Page 23 of Dark Torment

“Because you’re a lawyer?” I question, and he barks out a laugh.

“That’s one of the reasons. Does it bother you?” he asks me, his face growing serious once again.

“Does what bother me?” I’m so lost and confused by this conversation. I feel like he’s trying to warn me about something, but I have no idea what it could possibly be.

“That I’m not a good person? Because I promise you that I will always be good to you.” He’s dead serious as he says these words to me, and alarm bells sound off in the back of my mind, warning me that maybe I should be afraid of this man.

Everything he’s saying is a red flag, but I don’t feel like I’m in danger around him. Actually, he seems to be the only man I do feel comfortable around. Like he actually sees me.

“I—um—no?” I fumble over my words. “I’m not scared of you. Is that what you’re asking me?” I ask, and a smile brightens his entire demeanour.

He’s so handsome when he smiles. Oh, he’s handsome when he’s broody too, but that smile shows me there’s really nothing I need to fear from this man.

“I’m very glad to hear that.” He moves close enough to grip my fingers, and a jolt zings through my entire body.

Everything feels like it’s been lit on fire, his touch the match to ignite it.

“Um, you are?” I ask like an idiot, and his smile only grows.

“I am. I never want you to be scared of me,” he says, looking directly into my eyes.

“Well, I mean, I barely know you, but you seem nice.”

He laughs hard, squeezing my fingers a little more, but it doesn’t hurt. It’s almost like a loving touch.

That’s weird, Olivia.

“God, you make me feel lighter than I’ve ever felt,” he says before giving my hand one last squeeze and letting go.

I actually feel a little disappointed when he does, but I cover it up by getting down to the point.

“So, you’re ready to adopt a dog?” I ask him brightly.

It’s not a secret that I love giving animals new and loving homes. They didn’t choose to be given up, for whatever reason, and helping them get adopted is a side passion of mine.

Jonathan clears his throat and nods. “Yes. Please,” he says kindly, and I beam at him.

“Excellent! I have a few pictures over here on the computer if you’d like to see?” I wave him behind the counter, getting set up on my stool.

It’s an uncomfortable thing, but I try to make it a habit to not sit on the computer, or much at all, while I’m at work.

We have the most important programs on the iPad and laptop in the back room as well, but this is just handier at the moment.

“You seem to have me at a disadvantage, by the way,” he says in a low voice.

“I do?” I swallow hard, wondering what he’s talking about.

“Mhm. Seems you know my name, but I have yet to know yours,” he states, and I think back on it.

Have I really never told him my name? That seems stupid after everything he’s done for me.

“Um, Olivia. My name is Olivia,” I tell him, looking back at the computer and changing the subject before he can say anything else.

“What kind of dog are you looking for?” I ask him, opening up the website for the local shelter.

“Gentle, kind. Not overly hyper, but not something that’s bored to death either,” he says.

He’s standing right behind me now, and I can feel the heat from his body as he moves closer to look at the screen.

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