Page 67 of King of Praise
Her words force me to consider my journey from a different perspective. She’s right—I have survived things I once thoughtwould break me. The woman I was at the beginning of my marriage to Lucas would never have believed herself capable of the strength I’ve discovered since.
“Besides,” Olivia continues, reaching for another piece of chicken, “that’s what we’re here for. Your circle of friends. We support each other through the hard times, celebrate the good ones, and always have wine ready for emergencies.”
The acceptance in her statement brings unexpected tears to my eyes. After years of systematic isolation from friends and family, the idea of having a support system feels like a gift I’m not sure I deserve.
“I just…” I struggle to articulate the tangle of emotions churning inside me. “I never expected to feel this way about anyone again, especially not after Lucas. And certainly not about—”
“His father?” Olivia waggles of her brows. “Honey, the heart wants what it wants. And frankly, from what I’ve seen of Micah Hunt, your heart has excellent taste.”
A laugh escapes me despite my worries. “It’s not exactly a conventional relationship.”
“Conventional is boring.” She dismisses the concern with a wave of her wine glass. “What matters is how he treats you. Does he make you feel safe? Respected? Valued?”
The questions prompt a flood of memories—Micah’s careful attention to my boundaries, the way he asks permission before touching me, how he makes me feel protected without being controlling. The praise that flows from him naturally, rebuilding my confidence one gentle word at a time. The dominant side of him that emerges in intimate moments, always tempered by concern for my comfort and pleasure.
“Yes,” I whisper. “All of that and more.”
“Then fuck conventional.” Olivia’s directness startles another laugh from me. “Life’s too short to deny yourself happinessbecause it doesn’t fit some arbitrary social norm. Besides,” she adds with a wicked grin, “older men tend to be much better in bed. More patient, more focused on their partner’s pleasure.”
“Olivia.” Heat floods my cheeks even as I laugh.
“Am I wrong?” She raises an elegant eyebrow.
The blush deepens as I think about this morning’s passionate encounter, how thoroughly Micah had claimed me before leaving.
“No,” I admit. “You’re not wrong.”
“Then there you go.” She looks entirely too pleased with herself. “Focus on the good parts—the loyalty, the protection, the mind-blowing sex. The worry … well, that’s just part of the package. But it’s worth it for the right person.”
Her words carry the weight of experience, reminding me she’s navigated these waters before, albeit from a different perspective. The arranged marriage to Vinny may have been loveless, but she understands the criminal world Micah inhabits. Her insights offer a roadmap for surviving the uncertainty that comes with loving someone in that life.
“How do you support them?” I ask, genuinely curious. “When you know they’re facing dangerous situations but can’t do anything to help?”
Olivia’s expression turns serious. “You love them fiercely when they’re with you. Create a safe space where they can let their guard down, where they don’t have to be the strong one all the time. And when they’re out there doing whatever needs to be done, you trust their capabilities while being ready to pick up the pieces if things go wrong.”
Isn’t that what I’ve been doing instinctively these past weeks? Turning this cabin into a home where Micah can relax, where the constant vigilance required by his position can ease? Supporting him through touch and presence and understanding rather than demands for information he can’t safely share?
“It’s not easy,” Olivia acknowledges, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “But nothing worth having ever is. And from what I’ve seen, what you and Micah have? That’s definitely worth fighting for.”
A comfortable silence falls between us as I absorb her words. Outside, darkness has fully descended. The cabin feels warmer somehow, more like home, with Olivia’s presence filling the space that had seemed so empty after Micah left.
“Thank you,” I say finally. “For coming all the way out here, for the food, for … everything.”
“That’s what friends are for.” She tops off our wine glasses with a graceful motion. “Besides, I have ulterior motives. Once this current situation settles down, I fully expect you to help me navigate my own complicated romantic entanglements.”
The hint of vulnerability in her tone catches my attention. “Oh? I thought that was just about the sex.”
A faint blush colors her cheeks. It’s the first time I’ve seen the usually composed Olivia show such obvious shyness. “I mean, it is. For now. But…” She waves it off like it’s not important. “Tonight is about you and your sexy silver fox, not me.”
I laugh at her description of Micah, even as worry tugs at the edges of my consciousness. Wherever he is, whatever dangerous situation he’s navigating, I have to trust in his ability to handle it. Have to believe he’ll return to me as promised.
“To complicated relationships.” Olivia raises her glass in a toast. “And the men worth worrying about.”
I clink my glass against hers, letting the rich wine and good company ease some of my anxiety.
She’s right. Loving Micah comes with inherent risks, but the depth of connection we’ve found makes those risks worthwhile.
All I can do is support him in whatever ways he needs, trust in his capabilities, and be here when he returns.
