Damn Liam for being so perceptive. But I didn’t say anything because he was pissing me off. I’d already gotten in one fight today; I wasn’t going to start another.
“You have to stop beating yourself up for other people’s actions. We can’t control others. All we can do is our best to protect the ones we love.”
I stared at the floor, counting the linoleum tiles. First Olivia, and now Liam.
“And what if our best isn’t enough?”
“Do you know why we call you Cujo?” he asked, surprising me with the sudden change of topic.
“Because I’m dangerous. Wild, like a rabid dog.”
He shook his head. “Because you are relentless in protecting the people you care about. You protected Olivia. Even if the outcome wasn’t what you wanted, it could’ve been a helluva lot worse.”
“She wouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place were it not for me.” I pounded the wall with my fist. It fucking hurt, but I deserved it. If I could take away all of Olivia’s pain, I would.
“Connor.” Disappointment coursed through his voice. “George is an entitled prick who’s deranged.”
I laughed, though the sound was mirthless. “I agree with you on that. But Olivia’s safer without me.”
“Would Lee be safer without me?” His blue eyes pinned me, sparkling with a clarity I envied. “Maybe. Maybe not. Everyone in this company has been a target at some point or another. But I love her, and she knows I would lay down my life for her and our kids.”
I nodded, understanding. I might have endangered Olivia, but I would do anything to protect her.
“You did good today,” he said.
“What are you talking about? I rushed at him. I was recklessagain.”
“We’d all do the same thing in your shoes. And the fact that you called Mark and waited for us to arrive speaks volumes.”
I swiped a hand over my face, exhausted from the conversation and the day. “What happens now?” All I wanted was to hold Olivia. To know she was safe in my arms.
“To George? Or to you and Olivia?”
“Both.”
“You know we’ll take care of George. As to what happens with you and Olivia, that’s up to you. But I didn’t think you were the type of guy to let fear control you.”
“I’m not afraid.” I swallowed, though the words were thick in my throat.
“Deep down…when it comes to love, we’re all a little afraid. And you know what—that’s a good thing. It isn’t easy to risk your heart. But hey, no risk, no reward, right?”
I nodded, knowing he was right. Of all the guys I worked with, Liam was one of my favorites. While he was serious at work or anytime he was in professional mode, he could also be like a big brother to the guys. And while he didn’t sugarcoat it, he did give good advice. He was honest and wise. I respected the hell out of him.
It wasn’t long before Olivia was discharged with instructions to rest, and Liam dropped us off at her house. While we were gone, the guys had set everything back to rights. I would never forget what happened, but I hoped having the house in order would bring Olivia some peace.
As I started a bath, she sat on the edge of the tub, staring ahead as if in a daze. I didn’t say anything, just undressed her silently as I scanned her body for injuries. But I knew the greatest damage was to her mind and her heart. She’d experienced a trauma, and she was struggling to process it.
When I turned for the door, she reached out for me. “I don’t want to be alone.”
Her green eyes pleaded with me, even as they filled with tears. I used my thumb to wipe one away. And then I pulled her to my chest, wishing I could shelter her from the world. The warm tears that wet my shirt made something in my chest crack. Why hadn’t I stayed?
All I could do was be here now. So, I rubbed circles on her back. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’ve got you.”
“I know. Just like I knew you’d never allow anything to happen to me,” she said with a conviction that surprised me. “Please, Connor. Don’t go.”
I knew it was only the shock, but I wished she was asking me to stay for good. Liam was right; I could ask for a transfer. But would Olivia want me here? Or was she vulnerable and needed consoling before she would push me away for good? At the moment, I didn’t care. I just wanted to be with her. Comfort her. Love her.
I reached behind my neck, pulling my shirt over my head. As I removed my clothes, I shed my insecurities, baring myself to her. Maybe I couldn’t protect her from everything, but I’d do everything in my power to try.
