Chapter 91 Kellan

Chapter 91 Kellan


KELLAN’S POV

The tension in Olivia's shoulders hadn't dissipated since the moment we stepped into Alex's house. Olivia hovered near the window of the living room, arms tightly wrapped around her middle while looking every other second outside the window at each movement the shadow made out there. I sit by the fireplace, flipping through my phone, and view her from time to time. Every groan of the house sends her jolting with yet another splinter to fragment a small bit of my heart.

"Olivia," I whisper, setting my phone aside. Her head jerks as I call her name; wide-eyed and afraid, open wide.

I moved across the room in a set of languid steps, giving her ample time to document my approach. She didn't stir, but how her fingers curled into the flesh of her arms seemed to scream how wired she was.

"You're safe," I said, firm, halting in front of her. "Alex has the best security team money can buy. Carl's not coming for you. He can't.”

She shook her head, her voice no more than a whisper to me. "You don't know that."

"Yes, I do." I reached to touch her arm, but she jerked back and I dropped my hand. It smarted, but I consoled myself knowing this wasn't about me. "Olivia, listen to me. Carl is done. We are miles away from him and Alex has got us sorted here. You don't have to keep looking over your shoulder.”

She laughed; the sound was bitter. Finally, she gave in, tearing her gaze from his to glare down the floor. "That's easy for you to say. You weren't the one he-" Her voice cracked and she huffed a breath in.

My jaw clenched, fists curling into my sides; what Carl had done to her, what he'd taken from her-it seared enough in my chest that it was hard to keep it there, not to let it bleed into my actions. Olivia needed calm; she didn't need rage.

“I know how you're feeling," I said, making my voice steady. "But you are not alone, ever again. I'll never let him hurt you."

Finally, she looked up at me, her green eyes welling with unshed tears. "You can't promise that, Kellan. He's still out there.”

The phone behind me on the table buzzed before I had time to answer, other than that moment, honestly all I would have wanted more was to break; insistence came in command, though: "Just a minute", and I stepped away to pick it up. Instantly, across the screen danced the name 'Gerald'.

"Gerald", I answered "What's going on?”

His voice was firm and professional as he came on the line, "Kellan, I have some good news for you: we rounded up all of Carl's minions. Every single one went down because of your evidence; Carl's network is gone."

I had felt relieved, yet my voice showed nothing of this. "And Carl himself?

“He’s in custody, awaiting trial. He will never get anywhere near either of you," Gerald concluded decisively, with finality. "You are safe now. Both of you."

I looked down at Olivia staring up into my face with worry. "Are you positive?"

"Quite positive," said Gerald. "You may go back to New York if you want. No more danger is left now.”

I blew out a lungful of air I hadn't known I was holding. "Thanks, Gerald. I owe you one."

"Take care of Olivia. She's been through enough."

"I will," I promised, and then hung up.
Olivia cocked her head, her eyes searching my face. "What'd he say?

I fought to my feet, crossed the room and sat on the sofa, gesturing to the chair beside me. Finally she sat in it, far more stiffly guarded.
"Gerald called and let me know Carl's people have all been taken care of," I whispered softly to her. "Carl himself is behind bars and can't hurt you anymore Olivia."

She didn't say a word, but her lips parted. Or at least, incredulity shining in her gaze spoke volumes, and really, much as I wanted to protest- Well, what was I gonna do? The things she'd been through then being told she was safe? Yeah, right.

"We can go back to New York," I said, pushing onward. "Gerald says it's safe now."

Her brow furrowed. "And you believe him?"

"Yes," I said, not even having to take a second to think about it. "Gerald doesn't gamble. If he says we're safe, then we are."

She shook her head, digging her fingers into her knees. "I want to believe you, Kellan. I really do. But every time I close my eyes, I see him. I hear his voice. I can't just turn that off because someone tells me he's locked away."

My heart bled with her words. I reached out and laid my hand on top of hers this time, relieved when she didn't pull away. "I know it's not that simple," I said softly. "But you don't have to carry this fear alone. Let me help you."

She looked down at our joined hands, her eyes welling over with unshed tears. "How? How can you help me when I feel like I'm drowning?”

"By staying with you, by reminding you every day that you're safe, that he can't touch you anymore." I gave her hand a little squeeze. "You survived, Olivia. And you're a hell of a lot stronger than he ever gave you credit for. And I'll be right here, every step of the way, to help you make sure you won't ever have to. Alone."

Her lips quivered, and one tear rolled down her cheek. "I don't feel strong, Kellan. I'm broken."

“You are not broken," I was right, even, my tone even. "You are hurt, and it's alright. But you're here, still. You still fought. That counts."

Much later, she looked into my eyes. And finally she nodded "Okay.”

"Okay?

She rubbed her eyes and put a small, brittle smile on her lips. "Okay, I'll try. For you.

A wave of relief washed over me, and I pulled her into a soft hug. At first, she was stiff, but she relaxed into it, leaning her head against my shoulder.

"I've got you," I whispered. "You're safe with me."

We sat in silence for a time, the weight of the last weeks finally starting to lift. It was the first time in what had felt like a very long period of time that I had actually let myself feel like maybe everything would actually be okay.

The other buzzing on the table had the phone dancing across the surface once more. I turned to the screen-fully prepared for another Gerald call-but the name scrolling across made my heart run cold.

Sharon.

I glowered at the screen, gritting my teeth. What was she wanting this time?

"Who is it?" Olivia asked calmly.

I hedged and then flipped the phone off. "Nobody important," I lied, faking a smile.