Page 72 of Undeniable

I didn’t like thatMm.It sounded…ominous.

“What?”

“Connor, do I ever say anything about your job?” she asked. I shook my head. “About how I hate that you willingly put yourself in danger, even though I admire you for it? That I worry about you and dread the day when you tell me you’re going back into the field?”

“No.” I frowned, surprised that she felt so strongly about it. She’d never mentioned it.

“Then don’t try to tell me how to live my life.” She spun and grabbed her keys from a bowl in the entryway.

“I’m not—” I shoved my hands into my pockets and rocked on my heels. “That’s not what I’m trying to do. I just want you to be safe.”

“Safe from what?” she asked, spinning around. “I know you live in a world where you’re constantly on high alert. I saw the way you scanned the café and the parking lot for threats. But that’s your world, your life, not mine.”

“It’stheworld,” I said, gnashing my teeth. There was no difference between the two; it was only a matter of perspective. “And the world isn’t always the happy, safe, beautiful place you want it to be.”

“Fine.” She jabbed a code into the alarm, and it started beeping. She strode toward the front door.

I was surprised to see her so riled up. But I didn’t care if she was annoyed with me—hell, I was used to dealing with clients who didn’t want to heed my advice because it was an inconvenience or an annoyance. I was insistent with them because it was my job. I was adamant with Olivia because she was my heart.

I stilled.My heart?

Oh fuck.

“Are you happy now?” she asked.

“It’s a start,” I said, grateful to have something else to focus on besides my inconvenient feelings. “I’d behappyif you let my team install some security updates. Exterior cameras. Motion-detecting lights.” I pulled the door shut behind me. What she had was better than nothing, but it was far from enough. Especially if she wasn’t actually using the alarm system.

Her shoulders were tight as she locked the door then headed for the car. I probably should’ve stopped while I was ahead. Waited until she was naked and screaming my name to attempt to persuade her.

But then Decker’s words came back to me. His accusation that I did what I wanted, what I thought was best, without regard for others. As if I steamrolled everyone else into submission. I never wanted to make Olivia feel like that.

“Look—” I grabbed her by the hand, tugging so she was in my arms. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to upset you. I was just trying to protect you.”

“I know.” She wrapped her arms around my neck. “I do. And I appreciate that. It’s just…I don’t like arguing.”

“Neither do I, especially not with you.” I kissed her nose.

“And this might surprise you, but it’s really hard for me to stand up for myself.”

“I know,” I said, hoping she could hear the pride in my tone. “And I’m glad you stood up to me, even if I don’t agree. I hope you’ll always be honest with me.”

She smiled, some of the tension between us dissipating. “You’re the one person I’ve always been honest with. I don’t want to stop now. But I also don’t want to spend the rest of your visit arguing about the pitfalls of my home security.”

“Mm.” I stepped closer, resting my hands on her hips. Sliding them down over her ass. “But making up could be so much fun.”

She grinned. “I’m sure you’re right.”

“Tell you what,” I said, backing her toward the car. “I’ll make it up to you at the hotel.” I kissed her behind the ear. “In your bed.” I kissed lower still. “Wherever you want,” I rasped.

“I think I can handle that,” she said, her voice breathy with want. “Now get in the car before I change my mind about leaving.”

I chuckled and leaned past her to grab the door handle, opening the driver’s side and waiting for her to climb in. I dropped a kiss on her temple and then closed the door before rounding the hood to the passenger side. Maybe I wouldn’t be as awful at this whole relationship thing as I’d originally feared.

“Where to?” she asked.

I plugged my phone into her car, the hotel already selected on the map. Though I’d booked a room at the Huxley Grand for the week, Olivia had convinced me to cancel the rest of my reservation and stay with her. I’d been all too happy to agree.

“Let’s swing by the hotel so I can change and grab my stuff. Then dinner?” I asked.

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