Page 12 of Behind the Mask

On the drive to Olivia’s house, I kept replaying what Lindsey said. Something was up and it was beginning to fuck with my head. My hands curled around the steering wheel. What was she hiding?

When I pulled up to her house I just sat in my truck and pondered what to do next. All the lights were off. Knowing Olivia as I did, I knew she wouldn't be sleeping after what happened. I'd never forget the fight we had that kept both of us on edge for days.

Her hands lifted. "What's the matter with you? All he did was talk to me! Are you saying I can't even have guy friends now that we're together?"

My teeth ground together to keep myself from saying something I'd regret. I kept my gaze locked on hers. I grabbed her arm and pulled her close. "That's exactly what I'm saying. You’re mine. We both agreed there would be no others, and you even talking to another guy drives me crazy. I don't want you talking to him. Wilson is a prick, and you need to stay the hell away from him."

Tears formed in her eyes as she took several steps back, her bottom lip quivering. "I always knew you were the only one for me. But with you being overly possessive like this...I just can't take it. I can't breathe, Axel. I love you more than anything in this world, but I need some space."

My hands curled into fists and all I could see was white. "Fine. You want space? You have it. I'm done." I walked away from her without glancing back.

That night was my biggest regret. I knew I was being overly possessive, but I couldn't help it. The men flocked to her. She was gorgeous inside and out, and everyone wanted a piece of her. I let the fear of her leaving take over, and I messed up the best thing I ever had. It was the following week of our graduation when she had made the decision to leave. I had thought after giving each other space that we would work out our problems, but I was wrong.

Taking in a deep breath, I got out of the truck. After a few steps, I came face to face with the same maple tree I used to climb when we were teenagers. I pursed my lips. She used to keep the window open for me, and I wondered if she still did. I wondered if the flame was still flickering. I cracked my knuckles and heaved myself up the branches. I fiddled with my balance before I tested the window to see if it would budge. It did. I slid the window all the way up and climbed inside as quietly as I could. Once I regained my composure, I looked around. My eyes landed on the figure on the bed, and my breath caught.

Her knees were pushed up against her chest, and her arms were wrapped tightly around them. I placed my hands on my hips as she laid there and cried. I shook my head and cursed. Despite my better judgment, I walked to her bed and gently stroked her hair. I had to fight the urge to take her in my arms, because if I did, I'd be a goner. I sat on the bed beside her and continued to stroke her hair. I wasn't sure what to do. The anger I had an hour ago disappeared, and instead I was consumed with questions. Her broken spirit surrounded me and it left me with a sense of emptiness.

"Liv..." I whispered, not sure if she would hear me past her cries.

When she heard my voice, she sat up and looked at me with her tear-stained eyes. "Just… go away, Axel. Please?"

I took her face in my hands and wiped away the remaining tears. Her hazel eyes looked at me with surprise as I continued to hold her. Suddenly, I remembered why I came here in the first place. As much as it killed me to do so, I pulled away and cleared my clogged throat. "I can’t leave until I get some answers.” I whispered and tried to swallow the lump as I gently spoke my next words. “I need… closure.” She sucked in a sharp breath. I took her hand in mine and rubbed small circles, trying to get her to remain calm.

She removed her hand from mine and turned away from me. She folded her hands in her lap and looked out the window. Her face was contorted, as if she were in pain and couldn’t figure out how to stop it. "When I left, I was keeping a secret from you. I was trying to protect you because I knew if you found out, you would do something that would mess up your entire future.” She paused. I watched her fight a battle with herself as she spoke the next words. "When you and I had our big fight, something… happened. He saw an opportunity because I was upset and alone, and he took it.” An eerie calm settled over the room. My blood boiled. I closed my eyes and tried to keep myself sane, but my mind was conjuring up every bad scenario it could think of.

The words tumbled out of her mouth. "I was raped, Axel."

Even though my mind prepared me for her statement, the thought of someone taking advantage…My jaw tensed. Bile tried to creep up, but I swallowed it down. I leaned over and gripped my head in my hands. My body began to convulse. She tried placing her hand on my shoulder, but I stood up and put a hole in the floor. I saw red. My Olivia… my precious, sweet Olive was… I couldn’t even say the vile words in my head. My thoughts began to drift towards that night, but I stopped myself when I realized it was my fault. My feet came to a halt. I never should have walked away from her.

I turned to face her. "Who?"

"I don't think..."

I clicked my tongue. "Tell me who did it, Olivia."

She shook her head and wandered over to the door. I closed it shut and pinned her against it. She looked everywhere but me.

"Why won't you tell me? Are you protecting the bastard?"

Her eyes met mine with a hardened glare. She shoved me back and walked away. "I'm protecting you, asshole!"

I tilted my head. "Why?"

"Because you'll go over there and do something you'll regret! You have a career to think about, and your fiancé. How would she feel if you did this for your ex-girlfriend? It would kill her. I've seen the way she looks at you, I may not be able to stand her, but I know she loves you. I ruined any chance with you, and it's time to move on. That's why I left! I couldn't handle you doing something you'd regret."

I stood there in silence as she went off. "That wasn't your decision." I walked over to her and tilted her face towards mine. "It's not your decision to protect me. You were my world. You should have come to me. I wouldn't have done anything to jeopardize us or our future. You should have trusted me!"

She pushed me away once again. "I did trust you! But I know how bad your temper is. If you would have seen what he did to me, you'd be flying-"

"What do you mean,seewhat he did to you?” I grated out. “Did he do something else, Olivia?" I couldn't think clearly, and I couldn't breathe. All I could see was someone hurting her.

"Nothing. Please, just go home to your fiancé. I'm sure she's worried about you."

I stood firm. "No. Show me. Show me what he did to you."

She bit her lip. We stood glaring at each other in silence until finally, she nodded. She turned away from me and raised the shirt over her head. My hands curled into fists. There were large, raised scars on her back. It looked as if she’d been whipped. I couldn’t breathe. Who the fuck could do something like this?

I released a heavy breath and uncurled my hands. I went over to her and gently touched the marks. She shuddered. I turned her towards me. Her hazel eyes shone with wonder, and surprise. I took her face in my hands and brought her closer to me. Her half-naked chest rubbed against me. I was angry, but my only thought was making sure she was okay.

---