love you, Angel. Just stay at work. You're safe there."
With that, the phone line went dead. Jace thought I was safe here, but how could that be when my savior delivered a gift to this very place. He knew where I worked. He knew where I lived. He knew I spent my nights with Jace. He knew everything about me. I felt uncomfortable in my own skin; violated beyond belief at the sight of the pictures I hadn't seen anyone take of me on my desk. I wanted to scream and cry and scratch out the sick twisted man's eyes. He deserved it. He was screwed up beyond belief and yet he thought he was helping me. He thought he was saving me.
I wondered if maybe I found a way to communicate with him - if I was just able to tell him of my love for Jace - would he leave me alone? Would he admit he had no right meddling in my private affairs and back off? I knew it was a long shot, but I had to try. I had to know I'd done everything I could short of leaving Jace again. I couldn't do that. I absolutely refused to live without him.
My eyes flickered down to the sickening pictures and I swallowed my nausea as I studied them. I hadn't been living when I sent Jace from my life. I'd been existing. Nothing more.
I wanted to live. I wanted to live with Jace. He brought my soul to life when it was merely existing. He breathed fire and life into my lungs. He showed me how to believe in love and to trust in another soul to know what mine needs. He is my other half. Losing him is simply unbearable. It's impossible.
The door to my office opened quickly, interrupting my thoughts with a quick rise of fear. The wave of fear fell away as Jace stepped into the room. I stopped pacing and ran to him. I didn't think twice about it. His arms were opened wide as he stepped toward me and I collided with his front. I wrapped my arms around him before heaving myself up and wrapping my legs around his waist. I held to him like a spider monkey, unable to unlatch myself as hot tears fell from my eyes to burn the skin of his neck.
