Page 30 of More than Friends

Chapter Eleven

Declan

Then

Ipull back from Maggiewhen I leave on my trip. I still check in on her every day, but we need some space. Our non-relationship is starting to feel a lot like a relationship. It’s not what either of us wants. I’d stopped seeing other women the last few months. I’ve only wanted to be with her, but that’s not what this relationship is about, and I know it. If we don’t keep to our rules, someone is going to get hurt, and if one of us gets hurts, the whole thing will implode, and our families will find out. We’re in each other’s lives forever, we can’t let this get messy.

I went to Jordan. Petra was on my bucket list. I wanted a big adventure, and I had one. I thought it would let me push her out of my mind. But turns out I couldn’t push her very far. I tried to think about other women, but all I could think about was her.

I haven’t called her since I’ve been back. We need some space. We need some time. She’s assured me that her nightmares haven’t returned. She’s still in therapy. She’s still boxing. I can’t walk too far away, but I need to let her heal on her own.

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My phone is buzzing. A call from Will.

“What’s up, Senator Sterling?” I say. He hates it when I call him that even though it’s his title. He just ignores me this time.

“Hey man, I have a problem. Can you come over?” He sounds pissed off.

“You need me now?” I ask.

“Yeah, now. I need you to pick up a few things before you come.”

I scratch my head. “Sure whatever you need. What’s up?”

After he explains the situation and what he needs, I hang up the phone and laugh. He’s gotten tangled up with an activist who seems hell-bent to destroy him. A few weeks ago, she handcuffed herself to his desk in the Capitol building. Now it seems she’s taken things a step further and handcuffed herself tohim. He can’t get out. I let out another loud laugh. I can’t wait to see this.

An hour later, I arrive at his apartment, supplies in hand and knock on the door. When he opens it, my eyes connect with his eyes first, filled with murderous rage, and then I notice...her. The woman handcuffed to him. Gorgeous – huge blue eyes just blinking at me, just a hint of fear on her face.

“Quit gawking and just get in here,” he barks.

I step inside, shaking my head and laughing.

My eyes linger on this mystery woman for a moment. Will shoots me a look like he’d like to murdermenow. I ignore him.

“I’m Declan Sterling. Will’s younger and more likeable brother.” I flash a smile and hold out my hand.

She shakes it and smiles back. “Olivia.”

I linger without dropping her hand. I can practically see steam coming out of Will’s ears, he’s so angry.

“Did you bring it?” he growls. I’m ignoring the murder-eyes he’s giving me.

“Right here,” I hold up a bolt cutter. Olivia bristles.

We both cut our eyes over to her. Will says, “He’s just going to cut the chain.”

She nods, and they hold up their hands. I cut the chain with a loud snap, and their hands fall apart.

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