“I, what do I say to that?” I look between him and Sadie, letting the tears fall. “Why do you care so much? I’m nobody,” I cry harder, and he growls.
Pulling me into a tight hug, he kisses my head. “You’re the only thing in my life that matters, Olivia Breton. Don’t you ever belittle yourself. In my eyes, you’re the fucking sun. Get me?” He pulls me tighter, cradling me in his hold. For the first time since Grams died, I feel like someone truly loves me for me.
“Sorry,” I whisper, wrapping my arms around him and fisting the back of his shirt tightly.
“You need to understand, so I’m going to say this once. I know you don’t want to know about what I do when it doesn’t involve the DA’s office, but, baby. Goddamn, you’re everything. I’ve killed anyone that’s even remotely said something terrible to you since you came into my life.” I suck in a breath at his admission, but he keeps going. “That bastard who said vile things to you in the street? He’s gone and no one will ever find him.”
I’m trying to process his words, but it’s hard to comprehend levelling the man I know, to the killer he’s describing himself as.
I know he’s telling me the truth, and I remember that guy. Or, I think I do.
“The one that called me a fat cow?” I whisper, and a feral sound leaves his chest.
“He lost his tongue for that before I killed him, baby. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, both inside and out.”
I think there’s something broken in my brain. What he’s telling me should make me feel sick or angry, even terrified of him. But I feel… loved?
“And Jeff,” he grunts. “That motherfucker died with me in his face. Knowing he did wrong by treating you that way.” He’s shaking in my arms, and I feel this undying need to comfort him.
Pulling back, I cup his cheek in my hand. “Jonathan,” I exhale, and his face leans into my palm.
“I hacked his account, Liv. I’ve seen too many victims broken by men who like to prey on women. When I saw the way he was treating you, ignoring the way you told him to stop.” He shakes his head. “God, I was so proud of you for sticking up for yourself, but he had to die. No one hurts you, baby. Fucking no one,” he proclaims, and my heart swells as my body floods with heat.
Yeah, something is definitely broken in my mind. But how could I not be in love with a man who has done everything to protect me?
“Thank you for telling me,” I whisper, and pain crosses his face.
“I’ll never lie to you, sunflower. You belong to me, but I belong to you, too. I can’t stand to see you hurting.”
“Okay.” I stand on my toes, kissing his lips gently as I keep my eyes locked with his.
I’m conveying the words I can’t seem to say with this look, this kiss. The softness in his eyes before he closes them on a groan tells me everything I need to know.
I was never whole before him.
Sadie growls beside us, and we break apart, looking at her. She’s facing away from us, growling at seemingly nothing, when Jon screams, “Get down!”, and pushes me to the ground just as a loud pop rings off.