Page 63 of Dark Torment

OLIVIA

Jon getson the bed behind me, propping his back against the headboard before guiding me into his lap. He doesn’t say a word about my emotional state, just comforts me through the tears.

I feel like this has all become too much. The fact that Grams never told me she had money hidden away for me, and that I know Jon killed my brother last night before we made love.

Hell, I knew he had blood on him, and I still didn’t care. I needed him, and he gave me what I needed without hesitation. I love him for that.

Life is too short to be so closed off to the world because I’m afraid of being hurt. Look where fear has gotten me. I feel like I’ve missed out on so many things, but I’m also glad I waited until it felt right.

“She’ll always be with you, baby. You know that, right?” he whispers, holding me close. I love how safe I feel in his arms.

“I know,” I whisper back, opening the envelope with shaky hands.

The moment I see her handwriting, I start to cry harder. I miss her so much. She was the best parent I could have ever asked for growing up. She accepted me as I was and didn’t try to make me into something or someone I wasn’t.

I will forever be grateful for that level of love and patience. She taught me how I wanted to raise the children I would one day have.

“You okay?” he asks me, and I clear my throat, trying to make myself focus on the words she wrote to me.

Mydearest Olivia,

If you’re reading this,it means I’m no longer with you. And if I know you like I think I do, you’ve left this letter until everything blew up with your father.

I won’t pretend to know what he’s done or even capable of, sweetheart, but I know it’s probably not good.

I didn’t want to keep this secret from you, but I had to for your safety. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.

I hope this letter finds you well, and I pray your father hasn’t tried to hurt you. He’d never see that money if he had.

You, sweetheart, are the only one with the answer to the security question where the safe deposit box is located.

In my jewelry box, you will find a false bottom with the address of the bank where it’s located, along with the key.

Olivia, I’m sorry if you’re feeling betrayed right now, but I had my reasons. I’ve had some suspicions about your father for quite some time, and I didn’t want my sweet girl to be in harm’s way.

You have a big heart, my girl. Find that love that will keep you safe and cherished. I’ll be looking for him to send to you.

See you under the stars, sweetheart.

Love,

Grams

Droppingthe letter to my lap, I turn my face into Jon’s chest and sob. I miss her so much, and the fact that she expected Dad trying to hurt me? I understand now why she didn’t just tell me about the money from the start.

A part of me wishes I still didn’t know. I don’t need money to be happy like my father thinks he does. I like my life the way it is, or I did. I’m not all that fond of fearing for my life at every moment.

Worrying there’s someone who wants to kill me around every corner is no way to live my life. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

I also never expected my own flesh and blood to be said enemy.

“I think Grams sent you to me to keep me safe,” I tell him when I’ve stopped crying.

“You think she sent a killer to keep you safe,” he says with humour in his voice.

“I do. I think she knew you’d be the only one to stop them from hurting me. I didn’t think Grams would ever support killing, but I think she’s looking the other way in your case.” I place a kiss on his cheek, and he smiles.

“Sometimes it takes a truer darkness to take out the rest. I may be a killer, Liv, but I’m your killer. I’ve lived my entire life in the shadows. Now I know it’s because I needed to be the worst of them in order to keep you safe.”

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