Page 94 of Awakening

“You tried to take me from him. You tried to steal another man’s mate,” I say as Ethan’s hold on me tightens. “How could you do that? Anthony, you’re better than that.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“What would you have done when my memory came back, and I realized the truth?”

He shrugs and crosses his arms. “I don’t know.”

“I don’t want to hear any more.” I look up at Ethan. “Take me home.”

“Of course,” Ethan says, lifting me into his arms and walking toward the car.

“Wait,” Anthony says, pulling Ethan back by his shoulder.

Ethan’s protective hold turns into a possessive grip around my body as he turns to face Anthony. “Get your fucking hand off of me. You heard her. We’re done here.”

“No. Olivia, please. Don’t just walk out of my life like this,” Anthony says, breathing hard in desperation.

“I hope you find someone, and that you’re very happy one day, Anthony…but it won’t be with me.”

Ethan turns and we leave Anthony behind us as he walks us to the car, then settles in the backseat with me. He gives my keys to Nick to drive my car home while Chloe drives us in Ethan’s car. Chloe turns to me from the front seat with a relieved smile. She extends her hand to me and I reach over and squeeze it. “I’m so happy to have my best friend back,” she says.

“Me too, Chloe.”

I settle in against Ethan’s chest, finding comfort in his scent and the steady beat of his heart. “Close your eyes and rest, baby,” he says. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wake you when we get home.”

I touch his cheek with my palm, looking into his eyes. “I love you.”

“I love you too. So fucking much, Liv.” He brings his lips down to mine for a slow and easy kiss. “Rest,” he says, then kisses my forehead. I lean against his chest with a smile of contentment and close my eyes.

Twenty-Four

Olivia

“My dad dropped our car off for us while we were gone, so we’re going to go home,” Chloe says, exiting Ethan’s car when we arrive home. “You need to rest after everything you’ve been through today.”

“I love you both,” I say, hugging Chloe.

“We love you too,” she says. “I feel like I can truly say welcome home now.”

I nod with a smile. “I can’t wait to walk through that door and have it feel like home again.” Chloe smiles and pulls me into another hug as I clench the blanket that covers my naked body.

“Chloe, you totally suck at short goodbyes,” Nick calls from next to their car.

“Oh, I know,” she says with a laugh, releasing me. “Bye, sweetie. Call me when you can.”

“Will do. Bye, Chloe,” I say as she walks to their car.

I gasp when I’m swept up into Ethan’s arms without warning. “You’re not wearing shoes. Let me carry you.”

I lace my hands behind his neck and lean in to kiss him. “I’m not about to complain about being in your arms.”

As Ethan carries me in through the front door, I’m consumed by the warmth of the scent that I now know is Ethan’s. It smells like home. My chin quivers and tears build in my eyes.

“Are you okay?” Ethan asks, kissing my cheek.

“I’m home.”

“You are,” he says, hugging me tight to his body. He walks me to the couch in the living room and sets me down gently, then kneels in front of me. Studying me, he runs his hands down the sides of my face. “You really are.” He pulls me against his body, hugging me like he may never get the chance again. He kisses my hair before pulling back and gently kissing my lips. “I love you.”

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