LOGINThe sharp edge in his voice turned her blood cold. He rarely spoke in that tone, but when he did, it carried a kind of anger that was impossible to ignore. Olivia was beside him in seconds, her hands wrapping around his arm to stop him from leaving. “Please, don’t,” she pleaded. “I’m okay with not
“I’m not,” she whispered instinctively, lifting her own hand to her cheek. Her fingers came away damp. She was crying. Hell. She almost laughed. Her own body had betrayed her. Maybe it was hormones. “Why are you crying?” he asked more gently this time. A small, shaky laugh escaped her lips. “I
She had long since grown used to it. Clayton inclined his head slightly, the smile on his lips turning almost self-conscious. “You’re giving me far more credit than I deserve, officer. I’ve only ever done my job. Same as you do.” He stepped closer and extended his hand. The officer took it quickl
She replayed the entire incident in her mind and told them everything, step by step, without leaving out a single detail. The officer listened quietly, not once interrupting her. Every so often, he would look up to study her face as if trying to read what lay behind her words, before lowering his g
“You’re crazy,” the man muttered under his breath, cutting her train of thoughts. Olivia tilted her head. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. Her finger shifted slightly against the trigger. The movement was subtle, but his breath hitched anyway. “If I were crazy, you’d already be on the floor, and I’
They had just finished their meal and were now savoring the dessert Jessy brought to work. “Did you really make this?” “Of course.” “Dangerously good,” Olivia finally said, “You could open a dessert shop with skills like this.” “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Jessy grinned, evidently proud of
Olivia had barely gathered her composure when the car door opened. Clayton offered her his hand, and she took it without hesitation. The gentle warmth of his palm seeped into hers, offering a strangely comforting sensation. Her chaotic thoughts gradually faded, replaced by an unexpected sense of co
The words were delivered with an exaggerated sweetness that was truly venomous, but Olivia didn't even flinch. The words were nothing compared to the verbal lashings Mrs. Hilton made her endure on a daily basis. “Come on, girls, she’s not even worth our time.” Marian finally found her voice. She tu
The dinner went off without a hitch. After clearing the last course of the meal, the precious wine everyone had been waiting for was poured. Lianne gracefully rose from her seat, her glass raised to propose a toast. Everyone turned, and the chatter faded into a respectful silence. “Thank you all f
Olivia shook her head disapprovingly. “You can’t just go around punching people, even if they’re trying to escape." “He was lucky to get away with just a scratch,” Clayton replied, but his expression darkened. A protective glint flickered in his eyes, one that Olivia thought she might have imagined







