Page 170 of Captive Omega

“On the day Vaughn texted to say he was bringing home a pretty guest, and the moment I saw her, I knew I would do whatever it took to make her happy.”

My nails dig into the fabric of the armchair as I struggle to summon a response. “Oh.”

Good job with that public speaking, Resa. You’re making real progress.

His smile is faint. “But I didn’t realize how much she would give back to me.”

I feign casualness. “You mean the fear that one day she’ll have tossed your puzzle into the fire or stabbed you with the knife she keeps on her bedside table?”

His smile fades. “I focused on business and on work. Suddenly years had passed, and along the way I forgot how to dream.”

“What did you dream about before?”

“You.”

For a second, all I can hear is the sound of my heart pounding loudly in my head. Garrison is looking at me, probably waiting for a response. And I… I just don’t know.

I jump to my feet, scattering the puzzle pieces in my lap everywhere. I bend to pick them and remember how badly my top gapes. Then I back up, my ass bouncing on the edge of the armchair as I retreat. “Uh, bye.”

And I run away, leaving puzzle pieces on the floor and Garrison gazing up at me, probably thinking I’ve lost my mind.

I gallop up the stairs, into my room, and slam the door shut. I’m not sure what I’m running from: my thoughts, feelings, Garrison, or all of the above.

Because Garrison is not an alpha I’m used to. He’s kind, funny, and handsome. Disarmingly so.

Knock, knock.

My feet leave the floor as my heart lodges in my throat.

“Resa?”

Shit, it’s him. I clear my throat and try for casual, which he won’t buy with the way I just sprinted up the stairs. “Yeah?”

“I wanted to check you got upstairs okay.”

Did he think something would happen to me on the stairs?

Then I remember what happened the last time I jumped out of my chair that fast. I wound up in a clinic, terrified I was losing my baby.

“I’m okay,” I say with my hand on my belly.

Thoughtful. He is also thoughtful.

“Good. I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” I say faintly. Then I cross over to my bed and flop face first onto it, only rolling over when it gets hard to breathe.

I stare up at the ceiling and imagine Garrison sat beside the fire, peering into the distance as he daydreams about me.

Chapter 48

Blaine

After the clinic, I thought I could handle more touch.

I was looking forward to giving Resa more skills she can use to defend herself and, maybe, set her on a path of recovery from her past abuse.

Until now.

---