Page 158 of Sin With Me

She shudders, the memory still vivid in her mind.

“It's like... it's like I'm drowning in my own head. The highs are so high, and the lows…” Her voice wavers, and she takes a deep breath. “They're suffocating, Eve. I can't keep doing this.”

I reach out, taking her hand in mine, a silent gesture of support. I know it’s all she’ll allow but my body is shaking with the need to go to her, to wrap her in my arms.

"Olive, I'm so sorry you're going through this. You know I would do anything to fix–”

Her tear-filled eyes narrow on me. “I don’t need to be fixed,” she mutters, her chin wobbling. “I’m not broken.”

I give up the fight for distance and jump up before dropping into Marcus’ abandoned chair and tugging it closer to her. My hands wrap around both of hers, gathering them into my lap.

“Listen and listen good,” I whisper, glaring right back at her. “You, Olive Tanner, are anything but broken. You are fierce, loyal and protective of those you love.”

Oli rolls her eyes and looks away. With a growl, I toss her hands in the air, shocking her, and grip her little round cheeks.

“None of that.” I tsk. “You are one of the kindest people I know. Seriously, Mother Teresa would be taking notes if she met you.” I tighten my grip when she tries to pull away. “You sprinkle goodwill like a fairy godmother with an unlimited supply of pixie dust.”

“Pixie dust, hmm?” she murmurs, her thick lower lip folding out in an adorable pout. “Wish I really had some.”

“Me too.” I smooth my fingers over her cheeks before dropping her face and gripping her hands, knowing I have her now that she’s smiled. “You’ve got this amazing strength in you that I find incredible. You take every day like a badass, even the hard ones. It’s like your superpower is never giving up.”

Her eyes flit to the sky as a low chuckle rumbles up her throat. “I’d prefer to fly.” Her head snaps back to me, sending a stray tear coasting down her cheek. I wipe it away. “Actually, no. Not flying.”

I cock my head, a smile slowly spreading across my face. “What then?”

“Spontaneous orgasms.”

My head falls back on a loud laugh that has me feeling brighter than I have in days. “See?” I shove her shoulder. “Look what you can do, Oli, just by being your sweet self.”

She bites her lip, her laughter fleeting. Leaning in closer, I lock eyes with her. “But what really blows my mind, honey, is how fiercely you protect the people,” I pause for emphasis, “And animals that you love. It's like you've got this mama bear energy, ready to pounce on anyone who messes with your pack. You make us all feel safe and cherished, and that's something truly special.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, her bright eyes darting between mine. “I’ll be fine.”

My heart clenches. I know she’s at her max for emotions today. She’s officially done talking about this. I just wish I could do more.

“Hey," I say, my voice steady. “You know you can always talk to me. Whatever it is, we'll face it together.” I give her a reassuring smile, hoping to ease some of the tension etched across her face. “You're not alone. You have so many people in your life who love and adore you. We'll find a way through this, okay? You're strong, and I'm here with you every step of the way.”

Oli's lips quiver, and she nods, a mixture of gratitude and relief washing over her face before she takes a quick, deep inhale, and shoves it deep down like always. My lips roll between my teeth. I know change won’t happen in a day, but eventually, I hope she understands how much I meant everything I said—how true it all is.

With a wide smile, she picks up her glass and lifts it for a cheer. “Thanks, slut. I don't know what I'd do without you.”

Sighing, I clink my glass with hers. “Keep calling me that, and you’ll find out.”

She takes a quick drink of her strawberry and mango smoothie before arching her brow at me. “So, best friend of mine,” she drawls. “Anything on your mind?”

Yes.

Everything.

I want to tell her that, want to unload and get her thoughts about my utterly fucked up situation but after everything she just said…

I swallow thickly and force a smile.

It would be so inconsiderate to unload on her right now. She has enough going on and my problems pale in comparison to her daily struggles. So, instead of doing what my mind’s been begging me to do for weeks, I shake my head and wave over the waitress.

“Just that I’m freaking starving,” I chuckle. “Let’s stuff our feelings with carbs.”

Oli sighs happily. “Ah, carbs. My true soulmate.”

---